“Good,” Valis said. “Now Riga, I don’t have to tell you what to do.”
“I know, continue on course. We’ll open fire as soon as you do.”
* * *
The Mjolnir and the Talon sparred for a long time, claws clanging against sword and shield. After a few minutes of fighting the Talon backed away and flashed a message using the eyes of the mobile weapon. Brian signaled back. A second later a hail came from the Talon. He accepted the call. On his monitor appeared the image of a red feathered, young Malcovin pilot seated inside the Talon’s cockpit.
“My name is Lieutenant Dreka, of the Sheldik.”
“I’m Lieutenant Commander Brian Peterson of the Avoni. Why did you contact me?”
“You should be receiving your change of orders right about now,” Dreka said. He wore a smug look on his face.
Brian looked to this communicator as a message came in. “What kind of change in orders?”
Dreka cawed in laughter. “It’s seems my captain has chosen to join yours for this battle. That means you’re no longer an enemy of mine.”
He turned on the message as an image of Valis came on. “Brian, Captain Riga of the Sheldik has decided to make a deal and join us. As of now your orders are to return to the Avoni.”
“I’ve never had this happen before,” Brian remarked.
“As a mercenary, it’s my job to change sides if the price is right,” Dreka said as the two started flying towards their ships.
“It must get confusing.”
“Not after the tenth time Terran. Remember, the Gods have theirs, so let’s get ours!” Dreka explained with a laugh.
“That’s an interesting way to live,” Brian said.
* * *
When the Rigika moved into position for an attack the Sheldik opened fire with its pulse cannons and HV missiles. The Avoni joined in the attack, firing all its weapons. As the shields of the Rigika collapsed under the double assault a message came in.
“Put it up on the monitor Zae,” Valis commanded.
“Yes captain.”
On the screen came the image of not Krigik, but his commander. “I am Commander Sedil, now in charge of the Rigika. As of a moment ago captain Krigik died. We give our surrender.”
“Of course Commander Sedil,” Valis turned to Kivi. “Cease fire. Recall our Novas.”
“Yes captain,” Kivi responded.
Valis turned to Sedil. “As terms of surrender, I will give you two choices Commander Sedil. First, surrender your ship and abandon it to us. Or pay an appropriate price equal to the sale price of a Geld class ship.”
Sedil knelt down and took something off of Krigik’s corpse. It looked like a flat gold card with inscriptions on it. “Seeing as Krigik’s no longer alive his market accounts are open for the taking. I’m sure he had enough to purchase another ship like this.”
“Send over the account numbers and pass codes. Once we confirm their legitimacy you’re free to go,” Valis said.
Sedil went to the scanners and input the card.
Zae turned to the captain. “Commander Sedil has sent over all the data. It checks out according to the Degan account database.”
“Good,” Valis said. “Well Commander Sedil, good doing business with you.”
“Likewise,” Sedil was about to turn off communications before stopping, “By the way, you should know I hold no grudges against you.”
“That’s good to hear. I’d hate to destroy such an understanding new captain,” Valis said before turning off the monitor.
* * *
The Mjolnir landed in the cargo bay while a number of engineers ran about to make repairs. When Brian turned off the systems and opened the hatch he noticed Daes staring up at the mobile suit with a surprised look on her face.
“What is it Daes?”
She pointed to various spots on the giant. “What happened out there?”
He used the elevator cord to get to the ground and join Daes. In a number of areas the Mjolnir’s outer frame was scratched and dented. He turned to Daes and shook his head in disbelief. “The Talon I fought was piloted by someone who could go toe to toe with me.”
“You look far too excited,” she said.
“I know,” he said. “I knew if I fought enough of them I’d finally meet a Malcovin who could pilot their suit like that.”
Chapter 4 - Reprieve and Assessment
Kivi, Zae, Celi, and Daes waited on the bridge. A moment later, Brian, Seles and Mira joined them. Valis came out of the strategy room.
“Hmm…one of you is missing,” Valis said.
“Who’s missing?” Kivi asked.
Valis smiled. “It’s not official until we launch again from Dega Jul, but I’ve granted our chief navigator the rank of lieutenant.”
A smile came to Seles‘s face. “It took her a year longer than me but she finally got it.”
“That’s because of her youth and inexperience,” Valis explained.
The elevator opened and Baed emerged wearing a silver bracelet, signifying her rank as lieutenant. She saluted everyone.
“Thanks Valis,” Baed said. “I’m indebted to you for giving me this opportunity.”
“You’ve done well, more than enough to warrant a promotion,” Kivi said.
“You’ve done a great job,” Seles said as she embraced her cousin.
Valis waved for all of them to pay attention. “I’ve called you all here for an assessment, starting with the highest rank officer and moving down.” She turned, looking at Seles, Baed, and Mira. “It may be awhile so feel free to relax here or any place nearby.”
“Yes captain,” the three answered separately.
“Now, let’s get started.” Valis looked at Kivi and waved for her to follow.
“Yes captain,” Kivi said as they went the strategy room.
* * *
Valis poured a glass of wine and offered to Kivi, who nodded and took the glass.
