Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence

by Marcus Johnson

  “This is Captain Peterson of the Freedom speaking,” he said. “To the Kalaidian people, the day of reckoning is upon us. Several years ago I called for action from you. Now is the time to say a prayer to the goddess and fly into battle. The darkness has come and now we must shine light over it. When the battle begins I call upon you to sing. Sing for your goddess, sing for yourselves, and sing for your lives. Kali put you on the stage for this moment. Let’s not disappoint her.” He drew his sword and pointed it at the Grey forces. “If Kali wills it, then let us sing!”

  Valis paused as cheers filled the com lines. She switched over the commanding officers to focus her orders better. “This is Captain Valis of the Avoni speaking. To all Kalaidian and Heaven’s Light forces I’ve sent over the final battle plan. The Kalaidian forces will advance on planet killer one and its fleet with the Apollo at its head. The forces of the Ick-Tckt Nova base and the Gold Navy will advance on planet killer two with Commander Tctie at its head. The remaining forces will advance on planet killer three with the Maidens at the head. Our goal is to cut down the smaller planet killers as quickly as possible before surrounding the Red Star and its forces. The specifics have been sent to all commanding officers amongst you. That is all for now.”

  “Thanks for the help,” Celestia said a moment later. “Good luck Valis.”

  “Good luck to you as well,” Valis said.

  Admiral Regelik from the Gold Navy appeared with Admiral Khcha from the Nova base next to him.

  “This plan has Lady Star written all over it,” Regelik said.

  “Offense is our best defense at the moment,” Khcha said.

  “Thanks for saying so you two,” Valis said.

  After they disappeared from the screen Veda appeared.

  “This is a bit risky, but at this point I don’t think we can worry about that,” Veda said.

  “We have a buffer this time,” Valis said.

  “Interesting, I never heard of this,” Veda said.

  “I just learned about it when we entered orbit,” Valis said. She sent over the image of a number of odd looking arrays in orbit of the planet. “Celestia wasn’t sitting around all these years after all.”

  “As long as they work we have a chance,” Veda said. “I’d better get back to sending out orders though.”

  “Good luck,” Valis said.

  She took a deep breath before the monitor switched back to her nearby allies.

  “It’s good to be out here with the six of you,” Dreka said.

  “You looked great in the last battle,” Kivi said.

  “So what’s the plan captain?” Meldi asked.

  “I’ve looked over the specs on our mobile suits and have this,” Valis said. An image displayed on their monitors. It showed the seven mobile suits moving together at the front of their fleet. “Dreka and Meldi will act as one prong in our attack while Seles and Mira are the other. The Gemini will split and act as the center position with my craft as the support. The Aegis will remain in the center and act as our safe zone. Behind us our allies will hold back using the Hades system as long as they can.”

  “Are we berserking?” Seles asked.

  “All the way,” Valis said. “Our objective is to punch through and destroy planet killer three on our own if possible. That way our friends can fight the Red Star when the time comes. Hopefully Veda’s androids will buy us some time.”

  A line of Grey ships hit a series of space mines equipped with nuclear warheads. Flashes of light filled the space around the Kalaidian homeworld while the various fleets moved into their positions. The planet killers and their fleets slowed down when thousands of Keinien androids from the bases of Heaven’s Light gravity jumped inside the massive vessels. The interiors were filled with battle as the androids fought with blades and pulse weapons. Even the Red Star stopped when it had to deal with the interior threat.

  “Do we charge in now?” Kivi asked.

  “We’ll wait until the Greys hit the first defense line,” Valis said. “Once they’re in the middle of dealing with that we’ll move in.”

  * * *

  A hundred Keinien androids broke into the command center of the Red Star. Sunadin let his soldiers move in to defend the chamber while we focused his energy and fired a series of energy blasts to help them. The androids proved more difficult to repel then the Grey general thought and he was force to call in help. When he did so he noticed the scanners showed several thousand of the androids onboard at the moment.

  “I have to give them my compliments on their tenacity,” Sunadin said to himself.

