Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence

by Marcus Johnson

  “I’ve never seen one before,” Baeron said.

  “A few years ago I got the idea to tinker with them a little,” Veda said. “The end result is a generation of androids far superior to the old ones.”

  “I came to ask for their A.I. information,” Siata said.

  “Regulations on artificial intelligence say as much,” Veda said before she tossed a data crystal to Siata. “That has the basics, but more importantly it will allow you to access the mainframe computer inside my estate. That’s where all the information you need is.”

  “Do you plan on decommissioning them after the war?” Baeron asked.

  “No, we won’t make that mistake again,” Veda said. “I thought it was idiotic when my people did so the first time. No, the androids stay. In a few years they’ll have built up enough memories to be given names and their freedom of course.”

  “I didn’t know you came this far forward in your line of thinking,” Siata said.

  Veda smiled. “It’s only right to give intelligent beings their freedom. Brian taught me that. When I first started on the project to bring them back he told me to handle it like this.”

  “I’ll make sure the High Council sees everything on this,” Siata said.

  “Have you heard from Admiral Regelik or Admiral Khcha yet?” Baeron asked.

  “I’ve spoken to both of them extensively,” Veda said. “They’ve come to join our fleet. Because they have the Ick-Tckt base I told the two forces to join together and act as our Fifth fleet.”

  “What’s our next move?” Siata asked.

  “Valis says they’ll attack Kalaidia in the next week or so,” Veda said. “We plan on repairs, getting supplies, and then go as soon as possible. We’re going to need every ship we can spare for this next battle.”

  “Are we leaving Dega Jul undefended?” Baeron asked.

  “No,” Veda said. “The other Confederation members are sending a total of twelve thousand mixed class ships.”

  “I thought we had that one under wraps,” Siata said.

  “Our intelligence network is second to none,” Veda said. “Dega Jul will be in good hands. We must take this opportunity to move forward and strike at the enemy.”

  “I agree,” Siata said.

  Chapter 36 - A Crack in the Armor

  General Sunadin stood up and cursed under his breath when after the third planet killer was destroyed. When he turned on his holographic table he looked at the battle lines on the side of the galaxy he was on and saw a large hole in it. The Saeki were holding off the forces he sent against them. His Red Star and only five planet killers remained near him, with two of those being severely damaged. The Grey began pacing around the table and looked at the entire situation up and down. After trying a few probable situations he found the only option with a chance of succeeding was to invade Kalaidian territory and destroy them. The general sat on a chair and stared at the battle lines again, unsure of his next move.

  “Hesitation is your best trait,” Myden said after his image appeared opposite of Sunadin.

  “Your Warrior has thrown us into chaos,” Sunadin said.

  “Brian hesitates as well,” Myden said.

  “A soldier should never be possessed with uncertainty,” Sunadin countered.

  “True, but the soldier who never stops to think will end up heartless and miss things along the way,” Myden said. “Sunadin, it’s not too late to join us. The machine god will not save you; it will only serve to destroy you.”

  “I know,” Sunadin said.

  “If you know then why do you insist on this?” Myden asked.

  “Because I don’t know any other way of life,” Sunadin answered.

  “Then we will meet on the battlefield of Kalaidia Prime,” Myden said.

  “Whether it’s victory or death I will go,” Sunadin said.

  After Myden’s image disappeared the voice of the machine god ached in Sunadin’s mind. He felt an overwhelming sense of anger and hatred coming from the being. As he stared at the hologram of the war he turned to Kalaidia again. The image of Brian came to his mind and a smile came to the Grey’s face.

  I’d like to fight him myself. Sunadin thought to himself before heading to the main control room.

  * * *

  Seles watched Mira and the other medical officers as they worked to save as many lives as they could. From the dark circles under Mira’s eyes it was obvious she hadn’t slept the night before. Suv Gar looked similarly tired but pushed on. Brian walked up and stood with her.

  “She’s amazing,” Seles said.

  “She is,” Brian said. “But you are as well.”

  “My best talent is taking life,” Seles said. “Hers is giving it back.”

  “You’ll find something to keep you going,” Brian said. “Your musical skills are close to hers. Not to mention you’re a damn good chef.”

  Seles looked down with sadness in her eyes. “Brian, why did you do that?”

  “One life for billions, there really isn’t a comparison,” he answered.

  “When you say it like that the feelings I have seem so petty,” Seles said.

  “Let me show you something,” Brian said before taking her hand.

  He brought her to the HDC without another word. When the two stepped inside the holographic system turned on and shifted to that of a familiar cave. It was the one the two lived in for twelve days right after Brian was rescued by the Avoni.

  “This is exactly as I remember it,” Seles said. “Why did you bring me here?”

  “When I was taken from my world I had no future,” Brian said. “My life on Earth was meaningless; if I had died no one would have known nor cared. This cave is where my life began. Looking back it seems like an eternity ago, but my feelings are the same.” He took Seles and held her close. “I was in darkness, the kind so black light can’t be found. Everything that meant a damn to me was gone. I was…alone.” He looked her in the eyes. “Then I met you. When we crashed you became the spark to light the fire inside me again. Seles, I wake up every day and am thankful we met.”

