Jesela looked at Grigon closely. “How old are you exactly?”
“In three months galactic standard time I’ll be a hundred and ninety six years old.”
“So you saw Kalaidian males?” she asked.
“Of course,” Grigon answered. “I met with many of them during my younger years. Back then I was as crazy as Dreka is now. During the first war between our peoples I was on the losing end of a fighter battle in space with the famed Gaelic Kein. Life was so different back then. Looking back on it, I can’t believe he beat me in that antique piece of junk.” Grigon took a breath. “As for what they looked like Jesela, Kalaidian males looked like a cross between Brian and the features your females still maintain. He’s a bit taller, but not so much so as to throw things off.”
“Celi and some of the scientists back home are working on a way to mix his genes with ours to create viable males,” Jesela said.
“Not surprising. Your artificial breeding technology is years ahead of the rest of us, but the old fashioned system of producing offspring is still the most reliable. Has he attempted to mate with some of your kind?”
Jesela smiled. “You’re looking at one of them.”
“How many of the crew has he done that with?”
“At least five that I know of,” Jesela answered.
“Interesting,” Grigon said while holding his chin with his clawed hand. “Well, you are mammals and that’s what your kind does. Mating for my kind isn’t very exciting or pleasurable. It’s more like being forced to do a job.”
“I’m sorry to hear it Grigon. I really am.”
* * *
Zae ended her final song with a resounding applause from the crew. “Thank you all for coming today,” she said before bowing to the crowd. “Every week from here on I’ll be doing this for you. Let Kali watch over us all as we make our journey home.”
The crowd cheered as she bowed once more. After she left the stage the crew began leaving as well. Brian went to the dressing room.
“You were great,” he said while clapping at the door. “Your style is very different from Mira’s, but no less enjoyable to watch.”
“Thank you,” Zae said before sitting down to catch her breath. “I feel exhausted. I’ve been practicing a lot lately.”
“I’m glad the crew enjoyed it as much as they did.”
“My people consider music and dance sacred,” Zae explained. “They needed to feel the goddess flow through them once more, that’s all.”
Brian bowed. “Kali was channeling through you this evening.”
Chapter 23 - After the Party
Brian shook his head as another headache set in. His vision blurred again, this time it felt worse. He was close his quarters in the dark hall and felt something strange happening. Looking down at his right arm, he noticed it was moving on its own. Focusing all his mental strength he forced the arm to act under his command once more. It’s getting worse. He thought before opening the door to his quarters. Stumbling inside, he shed the exoskeleton armor and flopped onto the bed utterly exhausted. He checked his right arm again. A moment later the door opened and Celi walked in.
“I’m glad my shift is over with,” Celi said before sitting on her bed. “Brian?”
“I’m alive,” he said after a moment of silence.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. She changed out of her uniform into something more comfortable.
“My arm’s acting up.”
Celi went over and pressed the button to open the panel on his artificial limb.
“It appears the Grey disease has spread inside this part faster than the rest of your body,” she looked at his eye. “How’s your vision?”
“It’s really blurry.”
“I see,” she said before closing the panel on his arm. Celi embraced him tightly. “I’m sorry I can’t save you.”
“You’re doing the best you can,” he said. “That’s all I can ask for.”
“You seem so calm about this,” Celi said. “I don’t know how you can go on like this.”
“Because I have to,” he said with a laugh. “That’s what I’d like to believe. But the truth is I’ve been living on borrowed time since the day I came to space. I’ve seen more in these five years than I could’ve ever dreamed of on Earth. That’s why Celi. I know my end will come one day, be it tomorrow or years from now.”
“You’re much stronger than I am when it comes to this,” Celi said. “That strength is keeping me from going insane.”
“Is it what you found on the colony?”
Celi looked into his eyes. Darkness filled her gaze like an image of horror filled her mind. “There are things that don’t exist, and things that shouldn’t exist,” she said. “What I have found there is something that shouldn’t exist.”
