Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light (6 page)

Jesela tapped
her foot impatiently. She stood at the stairs leading inside the unfinished
Freedom. Hundreds of engineers and laborers worked tirelessly to finish the
vessel as well as the base around them.

“You look as
impulsive as ever,” Brian said as he joined her.

“What took you
so long?” she asked.

“Work, work, and
more work,” he said.

“You shouldn’t
work so much,” she said before dancing around him.

He smiled.
“Perhaps you play too much.”

Jesela smirked.
“For me work is play and play is work. But you’re right, I do too much of it.”

“As you say,” he
said.

Brian looked
over the hull of the ship.

“Is everything
to your liking?” Jesela asked.

He pointed at
the nose of the ship. “Is the?”

“Yes, it’s been
installed,” she said. “By the way, why are you keeping it secret?”

“You can never
have enough aces up your sleeve,” he said. “Show me the mobile suits.”

“As you wish,”
Jesela said before the two went inside.

The interior of
the Freedom was similar to an Avoni class ship but larger in proportions. The
hallways and doors were squarer than round and the colors were dimmer. Most
notably the temperature was lower and humidity set at a lower rate. While the
pair headed for the launching bay they passed a number of Kalaidians, Shandi,
and Malcovin. When they passed the training rooms Brian stopped by the windows
and watched. He noticed a lone Ick-Tckt drone practicing with four
rakna
blades. Jesela stopped and watched with him while the ant man displayed a
dizzying routine with the four swords.

“I didn’t know
an Ick-Tckt joined the crew,” Brian said.

“That was my
decision,” Jesela said. “You told me to take the most qualified. Lieutenant
Kyli’s the best, but he’s a close second.”

“What’s his
name?” Brian asked.

“Lieutenant
Tctie,” she said. “His hive was wiped out. With nowhere to go and no hive to
take him he approached me on Dega Jul. He may be insectoid, but his skills are
unquestionable.”

“I thought they
were a close nit race,” he said.

“Not really,”
Jesela said. “Their history is filled with as much war as your people have.”

“I’ll test him
out myself when the Freedom’s flying,” Brian said. He turned back to the
hallway. “Let’s go.”

Jesela nodded
and led the way once more. “Are you sure about this plan?” she asked while they
walked.

“Valis was the
plan’s architect,” Brian said. “I trust her.”

“It’s just
strange that she’ll be launched with the second in command as the acting
captain,” Jesela said.

“Nothing else
can be done,” Brian said. “This plan will keep the Confederation busy until the
organization can become active.”

“Alright,” she
said as they came to a pair of large doors. “The mobile suits are being built
in here.”

The doors opened
as she clicked on her wrist computer. The launching bay was dark except for two
flood lights shining on a pair of mobile suits. Both stood nearly as tall as
the Mjolnir but matched closer to the Phase Rakna in build. The mobile suit on
the right was covered in numerous plates that appeared to detach. Behind it on
the floor was a massive pulse rifle twice the mass of the standard model in
use. The mobile suit on the left was slimmer with numerous opening ports. On its
back was a massive communications array. Brian and Jesela walked up to them.

“They’re
beautiful,” Brian said as he paced around them. “How long will it be before
they’re ready?”

“Less than a month
from now,” Jesela said.

“Are the black
boxes installed?” he asked.

“As you specified,”
Jesela said. “But they’re different from the Mjolnir’s.”

“That’s because
their pilots are Kalaidian,” he said.

The door behind
them opened and revealed Seles and Mira. The pair joined Jesela and looked up
at the giant robots.

“This must be
the Artemis,” Seles said as she touched the massive rifle.

“This one must
be the Siren,” Mira said.

“You haven’t
been training for nothing,” Brian remarked.

“So what’s the
output on these?” Seles asked.

“And what are
their special abilities?” Mira added.

Jesela went to
the Artemis and put her hand on its leg. “Both of these have a two hundred
percent output increase over the Phase Rakna. Their weapons, shields, and
maneuverability are equally increased. No mobile suit short of the other three
could keep up with them.” She pointed to the rifle. “But each has a number of
special features. The Artemis has the most powerful pulse cannon in the
Confederation. But more so than the big cannon it has these.” She tapped one of
the panels sticking out. “These can act as physical shields in emergencies but
their main use is for amplifying and redirecting shots.”

Seles looked at
the panel closely. “I take it this is for long range specialty.”

“You’d be right
on that Seles,” Jesela said. “You can remain hidden around a dozen asteroids
and still be able to aim at the target effectively. A blade and shield are
included just in case anyone gets close enough to force melee.” She went to the
Siren. “Now this suit has all the upgrades as far as weapons and shields, but
its main feature is extremely powerful.”

Mira touched the
Siren’s leg. “What can it do?”

“The Siren has
the ability to jam enemy crafts using its communications array,” Jesela
answered. “In effect you can paralyze entire enemy formations.”

“What about
friendly units?” Mira asked.

“Any craft part
of Heaven’s Light will be unaffected because of special encoding,” Jesela said.

“What about the
black box systems?” Seles asked. “If the Mjolnir has it then these should as
well.”

