Brian stared at the wall in the medical lab while Celi took another blood sample. She placed it on a small plastic dish and put it into the scanner.
“Could you remove the contact lens?” she asked.
Brian removed the lens from his left eye to reveal it was glowing red. She took a close look at it.
“Is your sight being affected in any way?”
“Not that I notice,” he said.
She shook her head. “You’d think if your eye was glowing it would mess with your sight.” She moved to his right eye. “Is this one giving you any trouble?”
“No.”
“What about your left arm?”
“Not a problem.”
“Hmm…” Celi took his left arm and checked it over. “The artificial arm helps you maintain balance.”
“So my decision to stay this way paid off?” he asked.
“It seems so,” she said. “If you had gone through regenerative treatment you might be dead by now.”
“Staying half machine was the best decision I ever made,” he said as he put the contact lens back in his left eye. “Have you had any luck coming up with a treatment?”
“I don’t have a cure for your condition right now,” she admitted. “It’s going to be awhile before I can figure it out. But I do have something just in case.” Celi went to the drawer and pulled out a small bottle. She took out an injector and filled it. “This could save your life.”
“What is it?”
“This will shut down the nanomachines if things get really bad,” Celi explained. “But because of all the things nanomachines do for you it’s going to be a problem. Your perceptive skills will return to what they were when you first met us. Languages will become much more difficult for you to understand. But most of all your immune system will suffer, not to mention you’ll start aging at a faster rate.”
“Not like I have much choice in the matter,” he said.
Celi handed the injector to him. “I want you to carry one of these on you at all times. If you need to use it remember one thing: upon injection you must put forth a command phrase. Doing so will activate the nanomachines again. The only problem is you’ll have to get another injection afterwards.”
“Alright,” he said. He put the injector into a compartment in his exoskeleton. “Do you know what’s happening to me?”
“From the strange energy fluctuations throughout your body I’m sure it’s not the plague this time,” Celi said. “It’s closer to what happened when you awakened during the last battle with the Greys.”
“Is it supposed to be like this?”
“Perhaps awakening too fast is a bad thing,” Celi suggested. “But from the readings it appears you’re berserking all the time.”
“It’s hard to focus right now,” he said. A beep came from his wrist computer. “It looks like it’s time to see Daes.”
“Give me a minute to put everything away first,” Celi said.
* * *
Daes pulled out a panel inside the Mjolnir’s cockpit and began replacing the hardware inside.
“Thanks Daes,” the Mjolnir said.
“You’re welcome,” she said as she closed the panel and moved to the next one. “It won’t be much longer now.” She pulled out another panel and replaced the hardware inside.
“What will the upgrades do for me?” the mobile suit asked.
“You’re weapons and shields will be fifty percent stronger,” she said. “And once we replace your boosters your speed and maneuverability will increase by a hundred percent.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” the mobile suit said.
“Done,” she said as she close the last panel. “I’m going to reboot your systems. It’ll take a few minutes before you go back online.”
“I don’t mind taking a nap,” the Mjolnir said.
“Sweet dreams young one,” Daes said. She turned the Mjolnir’s computer systems off. They flashed on a moment later and began updating. “You’ve grown so much over the years.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she looked around the mobile suit. She heard the door to the launching bay open and wiped her face. Taking the elevator cord down, Daes was met at the floor by Valis, Brian, and Celi.
“How’s he doing?” Brian asked.
Daes tapped the leg with her hand. “After a few minutes his systems will be updated.”
“How are the other two coming along?” Valis asked.
“The Aegis is ready to go anytime it’s needed,” Daes said. “Although it’s shield array has to be completed at the base.”
She led the three to the other end of the launching bay and turned on the lights. Standing before them were two mobile suits. The Aegis looked the same as when it was first crafted four years ago. The other mobile suit was a mix of silver and purple. It was equipped with the same armaments as the Mjolnir.
“The Minerva still needs a lot of work on its systems,” Daes explained. “But otherwise it could launch as an extra mobile suit.”
“How much longer will it be until it’s finished?” Valis asked.
“Another two or three months,” Daes said. “The precognition system is experimental to say the least. We’re inputting all battle data we can find throughout know history.”
Valis went to the Minerva and touched its leg before turning to Brian. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes,” he said. “This will lead us to victory. Trust it Valis, as much as you trust me.”
“Alright,” she said.
* * *
Zae was on the bridge with Baed and Vae. The Avoni and Reinkar were currently moving through an asteroid belt in a resource system of Reiki controlled space.
“This feels all too familiar,” Baed commented.
“We’ve been hunted like this before,” Vae added.
“It’s the constant tension that gets you,” Zae said. “But this time at least our enemies have a sense of morality.”
“Why is the Confederation so bent on destroying us?” Vae asked.
“It’s not the Confederation as a whole,” Baed said, “But the ones financing everything. Money rules worlds and our organization isn’t in it for the money.”
