All Wet
Sarna News
| All Wet | |
|---|---|
| Short story by William H. Keith, Jr. | |
| Publication | |
| Published | 18 December 2020 |
| Published in | BattleTech: Legends |
| Publisher | Catalyst Game Labs |
| Pages | 8 |
| Chronology | |
| Era | Succession Wars era |
| Timeline | 15 November 3028 — 16 November 3028 |
All Wet is a short story by William H. Keith, Jr. that was published in BattleTech: Legends.
Plot Summary[edit]
On 15 November 3028, Colonel Grayson Carlyle and the Gray Death Legion are assigned to capture the planet Aubisson, an industrial world in the Draconis Combine, as part of Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG. Though intelligence suggests an easy conquest with only local militia defenses, Carlyle discovers that the planet is actually defended by elite Draconis Combine forces, notably the Eighth Sword of Light.
The strategic key to Aubisson lies in the PowerOne energy plant, which supplies electricity to the planetary capital Akaiwa and other cities. Carlyle devises a risky plan to seize PowerOne without destroying it, despite concerns about violating the Ares Conventions that forbid attacks on civilian infrastructure. The plan unfolds in two parts: a frontal assault on the narrow causeway leading to the island fortress, and a covert flanking maneuver under the sea. Carlyle personally leads a unit of 'Mechs through a submerged approach to climb the cliffs behind the fortress, despite the physical limitations of his Marauder and the danger of hauling a 75-ton 'Mech up a wet cliff under stormy conditions. The frontal attack, led by Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled, successfully distracts the defenders, while Carlyle's flanking force scales the cliff unnoticed. Once at the top, they attack from behind, catching the Draconis Combine 'Mechs off guard. The defenders, heavily outnumbered and surrounded, surrender quickly, surprising even Carlyle given their reputation for fanaticism.
With PowerOne secured, Akaiwa surrenders without resistance, and the local population welcomes the Gray Death Legion as liberators. Despite the success, Carlyle reflects on the fragility of their position, the risks taken, and the fine line between strategy and catastrophe. The story ends with a celebration and acknowledgment of the many factors, strategy, skill, and providence, that led to their unexpectedly swift and bloodless victory.
Featured Characters[edit]
- Colonel Grayson Carlyle
- Major Lori Kalmar
- Captain Don Ramage
- Lieutenant Hassan Ali Khaled
- Lieutenant Davis McCall
- Lieutenant Delmar Clay
- Sergeant Sharyl
- Connor Smit
- Francine Roget
- Garin Rastovic
- Isoru Koga
- Lonnie Mackleroy
- Sylvia Trevor
- Thomas Reid
- Charles Bear (mentioned)
- Paul Vomer (mentioned)
- General Mackey (mentioned)
Featured Units[edit]
- Gray Death Legion
- Eighth Sword of Light
- Lyran Guards (mentioned)
- Saurimat Commandos (mentioned)