“Not right now,” Brian said. “I’m enjoying the view.”
“Okay,” Seles said.
The Artemis grabbed him in its one good hand before turning about. In front of the two the battle raged while the loyalist forces fought to the bitter end.
“This is why I want to end things like this,” Brian said.
“It’s senseless killing,” Seles said.
“Millions have died in this war,” Brian said. “And millions more will be displaced and suffer for years to come.”
“It’s always for the same reason, isn’t it?” Seles asked.
“Those who have power won’t give it up unless forced to,” Brian said. “We can reason with them as much as we want, but it takes more than words to move them. What’s most frustrating is that there’s no need for it anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Seles asked.
“With the advent of the gravity drive and technological developments, there’s no need to fight over resources,” Brian said. “There’s more than enough to go around.”
“Both you and I can see that,” Seles said. “But I’m afraid most are blind to it.”
“All too true,” Brian said.
After a few minutes the battle was over. Yardek led his fleet into the atmosphere and down to the planet. Brian looked at the wreckage of all sides. There has to be a better way. He thought as the Artemis landed inside the Freedom.
* * *
Kivi landed the Gemini inside the Raulno and sat back to relax for a moment. When she went to stand some text appeared on the screen.
That went better than we expected. Gemini Alpha wrote.
You were great Kivi. Gemini Beta wrote.
She smiled. “It was thanks to you two. Without you I couldn’t fly both at the same time.”
Thanks. Gemini Alpha wrote.
Come back to talk soon, okay? Gemini Beta asked.
“I’ll see the two of you later,” Kivi said before using the elevator cord to get to the ground.
Dreka was already in the room with his equipment ready.
“Excellent work captain,” the birdman cawed.
“You seem excited,” Kivi said.
“I finally get to do some readings,” Dreka said. “By the way, how smooth was the system?”
“It was easier to use than I thought it would be,” Kivi answered. “You did a great job with your designs.”
“My grandfather worries about function more than design,” Dreka said. “I wanted to create a mobile suit that not just works, but is easy on the pilot.”
“Make sure you patch them up as quickly as possible,” Kivi said.
“You think they’ll attack?” Dreka asked.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when,” Kivi said.
“As you wish captain,” Dreka said.
“Thanks,” Kivi said. “I’ll be on the bridge for the time being.”
* * *
Several hours passed before word came from General Yardek on the surface. Brian stood on the bridge of the Freedom with Myden, Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and the four droids. When the signal was received Brian touched the console to ring the bell. The signal connected to every device in the area and continued spreading across the Confederation.
“Many lives were lost today,” Brian said. “To Viken people, we of Heaven’s Light return the freedom you once owned back to you. Should tyranny rise again we will return, but I hope it doesn’t come to that. Let us build a world where wars like this are never fought again. I hope to see such a world. But until the Freedom’s bell rings eternal, our mission will never end.”
Brian pressed the button to add his message to the transmission. He looked at their planet before turning to the others.
“You sound more melancholic than before,” Mira said.
“I didn’t just sound like it,” Brian said. “I am. After a decade of fighting I’m growing weary of it.” He stared at the wreckage outside. “But there’s no point in dwelling on it, we have many more battles to fight. Let’s hope it comes to an end someday.”
“Before anything we need to recharge your exoskeleton,” Jesela said.
“And you need to go the med lab so I can give you a physical,” Mira said.
“Demanding, aren’t you?” Brian asked. “Alright, I submit.”
* * *
Valis headed into the Columbia base’s command center to add some data to their collection. As she did so she noticed the looks on both Veda and Reban’s faces.
“I see neither of you enjoyed the last battle,” Valis said.
“One who enjoys battles has a problem,” Veda said. “But to be honest, the last one was the worst.”
“Brutal is the word I think of,” Reban piped in.
“I sensed the same thing from everyone,” Valis said.
The monitor flashed and showed General Yardek and Representative Ulad in the parliament building.
“We’ve secured all the strongholds of the former regime,” Yardek said. “I’d like to thank all of you for your help in this matter. The people of this world are free again, all because of you.”
“We accept your thanks,” Veda said.
“Given the situation we’re going to request aid,” Ulad said.
“We’ll do as we can,” Veda said.
“We’ll send you the data on where to ship it in a few hours,” Ulad said.
“We’ll be waiting,” Veda said.
After the screen went dark the two went back to work. Valis watched them before walking out. As she headed back to the Avoni she looked at all the workers around the base as they struggled.
“I’m sick of it too Brian,” she said before walking into the Avoni.
Chapter 25 - A Day to Rebuild
Brian stepped into the command center as Veda was checking a few things over. Reban moved about the room as she directed relief traffic to and from the surface.
“What brings you here young man?” Veda asked.
“Am I leading the negotiations or are you?” Brian asked.
“I’ll lead them this time,” Veda said.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“It would be best if we split the burden,” Veda said. “From what our intelligence officers are finding the Ick-Tckt are going to be a challenge.”
