Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence

by Marcus Johnson

  “I will,” Sunadin said as Regen disappeared.

  * * *

  Brian, Myden, Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and Kyli were on the bridge of the Freedom. In the background the four droids silently worked away. The space around Dega Jul was being cleared of all the debris while scores of colonies from different star systems gravity jumped in. The refugees landing on Dega Jul aided in the repair of the city planet. The eight bases of Heaven’s Light acted as processing centers while their ships were in for repairs.

  “So what’s your decision?” Seles asked.

  “I’ll give shore leave to the crew,” Brian said. “In shifts and everyone remains on call. Does that sound reasonable?”

  Everyone nodded a yes.

  “Good,” Brian said. “Now the issue to bring up is our next move.”

  “Sunadin will move on Kalaidia,” Myden said. “Valis and I are drawing up the final battle plans, but we’ve given all the commanding officers the basic one.”

  “How many are attacking Kalaidia?” Seles asked.

  “Three standard planet killers, fifteen to twenty thousand carriers, and the Red Star,” Brian answered. “Even with our combined forces the chance of victory is slim.”

  “From what I see it hinges on whether enough of us can berserk or not,” Mira said.

  “It looks the same to me,” Kyli added.

  “But even with a song going the problem is communication,” Seles pointed out. “I’m sure the Greys can jam our signals as a countermeasure.”

  “True, but all we need to do is apply a different method,” Myden said.

  “What method would that be?” Kyli asked.

  “You can ask him yourself,” Myden said.

  The door opened and in walked a slightly taller than normal Ick-Tckt drone. From the staff he held and appearance everyone could see it Tctie. His ant like eyes seemed to shimmer in the light when he joined them.

  “It’s good to see everyone again,” Tctie said.

  “You look well,” Brian said. “Have you learned to control your power?”

  “Yes,” Tctie said. “Let me demonstrate.”

  Tctie held the telepathic staff up and concentrated. The room was filled with a strange aura while the drone connected all their minds as one.

  “This is like the sea of blue,” Seles said.

  “I can’t bring everyone there,” Tctie said. “But I can unite our minds. Using the modified Phase Rakna with a system similar to the Siren’s I’m able to do so on a larger scale.”

  “And the best part is the machine god can do nothing to stop it,” Myden said. “You’ve done well in continuing to improve.”

  Tctie ceased using his power. “It’s because of what you taught me Myden. Now I can help the cause at this crucial moment.”

  “We’re going to need it if we’re going to win this war,” Brian said.

  Chapter 38 - A Day Amongst the Ashes

  Brian and Baeron entered the remains of Mya’s shop with their weapons ready. The human and bearman quickly made their way to the basement and then to the sublevel right below the surface. After a thorough check the two returned to the surface where Mya was waiting wrapped in a thermal cloak.

  “Can I go inside?” she asked.

  “Everything’s clear,” Baeron said.

  “Before that, do you have the suit I requested?” Brian asked.

  Mya smiled. “Thanks for remembering. And yes, it’s in my apartment.”

  Baeron signaled a team of Minan soldiers to join him.

  “We’re going on a hunt,” Baeron said.

  “I’ll join you in a little while,” Brian said.

  Baeron nodded before leading a squad of a dozen soldiers under the surface in search of Greys. The lights flickered for a moment before the power was restored to Mya’s building. The side facing the massive ground scar was covered in ash and debris while all the windows on the ground level were blown out. Mya tapped her wrist computer to unlock the upstairs. Brian kept his sword ready before escorting her upstairs.

  “A regular soldier would have been enough,” Mya said as they entered her apartment.

  “I know, but I figured if I was going to pick something up I’d pitch in,” he said.

  The main room of the apartment was her design studio. Numerous holographic projectors were built into the walls while fabrics of every type were strewn about.

  “You have a nice place here,” Brian said. “I’m glad it survived.”

  Mya walked out of her bedroom with something a long black bag. “This has been my home for fifty years. If it was destroyed I’d rebuild it.”

  “That’s a long time to do one thing,” Brian said.

  “True, but I do it well,” Mya said. “One day I’d like to expand my clientele to your people.”

  “Humans enjoy fashion as much as Kalaidians,” Brian said. “I can imagine your profits will soar.”

  “I have little need for money anymore,” she admitted. “You may not know this, but my net wealth is close to that of the Kalaidian nobles. I’d rather spend my time and money on things I love and not giant estates. Too much work for me.”

  She handed him the suit.

  “Thank you,” Brian said. “When the war is over I’ll come back and order another one of these.”

  “That’s good, I have a few things in mind,” Mya said.

  * * *

  Seles, Mira, and Jesela were in the launching bay with the Artemis and Siren. After several hours of maintenance work the three took a break to get something to eat and drink.

  “You look ragged,” Jesela said while looking at Mira.

  “Between this and sickbay I’m working double shifts every day,” Mira said. “There’s no end to it.”

  “It’s the same with keeping the ship running,” Jesela said.

  “Yeah, but you don’t sleep anyway,” Seles said.

  “That’s true,” Jesela said.

  “When did you find time to cook yesterday?” Mira asked.

