BattleTech: Onikuma: BattleTech

By Charles Gideon

ANCIENT EVIL STALKS THE KURAI FOREST...

The planet Dumaring in the Draconis Combine had been at peace for decades, until strange raids began against the populace's livestock. A dutiful warrior and officer of the DCMS, Chu-i Uchida, was tasked with ending the attacks, but his hunt for bandits led him into the foreboding Kurai Forest. What he found in the dark wood would defy explanation and leave him a shadow of his former self. Now, only his son can regain his honor, clear his name, and find the truth…no matter how horrifying it may be...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215937587

Book preview

BattleTech: Onikuma

BATTLETECH: ONIKUMA

A BATTLETECH SHORT STORY

CHARLES GIDEON

Catalyst Game Labs

CONTENTS

Onikuma

Battletech Glossary - Draconis Combine

BattleTech Eras

The BattleTech Fiction Series

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ONIKUMA

CHARLES GIDEON

SARAFUTSU CENTER FOR REST AND WELLBEING

DUMARING

DRACONIS COMBINE

7 SEPTEMBER 3145

Mamoru Uchida tugged at the bottom of his uniform jacket, pulling flat any wrinkles, as he read his name tape once more. The surname appearing there was not his, and he silently hoped his commander never realized Mamoru had liberated the uniform from his locker. Brad would understand, if he ever found out, but he would be honor bound to report this, and command would not be as forgiving.

"Chu-i Juliani? the orderly asked without looking up from his clipboard. You may see the patient now."

Mamoru wordlessly fell into step behind the orderly as they began down a long empty hallway with walls and floor of white tile. Metal doors broke up the walls every three meters on both sides of the hallway. Though he kept his eyes dutifully locked forward, Mamoru could see faces in several of the doors’ windows. Some were curious, others wild-eyed, but mostly they were frightened.

Tell me, Mamoru said after quietly clearing his throat, how has the patient been? Any change in his prognosis?

No, sir, the orderly replied over his shoulder. He’s polite and cooperative so long as the attack doesn’t come up. Poor man, he really got his mind scrambled out there. I assume that is why you are here? We haven’t had any visitors for him in a few months.

"Hai, he answered, keeping his voice stoic and respectful, despite the guilt he felt in his gut. Command is preparing to make a final determination in his case. I wish the notes from your doctors would suffice, but a final interview is mandatory. With what you say, it will likely be only a formality."

The orderly nodded as he stopped at one of the doors and began shuffling through the many keys that hung from the large ring attached to his belt. Mamoru rested a hand gently on the orderly’s shoulder, leaning closer. There may be matters discussed during this interview that are military secrets, he said in a low voice.

Don’t worry about it. The orderly waved away his concern. We have already disabled the camera in the room. We’re well aware of interrogation protocols.

Mamoru nodded appreciatively and stepped back. The orderly soon found the key and