“Of course I’m not happy mother. I ran away to get away from this place.”
“I don’t doubt Valis has filled your mind with meaningless ideas,” Celestia shook her head. “One day you’ll see it’s the duty of every Kalaidian to replace the previous generation. That’s the law of Kali.”
Seles growled. “That’s exactly the sentiment I disagree with. I left because I wanted to live my own life. I wanted to be a pilot, something you disapproved of. I’ve fulfilled that dream and so much more mother.”
Celestia sighed. “A Queen has no need for such things. It’s your duty to take my place when I die Seles. Our people need a strong leader who can lead in the future, not a person who believes in foolish things.”
“Foolish?” Seles scoffed. “I believe you’re the fool. Blindly following the Laws of Kali and those ancient texts is idiotic.”
Celestia shook her head. “That’s exactly the problem Seles. One day you’ll see things my way and you’ll be much better for it.”
Seles frown as she turned away. “I can tell you this mother; I’ll never believe the dogma thrown at me. I believe in the ideals of the Kein family. I’ll live the life they speak of until the day I die.”
“I can see this discussion is going nowhere.” Celestia turned back to the throne. “Take some time and consider what’s important.”
The front doors opened again. Jabril and her four guards surrounded Seles. With a little prodding Seles was escorted out of the throne room and towards the living chambers.
“Your room is the same as you left them Seles,” Jabril said as they came to a set of double doors. “I’m sorry, but under the Queen’s orders I‘ll have to keep you locked in your chambers.” As the doors opened, Jabril undid the restraints on Seles’s hands. “If you need anything just ask the guards outside your door.” Jabril stepped outside the room. “It’s good to see you again.”
Seles nodded. “Thanks Jabril.”
Chapter 33 – A Companion
Brian stood in his bathroom, a room little bigger than a closet, and trimmed his facial hair. He tied his long hair back into a ponytail. Turning to aside, he grabbed his freshly washed T-shirt and jeans and put them on. He looked in the mirror and noticed his clothes fit differently. He left the bathroom and into the main room. There, he donned his exoskeleton armor, an upgraded version Daes delivered earlier in the day. He placed his rakna blade on the belt and flipped out the shield on his left arm to check its systems. Satisfied, he withdrew the shield and threw the cape over his back. He looked at the circlet on the table. Don’t think I’ll need that. He thought, taking the circlet into his hand. But just in case, I should keep it on the Mjolnir. He placed it on his forehead. He closed his eyes and took a battle stance. He drew the rakna blade and went through a number of weapon drills. After a flurry, he sheathed the sword and looked at the monitor. He surveyed the room once more and left for the cargo bay. On the way, each crew member stopped and saluted their Maigar. Brian nodded and smiled, knowing he may never return. He came to the doors of the cargo bay. With a resounding sigh he opened the door. As he walked in, he saw all of the senior officers waiting for him. Celi, Zae, Daes, and Kivi saluted as Valis stepped forward.
“Please, take this with you,” Valis said. She hand him an old tome. Looking at it, he could tell it was the Book of Kali containing all of the notes about the Teacher.
“I’m honored,” he said, looking to Valis and the others. “I’ll be returning this when I come back.”
Valis took an amulet off of her neck and placed it around his. Looking down, he noticed it was an amulet of Kali. “The Teacher left our world with an amulet like this. This has been passed down for nearly as long, so it should pass as the real thing.” Valis smiled. “I’ll ask you again, are you the one sent by the Teacher?”
He laughed. “No, I’m just a desperate fool trying to save someone he really cares about.” He looked around. “By the way, where’s Mira? She is a senior officer, right?”
Celi stepped forward. “Mira’s attending to something right now. You’ll see her again soon.”
“Alright,” he said. “By the way Daes, have you made all of the adjustments I asked for?”
“Everything is as you requested,” Daes answered.
“What kind of adjustments?” Kivi asked.
