Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light

by Marcus Johnson

  “Well, it looks like we’ve been forgotten,” Mira said.

  “Forgotten and abandoned,” Seles said.

  “I forgot the second part,” Mira said. A moment of silence passed. “Things will never be the same.”

  “No they won’t,” Seles said. “Since Brian won’t be joining us for a while it’s up to us to get the job done.”

  “I’ll do my best to help,” Mira said.

  “I know you will,” Seles said. “Are you up for one more tour of the ship?”

  “Sure, let’s have a look just to make sure we’re leaving things in order,” Mira said. “We can’t be sure our subordinates have figured it out yet.”

  “Very true,” Seles said before they laughed together.

  They walked together and fought tears of happiness from their memories on the Avoni.

  Chapter 9 - The Calm Before the Storm

  Jesela tapped her foot impatiently. She stood at the stairs leading inside the unfinished Freedom. Hundreds of engineers and laborers worked tirelessly to finish the vessel as well as the base around them.

  “You look as impulsive as ever,” Brian said as he joined her.

  “What took you so long?” she asked.

  “Work, work, and more work,” he said.

  “You shouldn’t work so much,” she said before dancing around him.

  He smiled. “Perhaps you play too much.”

  Jesela smirked. “For me work is play and play is work. But you’re right, I do too much of it.”

  “As you say,” he said.

  Brian looked over the hull of the ship.

  “Is everything to your liking?” Jesela asked.

  He pointed at the nose of the ship. “Is the?”

  “Yes, it’s been installed,” she said. “By the way, why are you keeping it secret?”

  “You can never have enough aces up your sleeve,” he said. “Show me the mobile suits.”

  “As you wish,” Jesela said before the two went inside.

  The interior of the Freedom was similar to an Avoni class ship but larger in proportions. The hallways and doors were squarer than round and the colors were dimmer. Most notably the temperature was lower and humidity set at a lower rate. While the pair headed for the launching bay they passed a number of Kalaidians, Shandi, and Malcovin. When they passed the training rooms Brian stopped by the windows and watched. He noticed a lone Ick-Tckt drone practicing with four rakna blades. Jesela stopped and watched with him while the ant man displayed a dizzying routine with the four swords.

  “I didn’t know an Ick-Tckt joined the crew,” Brian said.

  “That was my decision,” Jesela said. “You told me to take the most qualified. Lieutenant Kyli’s the best, but he’s a close second.”

  “What’s his name?” Brian asked.

  “Lieutenant Tctie,” she said. “His hive was wiped out. With nowhere to go and no hive to take him he approached me on Dega Jul. He may be insectoid, but his skills are unquestionable.”

  “I thought they were a close nit race,” he said.

  “Not really,” Jesela said. “Their history is filled with as much war as your people have.”

  “I’ll test him out myself when the Freedom’s flying,” Brian said. He turned back to the hallway. “Let’s go.”

  Jesela nodded and led the way once more. “Are you sure about this plan?” she asked while they walked.

  “Valis was the plan’s architect,” Brian said. “I trust her.”

  “It’s just strange that she’ll be launched with the second in command as the acting captain,” Jesela said.

  “Nothing else can be done,” Brian said. “This plan will keep the Confederation busy until the organization can become active.”

  “Alright,” she said as they came to a pair of large doors. “The mobile suits are being built in here.”

  The doors opened as she clicked on her wrist computer. The launching bay was dark except for two flood lights shining on a pair of mobile suits. Both stood nearly as tall as the Mjolnir but matched closer to the Phase Rakna in build. The mobile suit on the right was covered in numerous plates that appeared to detach. Behind it on the floor was a massive pulse rifle twice the mass of the standard model in use. The mobile suit on the left was slimmer with numerous opening ports. On its back was a massive communications array. Brian and Jesela walked up to them.

  “They’re beautiful,” Brian said as he paced around them. “How long will it be before they’re ready?”

  “Less than a month from now,” Jesela said.

  “Are the black boxes installed?” he asked.

  “As you specified,” Jesela said. “But they’re different from the Mjolnir’s.”

  “That’s because their pilots are Kalaidian,” he said.

  The door behind them opened and revealed Seles and Mira. The pair joined Jesela and looked up at the giant robots.

  “This must be the Artemis,” Seles said as she touched the massive rifle.

  “This one must be the Siren,” Mira said.

  “You haven’t been training for nothing,” Brian remarked.

  “So what’s the output on these?” Seles asked.

  “And what are their special abilities?” Mira added.

  Jesela went to the Artemis and put her hand on its leg. “Both of these have a two hundred percent output increase over the Phase Rakna. Their weapons, shields, and maneuverability are equally increased. No mobile suit short of the other three could keep up with them.” She pointed to the rifle. “But each has a number of special features. The Artemis has the most powerful pulse cannon in the Confederation. But more so than the big cannon it has these.” She tapped one of the panels sticking out. “These can act as physical shields in emergencies but their main use is for amplifying and redirecting shots.”

  Seles looked at the panel closely. “I take it this is for long range specialty.”

