Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence

by Marcus Johnson

  The sound of the echoing machine god filled everyone’s mind. The women of Kalaidia stopped in their chant while Tctie felt overwhelmed. Brian touched the console on the Freedom’s bridge and activated the intercom system. The sound of a tolling bell rang and brought everyone back to their senses.

  “The words of a tin god are nothing compared to the dreams of billions,” Brian said. “Even if we bled, fight, and kill each other, the future is in the making. Every day we move forward and things get a little better. Someday, maybe a long time from now, understanding will come. But we must find the way on our own. As long as we continue searching for happiness we’ll get there. As long as we don’t abandon each other, as long as we don’t stop trying, as long as we never give up, we will find the way. The Freedom’s bell isn’t just a sound; it’s a cry in our hearts.”

  * * *

  The Maidens, the Mjolnir, and Dreka’s Talon led the forces of Heaven’s Light as they made their way through the Grey fleets. The three at the front each used their arrow blasts to clear another path to the Red Star. On all sides the massive ship was under siege. When a cluster of carriers moved together to block their path a number of Mylor ships flew into them to disrupt their power. At the same time Baeron led a charge of Confederation forces into the mass of enemies. Valis kept her eye on everything.

  “Am I the only one who thinks this is unreal?” Celi asked.

  “No, you’re not,” Mira said.

  The Minerva, Aegis, and Siren stayed together with the Gemini split in two in front. The other three used their spread fire to keep the Greys off of them.

  We’re still one move behind. The Minerva wrote.

  “I know,” Valis said before tapping the com. “To all bases and ships able to, now is the time for Hades mode.”

  Behind them, the Columbia, Siberia, and Hong Kong bases started glowing with particles as their gravity drives sped up. The Freedom, Avoni, Daevoni, Reinkar, Raulno, and Vomada joined the display a moment later. The beams fired from the bases and ships were larger than even the arrow shots and cut down the Grey forces. While the Kalaidian forces and the other fleet occupied most of the Red Star’s defenders, the forces of Heaven’s Light approached the planet killer. Seles, Dreka, and Meldi fired the last of their arrows apiece to get closer. As they did so the energy shield surrounding the sphere shaped ship flared up to absorb the incoming attacks.

  * * *

  Veda cursed under her breath when the attacks coming from the bases and ships in Hades mode were having no effect on the Red Star’s shield.

  “Our attacks aren’t working,” Shiken Ka said from the Siberia base.

  “Perhaps targeting the same area will have a better result,” Miv Daek offered.

  “Better to try than not,” Veda said. “All ships in Hades mode are to target the same area.”

  Even with the three bases and ships hitting the same spot it was obvious the Red Star’s shields weren’t going to be drained anytime soon.

  “How is this possible?” Veda asked.

  “This planet killer is twice the size, therefore eight times the mass,” Reban said. “If we use that logic then it’s possible it has eight times the energy output.”

  “Its last attack was only three to four times that of the other planet killers,” Shiken Ka said.

  “Which means it’s able to fire and remained shielded at the same time,” Miv Daek said.

  “We’re running out of options,” Veda said.

  Valis appeared on the screen. “We have one more thing to try before we do anything rash.”

  “Then let’s try it,” Veda said.

  * * *

  Brian’s left eye was glowing when the Maidens each appeared on the monitor. Behind him Myden and Jesela worked hard to keep the ship functioning as normal.

  “Brian I think we need to use your power,” Valis said.

  “Who should he use it with?” Seles asked. “We’re all out of arrows and special system uses.”

  “I’ll go alone this time,” Brian said.

  “What are you talking about?” Mira asked.

  “The Hades system has the ability to do many things, it’s time to try one more,” Brian said. “I want all of you to keep the path open. I may need some help on the return trip.” He touched the com. “To all crew members of the Freedom, this is your captain speaking. I order an immediate evacuation of the ship”

  “You’re not going to use it here, are you?” Jesela asked.

  “Of course,” Brian said. “The Freedom is my ship. If I can save lives I have to try.”

  Myden drew his staff and created a sphere of energy around his body. He walked over to Jesela until she was inside the bubble. All through the ship the crew members found an escape shuttle or transport to leave on. After five minutes the Freedom was silent except for the bridge.

  “I don’t want to leave you,” Jesela said. “Not alone like this.”

  “From the moment I was stolen from Earth I was left alone Jesela,” Brian said. “I’ve never belonged here and will always be an outsider. The old man standing next to you knows this fate all too well.”

  She looked at Myden. “Is that true?”

  “Yes,” Myden said. He offered her his hand. “Let’s go Jesela. Brian needs us gone to do this.”

  He smiled as he looked at Jesela. “I don’t plan on dying, so keep an eye out for me.”

  Jesela took Myden’s hand as he used his staff’s power to transport them into the Columbia base. Brian looked at the others again.

  “Don’t die on us,” Kivi said.

  “You’ve got to keep moving, remember that,” Dreka cawed.

  “Remember to keep love in your heart and a song on your lips,” Mira said.

