“Of course,” Meldi said. “But we need to wait for Valis’s signal.”
The scanner flashed.
“Have we been spotted?” Meldi asked.
“No, a dozen Talons flew over us,” the Mjolnir said. “They’re heading in to switch with their allies.”
“I think they should have back up pilots,” Meldi said. “It’s only been an hour but it’s going to get much worse as time goes on.”
“They don’t need extra pilots because of their AI systems,” the Mjolnir said.
“That’s true,” Meldi said. “I’m going to take a quick nap Mjolnir. Wake me up when it’s time.”
“I will,” the mobile suit said.
* * *
A volley of HV missiles arched over the lip of canyon and slammed into the shields of the Artemis. As the mobile suit fell over Seles quickly moved it back to its feet.
“Are you alright?” Mira asked.
“I’m okay,” Seles said as she shook her head.
“We trained for battles like this,” Kivi said. “But training isn’t the same as the real thing.”
Another volley of HV missiles arched into their position and exploded over the Gemini. When it was knocked down Kivi quickly stood it back on its feet.
“This is hell,” Valis said.
She closed her eyes and focused on not feeling tired. Afterwards Valis glanced at her scanner.
“What is it?” Kivi asked. “You see something, don’t you?”
“Our target has been identified,” Valis said. “The problem is the ship isn’t close enough right now.”
“In other words, keep fighting?” Mira asked.
“We fight until our opening comes,” Valis said. “Remember not to panic everyone. We can’t afford to lose ourselves in this battle. Our enemy knows what we can do and how long it lasts.”
Another volley of HV missiles arched into them and exploded. The Aegis’s shields deflected most of the blast as the others quickly made it back to their feet. Seles glanced at one of her reflector plates and noticed a reflection of a Talon in it. She saw it was setting some kind of explosive.
“They’ve got mines!” she shouted as she fired into the plate.
The Talon and the mine it carried exploded. The other Maidens fired into the plates and caused another four Talons to explode before they could set their charges.
“Thanks Seles,” Kivi said.
“We must be falling asleep at the control stick,” Celi said.
“Even I didn’t know they were that close,” Valis said. “Mira, would you sing us a song?”
“I thought I wasn’t supposed to use it,” Mira said.
“Not that song,” Valis said. “Just sing something to keep us going.”
“Sure,” Mira said.
* * *
Myden closed his eyes and rubbed his face.
“I’m getting old,” the Grey said.
“All of us will join you if this goes on any longer,” Brian said. “Alight Tctie, you and your unit come in and rest. Kyli, your turn is up.”
“On our way out,” Kyli said as her half of the mobile suit team headed back outside.
Tctie nodded to Brian before leading his half back inside for maintenance. Jesela headed for the door.
“I’ve got to do something,” she said.
“Take care of them,” Brian said.
“I will,” Jesela said before leaving.
“Your idea is helping Brian,” Veda said from the command center.
“I’m not surprised,” Esra said. “Our enemy is fighting in shifts after all.”
“I figured keeping out forces fresh would help,” Brian said.
“It keeps our defenses at a constant level,” El Kar said.
“Veda, what are our numbers at?” Brian asked.
“We’re currently at ninety two percent,” she answered. “We’ve suffered a few casualties but overall we’re holding our own.”
“What I’m worried about are the Maidens,” Myden said.
“They have no room for error,” El Kar said.
“Valis will keep them together,” Esra said.
“Let’s hope that’s enough,” Brian said.
* * *
Ten hours had passed since the battle began. The Maidens maintained formation as the bombardment went on relentlessly. The look of exhaustion was on their faces. Seles flexed her hand a few times after firing series of pulse blasts.
“I’m losing feeling in my hand,” she said.
“You’re not the only one,” Kivi said.
Valis gritted her teeth. “This is taking longer than I thought.”
A volley of HV missiles flew into their zone and landed on the Siren’s shields. When the mobile suit fell over they heard Mira scream. She appeared to be unconscious on their monitors.
“Mira!” Seles shouted.
As she turned the Artemis to check the Minerva stopped her.
“You and Kivi need to keep firing,” Valis said. “I’ll take care of her.”
“Of course,” Seles said.
Valis moved the Minerva and extended her front hatch to the Siren’s front. Valis left her seat and headed over to the Siren. Once inside, she found Mira asleep with a bruise on her head.
“Is she alright?” Seles asked.
“I think she has a concussion,” Valis said. She grabbed a medical scanner and checked. “No, that’s not it.”
“It’s just a bump on the head,” Celi said. “Use the regenerator in her med kit and give her an injection.”
“I’m on it,” Valis said.
She grabbed the med kit and did as Celi said. A minute later Mira opened her eyes.
“What happened?” Mira asked.
“You were knocked out,” Valis said. “Can you fight?”
“Sure,” Mira said.
“If anything’s wrong tell us, okay?” Valis asked.
“I will,” Mira said.
Valis nodded and went back to the Minerva. After detaching their hatches the two mobile suits stood up and began firing again.