He walked over to the Mjolnir. “Just watch Kivi.”
After a salute, he stepped on the elevator cord and entered the mobile suit. He fired up the engines and checked all systems. As the Mjolnir left the cargo bay it shifted to the form a light class vessel. Once he reached a sufficient distance, he turned on the lights to make the ship glow. Inside the Avoni, the senior officers watched the glowing Mjolnir fly away.
“Why’s it glowing?” Kivi asked.
Valis stood with her. “Remember, the Teacher came to us onboard a Ship of Light. His plan is a bold and I’m hoping he’ll succeed in more than just the mission.”
“What do you mean?” Celi asked.
“You see him as a genetic savior to our people.” Valis looked at the ship of light as it flew away. “I believe he’s the Herald, even if he doesn’t know it yet. His impact on our people will change the way we think of ourselves. Long ago Queen Celestia believed in justice. He can turn her back to the right path.”
* * *
Seles paced around her chambers for a long time, occasionally stopping at the outer balcony to look at the courtyard. Restless, she went back inside and stopped at her old computer area, noticing something was there. It was a small tablet containing a number of text entries. Curious, she sat down and started reading:
10th day of Mon, 4551 GST,
As the news of economic crisis grows, my concern matches. Each day I receive worse news about the trade routes, military defections, and the unrest among the populace. While the nobles bicker, I’m left with the unenviable duty of calming the people. But as each day passes, the citizens grow weary of my speeches. I worry I’m unsuited to lead them, but I can’t see any viable alternatives.
Eight years ago, Valis uncovered some of the sealed writings of her great grandfather, Gaelic Kein. In his writings he spoke of how the days of the nobility were numbered and that one day the people would rule themselves. Such a system shouldn’t work. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed.
Lately, I’m reminded it’s the duty of all Kalaidians to fulfill the roles their parents held. This especially holds true for the nobles like me. My daughter, Seles, fled the life of the nobility. I wish I could have gone with her, but I can’t leave my people in chaos. Without me, the nobles would run this world into the ground with their greed and lust for power. It’s sad to see the once proud and righteous nobility reduced to this, but there’s no helping it.
What I would give for the Teacher to appear and save us from this madness. I hope that day comes soon, or else I worry of the future of the people of Kali.
This is her journal. Seles thought as she scrolled through all of the entries. It looks like she left this here for me to read. This entry was written shortly after I left, almost two years ago. She read for the entire afternoon, only stopping when the guards delivered her lunch and dinner. Afterwards, she stood on the balcony and looked at the stars, staring at the constellation of the Great Dragon.
* * *
A long figure sat in a meditative posture in a flowing grey cloak. The hood hung well over the face and hands, but a few strands of straight blonde hair hung through. The figure was alone in the small chamber, deep underground, under the royal palace of Kalaidia.
I sense an old mind has returned. The creature thought to itself in a raspy male voice. Princess Seles has returned. Something’s different about her though, a feeling deep inside her mind.
As the strange man moved through Seles’s thoughts and experiences, something made him stand up. He went to a nearby monitor and turned it on. After viewing some video to confirm she had returned, the creature sat back down. After scanning the minds of every Kalai
dian in the palace and surrounding area, the creature moved back to Seles.
Long has it been since I saw one his kind. A Terran has come! Brian? He’s quite different from the other one I met long ago. Taller, born from the northern reaches of his world. How strange, he’s learned the ways of the Maigar. Damn! I can only sense a little from Lady Seles like this.
The creature stood up and looked at the door. Maybe it’s time her old imaginary friend paid her a visit later tonight. The creature pressed the button and left the room.
* * *
As Brian neared the edge of the Degan System he checked the cloaking shield. Yawning, he got out of the pilot’s seat and went to the door behind it. Opening the door, he went into his quarters on the Mjolnir. The area was tiny. There was a small bed, a bathroom the size of a closet and a small area to cook food. Turning on the lights, he noticed a strange lump under the covers of the bed. When he removed the blanket Mira rolled over and rubbed her eyes.
