Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty

by Marcus Johnson

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Brian said.

  After the monitor went black Myden stepped into the room.

  “Do you want me to listen in?” the Grey asked.

  “Not this time,” Brian said. “But we should have Tctie ready if need be.”

  “Are you sure about this?” Myden asked.

  “They have every right to know about him,” Brian said.

  “Of course,” Myden said.

  * * *

  Tctie woke up and stood in his pitch black room. The drone’s antennae twitched. One of them is coming onboard. He thought.

  “We should be prepared,” Myden said telepathically.

  Tctie sensed him in the corner.

  “Brian wants us to stay out of it unless asked,” Tctie said.

  “He must have told you before saying something to me about it,” Myden said.

  “We sparred yesterday,” Tctie said. “He told me through fighting could we understand each other.”

  Myden laughed. “That’s a typical thing for him to say.”

  “You sound relieved,” Tctie said.

  “I am,” Myden said. “I was worried his transformation would change him too much, but it hasn’t. Tell me, can he close his mind to you?”

  “Yes,” Tctie answered. “That’s why I lost every match with him yesterday.”

  “That part of him hasn’t changed,” Myden said. “Let’s go and see if we’re needed.”

  “Alright,” Tctie said as the two left the room.

  * * *

  Seles entered the bridge and was surprised to find it empty save for the four droids. She went to the console near the captain’s chair and found everything was running on autopilot. She turned to the droids while scratching her head.

  “Where’s Brian?” she asked.

  “We do not have permission to say,” Droid A answered.

  “Is he having more secret meetings behind my back?” Seles asked with a wry smile.

  “They’re not meeting behind your back,” Droid B said.

  “Yeah, they’re meeting in the launching bay,” Droid C said.

  The other three looked at him.

  “Idiot,” all of them said in unison.

  “Even knowing that I won’t interrupt them,” Seles said. “I’ll just have to wring it out of him later.”

  Mira stepped into the room and looked around.

  “Where’s Brian?” she asked.

  “He’s having a secret meeting again,” Seles answered.

  “I see,” Mira said.

  “What did you want to see him for?” Seles asked.

  “I need to take a few samples,” Mira said.

  “You could’ve gotten that last night,” Seles said.

  Mira laughed. “But obtaining it that way isn’t fun.”

  “Of course,” Seles said. “By the way, is he alright for you know what?”

  “He seemed normal last night,” Mira answered. “There’s something strange though. All of the physical imperfections on him are gone. The only things remaining of what he was are the scars on his body. ”

  “I’ll have to check it out tonight,” Seles said.

  “Well, enjoy,” Mira said as she went to leave.

  “Sure thing,” Seles said.

  * * *

  Brian and Esra walked into the specified launching bay. The lights were off until he turned them on. The room was large enough to hold up to three mobile weapons but was empty at the moment. Both were wearing their exoskeletons with their helmets on before purging the room of air.

  “Nice room you have here,” Esra said.

  “You don’t have one on the Daevoni?” he asked.

  “Credits always seem to disappear before I can make one,” she said.

  “Well then, I’ll have to show you the view,” Brian said.

  He pressed the button to open the bay to the outside. The double doors opened at the top of the room and showed the Viken homeworld below.

  “It’s nice, but a transparent window would be better,” Esra said.

  “You’re right of course,” Brian said.

  “Looks like our friend has arrived,” she said.

  The mobile armor turned off its stealth system as it landed. The pointed object rested on four of its spikes. The bay doors closed a moment later and air was returned to the room. The hatched opened and out walked Khcha, a warrior standing over three vetres in height. Brian and Esra took their helmets off to speak with the Chka Knight without impediment.

  “You came a long way to see us,” Brian said. “I hope it wasn’t for nothing.”

  “It won’t be,” Khcha said. “The queen asked me to see you in person regarding this matter.”

  “I’m not in the way, am I?” Esra asked.

  “No captain, you’re not,” Khcha said.

  “It was my understanding the queen and her government opposed the legality of Heaven’s Light,” Brian said. “What changed?”

  “By your actions you’ve softened her stance, as well as mine,” Khcha answered. “You can understand our position when you consider the ramifications of such an organization within the Confederation. For centuries there has been a delicate balance in place. Your organization was created to upset this order. We feared the worst and thought it would lead to a civil war between races of the Confederation. In spite of those fears, you’ve actually stabilized the balance much better than it was before.” He pointed to his mobile armor. “This weapon is called the Auguar Star, the latest weapon in our arsenal. It was created to battle with Heaven’s Light. But, as time passed the queen changed her mind.”

  “We’re glad to hear it,” Brian said.

  “As you know, the Ick-Tckt history is one of bloodshed and war,” Khcha said. “It was less than twenty years ago when we finally reached a lasting peace. But now, because of fear, that’s coming to an end.”

  “How many nobles have moved against her?” Esra asked.

  “It appears all of the duchesses as well as half of the countesses,” Khcha answered.

  “How do you feel about it?” Esra asked.

  “I will stand by my queen,” Khcha said. “My life means nothing without her.”

