Zae turned to Daes. “You’ll have to show me how you drew up these systems.”
Daes nodded. “I can understand your skepticism, so I’ll show you next time we have a day off.”
“Sounds interesting,” Zae said. “I need to get back to the bridge now.” She left them.
Brian looked at Daes. “Is the Mjolnir charged?”
She went to the main console. “Yes, it’s fully charged. The command system you have in your exoskeleton should work now.”
“Thanks,” he said. He pressed a button to reveal the small computer on his arm. He gazed at the mobile suit and spoke into his com. “Starting Command: Thor, God of Thunder threw his mighty hammer, and its name was Mjolnir.”
The giant’s eyes began glowing blue as the systems came on. The front hatch opened at the belly and a cord rolled down to the ground. He placed his foot in the loop at the end of the cord and offered his hand to Kivi.
“Would you like to see the interior?”
Kivi took his hand as the cord pulled them both up to the hatch. Inside, she saw a small room covered with monitors and keyboards. In the center was a large padded chair with a pair of control sticks on the arms. She stepped and noticed the writing on the key pads was in a language she didn’t recognize.
“What language is this writing?” she asked.
Brian stepped in behind her. “It’s English, my native language. I figured if this ship ever captured it would take a while for them to decipher the language.”
“Could you show me the special system?” she asked.
He sat in the chair and began using the controls. After a moment, the hatch closed and the monitors showed a 360 degree view around the Mjolnir. He leaned over. “Could you press that button Kivi?” He pointed at a button behind her.
She pressed the button while Daes watched from outside. He pressed the com button above him. “Is the stealth cloak working?”
Daes rang her hand on the invisible leg. “It’s working exactly as designed. I can’t see a thing.”
“Can I take a look from outside?” Kivi asked.
“Sure,” he said. When he opened the front hatch Kivi headed out. She checked her eyes as she noticed she was standing in midair.
Daes laughed. “Kivi, it looks like you appeared out of nowhere.”
Brian helped her back inside. “I’m glad my first mission will be led by you,” he said.
Chapter 26 – Surprise Attack
The Avoni flew in low orbit of Dega 6, a large gas giant with bands of black and blue spanning its face. Valis sat in her chair on the bridge with Baed and Zae at their stations.
“We’re receiving an encoded message captain,” Zae reported.
“Answer it,” Valis commanded.
Zae turn on the communication. On the monitor appeared the bridge of the Daevoni, mirroring the Avoni’s. At the center was Captain Esra, a beautiful Kalaidian with long silvery white hair and purple eyes.
“It’s been a while Valis,” Esra said as she flipped back her hair.
“Not so long considering we met a few days ago,” Valis said.
Esra smiled. “Not that Valis. I mean going into a battle. By the way, where’s Kivi?”
“She’s currently with my second officer for a special task. They’re going make this mission a lot easier.”
“I hope this doesn’t change our previous plans,” Esra said.
“No, nothing like that,” Valis said. “We’re to play our parts as we planned.”
“Alright Valis, I trust you. Is everything in order?” Esra asked.
Valis looked to Baed and Zae. “Ready?”
“Yes captain,” Zae said. “Seles is standing by with the Novaguards and the Mjolnir is ready to launch.”
“Let’s go then,” Valis commanded.
* * *
“It’s a bit cramped in here, but this should work,” Kivi said. She stood in the Mjolnir’s cockpit with three other soldiers dressed in space gear and carrying pulse rifles. Both she and Brian wore their armor with helmets locked into place.
The monitor flashed and Valis appeared. “It’s time to launch.”
“We’ll have that shield down in no time,” Kivi said.
Brian activated the Mjolnir’s invisibility system and checked its weapons and shields one more time, everything was green.
“Well ladies, let’s get going.”
