Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  “Dreka,” Brian said, looking lost. “If I’ve awakened as you speak of why haven’t I developed a power like the older races?”

  “You’ve only begun to second phase of awakening. The first is experiencing it without control; the second phase is learning to control it. It will likely take several years, perhaps decades to finally achieve the result you speak of,” Myden said.

  “Do you know what that power might be?”

  “The older races have an idea of what the awakened powers of the younger races may be, but nothing concrete.” Myden paused. “But time will tell the story.”

  “You mentioned Dreka has started to awaken.”

  “Yes.”

  “What should I do about it?” Brian asked.

  “Like you, Dreka seeks an answer. The Malcovin are a people dedicated to the accumulation of wealth and power. For them, having money and power are the keys to success. But many amongst their race disagree. The first to truly rebel against this ideal was Dreka’s grandfather, Grigon. Grigon went missing fifteen years ago, but not before leaving behind the seeds of the Mjolnir and Talons.”

  “A while ago, you mentioned that one of the wise men was referred to as the hawk. Is it possible that Grigon was that hawk?”

  “Most likely,” Myden answered. “And because Dreka’s of the same blood he’s likely inherited the mark as well. Dreka seeks an answer Brian, the same answer as you. He wants to understand, he wants to join you. But his heart is closed right now.”

  “How can I change that?” Brian asked. “He seems convinced I stole his grandfather’s plans and am using them to spite him.”

  Myden backed away and began fading away. “A closed heart and mind can only be opened by breaking away that which is closing it off. Show him there is another way. He won’t submit to words alone, but neither will he submit to arms alone. I leave the rest in your hands.”

  Myden faded away, leaving Brian alone in his room. He looked at his rakna and then his armor. What am I supposed to do?

  Chapter 45 - Battle Over the City Skies

  “Are they ready lieutenant?” Vrekt asked while looking at the new mobile suit.

  Dreka checked the power levels in each suits’ Q-Drive. Everything was green. “You can all get in the mobile suits now,” he said.

  “Great!” his subordinates shouted as they jumped into their newly outfitted Talons.

  Captain Riga walked into the launching bay as the mobile suits lit up. “Your grandfather would be proud,” Riga said.

  “I hope so,” Dreka said, sounding a little more reserved. “So what plan of action have you chosen?”

  “I want the four of you to take a defensive position around the Duchess’s estate,” Riga said. “The fleet we’ve assembled will strike Valis when her forces are most vulnerable.”

  “I take it you’re expecting Brian and the other mobile suit to head to the Duchess’s estate?” Dreka asked.

  “I’m counting on it,” Riga said. “While they attack here and are occupied Valis’s fleet will be surrounded. It will only be a matter of time before they fall.”

  “We’ll see,” Dreka said before turning to his Talon.

  Riga put a hand on his shoulder. “Remember what we spoke of earlier.”

  “I know,” Dreka answered. “If Brian and his side are victorious we should join them. But I’m not going to give him an easy fight.”

  “That’s exactly what I would expect from you,” Riga said. “One more thing, should this ship fall you’re to disengage immediately.”

  “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Dreka cawed. “But I’ll remember should it occur.”

  * * *

  The Duchess’s main fleet, consisting of nearly one hundred heavy class vessels and dozens of smaller class ships, hovered in orbit of Dega Jul above the Kein estate. Squads of twenty at a time took turns pelting the estate from orbit while the rest stood by. Suddenly, two ripples appeared in the center of the fleet as the Mjolnir and Zero gravity jumped with a pair of Novaguards attached to each mobile suit.

  “You know the drill ladies,” Seles said to her Nova pilots. “Don’t detach until we’re joined by Valis in a few minutes.”

  “Yes lieutenant!” her pilots shouted.

  Both the Mjolnir and Zero turned back to back with each other, pulse cannons drawn. Using their shields to block incoming attacks, the pair of mobile suits spun around and fired a series of blasts, forcing the ships around them to scatter. At the same time the Novaguards attached to them fired in opposing directions. The Ick-Tckt forces started attacking the mobile suits with Drones, but none were able to get close enough to do damage.

