Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light

by Marcus Johnson

  “That’s where phase four comes into play,” Valis said. She highlighted the future positions of the four mobile suits at their sniping positions and shifted them. The four suits flew around the back of the Confederation fleet and continued sniping. “They’ll do as the monitor shows until the enemy’s center begins to crumble. At that point they’ll charge straight through the Confederation forces.” She moved the suits position as well as their ships. The four mobile suits and V shaped formation met in the middle of the enemy fleet. “By this time their fleet will not only be divided but in chaos. Given the situation they’ll likely flee.”

  “What if they persist?” Veda asked.

  Valis turned the simulation off. “Then they’ll be destroyed.” She looked at everyone. “I’ll send the details from the Minerva. That will be all.”

  * * *

  When Seles and Mira activated their mobile suits Kyli appeared on the Artemis’s monitor.

  “When do we get to do the fun stuff commander?” she asked with a funny smile.

  “You’ll get your chance to earn some stars this time around,” Seles said. “I get that playing defense can be boring at times.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Kyli said. “One more thing, do you have the latest on the status of Brian? I know the Mjolnir returned to the Avoni but other than that the rest of us are in the dark.”

  “He’s currently being held in the Confederation headquarters,” Seles said. “His defense team is working to free him as we speak.”

  “Thanks,” Kyli said. “I’ll relay the information to the others with your permission.”

  Seles smiled. “Go ahead lieutenant.” The Artemis’s systems were ready. “We’ll be heading out now Kyli. Keep an eye the Freedom for me.”

  “I’ll do just that,” Kyli said before ending transmission.

  The Freedom, Avoni, Daevoni, Raulno, Reinkar, and Vomada all moved out of their respective docks and headed outside. The cannon ports and HV missile batteries on the Columbia base opened up and aimed at the Confederation fleet as the six ships moved into their planned positions. The Freedom and Reinkar took the lead position with the Avoni and Daevoni on one flank and the Raulno and Vomada on the other. All ships launched their mobile suits and mobile armors. Valis flew the Minerva out alongside the Mjolnir while the Aegis joined the Gemini from the Raulno. Seles and Mira flew their suits out to join the rest before separating and heading to their assigned position.

  “So it’s just the two of us,” Mira said.

  “That’s what it looks like,” Seles said. “Ready your special systems Mira, we’re probably going to need them for this battle.”

  “Readying them as we speak,” Mira said.

  The two of them hid behind the ice chunk. The Artemis charged its cannon while deploying the reflector plates. The plates moved into various positions further away to hide the angle the attack would come from. The Confederation fleet pushed forward as Seles aimed the cannon at the first plate and fired. The pulse of energy bounced off the plates and into the approaching fleet, destroying a number of Lances and damaging a ship. From the other position the Gemini fired its ultra-heavy cannon and destroyed five Lances while finishing off the already damaged ship. The two teams traded shots firing into the fleet, damaging and destroying a number of ships and mobile suits as they approached.

  * * *

  Siata and Baeron watched the fleet from afar from the bridge of their ship. Around them was a small support fleet. They saw the long range shots being fired into their ships on their approach. Baeron banged his fist on the wall to channel some of his frustration.

  “Even though we chased the Terran for months it meant nothing,” the angry Minan commander said. “How is their technology so much more advanced than ours? What the hell are our engineers doing?”

  “Calm yourself commander,” Siata said.

  He growled with frustration before calming down. “Of course, I’m sorry I acted like that.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Siata said. “The power of Heaven’s Light is amazing. Our fleet hasn’t even closed and they’ve reduced our numbers by a third.”

  “Tell me, why are we doing this?” Baeron asked. “I know the law as good as any advocate and what we’re doing right now is illegal. Arresting the Terran was perfectly in the bounds of our authority, but attacking a private security organization is not.”

  “I’m not worried because this will likely be the last idiotic battle,” she said.

  “What makes you say that?” the Minan asked.

  “Either we destroy their main base and win by default or we lose in the courts tomorrow,” she explained.

  * * *

  Valis sat in the cockpit of the Minerva and watched the pieces move about the battlefield. The calculation systems kicked in as the mobile suit’s computers displayed probabilities. She glanced at her scanner and noticed the Mjolnir next to her craft. She pressed the com.

  “Meldi, are you in there?” she asked.

  “I’m here captain,” Meldi responded. A long pause passed. “Is something wrong?”

  “No,” Valis shook it off. “I’m just used to Brian being in there.”

  “I know what you mean,” Myli added from her Phase Rakna. “By the way captain, when do I get one?”

  Valis smiled. “Not any time soon Myli. We don’t have the budget to mass produce special models at the moment.”

  “I figured as much,” Myli said.

  “Are the two of you alright with the current setup?” Valis asked.

  “I’d say so,” Meldi said.

  “Having two pilot leaders takes a lot of the burden off each other,” Myli said.

  “I’m glad,” Valis said. “When Seles left I was worried the two of you would end up fighting over it.”

  “I doubt that captain,” Meldi said. “We’ve been friends since our academy days.”

  “All too true,” Myli said. “We go way back. Don’t worry captain. There are no issues to speak of.”