  “As the first officer I have little to do other than check the ship’s supplies and review battle plans,” Seles answered. “I’d rather have Kyli’s job but I have the one I have.”

  “It sounds like you’ve got more free time than the rest of us,” Jesela said.

  “I do in some ways,” Seles said. “But when combat approaches I’m too busy.”

  “We all feel that way,” Jesela said.

  “By the way, the improvements are great,” Mira said. “Every time I use the song system the swath of disabled enemies seems to get bigger.”

  “And ten arrows is much easier to allocate then two,” Seles added.

  “I told you all it took was time and money,” Jesela said. “Although now I think we’ve hit a wall.”

  “What do you mean?” Seles asked.

  “The special models and Mjolnir are fixed designs,” Jesela said. “We can change them around to a point before we need to start from scratch.”

  “Mjolnir’s old compared to these two but I wouldn’t say he’s outlived his usefulness,” Mira said.

  “That’s not what I meant to say,” Jesela said. “Technology is limited in advancement by current scientific models. We’re hitting that wall about now.”

  “So how do you get past it?” Seles asked.

  “A lot of time and research,” Jesela said. “There are a few anomalies in our current gravity drive models we can’t explain. It’s even worse when we look at the planet killers. According to all the data we have such ships shouldn’t work, let alone exist. I’ve asked Myden, but he insists he knows nothing about the actual construction of such massive gravity drive systems.”

  “He was a general, not an engineer,” Seles pointed out.

  “That’s why I don’t press,” Jesela said. “If he knew something he’d tell me.”

  “I wonder why our weapons work so well against the Greys,” Mira said.

  “Most races think of technological advancement are linear and fixed,” Jesela said.
“But in reality it’s far from that. Technology moves in leaps and bounds. Our Maigars’ exoskeletons and rakna blades are far ahead of our other advancements. The mobile weapons Grigon prototyped are the same. They’re far ahead of our ships in terms of technology. But even they have their limit.”

  “If you can’t move forward then move sideways,” Seles said. “In battle, a force is often stopped from advancing by a superior defense. The only way to counter it is to move around the defense and attack from a different angle.”

  “We’re trying but it’s not easy,” Jesela said.

  The eyes on the Artemis and Siren lit up when the mobile suits sent out a message. Jesela looked at her tablet and smiled.

  “What are they saying?” Mira asked.

  Jesela turned the screen to them and showed the text written on it. Get back to work. We need to be ready for the next battle.

  “That’s our queue to stop talking and resume working,” Seles said.

  “Then let’s get to it,” Jesela said before the three went back to work.

  * * *

  The Avoni and Raulno shared a dock near the Kalaidian district. Both Valis and Kivi looked at the red sky and ash filled air. The chill in the wind caused both of them to turn the heating systems in their exoskeletons on. Ships of every make flew about and gave the city planet the illusion of normalcy. In the distance the scar could be seen.

  “Are you going hunting later?” Valis asked.

  “No, three days of that is enough for me,” Kivi said. “What about you?”

  “Melee combat is something I’ve never been particularly good at,” Valis said.

  Kivi sniffed the air. “The sky looks angry and the air is thick with ash. Even though Brian and Myden stopped the worst from happening I doubt the Greys will be gone for a long time.”

  “They were put here to act dissidents,” Valis said. “Their numbers are still in the thousands. If they can breed underground, even in small numbers, Dega Jul will never be free of their threat.”

  “The machine god thinks in terms of centuries,” Kivi said.

  “Yes, and we think in terms of years and months,” Valis said before sighing. “I wish the Kritkar was still around. I could use a drink right about now.”

  “Old Grig is serving Kali now,” Kivi said. “Valis, what do you think you’ll do after all this?”

  Valis laughed. “I’m a lifer Kivi. I’ll captain a ship until the end of my days.” She looked her friend in the eye. “Why? Are you having second thoughts?”

  “Something inside tells me there’s more to life than fighting battles,” Kivi said. “I’m as fierce a warrior as they come but part of me longs for a quiet life.” She stared at the cityscape. “I know Brian feels the same. The only problem is I’ll grow restless after a few years and want to come back.”

  “My advice is to follow your heart,” Valis said. “A few years away could be what you need. But you may also find the calling of your life.”

  “Thanks,” Kivi said. “Moving to a different subject, how goes the battle plan?”

  “Difficult at best and impossible at worst,” Valis answered. “Since we don’t have a scientific measure for the berserk or Tctie’s power adding them to the plan is proving difficult. Myden keeps reassuring me but it’s not helping.”

  “What’s it like working with him?” Kivi asked.

  “His instincts and experience are obvious,” Valis answered. “You can tell he’s covered it up for years, but underneath it he’s a warrior at heart. The only thing holding him back is his fear of being taken over by the machine god.”

  “A fear I hope never comes true,” Kivi said.

  A number of officers were heading towards the pair.

  “It looks like we’re being pulled back to work,” Valis said.

  “I think you’re spot on,” Kivi said.

  * * *

  Brian and Baeron looked around the underground chamber they were in. The bodies of Grey soldiers were all over the floor. The two were covered in a film of clear blood from the creatures as they moved into another hallway. They took a break to sit down in a small control room nearby.

