“It was the same when I trained him in martial arts,” Kivi said. “He was as inflexible as a stone wall.”
“I would’ve loved to see him then,” Dreka said.
* * *
“It’s gone now,” Tctie said as they approached the Freedom and Raulno.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” Seles said.
“I feel the same,” Kyli said.
“Remember to check and recheck your scans from earlier,” Seles said. “There might be something we missed the first time around.”
“As you wish commander,” Tctie said.
“Got it,” Kyli said.
The three mobile suits separated and went to their respective launching bays. After the Artemis landed Seles sat back to relax for a moment.
Something bad is going to happen. The Artemis wrote in text.
“I agree,” Seles said. “Tctie can sense it.”
We’ll have to take advantage of that when the time comes. The Artemis wrote.
“I think spread mode can find them,” Seles said. “But we can’t rely on that. I think I’ll talk to Jesela about it.”
She’s right outside. The Artemis wrote.
“Thanks,” Seles said before leaving the cockpit. She noticed Jesela scanning away. “Jesela, we have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?” Jesela asked.
“The kind your manic mind will love tackling,” Seles said.
Chapter 4 - A Day Off on Dega Jul
Brian woke with Mira next to him. As he ran his hand through her hair she opened her eyes.
“You really like looking at me, don’t you?” she asked.
“You’re beautiful, so I can’t help it,” Brian said.
She took the locket she gave him recently and placed it around his neck. As she did so he touched her earring.
“Is everything working right?” he asked.
“Since you showed me how to maintain it properly it hasn’t been a problem,” she answered. “You can take a look if you don’t trust me.”
“I do,” Brian said. “I just worry about you.”
“I feel the same,” Mira said. “Remember to keep it with you at all times.”
“I will,” Brian said.
She got out of the bed and slipped her clothes back on before heading over to the mirror to brush her hair. Brian lounged for a while before doing the same.
“What do plan on doing today?” Mira asked.
Brian yawned and put his hair into a tail. “I’d like to relax and see the city.”
“Mya says she has something for you,” Mira said.
Brian laughed. “Could you pick it for me? She never lets me go once I’m in her shop.”
“I’ll do it but you’re on your own next time,” Mira said.
“I agree to the terms,” Brian said.
“Will you be at the Kritkar later?” she asked.
“Of course,” he answered. “Grig makes the best food whatever species one happens to be.”
“Everyone agrees on that,” she said before setting the brush down. “Well, I’ll see you later Brian.” She danced over to the door. “Remember to not drink too much tonight.”
“I won’t,” he said.
“See you later then,” she said before leaving.
He smiled as he checked himself in the mirror before a headache came over him. As Brian cringed his left eye started glowing red before flashing back to normal.
“I don’t think I’ll drink much at all then,” he said.
* * *
Seles and Jesela waited at the exit stairs of the Freedom. The city planet of Dega Jul was warm and sunny as usual while ships of every make flew about.
“Did you get a chance to look at it?” Seles asked.
“Yes,” Jesela answered. “And I have to say it’s going to take a number of brains to figure out how to detect them properly.”
“For some reason this worries me,” Seles said.
“I feel the same,” Jesela said. “But we should forget it for now.”
“Agreed,” Seles said.
Mira ran out a moment later and joined them.
“It took you long enough,” Seles said.
“Did you have to claw your way out of bed this morning?” Jesela asked.
“No, we talked about some things,” Mira answered. “So where are we going first?”
“Mya’s shop,” Seles said. She held up a bag with her uniform in it. “This thing’s starting to fall apart.”
“Let’s go then,” Mira said.
After the three left the dock they wandered through the Kalaidian district of the city. As they neared the line where the races mixed they came to Mya’s shop. The Kalaidian clothing maker was busy sizing up another woman when the three walked in. After she was done helping her customer make a decision Mya headed over them.
“It’s been awhile,” Mya said. “What can I help you with today?”
Seles held up her uniform. “Could you take a crack at this?”
“Of course Seles,” Mya said as she took the uniform. “I hope that’s not all you’re here for.”
“I’m here for two things,” Mira said. “Do you have the dress I ordered last time?”
Mya nodded. “It’s in the back.”
“I also need the suit you made for Brian,” Mira said.
“Oh…he never comes anymore,” Mya said.
Mira grinned. “He will next time, I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Mya said. “Do you want me to have them delivered to your ship?”
“That’d be great,” Mira said.
“What about you Jesela?” Mya asked.
Jesela looked around and pointed at a dress hanging on the wall. It was green like Jesela’s hair with golden stars.
“I couldn’t help but notice it,” she said.
“I didn’t mean to match it to you specifically,” Mya said.
“I’ll take it,” Jesela said.
Mya turned her wrist scanner on and moved it around Jesela.
“I’ve got your measurements,” Mya said. “I’ll have it ready by tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” Jesela said.
* * *
Brian sat back and relaxed after finishing a meal in the Kritkar. He, Kivi, and Dreka had taken a table in a quiet back corner of the mixed race bar.