“We oppose the order they welcome,” Zae said. “We choose the rights of people over the wealth of the few. I’m sure if the people had their vote the High Council would endorse our plan.”
“It just seems like more useless fighting,” Vae said.
“That’s because it is,” Baed said. A blip appeared on her console. “It looks like we’ve been spotted.”
“How many ships are we dealing with?” Zae asked.
Baed checked the scans and put the image on the monitor. “It appears to be a scouting fleet of eight.” The display showed they were being pursued by two heavy and six medium class vessels. “They’re deploying their mobile suits.”
Zae hit the com. “All crew are to report to battle stations.”
* * *
Valis headed for the door when the pilots flooded in. She turned back to Brian. “Controlled Chaos, alright?”
“I’ll do my best,” he said as he headed for the Mjolnir.
Celi ran for the door to head back to sickbay while Daes ordered the engineers about. As Brian entered the cockpit the Mjolnir’s systems went back online.
“How are you feeling?” he asked as he took his seat.
“Strangely better,” the Mjolnir said. “It’s like I can think faster.”
“That’s what an upgrade will do,” Brian said. “Our mission plan is Controlled Chaos.”
“Loading,” the mobile suit said. A moment passed before the plan appeared on the monitor. “I’m linking the data to all mobile suits.”
Meldi and Myli appeared on the monitor split screen.
“So Controlled Chaos it is,” Meldi said. “It seems kind of soon to use this.”
“Their numbers must be high,” Myli added.
Brian looked at them. “Not at the moment. But if we’ve been spotted
we can assume more are on the way. They’re going to hit us in waves.”
“Which one of us will be the package carrier?” Myli asked.
“You’ll be heading it up Myli,” Brian said.
“Alright,” she said.
Myli led the way as half the Phase Raknas launched with their stealth cloaks activated. They flew into the asteroids and searched for suitable rocks.
“Is something on your mind?” Brian asked as he and Meldi led the other half outside.
“It’s nothing,” Meldi said. She changed the com to private, “Are you in condition to do this?”
“I think I can handle it Meldi,” he said. “If you’re worried I’ll leave the line open so you can keep an eye on me.”
“I’ll do so then,” she said.
Chapter 16 - Valis’s Gamble
The eight ships surrounded the Avoni and Reinkar while their Lances launched. The Raknas formed a barrier around the Avoni while the Fangs did likewise for the Reinkar. El Kar appeared on the main monitor of the Avoni’s bridge.
“We’re using Controlled Chaos?” he asked.
“Yes,” Valis said. “I was going to save it, but our foes are more persistent than planned.”
“They want the Terran desperately,” El Kar said. He turned to his commander off screen. “Relay the orders to our mobile armors. We will hold out.”
“Thank you El Kar,” Valis said.
“No thanks are needed until we’re victorious,” the snakeman said before ending transmission.
They watched as the Mjolnir flew away from the Avoni on its own. As it approached the Confederation mobile suits a strange waved pulsed throughout the ship. Zae and Baed looked at each other.
“I’ve felt this before,” Zae said while holding her hand next to her heart.
“Me too,” Baed said.
“What is this?” Valis asked. “I can feel his thoughts.”
* * *
Brian sat in the Mjolnir as his left eye glowed red. The particles within the drive moved quickly in a matching the red hue. The glow enveloped the mobile suit as it flew through the ranks of Lances and struck them one by one. Their attacks seemed to fly through the Mjolnir as it cut them down. The Confederation fleet turned all of its attacks on the mobile suit and fired with everything it had. Brian concentrated as much as he could, but a few of their attacks hit the shields and knocked the Mjolnir away.
“I see,” he said. “So when fighting like this we can still be hit.”
“Only five percent of their attacks are striking the shields,” the Mjolnir reported.
“It’s enough to slow us down,” Brian said. He focused his eyes on the attack vessels behind the Lances. “Let’s hit their ships.”
“Alright,” the Mjolnir said.
“Focus on evasion my friend,” Brian ordered. “I’ll stick with the weapons.”
The Mjolnir danced through space as it dodged pulse blasts and HV missiles. It pointed its blade at the nearest heavy class vessel and charged. The mobile suit flashed through its shield a moment later and gutted the interior, causing the ship to explode. The Mjolnir emerged unscathed and headed for the next enemy vessel.
* * *
Valis shook her head to focus her thoughts.
“It’s not the same as before,” Baed said. “His thoughts are distant and the Mjolnir isn’t fully immune to their attacks.”
“True, but to see him fighting like this again is frightening,” Zae said.
“This is what they fear,” Valis said. “Now I understand why they want him captured.”
“Their fleet is pulling back to regroup,” Baed reported. “Our scanners show another fleet of eight coming out of gravity jump.”
The Mjolnir slashed through the third ship in its way. A message came through from Myli.
“Captain, the package is one the way,” she said.
“Good,” Valis said. “Meldi, you and the others have permission to help him.”
“Thanks captain,” she said.
