Heaven Saga 3: Sojourn Into Despair

by Marcus Johnson

  “It looks like everything went as planned,” Brian said.

  “Yes,” Zae said.

  “I wouldn’t call it a victory yet,” Grigon said. “Check your long range scanners.”

  “We’re detecting another carrier class ship headed straight for us,” Baed reported. “It just appeared on the radar.”

  “Let’s get ready for battle then,” Brian said. “No more tricks this time. We have to fight to survive.”

  Chapter 25 - The Price of Victory

  “All mobile suits prepare for combat,” Brian ordered. “I’ll be joining you shortly. Our base formation is A-11.” He turned to Zae. “I’m leaving the Avoni in your hands.”

  “Alright,” Zae said.

  “Grigon, did you get that?” Brian asked.

  “Yes,” the old birdman answered. “I’ll deploy the Talons as you specified.”

  “Good,” Brian said before heading to the elevator.

  “Brian, aren’t you forgetting this?” Baed asked. She pointed to the rakna blade he’d planted in the floor.

  “Should I fall one of you will need to take it up,” Brian said. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  “Let’s hope not indeed,” Baed said before turning back to steering the ship.

  Before the elevator opened Brian took out a small injector and hit himself in the neck. It eased the pain while adding a much needed energy boost. He ran to the launching bay and went to the Mjolnir. After taking the cord up he activated its systems.

  “Meldi, we have thirty six mobile suits remaining including the Mjolnir,” he said. “I want you and Myli to each take command of eleven suits. I’ll be doing the same.”

  “So it’s three squadrons of twelve?” Meldi asked.

  “That’s the plan,” Brian said. “I’ll be commanding squadron one, you two, and Myli three. We have no cover here so we’re going to have to rely on each another for protection.”

  “Is squadron three to act as a reserve?” Myli asked.

  “Yes,” Brian answered. “Stick close to the Avoni unless ordered otherwise.” The mobile suits started launching outside to take position in space around the Avoni. The Vomada deployed the remaining forty nine Talons on autopilot in a formation ahead of them. “Squadrons one and two will follow the Talon’s attack wave. The goal is to overwhelm the carrier’s shields so we can strike it directly with our ships’ main cannons.”

  “Yes sir,” the other pilots answered.

  Each squad moved into formation. Grigon positioned three squads of twelve Talons at point. Myli and her eleven suits took a similar formation around the Avoni. The remaining thirteen Talons formed a defensive shell around the Vomada to act as a reserve force. Brian observed closely as the smaller Grey ships began mirroring their formation. Their telepathic abilities caused their ships to shift and look like mobile suits.

  “Brian, it they’re mirroring our weapons,” Meldi said with anxiety in her voice.

  “I had a feeling this was going to happen,” Brian said. “Aim for the heart of the saucer.”

  “Yes sir,” Meldi and the others responded.

  While the forces of smaller ships closed in on each another the Grey carrier fired a massive energy beam at the Avoni. The mobile suits in front scattered until the beam finished. It drained the Avoni’s shields.

  “We’re alright,” Zae reported.

  “Good, I’d hate to think the new shields were useless,” Brian said with a sigh of relief. “All units attack the smaller ships. Once we’ve destroyed half their number we’ll break through to the carrier and hit it with everything we’ve got.”

  “Yes sir!” the other pilots shouted as they began their barrage of pulse fire.

  * * *

  “It looks like everything is going as planned,” Grigon said.

  The first wave of Talons tore into the center of the Grey ships. After a few minutes of attacking in waves the Grey formation started falling apart.

  ‘Sir, we’ve lost six Talons,” Droid A reported. “No Raknas have been destroyed yet.”

  “Good,” Grigon cawed. “Machines can be replaced but people can’t.”

  “Sir, we’re detecting a force of Grey ships appearing to the stern of the Avoni,” Droid B reported.

  “Send over twelve to aid Myli’s unit,” Grigon ordered. He watched the Talons and Raknas struggle while holding off the large force of enemies. So that was their plan the whole time. “Brian, I’m sending my reserves to aid the Avoni.”

  “Alright Grigon, I can see what their plan is now,” Brian said over com.

  Thirteen Talons flew to the Avoni to aid in the ship’s defense. Myli’s unit managed to hold their ground with the Talons aiding them. At the same time the Avoni began firing a barrage of into the Grey ships. The Talons coordinated with melee attacks when the Avoni’s cannons weren’t firing. Myli and her fellow pilots continued guarding the ship in a loose formation. Another massive blast emerged from the carrier. This time it hit the Avoni’s shields dead on. As the beam smashed into the Avoni it also hit a pair of Phase Raknas and vaporized them in an instant. The shields of the Avoni held but power systems were drained for a while.

  “Is everyone okay?” Myli asked.

  “Yes, but we’re going to need your mobile suits to act as shields once more,” Zae said.

  “I’ll have the Talons reinforce your defense,” Grigon said. The Vomada moved closer to the Avoni.”

  “What are you doing?” Zae asked.