  “Before I met you I was searching for something to believe in,” Seles said. “Although I was surrounded by friends and comrades, I too felt alone.” She brushed her hand over his beard. “Myden gave me the gift of your memories. For what reason I’ve never figured out, but they are there.”

  “He did that so I could live on through you,” Brian said.

  “That sounds like Myden,” Seles said with a tearful smile.

  “I don’t plan on dying Seles, not now, not ever if I can help it,” he said. “But we both know death could come at any moment. If that happens I want you to know I love you.”

  “Thanks for saying it,” Seles said.

  She took his hand and pulled him out of the HDC. She kept his hand and led him towards the cafeteria.

  “Where are taking me?” he asked.

  “Let’s make a few pizzas together,” Seles said. “I think Mira and the others in sickbay could use a pick me up.”

  He smiled. “Good idea.”

  She stopped suddenly and smiled at him. “I love you,” she said before leading the way.

  * * *

  Grigon worked on the bridge of the Vomada when Dreka walked in. The monitor showed still images of the planet killer Brian used his power on.

  “Sleep is obviously something our family is allergic to,” Dreka said.

  “Too many things and so little time,” Grigon cawed. “Your Talon is magnificent. Now I can call you an engineer.”

  Dreka cawed. “Thanks. Unfortunately it’s like the special models. Mass production is out of the question for the time being.”

  “It’s not like the special models, it is one,” Grigon said. “You should give it a name.”

  “I’ll get on that when I know it works,” Dreka said. “By the way, can you explain what Brian did?”

  “His power forced that giant into another dimension,” Grigon answered. “As far as theories go tha
t’s the best I can come up with.” The old birdman paused for a moment. “He almost died again.”

  “Brian’s an expert on near death experiences,” Dreka said. “So how did he emerge this time?”

  “He didn’t,” Grigon said. “That little lady he favors breathed life back into him. I’ve seen it twice now, once with Celi, and now with Seles. It’s almost time for us to find out if our work will ever come to fruition. Remember, once is a fluke, twice is an experiment. From what I’ve see I can conclude the Kalaidian power is that of energy manipulation.”

  “It sounds interesting,” Dreka said. “Well, I have to get back to the Raulno. Captain Kivi needs me to lead the maintenance crew as usual.”

  Grigon laughed. “I’ll be doing the same on the Freedom. Work work and work, that’s all we do. The life of an engineer is filled with such things.”

  “Well, now that I’m an engineer to you my life is the exact same,” Dreka said.

  * * *

  Mira and Suv Gar were taking a break in the med lab while the others continued working. Mira rubbed her eyes before sipping on a bottle of water. She perked up when Suv poured a glass of tea and drank some.

  “That brings back memories,” Mira said with a smile.

  “Do you want some?” Suv asked.

  “You know what that does to Kalaidians, so not right now,” Mira said.

  “That’s not a no,” Suv said.

  “I haven’t slept a wink in two days,” Mira said.

  “It’s your night with the Terran,” Suv said.

  “I know, that’s why I want you to give me some of that later,” Mira said. “I’d like to have some fun before passing out cold.”

  Suv grinned. “You mammals sure have fun with that.”

  “Yes, we certainly do,” Mira said.

  The two laughed together for a while before looking out the window.

  “He almost left you again,” Suv said.

  “I know,” Mira said. “I can say all the things I want about being ready, but we both know that’s a lie.” She drank some more water. “Have you had a chance to mourn?”

  “Yes,” Suv said. “All the Shandi on the base gathered together and performed a ceremony of remembrance. Those who died are gone, but the memories of their lives are not. They live on through us.” She looked at Mira. “Do your people believe in an afterlife?”

  Mira nodded. “When we die we go behind the stage. Kali blesses us and thanks us for playing our roles in life. Afterwards, we pass through a tunnel of light and see everyone who died before us. There, in a land of infinite bounty, we rejoice and celebrate for the rest of eternity.”

  “It sounds like a beautiful place,” Suv said. “I wonder if the rest of us are invited to the party you speak of.”

  “I’m sure Kali would be accepting of such,” Mira said. “Everyone who’s born to the Grand Stage is playing a role and thus should be allowed in.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Suv said.

  Brian and Seles came in a moment later with a cart full of pizzas and drinks. They started passing out the fares to patients and medical officers much to their surprise. Mira smiled.

  “They went out of their way, so why not?” she asked before running out to grab a slice.

  You’re a strong woman Mira. I hope he appreciates you. Suv thought as she joined the others.

  Chapter 37 - Whispers in the Dark

  The admirals of Kalaidia left the throne room after Lumiar Wavecrest, the leader of the Braiden, entered to speak with Queen Celestia and Jabril Hopart. The cloven feet of Lumiar echoed in the room as she joined the other two. After the doors closed the monitors on the walls displayed the current situation.

  “It’s been a long time since we last met,” Lumiar said.

  “How have your people been doing?” Celestia asked.

  “Quite well,” Lumiar answered. “We’ve finished building ten colony class ships to use as homes for the time being. But given our current situation I suspect a few things will be changed.”

