“So we can use them after all,” Veda said before hitting the com. “All mobile weapon pilots are to launch and take formation D-17.”
“Yes admiral!” five hundred pilots shouted.
Ten hidden launching bays opened all around the Columbia base as two hundred and fifty Phase Raknas, a hundred Phase Talons, fifty Lance Phalanxes, and a hundred Fangs launched and surrounded the base.
* * *
“I bet they weren’t expecting that,” Mira said.
“No they weren’t,” Valis said.
“The base is holding well,” Celi said. “I can’t say the same for us.”
“They really don’t like me,” Seles said.
“I can’t imagine why,” Kivi said.
The constant attacks by the enemy forced the five to move closer to each other again. Despite the powerful shields protecting it the Artemis was starting to take damage from incoming HV missiles.
“Seles, Kivi, change back to attack pattern C-5,” Valis said. “Our enemy is getting wise to your spread attacks.”
“Let’s give a try,” Kivi said.
“I’m on it,” Seles said.
The two mobile suits switched back to targeting larger ships with their combined cannon attacks. The Malcovin forces started using their attacks to push the Maidens in a specific direction.
“Seles, that’s your queue,” Valis said.
“Going berserk,” Seles said.
The Artemis sped into the enemy and fired. Each enemy trying to attack her aimed correctly but shot too late for it to matter. Seles felt power pulsing through her as she tore through their ships.
Chapter 19 - Pushing Back
Regelik watched the Artemis destroy his ships one after another. The other Maidens finished off any ships still functioning in their path. While his main fleet was being destroyed he hit the com.
“All ships are to retreat to their designated points,” the admiral said.
“But sir, we’ll leave the reserve forces behind,” his commander said.
“We don’t have any other choices,” Regelik said. “I said retreat!”
“Yes sir,” his subordinates said.
The fleets around the Maidens collected their Talons and gravity jumped away. While the admiral’s flagship flickered he stared at the Artemis.
“May the gods help us,” he said as his ship disappeared.
* * *
“All ships and mobile weapons are to change their targets to the remaining enemy fleets,” Veda said.
“I’m disappointed,” Esra said from the bridge of the Daevoni. “It was just getting interesting.”
“It was the wise decision,” El Kar said from the bridge of the Reinkar.
“He’s trying to preserve his force for the next battle,” Veda said.
The base shook as an enemy ship slammed into its shields and exploded.
“That hurt,” Reban said.
“Get our engineers on it,” Veda said.
* * *
The six ships and their mobile weapons moved to the other side of the asteroid to attack. The Maidens gathered together after Seles ended her berserk. They took their usual formation and joined the others.
“Seles, you can stand down for a while if you need to,” Valis said.
“I’m alright,” Seles said.
“Are you sure?” Mira asked.
“Thanks,” Seles said. “I’m a little tired.”
“I don’t think we’ll be needed,” Kivi said.
The Malcovin fleets ceased firing and signaled their surrender. The forces of the Columbia base stopped attacking and held their positions.
“Can we handle that many?” Celi wondered.
Valis looked over the data. “They have a hundred and thirteen ships left. There are also two hundred and thirty one Talons.”
“The spoils of war go our way once again,” Kivi said.
“If things continue as they are we’re going to need every scrap of metal we come across,” Valis said.
* * *
Seles and Mira landed their crafts before heading for the bridge. Along the way Kyli ran into them.
“You’ll have to show me those moves someday,” Kyli said.
“I’ll try, but I’m not sure if you can keep up,” Seles said.
“I’ll give it my all,” Kyli said.
“That’s the spirit,” Seles said. “By the way, where are you headed?”
“The mess hall,” Kyli said. “The birds decided to attack before I had a chance to grab something to eat.”
Mira’s stomach grumbled. “I feel the same.”
When they came to split in the hallways Kyli went to leave them.
“We’ll join you in a little while,” Seles said.
“Looking forward to it,” Kyli said as she left.
“She’s in a good mood,” Mira said.
“That’s because I had a talk with Tctie,” Seles said. “I think he’s starting to get it.”
“You’ve been pushing yourself a lot lately,” Mira said.
“I can’t help it,” Seles said. “I think I’m trying to do Brian’s part and mine at the same time.”
“You could’ve stayed at Reiki Prime and led the negotiations,” Mira said.
“I’d rather dance with an Ick-Tckt,” Seles said.
The two entered the bridge and found everything in order. Jesela was humming a tune as she worked on the console near the captain’s chair. Seles looked at Grigon.
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to repair her a little bit,” Seles said.
“That’s alright,” Grigon said. “I’m bored doing only readings.”
“He prefers to get his claws dirty,” Jesela said. “Is the Siren alright?”
“They didn’t care much for me,” Mira said. “By the way, what’s got you so interested?”
Jesela showed them the video. “Veda just relayed a message from Brian.” She looked at the old birdman. “Well Grigon, let’s get to it.”
“Agreed,” he said before following her off the bridge.
“Do you want to play it now?” Mira asked.