  “Your ship can’t take another shot like that,” Grigon said. “The Vomada can take at least few right now.”

  “Thank you Grigon,” Zae said.

  * * *

  “They’re not sunk,” Meldi said with relief in her voice.

  “We’d better get this done as quickly as possible then,” Brian said. He blinked his eyes before entering the berserk. The Mjolnir drew its massive rakna blade and began slashing through one Grey ship after another. When the Mjolnir drew closer to the carrier Brian activated the pulse cannon and fired. “All units attack the same point with your pulse cannons. Once the shield is breeched I’ll gut it.”

  “Yes sir,” the Rakna pilots said as one by one they began to fire their weapons all at the same point. After a few minutes of dodging fire and blasting the carrier a small weakness began emerging. Brian threw the Mjolnir’s sword into the weak spot and then fired the pulse cannon at it. The energy from all the weapons converging on one point opened a small hole in the carrier’s shields. “Zae, fire now!” he shouted.

  The Avoni and Vomada fired their main cannons. An explosion on the carrier‘s surface began spreading. Brian and all the mobile suits in the area fired into the hole. The carrier tilted as explosions filled the area. Its shields fell as wave after wave of attack smashed into its hull. Before it finally exploded the massive ship fired one last blast towards the Avoni. Close by, Brian and a number of the other pilots activated their shields and tried to eat up some of the energy from the beam. While doing this, the Mjolnir and six Raknas were heavily damaged. Three more were vaporized in the attack. The attack still hit the Avoni and damaged the main cannon. Brian blinked his eyes before ending the berserk. The Grey carrier exploded below them.

  “All units return to base,” Brian ordered.

  “Brian, do you need help?” Meldi asked.

  “No, the Mjolnir can fly on its own,” Brian answered.

  “Of course sir, returning to base,” Meldi said.

  Brian turned his com to a private channel. “Zae how’s the ship?”

  “Other than the main cannon we’re still moving,” she responded.

  “What are our casualties?” he asked.

  “Five Raknas have been destroyed,” Zae reported. “The gunnery officers also suffered seven deaths. Celi’s reporting we have over twenty wounded.”

  “How is it on your side Grigon?” Brian asked.

  “I lost fifteen Talons in this battle,” Grigon answered. “From the debris I should be able to salva
ge a few of those back.”

  “Alright,” Brian said. He leaned back as the Mjolnir flew to the Avoni. He stared at the debris field. “I’m never going to get used to this, am I?”

  Chapter 26 - What’s a Casualty Anyway?

  The Mjolnir landed in the launching bay missing its left arm. The leg on the same side was heavily damaged. Brian watched Jesela and the other engineers scrambled to repair everything they could. Time seemed to slow down as he watched the medical officers take the wounded pilots to sickbay. I’ve fought in many battles over the last few years. I’ve seen so much death I can’t count the fallen anymore. But this is different. It feels as if each one of them is a part of me. He turned away and hid from view before smashing his fist against the wall. After directing traffic for a moment Meldi walked over to see if he was alright. She saw him turned with his back to her.

  “Brian?” she asked.

  “Yes, what is it?” he asked as he turned around.

  Meldi saw something in his eyes, something that told her more than his face or voice ever could.

  “I’m sorry if I’m speaking out of line but you’re not yourself,” Meldi said. “I know it’s not my place to say this, but…”

  “No, it is your place to say it Meldi,” Brian interrupted. “I’ve been so consumed on what we need to do lately I’ve forgotten you’re people. I feel the pain all of you do.”

  “The berserk gives you that ability,” Meldi said.

  “Where did you hear that?”

  “My grandmother once told me that a berserked Maigar was able to feel the minds of those around him,” she explained. “When your eyes begin glowing you can feel everything, can’t you?”

  “It’s kind of like that,” Brian answered.

  “Then you know how we feel,” she said. “We trust your decisions, even if we die in the process of fulfilling them. Not because we foolishly believe in some legend from back home. No, we trust you because you’ve proven yourself in battle.” She took his hand. “Their deaths aren’t your fault, remember that Brian. The burden of the dead is to be shared amongst the survivors. Each of us knew the stakes when we joined this crew. We all know the path we’re walking may lead to our destruction. The things we’ve bore witness to have proven that this enemy is unlike anything ever faced before. The Greys won’t spare us.” Meldi looked into his eyes. “And know that no matter how bad it gets, no matter how difficult, no matter the cost of life, we’ll never blame you. Should the path chosen kill us, so be it. We‘ll follow you to the end, no matter what form it takes.”

  “Thank you,” he said.

  “Now go to sickbay,” Meldi said. “I can tell something’s bothering you physically. What I won’t ask, but I can see it in the way you move.”

  “I’ll do that,” he said before leaving.

  * * *

  Grigon waded through the wreckage the Talons brought back and carefully examined each piece mangled metal. He stopped when he came to a Phase Rakna and saw blood on the wreckage. War truly is an ugly thing. No beauty or grace to be found, only blood and death. I can see why Brian despises it so much. The old Malcovin thought to himself.

