* * *
Queen Kchlt watched the news of the sanctions and blockade from her main hall. After hissing in disgust she made her way to the top of the palace and gazed into the nighttime sky. From the ground she saw a number of lights moving in orbit as the nobles made their move. A single Auguar Star landed nearby. Her best warrior emerged from his long trip to see Heaven’s Light. He glanced at the sky before making his way to his queen.
“I have returned,” Khcha said.
“Do you bring good or bad news?” she asked.
“Good,” he answered. “Brian and his allies are willing to form an alliance with us.”
“I’m surprised they agreed so easily,” the queen said.
“Something in the mammal’s eyes told me he was truthful,” Khcha said. “He seeks peace above all else.”
“That’s what we seek,” Kchlt said. “What I wonder is if they want us to change our ways.”
“Perhaps it’s time,” Khcha said.
“How would we go about doing so?” the queen asked. “Our social structure is built upon inequities between the females, the warriors, and the drones.”
“I’ve been reading over the possible forms of government the Kalaidians considered,” Khcha said. “Perhaps we should try a constitutional monarchy.”
“That sounds like a reasonable solution,” the queen said. “The females will maintain their power and the others will have a say.”
“It has the possibility of bringing a more permanent peace amongst us,” Khcha said. “I know it won’t be popular with the nobles but it’s worth the risk.”
“We’ll discuss this in detail should we survive the coming storm,” Kchlt said.
She and her Chka Knight looked at the ships in orbit.
“Our forces will defend the homeworld to the last drone,” Khcha said.
“They’re posturing for now,” the queen said. “We must dig and seek allies.”
* * *
Jesela sat back from her console to rest. Myden and Grigon were finished and doing little more than appearing to work. The four droids did likewise. All the mobile suits of the Freedom were either outside or on standby in the launching bays.
“This is really boring,” Jesela said.
“Tedious is the word coming to my mind,” Myden said.
“Stop that you two,” Grigon cawed. “We could come under attack at any moment now.”
“I wish they’d just do it already,” Jesela said.
“Then your wish has come true,” Myden said.
The scanners on the Freedom and in all the mobile suits detected a swarm of Auguar Stars making their way towards them. A dozen of them broke away and headed for Brian’s position on the street. Myden activated the com to speak with everyone.
“Mira, a dozen of the enemy are headed your way,” the Grey said.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got them in my sights,” Mira responded.
“Tctie, Kyli, given the situation we should use formation D-3 instead of D-1,” Myden said.
“We hear you loud and clear,” Kyli said.
“Acknowledged,” Tctie said.
“Take care of things on your end Seles,” Myden said.
“I’m on it,” she responded.
The mobile suits outside moved into groups of three around the Freedom to maximize their shield output. A moment later a flurry of pulse fire rained down on the ship and its defenders. While the area shook they fired back as best they could.
“Is this better?” Grigon asked.
“At least I have something to do now,” Jesela said.
* * *
As soon as the Auguar Stars started firing Brian ran for cover with his shield up. While doing so he positioned himself in such a way as to protect as many of the civilians running away from the scene. In the sky the Siren chased after the dozen enemy units and struck them down one by one.
“You’re getting a lot better Mira,” Brian said.
“Seles says the same thing,” she responded.
“How many are left?” he asked.
“I’ve destroyed three so far,” Mira said. “So be ready for a few more passes.”
“Alright,” Brian said.
Mira piloted the Siren masterfully as the enemy crafts moved to surround her. She took a pair out before they could begin their attack.
“That’s your queue,” Mira said.
“As you wish,” Brian said
He focused his senses to see the wave patterns before flying into the air and flashing in and out of existence. With the slash of his rakna he destroyed the engine of the first mobile armor. Mira quickly reacted and blasted two more. The five remaining charged at the Siren with their pulse cannons firing. Brian made his way to another one and slashed its engine to pieces while Mira blasted three more. The last Auguar Star crashed into the Siren and sent the mobile suit into the streets below. Brian flew over as quickly as he could.
“I’m alright,” Mira responded. “Looks like Jesela and Grigon will have a little work ahead of them.”
“How bad is it?” Brian asked.
“The Siren’s still writing to me,” Mira said. “She can fly.”
Mira pushed the wreckage of the enemy craft off to stop the fire. After the Siren stood up both her and Brian noticed the main cannon was destroyed and both arms were heavily damaged. An emergency signal was sent across the district while Confederation troops moved into the area. A dozen Lances patrolled the skies above them.
“Looks like our backup is here,” Mira said.
“It’s a good thing given the Siren’s condition,” Brian said.
“Should we head back?” Mira asked.
“Let’s wait for things to calm down,” Brian said.
* * *
Seles opened her eyes when Myden called for her to act. After checking the reports on the ground and in orbit she smiled.
“Time to give it a shot,” she said to herself.
