Great Work (short story)

This article is about the Shrapnel story. For the term, see Great Work (tradition).

Great Work
Short story by James Bixby
Publication
Published	15 September 2023
Published in	Shrapnel Issue 14
Publisher	Catalyst Game Labs
illustrator(s)	Natán Meléndez
Pages	11
Chronology
Era	Jihad era ilClan era
Timeline	20 January 3075 — 17 April 3151

"'"`UNIQ--templatestyles-00000000-QINU`"'Jihad erailClan era" is not in the list (Pre–Star League era, Star League era, Succession Wars era, Clan Invasion era, Civil War era, Jihad era, Dark Age era, ilClan era, Clan Homeworlds era) of allowed values for the "Era" property.

Great Work is a short story by James Bixby that was published in the fourteenth issue of Shrapnel.

Plot Summary

During the Jihad, Clan Ghost Bear MechWarrior Claudio Vong is attempting to create his own Great Work, without success, after trying several classes of art. After he lost his 'Mech he is dispossessed before being assigned to a salvaged Federated Suns' OSR-3D Osiris. After lauching the 'Mech, Vong is surprised by a digital assistant named Hikaru, while the 'Mech is plagued with problems. Without any technical support available, he has to solve the problems on his own.

Months later, and been promoted to Star Commander, Vong is still trying to solve the software problems. Another year later, then Star Captain Vong still hasn't solved all problems but after his Tech did a system reset, Vong reinstalls Hikaru, as he has began to like it. When Claudio Vong retires from the military five years later, he is able to present his Great Work: the finally tamed 'Mech dubbed Great Work.

At the eve of ilClan Trial, Warrior Edward of Clan Jade Falcon is assigned to the Osiris, which has been salvaged from the Republic forces. After launching the 'Mech, Edward is immediately assaulted by Hikaru and a cacophony of sounds. The noice continues to Edwards annoyance while he approaches the ensuing battle.

Featured Characters

• Claudio Vong
• Audrey MacGuire
• Heike Jorgensson
• Ruby Devon
• Edward

Featured Places

• Kaus Borealis
• Luthien
• Terra
• Tukayyid

Featured BattleTech

BattleMechs

• OSR-3D Osiris
• Fire Moth
• Jenner IIC
• Shadow Hawk
• Arcas (mentioned)
• Cougar (mentioned)
• Fire Falcon (mentioned)
• Black Python (mentioned)

WarShips

• Leviathan II-class battleship WarShip, CGB Leviathan