“What about you?”
Brian smiled as he checked the contact in his left eye. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes.”
He opened the front hatch and took the elevator cord down. At the bottom Daes waited.
“Give him a good look over,” Brian said.
“I will,” she said before taking the elevator cord back up.
He watched while the engineers and pilots ran around the launching bay. Despite the state of his mind he felt their feelings. Their minds and souls reached out as he left the room.
* * *
Esra and El Kar appeared on the main monitor of the Avoni again while the three ships quickly made their way to an asteroid field nearby. Valis looked at the size of the enemy fleet shadowing them.
“I’ll bet this is what it looks like no matter where we go,” Esra said.
“Their determination is only matched by their idiocy,” El Kar added.
“So what are we going to do now Valis?” Esra asked.
“I’m working on that right now,” Valis said while working on her computer. “But the numbers are messing with any scenario I come up with.”
“Even the best need time for these things,” El Kar said. “The enemy is keeping their distance for now so we can consider our options. I’ll be in touch with both of you when everything’s figured out.”
El Kar disappeared from the screen.
“Things look bad,” Esra said. “If we can’t hold out longer than this our allies won’t have time to prepare.”
“No,” Valis said. “The Confederation is giving us a chance to surrender. El Kar’s right, we have some time Esra. Let’s take our time and think.”
“Alright,” Esra said. “Contact me as soon as you have something.”
“I will,” Valis said. The two captains saluted before the monitor went black. She pressed the com. “All senior officers are to report to the bridge.” She stood up and paced around the bridge. A moment passed before Brian entered. Valis looked to Zae. “Keep everyone here until we’re done.”
“Of course,” Zae said.
Valis waved for Brian to follow her into the strategy room. Silence ensued until the door closed behind him. She stood at the other end of the room and tried to hide her face.
“You know this is the only option left to us,” he said.
“I can see that,” Valis said. “Perhaps my brilliance is overrated.”
“No strategy, no tactics, nothing can stand against an enemy that’s superior in every way,” Brian said. “Even if we commit ourselves to guerilla style tactics it won’t last for long.”
He removed the contact from his left eye and showed it wasn’t glowing. Valis turned with tears in her eyes.
“Are you?” she asked.
“No,” Brian said. “I’m only suppressing it for a few minutes.” He smiled. “I wanted to look at you one more time with my real eye.”
She held him tightly. “I don’t want you to leave me, not now.”
“I know,” he said. “Part of me wishes I could stay forever. My time serving under you has been the best part of my life…I wouldn’t change a thing.” He brushed the tears from her face. “I don’t want to leave you looking like this. Show me your smile Valis; I know it’s in there somewhere.”
She composed herself before wiping away the tears. She smiled with a brightness he’d never seen in her before. “I love you,” she said.
“I know,” he said. He leaned down and kissed her passionately. After pulling away he stared into her eyes. “I’m glad we met and shared this time together. There are so many things I need to thank you for but there’s not enough time to list them all.” He winced and clutched his left eye. “Dammit!”
“Something always spoils the moment,” she said.
He laughed as he put the contact back into his red glowing eye. “When I come back I promise some time with you. Hopefully my eye won’t be glowing when that happens.”
“It kills the ambiance,” Valis said. She held his hand. “Don’t die, okay?”
“I don’t plan on it,” he said.
“Where will you go?”
Brian pointed to the stars outside, “Earth.”
“So you’re heading home,” she said.
“Not anymore,” he said. “My home is with you and the others now.”
“What will you do if reach Earth?
“Change it,” he said. “Like what we’re trying to do now. If they want to survive the people of Alden must change. That includes humanity.”
“What happens if you’re captured beforehand?”
“Then I’ll warn them any way I can,” Brian said.
* * *
The senior officers of the Avoni gathered on the bridge. Daes fiddled around at her console while Meldi paced about nervously. Baed and Vae sat calmly at their stations while Zae frantically worked away at her chair. Celi stood near the door to the strategy room.
“They’ve been in there a long time,” she said.
“You don’t think,” Meldi said.
“Not right now,” Zae said. “Whatever it is they’re doing in there it isn’t what you’re thinking.”
Everyone in the room laughed as the door opened. Both Valis and Brian let out a deep sigh upon seeing the others cackling away.
“Alright everyone,” Valis said. “I’d say at ease. But I don’t have to from your laughter.”
“No, they’re already there,” Brian added.
“So what is it you wanted to talk to us about?” Daes asked.
Valis went to her chair. “It doesn’t take a tactical genius to understand the situation. Our numbers are few and our enemies great. Even if we gravity jump we’re limited to two at the most. I suspect the Confederation has called all their fleets to pursue us. Given the prospects our options are few if any.” She looked at Brian. “Are you sure about this?”
“I am,” he said.
“Then we’ll act according to your plan,” Valis said.
“What plan?” Celi asked.
“They’re after me,” Brian said. “If I leave their interest in the Avoni will wane quickly.”
“How are you going to do that?” Zae asked.
