Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence

by Marcus Johnson

“Yes we have,” Shiken said.

  Serin put another set of images on the monitor. It showed the Greys salvaging the destroyed planet killer and numerous other vessels.

  “So that’s their game,” Shiken said. “Destroy, take, and rebuild.” He sighed heavily. “I don’t want to see this with our home.”

  “Then let’s get back to Valis with our report,” Miv said.

  “That’s an excellent idea,” Shiken said.

  * * *

  Queen Celestia stood in front of her throne while hundreds of military officers moved about the palace. The entire homeworld of the Kalaidian people was currently on high alert. Panic seized them after Celestia showed the destruction of the Reiki, Viken, and Shandi homeworlds. The pictures of the now scarred Dega Jul were also coming in. The prime minister of the House of Commons, Jabril Hopart, entered and quickly made her way to the queen.

  “The assembly has come to the decision to declare martial law,” Jabril said.

  “I see,” Celestia said. “How will that effect our upcoming elections?”

  “We’ll still hold them,” Jabril said. “But my desire to retire after two terms has been postponed.”

  “We need steady leadership in times of crisis,” Celestia said. “The Kalaidian people haven’t been under conditions like this since the plague killed our male population.”

  “Celestia, I’m scared,” Jabril admitted. “The Shandi were as strong as we are and fell prey to the Greys.”

  “He will save us,” Celestia said. “Brian is our Herald and his voice will call us together.”

  “It’s good to see someone still has faith,” Jabril said.

  “As the queen I am also the high priestess of our people,” Celestia said. “Although my political power is gone I still carry the faith of Kali for us all.”

  “I’m glad you stayed with us,” Jabril said.

  “I am as well,” Celestia said. “When the time comes I will fight. The gift Brian sent to me is ready when it’s needed.”

  “I’d like to see it,” Jabril said.

  “I’ll show it to you a few minutes,” Celestia said.

  * * *

  Valis and Myden were in the Avoni’s planning room with the holographic table on. The image of the three planet killers, the red hued planet killer, and the events happening on Reiki Prime caused both of them to look uneasy. Valis sighed and shifted back to a three dimensional view of Dega Jul and the forces around it.

  “Rarely in my life have I seen little hope in winning a battle,” Valis said. “But this one is too much.”

  “I see it that as well,” Myden admitted. “Sunadin has us cornered and knows it.”

  “What was he like?” Valis asked.

  “Sunadin was one of my best knights,” Myden said. “His ability with telepathy was excellent, but his skill as a battle planner was better known. It was his victory that ended the last war between my people and the Mylor. The sad truth is in a way it was what led us down this road.”

  “It isn’t easy to fight your old friends, is it?” she asked.

  “Many of those in charge of the planet killers were my comrades,” he said. “But to answer your question, yes, it is. I hear their screams as they die. Many curse my name as they go, but a similar number thank me one last time.” He looked at Valis. “They say the same for Brian.”

  “I can tell by the worn look in his eyes,” Valis said.

  “He will find his way soon enough,” Myden said. “Even I need him to rise up once more.”

  “I remember when he was a young and foolish officer,” Valis said. “Sometimes I feel like I was the one who drained the life from him.”

  “You aren’t the one,” Myden said. “The burden I gave him is too much for a mortal man.”

  “He’s strong,” Valis said. “And although he carries darkness in his eyes I see the light of hope behind them.”

  “That sounds like the man I know,” Myden said. “But to get back to this, what’s your plan?”

  “The four fleets will fight as one,” Valis said. “Playing it safe won’t work again. This time we should berserk and fly straight for the first planet killer. The Mylor and Confederation forces will deal with the second planet killer.”

  “What about the third one?” Myden asked.

  “Grigon and my mother have a little surprise that’s finally ready,” Valis said. “They should be able to fend off the third until we can turn about to intercept it.”

  “So they’re ready?” Myden laughed. “It took her long enough.”

  “It’ll be interesting to see,” Valis said.

  * * *

  Brian woke up in his quarters alone. He felt something aching in his head.

  “Go away!” he shouted.

  The echoing thoughts from the machine god faded away before the words could take form. He knelt down and banged his fist on the floor. Tears slowly welled in Brian’s eyes as he thought of those who died.

  “I couldn’t save them,” he said. “I couldn’t even lift a finger to save any of them. All I could do was watch as they died.” He grabbed his rakna blade and stared at it for a while. “Am I worthy of holding this anymore?”

  “Now stop that,” a familiar voice said to Brian. The human turned and saw the ghostly image of Gaelic Kein standing next to him. “Remember who you are lad and never give up hope. The Warrior is to lead them onto the path. It’s time you found it and carried them forward. If you’re going to die then do so with a song on your lips and love in your heart. It’s a better fate then wallowing in misery and doubt.”

  Brian smiled. “Thanks.”

  “Remember to keep an eye on that daughter of mine,” Gaelic said before vanishing.

  Brian looked around and found his old rakna blades he used for making music. After tuning them to the sound of an electric guitar he started practicing a number of songs. For a long time I forgot what beauty was. Brian thought as he played. I love the sound of music. It’s the sound of life.

