Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light
Page 1
Heaven’s Light
By Marcus Johnson
Text Copyright © 2013 Marcus Johnson
All Rights Reserved
For those wishing for an end to tyranny
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1 - The Future
Chapter 2 - Political Games
Chapter 3 - Halting Blades
Chapter 4 - In the Gutter, In the Sky
Chapter 5 - Fangs and Raknas
Chapter 6 - The Plan
Chapter 7 - Negotiation Breakdown
Chapter 8 - Departure Celebration
Chapter 9 - The Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 10 - The Verdict is Destruction
Chapter 11 - Scattering to the Winds
Chapter 12 - Running, Running, Gone
Chapter 13 - Kalmar Revisited
Chapter 14 - Learning about Freedom
Chapter 15 - Physical Limitations
Chapter 16 - Valis’s Gamble
Chapter 17 - Smoke Them Out
Chapter 18 - Finding a Path
Chapter 19 - To the Hinterlands
Chapter 20 - Operation Prism
Chapter 21 - Dissonant Hearts
Chapter 22 - A Giant Mess
Chapter 23 - Disrupting Eruption
Chapter 24 - Caught in the Net
Chapter 25 - And When He’s Gone
Chapter 26 - Colony System Seven
Chapter 27 - Changing the World
Chapter 28 - As Things Come Together
Chapter 29 - 102 Light-years Away
Chapter 30 - 80 Light-years Away
Chapter 31 - 72 Light-years Away
Chapter 32 - 67 Light-years Away
Chapter 33 - 60 Light-years Away
Chapter 34 - 46 Light-years Away
Chapter 35 - In Chains
Chapter 36 - Myden’s Lecture
Chapter 37 - The Freedom Launches
Chapter 38 - The Maidens’ Victory
Chapter 39 – Headquarters
Chapter 40 - Columbia Besieged
Chapter 41 - Seles’s Arrow
Chapter 42 - Mira’s Song
Chapter 43 - The Trial
Chapter 44 - Brian’s Apology
Chapter 45 - The Mylor Protest
Chapter 46 - Kailion Besieged
Chapter 47 - The Odairan Decision
Chapter 48 - Degan Celebration
Epilogue
Prologue
“Memento Mori…”
Brian opened his eyes and slowly sat up on the bed as the voice echoed through him. He stood and went to a full sized mirror and noticed his left eye was glowing red.
“Memento Mori…”
“I heard you the first time,” he said to the mirror. His reflection moved off line and grinned evilly.
“I’m only saying what you already know,” the reflection said using his voice.
“I know I’ll die,” Brian said, “But not today.”
“You know it’s your fate.”
“Of course,” he shook his head, “I’ve been living on borrowed time for years.”
“Then why fight me?”
“I won’t give in to you,” Brian said. “Not since I saw the truth.”
“Truth?” the reflection asked. “What truth do you speak of?”
“You enslaved your people and then experimented on them,” Brian said. “You kill anyone or anything capable of opposing you. I can’t submit to such an evil being.”
“You say that now but in the end I’ll win.”
“Never!” he shouted while clenching his fist in defiance. “You’ll never win as long as they’re alive.”
“Then I’ll destroy them. One by one everyone you love will die. You’ll watch as I kill them,” the reflection grinned again, “Those who oppose me always lose.”
“Your arrogance will be your undoing.”
“Perhaps, but I doubt it. A mortal like you can’t win against something like me.”
“I’ll try.”
“Foolish mortal,” his reflection said. “Why not join me? Imagine what we could do together. Imagine the world where the Warrior and I are united. The whole galaxy would bow before you. With order established the peace you seek will come.” The image reached out with its hand and offered it to Brian.
“Never,” Brian closed his eyes and shook his head, “Get out of my mind!”
“Memento Mori…”
“Memento Mori…”
“Memento Mori…”
The voice trailed away as it echoed through him once more. He opened his eyes and stared into the mirror. His left eye glowed red as he touched the reflection of his face.
“My soul is cracked. Like a broken mirror I can never be whole again. Am I doomed to this madness for the rest of my days? Will I never sleep soundly again? Is there an end to it? Will peace be there waiting for me in the end?” He stared in the mirror again. “No, the end is not where I belong. I’ll fall along the way as the last brick to complete the road. Hopefully she’ll be able to open the door.”
* * *
Seles woke up covered in sweat and short of breath. She glanced at the mirror next to her bed. The curtain splitting the room in half was down; she noticed Baed was looking at her.
“What is it?” Baed asked as she rubbed her eyes.
“I had a really strange dream,” Seles said.
“What was it about?”
Seles held her head in her hands. “I was standing on a strange planet and gazed into the blue sky. I saw a single moon hanging in the air when a second appeared out of nowhere.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “Something happened…something horrible.”
Baed’s expression changed. “It sounds like what happened to the Braiden.”
She shook her head. “I wasn’t standing on that world, or even Kalaidia.” She started shaking with fear in her eyes.
Baed went over and held her. “What’s wrong Seles?”
“The signs I saw on the streets were in his language.”
“It was another memory of his, wasn’t it?” Baed asked.
