The Shoulders of Giants
The Shoulders of Giants | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Short story by Charles Gideon | |||
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| Publication | |||
| Published | 14 March 2023 | ||
| Published in | Shrapnel Issue 12 | ||
| Publisher | Catalyst Game Labs | ||
| Chronology | |||
| Era | Dark Age era | ||
| Timeline | 5 January 3148 | ||
| Series | |||
| |||
{{#set:Era=Dark Age era}}{{#set:Start date=5 January 3148}}{{#set:End date=5 January 3148}}
The Shoulders of Giants is a short story by Charles Gideon that was published in the twelfth issue of Shrapnel. It is the sequel to Protector of the Blood.
Plot Summary
In 3148 a mining complex houses a mixed group of Kell Hounds and Clan Wolf-in-Exile refugees from Arc-Royal, including Lowella and Dara.
Lowella's got into a fight with another child. She hurts her opponent but fails to break his arm before being confronted by her mentor Dara. Later that day, Dara is summoned to appear before the council of the refugees leaders. Assuming that it is about the fight, he is surprised when being asked for help instead. An unidentified DropShip is approaching the complex and Dara is the only veteran warrior on site to organize a defense.
When the DropShip arrives, Dara and a group of armed refugees are already waiting. The attempt to negotiate fails when the Pirates execute the leader of the refugees and attack the mining complex. Dara orchestrates the defense. After detonating explosives, the ground beneath the Pirate force collapses, causing them to lose their tanks and their only 'Mech when the pilot is killed.
After the first success, Dara learns that a second Pirate force has infiltrated the complex and is now threatening the refugees and Lowella. Dara follows the Pirates into the complex to save Lowella and the others. Eventually he finds her, wounded but alive. In a rage, Dara attacks the pirates and kills them all. Fatally wounded himself, he spends his last moments with Lowella and expresses his final wish that she remember him.
Some time later, Lowella, now piloting the former pirate 'Mech, visits Dara's grave at the Monument to the Fallen to bid him farewell before leaving Albion.
Featured Characters
Featured Units
- Kell Hounds (mentioned)