Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light

by Marcus Johnson

  Myden laughed. “I couldn’t have said it any better.”

  * * *

  Seles and Mira made their way down to the prison level. The two came to a sealed door leading down to the cell block Brian was on.

  “Shall I?” Mira asked.

  “That whip of yours is better suited,” Seles said.

  “Get that shield ready,” Mira warned as she cracked the lightning whip and sliced the door in half.

  As they prepared for another barrage of pulse fire the pair found themselves alone. Curious, Seles went in first and found none of the guards were attending their duties. Mira found a bunch of them playing a dice game in the recreational area.

  “What is going on?” Seles asked.

  “I have a feeling these guys aren’t interested in dying,” Mira said.

  “Let’s move on,” Seles said.

  The pair ran their way to the area where Brian’s cell was at and found the metal barriers had been deployed. Seles went to one with her helmet off and banged on the door.

  “Brian! Can you hear me?!”

  On the other side Brian knocked back. “Please hit the door lighter next time!”

  She and Mira laughed. “Sorry!” Seles shouted. “Please back away so we can get through!”

  “I’m far enough back!” he shouted.

  Seles looked to Mira. She nodded and slashed through the barrier with her whip. They found Brian standing near his cell door with a pulse rifle on his back. Behind him was an armed guard with an unconscious guard near her.

  “We’re here to get you,” Seles said.

  “I can see that,” he said. “Mira, could you take a look at him?” Brian asked while pointing to the Minan on the floor.

  “Sure,” Mira said. She took of her helmet and ran over with her med kit ready. After a round of regeneration and checking the wound she stood up. “He should wake up in a few minutes.” She locked her helmet back into place before packing up her med kit.

  “Let’s go then,” Seles said before putting her helmet back on.

  Brian looked at Shrela. “Take care,” he said as he ran behind the two ladies.

  “This is Seles reporting,” she said over the com to Valis. “We have the target in custody.”

  “You make it sound so impersonal,” Mira said.

  Brian wasn’t able to hear what they were saying because their exoskeletons didn’t have their voice functions on.

  “Good,” Valis said. “We’ll move to the next phase of the plan.”

  “We’ll be back at our mobile suits momentarily,” Seles reported.

  The three of them stopped in front of another door. Mira took something out of her med kit and handed it to Brian. Both switched on their voice functions.

  “It’s not your exoskeleton, but it’ll do,” she said.

  Brian unfolded and found it was an oversized Kalaidian pilot suit. He tried sliding his leg inside and found it wouldn’t fit.

  “I’ve never put one of these on before,” he said.

  Seles pointed to his legs. “You’ll have to discard your clothing to fit.”

  “What?” he asked. “Whatever, I’ve been naked in stranger places.”

  Brian threw his shirt and pants aside before squeezing into the suit commando style. After he had the thing on Mira handed him a helmet from a Minan space suit. He placed it over his head and locked it into place.

  Seles and Mira couldn’t help but smile under their helmets.

  “I look awesome, don’t I?” he asked while standing tough with his newly acquired pulse rifle.

  “Like a true space hero,” Seles said.

  “At least he’s back to being himself,” Mira pointed out.

  Seles opened the door and led the three of them through the last few hallways before coming to the gap in the station. Still waiting for them were the Artemis and Siren. As they approached they noticed the dozen or so Lances floating nearby motionlessly.

  “That must be the Siren’s song,” Brian said.

  Mira took his arm. “You’re coming with me.”

  “I’m glad to be wanted so much,” he said.

  “No, I just don’t want you flying around my cockpit,” Seles said.

  Chapter 47 - The Odairan Decision

  While the battle outside Confederation headquarters raged on, the forces of Heaven’s Light began pulling back. Near the bottom of the station two lights flashed as the Artemis and Siren flew towards the Freedom. The two mobile suits went to standby mode as their fleet receded. The Lances moved back to the massive station and formed a number of defensive lines.

  “So what’s next?” Brian asked while clinging to a pole inside the Siren.

  “We wait,” Mira said. “Valis’s plan was for us to free you and see what the High Council decides.”

  “Interesting,” he said.

  “It’s good to see you again,” Kivi said as she appeared on the monitor.

  “How are you feeling Brian?” Celi asked as she did the same.

  “Better,” he said.

  “I’m glad you’re alright,” Valis said.

  “He’s back to himself,” Seles explained.

  “The part that’s a fool at least,” Mira added.

  Brian smiled. “It’s good to see all of you again.”

  Behind the Columbia base a massive number of ships gravity jumped in. On one side three hundred Kalaidian battleships appeared and deployed their Phase Raknas. On the other side a fleet the same size from the Shandi appeared and deployed their mobile armors.

  “Things just got interesting,” Mira said.

  “More than interesting,” Seles said.

  * * *

  The High Council was in panic mode upon the appearance of the two fleets. Both Queen Celestia and the Premier Trai Gor were at the head. While chaos filled the chamber Rechel made her way to the Mylor delegation. The exoskeleton covered cat people looked down at the old rat woman as she shuffled into their area.

  “The Odairan delegation would like to call for another vote,” she explained.