“No, not a memory,” she said as tears came to her eyes, “His world’s future.”
Chapter 1 - The Future
Seles and Brian walked from his room on the Avoni into the sunlit cityscape of Dega Jul. Brian stood just under six feet with long brown hair kept in a ponytail. His eyes were blue green, skin pale, and he wore a short beard and mustache. Above and below his right eye remained the scar he obtained during his battle with Dreka eight years prior. He wore his usual dark green exoskeleton armor and matching cape, both of which had motif of a dragon. On his belt he wore a long, straight bladed sword called a rakna. Seles was the size of an average Kalaidian at a little over four feet in height and matching figure. She had long, blue silver colored hair and deep purple eyes. Her skin was paler than Brian’s. She wore the uniform for a Kalaidian, a simple loose white shirt with a darker colored skirt. On her feet she wore matching brown boots. On her ankle and wrist she wore a silver anklet and bracelet respectively to show her rank as a lieutenant. Through her hair the tips of her pointed ears showed. She noticed Brian was extremely distracted.
“It’s still bothering you, isn’t it?” she asked.
He waved his hand in defeat. “I can’t get it out my head these days,” he said. “I feel like I’m going crazy.”
Seles took his hand. “That’s what you’ve got me for,” she smiled, “Keep on living and don’t give in.”
“I’m trying,” he said. “So, to change the subject and avoid speaking of my madness I’d like to ask how they’re coming along.”
She sighed. “Remember, I’m training along with them.” The
two enjoyed the weather as a shuttle in the distance closed on their position. “They should be ready by the end of the year.”
“Good,” he said.
“What concerns me is the High Council these days,” Seles said. “When Avoni returned everyone welcomed the crew as heroes. But as time passed it’s gone in the opposite direction.”
“Telling the truth will do that.” He stared towards the sun while screening his eyes with his hand. “They listened but heard nothing. With all the evidence in front of them one would think their urgency would be ignited.”
“That’s why you came up with this plan,” she said.
“True, but it wasn’t all my doing Seles. Without Veda and Shiken Ka the financial backing would’ve never appeared.” He watched as a squadron of mobile suits flew over them. They were shaped much like the Phase Rakna but armed with lances and shields.
“Looks like the Confederation is showing off their new models,” Seles said. “They’re flying second generation suits already.”
“Third if you consider the Mjolnir the first generation,” he said.
“Are you ever going to have it overhauled?” she asked.
“It’s not like he’s an old man,” Brian said.
The shuttle landed behind them guarded by a pair of Phase Raknas. Valis and Zae emerged from the Avoni and went to greet them. Valis stood a little taller than Seles and had long, violet hair and aquamarine eyes. Her uniform was the same as Seles’s save for the silver circlet with three leaves on the front showing her rank as a captain. Zae was the same height with long forest green hair and blue eyes. Her rank circlet had a single leaf angled to the right, showing her rank as a lieutenant commander.
“She’s told you the plan, right?” Brian asked.
Seles nodded. “Valis’s never failed in a prediction like this. I don’t like though.”
“I understand why you’d feel that way,” Brian said.
“Are you two ready to go?” Valis asked. “You know how impatient Veda can be.”
“Sure,” Brian said as he headed for the shuttle.
Seles looked at the Confederation mobile suits patrolling the skies. “No, I don’t like this plan one bit.” She followed Brian into the shuttle. Zae relieved the pilot and took the control while Seles joined her in the front. “So you’re still on escort duty?”
“My choice these days, not by anyone’s orders,” Zae said. She closed the back hatch and flew the shuttle to the Kein estate. “It’s been awhile since I had a chance to fly anyway.”
Seles smiled. “I know the feeling all too well.”
Valis tilted her head and closed her eyes. Brian leaned back to relax while watching her body language. She opened her eyes and met his. “Are you ready for this?”
“I’ve been ready since the day I came to space,” he said.
“I’d rather not go through with this, but there looks to be little choice in the matter,” Valis said. “The politicians are looking to shut down our organization before it gets off the ground. The easiest way is to take down the symbolic founder.”
“I’m glad Veda and Shiken Ka took such a role in running it though,” Brian said. “In the end I’m just a military officer.”
“No, you’re still my precious Maigar,” Valis said.
He noticed her smile with the hint of sadness in her eyes.
Zae’s com flashed. A look of surprise came to her face. “Are you sure?” she asked. “Alright, I’ll inform them.”
Valis turned her gaze away from Brian. “I can guess what was reported. Today is the day?”
“Yes,” Zae responded. “They’ll be making their move at midnight.”
“Are you sure about this?” Valis asked.
Brian looked her in the eyes. “If it leads to peace I’ll endure any suffering or humiliation. I gave up my life for the cause the day I met you.”
“Brave words,” Valis remarked. “I’d expect nothing less from you Brian.”
Seles glanced back at him.
“Is something wrong Seles?” Zae asked.
“No, nothing,” she said.
* * *
Deep within a massive asteroid on the edge of the Degan star system a secret base had been built over the last four years. Grigon gazed at the massive metal structure above him when Jesela walked over with a tablet computer in hand. She was the same size as Seles but had long, lime green hair and golden eyes. She wore the standard Kalaidian uniform and a rank circlet showing her rank as lieutenant commander. She noticed the birdman was admiring the vessel in the dark above them.