“It’s still disgusting seeing you eat that after all these years,” Kivi said.
“It’s not disgusting if you’re a carnivore,” Dreka said before cawing.
Brian laughed. “Let’s not debate this, alright?”
“Sure,” Kivi said.
“By the way, how goes the egg laying?” Brian asked.
“That’s Seka’s job, not mine,” Dreka said. “The two she laid are viable and should hatch in a few months.”
Brian raised his glass. “Congratulations friend.”
Kivi did the same. “Good fortune to you Dreka.”
Dreka laughed. “I don’t need it. Seka’s the one who’ll be raising them.”
“Have you decided what to name them?” Kivi asked.
“The only request I made was to name one of them Taraka if either is male,” Dreka said.
“Is there a reason for that name?” Brian asked.
Dreka slammed a drink. “My father carried the name before Zaris had him killed. He was a good man and raised me well.”
“What about your mother?” Kivi asked.
“She died shortly after I hatched,” Dreka said.
“I’m sorry,” Kivi said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Dreka said. His com flashed. “Well, it’s time I go back for more work.”
“Leaving already?” Brian asked.
“I’ve got too many things to do as is,” Dreka said. “Take care you two.”
“You as well,” Kivi said.
“See you Dreka,” Brian said.
The birdman left. As night approached the bar started filling up. A Malcovin waiter came over to Brian and Ki
vi and took their plates while trading their drinks for fresh glasses. Brian noticed something in Kivi.
“What’s bothering you?” he asked.
“Myden has been visiting me a lot lately,” Kivi said. “I don’t know why but that worries me.”
Brian smiled. “I know the feeling all too well. It’s because of this.” He pointed at his left eye. “Any day now I could burst into a ball of light. At least, that’s what Seles keeps saying.”
“So he’s preparing me for the worst?” she asked.
“Yep,” Brian said. “Myden always thinks ten steps ahead of the rest of us. Even Valis would have a hard time unraveling his schemes.”
“It’s creepy,” she said.
“Creepy, but necessary,” Brian said. “Although I don’t like being counted out just yet.”
* * *
Myden and Grigon watched the footage Seles, Tctie, and Kyli had brought back with them on the bridge of the Freedom. After checking the undetectable object a number of times Grigon got a rough outline of the craft. It appeared to be a sphere thirty vetres in diameter with six pointed tips around it, making it look like a star.
“This isn’t good,” Grigon said. “Other than using spread attacks or guessing our systems can’t detect these things.”
“Lieutenant Tctie said something about sensing them himself,” Myden said.
“We can’t rely on a single Ick-Tckt pilot,” Grigon said. “Should he be killed we’re blind.”
“Not exactly,” Myden said. “The Maidens could find them when berserking.”
“My question is, are they dangerous?” Grigon asked.
“Yes,” Myden said. “Many of the Ick-Tckt nobles hate Brian with a passion and Heaven’s Light just as much. Do you have any ideas on this matter?”
“I’ve got a few,” Grigon said. “But I’ll need Jesela, Dreka, and probably Daes. It wouldn’t hurt if Veda helped out as well.”
“Have you sent them the data?” Myden asked.
“Just before I brought it to you,” Grigon answered.
“Good,” Myden said. “Prepare the ship for battle. I have a feeling they’ll attack us while we’re in port.”
“As you wish,” Grigon said.
Myden went to console and readied the combat systems before hitting the com, “Kyli, Tctie, please come to the bridge.”
* * *
Seles, Mira, and Jesela walked the streets as darkness fell across the city.
“I can’t believe you bought a dress like that,” Mira said.
“It’s out of character,” Seles said.
“I need something to wear for official matters,” Jesela said.
The three stepped inside the Kritkar. After spotting Brian and Kivi they made their way over to the table.
“It’s good to see you two up to the same thing as usual,” Seles said as they sat down.
“Routine is a good thing,” Kivi said.
“It provides stability,” Brian added.
“It can be boring,” Jesela said.
“I think relaxing is a better term,” Mira said.
A moment after they sat down the Malcovin waiter ran over to take their orders. As each gave the birdman their order a group of Ick-Tckt drone soldiers, led by a warrior officer, took a table near them. Both Brian and Kivi noted their presence without drawing attention. Brian’s com beeped.
“Everyone should return to the ships as soon as possible,” Myden said quietly.
Brian looked at the others as they nodded. “We’ll leave after a drink so we don’t look conspicuous.”
“It’s your call,” Myden said.
“What’s wrong?” Brian asked.
“Jesela knows,” Myden said before ending transmission.
Jesela shook her head. “All I wanted was one night off.”
“You know what’s got him flustered, don’t you?” Mira asked.
“I know as well,” Seles said. “Let’s hurry back to the ship.”
