Scavenger's Blood

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Scavenger's Blood
Short story by Alan Brundage
Shrapnel-Issue-2-cover.jpg
First Publication
Published15 September 2020
Published inShrapnel Issue 2
PublisherCatalyst Game Labs
Pages15
Chronology
EraClan Homeworlds era
Timeline24 January 2986 — 21 March 2986

Scavenger's Blood is a short story by Alan Brundage that was published in the second issue of Shrapnel.

Plot Summary[edit]

Set in the Kerensky Cluster in 2986, the story follows Star Colonel Ayelet Kotare of Clan Smoke Jaguar, an ambitious and cunning warrior seeking glory for herself and her Clan. She proposes an audacious plan to claim the disgraced but genetically potent legacy of Liam Howell, the former Khan of Clan Snow Raven, whose actions led to the reformation of Clan Sea Fox into Clan Diamond Shark and brought shame to the Howell bloodname.

Kotare convinces her superior, Galaxy Commander Loretz Weaver, to push for a Trial of Possession against Clan Snow Raven to claim this genetic legacy. She proposes to target Lum, where a high-ranking Howell, Star Colonel Zillah Howell, is stationed. Zillah, a competent warrior, is unaware that her role in the upcoming trial is being orchestrated by her own saKhan, Sebastian Peleshenko, who sees an opportunity to secretly infiltrate the Smoke Jaguars with a loyal Snow Raven. Peleshenko arranges the defense of Lum in such a way that Zillah will lead the forces against Kotare. He convinces her to ultimately lose the Trial of Possession, allowing herself to be taken as a bondswoman and inserted into Clan Smoke Jaguar society. Zillah reluctantly agrees, seeing it as a chance to serve her Clan and family in the long term.

On 25 February 2986, the battle takes place on Nivkh Island, a remote and uninhabited location chosen for the trial. The forces are evenly matched, with each side fielding a mix of BattleMechs, Elementals, and aerospace fighters. Despite heavy fighting from both sides, Kotare and her Nineteenth Striker Cluster gradually gain the upper hand. Which prompts Zillah, piloting a Stormcrow, to challenge Kotare to single combat to end the trial. In a dramatic duel, Zillah manages to severely damage Kotare's Timber Wolf, but is ultimately defeated. Critically injured, Zillah is captured and declared isorla.

Following Clan customs, Kotare claims Liam Howell's legacy and Zillah as a bondswoman. Zillah is brought aboard the Smoke Jaguar DropShip, where Kotare informs her of her new status. Despite her defeat, Zillah is secretly pleased because her mission succeeded, and her presence within the Smoke Jaguars will serve her Clan's long-term interests.

The story concludes with the formal transfer at the Howell Blood Chapel on Strana Mechty, where the Smoke Jaguars receive the genetic legacy of Liam Howell. Zillah, though publicly humiliated and reduced in status, silently commits to her role as a hidden operative, intent on regaining warrior status and ultimately funneling information to other members of the Snow Ravens.

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