“Can you explain this?” Valis asked.
Brian shook his head. “All I can say is I see something strange near the five of you. Be prepared for anything.”
“We will,” Valis said.
* * *
“Another mass battle,” Veda said with a sigh.
The Columbia base shook from the explosions outside. A number of the loyalist Viken ships that were damaged were ramming into other vessels and causing chaos.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much punishment our shields can take,” Veda said.
“We’ve lost function in two of the arrays because of them,” Reban said.
“They’re doing better than we thought they would,” Veda said. “How’s everything on your end?”
“We’ve sustained a good amount of casualties,” Yardek reported. “But less than the government’s forces. This battle is turning into a free for all.”
“I have to agree,” Veda said. “How are your allies on the surface doing?”
“It’s taking them longer to sack the government than we thought,” Ulad said. “But as soon as we win here the government on the surface has no protection left.”
“Good,” Veda said. “Let’s keep it up.”
* * *
The Maidens calm kept their cool as the battle around them intensified. Valis had taken the data Brian sent and modified their position accordingly. Something flashed on their scanners when a mass of Ick-Tckt crafts came out of gravity jump and attacked. The five mobile suits moved closer together to help defend themselves. Over five hundred of the crafts swarmed around them. The Artemis and Gemini began the battle with a volley of long range attacks.
“I don’t think Tctie thought there would be this many,” Valis said as the Minerva shook.
“There’s two hundred more on the way,” Kivi warned.
“So it’s seven hundred versus five,” Seles said.
“We’ve seen worse odds,” Celi said.
“How long are we holding out for?” Mira asked.
“This won’t be like the Bronze navy,” Valis said. “Let’s hold together until we know their target, then strike.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Seles said.
“How did Brian know they would appear there?” Kivi asked.
“It has something to do with his perceptual abilities,” Mira said.
“When berserking to the limit he was able to ignore dimensions as we know them,” Celi said.
The swarm of Ick-Tckt closed around them and pounded the five mercilessly. The Aegis pushed its shield but found the protective bubble was being drained. The four mobile suits with weapons fired as fast as they could to lessen the swarm but it seemed for every craft they destroyed another two took its place. As the pressure grew the enemy began focusing on the Artemis. Shot after shot deflected off its shields as the Ick-Tckt swarmed Seles’s craft. A pair of HV missiles made their way through the edge of the barrier and hit the Artemis’s rifle, causing it to explode. Once the smoke cleared the Artemis was missing the front part of its right arm.
“Seles, are you still with us?” Valis asked.
“Yeah,” Seles answered. “I’m alright, but she’s hurting.”
“Move closer to the Aegis for now,” Valis ordered. “Do you still have offensive capability?”
“I can use the sword with the left hand,” Seles said.
“That’ll help when the time comes,” Valis said. She narrowed her eyes. They knew enough to destroy her rifle. That means we’re going to have to do something different. “Kivi, ready the twin blade system.”
“It’s ready to go,” Kivi said.
“Alright everyone, we’re all going to berserk and use our special systems at the same time,” Valis said.
“What’s the plan?” Celi asked.
“Do whatever you must to survive,” Valis said.
* * *
Brian sighed with relief when he saw the Artemis was still flying. The battle between the Viken loyalists and the rebels was still raging strong while the Maidens fought desperately in the distance.
“What do you think Valis will do now?” Myden asked.
“With the Artemis in the condition it’s in she can’t do the usual thing,” Grigon said.
“It’s going to be a pain to build a new rifle for her,” Jesela said.
Brian stared at the space around the Maidens. I see. He programmed in the specifics before turning to the others.
“We’re going to try something crazy,” he said. “Myden, activate the Hades system.”
“Charging up as we speak,” Myden said.
“What are you going to do?” Jesela asked.
“Kivi and the Gemini will lead the charge for the five of them,” Brian said. “But if what I’m seeing is true the enemy has more forces on the way. We’re going to aim the Hades cannon at the spot they’re going to appear.”
“That does sound crazy,” Grigon cawed. “But I like it.”
“Me too,” Jesela said.
“Did you hear that Veda?” Brian asked.
“We’re clearing a path for you right now,” Veda said.
Chapter 23 - Gemini’s Blades
The Ick-Tckt swarm grew at an alarming rate around the Maidens as they kept their crafts together. The Artemis switched to using its sword while the others readied their special systems. Celi was the first to berserk as the Aegis’s shield extended outward and reflected the enemy’s shots back at them.
“The Aegis will act as our safe zone,” Valis said. She looked at the nearly thousand mobile weapons pounding them. “Let’s do this.”
“Yes Valis,” the other four said.
Before they started their attack a massive beam of energy flew by them. When the energy faded away lover half of the Ick-Tckt forces were destroyed.
“Looks like Brian has our back,” Valis said.
“Are we still on?” Kivi asked.
“Lead the way,” Valis said.
