Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  “Yes captain,” the pair responded. Seles went back outside while Brian remained.

  “Is there something else you wanted to tell me captain?”

  “Be cautious,” Valis said. “Krigik has his sights set on destroying you and the Mjolnir. Depending on how many ships they have, we may have to switch to formation C-3.”

  “What about the Talons?”

  “We’ll draw them in and destroy them,” Valis answered. “Daes’s installed the same scanning system you have in the Mjolnir in the Avoni, so detecting them won’t be a problem. All Novaguard squadrons are standing by to attack. I‘m ready to call Seles back should the plan go awry.”

  “Alright,” he said before turning off the monitor. He headed back outside. The two Novas were now attached to the Mjolnir. Seles sat in the cockpit, facing the ceiling. Her hair dangled towards the floor. She looked over at Brian as he stared.

  “I know this looks funny, but I’m sure you asked us to do this not just for a laugh,” Seles said.

  From the far side of the Mjolnir came another voice, Kaela’s. “I agree with the lieutenant. Why are we doing this?”

  “There are two reasons,” Brian said. “First, we need to test the system. But the second reason is much more important.”

  “And what would that be?” Seles asked.

  “The Mjolnir has the capability of attacking at range like a medium class ship, but I can’t fight in melee at the same time very effectively. With this system in place, I can have the two of you fire your ranged weapons while I use the rakna blade.”

  “Is that the plan?” Seles asked.

  “Yes, that’s it,” he answered.

  * * *

  Valis and the others on the bridge watched as another Malcovin ship appeared on the screen.

  “It looks like you guessed right Valis,” Kivi commented. “Besides the Rigika, there are three additional Geld class ships encircling us.”

  Valis sat calmly. “These foolish birds think they can trap me with a simple encirclement. Either they vastly underestimate me or they really are idiots.”

  “How do you plan to get us out of here?” Zae asked.

  Valis pointed at the Malcovin ships. “The Avoni is heading towards our entry point. No doubt the enemy thinks we’re going to try and break the encirclement to escape. Our real objective is to feint the enemy ship we’re heading towards. Brian will launch the Mjolnir and destroy them. Instead of using this opportunity to escape, we’ll circle around and attack the second ship. Krigik will probably panic and either attack aggressively or run away scared. Either way this battle will end in our victory.”

  Chapter 2 - Surrender or Death

  Krigik watched closely as the Avoni moved to escape.

  “What do you think she’s trying to do?” Krigik asked.

  His commander looked up from the weapons systems for the ship. “The simplest escape is to punch through the Meku and run for it.”

  “Launch the Talons and Claws. Tell the other ships to do the same,” Krigik said as he stared at the monitor. “She’s got something up her sleeve, I know it.”

  * * *

  “It appears that the Malcovin are deploying their Talons and Claws,” Zae reported as she called up the image on the monitor.

  Valis looked down at her chair’s monitor. “Are you ready?”

  “We’re ready to launch.” As Brian’s image disappeared as Myli’s appeared.

  “Are the Novas ready?” Valis asked.

  “Anytime captain,” Myli responded. “I’m a little nervous taking command of all four squadrons.”

  “Don’t worry, once Seles and Kaela detach from the Mjolnir they’ll help you out,” Valis said.

  “Thanks,” Myli said before ending transmission.

  Valis stared at the Malcovin ship before her. “Alright, it’s time to show them why the Avoni is the most feared Kalaidian ship in the galaxy. Zae, give the order to deploy the Mjolnir and the Novas.”

  “Yes captain.”

  “Baed, turn the ship aft and head to this position,” she pointed to a location on the monitor, “This is where the third ship should emerge.”

  “Yes captain,” Baed said as she turned the ship.

  “Kivi, ready all gun batteries and the magnetic shields. Load all HV cannons with Spinning Death missiles.”

  Kivi grinned. “Someone’s feeling aggressive today. All gun batteries standing by and the missiles will be ready in two minutes.”

  “Our first objective is to destroy the Carron. We must destroy it quickly; otherwise the Rigika and the Sheldik will encircle us.”

  “What about the Mjolnir?” Zae asked.

  “Brian should be able to take out the Meku and the smaller ships flying around it. Afterwards he’s to circle and attack the Rigika on their flank. By this time we should be ready to engage the two remaining ships. Our objective is to split the two ships and destroy them,” Valis explained.

  “I like the plan,” Kivi said.

  “It hinges on the surprise the Mjolnir has in store for them. Krigik doesn’t know we can detect their Talons.” Valis looked at the timer. “It all begins in two minutes.”