The eyes of the Mjolnir lit up while the thrusters on the back began burning as its dragon like wings on the back extended. He looked to monitor and saw Daes standing at the controls in a space suit. She held up her hand to show all was clear. The doors above the Mjolnir opened and allowed him to fly the mobile suit into space. Once clear of the Avoni, he pushed the Mjolnir to full speed. They closed on the asteroid the Shandi were using as a base. The exterior was heavily built upon, with numerous docks and other structures. The shield array consisted of a series of towers with power systems at their base. A large diamond shaped warship patrolled the area.
“Looks like a Gant class,” Kivi said. “We’ll leave it to Valis and Esra.”
Brian nodded and flew the Mjolnir to the other side of the asteroid. Scanning the area, Brian found the weak spot he was looking for and landed on the asteroid. He also found a pair of smaller diamond shaped ships patrolling their area.
“Those could be a problem,” he said. “What should we do?”
“Destroy them,” Kivi commanded.
“As you wish,” he said.
The Mjolnir drew its massive sword and charged the first vessel. As it flew past the first ship the sword cut right through the center. An explosion followed as the mobile suit turned to the other ship. The Mjolnir slashed and cut through the other vessel, causing it to explode. He flew back to the asteroid and used the pulse cannon to cut a hole to the interior.
“That should get us inside,” Brian said. He and Kivi checked their helmets and made sure their exoskeletons were sealed. As she and Brian went out they saw a hatch nearby.
Kivi turned to the others. “Keep an eye out for intruders. If they get close, seal the Mjolnir and activate the shields.”
* * *
Seles and her subordinates scrambled to their Novaguards. Each looked similar to a jet fighter with heavier armor and three engines spaced evenly apart like a perfect triangle. As she put on her space suit and sealed it, she turned on the monitor in her Nova. Three screens came up and displayed the three ensigns serving as squadron leaders.
“Myli, you have command of beta squadron, Meldi will back you up,” Seles said. “Kaela will act as my second. Alpha squadron is to attack the defense towers on the surface of the asteroid, while beta squadron defends the Avoni. The Daevoni’s two squadrons are doing the same. Everything clear?” she asked.
“Yes lieutenant,” the three responded.
The Novas engines flared up and one by one they dropped out of the docking bay into space. They separated into two units of twenty two. Seles flew to the front and led alpha squadron toward the asteroid. Above them, the Avoni began firing their pulse cannons at the asteroid, while the Daevoni engaged with the Gant class vessel. Out of docks on the surface, a number of smaller vessels flew in the direction of the Novas.
“Looks like we’ll get some stars today,” Kaela remarked.
“It looks like there’re only twenty Spits, so we have the advantage,” Seles said as she aimed and fired into their line.
* * *
Valis sat calmly watched the pieces move into place.
“It doesn’t look like they have enough to fight with,” Zae said.
“No.” Valis stared at the Shandi formation. “How’s the Daevoni faring?”
“From the looks of it they’re winning,” Zae reported.
Valis stared at the shield protecting the docks. The towers were positioned in an equidistant patter with the largest at the center. Her eyes widened. That’s it! She thought.
“Zae, keep a close eye on their energy build up, Baed be ready to move. If my
suspicions are correct, their shields have a firing mechanism.”
“Yes captain,” the pair responded in unison.
Valis began working out a strategy on her computer. “Zae put me through to Esra.”
“Yes captain.”
* * *
“There doesn’t appear to be any alarms on this door,” Kivi said.
Behind them was a large open area. It was lightly carved and most of the materials floating around looked like trashed ship parts.
He looked at Kivi. “You should open the door.”
“Agreed,” she said as she drew one of her rakna blades and powered it up. She started carving out the frame of the door. A moment later the door peeled out. Brian floated in, blade in hand. He entered the small hallway and looked around while Kivi followed.
“The power systems shouldn’t be far from here,” she said.