The Gemini moved its cannon to its back as the mobile suit shifted form. As it moved the larger mobile suit split into two. After a moment both sections emerged as slimmer mobile suits sized the same as the other four. In each of their hands was a massive rakna blade glowing with energy. Kivi smiled as the berserk came over her. The Ick-Tckt crafts moved away as both halves of the Gemini spun their blades. As the two halves charged they quickly cut their way through the nearest wave of enemy mobile armors. The others watched while Kivi masterfully piloted the two in tandem and slashed the enemy to pieces.
“I thought the arrow system was crazy,” Mira said.
“The Gemini appears as a bombardment style mobile suit,” Valis said. “But that’s a smoke screen meant to fool the enemies away from its melee capabilities.”
“She’s doing pretty well for her first time,” Seles said.
“It’s time we join her,” Valis said.
The Artemis, Siren, and Minerva lit up as their pilots berserked. The three spread out and charged into the fray.
* * *
Dreka stood on the bridge of the Raulno and cawed with excitement.
“It’s working!” he shouted. “Oh I waited for so long and it looks perfect!”
“You sound really happy,” Kaela said.
“It’s only the commander’s pride and joy,” Shol said. “But it helps that our captain has some good moves.”
“You know she doesn’t have a thing for snakes,” Kaela said.
Shol grinned. “I didn’t mean it that way. And besides, I don’t have a thing for mammals.”
“What’s our status?” Dreka asked.
“Everything’s working as it should,” Kaela said. “The Viken aren’t able to cause much damage.”
“They’re also focusing everything on the Freedom,” Shol said. “I haven’t had to do much in the way of evasive maneuvers.”
“Excellent,” Dreka said.
* * *
The Freedom’s engines quieted down as the ship returned to normal. Brian sat in th
e captain’s chair and relaxed.
“That was all they needed,” he said.
“I’m amazed at how fast the Gemini is,” Jesela said. “I didn’t think any pilot could move two at a time like that.”
“Dreka outdid himself,” Grigon said.
“How’s she able to pilot both of them?” Jesela asked.
“It’s the fact the Gemini has two A.I. systems instead of one,” Brian answered. “All she has to do is move one with each hand, just like when she’s fighting with a rakna in each hand.”
“Do you need an injection?” Jesela asked.
Brian waved her off. “Not anymore.”
The loyalist forces began pushing back. When they started crashing their fighters and ships into the rebel forces the Columbia base moved to intercept them. Brian watched before hitting the com.
“I think we should clump together now,” he said to the other five ships.
“I agree,” El Kar said. “They’re getting worse by the moment.”
“Let’s try formation D-10,” Esra suggested.
“I like that one,” Zae said.
“Good idea,” Dreka cawed.
“Alight, D-10 it is,” Brian said. “Kyli, Tctie, did you hear that?”
“Loud and clear captain,” Kyli responded.
“We’re on our way,” Tctie said.
The six ships moved closer together to aid each other in shielding. When an enemy ship went to ram the Freedom the Mjolnir sped over and fired a beam through it. As it exploded the Mjolnir flew away. Brian smiled. I choose well.
* * *
The Maidens pushed their way out of the swarm of enemy mobile armors and gathered together again.
“Seles, I want you to follow Kivi’s lead,” Valis said. “Mira and I will take the other side.”
“Got it,” Seles said.
The Gemini’s two halves slashed through the enemy forces with the one armed Artemis taking a hack here and there. The Minerva sped forward with the Siren emitting a song to disable every enemy craft in the area. After the four circled about and rejoined the Aegis their berserks were close to ending. The Gemini returned to its larger form and grabbed its cannon while the others stopped emitting light. The enemy crafts capable of moving quickly gravity jumped away. Once it was clear they were gone the Aegis returned to normal.
“What should we do now?” Mira asked.
“Our friends are going to need us,” Valis said. “After the battle we’re going to collect everything we can from this area.”
Valis looked at the battle and noticed loyalists were sending out everything they had. What she caught out of the corner of her eye were a number of defense satellites moving into position. Her scanners showed they were carrying nuclear missiles. She hit the com.
“To all forces, the enemy has deployed satellites armed with nuclear missiles,” Valis said. “The five of us will do what we can, but be prepared.”
“I don’t like this,” Kivi said.
“None of us do,” Celi said.
“Seles, stay with Celi,” Valis said. “Kivi, Mira, we’re going to spread as much as we can to intercept any incoming missiles. We can’t let them get close. Celi, you and Seles will cover the base and give it as much shielding as possible.”
“Yes Valis,” everyone responded.
The five sped to their positions as the missiles were being readied for launch.
* * *
Veda and Reban frantically worked to reposition all of their forces. On the screen it was obvious General Yardek and Representative Ulad were angered by the government’s move to use nuclear weapons.
“All forces are reporting difficulties,” Reban said. “Moving a fleet of this size quickly is a problem.”
“I’m not surprised by that,” Veda said.
“It’s madness,” Ulad said.
