Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light

by Marcus Johnson

  “I agree,” Valis said. “The four of you are to return your respective ships and await further orders.”

  “Heading back to base,” Celi said. The Aegis flew for the Avoni.

  “This was fun,” Kivi said as she flew the Gemini back to the Raulno.

  “Let’s go home Mira,” Seles said as she flew the Artemis for the Freedom.

  “I’m right behind you,” Mira said as the Siren headed home.

  * * *

  The surviving mobile suits and ships from the Confederation forces joined their allies. Siata and Baeron watched as the fleet of Heaven’s Light changed formation and headed their way.

  “All ships and Lances are to cease fire,” Siata ordered.

  The six ships and their mobile suits stopped advancing when they reached a distance of five hundred ketres. No fire was exchanged as the two fleets faced each other.

  “To be defeated so decisively by a force so small,” Baeron said. “Brian has the four elements inside him, but now I see it is in them as well.”

  “We were not defeated commander,” Siata said. “We were sentenced to death by the High Council.” She turned to the communications officer. “All ships are to fire their surrender missiles.”

  “Yes captain,” the officer said.

  After he relayed the orders all the ships within their remaining forces fired a short range missile that exploded with bright white light.

  “Open a channel to them,” Siata said.

  “Yes captain,” the communications officer said. “We’re hailing on all frequencies.”

  “This is captain Siata of the Confederation special task forces speaking,” the Mylor female said. “I’d like to speak with your commanding officer.”

  A moment passed before the monitor lit up and showed the face of Veda Kein. “I serve as the representative for this organization,” she said.

  “I wish to congratulate you on an easy victory,” Siata said.

  “Why would you say that?” Veda asked.

  “Those giving us orders are fools,” Siata said. “We give our surrender and acknowledge your superiority.”

  “We’d prefer a legal status that doesn’t force us to fight with you anymore,” Veda said.

  “I’ve already sent the recommendation to them,” Siata said.

  “Could you tell us the status of Brian Peterson?” Veda asked.

  “He’s currently being detained at the bottom level the main headquarters in the Kailion system,” Siata said. “His trial begins tomorrow.”

  “Thanks for the information,” Veda said. “Is there anything else?”

  “No, that will be all for now,” Siata said. “This fleet will not pursue you any longer.”

  “Thank you,” Veda said before ending transmission.

  “Now that we’ve been beaten what should we do next?” Baeron asked.

  “Return to Dega Jul and lick our wounds,” Siata said.

  * * *

  The six ships waited for all of their mobile suits and mobile armors to land before returning to their docks on the Columbia base. Seles leaned back in the pilot’s seat and let out a big sigh of relief before opening the hatch. As she went to the floor via the elevator cord Mira did the same from the Siren. Mira winked as they met on the floor.

  “That went better than expected,” she said.

  “Your song did the number at the end there,” Seles said.

  They headed for the bridge while the ship was in a flurry of activity.

  “It’s too easy,” Mira said.

  “I agree,” Seles said. “But this is only the beginning. Our battles will intensify from here on.”

  “I’d assume as much,” Mira said.

  A moment later the two entered the bridge. Myden, Jesela, and Grigon attended to their consoles. Each of the three looked up as they came in.

  “What’s our status?” Seles asked.

  “She’s working perfectly,” Jesela reported.

  “I know the weapons system is working,” Myden said.

  Grigon cawed before looking at Jesela. “I’m going to check their mobile suits.” He looked at Seles. “That’s alright with you?”

  “Go ahead,” Seles said.

  The old birdman left in a hurry.

  “He moves fast for a grey feather,” Mira said.

  “He thinks twice as fast,” Jesela added.

  “The two of you fought beautifully,” Myden said.

  “Thank you,” Seles said.

  Veda appeared on the main monitor of all six ships. The captains from the other five ships joined her on screen. “Captain Siata was kind enough to tell us where Brian is being kept and that his trial takes place tomorrow.”

  “I say we crash the party,” Seles suggested.

  “Agreed,” El Kar said.

  “That’s a great idea,” Esra said.

  “I suppose you’ll want me to plan this?” Valis asked.

  “Be honest Valis, you were going to do it on your own,” Kivi said.