  * * *

  The cargo bay opened up the main door above the Mjolnir. Brian activated the phase cloak, enveloping the giant and the attached Novaguards with invisibility. He checked the systems before looking to Daes on his monitor. When she gave the signal he flew the giant into space. As the mobile suit moved away the Avoni turned aft. They also noticed the other forty two Novaguards taking up defensive positions around the ship.

  Brian turned on his com. “Are you ready to test our firepower?”

  “You mean what you have?” Seles asked sarcastically. Kaela tried not to laugh.

  He sighed. “Yes Seles, this has to do with how much the Mjolnir can deal out.” He pressed a few buttons and the giant drew the massive pulse rifle attached to the back. While readying the firing system he glanced at his monitor.

  “It looks like their Claws are set in two positions,” Seles said. “They have twenty guarding the top of their ship with the other twenty positioned below and in front.”

  “I confirm that Maigar,” Kaela reported.

  “Both of you aim your pulse cannons towards the sides and bottom. I’ll use the rifle to take out the remaining Claws.” He checked the time. “It’s going to take us a few minutes to reach them so make sure everything’s working perfect.”

  Brian flew the Mjolnir down and forward before turning up at an angle. Aiming the pulse rifle at the Claws in front of the Meku the mobile suit fired the first volley. Red pulses of energy filled space as the blasts destroyed a score of Claws. At the same time Seles and Kaela aimed their pulse cannons and fired at the other Claws, destroying another dozen. Placing the rifle on its back, the mobile suit drew the massive rakna blade. The Novaguards attached turned their ships down towards the other ship.

  “Are you ready?” Brian asked as he flipped the rakna blade in the Mjolnir’s hands.

  “I’m ready,” the two pilots said in unison.

  “Alright, let’s see how fast we can get the job done!”

  The Mjolnir pointed it’s blade down charged into the Meku’s magnetic shields. The energy put into the rakna blade began draining the shields.

  “Now Seles, Kaela!” he shouted.

  The Novaguards shot pulse after pulse of energy straight into the Meku. With no shielding to defend it the massive ship began exploding.

  “Let’s get out of here!” Brian shouted as the Mjolnir flew away. The Meku exploded in their wake as they headed back to the Avoni.

  * * *

  The Avoni flew towards its target point and noticed the other two Malcovin ships closing in. Valis sat calmly on her bridge.

  We’re going to have five minutes to destroy the third ship Valis thought to herself. Now all we need to do is pincer the third ship and destroy it.

  Valis turned on her com. “Myli, take all of the Novas and circle around this large aste
roid.” She sent Myli the image. “If I’m correct, there’ll be a ship emerging in two minutes. Strike them from behind.”

  “What about the others?” Myli asked.

  “They should be joining you shortly.”

  Myli called the other Novaguards. “Let’s go!” They flew towards the asteroid.

  “Captain, we’re picking up five Talons heading from the opposite side of the asteroid,” Zae reported.

  “Draw them in,” Valis commanded. “Let it look like we can’t see them and when they’re too close to dodge blast them out of the sky.”

  “Yes captain,” Zae responded.

  Valis went to Baed and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I want you to dive the Avoni when we reach the asteroid. Then ascend so that our ship is perpendicular to the Malcovin ship.”

  “Yes captain,” Baed answered. She moved the ship as Valis commanded.

  Kivi looked up from her panel. “All weapons ready captain.” Valis sat back down, looking calm. “By the way, why are we attacking the bottom of the Malcovin ship?”

  Valis called up her battle plan on the monitor. “The Novas will intercept their ship after we begin our assault. As we attack from the bottom the Novas will attack from behind. At the same time Brian will attack from other side. Given our superior firepower we should destroy them before the other two ships get here.”

  “I like it,” Kivi said.

  * * *

  Krigik began pacing. His commander turned to him.

  “Captain, it appears that the Meku has been destroyed.”

  “What!?” the birdman shouted. “How is that possible? The Avoni is about to attack the Carron!” He ran over to the commander’s monitor.

  “Whatever destroyed them did so quickly. Only four of their Claws remain and they’re heading towards the Sheldik.”

  “Send out Talons out now!” Krigik commanded. “We can’t allow Valis and her Terran pincer the Carron.”

  * * *

  “I’m picking up ten Talons,” Brian said as his radar showed them. “I want you two to detach.”

  “Alright,” Seles said.

  “Yes Maigar,” Kaela said.