  “Your honor is commendable,” Brian said. “If what you say is true then there is a place for dialogue.”

  Brian tossed the warrior a data crystal.

  “What’s this?” Khcha asked.

  “It’s the key to finding an understanding,” Brian answered. “Look it over on your way home.”

  “I will,” Khcha said before heading back inside the mobile armor.

  After the vessel was gone Brian and Esra headed to the bridge.

  “What was on that thing?” she asked.

  “A complete report on Tctie,” Brian said. “I’m sure the queen has something to say about it.” He hit his com. “Myden, Tctie, it looks like you weren’t needed.”

  “That’s good,” Myden said.

  “If you ever need me I’ll be ready captain,” Tctie said.

  Chapter 27 - A Stop on Dega Jul

  The Freedom was in orbit of Dega Jul a few days later. After receiving permission to land the ship entered the atmosphere and headed to its usual dock in the Kalaidian district of the city planet. Brian was on the bridge with Myden, Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and the four droids. When the ship landed Kyli and Tctie entered.

  “I’ve called for a meeting because there are a number of things we need to take care of,” Brian said. “With our recovery of material we’re going to submit a few things to the Confederation.”

  “If what we found is accurate the High Council will have to act,” Seles said.

  “What kind of actions will they take?” Mira asked.

  “Probably sanctions,” Brian said.

  “It won’t help us much,” Grigon cawed. “But at least it’s something.”

  “By isolating them the High Council will also prevent their internal disputes from moving outwards,” Myden said.

  “D
ega Jul can’t become a battleground,” Brian said. “In a few days we’ll be leaving to deal with the situation amongst the Ick-Tckt.”

  “So that’s what the secret meeting was about,” Seles said.

  “Exactly,” Brian said. “Esra and I were the only ones to meet with the guest. He asked us to refrain from using his name, but he’s very close to the queen.”

  “So what do you want us to do?” Kyli asked.

  “For now stay on high alert,” Brian said. “This isn’t a pleasure visit. When I go to meet with Confederation’s representatives in a few hours I want to expose myself to the threat. If the enemy attacks we’ll be able to deal with them immediately.”

  “I’d prefer if you took a guard or two,” Seles said.

  “I’ll have Mira shadow me in the Siren,” Brian said. “Kyli and Tctie will guard the Freedom.” He looked at Seles. “I have a special mission for you though. I think you’ll like it.”

  * * *

  Seles stepped into the launching bay with Mira at her side. Grigon and Jesela were running a few more checks before the women deployed.

  “We’re going to test it,” Seles said.

  “All of the necessary reflector plates are in position,” Jesela said.

  “It should be interesting to watch,” Grigon said.

  “I’ll take care of Brian,” Mira said before getting into the Siren.

  “I’ll lay low and be the sniper,” Seles said.

  The Siren flew outside at the same time Brian took to the streets. Mira turned the phase cloak on and quietly followed him. A moment later Kyli and Tctie led the mobile suit teams outside to guard the Freedom.

  “Refrain from firing an arrow at the beginning,” Grigon said. “We want to make sure it actually works before using the big stuff.”

  “Alright,” Seles said.

  “You’re clear to go,” Jesela said.

  “See you later,” Seles said before flying the Artemis outside.

  She turned the phase cloak on and headed for the Kein estate. Surrounding the palatial grounds were a number of towers made for shielding it from an aerial or orbital attack. At the top of each one was a large reflector plate similar to the Artemis’s. Seles landed the invisible mobile suit on the top of the palace and sat back in her seat.

  “This is going to be a long wait,” she said.

  I’m here to keep you company. The Artemis wrote.

  “That’s true,” Seles said. “Let’s listen to some music.”

  What kind would you like me to play? The Artemis asked.

  “Let’s mix it up between Mira and Zae’s,” Seles said. “The contrast between them makes for an interesting dichotomy.”

  As you wish. The Artemis wrote.

  * * *

  Brian walked the streets of Dega Jul as the day wore on. Every now and then he’d make a stop and say hello to the people he knew. The entire time he kept an eye for anything strange following him. As soon as he reached the Confederation security sector he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

  “I’m picking up a pair of Auguar Stars,” Mira said over the com.

  “They won’t attack now, but keep an eye on them,” Brian said.

  “I will,” Mira responded.

  He entered the main security building and was escorted to Baeron’s office on the top floor. The Terran stepped inside the room and found the lights were off. Sunlight shined brightly off of Siata’s gold and red exoskeleton. She and Baeron were watching things down on the street before turning to him.

  “You’ve got a nice place here,” Brian said.

  “Thank you,” Baeron said. “Did you bring the information?”

  Brian sighed. “It’s always business first with you two.” He tossed a data crystal to the Minan. “The official name of their new mobile armor is the Auguar Star. There’s also a recording of the meeting between their emissary, me, and Esra. I want you keep the identity of the emissary top secret.”

  “Whatever is on this won’t leave this room,” Baeron said.

  Siata floated over to him and looked the Terran over carefully.

  “Is something wrong?” Baeron asked.