  Outside the door to Brian’s quarters an exhausted Mira took her a white glove off of her hand. As she listened to him practice a smile came to her face. You are our Herald, our Rakna Maigar. She thought to herself. Even if I have to lie and cheat I’ll keep you moving my dear knight. She walked away quietly with an extra jump in her step.

  * * *

  Celestia and Jabril descended under the palace until they reached a storage area. Celestia led the way as they came into a maintenance bay hidden deep underground. After switching the lights on the two stared at a mobile suit resembling the Artemis in every way, except for its gold and silver coloring.

  “This is…,” Jabril paused.

  “Brian’s gift to our people was this craft,” Celestia explained. “He told me it was identical to the one Seles pilots. The only difference is the appearance and name.”

  “What’s its name?” Jabril asked.

  “Apollo,” Celestia said.

  “Does it have an A.I. system installed?” Jabril asked.

  “Of course,” Celestia said. “The personality feels like Brian’s.”

  “Who will fly it?” Jabril asked.

  Celestia revealed the mark on her breast. “As one of the Maidens I will. It’s my duty to see our people live through this.”

  “I won’t object,” Jabril said. “Just make sure there’s a Phase Rakna ready for me. I’ll be at your side when the time comes.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that,” Celestia said. “All of the former royal guards have contacted me about joining me when the battle comes. You will accept my orders one more time, won’t you?”

  “Of course my queen, I will,” Jabril said.

  Chapter 31 - The Song of Hope

  Seles, Mira, and Zae were behind the stage of the auditorium of the Columbia base. Each wore a sparkling dress that matched their hair color with white gloves and boots. They looked themselves over one more time before sitting down to take a drink.

  “I don’t know about you two but I need this,�
�� Zae said.

  “I know I need some music to get my mind into a better place,” Seles said.

  “That’s the way,” Mira said. “Do you want to try it today?”

  Seles looked at a pair of rakna blades in the corner. “I need some time to work on the swordplay.”

  “You’ll get there, Kivi did,” Zae said.

  “Will she be joining us today?” Mira asked.

  “No, she said something about going underground,” Zae said.

  “I want no more of that,” Seles said. “Have either of you been hearing voices in your head?”

  “None other than my own,” Mira said.

  “I’ve heard a thing or two,” Zae answered. “And none of it was pleasant.”

  “Music seems to disrupt the Greys in battle,” Seles said. “I wonder why?”

  “When we sing together our minds are thinking the same thing,” Mira said. “The Greys are trained to fight as one. When our thoughts reach them in such an ordered manner their ability to think normally vanishes.”

  “It seems too simple to be true,” Zae said.

  “But we saw it in battle,” Seles said.

  “We did have a closer look than you,” Mira added.

  “I’d be out there with you but the Avoni needs someone to command it,” Zae said.

  “True,” Seles and Mira said together.

  “So what’s the plan for this concert?” Zae asked.

  “All three of us will go onstage together,” Mira said. “The Reiniere of the other ships are going before us on the other bases. The three of us are considered the best musicians amongst them and we’ll act as the finale.” She turned the video on and showed a quartet of Kalaidians performing on the Alaska base. “Today is a day for raising our spirits. We’re alive; it’s time to celebrate it.”

  “When are we on?” Seles asked.

  “The others will be finished in ten minutes,” Mira said. “Check your gloves one more time.”

  * * *

  Grigon joined Veda and Reban in the command center of the Columbia base. The monitors were showing the day long concert put on by all the Kalaidian musicians while the volume was on low. The grey feathered birdman looked up when Mira, Zae, and Seles went onstage and began their routine.

  “No matter how many times I listen to them it’s always as good as the first time,” Grigon said.

  “The one regret I have in my life is not learning how to sing better,” Veda said.

  “You’re alright,” Reban said. “The issue you have is sticking to a rhythm.”

  “That’s true,” Veda said. She stretched and yawned. “Well, they’re ready.”

  Grigon cawed. “This should be interesting.”

  “What’s the secret project you’ve been working on?” Reban asked.

  Veda touched the console and a number of panels in the wall opened. Inside of them were androids that resembled Brian’s exoskeleton, but with machinery underneath instead of a person. Each wore a pair of rakna blades and carried a pulse rifle on its back. One of the android’s eyes lit up before the machine walked out and knelt in front of Veda.

  “What are your orders Admiral Veda?” the android asked with a voice similar to Brian’s.

  “Remain on standby for now,” Veda ordered.

  “As you wish my lady,” the android said before standing up and taking a guard position.

  “Are they Keinien androids?” Reban asked.

  “They’re updated models with a bonus inside,” Veda said.

  “Each is equipped with a miniature Q-Drive,” Grigon said. “That way they can infiltrate our enemies’ ships.”

  “Without minds like ours they can’t be disrupted mentally,” Veda said.

  “How many do we have?” Reban asked.

  “Each base has five thousand ready to go,” Veda said. “In our next battle they’ll play a vital role in buying us time.”

  “I’ll make sure they do what we need them to,” Grigon said. “All the systems are connected to the Vomada.”