“Stay together everyone!” Valis shouted. “We have to hold out until the time is right. One false move and we’re dead.”
* * *
Takar watched the five closely on the monitor. The fleet fighting the bases was locked in a stalemate. His forces on the moon were slowly moving into position. He cackled when the Siren fell over.
“Sir, our sappers have loaded the charges,” the science officer reported.
“Good,” the admiral said. “Be ready to detonate them on my mark.”
“Ready sir,” the officer said.
“To all forces of the first fleet, keep the five pinned down,” Takar said. “Our first objective is near. From their slowed reactions it appears the pilots are reaching their limit. You’re to keep it up until I order otherwise.”
“Yes sir,” his subordinates answered.
“Is it necessary to keep this going?” his security officer asked. “We could move in for the kill now.”
“No,” Takar said. “Whatever trick Valis has ready I want it to be rendered irrelevant. Even if we have to wait another day we’ll out last them.”
He watched the Siren stand up and resume firing. A moment later the Minerva did the same.
“Damn,” Takar said. “I thought we got one of them.”
Chapter 29 - Wear and Tear
Seles shook her head as her vision blurred for a moment. My hand isn’t the only thing that’s numb. She thought as another round of HV missiles exploded on top of them. The five mobile suits slowly recovered and went back to work.
“Just a little longer everyone,” Valis said. “Our enemy has made his move and the time’s about right.”
“I’ll be glad when this is over,” Celi said.
Mira started humming another tune.
“Are you all out of material Mira?” Kivi asked.
“No,” Mira answered with a bit a rasp in her voice. “I’m running out of vocal cords.�
��
The five laughed together while the Malcovin forces held them in place. Seles looked at one of the reflector plates and noticed a Talon creeping close.
“More sappers on the way,” she warned.
They aimed at the nearest reflector plate and fired. A moment later three Talons exploded with their mine charges. Flashes of light continued flying over them as their enemy moved closer.
* * *
Shiken Ka and Veda worked away as the battle continued. Both forces were stalemated as the hours passed.
“This is brutal,” Veda said before glancing at the moon’s surface. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for them.”
“They’re probably reaching their limit about now,” Shiken said. “It’s strange Lady Star hasn’t made her move yet.”
“She’s a perfectionist,” Veda said. “That’s her greatest strength and weakness.”
An explosion rocked the Columbia base when a damaged Malcovin ship slammed into its shields and blew apart. The shield array in that area stopped functioning. As the base shook the Freedom flew over the damaged area. The shaking ended as the ship absorbed the enemy’s attacks.
“Is everyone alright?” Brian asked.
“No casualties to report,” Veda said. “Our second drive system has been damaged and it’ll take several hours to repair.”
“I’m glad everyone’s alright,” Brian said. “We’ll plug the hole until it’s fixed. Hang in there Veda.”
“We will,” she said.
* * *
Admiral Takar watched the five closely as his subordinates continued working.
“What are our numbers at?” the admiral asked.
“We’re at seventy percent,” the security officer answered.
“Perhaps I was wrong in assuming she had something planned,” Takar looked at his science officer, “It’s time we end this.”
“Charges are prepared,” the science officer said.
The Talons on the moon launched a number of their HV missiles. As the canyon shook around the Maidens the admiral clenched his fist.
“I’m sorry you didn’t have anything better Valis Kein,” Takar said. “Destroy them.”
“Detonating charges,” the science officer said.
The moon’s surface near the canyon was covered by a series of explosions. After the dust settled the admiral cawed.
“There are no signs of movement sir,” the security officer reported.
“Good,” Takar said. “Turn the fleet and collect our Talons. It’s time we take out their bases.”
* * *
The Maidens moved to stand up again when the walls around them exploded. As the canyon gave way the five were covered in rocks and dirt. The ground around them shook more and more as the mines set earlier detonated. Once the dust cleared they appeared to be stuck from all directions.
“Is everyone alright?” Valis asked.
“Just great,” Kivi said as she grabbed an injector and hit herself in the neck. “That should keep me going for a while longer.”
“Too much stimulant is bad for you,” Mira said.
“It’s alright after what we’ve been through,” Celi said.
“Was this the plan Valis?” Seles asked. “To make the admiral think we’re taking a dirt nap?”
“This is part of it,” Valis said. “Phase three begins in a few minutes.”
The scanners in each of their mobile suits showed the admiral’s fleet turning to join their allies fighting the asteroid bases.
“Once they’re out of formation we’ll attack,” Valis said. “If any of you want to take a moment to eat I won’t hold it against you.”
Valis pulled an emergency ration out and began munching on it. She alternated sipping water from a bottle and noticed the other four obliged her suggestion. Afterwards, all five took a moment to stand up and stretch before returning to their seats.
Valis hit the com. “Meldi, it’s time.”
“I’m on it captain,” Meldi responded.