  “As you wish,” Lord Kris said. He banged the gavel until order was finally found. “The Odarian delegation has called for another vote on the issue at hand. We will honor this action and do so.”

  Each member race voted again. The vote tally came to thirteen in favor and thirteen against. The Odairan vote was delayed while Rechel returned to her people.

  “Before voting on these issues I’d like to address the High Council,” Rechel said. The room went silent as the old rat woman stood before them. “As all of you know, the Odairan people are devoted to peace above all things. Harmony is the greatest thing we value. Living with others inevitability leads to conflict, but violence can be avoided. After speaking extensively with Veda Kein I’m certain of their mission. And given the evidence presented, we also believe Brian Peterson has been wrongly convicted by those who don’t share his values. The question of Heaven’s Light and Brian Peterson was never one of law. Both are legal under our current structure. The question is actually one of values. I ask you, what do you value? We of Odair value peace, prosperity, and a shared future. Those who’ve been crusading against Brian have done so out of fear. They fear the values he brings. They fear the future Heaven’s Light is trying to create. If we must choose between our values and those you hold, then we choose ours. The people of Odair won’t be oppressed by those who favor war and power.” She pressed the vote button. It showed a fourteen in favor and thirteen opposed. “We do not share a common past. But we do share a common future. If the Confederation is to survive we must reach out and build an understanding together.”

  The chamber was filled with cheers of the supporting races. Those who still opposed were shockingly quite. Lord Kris stepped forward.

  “As the vote has changed the previous decision by the Mylor Republic is withdrawn,” he said. “Military aid will be restored later today.”

  * * *

  Brian stepped out the Siren and looked around. Both Seles a
nd Mira took their helmets off.

  “These things are a little restrictive,” Mira said.

  “I’ll have Jesela look them over and fix that,” Seles said.

  “I should’ve grabbed my exoskeleton before leaving,” Brian said. He tossed the Minan helmet into the corner.

  “It couldn’t be helped,” Seles said. “The security around the area where it was being kept was incredible.”

  “Let’s go to the bridge and see what’s happening,” Mira suggested.

  “What does our captain think of that?” Seles asked.

  Brian scratched his head. “I knew I’d regret coming back.”

  He led the three of the through the ship as the mobile suits returned to their launching bays. They entered the bridge with Myden, Grigon, and Jesela at their stations.

  “I like the new look,” Jesela said with a grin.

  Brian looked at the suit he was wearing. “It’s pretty revealing,” he said.

  “You’re looking well,” Grigon said.

  “Did you speak to him?” Myden asked.

  “Yes,” Brian said.

  “Are you talking about the Teacher?” Seles asked.

  “What did he say to you?” Mira asked.

  “Many things,” Brian said. “I know the reason why we must do this now.” He looked at Seles. “But to keep on living I had to sacrifice much of what I was.”

  “The nanomachines inside you are dormant then,” Jesela said. She joined the others near him. “Is the eye functioning?”

  “Yes,” he answered. “I can understand each of you only because it’s able to translate now.”

  “Does this mean your days as a warrior are over?” Seles asked.

  “For the time being, yes,” Brian said. “I’m relying on you and the others to help me from now on.”

  “What about the Mjolnir?” Mira asked.

  “His pilot is Meldi,” he said. “The Avoni is his home and I don’t want to change that.”

  “It appears the High Council would like to meet with you again,” Grigon reported.

  “Tell them I’ll speak with them in a few hours,” Brian said. “I need a chance to eat something and wash up.”

  * * *

  Wearing his returned exoskeleton armor without the helmet, Brian stood before the High Council once more. The mood in the room was tempered by the massive defeat earlier in the day. Lord Kris stepped forward to speak.

  “On behalf of the High Council I’d like to apologize for the transgressions we committed against you,” he said.

  “I accept,” Brian said. “What would you like to speak with me about?”

  “What will you do next?” the Mylor leader asked. “Your future actions may dictate what happens here next time.”

  “Heaven’s Light does not act for its own sake,” Brian said. “We respond only to those who are oppressed and ask for our aid. Our goal is not to interfere or dominate, but to liberate.”

  “What happens if this organization becomes corrupted by its might?” the Mylor leader asked.

  “Then we’ll be destroyed by those who hold our true ideals in their hearts,” Brian said. “Ideals are the movers of the world. You can’t change people by force. But you change people by changing what’s inside their hearts.” He looked to each of the races who still opposed Heaven’s Light. “I know each of your governments doubts our motives. Idealism of the sort we’re dealing with is a haughty thing to most. I understand that. But as I stated in my testimony freedom is not anarchy. We can still have rule of law and be free.” He pointed to his head. “Even though my body was shackled my mind was free. I’ve let go of my preconceived nature. Little more than a decade ago I knew only of my people. But since I came to space I’ve seen so much. But there‘s so much more for me to learn. I look forward to learning more about each of your peoples.”

  “Can you tell us the end goals for your organization?” Lord Kris asked.

  “We have several immediate goals,” Brian said. “But the end game is unification. When all of us reach an understanding and truly come together we’ll move the galaxy.”

