Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  “You should know in every contract Valis signs that in the case of capture, she’s obligated to pay our ransom,” said Brian.

  “Is that so?” Shiken grinned, “It’s good to know I have a large amount of money coming. After the mess your people caused we’re barely able to function.” He took out a key and tossed it to Mira. “That will free his arms. As long as neither of you try anything I guarantee your lives,” he said before leaving the room.

  Mira took the key and unlocked the chains. Brian rubbed his wrists in relief. “Do you feel alright?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” he saw she was staring at him, “What is it?”

  “Why did you put yourself at risk like that?”

  “I couldn’t let the Mjolnir fall into their hands. Its sounds strange, but that mobile suit is more important than me really.”

  “No it’s not,” Mira said with tears in her eyes. “Don’t you understand how I’d feel if you died?”

  “I’m sorry,” he answered. She saw a strange darkness in his eyes as he spoke.

  “It’s like you’re searching for a place to die,” Mira cried, “I can’t stand to see it.”

  He held her close. “I’ve been living on borrowed time since the day I was taken. I live every moment like it’s my last because I know I could die anytime. What you see as suicidal I see as my way of searching.”

  “Searching for what?” she asked.

  “I’m searching for a reason to live. I’m lost on who I am and what my purpose is. I know if I keep fighting, if I keep living just a little longer, I’ll find the answer I’m looking for.”

  * * *

  El Kar watched Brian and Mira on the monitor while shaking his head, “Mammals.”

  Shiken came into the room. “I see you’ve been watching.”

  “Is she really tending to his wounds?”

  “I suppose you could say that,” Shiken shook his head. “Still, I don’t understand them.” A light started flashing. Shiken pressed the button and allowed the message through. On the screen appeared the image of Valis wearing her uniform and circlet.

  “I received your message earlier today Lord Ka,” she said. “I’ll pay the ransom you seek. Should you bring harm to my officers I’ll make sure the wrath of Kali falls upon you and your soldiers.”

  “Of course Captain Valis,” Shiken answered. “You’re looking well if I may say so myself.”

  “As are you Lord Ka,” Valis responded. “But before I agree to pay anything, you’ll have to show me they’re alive.”

  “El Kar.” Shiken motioned for his friend to stream the picture of Brian and Mira to Valis.

  “I see,” said Valis. “What about the rest?”

  El Kar changed the video feed over to the other captured Kalaidians.

  “Are you satisfied?” Shiken asked.

  “For now Lord Ka,” she said before ending transmission.

  * * *

  The Mjolnir flew into the cargo bay. A number of Kalaidians waited to fix the mobile suit. Kivi sighed, completely drained. She stood up and patted the Mjolnir.

  “Thank you,” she said before heading out the front hatch and using the elevator cord to get down.

  “It’s good to see you’re alright commander,” said Daes.

  “It’s good to be back. I must go to the captain immediately.” Kivi said.

  “He’s alright,” Seles said, catching Kivi off guard. “We received word earlier today that Brian, Mira, and twenty two others are being held.”

  Kivi shifted from no energy to all energy. “Before I go I have something to deliver to you.” She leaned down and kissed Seles, completely catching her off guard. The others stared and blushed. Kivi backed away. “He said you get the rest when he gets back,” she said with a smile as she ran out of the room. Seles put her hand on her lips, confused.

  “First time you’ve ever been kissed by a woman?” Jesela asked while standing next to Seles.

  Seles shook her head. “He probably told her to do that as a joke…”

  “It’s best you not think about it too much Seles,” Jesela said.

  * * *

  “So when did you schedule the concert?” Brian asked as he sat cross legged on the stone floor. Mira sat with her back to the wall.

  “I was planning three months from now,” she answered. “The logistics of putting on a concert are more than I initially thought they would be.”

  “I’ll bet you didn’t have to do any planning when you were younger.”

  “No, I don’t remember anything like that.”

  The door opened before Shiken Ka entered, “I have good news. Your captain has agreed to terms and you’ll be returned to your ship within a week.” He looked at Mira, “I wish to speak with him alone. Please tell your comrades the good news.”

  “Yes, of course,” she said as she winked at Brian and blew a kiss, “I’ll see you later.” Two guards escorted her out.

  Shiken slithered back and forth. “I have many questions to ask you. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He stood up and saw Shiken towered over him by over a foot. “I was expecting you to ask me about a few things. So shoot,” Brian said as he leaned against the wall.

  “How long have you been in space?”

  “A little over a year and a half,” he answered.

  “How did you come to space?”

  “I was abducted by the Greys. They experimented on me, for what reason I don’t know. All I remember was that when I awoke this last time I was able to fend off their technology.” He looked at the ground. “I killed every one of them. After falling unconscious I woke up on the Avoni.”

  Shiken held up his hand. “Wait. Are telling me you single handedly defeated an entire crew of Greys and captured their ship?”

  Brian laughed, “I wouldn’t exactly say I captured their ship. I didn’t know how to fly it, let alone claim it as my own.”

  “Still, do to what you did with technology as advanced as ours would be impressive, let alone a lone Terran without anything. Please, continue.”