From a mound of dust on the moon the Mjolnir emerged and aimed its cannon at a reflector plate. As the mobile suit’s drive sped up the cannon fired a powerful shot. The beam bounced off one plate into another lazily floating in orbit. The blast repeat this several times before slamming into the flagship of the Malcovin fleet. As the flagship exploded a number of Talons turned to attack the Mjolnir. It quickly switched to spread mode and fired. When they closed in Meldi switched to the massive rakna blade and charged them in melee. The Mjolnir danced through them and slashed the Talons to pieces before heading for the enemy fleet. With its cannon in one hand and the sword in the other the mobile suit tore through the Malcovin forces.
“Celi, it’s time,” Valis said.
“Of course,” Celi responded.
The Aegis’s drive sped up as Celi entered a berserk and pushed the system to its max. The shields from the Aegis extended outward and drove the debris covering the five mobile suits away. The Maidens joined the Mjolnir as it confounded the enemy forces.
“Seles, as soon as we get close use the arrow system,” Valis instructed.
“It’s ready any time,” Seles said.
“Mira, you and Kivi will save your special systems unless needed,” Valis said.
“Yes Valis,” Mira said.
“Alright,” Kivi said.
The five moved into their standard formation while the Aegis’s shield deflected incoming attacks back upon their firer. The Malcovin fleet was in chaos as they approached. The Artemis’s drive sped up as Seles landed on top of the Gemini and fired a massive energy beam into the enemy fleet. While explosions wracked through them she aimed a second shot and fired again. The Siren, Minerva, and Gemini fired their cannons at anything moving as Seles returned the Artemis to normal.
“We have three minutes left to cause as much damage as we can,” Valis said. “Afterwards we’ll make a direct line to our allies.”
* * *
Veda smiled. “I knew something was missing.”
“Because Brian’s not piloting we forget the Mjolnir is still out there,” Shiken said.
He put the enemy formation on the monitor.
“Their chain of command has been destroyed,” Veda pointed out. “Without an admiral they’re next to useless.”
“He was an excellent commander,” Shiken said. “But he didn’t surround himself with anything spectacular. Such a recipe spells disaster.”
They watched the Mjolnir and Maidens tear through the enemy fleet. From their attacks more than half the Malcovin forces had been destroyed. Veda looked to the captains of the ships.
“It’s about time we marched forward,” she said. “This is the last slog. Send everyone out.”
* * *
“You look awfully happy,” Myden said.
“I am,” Brian said. “I was getting worried they didn’t have anything left,” he glanced at the Mjolnir, “I think I chose right.”
“Behind Seles no one else was as capable,” Jesela said. “I think our tweaking helped out as well.”
“So you finally got around to it,” Brian said. “I’m glad. Meldi and Mjolnir will need each other in the future.”
“Are you going to tell us why?” Jesela asked.
“No,” Brian said. “Until I’m sure of what I saw I’m not saying anything. By the way, how’s she holding up?”
“Our systems are still functioning at sixty two percent,” Grigon said.
“Excellent,” Brian said.
Chapter 30 - Ending with Rage
The Mjolnir fired another volley of spread attacks and destroyed six Talons. Far away from the lone mobile suit the Maidens flew through the enemy with little standing in their way.
“I’m glad Valis finally called us in,” the Mjolnir said.
“I am too,” Meldi said. “I wish it would’ve been earlier though. She and the others look like death.”
“That’s why she kept us out of it,” the Mjolnir said. “She wanted to keep us fresh.”
The Mjolnir used its sword and slashed through a pair of Talons before blasting another ship apart.
“You’re reaction time seems faster,” Meldi pointed out. “When did you get an upgrade?”
“A few days ago,” the mobile suit answered.
“You’ll have to tell me the details later,” Meldi said.
“I can’t,” the Mjolnir answered. “Brian ordered me to remain silent on the matter until further notice.”
“Such is my life,” Meldi sighed, “he’s always giving me the stiff arm.”
“Meldi, I’d like you to return to the Avoni for now,” Valis ordered.
“I’m on my way captain,” Meldi said.
The Mjolnir danced its way through the enemy fleet and back to the Avoni. Once there Meldi opened her com.
“I’m back everyone,” she said.
Myli appeared on the monitor. “It’s about time.”
“Yeah, I feel the same way,” Meldi said.
* * *
Valis opened a com link with all of her allies.
“It’s time we move into the fourth phase,” Valis said. “The Freedom will act as the spearhead of our attack. All forces move to their appropriate positions.”
“You sound excited Valis,” Esra said.
“More like she’s ready to end things,” El Kar said.
“We’re moving into position now,” Brian said.
The Columbia and Nevada bases moved into a row. At the same time, the sixteen ships moved into a spear head formation with the Freedom at the front. Over a thousand mobile suits and mobile armors swirled around the bases and ships as they flew straight into the Malcovin fleet. At the same time the Maidens continued their rampage through the disorganized enemy ships. After another half an hour the Malcovin forces had been reduced to less than two hundred ships and four hundred mobile suits. Half of the Malcovin ships fled and left the other half to fend for themselves. When the Maidens moved to make another pass they received the surrender signal.
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 13