  “Someone knows me too well,” Valis said.

  “Very well,” Veda said. “We’ll meet in the command center in eight hours.”

  * * *

  Brian was resting in his bed when the door opened. Jabril ran in and had to catch her breath for a moment.

  “You seem excited about something,” he said as he stood up. “I don’t suppose it has to do with getting me out of here?”

  She waved him off. “The forces defending the Columbia base have crushed two Confederation fleets.”

  “I can’t believe they’d waste so many lives on something like this,” he said.

  “Well, it has caused them to reconsider their stance on Heaven’s Light,” Jabril said. “But they’re even more determined to railroad you.”

  “I‘m not surprised,” Brian said. “By the way, have you had any success in finding some witnesses to speak on my behalf?”

  “There will be myself of course,” Jabril started. “Shiken Ka will be there as well.”

  “Political intrigue is something he’s not usually fond of,” Brian said with a smile.

  “He was this time,” Jabril said. “The only other witness is Lumiar Wavecrest of the Braiden.”

  “I’m glad to have such allies,” he said. “How are things on Kalaidia?”

  Jabril smiled. “You won’t have to lead us to freedom this time Brian. Our people are doing remarkably well. Since emancipation the fate of Kalaidia has changed for the better.”

  “I’m glad,” he said. “At least someone will remember me.”

  “Your name will never be forgotten as long as the people of Kali live,” Jabril said. “If there was a way to repay you we would.”

  “The only payment I wish for is the prosperity of your people Jabril,” he said.

  “Then you’ll be a wealthy man for the rest of your days,” she said. “Thank you Brian. Without your aid and guidance my people would have descended into chaos.”

  The light flashed and the door opened. Four Minan guards came in and placed restraints on Brian’s wrists.

  “It’s time,” Jabril said.

  “Let’s give them a fight they’re not expecting,” Brian said as they left.

  Chapter 43 - The Trial

  Brian stood at the center of the hall the High Council met in. Standing next to him was Jabril. In the room behind them Shiken Ka and Lumiar Wavecrest waited. The leaders of the races seeking Brian’s conviction were the Malcovin and Ick-Tckt. Those who supported him were led by the Kalaidian and Shandi delegations. For several hours the Malcovin leader, a red feathered birdman named Creko, railed against Brian and his actions and questioned the evidence the sojourners had brought back with them. Many of the delegations questioned his sanity during the diatribe.

  “To end my argument I’ll ask all of you a question,” Creko said. “What is this freedom the Terran speaks of so fondly?” He waved his feathered hands maddeningly. “Freedom is defined as autonomy. It’s freedom of action. To be free is to be al
lowed to act as we desire. It’s a dangerous thing to allow everyone the right to do what they desire. Our wants are different and values as well. If freedom is being allowed to do what one desires then I say forget it. Such a world is devoid of law, order, and society. Given freedom people will descend into anarchy. We’re left in a world where everyone is against everyone else. Such a world none of us want. If the Terran wants chaos then let him find it the afterlife!” Creko stared at Brian on the platform below him before sitting down.

  Lord Kris of Mylor delegation stepped forward. “The majority advocate has spoken,” the exoskeleton covered feline looked to Brian, “Brian Peterson will be given a chance to speak before us.”

  Brian nodded at Jabril before speaking. “Eleven years ago I was taken from my world by force. When I wanted to return I was told it was against your laws. I respect those laws in many ways, but not in all. But before I say any more on the subject I’d like to explain what I mean by freedom.”

  “Please proceed,” Lord Kris instructed.

  “Freedom isn’t simply autonomy. If all freedom is consists of physical action then it is anarchy. That’s not what I mean when I’m speaking of freedom. The ideal I’m speaking of comes not from actions alone, nor monetary flexibility, but the freedom of the mind. When the mind is free of prejudice, free of injustice, free of violence, and free of tyranny, a being is truly free. We must look past the wall of ignorance and see the truth. All of us seek happiness. As long as we continue searching for it we’ll eventually reach an understanding. And through this understanding we’ll bring an end to conflict. We must end the cycle of sorrow and the cycle of vengeance. We must end a world where dreams are crushed and exchanged for nightmares. Only when the world of war comes crashing down can we finally see it as it should be. All of us want a world where people can live in peace. Heaven’s Light was formed to build the bridge to the future. It was built change the world. I want to thank you for giving me the chance to explain what I mean by freedom.”

