Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  He stood in shock for a moment before looking Shiken in the eye again, “I have to see this statue in person.”

  Shiken nodded, “I will do as I can young Terran.” He knocked on the door. “I’ll be back shortly to give you an answer.”

  “Thank you.”

  As he left Mira stepped back inside. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ll tell you everything later when we’re with the others.”

  “Okay.” As Mira answered a series of explosions came from above, shaking the ground and walls. The two were driven to the ground, with him landing on the bottom. After a moment the shaking stopped and the lights came back on.

  “What was that?” she asked.

  “Orbital bombardment,” Brian said as he stared at the ceiling.

  * * *

  Shiken caught himself as the blasts hit from space at the same time his guards fell to the ground. He braced himself before turning to his soldiers. “Take up defensive positions!”

  He made his way to the command chamber a few floors up and saw El Kar and a number of soldiers activate the defensive shields.

  “What happened?” Shiken asked with anger in his voice.

  El Kar turned to him, “It’s the ships in orbit.”

  He saw a number of damaged pyramids outside as he gazed at the dead soldiers.

  “Such cowardly behavior!” he shouted as he banged his fist on a stone desk. He turned to his soldiers. “Did we receive any messages from them?”

  “No my lord,” all said in unison.

  El Kar saw a message come through. “They’ve sent us a message.”

  “Let me see it.” Shiken scowled as he read the message. By order of the Duchess, you’re to turn over the captured Terran, Brian Peterson. If this is not met within the hour we will destroy your base. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He turned to El Kar and his soldiers. “Ready the base for a siege. Call our soldiers at the other bases of this planet. Reroute all available power to the shields.”

  * * *

  Brian and Mira stood and noticed the door had popped open. He motioned he would go first and went outside. There, he saw the guard outside was crushed by fallen rocks. He turned to Mira as she readied her med kit. She scanned the Shandi soldier.

  “He’s still alive,” she said as she looked up. “Please take the stone off of him.”

  Brian nodded and lifted the stone before tossing it aside. “I’ll check the rest of this level.”

  “Alright,” Mira responded as she pushed her regenerator to full power.

  He walked for several vetres before finding a split north and south. He noticed a number of the guards were unconscious before a few Kalaidians came to him.

  “What’s going on?” ensign Myli asked as he met them.

  He turned to the crowd gathering in the hallway. “I don’t have the details on the situation. But from the explosions coming from above it’s obvious we’re being bombarded from orbit.”

  “Is it Captain Valis?” Myli asked.

  “I doubt it,” Brian answered. “She already agreed to pay our ransom.” He looked at the others, “We’re to be returned within the next few days.”

  One of the Kalaidians moved to take an unconscious guard’s pulse rifle.

  “Don’t take their weapons,” Brian ordered. “If we make the wrong move right now Shiken Ka will be forced to kill us.” He heard a groan come from a Shandi pinned under some rubble. He went over and moved the rocks out of the way. “Are you alright?” Brian asked as he reached out with his hand.

  “Why are you helping me?” the soldier asked.

  Brian nodded, “As of now, we’re not enemies. Even if we were, I’d prefer you didn’t die under a pile of rocks.”

  The Shandi took Brian’s hand and was dragged from the stones. Brian turned to the Kalaidians as they stood in shock. “Don’t just stand there ladies, help them out.”

  * * *

  The young Shandi Brian had saved watched the Terran work unceasingly to save his comrades, not sure what to think. Meanwhile, Brian and Mira led the saving of lives, unnerving Kalaidians and Shandi alike. After a while Shiken Ka came down the hallway flanked by a contingent of guards. He looked to the young soldier. “Have they treated you well?”

  “Yes my lord,” the young snakeman said while holding his hand over his heart.

  “Good.” Shiken saw Brian and Mira working on one of his men. “Brian I must speak with you.”

  Brian nodded to Mira.

  “Don’t worry; I’ll be able to take care of this,” she said.

  Brian nodded and turned to Shiken. “What can I do for you?”

  “Why do you save the lives of those who imprison you?”

