Out of the Ashes

Out of the Ashes
Short story by Jaymie Wagner
Out of the Ashes cover
Publication
Published15 September 2023
Published inShrapnel Issue 14
PublisherCatalyst Game Labs
Chronology
EraDark Age era
Timeline19 February 3133


Out of the Ashes is a short story by Jaymie Wagner that was published in the fourteenth issue of Shrapnel.

Plot Summary

Lieutenant Una Kaur of the Republic Armed Forces leads her unit against an invading Capellan force, when an artillery strike hits and decimates her unit. Unable to get into contact with anyone in her command, she finds herself fighting alone against the Capellans.

Suddenly, a missed shot opens a hidden gate and a mysterious 'Mech appears. The Thunderbolt is rusty and covered with decades-old vegetation, but directly attacks the Capellan units and downs them. When Una tries to thank the pilot for his help, the 'Mech turns against her. Proving to be a formidable foe, she barely manages to defeat him.

After getting into contact with her unit again, she orders them to check the downed 'Mech. In the cockpit they find a Word of Blake Manei Domini pilot, who had been dead for decades. Hence the conclusion that it must have been the 'Mech itself that attacked them.

Kaur refuses to salvage the 'Mech, and unwilling to let the abomination endure, orders her unit to destroy it. While the 'Mech burns, she observes the flames until it is reduced to ashes.

Featured Characters

Featured Units

Featured Places

Featured BattleTech

BattleMechs

Vehicles