  “I want to see you again Brian,” Celi said.

  “Mjolnir and I want you to come back,” Meldi said.

  “Don’t leave us,” Valis said.

  “You owe me a night,” Seles said.

  Brian laughed before waving. “Thanks everyone.”

  The com went silent as he turned to draw his sword. He noticed the four droids quietly going about their work.

  “Will we be staying?” Droid A asked.

  “I won’t throw you guys off,” Brian said. “If I get stuck between dimensions I’ll need someone to talk to.”

  “For some reason I don’t find that comforting,” Droid C commented.

  “None of us do,” Droid B said.

  “But we’ll stay with our captain till the end,” Droid D said.

  “Thanks guys,” Brian said. He stood in the center of the bridge and drove his sword into a slot in front of the captain’s chair. “It’s time to get started.”

  * * *

  General Sunadin watched as the forces of Heaven’s Light were stopped by the Red Star’s shields. The other fleets were currently engaged as well. Even with their special abilities they’re no match for this warship. It’s a pity they have no more cards to play. Without any power left in their mobile suits that Terran can’t use his special power for much. Sunadin thought while shifting the fleets around him. A large cluster of carriers and their attack vessels went in and pounded the fleet of Heaven’s Light. He glanced at the charger and saw the cannon nearing sixty percent. The one thing irritating the machine god seemed to be the Maidens and the ships nearby. Sunadin felt an intense hatred and wish for their destruction from the being. When he turned to check the cannon again he felt something push into his mind. A pulse emitted from the Freedom as its drives sped up. For a brief moment he felt nothing in his mind except thoughts coming from Brian. When he snapped back to normal Sunadin saw the Freedom enveloped in an aura of green energy as a primal scream came from within.

  Chapter 46 - The Dragon’s Wings

  From the center of the bridge Brian used his power to cover the entire Freedom. The enemies nearby fired at the ship but found it was incorporeal. The Red Star’s main cannon flared up to fire as he took the Freedom through its shield. When his vision cleared Bria
n noticed a number of strange lights around the ship. He quickly navigated the Freedom to the front of the main cannon. Before it could fire the Freedom materialized for a second to fire a blast from the Hades cannon. The Red Star roiled as its main weapon was destroyed. Though wounded the shield was still up. When a swarm of carriers moved in the Freedom shifted back into a ghost like state.

  “It’s not easy to hit that which can’t be targeted,” Brian said.

  “You seem to be enjoying this captain,” Droid B said.

  “I am,” Brian said. “This is the first time I’ve ever cut loose using this ability.”

  “I’ve located the main shield array projectors,” Droid C reported.

  “Excellent,” Brian said. “Take us to the closest one. We’ll destroy them until its shields are useless.”

  “Yes sir,” the droids said.

  While the Freedom flew to its next target a strange sense overcame Brian. He felt the push of malignance from the machine god, but at the same time he felt the push from the others. The sound of Celestia and the other Kalaidians filled his mind. A moment later the minds of all those connected to Tctie rolled through him. After that each of his friends passed through him. His mind returned to reality when the ship reached the first shield array.

  “Fire,” he ordered.

  * * *

  Grigon sat in the captain’s chair on the Vomada and kept his scanners going. Everything the Freedom did was being recorded while the old Malcovin directed his automated Talons. Myden and Jesela appeared on the bridge.

  “I thought you were coming alone,” Grigon said while his eyes glowed blue.

  “She insisted to the point of violence,” Myden said.

  “I don’t like being left behind,” Jesela said.

  “Brian has a way of doing that,” Grigon said. “I guess that’s why I like the young man. He’s a foolish loner to the end.”

  “All of us are loners,” Myden said.

  Jesela shrugged. “You’re right.” She noticed the readings coming from the Freedom. “Did you set this up?”

  “Not long ago mind you,” Grigon said. “I’m not into theoretical physics but the opportunity to scan his ability is something I can’t pass up.”

  Jesela stared at the numbers as they went by on the monitor. “I see why.”

  “How stabile is he?” Myden asked.

  Grigon tapped one of the monitors and call up a specific scan. “He should be alright for a few more minutes.”

  “What happens after that?” Jesela asked.

  “If he exceeds the limit he may leave this world forever,” Myden said. “It comes down to how much he wants to stay here.”

  “Then he’ll come back to us,” Jesela said. “He has too many things left to do here anyway.”

  * * *

  Seles watched the Freedom as it zipped about and blasted specific points on the Red Star. The seven mobile suits were currently joined by Kyli and the seventy three surviving pilots from the Freedom. The Artemis and Mjolnir were back to back and used their reflector plates for extra shielding from the incoming Grey attack ships.

  “I can’t believe he’s doing that,” Meldi said.

  “It’s weird to see it in person,” Seles said. “Didn’t he do this in the Mjolnir during the sojourn?”

  “In our last battle with the Greys,” Meldi answered.

  The two shifted their reflector plates to power position to take down a carrier flying towards them. Once it was destroyed they went back to spread mode.

  “I heard everyone berserked when he made the charge,” Seles said. “Is that what happened?”