“I know,” he said. “I think all of us have seen too much.” Brian paused. “What I’m left wondering is can it get any worse? Has what we’ve seen been the tip of the iceberg in this part of the galaxy? Or is there worse than this?”
Celi shook off the bad feeling. “What we’ve seen must be shown to those in power back home.”
“You’re right.”
She cuddled up close to him. “I know it seems strange to ask this, but I’d really like to do that with you again.”
“I wish I could fulfill the request,” he said with a laugh. “Sadly, I’m not able to at the moment.”
Celi looked angry. “Dammit!” she shouted. “It figures those ugly little creatures would take away the only fun we have left on the ship.”
“Well, I’d argue Zae did a pretty good job.”
“Not the kind of entertainment I had in mind really,” she said. “Zae’s improved a lot since the last time her and Mira competed.”
“I don’t have a reference point on this matter,” he said.
“It was the year before we found you,” Celi explained. “It’s tradition to have the ship’s Reinere decided in a competitive concert every five or six years. Back then, you could tell Zae was good, but Mira was clearly the one. After what we saw today I’d say Mira has her work cut out for her this time around.”
“Their styles are completely different,” Brian said. “I always had a feeling of light and pop with Mira. With Zae, I saw something dark and seductive.”
“Suits their personalities don’t it?” Celi asked.
“Yes, it definitely does.” Brian paused for a moment to think. “I don’t mean to change the subject back to the awful, but I have to know your thoughts on the Grey’s colony.”
“My mission is complete as far as gathering samples and data. It’s obvious the Greys have quite advanced technology when in terms of splicing genes with other species. It’s also evident they’re doing so for a purpose a lot worse than we thought.”
“What may that be?”
“If they’re able to create a hybrid that looks and acts just like the second species, but are controlled through telepathy like the common Grey itself the consequences are quite dire. If they wish to they can introduce the hybrids to each race separately. Using this method they wouldn’t have to conquer using military force. All they would have to do is wait a certain amount of years. At least until the hybrid Greys take control of all the planets and militaries within the Confederation.”
“That’s a dire outcome,” he said. “Delne Raekar was implanted with their telepathic powers. We may have to smoke out the potential spies.”
“Indeed. All it takes is a quick genetic test if you know what to look for.” She hugged him tightly. “Let’s stop talking about this.”
“Sorry for bringing it back up, just had to finish being the captain for the day.”
“It’s alright, I understand,” she said.
* * *
Baed sat on the bridge by herself and checked the Avoni’s systems over. They were still near the abandoned Grey colony and were preparing for departure. A few minutes passed until the elevator door opened and Zae entered.
“Is everythin
g in order?” she asked while taking her station next to Baed.
“Everything’s normal,” Baed answered. “It’s been too calm lately.”
“After the first few weeks of desperately trying to survive that’s to be expected.” After Zae started a quick diagnostic she turned to Baed. “Is everything alright with you?”
“I’m tired, like most of the crew,” she said. “But yes, I’m alright. By the way, you looked great earlier today. When we get back home Mira’s going to have to work to keep her job.”
“Even though I have worked hard at being a better musician, I’m not sure if I’m ready to topple her quite yet,” Zae said. “I’ll accept defeat if that’s what happens, but it’s made me improve over the last few years.”
“How are you feeling?” Baed asked.
“Stressed, tired, you know the rest,” she answered. “I’m worried about Brian.”
“Is it getting worse?”
“Every day the mix of pain and numbness gets worse in his eyes. I don’t know how much longer he’s going to be able to run the ship.”
“Celi’s been a great help though,” Baed said. “I didn’t expect her to be able to work on the bridge as effectively as she has.”
“Senior officers all need to know those things. You’re being trained in for that right now.”
“Heck yeah, and it’s a ton of work.” She looked over to Zae. “He told me to get things right with you.”
“The same for me,” Zae said. They stood up and held hands.
“You want to try that, here?” Baed asked.