“I guess their queen isn’t working well with the other nobles,” Brian said.
“No,” Veda said. “And it’s leading them towards a civil conflict of their own. Also, from the amount of material we’ve recovered we can finally link something to specific nobles.”
“Can you tell me which ones?” Brian asked.
“All of the duchesses,” Veda said.
Brian sighed. “I was hoping it’d be a rogue one or two, not all of them.”
“What about the drone under you command?” Veda asked. “I’ve heard some strange things about him.”
“Tctie’s manifesting telepathic ability,” Brian said. “I know because I experienced some strange things when we briefly touched minds. Myden is training him how to use it properly.”
“The old man seems to have an extra jump in his step lately,” Veda said.
“How long do you think this will take?” Brian asked.
“Negotiations should only take a few days,” Veda answered. “The Viken used a democratic system before, so all we need to do is set up the interim government. All that’s left afterwards is to prepare them for fair elections.”
“How do we promise that?” Brian asked.
“Since we can’t stick around I called for help from the Confederation,” Veda said. “Now that the civil war has been resolved they’re willing to get in here.”
“A day late and a dollar short,” Brian said.
Veda laughed. “I think credit would be a better term to use around us.”
“You’re right about that,” Brian said.
“Take a few days to relax,” Veda said. “After what you’ve been through you could use it.”
“So you�
��ll be sticking me with the work next time?” he asked.
“That’s right,” Veda said.
* * *
Seles walked into the launching bay and found both Grigon and Jesela hard at work. The right arm of the Artemis was completely replaced and the rifle was almost finished.
“How’s she holding up?” Seles asked.
“She’ll be ready to fly by the end of the day,” Grigon said.
“It’s a good thing we budgeted enough to keep a few spare limbs and rifle parts for these things,” Jesela said. “By the way, you’re not the only one to incur damage.”
Seles closely looked at the Siren and noticed a number of black dents. The rifle also appeared to have taken a beating.
“The Ick-Tckt are crafty,” Seles said. “If it wasn’t for the Hades system and Kivi we may have been killed.”
“She certainly showed the Gemini off,” Jesela said.
“Dreka won’t shut up about it,” Grigon cawed.
“Oh don’t be like that, we all know you’re proud of him,” Jesela said.
“I am,” Grigon said. “By the way, what’s different about Brian?”
Seles and Jesela looked at each other.
“He isn’t a woman, is he?” Seles asked.
“No, he’s cranky old bird,” Jesela said.
“What does that mean?” Grigon asked.
“Brian may look the same, but take a look in his left eye,” Jesela said.
“It’s like looking eternity in the face,” Seles said. “Well, take care you two; I’m going to relax for a while.”
After she left Grigon cawed. “Shouldn’t she be staying with him?”
Jesela shook her head. “Nope, tonight’s Mira’s night if I remember my schedules right.”
“Sounds complicated,” Grigon said.
“It’s a mess, that’s for sure,” Jesela said.
* * *
Brian slipped his clothes back on before stepping into his exoskeleton. Both Mira and Celi carefully looked over their comparisons of him prior to the change and after.
“Look at this,” Celi said.
“I see what you’re talking about,” Mira said.
“Exactly,” Celi said.
“What are you two discussing?” Brian asked. “You know my expertise is outside of the medical field.”
“First, are you able to see between dimensions?” Celi asked.
“We’d like to know that one for sure,” Mira said.
He shrugged. “It’s not like I can see it. The best way to describe it is to mix a few senses. The other issue is I’m afraid to try it around others.”
“If you mess up you could accidentally cut someone in half,” Mira said.
“Or get stuck between the walls of the ship,” Celi said.
“Neither of those sounds comforting,” Brian said. “I used the exoskeleton’s drive to get outside. Avoiding the enemy attacks using my power was instinct.”
“You don’t have a person like Myden to show you how to use either,” Celi said.
“He’s working wonders with Tctie,” Mira said.
“So what’s strange about me?” Brian asked. “Other than my perception I don’t feel any different.”
“From what we can tell you lifespan has been increased further beyond what the nanomachines would help with,” Mira said.
“How long do I have to live?” he asked.
“About a thousand years,” Celi answered. “Give or take a few decades.”
He couldn’t help laughing. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“We are serious Brian,” Mira said. “Given the changes to your genetic structure you may have become a new species.”
“We’re not even sure you could mate with a human anymore,” Celi said.
“Is there anything else?” he asked.
“Your body has been freed of all genetic defects,” Mira said. “Any debilitating disease or disorders associated with them have been minimized. The one thing we find strange is that your scars didn’t heal.”
“I have one more question,” Brian said.
“What would that be?” Celi asked.
“Can I still eat pizza?” he asked.
The two women laughed.
“Of course you can,” Mira said.
