“I don’t think she’s crazy,” Grigon said. “The question is if we can implement it properly.”
“Alright old man, I believe you,” Dreka said.
The Mjolnir’s eyes lit up. “You two know I can hear you, right?” the mobile suit asked.
“Of course,” Dreka cawed.
“We wouldn’t think of leaving you out of this,” Grigon said.
“What about Meldi?” Mjolnir asked. “Shouldn’t she know what’s going on?”
The door opened and in came Daes and Jesela. The two headed over to the Mjolnir.
“She doesn’t need to know,” Daes said. “That was Brian’s last order to me.”
“I wonder why he wants to keep it from her,” Jesela said.
“It’s part of the plan,” Grigon said. “So does everyone have what we need?”
Daes handed him a tablet with all the data on the Minerva and Aegis. “Everything’s right there.”
Dreka handed over his tablet with all the data on the Gemini. “My masterpiece is detailed on this.”
Jesela handed him a tablet with all the data on the Artemis and Siren. “Why did you have us transport this through handhelds? It would’ve been easier to send the data over the ship’s computer.”
“Secrecy must be maintained,” Grigon said. “I know it’s a hassle to do things this way but Brian requested it.”
The old birdman used the elevator cord to head up the Mjolnir’s cockpit.
“So what are all of you doing to me?” the mobile suit asked.
“The first thing we want to do is create a backup for all the special model mobile suits,” Grigon explained. “But there’s more to it in the data you’ll be receiving. This much input will probably turn off your functions for a while.”
“I trust you,” Mjolnir said. “Wake me up when everything’s done.”
“I will,” Grigon said.
Grigon plugged in the tablets and set them to run automatically before returning to the others. When the data went in the Mjolnir’s eyes went black while its systems were updated.
“It’ll take a few hours for all the data to transfer,” Grigon said as he left the cockpit.
“When did he hatch this plan?” Dreka asked.
“Right before he led the Confederation on that chase,” Daes said.
Jesela touched the leg of the Mjolnir. “He saw something, didn’t he? Something he won’t tell any of us.”
“He probably saw a vision in that sea of blue,” Dreka cawed.
“Agreed,” Grigon said.
“If you check the logs you’ll find he sent a number of messages to his people,” Daes said. “The last one will get to the Earth in about a hundred years.”
“Is there something significant about that message?” Jesela asked.
Daes nodded. “He made a single prediction. When the light is darkest a dragon will emerge from the eye of Jupiter carrying a warrior of Kali.”
“Kali is a reference our people,” Jesela said. “Wait, isn’t he the Warrior?”
Myden stepped out of the shadows. “No Jesela, the Warrior is whoever is needed for the task.”
“What do you mean?” Dreka asked.
“The coming war will be but the first,” Myden said. “The Naerendi control half of Alden, but their dominance over Kelden is much greater. Even if we drive them from this galaxy a greater threat looms. They’ll come again, that I guarantee.”
* * *
King Zaris and the Admiral Shakar were in the great hall of the palace. On the monitors around the room were the images and video of the female Malcovin striking military compounds. His advisors were running around in confusion because of the situation.
“What should we do my lord?” Shakar asked.
“Females don’t know there place anymore,” Zaris said. “Something larger is at work here.”
“Do you think it’s them?” Shakar asked.
“Probably,” Zaris said. “At the least they’re feeding them money and weapons.” He looked at one of the bases that had been attacked. “Be on the watch for stolen Talons. If the females know how to fly them we’re in for some trouble.”
“I’ll double all patrols over vital locations,” Shakar said.
“That’ll help,” Zaris said. “How’s Regelik doing?”
“His next plan will surely destroy our enemy,” Shakar answered.
“I hope it does,” Zaris said. “We can’t afford to let the enemy embolden the rebels any more than they already are.”
* * *
Valis looked over her battle plan in her quarters before turning off the monitor and leaning back in her chair.
“This is going to be tough,” she said to herself.
When she closed her eyes the door buzzer went off.
“It’s me,” Celi said.
“Come in,” Valis said.
Celi opened the door. “How are things coming along?”
“Everything’s finished,” Valis said. “Our base will be attacked by five hundred ships tomorrow or the next day. It’s hard planning against odds like that.”
“I’ll take your word on this,” Celi said.
“So Celi, is there something wrong with me or not?”
“Nothing in the scans stands out right now,” Celi said. “I’m keeping a close eye on us. The other medical staffs are doing the same.”
“Good,” Valis said before looking at her empty wine glass. “I haven’t had a drop since the party on Dega Jul.”
Celi picked up the glass. “Did you really give up drinking?”
Valis sighed. “At first I thought it was a joke. But after thinking about it I may have a problem.”
“Well, keep it up,” Celi said. “Giving up alcohol isn’t bad for you. By the way, have you had a chance to talk with the bridge crew?”
“After the next battle I’ll do that,” Valis said. “I need some sleep right now.”