She smiled. “I’ve finally got you all to myself,” she said as she sat up.
He blushed before shaking the surprise off his face. “Mira, what’re you doing here?”
She stood up and stretched. “I asked the captain if I could accompany you. After all, it’s prudent to send a medical officer when you’re on a secret mission.” She waved a finger at him. “And the fact is; only Celi and I know how to treat you effectively.”
He scratched his head, unsure of what to do. “Valis does know what’s best.”
She hugged him. “That’s not the only reason I came.” She closed her eyes, pulling him tight. “I want to protect you. I don’t know why, but the thought of never seeing you again makes me cry.”
He saw something in her eyes, a genuine sense of sadness. “Mira, I hope you understand why I’m doing this,” he said, breaking the embrace.
“I know. You care about Seles.” She smiled again. “But, for some reason that doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be by your side.”
“Thank you for coming,” he said. “Since you’re here I should show you how to use the controls.”
She pointed to her wrist computer. “I’ve had a look at the Mjolnir’s systems. They’re not very different from a Novaguard. Although, using your native language made it a pain for me to use.”
She ran into the control room and jumped in the pilot’s seat. He followed fast after her. “This chair’s a bit large for me. Are you sure I can do this?”
“You’ve had basic training in pilot, right?” he asked, standing behind her.
“Yes,” she answered. “How do I turn the system on?”
He leaned forward and pressed a blue button. “Command: Rakna Maigar Brian Peterson. Password: The Star Spangled Banner is my Flag.” The computer confirmed. “Switch all controls to setting: Kalaidian.”
The pilot seat shrank, much to the surprise of Mira. The monitors changed from English to the Kalaidian.
“That should do the trick,” he said. “Now everything’s set for a Kalaidian pilot.”
“How long will it take us to reach the homeworld?” she asked as she got a feeling for the controls.
“Six days,” he answered. “As long as we maintain phasing we won’t be spotted. My intention is to appear in the sky as we’re landing outside the capital.”
“Wouldn’t be easier if you landed at the palace, or the High Courts?”
“Not really,” he answered. “My intention is to be seen by as many Kalaidians as possible. I figured a walk through the city would get some attention.” He turned and went into the other room.
“More like a riot,” she said, joining him.
He turned. “Um…where am I going to sleep?”
She danced around him. “Don’t worry,” she said as she pulled a small cot from under the bed. “I brought my own. I don’t think it’s time for me to complicate your life by sharing your bed.”
“Thanks,” he said.
Chapter 34 – The First Maiden
After looking at the stars for a while Seles went back inside. She changed into her evening clothes and fell onto the massive bed. She closed her eyes, thinking. It’s only been a few days, but it feels like much longer. Mira, Celi, Baed, I miss you. I hate being locked in this room. I want to fly my Nova, the only thing that lets me know I’m alive. A while longer passed as she fell asleep. Someone stood in the shadows, waiting. The robed figure stood silently for over an hour before stirring.
Her consciousness has drifted into sleep. It should be safe for me now. The grey robed figure walked over to Seles and extended its three fingered grey hand towards her head. It stopped and looked at her intently. She’s really is beautiful. I envy this Brian she thinks of so often. It’s time I perform a deep scan. The creature stood over her for half an hour and read every thought, memory, and dream Seles had for the last three years. Afterwards, the creature stepped back to absorb all the new information. She rolled over and opened her eyes, seeing the outline of someone next to her bed. When she was about to scream for help, a voice entered her mind.
“Don’t Seles, I’m not here to cause trouble,” the creature said telepathically.
She sat up. “I know that voice,” she said. “I always thought you were a phantom.”
“No Lady Seles, I’m not a phantom. I’ve always been here, watching this palace. You were gone for a long time my Lady. I’m happy to see you again.”
