Save What You Can
Sarna News
| Save What You Can | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Short story by Aaron Cahall | |||
| First Publication | |||
| Published | 21 December 2015 | ||
| Publisher | BattleCorps | ||
| Pages | 10 | ||
| Chronology | |||
| Era | Clan Invasion era | ||
| Timeline | 16 December 3052 — 18 December 3052 | ||
| Series | |||
| |||
Save What You Can is a short story by Aaron Cahall that was first published online on BattleCorps on 21 December 2015 as third part of the Slack Tide series. It was later republished in print in the BattleCorps anthology Slack Tide in 2020.
[edit]
| “ | Under the yoke of Clan Wolf occupation on Karston, the son of a renowned Free Rasalhague Republic leader must decide whether to follow his father's footsteps. | ” |
Plot Summary[edit]
On 16 December 3052, on Karston in the Clan Wolf Occupation Zone, Brant Wolberg attends a gathering in Tylöskog Forest where his friends Torvald and Erik commemorate the sacrifice of the Karston Militia Regiment, led by Brant's father, Överste Johannes Wolberg. Torvald declares that the time has come to form a resistance, naming Brant as their leader. Shocked and unwilling, Brant departs. At home, Brant clashes with his mother Kista, who insists he follow in his father's footsteps. Brant recalls Johannes's last words to him—"Save what you can"—and argues that his father had no hope of defeating the Wolves and sought only a symbolic death.
The following day, Brant and Kista travel to Sundsvall for caste assignment. Clan Wolf Elemental Point Commander Tyson confronts Brant in a plaza, accusing his people of cowardice. Brant retorts defiantly, provoking Tyson to violence. Before the Elemental can strike, Star Colonel Jewel of the Choyer Garrison Cluster intervenes, dispersing the confrontation and warning Brant to leave.
Later, Brant discovers Torvald, Erik, and Reinhart leading a resistance cell from the ruins of a warehouse. They have stockpiled weapons and explosives and plan to attack a Clan Wolf processing depot. Brant argues against the plan, insisting it will fail and risk destruction of their people. He refuses to participate and departs, leaving his former friends to continue without him. That night, Brant encounters Star Colonel Jewel again. She questions him about his father's ambush, and the two discuss survival under Clan Wolf occupation. Jewel seeks Brant's cooperation to prevent further bloodshed, warning of the danger posed by Tyson and other Crusader-minded warriors.
On 18 December 3052, Brant is drawn to the processing depot as the resistance launches its attack. He arrives to find devastation: Reinhart and Erik dead, and Torvald mortally wounded. Tyson, in full Elemental battle armor, presides over the massacre. Star Colonel Jewel intervenes once more, restraining Brant and preventing further bloodshed. Offering him a bondcord, she proposes an alliance, telling him this is the only way he can fulfill his father's final words.
Featured Characters[edit]
- Brant Wolberg
- Kista Wolberg
- Star Colonel Jewel
- Point Commander Tyson
- Reinhart
- Torvald
- Erik
- Överste Johannes Wolberg (mentioned)
- Sanna (mentioned)
Featured Units[edit]
- Choyer Garrison Cluster
- Karston Militia Regiment (mentioned)