The reflector plates around the Kein estate positioned themselves properly while the Artemis accelerated its drive. Seles let the berserk come before taking aim. She started by firing a number of standard shots. As each of the deflected off the first plate they flew into space and were redirected by a number of others in orbit. The pulse shots slammed into a number of phase cloaked enemy ships as their fleet approached the Columbia base. After finding her target she fired an arrow. The massive beam lit the sky as it bounced its way into the enemy fleet and destroyed twenty ships and two hundred mobile armors. Seles shifted the angle slightly and fired the second arrow. As the beam of light flew into space it destroyed another thirty ships and over two hundred mobile armors. After she ended the berserk the Artemis returned to normal.
“That was excellent Seles,” Valis said over the com. “We should be able to take care of the rest.”
“Do you want me to maintain cover fire?” Seles asked.
“You can as long as you know what you’re shooting,” Valis said.
Chapter 29 - A Confounding Battle
The Freedom shook more violently as the number of enemy mobile armors increased. Tctie and Kyli led the defense while Myden used the ship’s weapons to attack the enemy crafts.
“Everything’s falling into place,” Jesela commented.
“Brian did an excellent job planning this,” Grigon said.
A number of Lances from the Confederation flew in and opened fire on the Ick-Tckt crafts. Commander Baeron appeared on the monitor from the cockpit of his mobile suit.
“Another mess to clean up,” he said.
“Thanks for your help,” Myden said. “Can your troops detect them like ours?”
“We cracked their phase cloaks after you gave us the mobile armor,” Baeron said. “When this is over all of you will need to meet with me.”
“We’ll provide you with everything you need,” Myden said.
“Thanks,” Baeron said before ending transmission.
“I find it strange how quickly things have turned for us,” Jesel
a said.
“It’s because he respects us,” Grigon said.
Three dozen Lances landed in formation around the Freedom to aid in its defense. Every now and then a shot from the Artemis flew in to destroy a mobile armor or two.
“That works better than we thought it would,” Jesela said.
“Let’s be glad,” Grigon said. “Our friends in orbit would have to deal with a much bigger problem otherwise.”
* * *
As pulse shots slammed into the Ick-Tckt fleet the Columbia base and its forces deployed. The five ships moved in a star formation with the Raulno at the head. The three Maidens separated and charged into the enemy fleet. Behind them, the Mjolnir led the mobile weapon forces on a charge in a different direction. Seeing their phase cloaks weren’t working anymore, the Ick-Tckt revealed themselves as a fleet of a hundred heavy class ships and five hundred mobile armors.
“I’m glad the Artemis thinned them out,” Kivi said.
“Their numbers are greater than I planned for,” Valis said.
“Can we handle them?” Celi asked.
“If we stick together,” Valis said. “Kivi, you can lead the way.”
“Anytime,” Kivi said.
The Gemini lit up and divided itself when Kivi started berserking. With the twin blades the Gemini charged into the enemy fleet and cut them to pieces while the Minerva and Aegis followed. Behind them the five ships and the base’s mobile weapons met the enemy fleet in an exchange of fire. The Artemis’s shots from the surface were now targeting enemy ships.
“It’s good to see that thing works,” Celi said.
“It’s another weapon to use,” Valis said. “Well, I think it’s time for me to go.”
“I’ll be waiting if you need a safe zone,” Celi said.
The Minerva lit up as Valis berserked and followed the Gemini’s two halves through the enemy forces.
* * *
Seles watched her scanner carefully while firing. Each shot she fired into a plate reflected its way to orbit and either severely damaged an Ick-Tckt ship or destroyed it.
“This is too easy,” she said before looking at the situation over the Freedom. “Guess I’d better help them a little more.”
She turned her aim and fired at different reflector plate. The pulse shots bounced behind her and destroyed a pair of mobile armors attacking the Freedom. Her scanners showed a number of new enemy units heading for her position.
“Took them long enough,” she said before hitting the com. “Valis, they’ve sniffed me out.”
“Do your thing then,” Valis said.
“I will,” Seles said.
You seem to be enjoying yourself. The Artemis wrote.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t,” Seles said.
Are you going to berserk? The Artemis asked.
“That’s the plan,” Seles said.
Seles’s eyes began glowing as she piloted the Artemis into the air and straight for the attacking units.
* * *
Veda and Reban worked as they normally did in the command center while the battle raged outside. The Ick-Tckt forces were nearing their breaking point when the base advanced into the thick of them.
“It’s a lot easier now that we can see them,” Reban said.
“I’m glad to have lost a few nights of sleep to do so,” Veda said.
“Speaking of that, have you had a chance to activate any of them yet?” Reban asked.
“Those are a last resort,” Veda said. “But yes, if we need some android soldiers they’re stored away on the base.”
“Are they programmed for combat?” Reban asked.
“Of course,” Veda said. “Grigon was nice enough to plug them into his automated system for Talons.”
“I see,” Reban said.
The base shook violently when a pair of Auguar Stars crashed into the shields.
“Looks like we’ll have to finish this later,” Reban said.
“It’s that bad, huh?” Veda asked.