“I hope you’re not planning to drink a glass for each of us Valis,” Kivi said before taking a sip.
“No, I only plan on a glass or two for now.” Valis paused to take a sip. “It’s been nearly seven years Kivi.”
“Seems like less time than that,” Kivi said while she swirled the wine glass.
“Something’s changed, hasn’t it?” Valis asked.
Kivi stopped swirling the glass. “To be honest I’m content.”
“Is it Brian?”
Kivi nodded. “For the first time in my life I have a challenger I can’t take for granted.” She paused to drink. “I feel liberated.”
“He’s had more of an effect than I thought on you,” Valis said. “But much of that innocence was lost when he went to Kalaidia.”
“I know,” Kivi said. “I can see it in his eyes. To have endured such pain and be able to smile through it…that’s the true testament of his strength.”
“True. But still, I want you to keep an eye on him. He’s been acting strange lately, detached from the rest of us.” Valis paused to enjoy the wine. “I’m sure what he needs is revelry and fun, something he can get his fill of during the layoff.”
Kivi laughed. “What are you suggesting I do?”
She took Kivi’s hand. “Take him out for a night of fun, your style. I’m sure what he needs isn’t the typical Kalaidian night out, but one suited to his people’s tastes.”
Kivi shook her head in disbelief. “Thanks a lot.”
* * *
After a few minutes Kivi emerged from the strategy room and went to Brian. “I’d like to talk to you later, alright?”
“Sure, anytime,” he said as she left.
“What was that about?” Mira asked.
“I’ve never seen her look so confused,” Seles said.
Celi tapped Brian’s shoulder. “Maybe our commander has the urge to spend some time with this one.”
Brian shook his head with annoyance. “It’s my turn; see you ladies in a few.”
He went into the strategy roo
m. Valis sat at the end of the table. Her purple hair and aquamarine eyes seemed to sparkle in the dim light, highlighting her beauty.
“Sit down,” she said. He sat in the seat next to her as she held a glass towards him. “Would you like some?”
“What is it?”
“Kalaidian wine,” she answered.
“I’ll try some.” She poured some into a glass, watching Brian stare at it for a moment. He then swallowed it in one gulp. “Much sweeter than I expected.”
“Do you like it?” Valis asked before sipping her glass.
“Yes.” He noticed she was staring at him. “What is it?”
“How are you feeling?” Before he could answer, she waved him off and poured another shot into his glass. “And no, I don’t want the answer you give everyone. Tell me how you really feel.”
He gazed into the wine glass while swirling the liquid slowly. “At times I feel very alone. They forget I’m not one of them.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Valis said. “You alone represent your people, for good and for ill. And try as you might to fit it you really can‘t can you?”
He gulped another glass of wine. “No. I feel pressure from all around. If I make one wrong move my homeworld is doomed. The other races believe I’m superior. Body and mind are one in the same to me and my mind is as fragile as anyone else’s.”
“You’re talking about the Kai.”
His eyes glazed hauntingly. “What made it worse was her telepathic implant. Torturing me physically is horrible enough. But it’s the way she manipulated my mind that bothers me the most.”
“In time all wounds heal.” Valis poured another glass for herself. “Let me tell you a little about myself. When I was ten I was sent by my family to live with Celestia, a close friend of my deceased mother. When I was there I lived with Seles. She was just a little girl at the time. I came to think of her as my little sister.”
“She never said anything about this,” Brian said.
“No, we don’t talk about it with others. The other thing I wanted to tell you is that while I don’t understand everything you’re going through I do understand the pressure.”
“Please continue.”
“When I was eleven I entered the Kalaidian military academy in Vaelis. I was the youngest officer in training ever and graduated at the age of fourteen. Only five years later I became the youngest captain ever at the age of nineteen.” She pushed her drink aside. “What made more difficult were the expectations. Being a prodigy, I was forced to live my life quicker than I wanted. If the Kalaidian military had its way I’d be an admiral and hating every moment of it.”
He nodded. “I understand. It’s not just the fame that gets at you but the expectations. Every time you enter a battle you should emerge victorious.”
“And that’s why battles like the last one leave me feeling so empty,” Valis said. “The challenge was there but the Sheldik turned and decided the battle before it got interesting.”
He laughed. “I know how it feels. The Talon I fought defended itself on an even level. Given better technology he could really compete with the Mjolnir.”
“Who was the pilot?” she asked. “The logs say that you spoke with him.”
“Lieutenant Dreka.”
“Dreka the Lightning, no wonder you had a tough time fighting him.”
“Is he famous?” Brian asked.
“Dreka’s the best Malcovin pilot, the grandson of the genius pilot and engineer Grigon the Thunder. It’s said shortly before his death Grigon designed the Phase Talon.” Valis drank some more. “I want you to enjoy yourself this week.” She took a small metal card out of her pocket and slid it towards him. “I’ve given you a private apartment in the Kalaidian district. At the end of the week I plan on visiting you so make sure you leave some time for me,” she explained.
“Thanks Valis. I appreciate talking with you.”
“Anytime,” she said.