  “Good,” Valis said. “Keep your com channel open ladies. I’m going to have a lot of things to relay.”

  “Of course captain,” Meldi said.

  “Acknowledged,” Myli said.

  Valis gathered the data in front of her and closed her eyes to focus her energies. When they opened they were glowing light blue. “I see,” she said. “Esra, move your ship to the following position and have your mobile suits move to the front.”

  “We’re on it Valis,” Esra said. “My, your eyes are glowing beautifully.”

  “It feels really strange,” Valis said. “It’s like time is slowing down and I can hear everyone’s thoughts.”

  “You’ll have to show me some time,” Esra said. “We’re in position.”

  “Great,” Valis said. “El Kar, please move the Reinkar into the same position.”

  “We’ll be there momentarily,” the Shandi captain said.

  Valis stared at the Confederation as it closed enough to begin opening fire. She bit her lip in frustration. “A useless battle if I ever saw one.”

  Chapter 41 - Seles’s Arrow

  The Confederation forces flew into the V formation of the ships of Heaven’s Light with pulse cannons blasting and mobile suits doing likewise. As the area filled with flashes and explosions, the Artemis and Siren held their position. Across the way of space the Gemini and Aegis did the same. Seles watched the battle unfold before her and continued firing pulse blasts regularly into the enemy fleet. Mira stood by in the Siren and held back for the moment. When a number of Lances broke away from the main fleet and flew towards them, Seles aimed the cannon at the reflector plates and fired. The pulse of energy bounced through the approaching mobile suits and destroyed them before making its way into another ship. Seeing the opening across the way, the Gemini fired a powerful blast through the enemy fleet and finished off another wounded ship while destroying three more Lances.

  “You two have some chemistry,” Mira commented over the com.

 
“Kivi and I have sparred together for years,” Seles said between shots. “But the real reason is our training together these last few months.”

  The Siren charged its pulse cannon and fired, destroying a Lance.

  “I know I needed it,” Mira said.

  Their scanners flashed as one of the fleets turned their direction. Across the way another fleet did the same against the Gemini and Aegis.

  “I don’t think we can take that many on by ourselves,” Mira said.

  “We can,” Seles said. She closed her eyes and focused on berserking. When she opened her eyes they were glowing blue. “I’m activating the Artemis’s arrow system.”

  The Artemis lit up with a glowing blue color as its gravity drive spun up to produce more energy. The reflector plates moved back to the mobile suit and surrounded the barrel of the main rifle.

  “Mira, could you brace me?”

  “Firing that thing requires I do so,” Mira said. She flew her mobile suit grabbed Seles’s from behind. “I’m in position.”

  “Let’s do this,” Seles said.

  The Artemis fired a beam of energy almost a hundred ketres in length and a hundred vetres wide into the center of the Confederation fleet. Dozens of ships and mobile suits caught in the beam had their shields drained immediately before exploding. The force pushed the Artemis and Siren back a little bit. When the dust settled the enemy fleet had a massive hole through its center.

  “Brace me for one more,” Seles requested.

  “I can do that,” Mira said.

  The Artemis aimed a second shot before the Confederation forces could reform their defenses and fired; another beam the same size of the first cut through ten ships and three dozen Lances. Once the explosions subsided, the remaining enemy forces were spread out enough to prevent such losses. Seles closed her eyes and ended the berserk.

  “Arrow system deactivated,” she said she leaned back for a rest. “It’s all yours Valis.” She opened her eyes as they faded back to normal.

  “That was crazy,” Mira said. “Why didn’t you cut them apart like that from the beginning?”

  “The arrow system can fire a certain number of times in a short period,” Seles said. “Anyways, I have to leave some behind so our subordinates can get some experience.”

  “Whatever you say Seles,” Mira said.

  The two mobile suits separated and hid themselves behind another icy rock.

  * * *

  “This is horrible,” Baeron said.

  He and Siata watched as their fleet was decimated by two shots from the Artemis. After the explosions settled the ships of Heaven’s Light advanced into the center of the chaos.

  “We don’t stand a chance,” Siata said. She turned to the communications officer. “Have the people in charge had enough?”

  “No captain,” he answered. “They insist we crush their forces in this battle.”

  The Mylor female hissed under her mask. “Foolish are those who waste lives. Idiots are those who believe these tactics can win.”

  “What should we do?” Baeron asked.

  “If we are to be defeated then let it be one to be remembered,” Siata said. “Those in charge must see the stupidity of their desire.” She stared at the situation. “Have the fourth and seventh fleets combine their forces. Relay the same orders to the second and tenth fleets. All remaining forces are to join the closest group.”

  “For someone determined to lose you sure like cracking orders,” Baeron said. “What about our fleet?”

  “We’ll hold position and surrender when our allies are crushed,” Siata said. She turned to the officers on the bridge. “If any of you object then say so now.”

  The Minan officers looked to one another for a moment before saluting her.

  “We stand with our captain,” the security officer said.

  “It’s all too easy to see the idiocy behind our orders,” the communications officer added.

