“That’s enough,” Valis said.
“I’m for that,” Seles said.
“They don’t have anything left,” Kivi said.
“Maintaining position,” Celi said.
“Going to standby,” Mira said.
* * *
Vikrit and Daekon continued directing the forces of the Sicily base. As the battle on the other side of the planet fell apart the Gold fleets began pulling back. The Silver fleets regrouped and pushed forward.
“The tide seems to be turning,” Daekon said.
“Yes it does,” Vikrit said.
He glanced at the live feed from the surface on the monitor as it showed the palace was being overrun.
“You seem quite interested in that sir,” Daekon said.
“I waited a long time for him to return,” Vikrit said. “And when he finally did I prayed he’d have his wrongs righted.”
“Are you talking about Commander Grigon?” Daekon asked.
“Yes,” the admiral said. “Our friendship goes beyond loyalty. We fought as fellow pilots in the first and second Malcovin and Kalaidian wars.”
“Sir, we’re detecting another fleet of ships coming out of gravity jump,” the Minan reported. “They’re flying the flag of the Iron navy.”
“Let’s see what he’s chosen,” Vikrit said.
The Iron navy aimed for the nearest fleet of the Gold navy and attacked. Admiral Regelik appeared on the screen.
“It’s good to see you,” Regelik said.
“What brings you to our little war?” Vikrit asked.
“Both of us swore to protect the people of Malcov from all enemies,” Regelik said. “If you fly with Heaven’s Light then I must follow your lead,” he cawed, “let’s free our people once and for all.”
* * *
Veda, Shiken Ka, and Reban were at their stations when the news of the Iron navy came. They watched their newfound allies help the Silver navy in a pincer attack on the Gold forces. The few remaining ships on their side of the planet quickly made their way towards the rest of the fleet.
“Should we pursue?” Shiken asked.
Veda shook her head. “There’s no need to. It’s a matter of time before they surrender.”
“Part of me is surprised Zaris didn’t try anything rash,” Shiken said.
“If he used nuclear weapons or detonated gravity drives the Confederation would be doing what we are right now,” Veda said. “He gambled everything he had on one last victory.”
“All stations report damage control is working,” Reban reported. “As long as we’re not attacked we should be able to get the shields running again.”
“How are the other ships doing?” Veda asked.
“The Freedom took some damage,” Reban said. “But none of the other ships suffered anything major. There are a several casualties amongst the pilots though.”
“Let’s continue as we were,” Veda said.
* * *
The Maidens watched the enemy ships as they fled. As they did so the Minerva moved to the front. Valis closed her eyes and saw the possibilities of the battle flowing around her. Once she was finished she returned to normal.
“With the mess down there I wonder if this will turn out well,” Kivi said.
“It will,” Valis said. “People are people, whether they’re birds, reptiles, or mammals.”
“What did you see Valis?” Seles asked.
“I saw a bright future for the people of Malcov,” she answered. “Like Kalaidia, they’ll recover and be much stronger in a few years. There’ll be bumps along the way, but aren’t there always a few?”
“What does the future hold for us?” Mira asked.
“It holds a lot of blood, sorrow, and war,” Valis said. “Perhaps the day will come when I see less of it, but until then, I’ll enjoy each day as it comes. It’s all we can do to survive.”
“We will,” Celi said. “We have to see the end to this.”
“You’re right of course,” Valis said. “Let’s return to base.”
* * *
Zaris made his way through the secret hallways in his palace. Fear crept into his eyes as he looked at his wrist computer and saw the Iron navy attacking his forces. He shook it off and snuck into his opulent bedroom. After stuffing as much gold and jewels into a bag he glanced out the window and saw the masses converging from all points on the palace. Cursing under his breath the Malcovin king ran into the secret hallway and made his way up a flight of stairs until he reached his last resort. He opened a door and found a secret launching bay for a single gravity drive equipped Phase Talon. He quickly took the elevator cord to the cockpit and threw his bag of trinkets into the back room. He sat in the pilot’s seat and turned the systems on. A moment after the lights went on they flashed before turning off.
“What the hell!” Zaris shouted. “What’s wrong with this thing?”
He heard a tap come from outside. As he poked his head out he saw Grigon standing there holding his Keiker pike in one hand and the main power circuit in the other.
“It’s been awhile Zaris,” Grigon said before cawing.
“What have you done!?” the king bellowed.
“I removed the power circuit, that’s all,” Grigon said. “Even and idiot like you could reinstall it.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying come down and fight me like a king should,” Grigon said. “It’s time we settled our accounts.”
“I agree,” Zaris said.
The king slid down the elevator cord and grasped his pike in an offensive position. Grigon held the circuit up before putting it on his belt.
“It’s simple, kill me and you can run away,” Grigon said as he took a defense posture with his pike.
Zaris cawed. “I’ve waited too long to for this.”