* * *
Brian came out lost deep in thought. Zae went in after him and left him with the other girls.
“Is something wrong?” Seles asked. She stood in front of him and tried to meet his melancholic gaze.
“It’s nothing.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m alright.” He turned the rest of the officers. “I’m going to take my leave.”
“Going to see the commander?” Mira asked.
“Later. I need some time to think by myself,” he said as he left on the elevator.
Celi gathered the four of them together, seeing that Daes was at her console working on something. “Now that he’s gone, what are our plans?”
“Seles is supposed to get the information we need during her meeting,” Baed said.
“What information?” Mira asked.
“Where his apartment on is,” Celi answered. “Since the greeting ritual is inappropriate onboard a vessel we’ve had to wait this long. Now we can finally get what we want from him.”
Daes laughed in the background. “Do you have any idea how weird that sounds?”
The others laughed with her while Celi turn red. Seles turned to her. “He deserves a proper greeting ritual.”
“What I want to hear are the stories from his home,” Mira said. “In all the time Brian’s been here we haven’t gotten much out of him about Earth.”
“It’s all up to you Seles,” Celi said. “Get what we need and he’ll have a surprise waiting for him when he goes home tomorrow night.”
Chapter 5 - A Night on the Town
Brian stepped into his green exoskeleton armor. Looking at the stand nearby him grabbed his helmet before checking that his rakna was on his belt. He turned to the bed and threw a stuffed shoulder bag over his shoulder when a ring came from the door.
“Brian, its Kivi.”
“Come in,” he said as he turned to the door. Kivi stood in the door dressed in her blue exoskeleton armor. The armor was similar his, though it matched her feminine figure. On her belt was a pair of rakna blades.
“That looks fine on you,” he said, moving closer. “Fits like a glove.”
“Thanks. After the debacle with our first generation suits, Daes took her time reworking this armor.” She noticed Brian was staring at her. “What?”
“That armor really does suit you.”
OH! Now I get it. She thought to herself. She noticed the four girls hiding around the corner, spying on them. She turned back to Brian. “Let’s go.”
“Sure.”
They left the ship and walked down a ramp onto a flat dock. The sun glared off their armor. Ships of every shape and size flew through the air with sky scrapers reaching to the sky. They stepped onto a massive elevator that led to ground level. With them were Kalaidians who hadn’t seen Brian up close. He breathed the air in, savoring it.
“This is the first time I’ve breathed this air without my helmet blocking the way,” Brian remarked.
“We’re being followed,” Kivi said.
He nodded. “I noticed that too. I’m just going to think of it as if we had four secret bodyguards.”
“True,” Kivi said. “This will be the first time the public gets to see you. Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“I’m not a kid. I can handle myself and anyone who tries to mess with us.” He couldn’t help but still notice that many of the Kalaidians nearby stared at him. “I hope they don’t start dropping to their knees and praying.”
When the massive elevator touched ground level the pair headed into the streets. Scores of Kalaidians were in awe as he passed.
“They look happy Brian.” Kivi noted the smiles and shouts aimed towards him. “I’ve never seen this in my life.”
“When I first talked with Seles about the Kalaidian system of rule I had a feeling this would happen once I did what I did,” he said as he smiled and nodded back to them. “The people of Kali no longer live in chains. You and the rest of your people have been set free. Free to dream, free to hope, and free to live the way you want.”
/> “You’re sounding sentimental,” she said as the pair walked through the middle of the Kalaidian district, with merchants and workers all around showing their respect to the Terran.
He looked to the sky and took a deep breath. “Before I was taken I was on the path to become a writer. In my heart I’m a dreamer whose mind always resides in the clouds. I wear the armor of a knight but in my heart I’ll always be that storyteller.” He turned to Kivi, seeing the look on her face. “What?”
She laughed. “It’s not like you to be so serious.”
“I feel relaxed. The Avoni’s my home now. You and the others are like family.”
When they reached the outer reach of the Kalaidian district Kivi stepped in front of Brian and faced him.
“What is it?”
“It’s time to stop this kind of talk,” she said. “Let’s have some fun. And to suit your Terran tastes I have the perfect thing in mind.”
* * *
“What are they talking about?” Jesela asked as the four shadowed Brian and Kivi.
“It seems pretty casual for a conversation with Kivi,” Mira answered.
“Why don’t we ask Seles?” Baed asked, looking to her cousin.
Seles stared for a moment. “My guess is he’s talking about his past, probably about being a dreamer.”
“How do you know that?” Jesela asked.
Seles pointed at him. “He’s walking at a slow pace and is looking at the sky. He always gets sentimental when he looks like that.”
“I’m impressed,” Mira said before stopping the group. “By the way, were you able to get what we needed from the captain?”
Seles pulled a metal card key from her belt pouch. “Valis was quite cooperative. I’m supposed to give it back to her by the last day of leave.”
“Why?” Baed asked.
Mira sighed. “You sound like a naive girl.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Baed asked.
Jesela whispered into Baed’s ear. “It means that the captain wishes to have a night to herself with our dear Terran.”
Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius Page 3