  “Looks like Valis’s plan is working,” Brian said. He glanced at the radar. It showed the fleet around them had separated into a number of smaller units.

  “When was the last time one of her plans ever failed?” Seles asked.

  Brian laughed. “When she made the foolish mistake of cracking open a Grey ship and found a Terran onboard.”

  “So true,” Seles said. When the Mjolnir and the Zero began edging towards the atmosphere, Valis’s main fleet, along with Shiken Ka’s appeared around them.

  “Looks like that’s our queue to head down,” Brian said as he turned the Mjolnir for atmospheric entry.

  “Ensigns, detach and join the Avoni,” Seles said. Her subordinates detached and flew towards the Avoni. She turned her mobile suit in the same direction as the Mjolnir.

  “Let’s pay a visit to Veda Kein,” Brian said.

  “Of course,” Seles said as she followed the Mjolnir.

  * * *

  Valis stood on her bridge as the Avoni as the rest of the fleet gravity jumped into the center of the enemy fleets.

  “Looks like Brian and Seles were successful,” Kivi said.

  “Yes, I’m glad everything is going as planned,” Valis said. She turned on her com. “How are the other mobile suits coming along?”

  “They should be ready within the hour,” Daes replied.

  “Good,” Valis said. She turned to main monitor to observe the enemy. “It looks like plan A-4 is the one to go with. Send it out.”

  “Yes captain,” Zae said.

  “Baed, keep an eye on how close the Avoni comes to the other ships. We can’t afford to be caught to close together,” Valis said. “Launch all Novaguards and have them take a defensive formation around the Avoni. Our goal is to isolate each enemy formation one by one and destroy them individually. Given that we have little more than half of the number of ships of our enemy, the advantage is theirs. Brian and Seles will aid the ground forces and strike the Duchess’s palace within the hour.”

  “Captain Riga may have something to say about that,” Kivi warned.

  “That’s why I kept the three Phase Raknas here,” Valis said.

  * * *

  The Mjolnir and Zero descended through the atmosphere of Dega Jul before coming to a soft landing outside the Kein estate in the midday sun. All around Drones, Claws, and Talons flew, blasting the energy shield protecting the Kein estate. Brian and Seles scanned the area and saw the destruction areas around the estate had endured.

  “This is terrible,” Seles said, seeing mangled metal mixed with concrete.

  “I know,” Brian said. Even with all their advanced technology, these people are addicted to war. As Brian thought, scores of Novaguards emerged from below the Kein estate and tore into the enemy fighters. “I’ll send a signal to Veda we’re here.”

  “Alright,” Seles said. She took a few shots with her mobile suit’s pulse cannon, destroying a few enemy crafts.

  Brian joined Seles in attack mode when Veda appeared on his monitor. “I’m glad to see you’ve joined us here on the ground.”

  “Valis and Shiken Ka have taken their positions in space,” Brian said.

  “Good.” Veda paused, thinking. “I’ve decided to leave the future in your hands young man.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “You must be my late brot
her’s reincarnation,” Veda said. “Follow the plan Valis gave you, but remember to follow what’s in your heart. I can see that this war, that fighting itself disgusts you. I for one agree. It’s time to stop fighting and start working towards the future Gaelic envisioned. He wanted a world not just of equality, but of justice, fairness, and most of all, that didn’t value things over people. So in a moment I’ll give up what I have, not for Valis, not for you, but for everyone.”

  “I’m glad you’ve changed your way of thinking,” Brian said.

  “No, I’m still the same bitter old lady,” Veda said sarcastically. “But I know it’s time to leave things to the younger generation. My time of ruling, like Celestia’s, has come to an end. I entrust the future to you. Fight for the future to come and not for the past that has been.”