Jesela nodded.
“Both have been equipped with such devices. But saying that doesn’t mean I know
what they’ll do. My best guess is they’ll amplify their abilities in some way.”

“What about the
Mjolnir?” Mira asked. “Isn’t it going to be upgraded?”

“Not yet,” Brian
said. “Compared to the new generation mobile suits being rolled out these days
Mjolnir’s looking old and slow. But in order for his data to transfer over to a
new system it’s going to take some time.”

“He’s grown
smart enough for you to not refer to him as the Mjolnir,” Seles said.

Brian smiled.
“He’s kind of like the son I never had.”

“I’m glad to
hear it,” Mira said. “But we came here for another reason.”

“Oh? What might
that be?” he asked.

“We came to ask
about the plan,” Seles explained.

Brian sighed,
“Not you two as well.”

“Are you sure
about leaving this in my hands?” Seles asked.

Brian took
Seles’s hand. “I trust you to do this. If I stay this base will be under
constant siege and our goal will be crushed before having a chance. I’d prefer
to stay with the Freedom and fly her out when the time comes, but survival
dictates otherwise. I entrust her to you and Mira,” He looked at all three of
them, “If needed you’ll have Grigon to fall back on.”

“I’d rather he
stayed on the base,” Jesela said.

“That’s only
because you don’t like contradictions,” Mira said.

“That and he’s
as cranky as an old
Jaedis
,” Seles said.

* *
*

Valis stood
alone in her quarters when the door buzzed.

“It’s Celi.”

“Come in,” Valis
said.

She turned the
holographic image on her table a few times to get a better look. Celi stood
next to her and watched.

“Is this the
enemy waiting for us outside?” Celi asked.

“That’s exactly
what it is,” Valis responded. She shook her head and turned to her chief
medical officer. “What I really called you here for was to give me an update on
his condition.”

Celi pulled out
a data crystal. “You can look at the details later, but for now I’ll give you
the situation in brief.”

Valis took the
crystal. “Go on.”

“It’s not the
plague this time, that’s for sure,” she said. “It has to do with the nanomachines
inside him. They’re running like they’re overclocked.”

“Is that what’s
causing his heightened awareness?” Valis asked.

“If I was to guess
I’d say yes,” Celi said. “The energy levels flowing throughout his body worry
me the most. If something isn’t done soon if could lead to permanent damage or
even death.”

“Can you save
him?”

“I didn’t go
through hell just to watch him die now,” Celi said. “I’ll figure it out. If
nothing else works I can give him booster shots to reduce or shut off the
functions of the nanomachines.”

“What would be
the side effect of doing that?” Valis asked.

“It would cause
his body to go back to the way it was before we met him,” Celi said. “The aging
process would begin again, language would become an issue, and his overall
health would suffer. But it’s better than death.”

“That’s
depressing,” Valis said. “Either choice isn’t a good one.”

“You wanted the
truth though,” Celi said.

“Yes, I did. On
another topic, how is the genetic research coming along?”

“I’ve been
working on it for ten years now,” Celi said. “Since the conservatives back home
relented we have a number of our best scientists working on it as well.”

“How many years
do you think it’ll take to create a viable male?” Valis asked.

“I’d say a
generation or two down the line,” she said. “Probably within the next thirty
years, give or take a decade.”

The High Council
stood together while chatter filled the chamber. Lord Kris hit the gavel to
call for order.

“As requested by
the Kalaidian and Shandi delegations we will take the vote upon the fate of
Heaven’s Light,” the Mylor said.

Each delegation
pressed its vote into the system before it appeared on their screens. Thirteen voted
in favor while fourteen voted against.

The Mylor leader
again addressed the floor. “The vote has been cast. Heaven’s Light is to be
considered a threat to the Confederation of Alden and hereby disbanded. Its
leaders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law under the charge of
conspiracy. Any governments or individuals found aiding them will be considered
for the same charge and be officially sanctioned. All special task force troops
and ships are to be deployed in this effort. That will be all.”

* *
*

Commander Baeron
stood alone while staring out the window of his office on Dega Jul. The ursine
man started pacing back and forth uncomfortably as he waited.
I know I’d
prefer if things calmed down but I sense they won’t. The air is filled with
turmoil and is fanning the fire. With the two unbalanced the water is boiling
and earth shifting.
He thought as he watched sun set. A moment later the
door opened. Siata and a pair of Minan guards came through.

“What are our
orders?” Baeron asked.

Siata floated
silently as she joined him. “Shiken Ka and Prime Minister Jabril gave their
all,” she said. “But it was for naught. The vote was cast moments ago and the
verdict was the same as Brian’s.”

“How should we
proceed?” he asked.

“We’re to
prepare a fleet and hunt down the Terran at all costs,” she said.

“What about our
posts here?” Baeron asked. “Are we to abandon them?”

“No,” she said.
“The High Council is still arguing over the reasons but the decision will soon
be made. Martial law will be declared in the name of preserving peace.”

“Martial law,”
he said with trepidation in his voice. “Would they go so far?”

“To maintain the
status quo they would do anything,” Siata said.