She sat cross legged, still feeling uneasy. “Myden?” she asked.
The creature bowed. “I’m honored you remember me. I used to visit you a lot more when you were a child. I told you many stories of the peoples beyond this world, and fables of heroism.”
“I remember Myden, I remember all of it. The last story you told me was when I was eight. You told me a about the Warrior who’d lead us into the future.”
“I’ve come because you know who the Warrior is, don’t you Lady Seles?”
“You must be joking,” she said.
“He’s someone you care a great deal about. The Terran named Brian.”
Surprise appeared on her face. “How do you know about him? I haven’t said anything since I came back.”
“I know many things Lady Seles. I know about your relationship with him, as well as his actions since you met.”
She looked around. “Someone might be listening.”
Myden gestured with his hands. “I‘ve shut off all monitors and listening devices. You can talk with me openly.”
She stood up and stretched. After yawning, she turned back to Myden. “Why do you think he’s the Warrior?”
“It’s more than just him. There’s a small birth mark above your right breast. This marks you as one of the Five Maidens. When the time comes, the Warrior will gather the Five Maidens and Three Wisemen. I never told you this Lady Seles, but the Warrior is also supposed to be of Terran blood. Brian fits the profile, especially if he’s close to you.”
She lifted up her night gown and found the birthmark. She noticed Myden was staring at her. “What is it?”
“I’m envious of him. He’s met a species so close to his own. I‘ve been alone for ages untold; fortunately he won’t suffer the same fate. Please take care of him; he’ll need your affections and your strength.” Myden faded away.
“Wait!” She ran to where he was standing and found nothing. All she heard was silence. She waited for a few minutes before going back to bed. What was that about? She thought.
* * *
Myden reappeared on the palace roof. Looking to the stars, he found the constellation of the Great Dragon. Her feelings are much stronger than I expected. He walked the rooftop silently. Looking to the lands surrounding the palace, he turned his gaze upwards once more. He’ll come. Within the next eve’s time, Brian will come. She means too much to him. Turning away from the Great Dragon, he looked to a distant constellation, one resembling a butterfly.
Pointing to the star at the head, Myden spoke in a raspy, male voice. “To my people, the day is coming. The long night s
hall end and daybreak will shine upon our great world again. Long ago, I made a promise to an old friend that I would save you from the madness consuming us. I’ll guide him and the Five Maidens as appointed by the one who came before.”
He disappeared again, this time appearing inside his underground chamber. I need to give the Queen a prophecy. He’ll come, likely under the guise of something else. Hopefully he’ll steer the Kalaidians in the right direction.
* * *
Mira awoke to find Brian eating a ration bar. Sitting up, she yawned and stretched, looking especially tired.
“I know you’re trying to learn the controls, but you shouldn’t tax yourself,” he said. He grabbed another bar and tossed it to Mira.
“Thanks,” she said as she caught it. “I was just about to ask for one.”
Brian finished his and tossed the wrapper into a disposal unit in the wall. He watched Mira eat, making her feel uncomfortable.
“What?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I can’t believe that you’re a hologram. You eat, sleep, and even need to shower. Are you imitating those actions? Or do you actually feel hungry, tired, and dirty?”
“That’s not funny,” she said after finishing her meal. She tossed the wrapper at him. He didn’t dodge as it hit him in the face.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” he said. “I’m saying Gaelic did an impressive job when he made you. Always remember what I told you before, you’re real, not an illusion.”
“Alright, you’re forgiven,” she said. “And to answer your question, yes, I feel all those things.”
An alarm sounded.
He turned and checked a console on the wall. “It looks like we just entered the defense perimeter of Kalaidia Prime. I need to make sure our entrance was unnoticed.”
As he was about to leave, he stopped, seeing something behind of her ear. “Mira, what’s this?” He pointed to a small mark behind her ear.
Heaven Saga 1: The Lost Hero Page 16
