Jez Howell

Jez Howell
Personal
Died	3058
Affiliation	Clan Smoke Jaguar
Profile
Profession	Star Commander

Jez Howell was the Star Commander of Clan Smoke Jaguar. She was also the sibmate to Trent.

History

Beginnings

Jez, a trueborn was raised from the same Howell bloodline and a member of the Grey Lynx sibko of Clan Smoke Jaguar like Trent. She was contested by Trent to in order to prove his instructor's actions. Although she was easily defeated by Trent, Porcini knocked him down to make an example of him on what it meant to be a Smoke Jaguar warrior.

Battle of Tukkayid

Like the other Clans, Jez would fight the Inner Sphere on the world of Tukkayid. Sharing her Jaguar traits, she would stubbornly refuse to obey general orders and retreat. Instead, Jez would continue to combat with Com Guard forces. As the situation was getting worse for Jez, she would finally comply with the orders to retreat with her Warhawk. Little did treat know, that his actions to save his sibmate would eventually cost him for the rest of his career. Despite the loss of Tukayyid, Jez would be hailed as the "Hero of Tukayyid" while twisting her lies and gloating to Trent about the truth. Jez would also be given Trent's nomination for the Howell Bloodname, which she would fight for and win.

Sabotaging Trent

Seeking another opportunity to earn the Howell bloodname, Trent had joined the Grand Melee. Using his newly acquired bondswoman, Trent would task Judith to make repairs and patchwork on his mechs.

Trent fought well in the battle, not rushing into the mad confusion at the core of the Circle of Equals but stalking the battle from its edge. He defeated first a Cauldron-Born followed by a Hankyu and then a Nova, but during the later confrontation, his 'Mech’s Hip Actuator locked up and froze his 'Mech in place without warning or clear reason, having not taken direct hits to that area. Helplessly frozen in place, the last other remaining 'Mech - a Mad Dog mounting paired Gauss Rifles - approached him from the rear and in a final exchange of fire, punched through his rear armor and damaged his Reactor heavily enough to force an automated shutdown.

This lost would devastate Trent greatly. Initially he, would angrily cast the blame on Judith for costing him his victory, however, both of them uncovered that there was a sabotage effort. It would soon be revealed that Jez's personal technician was responsible.

Death & Legacy

The arrogance of Jez would cause her downfall. She would inform Trent on how little she cared about Clan Traditions and the ways of Nicholas Kerensky. Jez would also tell him that no matter how many times he saves her or how many plans he makes, she would always use him as her scapegoat. The worse offense came when Jez fully admitted that she was responsible for sabotaging Trent's mech, denying him the Howell bloodname. Furious, Trent demanded a Circle of Equals to end the feud, but she stated that since he had no Bloodname and she did, they were not seen as "equals". Trent paused and agreed with her and quickly fired at her Timber Wolf's cockpit, killing her.

Jez's attitude (along with Paul) towards Trent would give him plenty of reasons to become a traitor. Howell's ego, ruthlessness, and lack of honor would show how far the Jaguars have fallen as a Clan. When she died, Paul Moon would use her as a way to demoralize Trent, even using him as an Honor Guard for Jez's giftake. Her bloodname would go to Trent's closest friend Russou Howell.

BattleMech

During the Battle of Tukkayid, Jez Howell was known to pilot a Warhawk into battle. She would later switch to a Timber Wolf which she would pilot up until her death at the hands of Trent.

Bibliography

• Exodus Road (novel)