  “It did,” Meldi said.

  A pulse blast from a carrier roared through and managed to hit the Mjolnir’s rifle. Meldi quickly threw it away before it exploded and drew the blade.

  “I should be paying more attention,” Meldi said.

  “It’s not you Meldi, it’s the battle,” Seles said. “There’s so many and I can’t hit them all.”

  “True,” Meldi said.

  “Spin the blade, you can fire using that,” Seles said.

  “I forgot it has that feature,” Meldi said before laughing.

  The Mjolnir spun its sword to gather energy. After doing so the mobile suit slashed and fired a beam as powerful as a pulse rifle’s shot.

  “I think we should move closer to our friends,” Seles said.

  “The heat is getting rather bad,” Meldi said. “Let’s go.”

  The Artemis and Mjolnir slowly made their way back to the rest of the mobile suits. As they did so the Freedom continued its rampage with impunity.

  * * *

  General Sunadin clutched his staff with a mix of anger and fear in his heart. The Greys around him ran around like chaos was reigning while the Freedom casually destroyed the shield arrays. The growling from the machine god was getting worse by the moment while Sunadin desperately tried to organize his forces again. On all fronts the enemy was closing in. The Grey projected his mental energy outwards using the staff. When he did so the shields stabilized. The chanting from the Kalaidians was beginning to irritate him when he went back to work.

  “He’s coming,” Myden said telepathically.

  “Shut up!” Sunadin said. “I don’t need you reminding me of it.”

  “Face it old friend, your god has abandoned you,” Myden said. “And soon it will destroy you.”

  “If dying for my lord is what is required to be victorious, then so be it,” Sunadin said.

  “Then farewell old friend,” Myden said. “You’ve chosen your fate, as have I.”

  * * *

  The Kalaidian fleet finally met in the middle with the Gold Navy and Ick-Tckt forces. Celestia paused for a moment to rest her voice because it was getting a bit scratchy.

  You need to work on your musical endurance. The Apollo wrote.

  “I know, it’s been a while since I sang this much,” Celestia said.

  Your voice is quite beautiful. You can sing for me anytime you want Celestia. The Apollo wrote.

  She laughed. “A mobile suit shouldn’t say such things.”

  I was modeled after a man, so it’s my fate. The Apollo wrote.

  The com line flashed when the Nova base hailed her. Celestia put Admiral Khcha and Admiral Regelik on the screen.

  “I’m glad the two of you could join us,” Celestia said.

  “Thank you for the wonderful singing Queen Celestia,” Khcha said. “My queen sends her regards.”

  “Thank you,” Celestia said.

  “The same comes from Seka the Red,” Regelik said.

  “Now that we’re together in this I want you two to contact Admiral Nia,” Celestia said.

  “We’ll do that now,” Khcha said.

  “Thanks,” Regelik said.

  The screen changed to show Jabril in her Phase Rakna.

  “Let’s get back to what we were doing,” Celestia said.

  “I’m with you my queen,” Jabril said.

  * * *

  “Memento Mori…”

  “You know that’s not going to work on me anymore, don’t you?” Brian asked.

  “Memento Mori…”

  “You can remember to die,” Brian said.

  The Freedom finished off the last shield array. Though the Red Star was stopped he sensed the power of Sunadin coming from within.

  “Why are the shields still up?” Droid A asked.

  “Maybe we didn’t get them all,” Droid C offered.

  “Isn’t this ship supposed to be the best?” Droid D asked.

  “I’m waiting for our captain to say something,” Droid B said.

  “B’s got the right idea,” Brian said. “We destroyed them all. The shield is being held up by the general inside.”

  “I would ask how that’s possible but our ship is slipping between dimensions,” Droid C said.

  “I can see so many pathways through space it’s blinding me,” Brian said. He narrowed his eyes. “It looks like we’re being invited i
nside.”

  A circular door leading to the interior of the Red Star opened. Brian felt a voice in his head, one like Myden’s and very different from the machine god’s.

  “You fight well young human,” Sunadin said telepathically.

  “What sort of trickery do you have in mind?” Brian asked.

  “None,” Sunadin answered. “I have waited a long time for someone worthy to fight. I challenge you Brian Peterson to a dual.”

  “What happens if I say no?” Brian asked.

  “Then I will self-detonate the Red Star,” Sunadin explained. “Everyone you know and love will be destroyed as well as the Kalaidian homeworld.”

  “What do I get if I win?” Brian asked.

  “I’ll send the Red Star between galaxies before it explodes,” Sunadin said.

  “Very well, I accept your terms,” Brian said. “Take us in. Someone just picked a fight with me.”

  Chapter 47 - A Dual in the Red Star

  The battle outside ended abruptly after all the Grey ships gravity jumped away. The Red Star stood alone with all the allied fleets surrounding it. The shield went down before the Freedom flew inside. Sunadin ordered all his subordinates away and stood alone in the center chamber. After the glowing ship landed Brian stopped using his power and took a moment to catch his breath. After grabbing his sword he touched the com.