“I’ll take the Mjolnir and head out in a few hours,” he said.
“Captain, the fleet is moving to encircle us,” Baed reported.
Brian looked at the others. “I’d prefer to say a proper farewell but I need to get ready.”
Chapter 24 - Caught in the Net
Brian looked around his room one more time before slinging a bag over his shoulder. He walked without saying a word as he made his way to the launching bay. When he got there he noticed Meldi leaning against the leg of the Mjolnir. She nodded as he made his way to the mobile suit.
“I thought you were going to give him to me,” she said with a smile.
Brian put his hand on the Mjolnir. “I’m taking him on a little road trip first,” he looked at her, “He’ll come back to you Meldi.”
The other pilots and engineers gathered around him.
“Are you leaving us for good?” Myli asked.
“Perhaps,” Brian said before turning to address them. “Though our paths are different our hearts are one. Heaven’s Light is not a dream but an eventuality. Our goal is not conquest or glory. The world we want is so close it causes us pain. There’s a chance we’ll never see each other again. I’ll do everything in my power to return; make sure you do the same.” He looked at Meldi and Myli, along with the others there. “For those who returned from the sojourn they know my heart and desires. To those who weren’t, look to those who survived. They’ll guide you through any darkness. This I promise.” He took the elevator cord up while watching those below him.
“We promise Brian,” Meldi said. The others agreed.
“I accept,” he said.
He stepped inside the cockpit and found Daes waiting in the pilot’s chair.
“Take care of him,” she said.
“I will,” Brian said. H
e turned to the monitor. “Have you said goodbye?”
“Goodbye mother,” the Mjolnir said.
Tears welled in Daes’s eyes. “I didn’t know my son would be so big.”
“He is a mobile suit after all,” Brian said.
“Thank you,” she said. Before leaving she looked to the monitor. “Take care Mjolnir.”
“I will mother,” the mobile suit said.
Daes held back the tears as she stepped outside the cockpit. “Goodbye.”
“Take care Daes,” he said before the hatch closed.
Brian tossed his bag into the back room and closed the door. He returned to the cockpit and checked everything over before locking his helmet into place.
“Where are we headed?” the Mjolnir asked.
“Earth,” Brian said. “But we have a few things to do before leaving. Get your com systems ready.”
“As you command,” the mobile suit said.
* * *
The Confederation fleet continued tightening its encirclement around the Avoni, Daevoni, and Reinkar as they flew into an asteroid field. Esra and El Kar were on the monitor of the Avoni as they looked over the plan Valis sent to them earlier.
“This feels wrong,” El Kar said. “I’d rather stay by his side to the very end.”
“I agree,” Esra said. “But feelings must be dispensed in situations like this.”
Valis walked towards the screen. “I know how both of you feel. There’s nothing more painful than watching him leave alone, but Brian made the decision. Once he’s gone our escape will be ensured. We’ll return to the Columbia base as per the plan.”
The Mjolnir launched outside and moved between the three ships. All around them the Confederation fleet moved in. They began launching their Lances and readied their weapons. A com opened to all three ships from the Mjolnir.
“Esra, El Kar, take care of each other and Valis,” Brian said. “The future of Heaven’s Light depends on captains who trust each other and have a common goal.” He switched the channel to the Avoni only. “Baed, Zae, look after each other. The love you share will keep you strong.” The two looked to each other and smiled. “Celi, thanks for everything you’ve done for me. When I should’ve died you saved me. I hope one day my blood can save your people for once and for all.” He paused again. “Daes, you’re an amazing engineer. In only a decade the people of Alden have advanced further than the prior two centuries. You may think it’s only because of me, but it’s actually because of you. Keep working Daes, the world is watching for what you’ll create next.” He looked to the other pilots. “To Meldi and Myli, we fought through the worst thing imaginable. We survived because we believed in each other. I ask you to believe once more. Fight, fight until the world we dream of has come true. Even if we don’t see the light of that world it’s our duty to see it through.” He paused one more time. “Valis, I ask you to change the world. People can be so much more than they know. What we want is a world where fear is on the run and hope rules. We want a world where dreams are grown instead of crushed. That’s the world we all want. If I can’t make it happen then you must. Save the people of Alden from the despair the Greys bring. I beg you…save them.” There was a pause as the Mjolnir lit up and flew towards the Confederation fleet. “I love you Valis. Carry those feelings like a torch through the long night. I’ll do the same for you. We will meet again. On my honor as a Maigar and as your commander I promise this.”
* * *
Both Baeron and Siata observed the Mjolnir as it flew away from the three ships.
“What do you suppose their plan is?” Baeron asked.
“I’ve lost the script,” Siata said. “If she’s trying something I can’t see it.”
“Sir, the Mjolnir is hailing us,” the communications officer reported.
“Put him through,” Baeron ordered.
“Yes sir,” the officer said.
The image of Brian in his exoskeleton appeared on the monitor of every Confederation ship and mobile suit. Siata floated over to the monitor with Baeron at her side.