  Chapter 46 - Brian’s Vision

  The image of Veda Kein appeared on video screens across Dega Jul. Simultaneously the audio was broad waved over all communications networks.

  “I have an announcement to make to all who call Dega Jul their home. As you may or may not know, I am Veda Kein, head of the Kein estate and all associated material systems. But who and what I am is less important than the horror you, the people have witness to today. At this moment two factions have chosen their paths on the question of rulership of Dega Jul; the Kein and Ka organizations, and the Duchess Chka’s joint venture with the Malcovin. I know that matters little to those of you working hard each day for a better future. But I thought it prudent to set the record straight and explain everything to you. The reason I’ve chosen to speak to you today like this is not to ask for help but to ask each of you about the future of Dega Jul. Right now the governing body of the Degan system is called the High Council, but what it really means is the rule of the wealthiest merchants and noble families from various worlds. The only voices that matter are those with the power to move wealth and material power. The voice that should matter, that being the people of Dega Jul, is shut out. I admit for years I have been one of the exploiters of this system and the wrongs I have wrought against you are numerous. But now I know this system can’t last forever. It’s time to move on. I declare the people of Dega should rule themselves, not as a dictatorship, not as an oligarchy, but as a democratic republic. I concede my wealth and power to this dream and as such give up what I own to you the people. No longer will I see you ruled as nobles over commoners. I’ll join you in this fight. You might ask yourself why I’ve chosen this path. Has she gone mad? Is she lying? I understand your concerns and I’ll answer all of them in due time. But the reason is because of a young warrior fighting right now, by the name of Brian Peterson. As a Terran it’s assumed he loves battle and is thriving in this twisted war. But he’s not. I see in his eyes not that of a conqueror, not of a warmonger, no, I see the eyes of a dreamer. He alone saved Kalaidia from falling into civil war and now he’s fighting to end this one. I’m entrusting my future as the people of Kalaidia have already done to this young man. He’s proven to be a guide at finding peace between the people of Kalaidia and the Shandi, an event never thought possible. He saw through our differences and forged a lasting pact. He achieved the impossible and that’s why I will follow where he goes.”

  Veda ended her message to the people of the Degan system before reclining back in her chair and sighing. “Do you think I did the right thing?” she asked the blank seat at the table. Veda smiled. “You do, don’t you brother?”

  * * *

  Good job grandmother. Valis thought after watching Veda’s broadcast.

  “Your grandmother has taken a bold step,” Kivi said. She turned back to the work on the computer.

  “I’m glad to see her vision isn’t as limited as I feared,” Valis said. “Zae, how goes the battle?”

  “Our forces are holding up with little losses so far,” Zae said. “We’ve successfully destroyed two of the enemy formations, four remain.”

  “Good,” Valis said. She looked at the battle formation again. She saw an opening behind her condensed fleet. That doesn’t sit well at all. She pressed her com. “Myli, Meldi, and Kaela, board you’re Phase Raknas. I’ll be sending you the coordinates to head to.”

  “Yes captain,” each of the three said over the com.

  “You think Riga and his fleet will show up soon?” Kivi asked.

  “Yes, this would be about the time to strike,” Valis responded while looking at the battle map. “They have enough ships to crush us if we break formation, but not enough to execute the plan on their own. The opening at the rear of our fleet is perfect for attack. That’s where I’m going to put our trump cards.”

  “Brian and Seles have joined three squads of Novaguards on the surface and are headed for the Duchess’s palace,” Zae said. She called up their position on the monitor.

  “Good,” Valis said.

  “If there really are four Talons with Q-Drives down there, do you think we have enough to challenge them?” Kivi asked.

  “We don’t have much of a choice,” Valis said. “But, I’d guess none of those Malcovin pilots are as good as Dreka. Seles and that many Novas should be able to keep them occupied while Brian fights Dreka.”

  “You have a lot of confidence in him,” Baed remarked.

  “Has he proven me wrong yet?” Valis asked.