Chapter 47 - King’s Fall
While the palace shook from explosions Grigon and Zaris circled each other with their pikes in hand. The two birdmen were grey of feather but youthful from their graceful steps.
“If you don’t hurry this place will be found,” Grigon said.
“That rabble doesn’t know their up from down,” Zaris said.
“You underestimate them,” Grigon said.
“You believe in them too much,” Zaris said. “This world has two kinds of people. There are those who rule and those who are ruled. That’s the natural state of the world and always has been. Even if that Terran upstart forces democracy on every race in the galaxy it’ll migrate back to its natural state. The only difference is who holds the wealth.”
“What you say has much truth in it,” Grigon said. “But it lacks one inevitable thing.”
“What is it lacking?”
“Change you fool,” Grigon said. “Nothing lasts forever. The world of tyrants is coming to an end and with it people will evolve. Whether I see the world of peace is a question I can’t answer, but I’ll try finding it. I made that promise on Rikai’s grave.”
“That world’s only a dream Grigon, a mirage,” Zaris said. “I searched for the same thing and found nothing but a vast emptiness in others. This is the real world old friend. It’s cruel, mean spirited, and full of suffering. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Perhaps I’m living in a dream,” Grigon said. “But it’s better to live in a dream than except the world as it is.”
Grigon stepped forward and thrust his pike. Zaris met the attack and knocked it aside. As the king twirled and stabbed Grigon clipped the tip aside and locked poles with Zaris. The two wrestled with their weapons before knocking themselves away from each other. The two sparred mightily before Zaris slipped his pike into Grigon’s left shoulder. The old birdman managed to pull away before the glowing tip went in too far. As his feathers smoked Grigon groaned in pain.
“I’ll make you an offer,” Zaris said. “Give me the circuit and I’ll let you live.”
“I decline,” Grigon said. “The last time I took you up on your offer my family wa
s murdered.”
“Your decision,” Zaris said.
The Malcovin king sped forward and knocked Grigon to the ground. As he went for the coup de grace Grigon rolled away and flipped to his feet. As he did so his eyes began flickering blue. Zaris stepped back, unsure of what was happening.
“What’s wrong with you?” Zaris asked.
“There’s nothing wrong with me,” Grigon said. “I accept change.”
Grigon jumped forward with a flurry of thrusts. Zaris couldn’t keep up and was forced back. As the two neared the wall Grigon hit a button. Behind them opened a window to the outside. Grigon masterfully rolled around Zaris and thrust his pike through the king’s shoulder. Zaris fell to the ground and cried out in agony as he dropped his pike. When he opened his eyes he saw Grigon standing over him with his pike tip to his neck.
“For Rikai and all the others I should kill you right now,” Grigon said as his eyes faded back to their normal color. “I will change this world Zaris. From the blackened heart you represent to the ideal we seek.”
When Grigon turned to walk away Zaris grabbed him with his hand and went to pull out a pulse pistol. Grigon twirled around and thrust his pike into the king’s chest. As Zaris writhed Grigon kicked the glass from the window. He thrust Zaris outside and looked him in the eyes.
“You always were a cheat,” Grigon said.
With a swing of his pike Zaris fell from the top spire of the palace until he splattered on the ground below. From the corpse sprang a single coin wrapped in cloth. As the coin flew free it turned before landing on the ground with a resounding ring. The face that came up was tails. Grigon’s shoulder began aching as he limped away.
“I’m getting too old for this relk,” he said before hitting his com. “All forces are to retreat from the palace. I repeat, retreat from the palace.”
* * *
Admiral Shakar watched Zaris fall from the palace and stood up.
“All ships of the Gold navy are to surrender,” the admiral said. “Our king is dead.”
He looked at the crew around him as he pulled a pulse pistol from his belt.
“All of you have served me well over the years,” Shakar said. “For that I thank you.” He placed the pistol to his head. “My fate follows Zaris, farewell.”
Before his subordinates could stop him the admiral pulled the trigger and blew a pulse shot through his head. His commander knelt for a prayer before taking the captain’s chair. He opened a com channel to the Columbia base.
“I am Commander Ulken, acting head of the Gold navy,” he said. “We surrender.”
* * *
As Grigon limped back to his Talon he found Dreka waiting for him. His grandson helped him back into his Talon. He quickly took out a med kit and covered the wound.
“You shouldn’t be fighting at your age,” Dreka said.
“And you shouldn’t be fretting,” Grigon said before wincing.
“What happened?” Dreka asked.
“Justice has been served,” Grigon cawed. “Let’s go.”
“Alright,” Dreka said. “What were you doing in there?”
“Let’s fly away and you’ll see,” Grigon said.
As the two flew away the other Talons joined them. All of the foot soldiers and citizens ran from the palace before a series of explosions rocked the tall structure. The precision was so exact that it fell on top of the palace perimeter and didn’t damage the buildings near it. Smoke from the rubble filled the city skyline.
“You set those?” Dreka asked.
