Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell

by Marcus Johnson

  “I need a drink,” Jesela said.

  “I wouldn’t mind one either,” Seles said.

  “But we’re not allowed to,” Mira said. “Regulations say that unless we have shore leave no wine for us.”

  “I hate when you’re right,” Jesela said.

  “She often is,” Seles said.

  The room went dark as the crew started calling Mira’s name.

  “I think they want a song or two,” Seles said.

  “By the looks of it they won’t take no as an answer,” Jesela said.

  Mira nodded to the two before standing up to address everyone. “I need a minute to get ready!”

  She ran into the room behind the stage.

  “I’ve been looking forward to this,” Seles said.

  “You’re almost as good from what I see,” Jesela said.

  “Only after ten years of practice,” Seles said. “Mira’s a natural.”

  “You got that right,” Jesela said.

  The crowd cheered when Mira emerged from behind the stage in her favorite white dress. The lights shifted and changed colors as she moved the fingers of her gloves to tune the system.

  “Thanks everyone,” Mira said. “I’ve got some new songs I’ve been working on. Hopefully you enjoy them as much as my older material.”

  * * *

  “That’s all I can tell you for now,” Regelik said.

  Veda looked to Grigon, “Do you have any more questions?”

  “No,” the old birdman said. “We’re done for now.” He looked at the admiral. “We’ll take good care of you and your men until we’re finished.”

  “Thanks,” Regelik said as they left.

  Myden stood outside the cell while spinning his black staff.

  “Was he telling the truth?” Veda asked after the door closed.

  “Every bit of it,” Myden said. “I’m surprised how little loyalty he has to the king.”

  “Zaris doesn’t inspire his troops,” Grigon said.

  “One who leads using fear goes nowhere,” Veda said.

  “Fear is a powerful agent,” Myden said. “It was used by my people to justify the creation of the machine god.”

  “His fear is worthless and he knows it,” Grigon said before cawing.

  “If that’s true then we can expect as much,” Veda said. “He’ll cheat his way to victory.”

  “We’ll beat him at his own game then,” Valis said as she stepped into the hallway.

  “Were you listening the whole time?” Veda asked.

  “Not the whole,” Valis said, “Just for the last few minutes.”

  “You have a thought on what Zaris will do, don’t you?” Grigon asked.

  “He’ll send the Bronze navy at us,” Valis said. “The battle will be fierce because he’ll strike with all of his ships. At the same time our connections with the rebels on the Malcovin home world will supply them with more plans. Zaris will grow more and more paranoid until he slips up.”

  “Put the pressure on and any leader will feel it,” Veda said.

  “I’ll have more details in our meeting in a few days,” Valis said. “Until then rest easy and know I’m working on it.”

  * * *

  Brian stood alone in the HDC of the Nevada base. He was wearing his exoskeleton and practiced with his rakna blade in the midday sun of a false Kalaidia Prime. After sparring long enough to exhaust himself he put the blade on the ground and stared at the sky. Shiken Ka slithered in and tossed him a bottle of water.

  “You look relieved,” the snakeman said.

  Brian took a gulp of water before taking a deep breath. “All the table talk gave me little exercise.”

  “What’s it like to have no nanomachines working for you?” Shiken asked.

  “I feel slower,” he said as he flexed his arms, “and I can’t understand you as easily my friend.”

  Shiken grinned as he looked at the scenery. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”

  “I’d like to spend about ten nights with her in a row,” Brian said. “But I’d better break it up or Mira would be jealous.”

  “That smile is the first honest one I’ve seen in weeks,” Shiken said.

  “Politics isn’t my strong suit,” Brian said. “My instinct is to go sword first.”

  “That’s the way warriors think,” Shiken said. “By the way, what are you going to do if peace is obtained?”

  Brian looked across the jungle. “I’m going on a music tour.”

  “I’d like to see that,” Shiken said.

  Brian sheathed his rakna blade, “If you do make sure to bring your better half.”

  Shiken grinned. “That’s a promise.”

  Chapter 26 - Bronze Invasion

  When an explosion rocked the palace Zaris jumped up from his throne. The three admirals stood their ground with a mix of fear and annoyance on their faces.

  “What are you doing!?” Zaris angrily asked. “Secure the perimeter and kill anyone suspicious!”

  “Yes my lord,” a number of the guards said before leaving.

  “Is it so much to ask for them to quash this?” Zaris asked.

  “The females are crafty my lord,” Vikrit said.

  “They only look that way because Heaven’s Light is supplying them with arms and plans,” Zaris said. “If it weren’t for that their inferiority would show right through.” He sat on his throne and ran his hand over his feathered head. “It’s gotten worse since Regelik surrendered.” He looked at Takar. “I hope you have a plan.”

  “I do my lord,” Takar said. He put an image on the main monitor above them. It displayed the position of the Columbia base. “Our intelligence reports that another of their bases is headed for Odair Prime.”

  “How many of those things do they have?” Zaris asked.

  “Three my lord,” Vikrit answered. “But there are rumors of a fourth hidden away somewhere.”

  “Great,” Zaris said. “Takar, continue.”