  * * *

  The Mjolnir and Zero flew at the head of a formation of three Novaguards squadrons of eleven. Below, metal and concrete buildings stretched from horizon to horizon as the afternoon sun hung high in the sky. Brian looked at his radar. They were approaching the Duchess’s palace. A moment later a series of pulse blasts came from ahead, destroying three Novas. Brian and Seles, along with the rest dodged skillfully. They saw four Q-Drive equipped Talons ahead.

  “I’ll draw Dreka off now!” Brian shouted as he flew the Mjolnir away, while Seles and the Novas scattered as headed for the Duchess’s palace. Dreka obliged Brian’s move and flew alone at the Mjolnir. Brian noticed a call.

  He flipped the switch. “So you wish to talk again?” he asked while dodging a pulse blast from the other craft.

  “Of course Terran,” Dreka said. He dodged a shot from the Mjolnir’s pulse cannon. “When you were on Shandi Prime I had a strange vision.”

  “You saw that?”

  “My grandfather told me to believe you,” Dreka said. “But I won’t, not to the man who stole his work and twisted it.”

  “Is that what you think? Do you really believe I stole Grigon’s plans?”

  “I’m not sure what to believe,” Dreka answered.

  Dreka closed in for a series of vicious strikes with his claws, forcing Brian to draw the sword on the Mjolnir and block them, alternating with the blade and shield.

  “Why do we have to fight?” Brian asked.

  “Isn’t it obvious?” Dreka asked. “Your people suffer from the same fate as mine, don’t they?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “To be the strongest, to be the fastest, to fly the highest, to be the wealthiest, to compete over and over again until the loser is destroyed! That’s what my people believe. Only by pursing perfection, only by constant strife can one ever attain happiness. But some of us know the truth. We know this way of life can’t last forever. That’s why we accept the fate that will come.”

  “And what fate is that?” Brian asked.

  The Mjolnir and Dreka’s Talon exchanged a series of melee attacks. Neither could break through the defenses of the other as they backed away from each other.

  “Long ago the box of destiny was opened and inside it contained an infinite darkness,” Dreka answered. “The fate of all things is to die. Fight if you wish, deny it if you can, but death will claim you one day. Nothing lasts forever; our fate is oblivion. The strong shall consume the weak and the strongest, sad to say are the Greys. One day their power will engulf the galaxy in darkness so great everything will be consumed. There’s no escaping it and no hope to defeat it. We must simply accept it.”

  “Since
the day I was taken by those bastards I’ve been living on borrowed time,” Brian said. “That’s what I felt at first but now I remember I have someone to live for.”

  The two mobile suits clashed in a series of melee strikes and blocks, finally a feint from each separated the two machines.

  “Who would be worthy of your life?” Dreka asked before charging in the Talon and forcing Brian to go on the defensive again.

  “A year ago I swore my life to her. No, it’s been longer than that,” Brian said. “I live for her most of all. She’s the shining star in my life, the heartbeat of my soul, my Joan d’Arc. Seles Daevon is the one I speak of, the one who can surpass either of us as a pilot.”

  “Prove me wrong,” Dreka said as the Mjolnir charged forward with a flurry of slashes and shield punches. He blocked each attack with a claw while being forced back.

  “And the only way is to beat you in battle?”

  “Yes.” Dreka’s eyes began glowing blue. “If I’m defeated then I’ll follow you. Show me you can defy fate, defy even the gods themselves!” Dreka’s Talon charged and slashed furiously, the Mjolnir blocked each strike.

  Brian’s eyes began glowing blue. “If that’s your wish then I’ll grant it.”

  * * *

  Seles’s Zero engaged a Talon in melee, trading attacks back and forth over the Duchess’s palace. Ten Novas circled around and pounded the palace’s shields over and over again while the remaining Novas tried their best to keep the other Talons occupied. This isn’t good. Seles thought. She turned her Zero to full defense and flew to intercept the attacks of the Talons.