“Sorry we’re late,” Grigon said.
“Some last minute adjustments came up,” Dreka explained.
Myden nodded in acknowledgement. “I called all of you here to explain everything,” he said with his raspy voice. He noticed the grin from El Kar. “And yes El Kar, I’ll answer all of your questions. “But I’ll begin with myself. Long ago my people were much like all of yours. We lived, we searched, we warred, and we loved. Our name was not Grey, it was Naerendi. Our empire was great and future even brighter. We were the masters of destiny and the universe would change by our will. But despite our greatness the fighting never ended. Even with our advanced technology and telepathic abilities we weren’t able to stop killing each other. When we took the Teacher from his world he sought the same answer. Was war the only thing we could do? Would there ever be an end? This is the question he tried answering and couldn’t. Before he passed on he relayed the plan to me. We are currently entering stage nine of the ten originally thought out. The birth of Heaven’s Light will lead to the unification of Alden. And through unification peace will finally be found.”
“Is that all?” El Kar asked.
Myden nodded. “Yes, that’s the reason why we’re here today. Long ago the Teacher spoke of a great darkness. The Naerendi like me are all but gone now. We’ve been replaced by easier to control beings that are little more than biological robots. This is the current state because a little over sixteen hundred years ago my people put all their hopes into a false god of machinery.”
“Why did your people create it?” Veda asked.
“Its purpose was to unite our minds as one,” Myden explained. “What it really did was steal the minds of everyone within the empire when it was activated.”
“Can it control you?” Esra asked.
“No,” he said. “Those who have the will to resist can do so.”
“Are there any others like you left?” El Kar asked.
“To my knowledge I’m the last free Naerendi left in Alden.”
“Are you implying there are others in places other than Alden?” Veda asked.
“Yes,” Myden said. “The planet killers you see today were once our intergalactic transports.”
“How far have your people spread?” Valis asked.
“We sent scouts to nearby dwarf galaxies but our main focus was Kelden,” Myden said. “The truth is that galaxy is all but under the machine god’s control.” He noted the look on their faces. “That’s why Alden must be free. At any moment the forces stationed within Kelden could attack. If they combine with the forces here our Confederation would be overrun with little difficultly.”
“This is a lot to absorb,” Valis said.
“I know it is,” the Grey said. “Even the High Council knows little of the threat they’re currently under. The only race to know the truth is the Avar.”
“They’re one of the Original Five if I’m correct,” Esra said.
“Not so,” Myden said. “The Original Five once included the Naerendi. The Avar only came when their homes in Kelden were overrun by the forces of the machine god. When they found refuge in Alden they were accepted as the new fifth member of the early Confederation.”
“So what is it we’re supposed to do?” Seles asked.
“We will unite the people of Alden,” Myden explained. “Even if we’re destroyed others will take up the cause. The ideals our organization stands for mean too much to the people. But our first test is to survive. Our legal status is still in question for the High Council. To this point I’m baffled as to why the Mylor have let this drag on like it has.”
“Maybe their influence is waning?” Esra suggested.
“Perhaps,” Myden said. “In any event for now we must survive. Our first mission will be up to the rest of you though. I’m not the one to lead us.”
“Tell me, how much influence did you have with your people?” El Kar asked.
“I was the General of the Black Star Knights,” Myden said. “The equivalent would be the highest admiral within your space forces.”
The light flashed red as the monitors turned on. Outside, a massive fleet of Confederation ships appeared and launched their Lances. The Shandi forces from Kalmar moved to intercept. From what the scanners picked up the Shandi were outnumbered six to one.
“They don’t look they’re playing around anymore,” El Kar said.
“No,” Myden said. “They’ve captured Brian. Now that the leader is in custody they plan to destroy us.” He looked at the five Maidens. “Now is the time for you to fight as one.”
* * *
Zae, Baed, Vae, and Daes were on the bridge of the Avoni. The Kalaidian battleship was outside the Columbia base with the cube shaped Vomada nearby.
“It appears their goal is to overwhelm us,” Zae said. “Meldi, Myli, ready all pilots for combat.”
“Yes commander,” the two responded.
“Should we get the Vomada ready?” Daes asked.
“Yes,” Zae ordered. “Baed, ready the Avoni.”
“Already doing so,” Baed reported.
The door of the base below opened as the Reinkar and Daevoni joined them. The two Kalaidian ships launched their mobile suits a moment later while the Shandi ship launched its mobile armors. The Vomada deployed a number of the newly outfitted Phase Talons as well. When the Raulno emerged a shuttle sped towards the Avoni.
“Zae, Valis is hailing us,” Baed said.
“Put her through,” Zae ordered.
Valis and Celi appeared on the screen from the shuttle
“Zae, have our mobile suits move into formation D-7 for now,” Valis ordered. “Celi and I will be boarding the Aegis and Minerva.”
