“Vigilance” is a short story published in the collection Low-Key Calamities in 2023. Tanner Malone shows his vigilance during an inspection of a refugee ship from Michael.
Synopsis[]
Tanner endured a briefing by Morgenstern on possible vectors of sabotage from NorthStar agents, including use of explosives implanted in dogs.
Later, he counseled some new marines on balancing vigilance with common sense and the need for trust. The surprise arrival of Morley with refugees from Michael broke the routine, and Tanner was ordered to join the marines in an inspection of the ship. During the inspection, Tanner demonstrated the need for informed vigilance.
Appearances[]
Roughly in order of appearance.
Characters[]
- Tanner Malone
- Bob Norris, Raphael Public Media (in intro)
- Lieutenant Morgenstern
- Private Fonseca, a marine
- Private Alvarez, another marine
- Private Gould, yet another marine
- Lieutenant Commander Trevor Jacobson (on intercom)
- Lieutenant Beldad, a platoon commander
- Sergeant Laguna, a platoon sergeant
- Sergeant Garcia, a squad leader
- Jesse Baldwin (mentioned only)
- Avery Sinclair (mentioned only)
- Michelle Janeka (mentioned only)
- Reeves, a Master-at-Arms (mentioned only)
- Phil Lewis, a Master-at-Arms (mentioned only)
- A loadmaster, various unnamed marines, escapees from Michel, and a dog
Locations & organizations[]
- Beowulf, a battleship
- St. Catherine, a corvette
- Morley, a ship escaping from Michael
Continuity[]
The story is set in July 2277, according to the story introduction. It falls after “Field Testing”.
Trivia[]
The story was heavily inspired by some stories told by a friend of Elliott Kay’s about the invasion of Iraq.[1]
Publication history[]
“Vigilance” was first published on Elliott Kay’s Patreon on July 29 2022. It was re-published in Low-Key Calamities on February 21, 2023.
- ↑ Patreon post comment by Elliott Kay.