  “Of course,” Takar said. “From Regelik’s reports the base and their standard forces are little to worry about.” He showed the Maidens’ mobile suits. “These are what we need to plan for. They’re weapons and capabilities are unmatchable by anything we have at our disposal.” He highlighted their weapons and shield systems. “But they do have a weakness. From what we’ve seen they aren’t able to use their special systems for more than a few minutes. The way to defeat them is to pin them to the ground and wear out the pilots.” He clenched his fist. “My plan is to isolate their mobile suits and do just that. We’ll attack is waves in spread formation to minimize casualties. All we have to do is pound them long enough and they’ll fall.”

  “How much of your fleet will this plan require?” Zaris asked.

  “All one thousand ships my lord,” Takar answered.

  “Very well,” Zaris said. “Now go and crush our enemies.”

  Takar saluted. “I will my lord.”

  * * *

  A few days later Takar stood on the bridge of the fleet’s flagship. Surrounding him were a thousand ships of the Bronze navy. He held his Keiker pike above his head.

  “To all forces of the Bronze fleet, this is your leader speaking,” the admiral started. “Never before in our people’s history have we lost a fleet of the empire. The Iron navy has been crushed, and with it, our control of the Odairan territories. We advance not for vengeance or pride. Let us dispense of such foolish notions. We move forward to take back what’s rightfully ours. Zaris led our people into its greatest age of prosperity ever known. And now is the time we pay back his generosity.” He pointed the tip of his pike at the star map in front of him. “Heaven’s Light is an organization built upon lies and deceit. Their ruse is peace but their method is war. As such it’s our duty to put them in their place. Where the Iron fell the Bronze will succeed. On this I bet my life. For Malcov!”

  “For Malcov!” his subordinates shouted.

  “For Zaris!” the admiral shouted.

  “F
or Zaris!” his subordinates echoed.

  “All ships will maintain formation until further ordered,” Takar said. “We’ll destroy anyone standing in our way.”

  * * *

  The Columbia base was bustling with activity after news of the invading fleet was known. Veda and Reban were already there when the other captains arrived, along with Grigon, Dreka, Seles, and Myden. Valis quickly looked it over before addressing everyone.

  “You see something, don’t you?” Esra asked.

  Valis nodded. “Admiral Takar has no intention of playing games. His tactics are simple.” She looked at Seles. “If he can destroy the five of us the rest of our forces are easy to take out.”

  “If you know this then what are we going to do?” Veda asked.

  Kivi looked at the enemy closely. “We should meet them directly.”

  El Kar laughed, “Sounds dangerous.”

  “It is,” Valis said. “But it’s the only we can win. This time our enemy is bringing the battle to us and we need to prepare for the worst.”

  The monitor flashed when the Nevada base appeared nearby. The image screen shifted and showed the command center of the other base. On the screen were Lena, Brian, and Shiken Ka.

  “If we’re going to prepare for the worst then let us do it together,” Lena said.

  Valis smiled. “I’ll send the battle plan to you as soon as it’s finished.”

  * * *

  Brian stepped onboard the Freedom and took a deep breath.

  “I’m home,” he said as he headed his quarters.

  As he passed crew members in the hallway he noticed their spirits were high. When he stopped at his door he felt something in his head.

  “Stop that old man,” he said as he stepped inside the dark room.

  Once the lights turned on Myden was standing there with his staff in hand.

  “It’s strange that you’re able to block me so easily now,” Myden said.

  Brian tapped his head. “It’s because everything’s gone quiet in here.” He checked his computer and saw Valis had sent him the battle plan. “She’s gotten faster.”

  “She’s grown in ability quite a bit over the last few months,” Myden said. “You have as well.”

  Brian sighed. “I know, but I’d rather be here any day.”

  Myden laughed. “All of us would.”

  “Why does the crew look so relaxed?” he asked. “I’d think they’d be worn out by now.”

  “You chose well Brian,” Myden said. “Seles doesn’t look like a leader, but she’s a natural nonetheless.”

  “I don’t know what she’s doing but it seems to work,” Brian said as he looked in the mirror.

  “She leads without the barrier between leader and follower,” Myden explained. “She also helps organize activities and meals.”

  “I’ve been craving one of her pizzas,” Brian said as he stared at his face closely. “Is it just me or do I look older?”

  “It’s your imagination young man,” Myden said. “Well, it’s time I take my leave.”

  “What?” Brian asked as the Grey disappeared into the shadows.

  A second later the door opened. When he turned he saw Seles in her casual clothes. She ran over and grabbed his hand.

  “You’re coming with me,” Seles said.

  “But…,” he said as she dragged him into the hallway.

  “No buts from you Brian,” she said as she smiled. “I’m taking you to the mess hall for a night of fun and feasting.”

  “I can take myself,” he said.

  “I know you too well,” Seles said. “You were going to pass out and wake up just in time for the next battle. I know you’re tired but you need this.”

  “You win,” he said.