  “Your people feel pain, do they not? When one of them dies someone mourns for them. Above all things I value life. It should not matter if they be of mammalian origin, or insectoid, or reptilian. At this moment we’re not enemies. I’m at your mercy and so are my subordinates,” Brian paused as a serious round of bombardment from orbit hit the shields, “Anyways, I don’t really have much of a choice, now do I?”

  Shiken took Brian’s rakna blade from a soldier standing behind him and tossed it to the Terran. “If you really are the Knight of Aquarius then prove it,” Shiken said as he turned to leave.

  Brian looked at Mira, “Take care of things here.” He looked at the others, “Remember this moment ladies.” Each stared at him, nodding one by one to acknowledge him. He turned and hurried to catch up to Shiken Ka, “I’m going to need my armor.”

  Shiken smiled, “Of course, my men are charging it up as we speak.” Brian joined them on the elevator, leading up to the armory.

  “So what’s the plan?”

  “I’m not sure yet,” Shiken said. “I was thinking you could add to the plan.” The other Shandi watched with a mix of anger and awe in their eyes.

  * * *

  Brian donned his armor and placed the sword in its sheath. Closing his eyes, he focused his energy and drew the blade with lightning speed and performed a series of slashes.

  “Are you ready?” Shiken asked.

  “Anytime,” Brian said.

  “Good,” Shiken said. “I’m expecting no less than a victory because of what you did against my men.”

  Chapter 24 - The Sandy Wind of Change

  The Ick-Tckt ground forces marched from all directions around the Shandi base. Most of it was concentrated in the south where the shield generators were most numerous. The shield deflected blasts from space with ease. Emerging from an area near the edge of the shield walked a lone figure clad in dragon motif armor with his helmet on and sword in hand.

  “Is everything in place?” Brian asked over his com.

  “Everything’s ready,” Mira responded. She was stationed with the Shandi back in the command tower.

  “Are you sure about this plan?” El Kar asked, looking unconvinced.

  Mira winked at him, smiling, “You remember what he did to your forces?

  “Yes,” El Kar responded.

  “He can do that a hundred fold if need by Commander El Kar,” Mira said.

  He stared at the image of Brian on the monitor. “I see why you place so much faith in him.”

  “When they begin fleeing our forces will move in quickly to take out as many of them as possible,” Shiken added. “This will be the first time I’ve ever gone into combat with a Rakna Maigar at the head. How long will it take?”

  “Four minutes,” Brian answered over the com.

  “I pray Kali watches over you,” Mira said.

  “Thanks Mira.”

  “What’s wrong Brian?”

  “Looks like some of them want to talk.”

  A number of Ick-Tckt troops circled around him, carrying pulse rifles and clad in black body armor. One stepped forward, “Rakna Maigar Brian Peterson, are you not? Have you come to surrender to us?”

  “No, I came to ask you to leave,” Brian said as he drew his sword. “If you don’t I’ll make sure non
e of you leave this planet alive.”

  The Ick-Tckt backed away before ordering the attack. All around Brian flashed the light of dozens of pulse blasts. When their leader called off the attack they saw that Brian stood completely unaffected. He pointed his sword at the mass of Ick-Tckt soldiers gathering around him, as well as the Drone fighters filling the sky.

  “Let me show you what I’m truly capable of doing.”

  Brian spun his rakna and gathered a massive amount of energy. With a broad slash in he blasted a number of Ick-Tckt troops with a wave of energy. With another series of spins and slashes he cleared a path in front of himself. The Ick-Tckt who weren’t knocked prone from the initial series of blasts started running. As they ran Brian blasted a line of energy through the opposing ground troops, killing two scores in one shot. He continued using his rakna’s energy blasts to part the enemy lines. Seeing a pair of Drones bearing down on him, he gathered an extra-large amount of energy and blasted them out of the sky. Taking the opportunity, he flew in the air, flashing light and sound down on the terrified Ick-Tckt soldiers. Spinning his rakna, Brian twirled in the air for a moment, blasting apart everything around him.