“Alright,” Celi said. “If anything comes up we’ll contact you immediately. Take care Valis.”
“I will,” Valis said before Celi left. She went to her bedroom and crashed on the bed. She turned her head and stared at a picture showing her and Brian when he first became a Maigar. “Never was there an officer who caused me more trouble,” she closed her eyes, “or made me lose more sleep.”
Chapter 17 - Flock of Talons
Veda and Reban were busy in the command center when the alert system went on. As they looked up the screens showed five hundred Malcovin ships approaching from all sides.
“I guess our phase cloak doesn’t work anymore,” Reban said.
“I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did,” Veda said before pressing the com. “To all forces, five hundred enemy ships are approaching. All gunnery officers are to report to their stations. All ships are to launch as soon as possible.”
“Our enemy chose well,” Reban said. “There are no places to use for cover at all.”
“We could gravity jump away,” Veda said. “But Valis wants us to stand our ground.”
“Retreating would be bad for morale after all,” Reban said.
“True,” Veda said. “And despite everything we can win this.”
“Should I ready our reserves?” Reban asked.
Veda nodded. “This time it would be a good idea.”
* * *
The six ships launched from their docks. As they did so all of them deployed their mobile weapons. The Maidens joined together before the enemy entered firing range.
“Seles, Kivi, head for their closest fleet and destroy as many as you can,” Valis ordered. “The rest of us will take care of another enemy fleet.”
“I’m on it,” Seles said.
“Time to take them down,” Kivi said.
The Artemis and Gemini flew at the approaching fleet while the other three flew to a different location. The reflector plates on the Artemis extended the barrel and intensified the beam as the two mobile suits fired at the enemy. As they did so, a pair of ships exploded w
hile eight Talons went with them. As the moments passed more and more of the approaching fleet took damage. When the enemy entered range they fired back and shook the two mobile suits.
“I think that’s my queue,” Seles said.
“Go ahead,” Kivi said.
The Artemis landed on the back of the Gemini and sped up its gravity drive. Seles let the berserk take hold as she fired a massive beam into the enemy fleet. Thirty ships and over a hundred Talons were destroyed. The Gemini joined in and blasted some of the damaged ships while Seles fired a second arrow. After the beam of destruction cleared, the Malcovin fleet was reduced to a handful of ships and fifty Talons. Seles ended her berserk and returned the Artemis to normal.
“Are you alright?” Kivi asked.
“Yeah, I’ll live,” Seles said. “Berserking takes a lot of you.”
“I know,” Kivi said. “Let’s finish this and prepare for the next wave.”
“Good idea,” Seles said.
* * *
The Minerva, Siren, and Aegis headed for the next enemy fleet. The amount of pulse fire concentrated on them shook their vessels. Valis focused her mind to not go berserk as they approached.
“It’s time Mira,” Valis said.
“As you wish,” Mira said.
The drive on the Siren sped up as its song system started up. Mira sang an old Kalaidian ballad to praise the goddess. When the three entered the enemy fleet’s space the crafts around them were disabled one after another by the Siren’s system. After four passes the second fleet was in shambles with only a few disabled ships and mobile suits remaining. Mira ended the song system while the three returned to base.
“That was easy,” Celi said.
“Only because your shields are so strong,” Mira said.
* * *
“The first and second enemy fleets have been wiped out,” Reban reported.
“Good,” Veda said. “Now we need to hold out for a while.”
The remaining Malcovin ships approached with their weapons firing. The shield array of the base held, but the amount of energy slamming into them shook the entire asteroid. Outside, the six ships maintained a tight formation with their smaller crafts doing likewise.
“Our shields are at eighty five percent,” Reban said.
“Their weapons are more powerful than we thought,” Veda said. “Guess we shouldn’t underestimate the greedy birds so much.”
“Valis has an alternative plan in case of this,” Reban said. “It’s the same as what we’re doing now but we take more damage.”
“How creative,” Veda said.
Three hundred ships and over a thousand Talons exchanged fire with the asteroid base. While the Malcovin were suffering a lot more damage to their forces the Columbia base’s shields were being drained.
“They’re ignoring our ships,” Reban said.
“Hmm…we thought as much,” Veda said.
Valis appeared on the monitor, “Veda, change to M-8.”
Veda switched the plan over as it was sent to every craft within their forces.
“Maintain things as they are,” Valis said. “We’ll take the heat off you in a few minutes.”
“Alright,” Veda said.
* * *
The Artemis and Gemini were with the six ships to aid in the defense of the base. Seles and Kivi masterfully coordinated their shots to destroy as many enemies as possible. At the same time, the Minerva, Aegis, and Siren joined them.
“Celi, it’s time you turn the tide of battle,” Valis said.
“Activating shield system,” Celi said as she started her berserk.
The Aegis’s drive sped up as a wave like barrier of particles extended from the silver mobile suit and covered the entire base. Incoming attacks began reflecting back on the Malcovin forces. As their numbers thinned the enemy backed away.