  Many of the supportive races cheered as he stepped back and allowed to Jabril step forward.

  “A decade ago my home world was on the verge of collapse,” she said. “But in a few days this man standing beside me changed that. Brian came to Kalaidia and freed its people. But not the shallow freedom Creko seems so fascinated with. He freed our souls, our minds, and gave us a vision for the future. Until that day we survived, but none of us lived. Our dreams were destroyed by the system. The will of the few stamped out the hope in everyone else. Such a world many of us raged against. Even if Brian had not come our voice would’ve been heard. But because he came our emotions were tempered. We moved forward not because of rage, but because of reason. He saved us from ourselves. Such a thing can’t come from one whose heart is filled with evil intent.”

  The opposing races booed but were drowned out by the cheers of the supporters. Shiken Ka slithered forth on the platform and stood next to Brian.

  “We warred,” Shiken said. “The people of Kalaidia and Shandi warred for generations. Our hate for one another could never be tempered. Like the people of Kalaidia, the Shandi were blinded to the possibility of a different world. We were right and our enemy was wrong. That was all there was to it. Then I was betrayed by those I trusted.” He glared at the Ick-Tckt delegation. “I was filled with despair and felt lost. That was until I met him. Brian ordered his Kalaidian troops to lend aid to my people. He didn’t hesitate to do so because he had no preconceived notion regarding the Shandi. We were people in his eyes. And though we were enemies we were equals. I was inspired by this lone man lost amongst us.” Shiken held up his scarred hand. “I swore an oath as his brother that day. You can curse his words as much as you like, but those words have changed us forever. Brian brought the people of Shandi and Kalaidia together. Peace now exists where war once thrived. If that’s the crime he is guilty of, then I wish all of us were guilty. This man is not a criminal; he’s a hero to be praised.”

  Another round of boos were drowned out by the cheers. The only delegation speaking amongst themselves at the moment were the Odairans. Lumiar walked to the center of the platform and stood beside Brian.

  “This is the first time I’ve had a chance to speak with the High Council since the Braiden came as refugees,” Lumiar said. “For four years I’ve heard the conspiracy theories the Malcovin and Ick-Tckt have led the discussion with and this is what I have to say: If proof is what you seek then I dare you to enter their territory. We’ll give you the directions to our homeworld, which is now little more than a boiled over wasteland. Seven billion of my people lost their lives that day. To call their deaths a hoax is the greatest insult you could ever level. We may have survived, but only a tiny fraction of our people still live. With our home destroyed the only one we could look to was Brian. He gave us hope where none was. He saved a people from extinction. The Braiden will live on not as a memory but as real people. In all the time I’ve known him he has shone nothing but the greatest consideration. No one took the loss of our homeworld more personally than he did. This is a man of great integrity and to hear you besmirch his name fills me with anger. He and the crew of the Avoni fought their way through hell and back to give the information you have to you. They stopped along the way and helped a people doomed to death. Can any of you understand? I doubt you do. And for that you should be thankful. The proof you seek is right in front of you if only you looked. As for Brian, his actions speak louder than your words. Where others would’ve looked away, he didn’t. He and the sojourners gave everything to save us. For that we are eternally grateful.”

  The murmurs filled the grand hall while Lord Kris came to the head once more. “We’ve now heard the testimony of both sides. Let us take a recess to discuss the matters further.”

  Jabril and Brian led the way for the four on the platform. In the waiting room they heard the shouts and infighting amongst the races of the High Council.

  “Thank you,” Brian said.

  “It’s no problem,” Jabril said.

  “We’re in your debt after all,” Lumiar added.

  “What brother would I be to abandon you to these vultures of justice?” Shiken asked.

  “Not much of one,” Brian said with a smile. He looked to Jabril. “Do I get the chance to speak anymore?”

  “The defendant is allowed a final plea and then a speech after sentencing,” Jabril explained. “Are you planning something?”

  “I’d like to appeal to their reason one last time,” Brian said.

  “A prayer to the gods would be more helpful,” Lumiar said.