“We could be dead tomorrow,” Zae said. The two embraced with awkwardness in the air. Both blushed as they gazed into each other’s eyes. They kissed. After a moment each stepped back.
“That felt weird,” Baed said.
“But it was good, right?” Zae asked.
“Of course,” Baed said before laughing. She noticed Zae was annoyed by something. “What is it?”
“Our enemies really know how to spoil a moment, don’t’ they?” Zae asked before sitting down at her console. “I’m detecting three carriers, as well as over a hundred smaller ships.” She flipped the button to put the Avoni on high alert. “Attention everyone, we’re detecting three Grey carriers. We have one hour until they reach our position. All crew to battle stations. Grigon, please ready the Vomada and Talons for battle.”
“They really do know how to ruin a moment,” Baed said. She took control of the Avoni and started searching for a hiding place. “We’ll have to finish this later.”
“That’s a promise,” Zae said while readying all of the Avoni’s systems for battle.”
* * *
Brian groaned and rolled off the bed. “Just when I was going to sleep,” he said. “Dammit.”
“I hear you,” Celi said. She rushed to put her uniform back on. “Do you have a plan?”
“We were planning on destroying the colony before leaving. So why not use it to our advantage?” he asked as he put the exoskeleton back on.
“I like it,” she said. Celi walked over and gave him a shot in the neck. “That should keep you upright until this is over with.”
Brian leaned down and kissed her. “Thanks. Once you find a cure for this ailment I promise a night alone with you.”
“Then I’d better figure out a way to fix you up,” she said.
Chapter 24 - A Fortunate Trap
Brian, Baed, Zae, Celi, Meldi and Jesela all gathered in the meeting room of the Avoni.
“So the plan’s to run?” Meldi asked. “I have a feeling it’s not going to be that easy.”
“No,” Brian said. “That’s why I’m ordering all of you to be on standby in the launching bays. I’ve already set up battle plans for in case things go awry.”
Zae called up a holographic image on the main table. It displayed the Grey formation. From one side a single carrier and thirty smaller ships approached. From the other side and bottom a second and third carrier with the same number of ships steadily advanced on their position.
“How were they able to find us?” Jesela asked. “I thought the stealth cloak prevented that.”
Grigon appeared on the monitor from the bridge of his ship. “There’s the possibility the colony we’ve been looking at has a detection system still in place. The thing is pretty big and we only have two ships.”
“That’s the most likely reason,” Brian said while looking at the enemy formation. “They aren’t sure of our numbers either.”
“They seem to have their ships deployed in a standard defensive advance,” Zae added.
“Is everything in place Grigon?” Brian asked.
“I’ve set up a Q-Drive in the colony to provide maximum damage,” Grigon answered. “All we have to do is draw them in as close as possible.”
“What are you planning?” Celi asked.
“If we invert the drive while it’s inside the colony it’ll cause a gamma ray burst,” Brian explained. “Valis used the tactic once before against Shiken Ka. It was overkill then. But now it’ll be what saves us. There’s no way we can take on three carriers on our own.”
“I’m going to prepare the pilots ready for battle,” Meldi said before leaving.
“I’ll make sure everything’s ready on my end,” Jesela said before taking her leave.
“I’ll prepare for the wounded as well,” Celi said before heading to sickbay.
Brian left the room with Baed and Zae. They took their positions on the bridge. He stood and watched as the Grey fleets approached. Once the enemy ships reached a specific point he activated the com system to speak with the whole ship.
“This is acting Lieutenant Commander Peterson speaking. As you know by now, the colony below us has been used by the Greys for experiments of an unspeakable nature. For those unfortunates who lost their lives fighting against destiny, what we do today is answer their call for justice. It’s time for our enemies to know there are consequences to their actions. Let us say a prayer to Kali for the fallen.” He closed his eyes for a moment and let the crew say a prayer before drawing his rakna and driving it into the floor on the bridge. “Hear that sword my friends? It’s the sound of righteousness on our side. And may the goddess watch over us.” He ended transmission.
