Drawing the Short Straw
Drawing the Short Straw | |
|---|---|
| Short story by David G. Martin | |
 | |
| Publication | |
| Published | 14 June 2023 |
| Published in | Shrapnel Issue 13 |
| Publisher | Catalyst Game Labs |
| Chronology | |
| Era | Dark Age era |
| Timeline | 19 November 3150 |
{{#set:Era=Dark Age era}}{{#set:Start date=19 November 3150}}{{#set:End date=19 November 3150}}
Drawing the Short Straw is a short story by David G. Martin that was published in the thirteenth issue of Shrapnel.
Plot Summary
During the invasion of Illyria, in the Marian Hegemony, Lieutenant Gallan Ranton receives orders to lead his assault lance on a recon mission through the huge Illyrian forests. Nearby, Principes Rillius Krause, of the Second Maniple, was informed of their advance, and, acting on his own initiative and against his orders to defend current position, decides to engage and destroy the Tamarinds. When his second-in-command Cira questions his idea, he ignores her recommendations. Meanwhile, Ranton's lance finds a former, long-forgotten supply base. After realizing that place hadn't been used in a long time, he orders his lance to turn back. Soon afterwards, they detect the Marians' attacking force, and prepare to fight. Krause's forces are surprised to find the assault Marik 'Mechs, and run into a hastily prepared ambush. A vicious fight ensues, and the Marians pay a high price. Obsessed to win glory, Krause is killed in the fight despite his lancemates attempt to protect him. Cira, now in command the remaining forces of Second Maniple, prepares to die, when Gallan offers her the opportunity to retreat. Xina, her last remaining comrade suspects a trap, but Cira agrees with Ranton that the fight is over and gives orders to retreat. After being left alone with his surviving lancemate, Toman, Gallan is informed than he had lost two of his people. He mourns the dead, but tries to console himself thinking that every mission done is a good mission.
Featured Characters
- Gallan Ranton
- Rillius Krause
- Karral
- Toman
- Xina
- Cira