Seles sent the video to each of their quarters. “Not now.” She looked at Myden. “You’ve been rather quiet lately. Is something going on?”
“Nothing extraordinary,” Myden answered. “Now that the plan is in action my schemes aren’t needed.”
“That’s an interesting way of putting it,” Mira said.
“I’ve been doing my best to get back into the habit of fighting,” Myden said. “I haven’t been involved like this for centuries.”
“Living on Kalaidia didn’t keep your skills sharp, did it?” Seles asked.
“Not at all,” Myden said. “Too much relaxation and meditation erodes the warrior spirit. I’m better now.”
“Well, we’ll be leaving for the mess hall then,” Seles said. “Do you want anything to eat?”
“I’m alright, thanks though,” he said.
Seles and Mira headed to the mess hall.
“Have you ever seen him eat?” Mira asked.
“Come to think of it, no,” Seles said.
* * *
“Oh, look what she’s done,” Grigon said while repairing the Artemis.
“It’s not that bad,” Jesela said while looking over the Siren.
“I wish shield technology had a better way of handling HV missiles,” Grigon said.
“Why aren’t we working on that then?” Jesela asked.
“Because we have too much to do as it is,” Grigon cawed. “That’s the problem with science. There are so many things left to explain and each of us can only hope to figure but one thing out in our lifetime.”
Jesela finished checking the Siren and went to do the same on the Artemis. “Our life spans are longer now than before.”
“True,” Grigon said. “Look at Myden; two thousand years and still kicking.” He laughed. “Even though I’m old I have a lot longer to live.”
“A hundred years or so,” Je
sela said. “That’s if we don’t find a treatment sooner.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer,” Grigon said. “My feathers are grey but my mind is still vibrant.”
Something blinked on Jesela’s computer. “We should check the gravity drive,” she said. “I’m getting some unstable readings.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Grigon said. “Berserking twice in one day taxed the mobile suit as much as the pilot.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Now you’re starting to sound like Dreka,” Grigon said.
Jesela laughed. “I won’t do that anymore.”
Chapter 20 - Relax and Relief
The Columbia base appeared over the home world of the Odairan people. Absent from orbit and from all near space were any Malcovin ships. Veda, Valis, Esra, El Kar, Kivi, Seles, Myden, Grigon, and Dreka gathered in the command center. Veda checked the scans over again.
“They’ve pulled all their land troops from the surface,” Veda said.
“That’s another thing I didn’t expect,” Valis said as she glanced over the information.
“At least we don’t have to deal with a land war,” Esra said. “Those are never fun.”
“They’re messy,” Kivi added.
“I wonder why they took their troops with them,” El Kar said.
“Perhaps they know our strategy,” Seles offered.
“That’s what I’m thinking,” Valis said. “Admiral Regelik knows we need to capture him alive and is using that to his advantage.”
Reban walked in. “The Odairan Council would like to speak with our leader.”
“Put them through,” Veda said.
“Of course,” Reban said.
On the monitor appeared a circle of Odairans serving as the governing body for the homeworld. A grey haired male stepped to the front.
“I’m Yurtis Heckel, the current sitting minister of Odair Prime,” the rat man said. “On behalf of the people of this planet I welcome you.”
“I’m Veda Kein, the leader of this organization,” she said. “I’m glad you’re welcoming us.”
“Normally we abhor those who commit acts of violence,” Yurtis said. “But your people stand for an end to conflict.”
“Have the Malcovin mistreated you?” Veda asked.
“Gravely,” Yurtis answered. “They left us with nothing.”
“We have access to food and resource aid, as well as engineers,” Veda said.
“If that’s so then we request aid as soon as possible,” Yurtis said. “We’ll send you the details in a few hours.”
“We accept your request and await your orders,” Veda said. “I pray Kali watches over you.”
“Thank you,” Yurtis said before ending transmission.
“That was unexpectedly pleasant,” Esra said. “In the past they would’ve asked us to leave.”
“True, but times change,” El Kar said. “Desperation has shifted their attitude.”
“It’s not desperation,” Seles said. “I saw something else in their eyes.”
“What would that be?” Kivi asked.
“Hope,” Seles said.
* * *
Seles, Mira and Jesela were in the HDC of the Freedom while everyone onboard took the day to relax. The room was currently in the visage of an auditorium like the Avoni‘s. Seles and Mira were dressed in standard Kalaidian uniforms rather than their exoskeletons. Both wore a pair of special white gloves that allowed them to control music for performances. Seles shook her head as she looked at them.
“I still think I should use a pair of raknas instead,” she said.
Mira smiled. “That’s the warrior in you saying that. It’s not as difficult as you think to use them.”
Jesela sat back in a chair and watched the two practice a number dances and songs. Seles seemed to be matching Mira physically but her singing was a bit off her dance moves. After a while the two sat down and took a break.
“So Seles, why are you doing this?” Jesela asked. “Now that Kalaidia is the way it is you don’t need to master the songs of our people.”