  “How far down do the sublevels go?” Brian asked.

  “The lowest known level is seven,” Baeron said. “But we can’t be sure anymore.”

  “From what I can see you’re going to need to have units patrolling every part of Dega Jul for a long time,” Brian said.

  “I’ve already completed the book work to do so,” Baeron said.

  “Good luck, I’ve had about enough of this,” Brian said.

  “Being covered in blood isn’t very enjoyable,” Baeron said.

  “I know from experience,” Brian said.

  The two laughed at their situation for a moment. Brian removed his helmet to get a breath of fresh air.

  “Why did you choose Meldi to pilot the Mjolnir?” the bearman asked.

  “During the sojourn my mind touched hers,” Brian said. “I saw everything from her past. Then a few years later I had a dream of her flying the Mjolnir. I don’t know why but something told me to give it to her.”

  “Dreams are the mixing of your elements,” Baeron said. “They tell us what we need to do.”

  “You know I don’t believe in that stuff,” Brian said. “But it doesn’t matter, because something told me she had to be the pilot. She’s strong inside and has a good heart. That’s enough for me.”

  “I’m glad someone else sees that part of her,” Baeron said.

  Brian put his helmet back on as they went to continue their hunt.

  “I think she’s in love with you,” Baeron said.

  “I know, and that’s why I trust her,” Brian said. “Love is the bond that keeps people together. Without it everything falls apart.”

  Chapter 39 - The Confederation Fleet

  Veda and Reban worked in the command center like they normally did. The other base leaders took turns discussing the plans Valis had sent them earlier. Once they were finished the screens went dark and allowed Veda a moment of peace.

  “You look tired,” Reban said. “Do you want me to take over for a while?”

  “I can handle my shift,” Veda said. “But thanks for the offer.”

  “It seems like each battle gets bigger,” Reban said.

  “They are,” Veda said. “If the Greys bring twenty thousand carriers it means nearly a million attack ships. That’s not mentioning the planet killers.”

  “The people of Kalaidia will not go down easily,” Reban said.

  “I feel the same, but we need to be there,” Veda said.

  Myden walked in and started working with the holographic table. After sifting through a number of individual plans for the upcoming battle he turned it off and stared at the monitor showing outside.

  “You look uncertain,” Veda said. “That has me worried.”

  “It should,” Myden said. “Our foe is Sunadin Malkas, one of my best students. Even though he follows the machine god I sense hesitation behind his actions.”

  “We can use that to our advantage,” Veda said.

  “I know, but I get sentimental when it comes to old friends,” Myden said. “What we are today I was with him centuries ago. We fought on the same side in both of my peoples’ wars with the Mylor and the civil war that followed. He is hesitating, for what reason I can’t say, but I know he is.”

  “It does appear he’s holding back,” Veda said. “If he attacked Kalaidia while we were fighting the battle here he could’ve won.”

  “I think he wants to be proven wrong,” Myden said. “In his heart Sunadin is an honorable warrior.”

  “Does he want you to fight him?” Veda asked.

  “No, I think he wants a fight Brian,” Myden said. “In his eyes Brian is now my student. If Brian defeats him it means he’s wrong. Sunadin was a fan of dueling back then and I suspect he still is.”

  “Your people dueled?” Reban asked.

  “Yes,” Myden said. “To prevent massiv
e casualties the leaders during the civil war would declare a duel. Two warriors entered the arena and one left. I had to fight my share in the past to defend my soldiers.”

  “Did your civil war lead to the creation of that god?” Veda asked.

  Myden nodded. “There were eleven factions fighting for power and everything was in chaos. We agreed that if the majority of factions chose the machine god route we would do it. I fled with many others in fear of it. I tried convincing Sunadin to leave, but he was afraid of the fate of our people. Since that day the machine god has hunted down all of those who fled.”

  The monitor turned on to show thousands of ships from various races of the Confederation gravity jumping into orbit. The fleets began gathering and moving into their assigned defensive positions.

  “Our reinforcements are here,” Reban said.

  “Excellent, now we can concentrate on repairs and supplies,” Veda said. She noticed Myden had disappeared. “I would like to know how he does that.”

  “It’s some kind of magic he uses with his staff,” Reban said.

  “That could be,” Veda said.

  * * *

  Brian stopped when his com flashed.

  “The allied fleet is appearing in orbit captain,” Droid A reported.

  “Thanks,” Brian said before turning off his com.

  He and Baeron began making their way back to the surface.

  “The fleet must be here,” Baeron said.

  “It’s a day earlier than planned but that gives us a chance to get to Kalaidia faster,” Brian said. “Every minute we can use to set up our defense line will save lives.”

  “My Lance is charged and ready to go,” Baeron said.

  “I thought you and Siata were staying behind,” Brian said.

  “Lord Kris and the Fourth Mylor fleet will be taking our place,” Baeron said. “They’ve managed to stop the advance of the Greys on the other side of the galaxy, now we have to do the same.” The bearman sniffed his uniform. “But before doing anything else I’m going to take a shower.”

  “I know the feeling,” Brian said.