He activated his shield and followed her closely. Both kept an eye out for enemies as they came to another door. She opened it and he charged in. Inside, two Shandi stood guard, completely caught by surprise. They stood over seven feet tall with tough scaled bodies. Their lower half resembled a massive snake tail, while the torso was humanlike, with two arms and a head. Their hands had three fingers and a thumb, while their snakelike eyes were crimson red. Like a snake, the Shandi also had forked tongues and fangs. They held pulse rifles and wore armor over their torso. Before they could react, Brian slashed and decapitated one of them. Kivi came in from behind and did the same. Blood floated freely and covered both of them with red.
“That was gross,” he said.
The asteroid shook when he turned to Kivi. “It looks like everything is going according to the plan.”
“Let’s not to disappoint them,” she said as they entered the power station.
Chapter 27 – Berserker
“Everyone spread out!” Seles shouted to her subordinates as a massive energy beam fired from the center of the defense tower formation. All the Novas managed to evade while the Avoni took a glancing hit from the beam. A moment later the Novas returned to their formations.
“Is everyone okay?” Seles asked.
“Yes lieutenant,” each responded.
Valis appeared on Seles’s monitor. “Their ship is fleeing, probably for reinforcements from another asteroid nearby. We’re going to pursue. Take formation H-3 and follow the Avoni.”
“Yes captain,” she said as Valis’s message ended.
* * *
“We’re in pursuit now,” Valis said as the Avoni began chasing the Shandi ship. Esra was on the main monitor tapping a finger.
“Now tell me Valis, what’s the secret you’ve been keeping from me?” she asked.
“If you want to know you’re going to have to put a gag order on your bridge crew,” Valis said.
Esra nodded to her bridge crew. “You heard her. Nothing leaves this room.”
“Yes captain,” they responded.
Valis stood and went to the monitor. “At this moment, Kivi and my second officer are conducting a raid on the base. Their shields should be down any minute.”
Esra smiled. “Come now, do tell more. Tell me who you’re mysterious second is. Is it a Keinien android, or something else?”
“No, he’s not an android. To answer your question, his name is Brian,” she said.
“Did you say he?” Esra asked.
Valis nodded. “He’s a Terran my Reiniere trained as a Rakna Maigar.”
Esra’s eyes widened. “A Terran you say? And he’s learned the sacred dances of our people?” Esra laughed. “If he’s learned the blade dance Terrans must resemble us.”
Valis smiled. “Zae, send her a picture.”
“Yes captain,” Zae said.
Esra grinned. “My, he’s a handsome one. I don’t suppose he came with any friends?”
“Sorry, but he came alone,” Valis answered with a shrug.
Esra sighed. “You’ll have to tell me everything next time we’re in port.”
“Please take care of him Esra,” Valis said. “We’ll take care of the other ship.”
“Don’t worry Valis. I’ll make sure your new toy doesn’t get broken.”
* * *
Brian and Kivi moved quickly and used hand signals to communicate. They came to the outer door to the power station and killed the two guards with their blades in haste. The door was sealed shut and Kivi motioned for him to come over. He opened a panel on the wall next to the door. Shaking his head at the confusing design, he aimed the butt of his sword and bashed the locking mechanism. The door shuttered for a moment before popping open. He used his blade to pry it open completely as pulse fire started flying. He and Kivi each stood to the side of the door.
“There are at least twenty of them in there,” Kivi said.
Brian released his shield and spoke the command to activate its force field. He turned to Kivi. “It’s time to see if this shield works. I’ll go first.”
“Okay,” she said.
He moved into the open doorway as the shield absorbed the blasts coming at them and slowly advanced forward. Kivi followed closely behind when the base shook again. The pair noticed they were in a massive hallway littered with barriers. The Shandi continued firing on them.
“Kivi, I’m going to hand you the shield,” he said.
“I have a better idea. I’ll take the left, you take the right.”
She drew her rakna blades and charged the left side of the room. Blood flew as she danced amongst them. He deactivated the shield and folded it into his arm. He drew his sword and charged the right side of the room. As the armored pair slashed their way forward a number of their enemies retreated. Tired and covered in blood, Brian and Kivi went to the next room. He noticed a small blast had broken her left leg’s plate and she walked with a limp.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“It’s nothing really,” she said as she gritted her teeth. “The armor took the brunt of it.”