“Are you sure about this captain?” Zae asked.
Valis smiled. “The Minerva has all the battle plans I’ll ever need built into it. The Freedom will be joining us shortly.”
“Got it,” Zae said.
* * *
On the bridge of the Freedom Seles was with Mira, Jesela, and Grigon. The lights flickered on as the Freedom lit up. All of its systems took a moment to charge up. Seles looked around the empty bridge.
“Where is everyone?” she asked.
Grigon and Jesela looked at one another before laughing.
“Alright, what am I missing?” Seles asked.
Mira tapped her on the shoulder. “You didn’t take the time to read everything over, did you?”
Seles sighed. “Yeah, so what did I miss?”
“The two of us will be plenty enough for the bridge operations,” Jesela said. “We did that on purpose to free up operations for the rest of the crew.”
“The two of you should go warm them up,” Grigon said before cawing.
“Let’s go,” Mira said.
She led Seles by the hand out of the bridge.
“You didn’t have the heart to tell her, did you?” Grigon asked as he and Jesela went to work on the consoles.
“It slipped my mind,” Jesela said. “Anyways, when Brian’s back he’ll keep everything straight.”
“True,” the old Malcovin said.
Chapter 37 - The Freedom Launches
Seles and Mira ran into the room where the Artemis and Siren were and gazed at their finished mobile suits.
Seles looked to Mira. “You know the plan?”
Mira smiled. “You don’t think I’ve been slaving in a simulator for a year for nothing.”
Seles laughed. “Sorry, but I’m an old Nova pilot through and through.”
“I know,” Mira said. “But you still can’t carry a tune.”
“Hey, I’m working on it,” Seles said.
The two grabbed the elevator cords and headed inside their mobile suits. Both went to full power as their gravity drives spun and weapons came online.
This is it. Seles thought to herself. We’ll come for you soon Brian.
* * *
The Confederation forces tore into the Shandi fleet with little resistance while the Avoni, Daevoni, Rau
lno, Reinkar, and Vomada built their mobile suit and mobile armor formations. The five ships advanced as the Shandi fell back into their area of defense. The pulse cannons and HV missile batteries from the nearby orbital defense satellites opened fire at the same time the five ships started their counterattack. As the engines of the Freedom fired up Myden entered the bridge. He looked at Jesela and Grigon.
“Since Brian’s not here I’ll man the weapons,” the Grey said.
Grigon pointed to a console opposite of him in the circle. “Are you sure you remember how to use them?” the old Malcovin joked.
Myden laughed as he looked at the letters written in English. “It has been a long time since I saw action.”
“Was that before or after your people went crazy?” Jesela asked.
Myden armed the weapons and readied the shields. “After young lady,” he answered. “We didn’t run without a fight.”
“That’s good to know,” she said. “All engines are functioning normally.”
“All mobile suits report the same,” Grigon said. “By the way, which of us is in charge?”
“I am,” Seles said as she appeared on the monitor. “But any of you would do just as well. Let’s get out there and move into formation D-7.”
“Yes commander,” all three said separately.
Kyli appeared next to Seles on the monitor from her Phase Rakna. “Will you be leading us or not?” she asked.
“You’re in charge Kyli,” Seles said. “Valis and the rest of us have something special in the works.”
“I’ll do my best commander,” she said before ending transmission.
The massive ship turned from its dock and headed for the gate. As the Freedom cleared the exit all mobile suits deployed outside in defensive formations. A moment later two lights streaked from another launching bay as the Artemis and Siren headed out.
“Take her to the front Grigon,” Seles ordered. “She can take whatever they throw at her.”
“Yes ma’am,” Grigon said.
* * *
While the Freedom moved to the front the Minerva and Aegis flew out of the Avoni. A moment later the Gemini launched from the Raulno. They gathered around the Aegis before it activated its shield. The Minerva was a mix of silver and violet and looked much like a Phase Rakna. The Aegis maintained its pure silver color and looked the same. The Siren was a mix of red and silver and its distinguishing feature was the communications array on its back. The Artemis was blue and silver with reflector plates on its outer hull and a massive rifle on its back. The Gemini was twice the size of the others and was equipped with a massive pulse cannon and a pair of swords on its back. In front of the five of them was the Confederation fleet. As pulse fired turned towards them the Aegis’s shields deflected them with ease. Valis sat in the Minerva and closed her eyes.
“You wanted me to change this world,” she said while thinking of Brian. “I’ll do what I can.” She opened her eyes as they started glowing. The Minerva’s tactical system began functioning. The data seemed to surround Valis as the enemy’s plan became clear. “This is Captain Valis speaking to all ships and mobile suits of Heaven’s Light. Move into formation Q-14 and concentrate your attacks on the front line of their fleet. Once they’ve been annihilated, the Freedom will lead the assault through the center of their formation. Maintain contact for further orders.” She switched the com to speak with the other four. “Seles and Kivi, move to the front and open fire as we approach. Our goal is to tear the heart out of them. Celi, maintain the center with shields at full. Mira and I will act as the rear guard.”