  * * *

  Brian stepped into his exoskeleton and turned on the holographic system. He then placed the two rakna blades on his belt before looking in the mirror. On the monitor was the video of Mira, Seles, and Zae as they took turns as the lead for different songs. Myden silently stepped out of the shadows.

  “I haven’t seen you look like this in years,” Myden said.

  “Being beaten down enough times took the life out of me,” Brian said. “It’s time the Warrior makes his move.”

  “I’m sorry I put this burden on you,” Myden said.

  “You’re not the one to blame,” Brian said. “It was chance that brought me here. The fate before me now is mine to determine.”

  “What song are you performing?” Myden asked.

  “The song that made me what I am today,” Brian said. “Nobody knows I’m going out there in a few minutes. Please don’t spoil the surprise.”

  “I won’t,” Myden said.

  * * *

  The crowd cheered when Mira brought the last song to its end. Seles, Zae, and Mira all bowed as the crowd rose to its feet to congratulate them on a great concert. When the three turned around they noticed the holographic imager was still running. A moment later a beam of light shined on Brian as he knelt. The surprised crowd called for him to perform. When he stood he activated the com system so everyone in the Degan system would be able to watch or hear. Mira quickly ran over to whisper in his ear.

  “We weren’t expecting you,” she said.

  “I thought I’d crash the party,” Brian said. “Follow my lead.”

  “Are we doing “Stairway to Heaven”?” she asked.

  “That’s the one,” he answered. He noticed Seles and Zae looked a bit lost. “Split the difference with the other two.”

  “That should work,” Mira said.

  While Brian warmed up the rakna blades and amazed the crowd with their sound Mira, Seles, and Zae figured out their roles and positions. The three women stood behind Brian in a half circle before tuning their gloves to the right sound. When everyone was ready Brian took his stance while the holographic system keyed to the song. With his blades and dance movements he played the guitar and sang “Stairway to Heaven” like he did years prior. The story of the song was told with black silhouettes and imagery from the lyrics of the song. The three women acted as the other instruments and back up singing where it was needed. When Brian reached the crescendo of the guitar riff his movements were so fast he looked like a blur of flashing light. After the song ended he and the women took their closing poses with light shining on them. The crowd cheered as he sheathed his swords and looked at them.

  “The sound I hear is one of hope,” Brian said as he addressed everyone. “For the last few months our lives have been turned upside and torn apart. I speak now because it’s time we turn the tide of this war!” He paused to let them cheer. “The Greys have beaten us down but we’re not gone. We’re still alive and as long we are we have a future. And as long as we’re alive the Confederation has one as well. I ask each of you to take a moment this evening and remember those who’ve lost their lives. Burn that image into your soul as we prepare for battle. The Greys will come to destroy us and though our numbers are small we will emerge victorious. That is what Heaven’s Light was founded for. Wherever tyranny shows its head we will stop it. But we can’t do it alone. We must unite as one or all of us will fall before their charge. We must cast aside our differences for survival. Tonight is the night we come together! To the citizens to of the Confederation I call out to you! If you can fight then take up your blade or rifle; take up your fighter or vessel, even if they’re derelict and old. For those who can’t fight I ask you to survive. Even if you must flee your home then do so. Objects can be replaced but your lives can’t be.” He paused to let the crowd cheer some more. “Tomorrow we go to battle once again. If there is one thing to remember then remember these words spoken by Gaelic Kein: If you must die then do so with a song
on your lips and love in your heart. As a fellow Maigar I hear his words and shall live by them till the end of my days. This I swear.”

  When the crowd cheered Brian bowed before heading backstage. The three women followed as the others celebrated. He leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.

  “I still feel like I’m oozing cheese every time I do something like that,” he said.

  “I think they needed to hear you say something,” Zae said.

  “By the way, all three of you look lovely right now,” Brian said.

  “Which one of us is the loveliest?” Mira asked before winking.

  He laughed. “I’m not answering that question. One smile isn’t worth two slaps.”

  “You were really good yourself,” Seles said.

  “Thanks, and all three of you were as well,” Brian said. “Now let’s join our friends out there and enjoy the evening together.”

  Chapter 32 - The Third Battle of Dega Jul

  Valis sat in the cockpit of the Minerva. After she said a prayer to Kali she turned the systems on.

  This will be a difficult battle. The Minerva wrote on the screen.

  “I know, but we have no choice but to fight,” Valis said.

  The com activated and showed it was Grigon from the Vomada.

  “What is it old man?” Valis asked.

  “Everything’s ready,” Grigon cawed. “Veda gave me the password and they’ll head up to space shortly.”

  “I hope your system doesn’t have any bugs in it,” Valis said. “Our survival hinges on it.”

  “I’ve had thirty years to perfect it,” Grigon said. “Never doubt an engineer with that much time and a lot of money.”

  “I won’t then,” Valis said. “Hold off the third planet killer as long as you can.”

  “I will,” Grigon said.

  Veda appeared on the monitor. “I like the battle plan you submitted last night.”

  “Our only chance is to hit them fast and hard,” Valis said. “Can you handle it on your end?”