Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell

by Marcus Johnson

  Valis stretched before putting her plan on the monitor. After reviewing it she used the tiny bathroom to take a shower and get ready. Once she left the room she changed into a clean outfit and stepped into her exoskeleton. As she went into the front she grabbed a ration and started munching on it while sipping a bottle of water. She was prepping the Minerva when some text appeared on the screen.

  How you doing sleepy head?

  “Just fine,” Valis said. “Tell me Minerva, do you sleep?”

  Not like you. But when my systems are updated my consciousness is suspended. Valis, what’s it like to sleep?

  “Most sleep is just like when you’re updated,” Valis said. “The difference is dreams.”

  What are dreams?

  “Dreams are like fragments of memories mashed with possibilities,” she explained.

  What do you dream about?

  Valis finished preparing and quickly ran a diagnostic. “I dream mostly about him.”

  Are you talking about Brian?

  Valis nodded. “I was dreaming of him when Dreka woke me up a few minutes ago.”

  What happened?

  “Let’s see…I remember being at a tactical meeting,” Valis said. “Just like the many we’ve had. But what struck me was his body stood in place while something came out of it. I felt like I was watching his spirit leave while the rest of him stayed behind. And after the meeting, when I run up to him to ask him what’s going on, I wake up.”

  It sounds like a sad premonition.

  “I know,” she said. “That’s why when this is done and over with I’m going to tell him how I feel. I know he cares for Seles and Mira, but I won’t let him leave me without knowing I love him too. I can’t do that…not to him…and not to myself.”

  What is love?

  “It’s hard to put in words,” Valis said. “But at its core it’s the desire to be with the person you love. The difference is who it is you’re feeling it towards. For my grandmother it’s family style, although I’d put Seles in there as well. For my comrades on the Avoni it’s a friendly love. But for Brian, well, it’s something else. I often think if he hadn’t come to me how empty my life would be now. Kali sent him to give me a chance to live.”

  I’m glad to have a pilot like you Valis.

  “I’m glad to be your pilot,” Valis said. “Alright, I guess it’s time to contact Dreka and get this over with.”

  She pressed the com and found Dreka sitting patiently.

  “Are you ready to go?” he asked.

  “Sure,” she said.

  Chapter 35 - Sneaking Past the Blockade

  The Minerva and Talon approached Malcov Prime with their phase cloaks on. Valis looked at the monitor and saw thousands of enemy ships and mobile suits patrolling the area.

  “Looks like he really did it,” Dreka said.

  “I’m glad we decided to do this with two mobile suits,” Valis said. “There’s no way to get a ship through this.”

  “I feel like we’re crawling along a spider’s web,” Dreka said. “One false move and we’re stuck.”

  “Then don’t make any false moves,” Grigon said.

  “I have to agree with the old man,” Valis said.

  The two mobile suits flew through a number of ship formations until they reached the orbital ring. The scanners showed a complex defense network and mine system.

  “This is going to change the plan,” Valis said. “Our intelligence reports didn’t say anything about either of these systems.”

  “I think we should get Seka on it,” Dreka said. “She knows how to set an explosive or two.”

  Valis smiled. “I’m glad you have such confidence in our allies.”

  “The old men of our world think it’s a woman‘s place to raise the young and act as chattel,” Dreka looked at Grigon, “not you of course.”

  “They’ve proven as capable as I hoped,” Valis said.

  “Now here’s the question,” Dreka said. “How are we going to get down there without being detected? I know our phase cloaks work in space but entering the atmosphere will reveal us.”

  “Seka assured me there’d be a distraction,” Valis said. “Any minute now a charge will detonate and send debris down to the planet. All we have to do is ride it to the surface.”

  “Sounds like fun,” Grigon said.

  “Sounds dangerous,” Dreka said.

  An encoded signal was sent to the Minerva a moment later to indicate where the explosion was going to happen.

  “Are you two ready?” Valis asked.

  “Yes,” Dreka said.

  A series of explosions blew through a military base attached to the orbital ring. While the Malcovin forces scrambled a number of fragments fell into the atmosphere. The Minerva and Talon carefully picked some of the larger sections and hid themselves as best they could while they fell. Once they were inside the atmosphere the two mobile suits left with their phase cloaks still on. A number of Talons flew by them and destroyed the fragments before they crashed into the cities below.

  “That was interesting,” Valis said.

  “Where’s our target point?” Dreka asked.

  “Jerikai,” she said.

  Grigon cawed. “Not a better place to hide then directly under their beaks.”

  * * *

  Seka and the other leaders of the underground were waiting patiently when word came in.

  “They’ve landed,” one of her subordinates reported.

  Seka looked to the other two leaders, “I’d like the two of you to stay here just in case. You never know how sneaky Zaris might be.”

  “We’ll wait for word then,” Teaika said.

  “Our escape routes are secure if needed,” Kili said.

  Seka walked through the underground complex with four armed guards. After a few minutes they entered an open chamber and saw a number of guards aiming their weapons at Valis, Dreka, and Grigon. None of the three had brought weapons off their mobile suits. Behind them the Minerva and Talon stood.

