Heaven Saga 3: Sojourn Into Despair

by Marcus Johnson

  He joined Daes as she was swamped by her engineers on what to do first. “I want six of you each on the damaged Raknas.” Her subordinates took her orders and began working. She turned around and saw Brian right next to her.

  “I wish we would’ve known they would go down so easily,” Daes said. “New technology has so many unknowns attached to it.”

  “At least they can fight back,” Brian said. “Before, we didn’t even have that choice.”

  “True. If you’re not occupied I’m going to need your help putting a few of these back together,” Daes said.

  “Let’s get to it then,” he answered. “If what Valis fears is to happen we’ll need to launch any minute now.”

  * * *

  “Captain, all the Reiki have returned to their ships,” Zae reported.

  “Good. Order everyone back to the Avoni and prepare for a gravity jump,” Valis commanded.

  “Yes captain,” Zae said.

  “We’re going to run for it?” Kivi asked.

  “And hope they aren’t in the mood to chase,” Valis answered.

  One by one the mobile suits landed in their respective launching bays. The small, spherical Reiki ships flew very close to the Avoni.

  “Activating drive,” Baed said. The Avoni and Reiki were enveloped by a strange light as they vanished from the barren solar system and appeared in another one about twenty light years away.

  “We’ve appeared near the asteroid belt of this solar system captain,” Zae reported. “Calculating the positions of the planets shows that there are a number of moons surrounding a gas giant near our position.”

  “Are any of them defensible?” Kivi asked.

  “Yes.” Zae answered. “We can pick our choice when we get there.”

  * * *

  “It looks like the Avoni has come to join us,” captain Esra said over the monitor to captain El Kar.

  The Daevoni and the Reinkar orbited the gas giant the Avoni flew towards. The Daevoni had taken heavy damaged from a previous fight with Greys while the Reinkar had also taken some damage. Behind them were two small fleets of Reiki ships.

  El Kar checked the scans of the Avoni. “It doesn’t appear they’ve taken much if any damage.”

  “That’s Valis for you,” Esra said. “I’m pretty sure by the way they’re moving they didn’t come back to greet us.”

  “No, they’ve seen battle with the Greys,” El Kar said. “The Confederation is going to have a fit when they find out how far the monsters have progressed.”

  “At the rate of estimated expansion they’ll reach the official border of Confederation space in less than fifty years,” Esra said. “That’s about two hundred years before schedule.”

  “And other than the one Terran onboard the Avoni we won’t have the benefit of their aid.”

  “Not unless the Mylor get the idea to give the Terrans the technology to fight alongside them,” Esra said.

  El Kar laughed. “That would likely bring about another Geluke Don, so I doubt that’ll happen.”

  Chapter 4 - Cometh the Greys

  “Captain, it looks like both the Daevoni and the Reinkar are standing by at the agreed meeting point,” Zae reported as she put their image on the monitor.

  “I’m glad,” Valis said.

  “They’ve seen some fighting,” Kivi remarked. She pointed out the damage on both the ships. “It seems your theory on Grey encroachment is true.”

  “Yes,” Valis said. “Are all of the Reiki ships safe?” she asked as she walked over to Zae.

  “It looks like all but one of the Reiki ships has survived,” Zae said after running a quick scan.

  “Hail them, I think it’s time we talk about what to do next,” Valis commanded.

  “Yes captain,” Zae said. A moment later the monitor showed a split screen of Esra on the Daevoni and El Kar on the Reinkar.

  “You’re looking well Valis,” Esra said.

  “Have both of your groups been attacked by Greys?” Valis asked.

  “Yes,” El Kar answered. “Although my ship suffered minimal damage the Daevoni is another story.”

  “We’ve lost a number of crew, including our chief engineer,” Esra added. “I’d really appreciate it if you could send someone over.”

  “I’ll do so immediately,” Valis said. “What about your mobile suits?”