“Their arrogance is at its worst right now,” Yardek added.
“Why would they use them anyway?” Reban asked.
“Because they know the Confederation will slap them with sanctions,” Veda said. “Sanctions mean nothing to those desperately clinging to power.”
“It’s a minor inconvenience to the economy for a few years,” Ulad said.
“Our forces are moving apart as fast as possible,” Yardek said. “Although I don’t know how effective that will be.”
The loyalist forces backed off as their missiles were being prepared. The Maidens spread out and started attacking the launchers before they could fire.
“All we can do is hope they destroy them in time,” Veda said.
* * *
Brian watched the situation carefully and cursed under his breath.
“Should we try the cannon again?” Jesela asked.
“It doesn’t spread out enough to hit them,” Myden said.
“I really need to look into an anti-nuclear device one of these days,” Grigon said.
“That’s not your strong suit,” Jesela said.
“What do you think Brian?” Myden asked.
Brian looked at the various places the missiles were being readied from. There’s no way they can take them all down without the Artemis’s rifle. Even if we use the Mjolnir it won’t be enough. He looked at his allies. If even one of those gets through we’re finished. I guess it’s time I try something stupid. He locked the helmet of his exoskeleton into place and checked that it was fully charged. Brian drew his sword while the others stared at him.
“I’m going to try something,” Brian said. “Hopefully I won’t get killed.”
Before anyone could respond Brian stepped forward and disappeared.
“What’s he going to do?” Jesela asked.
“The launchers aren’t very big on their own,” Myden said. “If he spins the rakna and fires he should be able to destroy them.”
“Sounds reckless,” Grigon cawed.
“What happens if he messes up?” Jesela asked.
“Then he’ll get caught in the blast,” Myden said.
Jesela sighed. “Great, that’s just what I wanted to hear.”
Chapter 24 - Savage Victory
Seles stayed with the Aegis as they moved in to defend their allies. She smiled when she saw Brian flashing around and destroying missile launchers with his rakna blade.
“He’s crazy you know,” Celi said.
“I do,” Seles said. “That’s part of the attraction.”
“Why didn’t you try that?” Celi asked.
“Because I wasn’t thinking,” Seles said.
She spun the massive sword in the Artemis’s left hand until it gathered enough energy and slashed in the direction of an enemy missile launcher. A beam of energy shot out and blasted the launcher to pieces.
“It works,” Celi said.
“It’s slower than my cannon, but it’s good to know I have a backup,” Seles said. After destroying another missile launcher she watched Brian again. “How is he able to do that?”
“He first showed signs of it during the sojourn,” Celi said. “As to the teleporting the explanation is inside our exoskeletons as well.”
“And what would that be?” Seles asked.
“The reason they have the power they do is because they have a miniature Q-Drive inside,” Celi said. “At least, that’s what Daes told me.”
The other three Maidens turned about from their mission to return to base.
“Did you get all of them?” Seles asked.
“Every last one,” Valis said. “I’m glad the Minerva has the system it does.”
“Could one of you come get me?” Brian asked over the com. “It seems my exoskeleton is low on power.”
“I’ll go get him,” Seles said.
“The rest of us will stay here,” Valis said.
* * *
The Columbia base and its allies slowly advanced on the remaining enemy ships. The loyalist fleet numbered just over three hundred while the rebels still had around two hundred and fifty ships under their control. The six ships and the base h
ad taken some damage due to ramming. On the surface of the Viken homeworld the conflict was subsiding as the people filled the streets to take back their world. Government troops all over their homeworld and colonies were surrendering in mass. Veda watched the enemy fleet carefully while Reban continued with her work.
“What do you think they’ll do?” Veda asked.
“One last suicidal charge,” Yardek answered.
“The courts won’t look upon their actions lightly,” Ulad explained. “They’re better off dying here than later.”
“Our surrender conditions guarantee their lives,” Veda said.
“But you’re not letting them keep their wealth,” Yardek said. “Those who’ve tasted such power can’t stand to lose it. For them a prison sentence is little better than death.”
“I’d rather live than be wealthy,” Veda said.
“Let’s finish this,” Valis said. “It’s not elegant, but we have to end this.”
“I understand,” Veda said. “All units are to move forward in formation A-2.”
The Columbia base and the rebel fleets moved forward as enemy charged and fired.
“I don’t like this,” Veda said.
“Not every battle will go the way we want it,” Reban said.
“I know that,” Veda said. “Even understanding the circumstances doesn’t help.”
“All forces are now engaged,” Reban reported.
“Good,” Veda said. “Let’s end this.”
* * *
Brian closed his eyes and meditated while floating powerlessly in space. The only thing he heard was the sound of his heart beating. This is strange. He thought. In all my time in space I’ve never done this before. He opened his eyes and saw the damaged Artemis closing in.
“They got you good,” Brian said.
“It took throwing everything they had to get me,” she responded. “Do you want to come inside?”
Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty Page 13