  “Afterwards, I awoke on the Avoni. The first people I saw were Celi, the head medical officer, and Seles, who’s now a lieutenant. After I was injected with nanomachines I understood what they were saying. When Seles and I talked for the first time the Avoni was attacked by another Grey ship.”

  Shiken smiled, “So the Lady Star survived an attack by the Greys.”

  “Lady Star? Are you talking about Valis?”

  “No doubt you know much about Captain Valis. My people call her Lady Star, because she burns brighter than any star amongst Kalaidians. In a single battle she defeated five ships of my fleet with only a half working ship herself. That’s only one of her many victories during the last war.”

  “Tell me, why do your people and theirs fight so often?”

  “For over a hundred years we’ve warred, mainly over territory. As you know, the Kalaidians once controlled thirty star systems. Now they control only seventeen. Systems like this one are what we’ve been fighting for.”

  “It’s the same here as it is at home.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He looked Shiken in the eye, “For thousands of years my race has warred. It’s amazing how much blood has been spilled over dirt.” He glanced aside, “It’s such a waste.”

  “You say that and yet you fight for wealth.”

  “Of course,” he said. “One has to survive.”

  Chapter 22 - Honor and Understanding

  Mira sat next Brian and checked his wounds. “It looks like everything is alright now.” She put down her scanner.

  He sat back against the wall. “Sometimes I wonder if this is reality. Earth seems so long ago.”

  “I know how you feel,” she said while mirroring his posture. “When I woke up six years ago I was completely shocked. The world had changed so much and I hadn’t. I felt like a person out of time, not just out of place.”

  He took her hand. “You have memories of long ago, don’t
you?”

  “Yes.”

  “What was Kalaidia like in those days?”

  “It was a lot like the way you found it. Father sheltered me from most of it, but I knew of the hate directed towards me. There was constant political intrigue, back stabbing and deception. I couldn’t stand the lies. When I met Jesela I decided to leave it all behind.”

  “But you do have a title to claim, don’t you?”

  “Not really. I was only a countess by noble standards. What I enjoyed more than being able to change myself was the fact that I wasn’t famous any longer. I could blend in for the first time in my life.”

  “Are you happier now?”

  “Yes,” she squeezed his hand, “I found I wanted to really do something to save others’ lives. I love music, but I enjoy being a medical officer more. I was able to save your life and that means a lot to me. It was the first time I looked death in the eye and waved its power away.”

  “Just as I was regaining conscious I saw your eyes glowing blue. Next time that happens, sing a tune to yourself. That’s the secret the Maigars used to control their berserk.”

  “Really?” she asked. “I wasn’t expecting it to be something as simple as that.” She moved over and hugged him, closing her eyes. “You’re really warm.”

  Shiken Ka entered the room with a small table in his hand, along with three glasses. He set it before the pair.

  “It looks like I’ll be returning you by the end of the week,” he said as he pulled out a large black canister and unscrewed the top, pouring some into each cup. “Please, try it.”

  Brian took the glass and sipped the dark liquid. Looking up at Shiken Ka, Brian laughed, “You can’t know how much I’ve missed a having something like this.”

  Mira tried it. “This is an interesting drink,” she said before taking a few gulps.

  “It’s the best black tea I have on the base,” Shiken said before taking a drink. “Other species prefer alcohol to feel drunk, but for my people it’s this.”

  “This is much too strong to be the tea from my world,” Brian said. “It’s more like coffee.”

  Mira blinked her eyes, blushing. What is this I’m feeling? She thought to herself as she drank some more.

  “So why are you offering us tea?” Brian asked.

  “I have many questions to ask you.” He glanced at Mira, who was blushing heavily and breathing strangely. “Well then young Terran, let’s begin. Do you believe in any god or gods?”

  “No,” Brian answered quietly.

  “Than what do you believe in?”

  “I believe in what’s real, what’s before me at the moment.” Brian took a sip, “On my world people like me are referred to as atheists. If I remember right your people underwent a massive change two hundred years ago, when the religious leaders were destroyed and a new system was put into place.”

  “You know of our history,” Shiken said. “I’m glad. From what I can tell the worries of my fellows were incorrect. Despite looking similar to a Kalaidian you’re not one of them. So why would a powerful warrior such as yourself submit yourself to an inferior breed of being.”

  Mira was blushing heavily while looking out of it. “I’m not inferior. I’m just smaller.” She put down the glass and hugged Brian tightly. “Tell him Brian.”

  He blushed from her embrace. “Is there caffeine in this drink?”

  “Of course,” Shiken answered. “What would be the point of drinking black tea without caffeine in it? Is there a reason why she’s acting like that?”

  “Caffeine for Terrans acts as a stimulant, for Shandi, alcohol, but for Kalaidians. Well, it acts as an aphrodisiac,” Brian explained.

  “Well then, I’ll take my leave soon. I know how much mammals like you like physical pleasure.”

  “I feel really weird,” Mira said, moving her hands about him. “I…”

  Shiken grinned. “Looks like you’ve learned to enjoy the pleasures they can grant you Terran.”

  “Well, it’s not like I’m going to be able to go home anytime soon,” Brian said with a shrug. “Ask what you want, I can tell you want something from me.”