  “True, that’s why we’re entering stage eight of the plan old friend,” Myden said telepathically. An image of him appeared behind the old Malcovin. He was dressed in his usual grey cloak while holding his black telepathic staff.

  “Stage eight you say?” Grigon asked. “You never told me how that one goes Myden. He turned to face the old Grey.

  Myden stopped to scan Grigon’s mind. “I see. So it’s finally become active inside him, hasn’t it?”

  “Are you speaking of the plague?”

  “Yes,” Myden answered. “The odds of Celi’s success are close to zero percent. I can’t appear on their ship at the moment, nor would I be of any help as things are right now. Saying that, I see Brian has you working on the Maiden’s mobile suits.”

  “The Aegis will be finished in a few months,” Grigon said. “The other four I can’t guarantee until a few years from now.”

  “That’s fine,” Myden said. “We’ll need them in about four years. Valis and Brian have drafted the basics for the organization to fulfill the next stage of the plan.”

  “What are the last three stages?” Grigon asked.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. But I deemed you didn’t need to know about the latter stages of the plan. Now you have the right to know more.”

  “I’m glad to finally win your trust,” Grigon said.

  “You have old friend,” Myden said. “Now, onto to what you asked about. Stage eight is the creation of an independent armed organization whose purpose is to unify the peoples of this galaxy. Stage nine is the unification of the galaxy in its final phase. The final stage is when the doors of the future are opened by the Goddess. The eighth and ninth stages are straightforward in plan and execution, though quite difficult to implement properly. The last stage is the one the Teacher never told me much about. Who the goddess is, and what happens afterwards, I know not, and to be honest Grigon, I have no idea what will happen.”

  “I think I have a clue,” Grigon cawed.

  “What might it be?” Myden asked.

  “I’ll tell you once the system has been active,” he answered. “Be it Brian or one of the ladies onboard this ship the system will finally see the light of day.”

  “The system you speak of is the next stage of their evolution. Are you sure that it will be that easy?”

  “When the Maigars of old were near death their ability to fight was beyond mortal. But they didn’t have a mobile suit to expand upon that newfound power.”

  “Basically, when he nears death, the system will become activated?” Myden asked.

  “Once it happens I’ll tell you more on my theory,” Grigon cawed. “Until then you’ll have to wait.”

  “I’m looking forward to that day,” Myden’s image began flickering out of view. “I’m sorry, but communicating over such a long distance is extremely difficult, so I won’t be able to check in very often. We’re making preparations to send a rescue party out to search for you in a few weeks. Survive Grigon, survive until the time to meet again once more is here.”

  The Grey disappeared and left the old Malcovin alone.

  “It’s time to get back to work,” Grigon said as he began working on a damaged Talon.

  * * *

  Brian walked into sickbay to witness to the staff working full capacity. The medical officers were at the center of the injured. Celi nodded in his direction before pointing to the lab room he often went to these days. After a few minutes Celi ran in to check him over with a scan.

  “You’re alright for now,” Celi said. “I’m sorry, but I have a lot to do.”

  “I understand,” Brian said before standing up to leave. Feeling lightheaded, he decided to sit back down. He watched the wounded. Taking a deep breath he stood and left sickbay. Outside of the door Vae waited with a wrap around her left arm.

  “Meldi’s right Brian,” she said.

  “You overheard us?”

  “We believe in you Brian,” Vae said with a smile. “Never forget that.”

  “Thank you Vae,” he said before heading for the bridge. When he reached the elevator he looked at his right arm again. I’m going to have to ask Celi how to deactivate it in case I need to. The elevator door opened to the bridge. Baed sat at her station while Zae was in the captain’s chair.

  “How’s she holding up?” he asked.

  “Other than the main cannon we’re doing remarkably well,” Zae reported.

  “I’ve found us an excellent spot to hide for the day,” Baed said. She displayed the image of an asteroid. “It’s nothing to look at, but it’ll work for now.”

  “Good, bring us in there immediately,” he ordered.

  “Of course,” Baed said. She flew the ship inside.

  “This last battle is bothering you, isn’t it?” Zae asked. “I could tell by the tone of your voice.”
/>   “It has,” Brian sighed, “The constant threat of death is dancing on my nerves.”

  “That’s understandable,” Zae said. “It’s hitting us all pretty hard.”

  * * *

  Celi laid her bed, exhausted after a long day of work. The door opened and Brian stumbled in before falling to the floor. She jumped up and ran to him.

  “Brian!” she shouted.

  Celi pressed the button to open his armor up. Emerging from the exoskeleton she noticed his body was burning up. Brian opened his eyes and grimaced in pain.

  “Guess I pushed myself a little too much today. Sorry about that,” he said with a pained laugh. Celi helped him limp to the bed. She went to take out a scanner and some medicine, but Brian put his hand on hers. “No yet. Just stay with me for a while, that’s all I want.”

  “You’re burning up,” she said. “If I don’t treat you, you could…”

  “Die,” he interrupted. “I know, I know it all too well. Death is all I can see these days.”