  He noticed the other planet killers were having similar problems and used his power to focus their thoughts. In the back of his mind he heard a chant coming from the Kalaidian people as they prepared to charge. From the center of each planet killer the voice of the machine god echoed through every Grey.

  * * *

  After delivering his short speech and beginning the chant Brian turned his attention back to the Freedom. Kyli and the hundred mobile suits stood on the hull with all the reflector plates in position. The mobile weapons from the other ships did likewise. The remaining Novaguards set for autopilot joined them a moment later.

  “All weapons systems are ready,” Myden said.

  “All gravity drives are prepared for use as well,” Grigon said.

  “All defense systems are ready,” Jesela said. “So why are we sitting here?”

  “Right now our androids are keeping the planet killers occupied so we can move into position,” Brian said. “Valis and Myden’s plan requires we do everything right or we’ll lose this.”

  “A few adjustments will be necessary, but that’s the idea,” Myden said.

  “Are going full blast right away?” Grigon asked.

  “No, we’re holding off until our quarry goes down,” Brian said. “The Maidens will be exhausted and have little left against the Red Star.”

  “Should I ready the Vomada to send them a few gifts?” Grigon asked.

  “Go ahead,” Brian said.

  “I’m on my way,” Grigon said before leaving.

  “He loves that old ship,” Jesela said.

  “The Vomada is a part of him,” Brian said.

  The Greys hit the first line of automated pulse cannons. As they did so the Red Star flared up and fired massive beam of energy into the moon orbiting Kalaidia. Though it held together, everything on the surface was heated to the point of vaporization.

  “I’m glad they had a chance to evacuate the people living on their moon,” Brian said.

  Chapter 42 - The Battle of Kalaidia Prime

  The Maidens led the charge into the Grey fleet. The Mjolnir and Dreka’s Talon flew opposite of the Artemis and Siren. In the middle the Gemini split in two with Kivi firing the cannons at any enemy ships coming near them. Valis flew the Minerva next to the Gemini while Celi put the shields of the Aegis to the max. All seven pilots let the berserk come over them as their special systems activated. The Siren and the spear from Dreka’s Talon began disabling enemy ships in mass. The seven mobile suits ignored those foes and focused on the ones still moving. Behind them, the ships and bases of Heaven’s Light cleaned up the disabled enemy crafts.

  “Seles, Meldi, and Kivi, switch to spread mode for now,” Valis ordered.

  “Yes Valis,” the three said together.

  The Artemis and Mjolnir moved their reflector plates into position and fired pulse blasts that spread and hit numerous enemy ships. The Gemini’s two halves used their cannons after switching them over. The seven plowed forward through the attack ships with little resistance as they approached the planet killer. Before punching through completely a fleet of carriers moved together and began resonating their power. A powerful shield of glowing energy was sent outward and blocked the advancement of the seven. When the enemy swarmed them the mobile suits moved inside the Aegis’s shield.

  “I don’t think a simple charge is going to work,” Seles said.

  “We’re ok
ay for now,” Celi said.

  The enemy ships flew closer and pounded the shields. Mira continued singing a song to disable their ships if they came too close. The others focused on picking off the moving attack ships or carriers not resonating. Valis closed her glowing eyes and let the Minerva’s system entered her mind. After sifting through a number of plans she found the one she was looking for.

  “The Greys are able to use their telepathic power to create energy shields or weaponry,” Valis said. “The key is to break them apart before they can gather too many together.”

  “Should I fire some arrows into them?” Seles asked.

  “I want you and Dreka to break their line using those systems,” Valis said. “Meldi, you’re to use your blasts to clear the path to the planet killer. The rest of us will maintain formation and follow your lead.”

  “Yes Valis,” the others said.

  The Siren moved next to the Minerva and Gemini inside the Aegis’s shield. The Artemis, Mjolnir, and Dreka’s Talon sped to the front. Dreka spun the claw on his Talon and flared up with energy while the Artemis fired a series of arrow blasts into the Grey carriers. After five shots she relented and let Dreka fire five in a row from his Talon. To finish things off the Malcovin pilot tossed his lance into the hole and disabled all the nearby carriers. The Artemis then fired three more arrows and blasted the carrier formation apart. The seven mobile suits sped forward again as their allies and the main fleet of Grey ships met in battle.