The pair moved their way into a chamber full of monitors with a power tube at the center. After looking around and seeing no enemies, he and Kivi used their weapons to destroy the consoles in the room. As they went to leave a flurry of pulse blasts came from the other side of the room. Kivi fell to the ground, battered by energy bullets. Brian activated his shield and surveyed the situation. He slowly advanced towards Kivi, noticing her armor was badly damaged and she was bleeding. The Shandi started moving into the room to surround him. Brian’s eyes began glowing blue as he left his shield to guard Kivi. They were paralyzed by his speed. One after another they fell to his blade. Distorted laughter came from his helmet as he killed them. He didn’t allow any of them to flee and killed them as they ran. Afterwards, he returned to Kivi, picked her up and headed for the docks.
* * *
As a drop shuttle from the Daevoni landed in the front dock of the base, the back opened. A number of Kalaidians ran out armed with pulse rifles. The Shandi had been silent for half an hour. Lieutenant Laeda, a tall Southlander with long black hair and brown eyes led the Kalaidians.
“Secure the port!” she commanded.
Her troops made their way through the docks and found all of the ships and equipment abandoned. Moving towards the main entrance to the base they found the door was locked. Laeda attached a hacking unit and slowly forced the door open. On the other side, they saw bodies lying on the floor and blood covered the walls. Laeda stood, shocked at how mangled they were. She cautiously walked in while shadowed by a dozen soldiers. At the far end of the room a single figure stood. It was covered in bloodstained armor and held a Kalaidian, dressed in similar hardware. It moved towards the lieutenant. As it got close, they aimed their weapons.
It stopped and saluted like a Kalaidian. “I’m Lieutenant Commander Brian Peterson, 2nd officer of the Avoni. This is Commander Kivi, 1st officer of the same ship. I request immediate medical aid for her,” he said.
A couple of the Kalaidians moved forward and took Kivi from him. Laeda walked
up to him. “Brian Peterson? That’s a very unusual name.” She looked at him closely. “You’re not a Keinien Android, are you?”
He watched as the Kalaidians took Kivi back to the shuttle. “You’re very perceptive, um…”
“Lieutenant Laeda,” she said. She pointed to the corpses. “How many troops were with you? And where are they?”
“We were the only ones to infiltrate the base. She was wounded a while back, so I had to take care of things,” he answered. He checked to make sure they were alone. “Let me tell you a little secret Laeda,” he removed his helmet to reveal his long brown hair, blue green eyes, and beard and mustache. “I’m not Kalaidian, or an Android.”
Laeda shook her head in shock. “The Teacher…”
“No, I’m not him,” Brian said. “But I am Terran.”
* * *
“Is their ship hailing anyone?” Valis asked.
“No captain,” Zae answered.
Valis watched the ship in front of them intently. “Zae, check if they’ve launched their escape pods.”
“Yes captain,” Zae said. “They’ve launched all their escape pods.”
Valis opened a channel to Seles. “Seles, have all Novas take refuge behind the Avoni.”
“Yes captain,” Seles responded as Valis turned to her bridge crew. “Zae, move all power to the forward shields. Baed, aim the front of the Avoni right at the other ship.”
“Yes captain,” both answered.
The Gant ship began glowing and was surround by particles.
“Zae, fire everything we have at their engine!” Valis ordered.
The Avoni fired every pulse cannon at the other ship. After a few volleys the ship stopped glowing and exploded.
Valis sighed. “I’m glad I knew the timing for this from previous experience.”
Zae turned to Valis. “What were they trying to do?”
Valis stood up, staring at the wreckage on the monitor. “In the last war, I used the same tactic to beat five Shandi battleships. If you invert your ship’s gravity drive, it causes a gamma ray burst. No shielding system in known space, even amongst the older races can survive that kind of attack.”
Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 13