  “You’ve changed,” Siata answered. “Can you see them?”

  “If you’re talking about the gravitational bends around your body, then yes,” Brian answered.

  Baeron looked at the Mylor.

  “I don’t see anything,” he said.

  “That’s because you’re not Terran,” Siata said. “The Teacher showed signs of this when he walked the stars, but you’ve survived the change.”

  “I can’t do very much with it yet,” Brian said.

  “With time and training, you will,” Siata said.

  “What are you two talking about?” Baeron asked.

  “You saw it when he piloted the Mjolnir,” Siata said. “He was able to slip between the ripples of reality. Now he can see it all the time.”

  “Only when I concentrate,” Brian said. “I’d go insane seeing strange lines and vortexes all the time.”

  “I see,” Baeron said. “By the way, the High Council has taken all the evidence into account and should be rendering their verdict as we speak.”

  “I wonder what they’ll do,” Brian said.

  “They’ll enforce heavy sanctions,” Siata said. “And given the viciousness of the attack a military blockade will be deployed.”

  “Will you two be leading it?” Brian asked.

  “I want to,” Baeron said. “No one commits murder on my turf.”

  “That sounds like you,” Brian said. “You chased me to the other end of the galaxy.”

  “It was worth it for all the signals we recorded coming from Earth,” Baeron said.

  “I’m sure it was,” Brian said as he turned to leave. “We’ll be on Dega Jul for a few days. If you need to contact us do so at any time.”

  “Keep an eye out for enemies,” Siata said.

  “I will,” Brian said.

  After the door closed Baeron loaded the data crystal and displayed the files on the monitor.

  “Do you think he’s figured it out?” Siata asked.

  “From what we saw today, not yet,” Baeron said.

  Siata stared out the window and watched Brian walk outside. The real reason Terrans have been kept in the dark and away from the other races is because of their power. She thought. A thousand warriors like you could destroy any fleet in its path. We can’t let outsiders influence humans and twist them for their own purposes. Humankind must find its own way to space.

  “You should take a look at this,” Baeron said.

  She watched the video.

  “I knew something like this was going to happen,” Siata said.

  * * *

  The Columbia base appeared in orbit of Dega Jul. Veda and Reban were working out their supply lists when Valis, Esra, El Kar, and Kivi entered the command center. Veda displayed the current positions of their enemies on the holographic table. Valis looked over the image of Dega Jul and the surrounding area before making a few adjustments to their battle plan.

  “How do you predict things like this?” Esra asked.

  “She does have a way of making us feel foolish,” El Kar said.

  “I felt that way the whole time I served as her first officer,” Kivi added.

  “I’m good at seeing patterns,” Valis said. “Also, the three of you aren’t as bad as you think. That’s why I’m going to ask you to take more of an active role in our future battle plans.”

  “I thought you enjoyed exclusivity,” Esra said.

  Valis shook her head. “I’m losing too much sleep, that’s why.”

  “Then we shall take some of the burden from you,” El Kar said.

  “We don’t want you to get burned out,” Kivi said.

  “Thanks,” Valis said.

  “You’re sure they’ll attack?” Veda asked.

  “They will,” Valis said. “But they’ll wait until after the High Council makes their announce
ment.” She looked over the image again. “I wouldn’t be surprised if our enemies attacked the queen as well.”

  “When will they strike?” El Kar asked.

  “Within two days,” Valis answered.

  Chapter 28 - Signs of Disaster

  Inside the colossal station in the Kailion system the High Council convened in the Great Hall. After the delegates from all the worlds gathered there was a noted absence in the Ick-Tckt section. Lord Kris of the Mylor delegation led the proceedings. He banged the gavel to call for order.

  “As all of you know, a number of pieces of evidence recovered in recent battles have shown beyond doubt the nobility of the Ick-Tckt illegally carried out attacks against the organization known as Heaven’s Light,” the Mylor said. “Even more unacceptable were the civilian casualties as a result of these attacks. We’ve provided each of your worlds with the evidence. But before calling for a vote, the Ick-Tckt delegation has decided to not participate as a way to protest our actions. Before moving on I will call for a vote on this matter. This will decide whether or not we put sanctions upon the Ick-Tckt government.”

  After each race discussed the matter for a while the votes were in. The only races voting against sanctions were the Ick-Tckt by default and their closest allies, the Xaua and the Boran. Lord Kris showed the votes to everyone.

  “Now that this has been decided, a further action may be required,” the Mylor said. “Our intelligence reports show the nobles and the queen of the Ick-Tckt are in the middle of a dispute. Given the history of their race the threat of civil war is imminent. To prevent the spread of such a conflict I move for a military blockade of their territory. This measure was not deemed necessary for the now concluded war within the Viken territory, but the scale of military power must be taken into account. Now up for our vote is whether we take this next step or not.”

  The room filled with a lot more argument and discussion before the votes were finally in. The majority of the races by a large margin voted in favor of Lord Kris’s suggested course of action.

  “With this decision we will order the special task forces to enforce the blockade,” Lord Kris said.