  “You’ll stand out on this planet looking like that Captain Valis,” Seka said as she walked over to them.

  “I don’t plan on advertising my presence,” Valis said.

  Seka cawed and motioned for the others to lower their weapons. “I am Seka the Red, the leader of the underground. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you in person.” She went to Dreka. “You’re looking well old friend.”

  “You’re looking just as good,” Dreka said.

  “I can’t believe you‘re still alive you old grey feather,” Seka said when she looked at Grigon.

  “I’m sorry I had to leave you as I did,” Grigon said. “Your mother would scold me.”

  “She would,” Seka said. “But I’m not her.” She turned to her subordinates. “Make them feel at home.”

  “Yes commander,” her soldiers said.

  “I thought I was an excellent tactician until you started sending me plans,” Seka said.

  “I’m sorry if it makes you feel that way,” Valis said.

  “Nonsense,” Seka cawed. “Every plan has gone as written and Zaris can’t do a thing to us.”

  “How many troops do you have?” Valis asked.

  “Let’s discuss this elsewhere,” Seka said.

  She led the three and a number of guards into a larger chamber nearby. As they entered they saw hundreds of Claw fighters and over a hundred Talons standing by. There were over a thousand soldiers and engineers at work.

  “We have more than enough pilots to fly everything,” Seka said. “But I want Dreka to help them along.”

  “The best will make them the best,” Dreka said.

  “You’ll find we stole a number of simulators and put them in the next room,” Seka said.

  “Alright,” Dreka said.

  “Grigon, I’d like you to help the engineers,” Seka said.

  “I’ll do my best,” the old birdman said.

  “How experienced are they?” Valis asked.

  “Our r
esistance has been alive for nearly forty years,” Seka said. “All of us have combat experience, but stealing mobile suits is a newer thing. Our will to learn is great but we lack the training needed for the upcoming mission. That’s the reason I requested you bring the other two.”

  “I’m glad you mentioned it,” Valis said. “When the time comes we’ll need every advantage we can get.”

  * * *

  Brian was on the bridge of the Freedom with the four droids and Myden when Veda appeared on the screen.

  “We’ve received word Valis and the others made contact with the underground,” Veda said.

  “I’m glad they got there alright,” Brian said. “Tell the other ships to get ready to move out.”

  “I’ll do that right now,” Veda said.

  Brian hit the com. “Seles, Mira, Jesela, is everything finished down there?”

  “Just a few more minutes,” Jesela said.

  “Everything’s done on my end,” Seles reported.

  “I’ll head up with Jesela,” Mira said.

  “Thanks,” he said. “I’ll see all of you later.”

  He turned to the console and checked the plan for the tenth time.

  “You look nervous,” Myden said.

  “I am,” Brian said. “Taking on the Reiki is one thing, but taking on the Malcovin home world is a task I wonder if we can rise to,” he shook his head, “the real kicker is the plan Valis sent us. She wants this attack to be completed in less than an hour.”

  “Valis thinks in terms of precision rather than brute,” Myden said. “Our attack will be like surgery, delicate, but effective.”

  “I know,” Brian said. “I don’t know how she comes up stuff like this.”

  “That’s why you chose her,” Myden said. “She sees victory where others see defeat.”

  Brian laughed. “I feel like an idiot trying to out think her.”

  “You give yourself too little credit,” Myden said. “The Avoni’s crew would disagree.”

  “I know they would,” Brian said.

  * * *

  Valis followed Seka through the complex until they reached the meeting room. The other two commanders stood up and saluted as they entered.

  “It’s good to finally meet you Captain Valis,” Teaika said.

  “The same for me,” Kili said.

  “I’m glad to meet you,” Valis said. “I know I’ve sent you mission plans before, but how do the three of you delegate the work?”

  Seka pointed to herself. “I’m in charge of all operations on the home world and near colonies.”

  “I’m in charge of all operations in the colonial systems,” Teaika said.

  “I’m in charge of all intelligence and espionage,” Kili said.

  Valis pulled out three data crystals and handed one to each of them. “Look these over before the end of the day.”

  “What’s on them?” Seka asked.

  “Victory,” Valis answered.

  Chapter 36 - Senseless Measures

  The Columbia base was on course for the Malcovin border. As they approached the edge of the last Odairan system the alert system went on. Veda and Shiken Ka were on duty in the command center when the image appeared on the screen. Surrounding the base were over two hundred Malcovin ships and nearly a thousand Talons. The enemy immediately closed in and attacked. As the shields went up Veda got the commanding officers on the monitor.

  “Who’s attacking us?” Esra asked.

  Veda closely scanned the enemy fleet. “It appears to be survivors from the Iron and Bronze navies.”

  “Trying to gain favor no doubt,” El Kar said.

  “Do you want us to deploy?” Kivi asked.

  “All forces will take formation D-1,” Veda said. “Let’s see what our enemy has before making a move,” she looked at Kivi, “I want you and the other three to deploy separately.”