“Splendid speech,” Baed said. “I’m feeling all fired up.”
“The same here,” Zae said. “You truly are a Maigar.”
“Thanks for saying so,” he said. “I always feel like I sound cheesy when making a speech like that.”
“We all do,” Zae said.
* * *
Well said young man. Grigon thought as he programmed the Q-Drive on the colony.
“If I could feel emotions I’d say his speech inspired me,” Droid A said.
“That’s not part of our programming though,” Droid B pointed out.
“But I feel different now,” Droid C remarked.
“I’ve programmed each of you to learn emotion over time,” Grigon explained. “It won’t be the same as what a living being like myself feels, but it should simulate it over time. Now, is our decoy ready?”
“Yes sir,” Droid A reported. “I have the damaged Talon flying around the colony in a steady orbit.
“Good,” the old birdman said. “It looks like our foolish enemies are closing in as predicted. It’s a good thing they don’t have many of the old commanders on their ships any longer.”
“You mean the original types?” Droid C asked.
“Yes, that kind,” Grigon answered. “They’re like Myden, but not. He escaped the grasp of their machine god’s might. But they didn’t. No, they allowed that thing to control them. Oh yes, it gave them order and a false peace. But it stole away everything that they were and made them into the obedient little organic robots we see today.”
“Tell me Grigon, what else can you tell me about the originals?” Brian asked over the monitor.
“Oh, you were listening in eh?” Grigon feigned surprise. “The originals were the ones who
activated the machine god in the first place. There are only a few of them left now. You’ll know when one of them is in charge of a Grey ship because it’ll change its tactics when needed. The originals still maintain a small part of their individuality. This allows them to think on their own and consider a battle in the moment rather than stick to the standard. Most of them are stationed on the Terran side of Grey space though.”
“Thanks for giving me the hint,” Brian said.
“Sorry I didn’t bring it up sooner,” Grigon said. “I often forget there are things I should be telling you about.”
“It’s alright, now I know what to look for,” Brian said. The Grey fleets were closing in. “It looks like we need to get to business.”
“Of course,” the old Malcovin said.
* * *
The Avoni and Vomada hovered above the colony in stealth mode. A single Talon flew around outside. Meldi and the others stood by in their Phase Raknas. Meldi checked her systems once more as Myli appeared on her monitor.
“How are you holding up?” her friend asked.
“We’ve been working nonstop for a while now,” Meldi answered. “I’m alright.”
“I’m glad Brian and the others came up with this plan.”
“I am to,” she said. “I know the chances of victory have increased but I don’t like risking our lives if we don’t have to.”
* * *
“It looks like they’re playing it safe,” Zae reported.
Two of the three Grey carriers continued closing while the third stood by at a distance.
“It doesn’t matter,” Brian said. “Two will do nicely. Grigon, how long will it be until we should jump?”
“Two minutes,” Grigon answered. “We want them as close as possible before detonation.”
“Two minutes it is,” Brian said.
The two carriers positioned themselves directly below the colony. A number of the smaller crafts closed on the lone Talon outside. They fired at the damaged mobile suit with a barrage of pulse blasts and completely destroyed it. The two larger Grey vessels settled into orbit next to the station. The other Grey ships started searching. It was obvious the stealth cloaks were working for the Avoni and the Vomada. Grigon cawed as he activated the remote to invert the Q-Drive inside the colony. As the particles within the drive began flying out of control the Avoni and Vomada hastily gravity jumped out. The colony began glowing green and blue as the drive expended all of its energy. The smaller Grey ships started flying away, but the larger ships were caught in the massive explosion. The two carriers, along with the majority of their attack vessels were vaporized in an instant. The third ship waited for the chain of explosions to end before closing in to allow the few surviving smaller ships to land on its surface for repairs. The Avoni and Vomada appeared in a nearby solar system in an asteroid field.
Heaven Saga 3: Sojourn Into Despair Page 14