  “We need you to bring them to this system and take as many civilians as possible,” Jabril said.

  “We would even if you hadn’t asked,” Lumiar said. “The debt my people owe to Kalaidia is great. If saving the lives of your people is something within our power we will gladly do it.”

  “Thank you,” Jabril said.

  “From the images it appears the Greys are headed here next,” Lumiar said. “We can’t spare as many as I would like but we pledge two thousand pilots to the defense of this world.”

  “Are they trained to use Phase Raknas?” Jabril asked.

  “Yes,” Lumiar said. “For a long time many of my people have sought vengeance for what happened on that awful day. Although I don’t encourage such desires I understand it. Now, many others have suffered the same fate. The dead are crying out for justice. Even though we can contribute only a small amount the Confederation needs us at this time.”

  The com flashed when an encoded message came in. Celestia turned it on using her wrist computer. On one of the screens Valis appeared.

  “I have dire news for you Celestia; hopefully you have Jabril and Lumiar with you,” Valis said. “The Greys have only one option for victory in this area of the galaxy and it involves a direct assault on Kalaidia Prime. The attack will begin within the next four days. We have secured the rear exit from the home system to Dega Jul and ask that you send as many civilians and colonies as you can. The enemy force moving against you will consist of three planet killers, a fleet of fifteen thousand carriers, and the Red Star, a special planet killer under the control of one of the Grey generals. Know that Heaven’s Light will be with you when the battle begins. Included in this message are detailed battle plans for the Kalaidian fleets. I pray they help you. And tell the people their Herald will come. He has found his song and will save us from the fire in the skies.”

  The message ended with silence for a moment. Celestia hit the com to contact Admiral Nia, the leader of the first fleet of Kalaidia.

  “Nia, begin preparations to use the special project,” Celestia ordered.

  “Of course my queen,” Nia said before the monitor went black.

  “What’s this special project?” Jabril asked.

  Celestia pointed to the sky near the equator. “Since the sojourn our engineers have been working on a defense system to counter the planet killer.”

  “Is it an orbital shield?” Lumiar asked. “But the amount of power it requires is beyond anything we have.”

  “All of the grids across this planet will go black but the power is possible,” Celestia said. “Our solar ring will give us what we need.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything about this before?” Jabril asked.

  “I said nothing because it wasn’t ready to test until two days ago,” Celestia said. “We can thank the goddess for that. I’ll make sure parliament is given all the details now that it’s an option.”

  “Alright,” Jabril said.

  “I’ll get back to my people and do as you asked,” Lumiar said. “I pray the gods watch over us.”

  “They will,” Celestia said. “And I pray Kali does the same.”

  * * *

  Brian woke up and found Mira brushing her hair. He slipped on his clothes and stretched with a yawn.

  “You look well rested,” Mira said.

  “You do as well,” Brian said.

  He slipped on the locket she gave him a few years prior.

  “Does it work?” Mira asked.

  “I don’t know,” Brian said. “Is it copying me at all times?”

  “That’s not its actual function,” Mira said.

  “I thought it was copying my thought patterns?” he asked.

  “Its main purpose is to act as a beacon,” Mira said.

  She went over to him and tapped the amulet. After it opened it showed an image of Brian, Seles, and Mira together on Dega Jul. She tapped it again and a hologram of the three was projected into the room.
/>   “It’s like a digital photo from my world, only three dimensional,” Brian said.

  “If you’re ever stranded alone I wanted you to have this,” Mira said. “It will guide you back to us if your body loses its corporeal nature.”

  “Thanks,” he said.

  “By the way, who’s the mystery person with my earring?” she asked.

  “It’s a secret for now,” Brian answered. He noticed she wasn’t pleased. “I’ll say this much, the person who has it will need your help when the time comes.”

  “Alright, you can play coy if you want,” Mira said. “I’m going to check sickbay before heading to the meeting.”

  “We’ll be waiting,” Brian said.

  * * *

  General Sunadin was looking over his invasion plan for Kalaidia when the image of General Regen appeared next to him.

  “How is it going?” Regen asked.

  “It’s more difficult than our lord thinks,” Sunadin said.

  “The Mylor and Avar have stopped our advance,” Regen said. “In addition, the remains of the Daemos have begun to move on us with the help of the Rendi. We must press forward on this side or our entire plan will be set back.”

  “I know, but the Terran is a tricky warrior,” Sunadin said. “His power throws everything off when it comes to planning.”

  “I know,” Regen said. “Have you spoken to Myden yet?”

  “He’s appeared to me a few times,” Sunadin said. “I’ve tried to convince him to return to us but he’s steadfast in his heresy. Killing him seems to be the only option left to us.”

  “Are you prepared to go through with it?” Regen asked. “He was you teacher and commander for a long time.”

  “Too many centuries have passed for my loyalty to remain with him,” Sunadin said. “He is a traitor and as such deserves the penalty of death. If I meet him on the battlefield I will show him no mercy.”

  “I’m holding you to that,” Regen said. “Well, I’ll leave the rest to you Sunadin. Give us a victory.”