  * * *

  Celestia masterfully piloted the Apollo at the head of the Kalaidian fleet. Around her were the one hundred pilots of the former royal guard. Behind them ten thousand Avoni class ships charged into the Grey forces with over a half a million Phase Raknas. Jabril and Admiral Nia remained on the monitor for Celestia at all times.

  “How’s the Apollo holding up?” Nia asked.

  “It’s a lot easier to pilot than I thought it would be,” Celestia said.

  “You’re moving twice our speed with ten times the fire power,” Jabril said.

  “Be careful when activating the special system,” Nia said. “We were able to test the gravity drive and rifle, but the other things we weren’t.”

  “It sounds like our shield,” Celestia said. “But it doesn’t matter. In this battle we throw all caution to the wind.”

  “Should I use them then?” Nia asked.

  “Don’t hesitate to,” Celestia said. “All forces are to retreat for the moment.”

  Jabril nodded before sending out the order. All of the mobile suits pulled back for a moment while the Avoni class ships armed a volley of nuclear missiles. Once they fired massive spheres of light cut through the Grey fleet and carved a path to the planet killer behind it.

  It’s good to see you’re enjoying this. The Apollo wrote on the screen.

  “I’m glad you’re able to communicate,” Celestia said.

  I won’t be able to speak for a while like my big brother. The Apollo wrote. But remember Celestia, I’ll always be with you. I was given existence to protect you and the people of Kalaidia.

  “You have your father’s honor,” Celestia said.

  And you have your daughter’s strength. The Apollo wrote.

  “Thank you,” Celestia said.

  Once the nuclear barrage calmed down the Grey fleet had a massive hole in its center. Celestia quickly modified the battle plan and sent it to everyone before leading her people forward again.

  “Thirteen years ago he set us free,” Celestia said. “Now is the time to confirm the hope he put into us. To all my people, let us sing!”

  Celestia began the first hymn to Kali while her fellows followed suit. The Grey ships nearby were confused for a moment before moving again. The Apollo switched its rifle to spread mode when the waves of attack ships increased. Although stopped, the Kalaidian fleet sang as one while smashing their enemies.

  * * *

  On a different side of the planet the Gold Navy and Ick-Tckt fleets stuck together with the Nova base at the head. Nearby with numerous Talons and Auguar Stars, Tctie led the mobile weapon forces using his special hive mind ability. The birdmen, warriors, and drones fought as one while holding off the second Grey fleet and planet killer. In the center of the Nova base Admiral Regelik of Malcov stood with Admiral Khcha of the Ick-Tckt. The two carefully watched the battle while sending out adjustment orders to their soldiers. In the background of the com lines the sound of the Kalaidian people singing could be heard. Using their advanced stealth systems, the Auguar Stars seemed to have the Grey forces confused. Regelik cawed with approval.

  “We need to get that system from you,” the birdman said.

  Khcha clicked his mandibles excitedly. “I’m glad to hear you say so. The drive systems in your Talons are more efficient than those in our Stars. Perhaps we can make a deal.”

  “Deals are what make a Malcovin feel alive,” Regelik said. “My question is whether we can use this base’s cannon as much as the Heaven’s Light bases.”

  “Our cannon works fine,” Khcha said. “But our defenses aren’t as good. That’s why we have Commander Tctie leading the way.”

  “Having his voice in my head is a bit odd,” Regelik said.

  “I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation, but the planet killer is charging up,” Tctie reported telepathically.

  “Thanks commander,” Khcha said.

  “What should we do?” Regelik asked.

  “Are you willing to gamble?” Khcha asked.

  “Always if the reward is worth it,” Regelik said.

  “Then we’ll position ourselves in the way of their main cannon,” Khcha said. “When they go to fire we’ll fire at them.”

  Regelik cawed. “It sounds crazy, but I like it.”

  “Tctie, have all our ships move away from the base,” Khcha ordered.

  “Of course admiral,” Tctie responded.