  “We still have thirty five Raknas left,” Esra answered. “But our shielding systems are functioning at only forty percent, not to mention the gravity drive is acting up.”

  “We have ten mobile armors remaining,” El Kar answered. “The main ship suffered little damage. Our warriors outside were the ones who paid the price.”

  “I can tell that both of you have suffered numerous of losses,” Valis said. “I think it’s time we make good on our contract and get the out of this place.”

  “Agreed,” El Kar said. “Although our plan was to continue for another few weeks, I believe the information we’ve obtained on the Greys is more than enough to pacify our employers.”

  “I‘m with both of you on this issue,” Esra said. “The Degan authorities and the Reiki are going to have to accept what we give them.”

  “They will,” Valis said with confidence. “Our lives can be bought, but not on such a hopeless quest. We’ll begin our return in twenty two standard hours.”

  “Agreed,” the other two captains answered.

  * * *

  Celi and Mira watched over a number of the wounded pilots as they were taken into sickbay, none of which had life threatening injuries at the moment. The two sat quietly in the side room where the experimentation was conducted, enjoying a quiet moment.

  “This is difficult,” Mira said. “We’ve been away from home for many months now. I really want to see the sky from the surface of a planet.”

  “That would make many of us feel better,” Celi said before standing up to stretch. “The Avoni is a big ship, but after four months away from civilization its feeling rather small.” She sat down again. “By the way, have you given thought to what the commander asked you?”

  “About leaving the Avoni for her ship as the chief medical officer?” Mira asked. “I still haven’t made a decision yet.”

  “You’re more than qualified Mira,” Celi said with a smile. “When you first came to the Avoni I didn’t think you had it in you. But you’ve proven me wrong.”

  “Did I seem that inexperienced?” Mira asked.

  “Yes, you were. Saying that, I’ve seen you grow in so many ways,” Celi said with praise. “No matter what decision you make I’ll stand by it.”

  “Thanks Celi.”

  * * *

  Seles brushed away the sweat from her brow. She took a break and got out from under a panel inside one of the damaged mobile suits. Brian poked his head in, seeing her exhaustion.

  “Do you want to rest?” he asked as he handed her a bottle of water.

  “We’ve been at this for eight hours,” she said before taking a gulp of water. “One day and we’ve almost finished repairs.”

  “It’s amazing how much work we’ve done since yesterday,” Brian remarked. “I’ll take over for the rest of the repairs.”

  “Thanks,” Seles said. He went under the panel to finish repairs. “What do you want to do when we get back to Dega Jul?”

  “A lot,” he answered. “Most of it involves relaxing with you.”

  “You’re not very creative today,” she said. “Normally you’d say something romantic or foolish, or both at the same time.”

  “It’s been so long since I last saw the sun I’m not feeling it anymore,” he clunked under the panel, “Ouch!”

  “Are you alright?”

  “Just hit my head, that’s all,” he answered. This headache just won’t go away. He thought as he continued his work. “What do you want to do Seles?”

  “I suppose I’m in the same mind set as you. I can’t think of anything to do other than relax for the first week. Then party, that’s about al
l I can come up with.” She kicked her feet forward as she spoke. Brian slid out to look at her for a moment. Her blue silver hair hung down far past her shoulders, glittering in the low light inside the mobile suit cockpit. Her white skin seemed to glow in the ambient light as her purple eyes shined brightly. She turned, noting his strange gaze. “I know that look,” she said before crawling over to him and granting him a passionate kiss. “It’s been almost a month since we last spent a night together.”

  “Far too long,” he answered, brushing his hand through her hair. “You’ve grown Seles.” He smiled as he looked over her body.

  She closed her eyes and turned away with mock annoyance. “Is that what you were thinking a minute ago?” She smiled afterwards.

  “Maybe,” he answered. “It feels like we’ve been together forever.” He kissed her once more. “You’ve become more beautiful as time’s passed.”