Chapter 5 - Knives in the Night
The Columbia base orbited Dega Jul with a quiet activity level around the asteroid. Veda, Reban, and Valis worked in the command center. The Avoni, Daevoni, Reinkar, and Vomada remained in their docks as maintenance crews worked on them and the base. Valis looked up from what she was studying.
“It looks like we can finally unravel the mess of the Viken civil war,” Valis said.
“Are you sure?” Veda asked. “The last time we received word the rebels requesting our aid were wiped out.”
“And the time before that they were actually the government acting as the rebels to get us involved,” Reban added.
“Your cynicism is well founded,” Valis said. “This time it’s for real.”
Veda shrugged. “I was getting fond of the quiet life.”
“When are we moving in?” Reban asked.
“In a week or so,” Valis said. “Our agents on the scene need to collect a little more before we intervene.”
“A lack of knowledge is a commander’s worst nightmare,” Veda said.
Reban looked at her monitor and blinked her eyes a few times. She quickly activated the defense system as a barrage of pulse fire from all directions slammed into the base. The structure shook from the sudden attack.
“What in Kali’s name is happening?” Veda asked.
“We’re under attack by an unknown foe,” Reban said. “I can’t locate them using our sensors.”
Veda looked to Valis.
“They’re using a stealth system that’s better than ours,” Valis said. “Scramble all mobile weapons and ships and have them take formation D-2.”
“Alright,” Veda said. “What are you going to do?”
Valis checked her exoskeleton and grabbed her helmet. “The Minerva should be able to spot something. Hold out until I can come up with a plan.”
“We’ll do that,” Veda said.
* * *
Myden and Grigon manned the bridge of the Freedom when Kyli and Tctie ran in.
“Are we the only ones here?” Kyli asked.
“Yes,” Myden said.
Tctie’s antennae twitched.
“You sense something, don’t you?” the Grey asked.
“Yes,” Tctie answered.
“You’ll take point then,” Myden said. “Everyone prepare for battle.”
“Yes sir,” Kyli said before running out.
Tctie nodded and followed her. A moment later the ship started shaking from pulse blasts. Kyli and Tctie’s mobile suits flew out and were joined by forty five others. Dreka appeared on the screen from the bridge of the Raulno.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“We’re under attack,” Myden said. “Deploy your mobile suits in a defensive formation.”
Grigon growled. “Those bugs are craftier than I gave them credit for.”
* * *
Seles, Mira, and Jesela made their way back to the Freedom. From the ground they watched the attack. As they got closer they saw mobile suits fly out to defend the ship.
“We need to hurry,” Seles said.
The three ran to the elevator leading to the dock above. As the complex shook they heard explosions all around them. Jesela quickly looked at her wrist computer.
“Do you see something?” Mira asked.
“It looks a little like a star,” Jesela answered. “But it’s not enough to target yet.”
“We’ll have to use other methods,” Seles said.
“I can’t use the song system here,” Mira said.
“Doesn’t matter,” Seles said. “Your rifle will be enough for now.”
“Alright,” Mira said.
The elevator reached the main docking area as pulse fire rained around them. A Rakna and Talon from the Freedom were targeted by the unknown attackers and destroyed. The shields of the Freedom were holding, but their power was being drained. When the three women stepped on the stairway leading into the ships Seles turned around. She watched as Tctie’s mobile suit aimed and fire
d, hitting something.
“He may be the only thing that can save us,” she said before running inside.
* * *
Brian and Kivi both locked their helmets into place after leaving the Kritkar. As they made their way to the port a light flashed above as something fired a pulse shot at them. Brian activated his shield to absorb most of the blast, but the two were knocked prone. The crowded street around them erupted in panic as pulse fire fell on them.
“I can’t last long doing this,” Brian said while holding his shield up.
Kivi stumbled to sit up while holding her head.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“I think I’ve got a concussion,” Kivi said.
“That’s not good,” Brian said.
Another volley of pulse fire rained down on them and caused his shield to fluctuate.
“Can you walk?” he asked.
“I think I can manage,” Kivi said. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to protect you,” he answered. He handed her the shield as his left eye started glowing red. “It’s sooner than I wanted to, but it’s time I try.”
“Brian,” Kivi said.
“If something happens to me Kivi, remember me for what I looked like a few minutes ago,” he said as he drew his rakna blade. He gazed in the air as a strange aura emitted from his body. “It’s time to go.”
The wings from his exoskeleton sprung out as he flew into the air with blade in hand. As a pulse shot fired at him it flew straight through his body as he flashed out of existence for a second. When he reappeared Brian spun the rakna blade and blasted into the invisible craft. As it exploded he flew away and attacked another one.
* * *
Tctie and the others either stood near or on the Freedom as the barrage continued. Another Rakna was taken out as they tightened formation.
“Where are they?” Kyli asked.
Tctie quietly aimed and fired shot after shot and hit one of the targets. After a moment of his precise shots the object exploded and fell onto the dock nearby. The Raulno’s forces moved over to help them when a hail of pulse shots fell on Kyli’s Rakna, damaging it severely.
Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty Page 3