“Yes Valis,” she heard from the other four.
The Artemis and Gemini charged their cannons and moved to the forward position. The Minerva and Siren slid back and turned about with their weapons charged. The Lances from the Confederation started closing in as the five charged into their formations. Both the Artemis and Gemini aimed their pulse cannons and fired. The massive beams cut through five and six Lances respectively while damaging a pair of ships to the point of explosion. The Aegis’s shield deflected everything coming near it and remained at the center. The two in back fired as they moved into the enemy fleet and took out a pair of Lances each.
* * *
Grigon cawed. “They’re even better than expected!”
“It’s good they don’t have to use their special features,” Jesela observed.
“True,” Grigon said. He hit the com as Veda appeared on the screen. “Is everyone on your end ready?”
“Anytime,” Veda said. The pulse cannon and HV missile batteries emerged from their positions on the Columbia base asteroid and charged up. “All gun batteries are ready to fire.”
The Freedom maintained its position with the Avoni and Daevoni acting as rear guards. The Vomada and Reinkar moved to the other side of the base’s exterior. While the Maidens carved through the center of the Confederation fleet, the forces of Heaven’s Light moved forward with their base acting as a shield. The surviving Shandi forces moved around the base as additional support while the slow moving asteroid advanced on the enemy.
* * *
While the five battered the center of the Confederation forces they noticed a light flashed at the edge of the battle. A number of Lances turned away and moved to intercept the new enemy. Seles switched the scanners to long distance to see what it was. Speeding amongst a number of Lances was the damaged Mjolnir. It was fighting to join them when the com flashed on as an encoded com link went through.
“This is the Mjolnir speaking. I have returned to base as ordered by Commander Peterson.”
Valis appeared on Seles’s monitor with her eyes still glowing. “We’ll turn to pick up the Mjolnir, alright?”
“Sure,” Seles said.
“Great idea,” Kivi added.
“As you wish,” both Celi and Mira added.
The five turned and met with the Mjolnir as it finished off another pair of Lances. The damaged mobile suit flew within the Aegis’s shields and joined the Minerva.
“Mjolnir,” Valis said. “You’re to stay with the Aegis until the battle has concluded. The damage you’ve suffered is too great to risk your destruction.”
“As you wish captain,” the mobile suit said.
“How was Brian doing?” Seles asked.
“He was in great condition when he left me,” the Mjolnir said. “He used the medicine lieutenant commander Celi gave to him.”
“I’m sorry he had to,” Celi said.
“It’s good to know he’s still alive,” Mira said.
Kivi laughed. “I know. Myden knows a lot but I can’t trust him on this kind of thing.”
“Stay focused everyone,” Valis piped in. “Our attack has split their fleet into three units. When we reach the target point we’ll turn about and move through another unit.”
“Yes Valis,” all of them responded.
The Mjolnir moved next to the Aegis with its sword in hand and battered shield in the other. The six mobile suits flipped around as they came to the rear of the Confederation forces. In front of them, the Columbia base and the ships around it tore into the center of the enemy fleet. Valis pointed the Minerva’s rifle at the fleet nearby.
“That will be our target,” Valis ordered. “Everyone will continue as is until further ordered.”
While the six mobile suits moved forward the Confederation forces moved closer together to combine their shields.
“Seles, Kivi, switch your weapons from long distance mode to condensed energy mode,” Valis ordered.
“I’m on it,” Seles said.
“I’m ready,” Kivi said.
Chapter 38 - The Maidens’ Victory
Shiken Ka entered the command center while Veda was coordinating everything. Numerous officers ran about as the battle outside intensified. The Shandi noble watched as the five Maidens destroyed another fleet.
“Where one was, five emerge,” he said. He looked at Veda. “Why does everything seem like chaos in here?”
“I haven’t led a military unit since the second Malcov war,” she looked at the monitors, “Things have changed for those of us who remember the past.”
“My grandfather was still alive when that war occurred,” Shiken said.
“Are you saying I’m old?” Veda asked.
“No, just seasoned,” he responded.
“So what brings you here Lord Ka?” she asked. “I’m sure making snide remarks about my age isn’t on your list of priorities.”
“No, I’m here to inform you I’m leaving for Confederation headquarters,” he said. “Brian will be up for trial soon and I must be there to defend him.”
Veda shook her head. “How can they call that farce a trial? Anyways, I understand. But you might want to wait until the battle is over.”
He pointed to the screen. “It already is.”
* * *
Valis closed her eyes as they stopped glowing. She opened them and looked at the battlefield.
Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light Page 19