He sighed with relief. “At least I can maintain some semblance of normal.” He went to leave. “I’d better get back to the bridge, there’s always more work waiting for me.”
After the door closed the two women flipped the images to Brian’s body before and after the transformation.
“Should we tell him?” Mira asked.
“Why not leave it a secret?” Celi asked. “Anyways, it’s not like he’s the one who cares.”
“True enough,” Mira said.
“It’s your turn, right?” Celi asked.
“Of course,” Mira said.
“You can tell him then,” Celi said.
* * *
Tctie was meditating in his quarters when he felt a presence outside. The antman stood up and opened the door. On the other side Brian stood with a strange sparkle in his eye.
“Captain,” Tctie said.
“You’re changing as well,” Brian said. “I wanted to ask you a few things about it.”
Tctie grabbed a pair of curved arm blades and put them on before stepping outside.
“I can sense you want to spar,” Tctie said.
“I’ve been meaning to do it since I first saw you practicing,” Brian said as the two made their way to the HDC.
Once the two entered the empty chamber the background shifted to the Kalaidian jungle.
“This is like home,” Tctie said.
Brian stared at the drone for a while. “You know I have an insect phobia.”
Tctie wiggled his mandibles. “Many of my kind feel the same about mammals.”
“Are you one of them?” Brian asked.
Tctie nodded. “On the homeworld there are small creatures that resemble tiny Odairans. The sight of them makes me twitch, but one crawling on me causes me to run.”
Brian laughed. “In spite of our differences we share something in common.”
“What’s going to happen to me?” Tctie asked.
“If you’re strong you’ll live,” Brian said. “Before my transformation I touched your mind and saw your birth. I was surprised your kind emerges fully grown.”
“Our ancestors stopped birthing larvae millions of years ago,” Tctie said. “What you may not know is I saw the same thing from you.”
“You witnessed my birth?” Brian asked.
Tctie nodded. “Words can’t describe it.”
Brian felt a flood of memories in his mind.
“I see,” he said.
“Why did you come to see me captain?” Tctie asked. “I know it wasn’t just to spar.”
Brian drew his rakna. “I want to understand your people better. The only way we can end conflict is to understand one another.” He held his blade forth. “Let’s build a bridge together.”
Tctie held his arm blades defensively, “As you wish captain.”
Chapter 26 - The Emissary
The Freedom, Daevoni, and Vomada were sending relief materials down to the surface near the southern most continent of Viken Prime. Esra and Brian were on each other’s respective monitors when an Ick-Tckt mobile armor appeared on their scanners.
“Seems awfully strange they’d only send one,” Esra said.
“My thoughts exactly,” Brian said.
“Should we send out a scout?” Esra asked.
“I have a feeling there’s something different about this one,” Brian said. “Let’s keep an eye on it and do nothing else.”
“Valis told me to trust those feelings of yours,” Esra said. “So, are the rumors true?”
“What rumors might that be?” Brian asked.
“The ones that deal with you changing,” Esra explained.
“I was cocooned in my exoskeleton for ten days,” Brian s
aid. “But overall, I feel the same. Now, are there any other rumors I should know about?”
“The only other one rolling around the base is we’re supposed to get more ships,” Esra said.
“That’s Veda’s job,” Brian said. “But our docks have the ability to support fourteen more heavy class ships.”
“I’m glad to have such wealthy employers,” Esra said. “Mercenary work is spotty and this is much more stable. It’s like working for the military again, but more laid back.”
“Laid back is your style,” Brian said.
“Head first is yours,” Esra said.
Brian noticed the com line flash on his console.
“Captain, we’re receiving an encoded signal from the unknown craft,” Droid A reported.
Brian looked at Esra. “I think they want to talk.”
“I’ll listen in,” Esra said.
On the monitor appeared an Ick-Tckt warrior sitting inside the cockpit of one of their new mobile armors. From the jeweled necklace it was obvious his rank in their military was quite high. Both Brian and Esra saluted.
“I am Admiral Khcha, the Chka Knight of her highness Queen Kchlt,” the warrior said. “I’ve come to discuss an alliance with your organization.”
“Well met admiral,” Brian said. “I’m Captain Peterson of the Freedom.”
“I’m Captain Esra of the Daevoni,” Esra said.
“Tell me admiral, why did you come to us personally?” Brian asked. “You could’ve sent someone else in your place.”
“I came to speak with you warrior to warrior,” Khcha said. “Also, I want to show our genuineness in this matter. I’d like to speak with the two of you in private if that’s alright.”
“I’m okay with it,” Esra said.
“As am I,” Brian said. “I have a private launching bay on the ship for things like this. I’ll send the coordinates in a moment.”
“I’ll be there,” Khcha said before ending transmission.
“Things must be bad if he’s come to us in person,” Esra said.
“Agreed,” Brian said.
“I’ll be over there in a few minutes,” Esra said.
Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty Page 14