  * * *

  Seles and Mira watched the discussion Brian was having from the bridge of the Freedom while the other three quietly attended to their duties.

  “He’s a regular politician,” Seles said.

  “At least he won’t be fighting in a mobile suit anymore,” Mira said.

  Myden stopped what he was doing and stood with them. “He will fly again someday,” the old Grey said. “A warrior is one until the day they die.”

  “That’s kind of depressing,” Jesela said.

  Grigon cawed. “But true, even for me.”

  “So what are we doing next?” Jesela asked.

  “Veda and the other captains want to celebrate our debut,” Seles said.

  “It seems odd but why not?” Mira asked.

  Chapter 48 - Degan Celebration

  The Columbia base was in orbit of Dega Jul. The Freedom, Reinkar, Raulno, Avoni, and Daevoni landed on the surface while the Vomada remained in the base. Baeron watched the celebration in the streets below with amazement in his eyes. As Brian and the other leaders headed for the Kein estate the celebration grew larger. He turned as the door opened and saw Siata float in.

  “He has the hearts of the people,” she said as she joined him.

  Baeron smiled while looking down on them. “We often stand up here and look upon them like they’re children. But those below are not such; they’re our equals.”

  “You sound like you’ve been reading up on the current political events,” she said. “Tell me, are you considering battle in the political arena?”

  “Not for now,” Baeron said before a laugh. “It’ll be many years before my fur turns grey. Until then I’ll stay on as a soldier.” He looked at Siata. “Do you think our organization and theirs will merge one day?”

  “Perhaps,” she said. “You might just be grey by then.”

  * * *

  The Kein estate was abuzz as all the members of Heaven’s Light converged on it and celebrated. Myden stood alone with staff in hand and hood down. As the bright sun was set he had the sign of relief on his face.

  “Is the sun getting to you?” Brian asked.

  “A little,” the Grey said. “But not as much as it once did.”

  “Tell me; is your homeworld orbiting a red dwarf?”

  “Yes,” Myden said. “My people need these for that very reason,” he pointed to his black eyes, “But you didn’t come to talk with me about that.”

  “A few days ago you asked me if I saw him,” Brian said. “I did, and I remember vividly what he said.”

  “Then I’ll start with saying I’m sorry,” Myden said. “For years I lived in the shadows, plotting and scheming to make the plan come to fruition,” the Grey paused for a moment, “now that it has I feel so much regret.”

  “I forgive you,” Brian said. “If anyone can understand your situation it would be me.” He looked at the sun as it set. “I was almost there Myden. On a few more gravity jumps and I would’ve been on Earth.”

  “Much has changed since I last saw your world,” Myden said.

  “When was this?”

  “It was shortly after Gaelic passed away,” Myden said. “I was filled with despair at the time. Everything was lined up and ready to move forward. But my people were one step ahead. I left Kalaidia for a while and went on a journey. I saw the Earth during your homeland’s civil war. After watching that conflict for a while I came to understand what the Teacher was talking about. He said people have an easy time killing each other over small differences and in doing so they miss the big similarities. It was then I decided to wait. I knew my people would take an interest in your world and begin abduction within a few decades.”

  “Is there a reason to wait that long?”

  “The machine god is only interested in developed species,” Myden explained.

  “That explains a lot,” Brian said. “But why did yo
u wait, and what for?”

  “The Teacher was immune to our paralyzing technology two millennia ago,” Myden said. “I figured it would be far more likely for a Terran like you to come around.”

  “Interesting,” Brian said.

  “What are you two talking about?” Jesela asked.

  “Guy stuff,” Brian said with a smile.

  “I see,” Jesela said.

  “You have the strangest thoughts,” Myden said. “I’ll never be bored around you Jesela.”

  “You know that only makes my thoughts weirder,” she said. “Come on you two! Join the party and talk about the heavy stuff later!” She grabbed both of them by the hand and dragged them back to the crowd.

  * * *

  Dreka and Grigon were on the bridge of the Vomada. Both of them were covered from claw foot to feathered head with scanners and tools as they ran a diagnostic over the droids populating the ship. Each of the robotic beings looked like a mechanical version of a Malcovin soldier. Grigon closed the chest hatch of Droid A.

  “Is everything working properly?” Droid A asked.

  “Yep,” Grigon said. “I have to say I miss you guys.”

  “You can always program the E and lower ranks to do our jobs,” Droid B suggested.

  “Then we can join you on the Freedom,” Droid C added.

  Dreka cawed. “You guys talk too much.”

  “It’s a deal,” Grigon said. “I’ll leave the Vomada in the hands of E, F, G, and H. The four of you would round out the bridge crew perfectly.”

  “At least you won’t be bored then,” Dreka said. “Captain Kivi has me as the bridge commander while she runs out in the Gemini.”

  “That mobile suit is simply a masterpiece Dreka,” Grigon said.

  “All of them are,” Dreka said. “I’m done now.” He stepped away from Droid D.

  “I’m glad that’s over,” Droid D said. “Now I can voice my opinion.”

  “Somehow that doesn’t make the rest of us feel good,” Droid B said.