  “You’d be right on that Seles,” Jesela said. “You can remain hidden around a dozen asteroids and still be able to aim at the target effectively. A blade and shield are included just in case anyone gets close enough to force melee.” She went to the Siren. “Now this suit has all the upgrades as far as weapons and shields, but its main feature is extremely powerful.”

  Mira touched the Siren’s leg. “What can it do?”

  “The Siren has the ability to jam enemy crafts using its communications array,” Jesela answered. “In effect you can paralyze entire enemy formations.”

  “What about friendly units?” Mira asked.

  “Any craft part of Heaven’s Light will be unaffected because of special encoding,” Jesela said.

  “What about the black box systems?” Seles asked. “If the Mjolnir has it then these should as well.”

  Jesela nodded. “Both have been equipped with such devices. But saying that doesn’t mean I know what they’ll do. My best guess is they’ll amplify their abilities in some way.”

  “What about the Mjolnir?” Mira asked. “Isn’t it going to be upgraded?”

  “Not yet,” Brian said. “Compared to the new generation mobile suits being rolled out these days Mjolnir’s looking old and slow. But in order for his data to transfer over to a new system it’s going to take some time.”

  “He’s grown smart enough for you to not refer to him as the Mjolnir,” Seles said.

  Brian smiled. “He’s kind of like the son I never had.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Mira said. “But we came here for another reason.”

  “Oh? What might that be?” he asked.

  “We came to ask about the plan,” Seles explained.

  Brian sighed, “Not you two as well.”

  “Are you sure about leaving this in my hands?” Seles asked.

  Brian took Seles’s hand. “I trust you to do this. If I stay this base will be under constant siege and our goal will be crushed before having a chance. I’d prefer to stay with the Freedom and fly her out when the time comes, but survival dictates otherwise.
I entrust her to you and Mira,” He looked at all three of them, “If needed you’ll have Grigon to fall back on.”

  “I’d rather he stayed on the base,” Jesela said.

  “That’s only because you don’t like contradictions,” Mira said.

  “That and he’s as cranky as an old Jaedis,” Seles said.

  * * *

  Valis stood alone in her quarters when the door buzzed.

  “It’s Celi.”

  “Come in,” Valis said.

  She turned the holographic image on her table a few times to get a better look. Celi stood next to her and watched.

  “Is this the enemy waiting for us outside?” Celi asked.

  “That’s exactly what it is,” Valis responded. She shook her head and turned to her chief medical officer. “What I really called you here for was to give me an update on his condition.”

  Celi pulled out a data crystal. “You can look at the details later, but for now I’ll give you the situation in brief.”

  Valis took the crystal. “Go on.”

  “It’s not the plague this time, that’s for sure,” she said. “It has to do with the nanomachines inside him. They’re running like they’re overclocked.”

  “Is that what’s causing his heightened awareness?” Valis asked.

  “If I was to guess I’d say yes,” Celi said. “The energy levels flowing throughout his body worry me the most. If something isn’t done soon if could lead to permanent damage or even death.”

  “Can you save him?”

  “I didn’t go through hell just to watch him die now,” Celi said. “I’ll figure it out. If nothing else works I can give him booster shots to reduce or shut off the functions of the nanomachines.”

  “What would be the side effect of doing that?” Valis asked.

  “It would cause his body to go back to the way it was before we met him,” Celi said. “The aging process would begin again, language would become an issue, and his overall health would suffer. But it’s better than death.”

  “That’s depressing,” Valis said. “Either choice isn’t a good one.”

  “You wanted the truth though,” Celi said.

  “Yes, I did. On another topic, how is the genetic research coming along?”

  “I’ve been working on it for ten years now,” Celi said. “Since the conservatives back home relented we have a number of our best scientists working on it as well.”

  “How many years do you think it’ll take to create a viable male?” Valis asked.

  “I’d say a generation or two down the line,” she said. “Probably within the next thirty years, give or take a decade.”

  Chapter 10 - The Verdict is Destruction

  The High Council stood together while chatter filled the chamber. Lord Kris hit the gavel to call for order.

  “As requested by the Kalaidian and Shandi delegations we will take the vote upon the fate of Heaven’s Light,” the Mylor said.

  Each delegation pressed its vote into the system before it appeared on their screens. Thirteen voted in favor while fourteen voted against.

  The Mylor leader again addressed the floor. “The vote has been cast. Heaven’s Light is to be considered a threat to the Confederation of Alden and hereby disbanded. Its leaders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law under the charge of conspiracy. Any governments or individuals found aiding them will be considered for the same charge and be officially sanctioned. All special task force troops and ships are to be deployed in this effort. That will be all.”

  * * *

  Commander Baeron stood alone while staring out the window of his office on Dega Jul. The ursine man started pacing back and forth uncomfortably as he waited. I know I’d prefer if things calmed down but I sense they won’t. The air is filled with turmoil and is fanning the fire. With the two unbalanced the water is boiling and earth shifting. He thought as he watched sun set. A moment later the door opened. Siata and a pair of Minan guards came through.