Baeron activated
the com on his wrist. “Lieutenant commander, prepare the Zakar for launch,” he
ordered.

“Yes sir,” the
lieutenant commander responded.

“Thank you,” the
bearman said before turning off the com. He looked at Siata. “If the High
Council has chosen this path than we will not question it. Brian Peterson will
be captured, dead or alive.”

“I’m glad to
hear it,” Siata said. She noticed the look in Baeron’s eyes. “What is it?”

“If we bring him
back alive, will the Mylor protect him?” he asked.

“We will do
everything in our power to ensure his life is not taken,” she said. “That
mistake must never be made again.”

* *
*

Veda watched the
unrest in the streets from the highest window on her estate. Hundreds of guards
had turned the palace grounds into a fortress along with twenty Phase Raknas.
As the sun set she noticed dozens of Lances landing off the edge of the
grounds. One of her commanders ran up to her.

“We need to
leave soon,” the commander said.

“I know,” Veda
said. “How are our escape routes?”

“Most of them
have been cut off,” the commander said.

“Hmm…” Veda
stood in thought for a moment. Her com beeped. “Who might this be?” she asked
as she turned on the tiny monitor on the device. The split screen of Kivi and
El Kar on their ships’ bridges appeared.

“We’re here to
rescue you,” Kivi said.

“Use route N-32
to reach the drop ship,” El Kar instructed.

“I’m surprised
she sent your ships for this,” Veda said as she signaled to the others to head
out.

The guards
headed into the underground of Dega Jul while the Raknas took formation and
headed for space.

“I’ll have to
thank her for that,” Veda said as she followed her guards and officers down
below.

“You can thank
Brian,” El Kar said. “He was the one pushed her to do it.”

“Is that right?”
Veda asked.

“Yeah, he’s
right,” Kivi said.

* *
*

Myden stood in
the courtyard of the royal palace on Kalaidia Prime as night fell. He watched
the ships in space moving about before turning his gaze back to the glowing
city. He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air.
It’s about time for
everything to happen.
He let out a small laugh.
Oh how I’ve waited! I’ve
seen the sun set on this world thousands upon thousands of times. For two
thousand years I’ve waited for this day to come!
He looked at the
constellation shaped like a butterfly.
The time of darkness will end soon
enough. His plan has been set into action and now all the pieces are in place.
His
mind quieted as he heard footsteps coming towards him. He turned to see Queen
Celestia join him.

“I haven’t seen
you much lately,” she said.

“I’ve been
busy,” Myden said. “With the advent of light I won’t be at your side as often
my lady.”

“It’s alright
old man,” she said. “If the situation doesn’t change I won’t be here much
longer either.”

“So Jabril’s
called for your expertise?” the Grey asked.

“Of course she
would,” Celestia said. “The other nobles are neutral on the matter and refuse to
get involved. But if the queen raises her blade they’ll be forced to act or
lose more credibility amongst the populace.”

Myden laughed.
“In other words, their taxes will be raised again?”

“That’s exactly
it,” she said. “Too many of the noble families wasted away their wealth when
they had power. When commerce opened up their ability as merchants left a lot
to be desired.”

“Fools who claim
wealth as their birthright know little on how to maintain it,” Myden said.
“That was a truth when my people were free.”

“They will be
free again someday,” she said.

“The path is
being paved today,” he said. “But are you sure about getting involved? Your
life here has been peaceful.”

Celestia smiled.
“What you say may be true. But remember Myden, I was the one who led my people
to victory in the second war with the Malcovin. I know how to navigate a
battlefield with the best strategists, save for Valis of course.” She put a
hand on his shoulder. “Take care of yourself.”

He knelt before
her. “I will my queen,” he said before disappearing.

* *
*

The main doors
of the Columbia base opened and allowed the Raulno and Reinkar to enter. Once
the ships had landed, Veda and a squadron of guards exited the Raulno. Grigon
stood on the platform and waited before going over to her. Veda smiled as she
looked upon the old birdman.

“I never thought
I’d see you again,” Veda said as she extended a hand to Grigon.

He took her hand
with his and cawed. “It’s been a hundred and forty three years since the treaty
was signed. I thought you’d forget by now.”

“Not to the only
pilot to challenge my foolish brother,” she said as she followed him to the
interior of the base.

“He was only as
foolish as the Nova he flew in,” Grigon countered. “A pity I didn’t get to face
him the second time around.”

“It would’ve
been a better way for him to meet death,” Veda said.

“True,” Grigon
said.

The two entered
the command center. Brian and Valis worked at the center table when Veda and
Grigon came over. Her guards spread throughout the room.

“What’s the
situation?” Veda asked.

“We’re
surrounded on all sides,” Valis said.

Veda shook her
head. “I don’t see any worry on your face. Why would that be?”

“As long as
we’re inside the base we’re protected,” Valis explained.

A moment later
the base shook when the ships outside opened fire. As the bombardment continued
the alert system came on. All the troops within the base took their battle
stations while the pilots scrambled to their mobile suits. All of the ships in
the docking bay fired up their systems.

“It looks like your
question has been answered,” Brian said.

“Yes, it has,”
Veda said.