  “Heading out now,” Kivi said.

  “Seles and Mira are on the way,” Brian said.

  “Celi’s on her way,” Zae reported.

  The main gate opened as the six ships flew outside and took formation. The turrets on the base fired as the five hundred mobile weapons moved into position. A moment passed before the four special models emerged from their respective ships. The Malcovin continued flying closer until both sides were exchanging fire. The Maidens moved into a Y shaped formation with the Artemis and Gemini in the front, the Aegis in the middle, and the Siren taking up the rear.

  “To all commanding officers,” Veda started. “Our enemy is using a simplistic attack pattern and the base can hold against it. You may attack at your own discretion.”

  Reban ran in and took her station. “Sorry for being late.”

  Shiken laughed. “This was hardly worth waking up for.”

  * * *

  The Maidens flew into the enemy and began their attack. The Gemini and Artemis focused on one target at a time while the Siren fired at anything left in their wake. Most of the enemy forces turned their attention to the four mobile suits and backed away from the Columbia base.

  “It looks like we’re their target again,” Seles said.

  “Of course we are,” Mira added.

  Kivi smiled. “That just means we have to destroy them faster. Seles, Mira, use your special systems. Celi and I will remain here in case something happens.

  “Alright then,” Mira said.

  “We’re on it,” Seles said.

  The Artemis lit up first as Seles went berserk and readied to fire the arrow system. As the enemy fleet swarmed them she fired the massive beam into their ships. Thirty ships and a hundred Talons fell from the first shot. Seles aimed and fired the second shot, destroying another twenty five ships while taking out seventy three Talons. Seles then made her way through the enemy forces. The Siren waited for a moment before lighting up. Mira began chanting an old ballad before flying her mobile suit into the other half of the enemy fleet and disabling every ship in the area. The few remaining ships and mobile suits signaled their surrender. Seles and Mira flew their crafts back to the other two while ending their berserks.

  “That was the easiest battle we’ve had against them so far,” Celi commented.

  “When your enemy throws away ships like that you know they’re on their heels,” Kivi said.

  “Is that something Valis taught you?” Seles asked.

  “No, it’s something I’ve figured out over time,” Kivi said. “Let’s return to base.”

  “Yes Kivi,” the other three echoed.

  * * *

  Valis walked into the room where the simulators were and found Dreka directing the female pilots. After running through a number of simulated battles he noticed Valis and walked over.

  “How are they coming along?” she asked.

  “Very well,” Dreka said. “They work together better than the males I usually train.”

  “What kind of better?” Valis asked.

  “I can’t put my claw on it,” Dreka said. “But it’s obvious their goal is victory and not glory.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Valis said.

  Seka and Grigon entered the room and joined them. Valis noticed Seka had a serious look in her eyes.

  “We just received word,” Seka said. “He’s about to make his move.”

  Valis smiled. “That means our allies are on the border.”

  “Should we make ours?” Seka asked.

  “Are you ready?” Valis asked.

  Seka tapped her chest. “I’ve been ready for twenty years.”

  The red feathered bird woman left the three for the communications chamber.

  “I wonder if the males of your people are ready,” Valis said.

  “Most are,” Dreka said.

  “Our people have been ready for a long time,” Grigon said.

  “It’s good to hear both of you say that,” Valis said.

  * * *

  Across all the airwaves in the Malcovin system the normal communication system went black. A moment late
r the screens across the world and in space nearby showed the three female leaders of the underground.

  “To all the people of Malcov, I am Seka the Red, leader of the rebel army. For centuries our kings have kept the females of our race in chains and with them, many of the males working hard in the attempt to better their station in life. On this day we declare that over. We’ve fought a silent war for decades, but now is the time to rise up and knock down the arrogant who hold power over us! Zaris has led our people down the path of corruption and dishonored our name. As of this day we declare he’s unfit to rule. We call for the establishment of a democratic republic, a form of government that’s proven successful on Kalaidia and Dega Jul. Oppose us if you wish, but know that history is on our side. Half of our race has been in chains for far too long. We call not just for rights, but for equality. And to Zaris we issue this demand: surrender immediately and dismantle your government and we will let you live. Should you choose to fight us death will be what finds you. On that I promise.”

  * * *

  Brian, Jesela, and Myden manned the bridge of the Freedom with the four droids. Jesela sat back and rested.

  “That kind of battle leaves me feeling empty,” she said. “I mean really, was that the best they had?”

  “We didn’t even have enough time to scratch a paint job for you,” Myden said.

  “That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” Jesela said.

  Brian looked up from his console. “I’m glad the battle went the way it did. Any damage and our plan would be ruined.”

  Kyli and Tctie appeared on the screen.

  “I’m all done on my end captain,” Kyli said.

  “The same here,” Tctie said.

  “You can return to base,” Brian said.

  The two nodded before ending transmission. When Brian turned to talk with the others the alert system went on. The monitor showed hundreds of Malcovin ships appearing right next to them. As the numbers added up it came to a thousand.

  “It looks like the Silver navy is here to greet us,” Brian said.