The Icarus Lament
The Icarus Lament | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Short story by Chris Hussey | |||
| Publication | |||
| Published | 4 December 2020 | ||
| Publisher | Catalyst Game Labs | ||
| Chronology | |||
| Era | Clan Invasion era | ||
| Timeline | 8 November 3051 — 8 May 3052 | ||
| Series | |||
| |||
{{#set:Era=Clan Invasion era}}{{#set:Start date=8 November 3051}}{{#set:End date=8 May 3052}}
The Icarus Lament is a short story by Chris Hussey, seventh entry in the Battle of Tukayyid series written as a companion of the BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid
Teaser text
| “ | Star Captain Avedis, an Ice Hellion adopted into Clan Steel Viper, fights alongside Khan Natalie Breen in the nightmarish slog through Devil's Bath. | ” |
Plot summary
On Waldorff V abtakha Clan Ice Hellion warrior Avedis holds the upper hand in a Trial of Position to be a Star Captain in the Steel Viper's Gamma Galaxy against Point Commander Rudella. Avedis compares his situation in his new Clan to that of the 'Mechs they have chosen for the Trial, Avedis' Battle Cobra taking a more measured and skilful approach to victory while Rudella's blind almost–Ice Hellion zeal for speed results in her Shadow Cat suffering MASC failure that dooms her to defeat. Quickly becoming a ristar in his new Clan with both success on Twycross and his forthright manner, Avedis catches the attention of Khan Breen and earns his Trinary a place fighting along Alpha Galaxy on Jabuka. Though many resent the success of a non–Steel Viper born warrior, Breen has secretly taken to sleeping with the Ice Hellion, recognizing he misses his old Clan but impressed with his fervor for the Vipers, seeing it as an example of the superiority of the Clan way overall.
On Tukayyid the Steel Vipers find themselves unprepared for the battlefield that is the hellish Devil's Bath as the Com Guards leverage their knowledge of the terrain to ambush and overwhelm the Vipers at every turn. With his Trinary now serving as scouts for Khan Breen's forces, Avedis' rage over the Com Guard tactics increases when he sees his friend and friendly rival Rudella die to ComStar trickery. When his attached Elementals detect an exploitable breach in the ComStar lines, Avedis proudly informs Khan Breen, only for her to respond the Steel Vipers will in fact be retreating. Incensed at her reaction and snub to the losses already suffered, Avedis alternately mocks then begs her to continue, only for Breen to rebuke him for daring as a lower ranked and non–Steel Viper born warrior to question her decision. But as the Vipers turn to withdraw and regroup to seek a path around the morass, ComStar Precentor Beeshor Yekel issues an insulting challenge that drives them all to rage.
The next two days see Avedis engaged in some of the most brutal fighting of his life as Vipers resume the same slog through the Devil's bath. As ammo runs low and with damage mounting, his Elementals discover an isolated trio of Com Guard 'Mechs with no rocky outcropping that could hide any additional forces, a gap in the ComStar line that would turn the battle in the Viper's favor. Avedis signals the discovery to a cold Khan Breen, recognizing that calling her out has likely permanently sundered the relationship, though he is convinced that this victory will redeem himself in both her and his eyes. Unfortunately while quickly defeating lone trio, the ground erupts revealing many more hidden Com Guard 'Mechs emerging to ambush and overwhelm Avedis' Trinary. Apologizing to his Khan, Avedis barely hears Breen praise his Ice Hellion heritage and time as Steel Viper as he fights to the bitter end.
Featured characters
- Avedis
- Rudella
- Roxanne Running-Elk
- Natalie Breen
- Perigard Zalman (mentioned)
- Gamal
- Beeshor Yekel
- Donatis