“I’m thinking of what I’ll do after our mission’s done,” Seles said.
“We could be fighting until the end of time,” Jesela said.
“We know that,” Mira said. “But what are we going to do if peace comes? It’s hard to make a living as a soldier if there are no wars to be fought.”
“Remember Jesela, you have a profession that doesn’t require war,” Seles said. “Other than fighting I’m not good at anything. I figured music would give me some options should the best happen.”
“You’re right,” Jesela said. “Research on engineering isn’t going away anytime soon. I was just curious as to why you’re doing this.”
“As much as I hated the idea of taking over for my mother I don’t mind the music,” Seles said. “Kalaidians are Kalaidian because of our culture. Without that we have no identity. Seeing the way Brian misses his home made me look at my own in a different way.”
“Alright, that’s enough talk,” Mira said. “Let’s get back to working on your singing.”
“Sure,” Seles said.
* * *
Veda and Myden watched relief ships head down to the surface of Odair Prime. She noticed a little smile on his face.
“You look happy,” Veda said.
“I’ve been this way since the plan went into action,” Myden said. “I waited two thousand years for this to come to fruition.”
“That’s a long time to carry the torch,” Veda said.
“Gaelic would be happy to see things going as they are,” Myden said.
“I’m sure he would,” Veda said. “What I’m wondering is why Brian chose me to lead. I’m not as tactically sound as Valis or as charismatic as he is.”
“You get the job done,” Myden said.
“Is that the only reason?” she asked.
“No, but the most important one,” Myden answered. “You have experience in both the business and military world, not to mention politics. The only other people he could have trusted with the task are Shiken Ka or Celestia.” He started walking around the room. “The problem with them is they’re too attached to their home worlds to do what you can. Dega Jul is your home now and that’s key to our cause.”
“We have to maintain a neutral stance in regards to race,” Veda said. “I still think he would’ve been a better leader.”
“You underestimate your own ability,” Myden said. “Brian can’t lead for the same reason as the other two. Anyways, would you prefer being the one leading negotiations?”
“No, not at all,” Veda answered.
* * *
Valis stepped onto the bridge of the Avoni in her normal uniform. Zae, Baed, and Vae were busy working as usual when she walked in. Each looked up from their console.
“It’s been awhile,” Zae said.
“We were starting to worry you’d pull a Brian on us,” Baed said.
“How are you doing captain?” Vae asked.
“I’m feeling better,” Valis said as she took her seat. “I need a day in this room, that’s all.”
“Is the Minerva taking that much out of you?” Zae asked.
“Yes,” Valis said. “How are the three of you holding up?”
“Tired,” Vae said.
“We’re glad to have the day off,” Baed said.
“If that’s true then why are you still here?” Valis asked.
“We didn’t want to leave you with no one to talk to,” Zae said.
“That I can believe,” Valis said. She scratched her head. “I just realized all of you have similar names.”
“We noticed that as well,” Baed said.
“The rest of the crew is joking that’s how I got the promotion,” Vae said.
“Didn’t you ever notice that Valis?” Zae asked.
“I’ve had so many things on my mind lately it slipped through,” Valis said.
“By the way captain, Brian s
ent you a message,” Baed said. “Do you want me to play it?”
“Later,” Valis said.
* * *
Shiken Ka buzzed the door of Brian’s quarters the Hong Kong base. The tired human rolled out of bed and instinctively into his exoskeleton before opening the door. He noticed the snakeman had a pair of glasses and a bottle of black tea.
“You look like hell,” Shiken said.
“Eight hours of silence is not heaven,” Brian said.
Shiken raised the bottle. “I brought you a drink made for winning battles.”
“Thanks,” Brian said.
The two sat down at the table before Shiken poured both of them a glass of tea. Brian quickly downed the tea as Shiken savored it.
“You won’t enjoy it like that,” Shiken said.
Brian laughed. “I know; the first one was to get me going.” He poured a second glass and sipped it slowly. “This is great Shiken, thanks.”
“You looked like you needed after last night,” Shiken said. “You’re not used to this yet, are you?”
Brian shook his head. “I knew this would be more than simply blasting bad guys with mobile suits. I knew what I was getting into, but it’s exhausting.”
“How much longer should it take?” Shiken asked.
“A few more days,” Brian said. “I’ll leave Miv here to oversee the government for a while until we know it’s functioning properly.”
“And if they don’t?”
“Then we’ll come back and do it again,” Brian answered. “Until the Freedom’s bell rings eternal our mission won’t end.”
“Such idealism, I don’t know where you get it,” Shiken said.
“I get it from being a fool my friend,” Brian said. “By the way, what’s going on? You’ve been smiling more than normal for you.”
Shiken raised his glass. “I’ve taken a mate.”
“I wasn’t expecting to hear that,” Brian laughed. “So who’s the lucky lady?”
“Her name is Quile Saro,” Shiken said. “I met her last time I was on the home world. I couldn’t help myself when I looked upon her.”
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 9