  * * *

  Mira smiled as she watched the Ick-Tckt line crumbling. “He’s amazing, isn’t he?”

  “Agreed,” El Kar said in awe. “To think one man could do so much damage. A thousand of his kind could wipe out an entire homeworld.”

  “Fortunately for us and the rest of the Confederation he’s alone,” Shiken said, watching Brian’s every move. “How much time is left?”

  “One more minute,” Mira answered.

  “How much do you think it would take to get Brian to join our forces?” El Kar asked.

  Shiken laughed, seeing the reaction from Mira. “His loyalty won’t be purchased that easily, will it?”

  “He was offered the position of Tcka Knight by the Duchess formerly employing your forces,” Mira said. “He turned down that position and had to fight off a squadron of Ick-Tckt troops to make his point. His loyalty to Valis is unbreakable. He will fulfill the contract promised.”

  “So that’s the price he paid to live on your ship,” said Shiken.

  * * *

  When Brian finished the first phase of the attack he saw a number of Shandi troops emerging from the sand dunes in the desert. Taking to the sky, he renewed the hunt for more Drone fighters. On the ground, Shiken Ka’s troops tore into the Ick-Tckt forces with a fury unknown, battering the antmen’s positions. Brian twirled his rakna time after time, blasting pulses of energy into the enemy forces.

  “How are things looking from your position Mira?” Brian asked over the com.

  “You’ve succeeded in driving their forces back. With Shiken’s troops moving in from behind it looks like the offensive is going according to plan,” Mira answered.

  Brian spun the rakna and blasted another Drone fighter from the sky. “Mira, have all of Shiken’s forces gathered below the base?”

  Mira turned to El Kar, “Are your forces gathered down below?”

  El Kar looked up from his monitor, “Yes, all forces on Kalmar have gathered here.”

  “You heard that Brian?”

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  Shiken watched as his troops surround the Ick-Tckt ground forces and pummel them into the sand with energy blasts. A smile came to his face as he watched a tiny figure flying in circles, destroying one Drone after another.

  “How does he compare to other Maigars?” Shiken asked.

  “He’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Mira answered.

  “It looks like they’re about to attack our forces from space,” El Kar reported.

  “Cowards,” Shiken said condescendingly. “First they betray us and now they sacrifice their own soldiers so coldly.” Shiken pressed the com to reach all of his men and Brian, “All troops, clear out. They’re about to launch a bombardment on your position from space.”

  Hearing that command the Shandi on the ground scattered. Brian flew back to the base. The sky began glowing as red energy blasts smashed into the ground. Quickly, Brian activated his shield and took up a defensive position on the ground, blocking a dozen Shandi from getting killed. He repeated the maneuver number of times as they retreated to the shield surrounding their base. Brian waited patiently to defend each group of Shandi as they came to the border of the shield. With his power meter reading at five percent, Brian ran into the defensive shield after the last group of soldiers was inside. Staggering with exhaustion he made his way to the command tower. All around him saw a look from the Shandi he had never seen so much of before. They’re smiling, I wonder why? Brian thought as he passed. When the crowd soldiers recovered their breath the chant of “Brian” began filling the base. Each soldier raised his weapon in salute. Brian made his way to the elevator leading to the top where he saw Shiken Ka standing with a smile, El Kar looking on from the side, and Mira, who ran over and hugged him.

  “Are we safe?” Brian asked.

  “For now,” she said. Mira backed away as Shiken Ka moved forward.

  “Well done young Terran.” Shiken held out his hand. Brian grasped it tightly. “Our days as enemies have come to an end. I’ll return to your soldiers their weapons and vessels. And I’ll also refund your ransom money.” Shiken’s subordinate’s gasped with startled looks on their faces. He turned to them, “How can I ask of that to the man who just saved us from certain doom.” He looked to his troops outside, still chanting Brian’s name, “And how could I deny them their celebration.”

  “I hope you’re not planning on doing it right now,” said Mira.

  “No, you can go to your soldiers and explain the situation. I’d also advise you to get some rest before the feast this evening!”