“What this world needs are less towers of greed and more fields of happiness,” Grigon said. “Let’s go Dreka; a new age begins today for our people!”
* * *
Brian watched the citizens of Malcov celebrating. He went to the console and pressed the button. The intercom system activated and connected to every communications device nearby. The sound emerged as the bell rung once more.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Myden asked.
“I feel cheesy saying that kind of stuff,” Brian said.
“You’re a Maigar,” Jesela said. “Everything you do is cheesy.”
“Alright,” Brian said before hitting the button again. “To the people of Malcov, I am Captain Peterson. The bell you hear today is the sound of freedom. No king, no tyrant, no despot will ever rule over you again. If any should try we will return as many times as needed until the bell rings forever.”
“Simple and beautiful,” Myden said.
“That wasn’t as bad as you think,” Jesela said.
“I hope their dreams come true,” Brian said.
Chapter 48 - Free Birds
A few days passed before word of Zaris’s death reached all of the outposts of the Malcovin military. Once the news was known the colonial garrisons surrendered to the people. The Columbia and Sicily bases stayed in orbit over the Malcovin home world as the crowds below celebrated their newfound freedom. The Malcovin crew members on all the ships, including Dreka and Grigon, went down to the surface to join in the festivities. Veda watched the scene from the command center with a glass of wine in her hand. Shiken Ka stood next to her with a glass of tea.
“It looks like Kalaidia eleven years ago,” Veda said.
“I’ve heard all the associated factions will begin talks in two days,” Shiken said.
“It’s going to be a mess,” Veda said.
“You’re only saying that because you’ll be heading the negotiations,” Shiken said.
“I told Brian I could handle it,” Veda said. “You’ll be there, won’t you?”
“Of course I will,” Shiken said. “I’ll be heading back home after that for a while.”
“I heard you’re taking a mate,” Veda said. “Sounds like a lot of things will be happening for you.”
“I delayed my vows with her for too long,” Shiken said. “When this is over I want to make sure she’s happy.”
“She’ll wait for Lord Ka,” Veda said. “You’re a good man, if I was Shandi I’d wait for you.”
“That’s a great compliment coming from a mammal,” Shiken said.
* * *
Brian relaxed in the Freedom’s HDC with a bottle of tea. The scenery in the room was the Kalaidian countryside with the sun high in the air. He was not wearing his exoskeleton and instead wore a simple white, sleeveless shirt and loose brown pants. While he enjoyed the tea he sat cross-legged and gazed into the jungle. Myden stepped out of one of the few shadows and stood next to him with his hood down. The Grey covered his large eyes for a moment before stepping into the shade of a tree.
“It’s going to be quiet for a while,” Brian said.
“You sense that too,” Myden said.
“The Malcovin have the best equipped military amongst the younger races,” Brian said. “The others will think twice before challenging us.”
“The Viken are in the middle of a civil war now,” Myden said.
“Their government was democratic for decades,” Brian said. “But as the years passed money entered their politics and turned it into something else. Because we don’t know who’s who right now we’ve chosen to not intervene.”
“A wise decision,” Myden said. “It’s better to let the people make their own future if they can.”
The door opened to allow Seles, Mira, and Jesela to come inside. All three of them went to Brian and stood over him.
“You’re not skipping out on us, are you?” Seles asked.
Brian smiled. “No, I’ll be there. I want to relax in the sun this morning.”
“I’ve been working on some new material in my spare time and don’t want you to miss it,” Mira said.
“Why don’t you join her?” Jesela suggested.
Brian laughed. “I’m out of practice. So I’ll put some effort into it and make sure next time I can. Is it a deal?”
“Deal,” Mira said.
Seles looked at Myden, “What about you old man?”
“I’ll be there,”
Myden said.
* * *
Admirals Vikrit and Regelik met in the command center of the Sicily base. Daekon attended to his station while the two watched the celebrations on the surface.
“Are you sure about this?” Regelik asked.
“I’m part of Heaven’s Light now friend, not the regular military,” Vikrit said. “I leave the navies of our world in your hands. The ships on this station are all that I command from here on.”
“I accept the honor,” Regelik said. “What do you think is going to happen?”
“Our people will form a working government within the next year,” Vikrit said. “All you have to do is keep the military in line.”
“I’m going to need competent leaders alongside me,” Regelik said. “I think I’ll enlist the leader of the underground, Seka the Red.”
“She’s a perfect choice,” Vikrit said. “I also have a list of other worthy candidates.”
“I’d appreciate seeing it,” Regelik said.
“I’ll send it to you in a few days,” Vikrit said.
* * *
After several hours of celebrating Dreka and Grigon boarded their Talons and headed back to the Columbia base. The two found the place was quiet as they landed their crafts.
“Where is everyone?” Dreka asked.
“Probably celebrating or relaxing,” Grigon said.
He turned on his com and heard Mira singing in the Freedom. The same sound came from Zae in the Avoni.
“It looks like they’re having a good time,” Grigon said.
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 21