“Are you surrendering yourself Commander Peterson?” the female Mylor asked.
“No,” he answered. “The charges brought against me are false. No court you offer is fair. To surrender is to die for what I’m charged with.”
“You will be heard,” Siata said. “I wouldn’t let them take you so they can execute you.”
“I believe you Siata,” Brian said. “But believing in the system is another matter. I will fight until the end.”
“What are you planning?” Baeron asked.
“Nothing spectacular commander Baeron,” Brian said.
The three ships turned on their phase cloaks. The space around them wavered for a moment as their gravity drives teleported them far away. The Mjolnir began emitting the red glow it often had of recent days.
“Catch me if you can, kill me if you must,” Brian said. “But you won’t take away my freedom.”
The Mjolnir flickered as it gravity jumped away.
“What will we do?” Baeron asked.
Siata hissed. “We’ll follow the Mjolnir. Our priority is to capture the Terran alive. The other three ships have fallen off the list. Concentrate our scouting fleets on that task.”
“Yes captain,” the communications officer said as he relayed the orders throughout the fleet.
* * *
The Mjolnir appeared in a nearby star system a moment later. It stopped emitting particles as it shifted into ship form and turned on its phase cloak. Brian popped his helmet off and sighed with relief. As he opened his eyes his left one was glowing red through the contact lens.
“No need for this thing any longer,” he said as he tossed the lens off his eye. It shattered when it hit the floor.
“Is our destination Earth?” the Mjolnir asked.
“Yeah, that’s where we’re going,” Brian said. “To the home I once knew and hope is still there.”
“It’ll take us three months to reach it,” the Mjolnir said.
“That’s alright,” Brian said. “To be honest I’ve wanted to go on a road trip like this.”
“A road trip?” the Mjolnir asked. “What’s that?”
“It’s a chance to travel and admire the scenery,” Brian explained. “In all my time in space I’ve rarely had the chance to look at the beauty around me.”
“You’ll have to tell me how that works,” the mobile suit said. “You know my concepts of beauty are quite different from an organic being like yourself.”
“True,” Brian said. “Set course for the sixth planet in this system.”
“Why that one?” the Mjolnir asked.
“I’ve been told the rings are beautiful this time of the year.”
Chapter 25 - And When He’s Gone
The Avoni, Daevoni, and Reinkar appeared in a resource system near a number of dwarf planets and comets. A fleet of Confederation ships moved past and flickered as they gravity jumped away.
“Vae, find us an appropriate hiding spot,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” the helmswoman said. “This dwarf planet will do perfectly.”
Vae put the image on the monitor.
“Take us in,” Valis said.
Baed silently went through the routine of checking over the Avoni’s systems while Zae worked on battle simulations. Vae steered the ship into a crater and fired the anchors. The Daevoni and Reinkar did the same thing. Above them, another fleet of Confederation ships scanned before leaving.
“It feels like we’re under surveillance,” Baed said.
“That’s because we are,” Zae added.
Valis watched as a third Confederation fleet slowed and scanned before gravity jumping away.
“They don’t seem interested in us,” she said.
Baed turned around. “Esra and El Kar are hailing us,” she reported.
“Put them through,” Valis said.
“Yes captain,” Baed said.
The monitor flashed on
split screen with the captains on the other ships at the center.
“We don’t seem to be their target any longer,” Esra said.
“I have to agree,” El Kar said. “I find it strange they’d put so much energy into capturing Brian and not destroying our ships.”
“They believe he’s the head of the organization,” Valis said. “If they can capture him they can destroy us with ease. At least, that’s their theory.”
“Well, we won’t let that happen,” Esra said. “We’re heading to the Columbia base, right?”
“Yes,” Valis said.
“We’ll be under the protection of my former lord,” El Kar said. “The High Council will think twice before moving against us.”
“Let’s assume the worst for now,” Valis said. “We’ll move cloaked and quietly to the base until everything is ready.”
“What about Brian?” Esra asked. “Are we abandoning him?”
“No, that’s not it,” Valis said. “He’ll return to us when the time is right. His decision to distract them will buy us valuable time.”
“What if they succeed in capturing him?” El Kar asked.
“Let’s pray it doesn’t happen,” Valis said. “But if our prayers are not answered then we’ll act.”
“That’s all I needed to hear,” Esra said. “We’ll speak again before leaving this system.”
“Of course,” Valis said as Esra ended transmission. She noticed El Kar had a puzzled look on his face. “What is it?”
“Has he ever told you what the plan is?” the Shandi captain asked. “It feels like we’re flying around in the dark on a number of matters.”
“I feel the same way,” Valis said. “When we reach the base there’s someone who’ll answer our questions.”
“Are you talking about the Grey, Myden?” El Kar asked.
“Yes,” Valis said.
“We’ll be in touch soon enough then,” he said.
The monitor went black again. Valis turned to the others. “Every can rest for now. The last few weeks have been hectic and I think everyone needs some time off.”
Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light Page 13