  “Would you expect differently? But to be truthful, I wish you’d shave this off,” Seles said as she brushed his beard. “I know you like it, but I don’t.”

  “You’re wiser now as well,” he said. “I can tell Valis has had an influence on you.”

  “I’m not the same little girl you met four years ago Brian.”

  “No you’re not, but I’m glad you are who you are today.”

  “The same goes for you,” she said as they embraced. They held for a long while, long enough for Daes to look in and see them.

  “Really you two, can’t that wait until the repairs are finished?” Daes asked. Brian and Seles parted their embrace as he returned to work. Daes smiled when she noticed neither was embarrassed by the scene. “You two have figured it out, haven’t you?”

  Seles took the water bottle and went out to leave. “Yes we have Daes,” she said while leaving the mobile suit via the elevator cord. Seles went to her mobile suit to check for any issues.

  “So what do you want to talk about Daes?” Brian asked.

  “I’m glad that you two have things figured out.” Daes said, sitting down next to him. “None of us were sure how a relationship would work out between a man and a woman, especially since we’re different species.” Daes brushed back her crimson hair before blinking her blue eyes. “As for what I came to talk about, the captain has asked me and a few of the engineers to head over to the Daevoni. Apparently, their chief engineer and a number of their crew were killed in an attack like ours.”

  “Who’s going with you?” Brian asked.

  “I’ll be taking Dreka and the Malcovin engineers with me. I figured I’d leave the Avoni in the hands of Jesela and yourself.”

  “I’m honored to be nominated,” he said sarcastically. “There’s something else that’s bothering you though.”

  “You can tell without even looking at me?”

  “Remember, I did take a peek before going back under this panel.”

  She laughed. “You’ve got me pegged.” The look on her face changed. “I know this may sound crazy, but just before the attack on the Avoni; I’d swear on Kali’s name I saw a Grey staring at me in this launching bay.” She started shaking. “But I was the only one who noticed. It just stared in silence at me, as if it was seeing into my soul. I don’t know if it was real.”

  Brian stopped and remembered what had happened to him in the elevator yesterday. “You’re not crazy Daes, because I saw the same thing.” He slid out from under the panel and saw the distress on her face as she stared at the floor.

  “Its eyes…it was as if they creature had no feeling at all. It was like looking into a vast emptiness without end, a void that even Kali herself couldn’t see…” Daes trailed off before looking at Brian, seeing his concern. “How did you endure it? How did you not go insane looking into those eyes?”

  “For a long time I didn’t think it was real. I remember seeing the first Grey from my tiny bed when I was around three years old. It peered into the window and stared at me with those empty eyes. I denied it to myself for years, trying to believe the abductions weren’t real. I convinced myself it was only a scary dream that kept on happening.” He paused. “It wasn’t until the time I managed to break free from them I realized it was actually happening.”

  “You endured their torture for that long?”

  “Seventeen years to be exact,” he answered. “Although I can’t be sure they didn’t find me sooner.”

  “I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you,” Daes said. “Years of such terror, and yet you could tell no one around you.”

  “Because none of them would’ve believed me,” he said.

  “What does it mean?” Daes asked. “If we saw them, what were they?”

  “Scouts,” he answered.

  “Why do I feel this way?”

  “Their eyes have no light in them, and that’s the most terrifying thing about them Daes. It’s not just that their eyes are black, but it’s the expressionless look that comes with it. Whatever makes us what we are they don’t have it any longer,” he explained.

  “Is it like not having a soul?”

  “That’s a good way to put it. In any event, you’re not crazy Daes.”

  She sat silent for a moment before composing herself. “Thanks. I appreciate the chance to talk with you on this.”

  “Anytime Daes,” he said.

  “We’re ready to go!” Dreka shouted up at the two.

  “I’ll be down in a second,” Daes answered. “It’s time for me to go.”

  “Take care of yourself while you’re over there.”

  “I will. Brian, take care.”