  Chapter 27 - A Long Battle

  The Columbia and Nevada bases moved from Odair Prime to the planet’s largest moon as the Malcovin fleet approached. A thousands ships and five thousand Talons moved in the formation of a giant clam ready to bite down. Admiral Takar watched the two bases deploy their ships and mobile weapons.

  “Their force consists of sixteen ships and a mix of approximately sixteen hundred mobile weapons,” the science officer reported.

  Takar went to the monitor. “The Artemis and Gemini will begin their attack soon,” he said. “Our first objective is to isolate their special mobile suits. Once this is done we’ll wear out the pilots and destroy them one at a time. After than our next target is their flagship, the Freedom. Go forth my soldiers and let the glory be ours!”

  * * *

  The Maidens separated from their allies and headed for the moon.

  “Are you sure about this Valis?” Kivi asked. “It seems like you’re throwing us into a deathtrap.”

  “This is the best of the available options,” Valis said. “Anyways, I have a trump card.”

  “What would that be?” Celi asked.

  “You can tell us,” Mira said.

  “I have feeling she won’t,” Seles added.

  “It’s best to not tell you so you’re surprised when it happens,” Valis said.

  The five landed in a long canyon on the moon. The Artemis shifted its reflector plates to sniper mode and aimed at the enemy fleet. It and the Gemini began a long range bombardment but found the enemy was taking little damage from their attacks.

  “It seems they can learn,” Kivi said.

  “We figured they’d catch on,” Seles said.

  As the Bronze fleet approached it moved into two distinct formations. One clustered together and headed for the bases while the other spread out as much as possible and turned to the moon.

  “Our enemy’s goal was to pin us down,” Valis said. “We’ve given them that. Celi, maintain the middle. Seles and I will take one side while Kivi and Mira take the other. We won’t use our special systems unless absolutely necessary, alright?”

  “Yes Valis,” the other four said.

  * * *

  Veda and Shiken Ka directed the forces of the two bases. On the monitors were the five captains of their base while Lena Obril was on another. The two asteroids hovered close to each other and every ship and mobile weapon stayed close.

  “These odds feel wrong,” Lena said.

  “We’ve fought under worse conditions before,” Veda said.

  “The Confederation forces weren’t pushovers,” Shiken added.

  “You’ll forgive me for this being my first battle with Heaven’s Light,” Lena said.

  Veda looked over the formation of their forces outside.

  “Is something wrong?” Shiken asked.

  “Hmm…something’s missing,” Veda said. “What it is I can’t tell though.”

  “Valis probably did something none of us would notice,” Lena said.

  * * *

  Brian stared at the monitor while the four droids, Myden, Jesela, and Grigon worked at their stations. On the screen to his right were Kyli and Tctie.

  “I want the two of you to maintain contact throughout this battle,” Brian said. “If for some reason you lose our signal establish another one with Veda.”

  “Yes captain,” Kyli said.

  “Of course,” Tctie added.

  The mobile suits from the Freedom surrounded the ship and covered it with a defensive shield.

  “I’m done,” Jesela said before relaxing in a chair behind her console.

  “Acting casual aren’t we?” Brian asked.

  “Well, until the enemy damages us I have nothing to do,” she pointed at Grigon, “it’s all his game for now.”

  “I think it’s more their game,” Grigon said while pointing at the moon.

  “It’s always been their game,” Myden said. “We’re just here for the show.”

  “Let’s get on with it,” Brian said.

  * * *

  Seles shifted the Artemis’s reflector plates to spread mode just above the canyon lip. When the enemy landed their mobile suits the sky over the canyon lit with pulse fire. In the sky above them the enemy
ships shifted closer to the moon and forced the five to use the reflector plates to hit their targets. The amount of shaking from the attack was immense as the five women held their ground.

  “I haven’t seen this much fireworks in a while,” Kivi said.

  “Their commander knows we’re the best,” Valis said. “If he can destroy us he wins.”

  “That’s an easy strategy,” Seles said.

  “We had to come up with a more convoluted one ourselves,” Mira added.

  A series of HV missile attacks slammed into the Aegis’s shields and caused them to flicker.

  “How long are we going to do this?” Celi asked.

  “As long as we have to,” Valis said. “Our enemy’s leader planned well. I have my countermeasures, but it requires our survival.”

  “Yes Valis,” the others said.

  * * *

  “Sir, we’ve surrounded them on all sides,” the science officer reported.

  “Good,” Takar said. “Their power is incredible. Even with all we’re throwing at them the silver one is able to deflect it. Be ready for them to use their special systems.”

  “Of course sir,” the security officer said.

  “No doubt Valis has sniffed out our plan and has something up her sleeve,” Takar said. “But we won’t give them the opening they’re looking for. That canyon will make a fine tomb and their mobile suits their coffins.”

  Chapter 28 - Engulf and Destroy

  Meldi was alone in the Mjolnir with darkness surrounding them. The scanner showed the battle shifting into its second phase as she watched the Malcovin forces pound the Maidens. Above the moon the other half of their fleet was holding its own against the two bases.

  “It isn’t easy to watch your friends fighting like this,” the Mjolnir said.

  “Not at all,” Meldi said.

  “You want to make a move, don’t you?”