  * * *

  After a barrage of arrows from the Artemis and the special Talon’s claw the seven mobile suits made their way forward. The fleet of Heaven’s Light was being held up by the mass of Grey ships. Valis watched everything carefully as the battle unfolded. The Red Star remained far away in a cautious manner. Dreka used the last of his energy blasts to clear the path again. The seven mobile suits were near the planet killer while it charged its main cannon. Meldi held off firing the newly equipped rifle on the Mjolnir until Valis signaled her.

  “What are we waiting for?” Dreka asked impatiently.

  “The best time to fire is when they’re about to use their main cannon,” Valis said. “It’s risky but it’s our best bet. How many shots do you have left?”

  “I have two,” Seles answered.

  “All five are ready to go,” Meldi said.

  “I’m all out for now,” Dreka said.

  “What about the rest of you?” Valis asked.

  “We’re holding up,” Kivi said.

  “My shields have about five minutes left before going back to normal,” Celi said.

  “I’m about out of music as well,” Mira admitted.

  “When we’re done here we’ll rejoin our allies,” Valis said.

  “Yes Valis,” the others said.

  The planet killer’s main cannon flared up. As it did so the shields flickered.

  “Fire now Meldi,” Valis ordered.

  “Yes captain,” Meldi said.

  The Mjolnir took aim and fired five shots similar to the arrows from the Artemis. Each quickly drained away the planet killer’s shields. The last shot blasted a hole into the massive ship. Seles then took aim and fired her last two arrows into the center of the planet killer. Its main cannon exploded as the energy reversed on itself. The seven mobile suits clung inside the Aegis’s shields when the planet killer exploded. The wave of destruction wiped out half the Grey fleet and drained most of the shields from the bases of Heaven’s Light. All the pilots in the special models ended their berserks before assessing the damage.

  “Is everyone alright?
” Valis asked.

  “We’re all here,” Kivi said.

  “My shields are gone,” Celi said.

  “Same here,” Dreka said.

  “The two of you should return to your ships for repairs then,” Valis said.

  “Good idea,” Dreka said.

  The Aegis and Dreka’s Talon returned to the Avoni and Raulno while the remaining five flew closer together.

  “What about the rest of you?” Valis asked.

  “I can sing a few quick songs,” Mira said. “Other than that I’m down to my rifle and sword.

  “Same here,” Seles said.

  “Mjolnir says he has enough charge for one more arrow blast,” Meldi said.

  “Keep it for when we need it,” Valis said. “For now we’ll fall back and support the Freedom like the regular forces.”

  “Yes Valis,” the others said.

  Chapter 43 - Orbital Shield

  After the last of the androids onboard was taken care of Sunadin watched the first planet killer go down. He smiled with confidence when the other two readied to fire their cannons. He went to his control console and began moving the Red Star and its forces into position. Even though he was doing his best to drone it out he heard the singing from the Kalaidians in his mind. Behind that he heard the voice of Tctie as he led one of the other forces. The bases of Heaven’s Light have had their shields drained. Nothing they have can stop us now. Sunadin thought to himself. He watched as the Kalaidian forces split to avoid being directly hit by the planet killer near them. When the planet killer fired it had a direct shot at Kalaidia Prime. High in orbit, above the solar power generation ring, a massive array flared up and generated an energy shield. All of the power from the planet below was funneled upwards to the shield through the orbital ring. The array quickly moved into the path of the beam from the planet killer. When the beam slammed into it the power was dissipated. Though damaged, the shield array held up and prevented the colossal beam of energy from hitting the planet. On the other side of the world the second planet killer went to fire its beam. Before it could do so the Nova base fired its main cannon and stopped it from firing. The planet killer near the Nova base fired its damaged cannon and started explosions throughout its structure. As its shields weakened the Ick-Tckt and Malcovin ships fired a barrage of nuclear missiles into the sphere shaped ship. Inside, the remaining Keinien androids self-destructed. The second planet killer went silent as its systems went off. Sunadin felt a terrible anger coming from the machine god he’d never sensed before. The Grey general quickly contacted the surviving ships from both planet killers to have them join his Red Star. Looks like I was wrong. He thought while shifting his battle tactics around.