  “The lesson the Terran taught was a heavy one indeed,” Baeron said. “We’re the pride of the Confederation, the elite shock troops who keep the peace.” He watched as the battle continued. “And yet we’re being destroyed. Not with valor but with ease.”

  “Even if he dies his imprint has already been made,” Siata said. “The forces of Heaven’s Light will uphold his legacy. The least we can do is bow our heads and accept the fate before us.”

  * * *

  Valis looked at the probabilities as they came in and shook her head. She noticed the rear guard fleet in the distance. They couldn’t be…she thought as she hit the com.

  “This is Valis speaking again,” she said. “All ships are to attack the nearest combined fleet in our current formation.” She looked at the other fleet. “All special mobile suits are to circle around and pincer the far fleet. Leave their rear guard alone for now.”

  She watched as the Artemis and Siren headed out from one angle while the Aegis and Gemini headed from another.

  “Does that include us?” Meldi asked over the com.

  “We’ll remain with the Avoni for now lieutenant,” Valis said.

  * * *

  The Gemini aimed its massive cannon and fired another pulse blast into the Confederation fleet. The Aegis flew next to it with its shields at full. The incoming pulse shots and HV missiles were deflected away.

  “This is very different from what I’m used to,” Celi said.

  Kivi smiled. “With the duties I’ve had for the last few years I haven’t had the chance to fight at the front like this.”

  “You’re the type of captain who’s very hands on,” Celi said.

  “I also trust Dreka and Kaela with the Raulno,” Kivi said. “Dreka often complains about being stuck on the bridge though.”

  Celi laughed. “I can see why.”

  The enemy fleet concentrated its fire on their mobile suits while the Artemis and Siren headed around to attack. The Gemini fired another pulse blast into the enemy fleet, sinking a pair of ships and destroying five more Lances. A moment later the oversized mobile suit opened its missile batteries and fired a barrage into their center, destroying another three ships and dozen Lances. The Aegis moved in front when another series of pulse blasts came their way. As they came closer the fleet turned its focus on the Artemis and Siren.

  “It was foolish for them to turn their backs on us,” Kivi said.

  “Foolish indeed,” Celi said.

  The Gemini fired another pulse blast into their back ranks.

  * * *

  Myden, Grigon, and Jesela continued their duties on the bridge of the Freedom while the battle raged on. Myden watched the explosions flashing on the screen. The other two saw the light reflect in his large black eyes. He couldn’t hide the hint of a smile on his face.

  “For someone who wants peace so badly you look awfully happy,” Jesela said.

  Myden set the pulse cannons to fire another round before looking back at her. “It’s hard to break old habits young lady,” the Grey said. “Before I was forced into exile I was the greatest warrior my people ever saw. The thrill of battle never left my blood. But I do dream of the peace to come.”

  “Peace is boring,” Grigon added. “So I know how he feels Jesela.” The old birdman cawed. “But we know it won’t be here tomorrow. We must fight on through this and the next war.”

  “How long will we be fighting then?” she asked.

  “Perhaps we’ll be fighting forever,” Myden answered. “I’ve been fighting for over two thousand years.”

  “I’ve only been fighting for a hundred and seventy,” Grigon said.

  Jesela laughed. “I’ve only been fighting for twelve.”

  “Hearing both of you say that makes me feel old,” Myden said.

  Chapter 42 - Mira’s Song

  The Artemis deployed its reflector plates and fired into the enemy forces as they turned to meet the two mobile suits. The Siren hovered by its side and fired with its smaller pulse cannon. As the Confederation forces swarmed towards them, t
he two mobile suits combined their shields. In the distance they saw the Gemini and Aegis tearing apart the rear ranks of the fleet. Mira sat calmly in the Siren as the fleet surrounded them an all sides and moved in for the kill.

  “I hope you’re planning something,” Seles said.

  “I am,” Mira said. She closed her eyes and focused her mind. She opened them as they started glowing. “It’s time they heard the Siren’s song.”

  Mira switched the communications array to full power. The back of the Siren flashed with pulsing energy as a wave extended outward in all directions. While Mira sang an old Kalaidian hymn the Confederation ships within the hundred ketre field stopped moving. She flew through their fleet and continued disabling ships and mobile suits along the way. While they were immobile the Artemis and Gemini blasted them to pieces. When the fleet was finished off the four mobile suits met in the middle of the wreckage. The Siren went quiet while Mira ended the song system and her berserk. In the distance they saw the ships of Heaven’s Light finish off the other fleet. The few remaining survivors fled for the Confederation’s rear guard.

  “That was pretty effective,” Seles said.

  Mira smiled. “In theory it was supposed to do that,” she said. “But rarely do I believe in theories. I’m glad it worked as well as it did.”

  “Are you two alright?” Kivi asked.

  “We’re fine,” Seles said. “What about you two?”

  “Celi’s shield works great,” Kivi said.

  “The extra heavy cannon you’re using works great as well,” Celi said.

  The four received a hail from the Minerva. Valis appeared on their screens. “Allow all remaining Confederation forces to join their rear guard. According to the Minerva the probability of their surrender is ninety nine percent.”

  “Can we call this a victory?” Kivi asked. “It was more like a boot stomping.”