“That shield is crazy,” Seles said.
“No crazier than your arrows,” Kivi said.
“We’ll push forward as long as she can maintain the shield system,” Valis said.
The Gemini and Artemis led the attack using their long range cannons. The Malcovin forces bunched together to help stave off some of the damage.
“It seems our enemy is learning new tricks,” Kivi said.
“Let’s attack together to counter,” Seles suggested.
“Of course,” Kivi said.
* * *
From a distance Admiral Regelik watched the battle from the bridge of the flagship. He paced nervously as the tide turned against his forces.
“What should we do?” his commander asked.
“Their special weapons are limited from what we’ve discerned,” Regelik said. “Once that shield is down our opening will come. For now let’s keep our distance and be ready to strike.”
“Sir, our attacks were having an effect on their base,” a lieutenant reported. “We’ve reduced their shields to fifty one percent.”
“Good,” Regelik said. “Even if we’re forced to flee at least we’ll have something to give the king.”
Chapter 18 - Hanging On
Grigon and Jesela maintained the shields and engines while Myden fired the weapons. The four droids steered the Freedom and kept communications going. The mobile suits outside were busy maintaining a defensive shell around the ship.
“This is getting rough,” Jesela said.
“We expected as much,” Myden said.
Outside, a number of enemy ships exploded in flashes of lights.
“I’d bet they’re wishing Dreka and I were still on their side,” Grigon cawed. “Foolish are those who throw away talent.”
“I’d hate fighting you two,” Jesela said.
“Between you and Daes you’d find a way to manage,” Grigon said.
The Aegis’s shield started waning.
“We need to find a way for those systems to last longer,” Grigon said.
“I have some ideas on that,” Jesela said.
“You’ll have to run them by me later,” Grigon said.
After the Aegis’s shield returned to normal the shaking got worse. The Malcovin ships focused their attacks on the base. As they aimed at one spot the shields opened a weak spot and caused an explosion.
“They’re going to make us work even more,” Jesela said.
“That’s the least of Veda’s worries,” Myden said.
* * *
The Columbia base shook as pulse fire and HV missiles slammed into the asteroid. The six ships quickly moved into the hole in the base’s shield.
“No casualties to report,” Reban said.
Veda sighed with relief. “I’m glad we got that fixed quickly.”
“Another wave incoming,” Reban said.
The Malcovin fleet shifted and attacked a single point in the shield array again. Five points of light flashed as the Maidens made their way to the enemy forces.
“Should we send out the reserves?” Reban asked.
Veda shook her head. “Valis told me not to unless we have to.”
“Alright,” Reban said.
* * *
Seles fired one shot after another as they flew into the enemy fleet. The ships and Talons changed their target and surrounded the Maidens.
“Everyone needs to move together,” Valis ordered.
The five mobile suits moved closer to each other while firing their weapons.
“Seles, Kivi, use attack pattern C-5,” Valis said.
“Yes Valis,” Seles said.
“Easy enough,” Kivi said.
The Artemis landed on the Gemini again while each fired at the same target. The two focused their attacks on the ships surrounding them while the Siren and Minerva picked off any Talon coming too close.
“Once we’ve reached the other side I’d like to circle around and use attack pattern C-6,” Valis said.
“Got it,” each of the others said.
After slicing through the enemy fleet the five turned about and headed straight through again. The attacks w
ere starting to take their toll as the shaking got worse. The Artemis and Gemini shifted their cannons to spread mode and fired a series of attacks through the enemy fleet.
“I think we have them on the ropes,” Seles said.
“You might be right,” Kivi said.
* * *
Regelik watched the battle closely as his fleets were being attacked on all fronts. The chatter coming over the com showed the Malcovin forces were beginning to panic.
“What should we do sir?” his commander asked. “If we don’t do something we’ll be annihilated.”
“Call in the reserve fleets,” Regelik ordered.
“But if we do that we won’t have anyone defending Odair Prime,” his commander said.
“I said call them,” Regelik said. “We have a chance to destroy their base and I won’t pass it up.” He hit the com. “All forces are to maintain the current battle plan. We’re calling in our reserves.”
“Yes sir,” all of the captains responded.
The admiral tapped his clawed finger.
“Is something wrong sir?” his commander asked.
“Yes,” Regelik said. “Focus all attacks on the silver and white mobile suit.”
“Yes sir,” his subordinates said.
* * *
Seles continued firing when Valis narrowed her eyes. The Talons and ships nearby began focusing their attacks on the Artemis.
“Seles, they’ve changed their target to you,” Valis said.
“Is there something you’d like me to do about that?” Seles asked.
“When the time comes be ready to berserk,” Valis said. “I trust you’ll come out of this alive.”
“Alright,” Seles said.
“To all forces,” Valis said. “Our enemy has called for their reserves. Change plans accordingly.”
* * *
After a moment a number of lights flashed as another two hundred ships appeared near them. Reban adjusted their plan and showed it to Veda.
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 8