The Phase Raknas broke away from the Avoni and flew in a sphere shaped formation towards the Mjolnir. The Reinkar moved its Fangs and had them create a defensive barrier around it and the Avoni. Away from the battle, the remaining Raknas with Myli quietly pushed a number of asteroids towards the Confederation fleet.
“Captain, another fleet of eight has appeared,” Baed reported.
“That’s enough then,” she said. She pressed the com. “Brian, pull back to base for now.”
“On my way,” he said.
“Meldi, secure his escape and return to base as well,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” she said.
The mobile suits carrying the asteroids pushed them towards the now crowded Confederation fleet before pulling back to the Avoni.
“Detonate the charges,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” Zae said as she set off the mines.
The asteroids exploded and showered the Confederation fleet. As they pummeled the fleet the Avoni and Reinkar slipped away. While they moved away the mobile suits and mobile armors landed back on their respective ships. Once all the smaller vessels were onboard the two ships activated their phase cloaks.
“Baed, are there any good hiding spots?” Valis asked.
“I’ve found a large asteroid that could be of use,” Baed said.
She put the image on the monitor. Near the two cloaked ships a spherical rocky body two hundred ketres in diameter was located.
“That looks like a small planetoid,” Zae said.
“It’ll do,” Valis said. “Take us in Vae.”
“Yes captain,” Vae said.
“There were more than anticipated,” Zae said.
“Yes,” Valis said. “But not enough to change the mission plan.” She noticed Zae staring at her. “What is it?”
“You’re worried about him, aren’t you?” she asked.
Valis waved her hand. “Of course, he’s my most valuable warrior.”
“That’s not what I mean Valis,” Zae said.
“I know,” she said. “He’s fought every foe I’ve ordered him to and more. And now he’s changing as a result of it.”
“He’ll be alright,” Zae said.
* * *
Brian sat in the Mjolnir and focused his mind. After a few minutes in silence he opened his eyes.
“It’s getting worse,” the Mjolnir said.
“I know old friend, I know,” Brian said.
A tap came from outside. “Are you alright?” Meldi asked.
He opened the hatch and saw her at the feet of the mobile suit. “Yeah, I’m just fine.”
“When you didn’t come out right away everyone started worrying,” Meldi said.
“I’m glad you care,” he said as he took the elevator cord down.
Daes ran over and grabbed the cord as he stepped off and headed up to the cockpit. “I need to collect some data after that last battle,” she said.
“As you wish,” Brian said. He turned to say something to Meldi when his com activated.
“Brian, please report to the bridge,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” he said.
“No rest for the weary,” Meldi said.
“I’m spreading too many of those Terran quotes around these days,” Brian said. “Take care of everything with Myli and Daes.”
She watched him leave the room and smiled. “I will Brian.”
* * *
Brian entered the bridge and found everyone standing at the bottom in discussion. Valis looked to Zae.
“Take care of things for a few minutes,” Valis said.
“Sure,” Zae said.
Valis turned to Brian. “Could I speak to you in the planning room?”
Brian followed her inside. The door closed and left the two of them alone.
“You’re letting your emotions get the better of you Valis,” he said.
“Is that you assessment as my first officer or because you’re reading my mind?”
“A little of both,” he said. “Despite being in the condition I’m I can’t read minds. But my sense of emotion is heightened.” He noticed a melancholic expression in her aquamarine eyes. “I apologize if I’m worrying you to death.”
“In a way you are,” she said. “But it’s not your fault, it’s mine. When I took you in I forced you to fight.”
“No Valis, I chose to fight,” he said. “The day I killed the Greys was the day I made that decision. I accept it. What I can’t accept is your guilt for giving me orders. I agreed to your terms in sound mind and body. Never once did I regret that decision. One thing I will say is your place in Heaven’s Light is more important that you know.”
“What about yours?” she asked.
“I know the fate I’m to endure,” Brian said. “I wasn’t supposed to survive the sojourn.”
“Was that in the Teacher’s plan?” Valis asked. “You’re alive now.”
He removed the contact lens from his left eye to let it glow red. “Do you call this alive?” he asked. “I can’t tell dreams from reality anymore Valis. It’s not helping that I hear its voice day and night.”
She took his hand. “I’m real and can tell you are as well. Isn’t that enough?”
“I supposed,” he said.
“Has Celi had any luck helping you?”
Brian held up an injector. “I can use this to shut down the nanomachines.”
“But you’ll…”
“I’ll lose a lot of what I’ve been given,” he said. “But at least I’ll live.”
Valis looked into his eyes. “I fear watching you grow old before our eyes. I don’t want to see it.”
“I wouldn’t,” Brian said. “I’ll cherish everyday I’m alive.”
“Then live,” she said. “And hopefully Kali will shine her grace upon you again.”
Chapter 17 - Smoke Them Out
Baeron stared out the bridge’s window while Siata hovered by his side.
“What was that light?” he asked before looking at Siata. “You know what’s going on, don’t you?”
Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light Page 9
