The Death of Glory
Sarna News
The Death of Glory | |
|---|---|
| Short story by Jason Schmetzer | |
| Publication | |
| Published | 10 September 2013 |
| Published in | Field Manual: 3145 |
| Publisher | Catalyst Game Labs |
| Pages | 7 |
| Chronology | |
| Era | Dark Age era |
| Timeline | 11 August 3130 — 1 April 3145 |
The Death of Glory is a short story by Jason Schmetzer that was published as introductory fiction for Field Manual: 3145.
Plot Summary[edit]
On 11 August 3130, Devlin Stone, assisted by his long-time friend John, prepares to enter cryogenic stasis in Berchtesgaden, Terra, after his earlier resignation as Exarch of the Republic of the Sphere. Stone plan is to re-emerge decades later when needed. In the final moments before entering stasis, Stone kills John to ensure no one alive knows the location of the facility, preserving the secrecy of his long-term plan.
Fifteen years later, on 1 April 3145, Tucker Harwell, a former ComStar member and citizen of the Republic, enters the hidden cryogenic facilty. Having spent 20 months tracking it down, Harwell aims to confront Stone, whom he blames for the Republic's collapse, the shutdown of the hyperpulse generator network (CLARION CALL), and the erection of Fortress Republic, which isolates Terra and other Republic core worlds from the rest of the Inner Sphere.
Harwell locates Stone's cryo-chamber, activates the revival sequence, and witnesses Stone's painful awakening. As Stone regains consciousness and physical strength, Harwell demands explanations for the perceived betrayal of the Republic. Stone insists he was unaware of the events that transpired during his stasis, denying direct responsibility for the HPG network's shutdown and Fortress Republic.
The confrontation ends with Stone recovering enough to stand and assert that if Fortress Republic has been activated, the Republic faces threats so severe that extreme measures were necessary. He suggests that the Fortress is not a wall to hide behind but a blind from which to launch a future counterstrike.
The story concludes with Stone stepping out of the cryo-chamber, standing over his friend's long-dead body, and planning his return to the political and strategic stage of the Inner Sphere. He then asks Harwell to join him in rebuilding the Republic of the Sphere to its former glory.
Featured Characters[edit]
- Former Exarch Devlin Stone
- Tucker Harwell
- John, a member of the Kittery Resistance
- David Lear (mentioned)
- Paladin Exemplar Victor Steiner-Davion (mentioned)
- Knight Alexi Holt (mentioned)
- Former Exarch Damien Redburn (mentioned)
- Exarch Jonah Levin (mentioned)
- Patricia Harwell (mentioned)
Featured Places[edit]
- Terra
- Kittery (mentioned)
- Luyten 68-28 (mentioned)