“We’ll manage,” Reban said.
The forces of Heaven’s Light were close to surrounding the Ick-Tckt forces when something large appeared on their scanners. As its phase cloak went down it deployed twenty five Avoni class ships and over a thousand Phase Raknas.
“Looks like Lena is here,” Veda said.
The monitor flashed and showed Lena Obril on the command center of the Nevada base.
“You look like you might need help,” Lena said. “But from the way the enemy is positioned I may be wrong.”
“We aren’t complaining,” Veda said.
* * *
Valis and Kivi ended their berserks after the forces of the Nevada based joined the battle. The two mobile suits returned to the protection of the Aegis.
“Well that was easy,” Kivi said.
“You’re crazy when you do that,” Valis said. “You almost sliced me in half a dozen times.”
“I got a little carried away,” Kivi said. “Sorry for that.”
“By the way, how did the Nevada base get so many ships?” Celi asked.
“Because they don’t have special models like ours its necessary,” Valis explained.
“It’s the same with the other bases,” Kivi added.
A few minutes later the last of the Ick-Tckt vessels were destroyed or fled via a gravity jump.
“Let’s return to base for now,” Valis said.
“I hope the others are safe,” Celi said.
“They are,” Kivi said. “If you think I’m crazy during battle, then go talk to Brian or Seles. They’re twice as insane as I am.”
“That’s true,” Valis said.
* * *
Brian rode back to the Freedom while standing on the shoulder of the Siren. The battle in the skies had ended. The buildings and streets around the district were heavily damaged. Those not destroyed were on fire while the civilians in the area were evacuated by the Confederation security forces. Brian gritted his teeth as he looked upon the horrible spectacle.
“Is something wrong?” Mira asked. “You’ve been really quiet since we took off.”
“I knew what we were doing could cause this,” Brian said. “But I chose to look the other way because I deemed it necessary.”
“War seems to be a constant,” Mira said.
“This reminds me too much of Earth,” he said. “All the advanced technology in the world can’t bring peace. And while we fight innocent people die. My only hope is this leads to less violence.”
“Now that the Confederation is involved there’s no telling which direction it’ll go,” Mira said.
Brian switched his com to all his forces. “All forces are return to the ship. To all senior officers, I want to speak with you within the hour. I have an announcement to make.”
* * *
Myden, Jesela, Grigon, and the four droids went into repair mode.
“Brian doesn’t sound too happy,” Jesela said. “Myden, do you know what’s going through his head?”
“Yes,” the Grey answered. “Normally he blocks me out, but I sensed a great amount of emotion from him.”
“So what’s his plan?” Grigon asked. “We know you know.”
Myden laughed. “As to the details, I can’t say. But you’ll be surprised. He wants to end the conflict with the Ick-Tckt as soon as possible. I think he’s beginning to see the problem we’ve had from the start.”
“And what would that be?” Jesela asked.
“The Ick-Tckt reminds him of his home,” Myden said. “In spite of their differences, the Terran and Ick-Tckt are races with histories full of conflict. It seems almost second nature to them to fight. Brian knows if we don’t end it quickly it’ll result in chaos.”
Chapter 30 - Closed Borders
Baeron stared out the window of his office as Siata floated in. He noticed she was more subdued than normal.
“Are we moving out?” the Minan commander asked.
“In a few hours,” Siata said. “It’s
been over a decade since the High Council made this decision.”
“The Kalaidian uprising only lasted a few days,” Baeron said. “We were barely deployed before it was all over with.”
“That’s true,” Siata said.
“Then what’s wrong?” Baeron asked.
“I can’t say,” Siata answered. “But I have a hunch and it’s not a good one.”
The monitor flashed and showed a Minan communications officer.
“Commander, we’ve detected three more of the bases of Heaven’s Light in orbit,” the officer reported.
“Thank you lieutenant,” Baeron said. “Keep me informed.”
“I will sir,” the officer send before the screen went dark.
“Looks like that bad feeling came true,” Baeron said.
“If they’re gathering all of their bases then they must be ready for an invasion,” Siata said. “No…that’s too reckless for Valis.”
“Perhaps it’s a precaution,” Baeron suggested.
“That’s probably what it is,” Siata said. “In any event, we have to get going in a few hours. The Ick-Tckt border isn’t going to blockade itself.”
After the Mylor female left Baeron looked out the window and stared at the damage from the recent Ick-Tckt attacks. Part of me wishes we could launch a full scale attack. He thought. I can’t stand those who kill those not seeking to be killed. War should be between soldiers only.
* * *
Brian looked in the mirror and stared at his own face. Nothing has changed. I can see some funny lines but nothing else. He though as he left his bathroom and returned to the main room of his quarters. He focused his vision and saw the ripples. He smiled when he noticed Mira and Seles outside his door listening in on him. I must be wearing my heart on my sleeve if both of them are here. Brian moved his table and chairs out of the way to clear some space. He grabbed his rakna and started a spar routine.
Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty Page 16