  Shiken laughed. “I must agree.”

  Brian nodded. “Nonetheless, I’ll give it a shot.”

  Chapter 44 - Brian’s Apology

  Brian, Jabril, Lumiar, and Shiken Ka stood before the High Council a few hours later.

  “Brian Peterson, how do you plead to the charges brought against you?” Lord Kris asked.

  “Innocent on all charges,” Brian answered.

  “The plea is innocent then,” the Mylor leader said.

  “I’d like a chance to address the council if it pleases you,” Brian said.

  “Very well,” the Mylor said. “You may speak.”

  The hall was filled with boos from the opposition once more. The cheers from the supporters echoed back as the two sides fought it out for a few minutes. As the noise reached a crescendo the Mylor leader banged the gavel. Silence came over the massive chamber as Brian stood at the center of the platform. He nodded to Jabril before addressing the High Council.

  “I’ve heard the charges brought against me, and I can’t understand why. You charge me with disturbing the peace. You charge me with piracy. You charge me with dissent and lies. But the proof you brought forth is nothing but half-truths and lies.” He banged his fist upon the podium. “I will set the record straight!” His voice echoed throughout the station. “To the charge of disturbing the peace I answer first. You’ve said Heaven’s Light is my personal military bent on co
nquering the Confederation. The reason I helped in its creation wasn’t to conquer, but to create a path towards peace. You say disturb, how can I disturb the peace if there isn’t any!? If constant fighting and war is what you call peace, than the concept of it must be cheap. It’s easy to have peace if it’s really war! The only peace Heaven’s Light disturbs is the boot of the tyrant and the blade of the conqueror. What we seek isn’t a false peace brought about through fear and order. No, what we seek is a peace through understanding. All of us have seen the horrors of war, hate, and avarice. The question I ask is why? Why is it we have to fight when there are other solutions? Is it because we’ve lost hope in each other? I wish I knew the answers, but alone I don’t. But there is something I’ve learned. If those who wish for peace don’t protect themselves their message will die with them. I’ve seen it happen. The Braiden lived in peace and harmony. Theirs was a world without fear and war. If I could’ve lived amongst them for a single lifetime my soul would be fulfilled. But like the flowers in the field the bulldozers and landscapers came to rip them away. The Greys destroyed them. Are you blind to the evidence we brought with us!? Are you blind to the woman standing there?” He pointed to Lumiar. “Her people were mercilessly destroyed and what you, the High Council are concerned with, is whether or not a single human could be the end of your sense of order! Disturb the peace, such an idiotic thing I answer with this. If the charge you bring is fighting to end fighting, then I am guilty as charged. But as to the charge in question, I can’t be guilty. For if what you define as peace is war then your definition of the concept is flawed. Now I’ll move onto the charge of piracy. I ask you, from whom did I plunder? And where did I do this? Never have I taken what wasn’t mine. In my time amongst you I’ve served on the independent Kalaidian vessel named the Avoni. During those years I served as an officer and commander, but never did we commit piracy. The only thing we were guilty of was selling our services as privateers and mercenaries. Under your own laws you permit such service. If I, and by default the Avoni, are guilty of piracy, then by the same token you must arrest half the Malcovin military. Their work as mercenaries is used as a ruse for their government to commit acts of war and genocide against those opposing them. I admit to work as a mercenary, but never to piracy. And finally, the charge of promoting dissent and lies to the public. To say I’ve never lied is a lie in itself, but that’s beside the point today. The evidence we brought back is all the proof the public needs. We survived to show the world why we must come together. We fought the Greys and won. The Avoni’s survival became one of the greatest stories ever told to those living in the Confederation. But we didn’t fight to come back heroes. We were witnesses and victims to the evil of the universe. Our message is not a lie and we won’t be silenced because the truth is inconvenient to you! We won’t be erased! We came back to change the world! Because if it isn’t changed, if we do nothing, everything we hold dear will be lost! I stand here, alone and possibly without a homeworld to return to. Can you understand how it feels? In your eyes I’m nothing but an inconvenient creature. But I have rights, rights surpassing the idiocy you call law. If telling the people the truth is against your law then I am guilty on all charges. The verdict is in your hands. I am at your mercy. Now show the people what you truly want.”