  “What are our orders?” Baeron asked.

  Siata floated silently as she joined him. “Shiken Ka and Prime Minister Jabril gave their all,” she said. “But it was for naught. The vote was cast moments ago and the verdict was the same as Brian’s.”

  “How should we proceed?” he asked.

  “We’re to prepare a fleet and hunt down the Terran at all costs,” she said.

  “What about our posts here?” Baeron asked. “Are we to abandon them?”

  “No,” she said. “The High Council is still arguing over the reasons but the decision will soon be made. Martial law will be declared in the name of preserving peace.”

  “Martial law,” he said with trepidation in his voice. “Would they go so far?”

  “To maintain the status quo they would do anything,” Siata said.

  Baeron activated the com on his wrist. “Lieutenant commander, prepare the Zakar for launch,” he ordered.

  “Yes sir,” the lieutenant commander responded.

  “Thank you,” the bearman said before turning off the com. He looked at Siata. “If the High Council has chosen this path than we will not question it. Brian Peterson will be captured, dead or alive.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Siata said. She noticed the look in Baeron’s eyes. “What is it?”

  “If we bring him back alive, will the Mylor protect him?” he asked.

  “We will do everything in our power to ensure his life is not taken,” she said. “That mistake must never be made again.”

  * * *

  Veda watched the unrest in the streets from the highest window on her estate. Hundreds of guards had turned the palace grounds into a fortress along with twenty Phase Raknas. As the sun set she noticed dozens of Lances landing off the edge of the grounds. One of her commanders ran up to her.

  “We need to leave soon,” the commander said.

  “I know,” Veda said. “How are our escape routes?”

  “Most of them have been cut off,” the commander said.

  “Hmm…” Veda stood in thought for a moment. Her com beeped. “Who might this be?” she asked as she turned on the tiny monitor on the device. The split screen of Kivi and El Kar on their ships’ bridges appeared.

  “We’re here to rescue you,” Kivi said.

  “Use route N-32 to reach the drop ship,” El Kar instructed.

  “I’m surprised she sent your ships for this,” Veda said as she signaled to the others to head out.

  The guards headed into the underground of Dega Jul while the Raknas took formation and headed for space.

  “I’ll have to thank her for that,” Veda said as she followed her guards and officers down below.

  “You can thank Brian,” El Kar said. “He was the one pushed her to do it.”

  “Is that right?” Veda asked.

  “Yeah, he’s right,” Kivi said.

  * * *

  Myden stood in the courtyard of the royal palace on Kalaidia Prime as night fell. He watched the ships in space moving about before turning his gaze back to the glowing city. He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air. It’s about time for everything to happen. He let out a small laugh. Oh how I’ve waited! I’ve seen the sun set on this world thousands upon thousands of times. For two thousand years I’ve waited for this day to come! He looked at the constellation shaped like a butterfly. The time of darkness will end soon enough. His plan has been set into action and now all the pieces are in place. His mind quieted as he heard footsteps coming towards him. He turned to see Queen Celestia join him.

  “I haven’t seen you much lately,” she said.

  “I’ve been busy,” Myden said. “With the advent of light I won’t be at your side as often my lady.”

  “It’s alright old man,” she said. “If the situation doesn’t change I won’t be here much longer either.”

  “So Jabril’s called for your expertise?” the Grey asked.

  “Of course she would,” Celestia said. “The other nobles are neutral on the ma
tter and refuse to get involved. But if the queen raises her blade they’ll be forced to act or lose more credibility amongst the populace.”

  Myden laughed. “In other words, their taxes will be raised again?”

  “That’s exactly it,” she said. “Too many of the noble families wasted away their wealth when they had power. When commerce opened up their ability as merchants left a lot to be desired.”

  “Fools who claim wealth as their birthright know little on how to maintain it,” Myden said. “That was a truth when my people were free.”

  “They will be free again someday,” she said.

  “The path is being paved today,” he said. “But are you sure about getting involved? Your life here has been peaceful.”

  Celestia smiled. “What you say may be true. But remember Myden, I was the one who led my people to victory in the second war with the Malcovin. I know how to navigate a battlefield with the best strategists, save for Valis of course.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “Take care of yourself.”

  He knelt before her. “I will my queen,” he said before disappearing.

  * * *

  The main doors of the Columbia base opened and allowed the Raulno and Reinkar to enter. Once the ships had landed, Veda and a squadron of guards exited the Raulno. Grigon stood on the platform and waited before going over to her. Veda smiled as she looked upon the old birdman.

  “I never thought I’d see you again,” Veda said as she extended a hand to Grigon.

  He took her hand with his and cawed. “It’s been a hundred and forty three years since the treaty was signed. I thought you’d forget by now.”

  “Not to the only pilot to challenge my foolish brother,” she said as she followed him to the interior of the base.

  “He was only as foolish as the Nova he flew in,” Grigon countered. “A pity I didn’t get to face him the second time around.”

  “It would’ve been a better way for him to meet death,” Veda said.

  “True,” Grigon said.