  * * *

  Each of the captured Kalaidians took back their pulse rifles, regenerators, and body armor.

  “As of now, we’re working with Shiken Ka and his forces,” Brian explained. “I aided them in an offensive strike and forced the Ick-Tckt forces to fall back for now. I know that the orders I’ve given may seem strange,” Brian paused, seeing each was listening intently, “For the last century, your people and the Shandi have warred. A hundred years is a long time, and a lot of blood has been spilt. But today that changes,” he clenched his fist in the air, “Shiken Ka has given us permission to leave if we wish, but as all of you know that’s not an option.”

  Mira stepped forward, “Of our remaining vessels, we have two functioning support shuttles and two Novaguards. In addition, only ensign Myli has any experience as a pilot.” Mira signaled for Myli to come forward.

  “Yes lieutenant?” Myli asked.

  “Please choose one of the remaining combat troops to act as your support pilots.” Mira looked at the girls, “I know that amongst you are a number of excellent pilot candidates, but all we need is one at the moment.”

  “Yes lieutenant,” Myli said.

  Mira stepped back, allowing Brian to speak once again. “As you know, Captain Valis has agreed to pay our ransom. Now that the Ick-Tckt has betrayed Shiken Ka the deal is off. I’m sure Valis will be here shortly to aid us. For now live with that in mind. Today, we will join forces with Shiken Ka to survive, but my hope is for this small path to open to a greater future. The time for fighting between Kalaidian and Shandi is over. It’s time to talk to one another and get to know each other. Peace is not bought with money or arms, but understanding one another. Only by understanding another person can you learn to trust them. I trust Shiken Ka. He’s Shandi, but the man has a sense of honor I rarely see in people. It’s time to repay that honor my friends, and repay it we shall. So take up your rifles! If they’re going to take our lives they’ll have to take them from us by fighting to their last breath!”

  The crowd saluted and cheered.

  Chapter 25 - Brothers in Blood

  Seles stood in the HDC in the heat of the desert being projected, shading her eyes as she looked at the sky. I’ve never been to the deserts of th
e south. She blinked as the door opened. Kivi walked inside holding a rakna blade in one hand while wearing a pair herself.

  “You wanted to see me Commander?”

  Kivi tossed Seles the rakna she held. “I’m going to show you how to control your berserk,” Kivi said. She drew a sword and took a stance with the blade tip pointed at Seles.

  Seles drew the rakna and dropped the sheath into the sand near her feet. She paced around Kivi, gauging the tall southlander, “What do you mean by control it? I was under the impression one mastered it simply by using it.”

  “No, Brian discovered the secret. And now I’m going to show you how to as well,” Kivi said before moving forward and striking with a series of slashes.

  Seles parried each attack. Kivi pulled away, seeing her difficulty.

  “You defeated Delne Raekar and yet you’re not putting up a decent defense,” Kivi remarked.

  “It’s not like I’m trained to fight with it,” Seles said. “Before that day I’d never picked a rakna to use as a weapon.”

  “Then how?”

  “When I touched Brian’s mind, I gained some of his memories.” Seles flipped the rakna before taking a different stance. “Please train me.”

  * * *

  Brian, Mira, and the other Kalaidians made their way down the stairs of the massive hall. The Shandi stood at step levels, ten in a square around the center. At the bottom rested Shiken Ka and El Kar, flanked by their guards. The cheer of “Brian” filled the hall.

  “It looks like you’re popular,” Mira said, smiling.

  He walked down, turning and nodding to the Shandi soldiers. When he reached the bottom Shiken Ka held up a black bladed knife.

  “As the Terran has shown his loyalty and courage in battle I bestow upon him a great honor,” Shiken turned to the crowd, “Never before has one of our people taken the Blood Oath with another race. Today that changes.” Shiken took the knife and sliced his left hand. He flipped the knife and held it towards Brian. He took the knife and sliced his left hand. Shiken held out his bleeding hand. Brian took Shiken‘s hand as their blood dripped.