  “Do your people have constellations?”

  “Yes. Why do you ask?”

  “What constellation were you born under?”

  “Aquarius, the Water Bearer.”

  “Thank you,” Shiken said as he placed the bottle of black tea on the table. “I’ll now leave you two alone for the night. Enjoy yourselves.” Shiken left the room.

  He glanced at Mira, who was getting more aggressive. She glowed in the dim lights.

  “Brian,” she said before kissing him gently. “I want to be with you. Since the day you saved me, I meant to give something back. But I wasn’t sure what.”

  He rubbed behind her ear, seeing her quiver with pleasure. “Let’s just live in the moment.”

  “I’m all for that,” she said.

  * * *

  Kivi entered the cargo bay where the Mjolnir stood. Next to it stood the slightly smaller and leaner Phase Rakna. Daes and Jesela were finalizing the computer systems. Seles stood outside the cockpit and took the elevator cord down to meet with Kivi.

  “It looks like it’s nearing completion,” Kivi said.

  “It should be ready by the time Brian returns to us,” Daes said. “We’ll be starting construction on more after we’ve tested the Zero’s systems.”

  Valis walked into the room and stood with her senior officers. “It looks like that gamble I took is paying off.”

  “It certainly is,” said Kivi.

  “What gamble?” Seles asked.

  “The gamble was letting that troublesome Terran onboard,” Valis said with a smile. “He’s costing me a lot of money at the moment.”

  “Did you finalize the deal with Shiken Ka?” Kivi asked.

  “Yes,” Valis turned to Daes, “Will this be ready by tomorrow?”

  “I was hoping to test the systems first, but yes, it will be complete,” said Daes.

  “Good,” Valis said as she touched the mobile suit.

  “Is something wrong?” Seles asked.

  “Yes,” Valis answered. “Our scouts have overheard talk amongst the Ick-Tckt allies of Shiken Ka, and it looks bad.”

  “Because Shiken is willing to negotiate with you and made a deal he’s considered expendable,” Kivi said.

  “What?” Seles asked.

  “It means by this time tomorrow the ships we fled from will be attacking the complex we failed to penetrate,” Valis explained. “And unfortunately for Shiken Ka, he doesn’t have much fire power other than that great shielding system.”

  “What’s your plan?” Kivi asked.

  “It’ll take us a few days to reach them so I’m banking on them holding out. I still have to work a plan out, but I’ve secured the help of the three ships that joined us last time. In return, I am to give them each a prototype Phase Rakna.” Valis stared at the mobile suit. “Seles, this one’s yours.”

  * * *

  Mira awoke the next morning covered in a thin sheet with her clothes tossed off to the side. She turned to see a sleeping Brian. Did I? Did we? What the hell? Why did I act like that? She threw her clothes on as quickly as possible, noting he still had his eyes closed. She went over to the glasses and noticed something still at the bottom. Taking out her scanner she made a chemical analysis.

  “You do know I’m awake,” he said before opening his eyes and grabbing his clothes.

  “What happened?”

  “Exactly what you think happened,” he answered as he put on his clothes. The scars of his night with Delne still showed.

  Tears came to her eyes before she ran over and hugged him. “You’ve suffered so much and I’ve been so cold.”

  “It’s alright,” he said.

  “No, you haven’t spoken to anyone about the Kai. Not even Seles has heard anything about the pain you suffered.”

  “I’m not supposed to appear weak. That’s the price I pay for being b
orn human.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Tell me,” she said while looking into his glazed over eyes.

  “Alright,” he said. “I’ll tell you everything.”

  Chapter 23 - Sold Out

  “I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation, but I must speak with you Brian,” Shiken said as he entered the cell.

  Both Brian and Mira stood up.

  “I wish to speak with him alone,” Shiken said as he turned to Mira.

  She hesitated and waited for Brian to nod his head. “Okay,” she said before walking out the door.

  “You planned all this, didn’t you?”

  Shiken smiled, “Of course. I’ve found it’s easier to get information from one who laughs with joy.”

  “What is it you’ve been trying to get at?” Brian narrowed his eyes. “There’s something you know you’re not letting on to and it’s bothering me.”

  “Then let me get straight to the point,” Shiken said as he pulled out a small device and pressed a button. A moment later an image of the statue appeared before Brian. “Can you tell me about this?”

  He stared at the hologram. “Where is this from?”

  “My homeworld,” Shiken answered. “I found this when I was but a youth, nearly fifty years ago.”

  “What? I wasn’t even born yet! How is this possible?”

  “The statue is about two thousand years old.” Shiken pointed at the hologram. “The detail is perfect, right down to your actual height and weight, including your armor.”

  Brian laughed at this absurdity. “There’s no way that could’ve been built that long ago.”

  “But it was,” Shiken said calmly. He turned off the hologram. “It’s written by the ancients and on the statue that when the Great Twilight comes the Knight of Aquarius will appear. As said by the Teacher long ago. Most of this knowledge was lost when my great grandfather lead the people to freedom from the priesthood. Only a small number of my people know the teachings of the ancients. It was written that the Knight was to open the door to paradise, but how is unknown.”