“Are will still on schedule?” she asked.
“Of course young lady,” he said before cawing. The Malcovin rubbed his clawed hands together. He stood a head shorter than a normal human with long grey feathers showing his age. His hands and feet were much like a bird’s while his face was dominated by a large black beak. “How goes the special models?”
She called up the images on her tablet. “The Aegis has been overhauled to match the others. The Minerva and the Gemini are just about ready.” She switched over to the next set of images. “The Siren and the Artemis only need their special systems installed.”
“Make sure you finish the Artemis first if it comes down to a choice,” Grigon said.
“Why are you so interested in that one?” she asked.
“If the plan Valis sent us earlier is true Seles is going to need that mobile suit.” He gazed up at the ship in the dark. “No matter what happens we must launch this vessel on time. If he can’t lead the way then she must.”
* * *
Veda gazed into the clear water of a white stone fountain in her garden. She turned to see Valis with Brian and Seles. She stood the same height as Valis and had long, dark blue hair with the hint of silver in it. Her eyes were the same as Valis’s. She wore a tight fitting blue and white uniform and a rank circlet with three emerald studded leaves. Despite being over a hundred and seventy years old she looked only a little older than Valis. On her belt she wore a curved rakna blade. She flipped her hair back and smiled as she went to greet them.
“It’s been too long Valis,” Veda said. She took the hands of each of them. “And you as well Brian, and you Seles.”
“It’s good to see you,” Valis said.
“You look great,” Brian said.
“My mother sends her regards,” Seles said.
Veda nodded. “She sent me a message a few days ago. Thank you Seles.”
The three guests looked around.
“Where’s Lord Ka?” Valis asked.
Veda shook her head. “He sent a message a short while ago explaining he couldn’t make it.” She motioned for them to step inside a small building nearby. Once everyone was inside the door close and the lights came on. “We’re safe to speak in here.”
“What’s the problem?” Brian asked.
“Lord Ka and his associates are being held up by Confederation forces at the border of Shandi territory,” Veda explained.
“How much do you think they know?” Brian asked.
“Probably a lot more than we suspected,” Veda said. “I was hoping we’d be able to reveal ourselves on the first liberation mission. But I think we’re going to have to move quicker than anticipated.”
“Hiding an organization as large as ours is impossible,” Valis said. “That’s why we planned for such contingencies.”
“Of course,” Veda said. “How’s the Avoni?”
“Everything’s been overhauled and all the mobile suits are ready to go,” Seles said.
“What about the Raulno?” Veda asked.
“Kivi and her crew are currently in orbit,” Valis said.
* * *
Jabril sat at her desk in the capital building. She stood a few inches taller than Seles with long, silver blue hair and purple eyes. She wore a tight fitting uniform similar to the one Veda wore on Dega Jul. She gazed at the amount of work before her on the monitor and let out a resigned sigh.
“I’ll
take care of this later,” she said before pacing around the room. After a few minutes the spring air drew her to the window. She gazed upon the streets of Vaelis, the capital city of Kalaidia Prime, when a knock came from the door. “Come in.”
“Sorry to intrude prime minister,” a parliament secretary said. “But Ambassador Jita would like to meet with you.”
Behind the secretary floated the bronze and red exoskeleton of the Mylor ambassador. The shape of the elaborate metal skin was that of a humanoid cat the size of a human. She looked to her subordinate.
“You’re dismissed,” she said.
“Of course,” the secretary said before closing the door behind her.
“It’s not like to you appear without warning,” Jabril said.
“What I bring is urgent news,” Jita said in his metallic, echoing male voice. “The move will be made at midnight, Degan time of course.”
“What position has your government taken on this issue?” she asked.
“We can guarantee his life,” Jita said. “But his freedom will be stripped away. The decision has already been made.”
She shook her head. “Brian and the Avoni returned four years ago from a journey no one thought possible. Not only that, but they came with information on the Greys proving the Confederation is under threat not centuries from now, but decades.” She stared the Mylor in his red glowing eyes. “Brian’s a hero Lord Jita. He should be treated as such.”
“I agree,” Jita said. “But the High Council has spoken. Heaven’s Light will be crushed.”
* * *
The second shift of engineers finished their work in the main launching bay of the Avoni. Daes walked the room from end to end while checking each mobile suit as she passed it. Each of the humanoid giants stood thirty five vetres tall and gleamed silver and blue. Each mobile suit carried a matching shield and oversized rakna blade with a pulse cannon on its back. Daes was the same height as Valis with long crimson red hair and deep blue eyes. She wore the standard Kalaidian uniform with a rank circlet showing her as a lieutenant commander. At last she came to the end where the Mjolnir stood stationary. The Mjolnir stood at forty vetres in height and had the same weapons as the Phase Raknas. Unlike the others, the green and white mobile suit was crested with dragon motif and had a pair of massive dragon like wings on its back. She took the elevator cord up to the cockpit and relaxed in the seat.