  * * *

  Kivi entered the bridge while usual crew was taking a break. Valis sat back in her chair half passed out.

  “You’ve been working too hard lately,” Kivi said as she went to her chair to take over the duties.

  “All of us have,” Valis answered before yawning. “When we get back to Dega Jul everyone’s going to have a few months off.” She looked at Kivi. “Well, except for you of course.”

  “I’ll be taking a few months off, that’s for sure,” Kivi said.

  Zae turned as something came up on her console. “It looks like Daes’s shuttles are on the way.”

  “Good,” Valis said.

  Another blip appeared on Zae’s console. “Captain, we’re detecting something coming out of a space time distortion.”

  “Everyone report to battle stations!” Valis commanded to everyone onboard. A Grey saucer appeared above the Avoni and fired a blast into the center of the ship.

  Chapter 5 - Worse Than We Thought

  The blast was so strong it knocked Brian to the ground in the launching bay. Looking around as he stood up, he saw that the situation was not good. He ran to Jesela. She had a panicked look on her face.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “I don’t know.” She tried her best to use the console. “I’m pretty sure the Avoni has taken heavy damage.” A look of shock came across her face. “The bridge…”

  “I’ll go!” Brian shouted. As he ran by Seles’s Zero he shouted up to her. “Seles, deploy all of the mobile suits in a close defensive formation!”

  “Alright!” she shouted back. Seles jumped back into her seat and activated her com system. “All pilots report to their mobile suits!”

  Brian left the launching bay and ran as fast as he could to the bridge. Everything appeared normal until he reached the center of the ship. Checking the elevator to the bridge and finding it unusable, he jumped up and bashed the ceiling inside the elevator. He climbed up the shaft as fast as he could. Finding smoke coming from the bridge as he came to the door, he drew his rakna and forced the door open. Once inside, he saw the back area of the bridge was on fire while both Valis and Kivi on the ground. Zae started coming back to conscious, sat up and saw Baed and the others unconscious. A look of fear and panic came across her face. It subsided once she saw Brian coming towards her.

  “Check Baed!” he shouted as he started checking Valis and Kivi. Zae did so and foun
d that other than a small cut on her forehead, Baed was alright. Brian could tell by the injuries that both Valis and Kivi needed immediate attention.

  “Is she alright?” Brian asked.

  “Yes,” Zae answered. She looked at the captain and commander. “Are they alive?”

  “Yes, but they need attention now.” Brian went to the captain’s chair and activated the com. “Sickbay, we need a medic on the bridge immediately. Both the captain and commander are seriously injured.”

  “I’ll be up there in a moment,” Mira returned over the com.

  He ran up to the top of the bridge and activated the fire extinguishing system. The room was filled with gas and smoke for a moment, until the air filtering system cleared the bridge. Brian ran down to check Valis and Kivi once more before going to the captain’s chair and turning on the battle plan Valis had been working on.

  “Zae, run a diagnostic,” Brian commanded.

  “Of course,” she said while focusing on the task on hand. Baed started waking up and noticed what was happening.

  “Baed, steer the ship into the nearby moon,” Brian said. “The Daevoni and Reinkar have already moved inside.”

  “Yes,” Baed said before turning the Avoni in the right direction.

  Outside, Seles and the other Rakna pilots put up a defensive formation as the Avoni retreated. They blasted a few Grey ships into stardust as they fled inside the moon. A few moments later the ship and her defenders entered the safety of the moon. They flew deep inside to a cavern of rock and ice where the other two ships, along with the Reiki vessels, were hiding. Mira and three medical officers entered bridge and ran to Valis and Kivi to attend to them. After a few minutes of work with regenerators and scanning the two over carefully, Mira went to Brian.

  “Both of them will live,” Mira said. “Unfortunately, neither of them will be ready for action for at least two weeks.”

  Brian looked at Valis as she slept peacefully. Kivi had the same look on her face. He activated the com to make an announcement.