  “So what are we going to do?” Seles asked as the Novaguards detached from the mobile suit.

  “We’re going to punch through their line. After that the two of you are to speed towards the Avoni,” Brian explained.

  “What about you?” Kaela asked.

  “Don’t worry. I can take care of them myself. You and Seles need to get to the main battle. I’m sure Myli needs your help.”

  “Are you sure?” Seles asked. “I can stay with you if needed.”

  “Thanks Seles,” he said. “But your fellow pilots need you more than I do.”

  “Alright,” she answered.

  As the Mjolnir neared the V formation of Talons the mobile suit evaded their initial volley of pulse fire. Seles and Kaela did likewise while staying close. The Mjolnir turned the pulse rifle towards the Talons and fired a series of pulse blasts. Seles and Kaela fired a number of pulse shots and HV missiles. The Talon at the center of the formation dodged easily, but the four next to it were destroyed. The Mjolnir and Novaguards passed through the center of their line while speeding towards the Avoni. The Novas continued on while the Mjolnir changed its weapons to the rakna blade and shield. Brian turned the mobile suit about and flew full speed towards the Talons as they fired at him with all their might. The Talons formed into two groups of three and flew in circles around the Mjolnir, firing away with their pulse rifles. It was faster than they anticipated and with a quick charge, the mobile suit destroyed one of groups with a series of spinning sword slashes. The Mjolnir turned to face the remaining three as they split. The middle Talon extended its claws. Speeding towards the Mjolnir, the leader attacked swiftly and drove the Mjolnir back. After a series of attacks from the Talons claws Brian pressed the attack. Despite the Mjolnir’s superior strength and maneuverability the Talon defended itself perfectly, not allowing him to strike a decisive blow. At the same time he felt the shots from the other two Talons hitting his flank. He calmed himself to prevent the berserk from taking over. He drove forward with another attack on the Talon in front of him. At the same time the Mjolnir dropped the shield from it’s the left hand and took the pulse rifle. With a lightning quick kick he knocked the Talon in melee with him off balance. Then the Mjolnir flipped around and fired a pair of pulse shots. Seeing the other two Talons destroyed, Brian quickly put the rifle away and grabbed the shield again. The Mjolnir and the Talon circled each other.

  * * *

  Kivi sat at her chair and waited to give the order to fire. “The Talons look like they’re going to flank us.”

  “Destroy them,” Valis ordered.

  “All gunners fire at will,” Kivi commanded to all the pulse cannons scatter around the ship.

  The Talons flew dangerously close, so much so that the Avoni’s cannons destroyed all but one of them in an instant. As the last one flew away the Avoni fired a spread of HV missiles. The Talon was quickly torn to pieces.

  “They’ve been destroyed,” Kivi reported. She looked at Valis. “It looks like Seles and Kaela are heading into position now, but Brian seems to be held up.”

  “It looks like one of their pilots is pretty good,” Valis said.

  “Indeed,” Kivi responded.

  Valis looked down at her timer. Thirty seconds. She tapped her finger. “Fire all weapons!”

  “All weapons fire!” Kivi commanded. When the Avoni ascended the asteroid’s surface the Malcovin ship appeared quickly. With series of pulse blasts and HV missiles, the Carron suffered massive damage to the bottom of their ship. Valis noticed the Novaguards engaging the Claws in the distance.

  “Warn our Novas to not approach the Malcovin ship,” Valis ordered. “Now Kivi, have your way with them.”

  “As you command,” Kivi said gladly.

  The Carron couldn’t dodge as the Avoni’s surprise attack hit their main engines. The massive ship weakly tried to shift itself to a better position, but was too late. After another barrage from the Avoni, the ship began exploding. After the Carron exploded the Avoni flew through the debris field.

  Two down, two to go. Valis thought to herself. “Baed, move us to the battle between our Novas and the Claws. I’d like as few casualties as possible.”

  “Yes captain,” Baed answered as she turned the ship once more.

  Chapter 3 - Salvaging Victory

  Krigik stood in shock as he watched the Carron explode. Turning to his commander, he shouted angrily. “Where’s the Meku!?”

  “We’re not picking it up,” his commander answered.

  “What about the Talons?” Krigik asked.

  “All but one has been destroyed.”

  “Dammit!” Krigik shouted. “Tell the Sheldik to move diagonal to us. She’s going to try and isolate one of our ships. We need to get into a better formation.” The birdman stared angrily at the Avoni. “No matter what it takes today will be the end of you Valis Kein.”

  * * *

  On the bridge of the Sheldik Captain Riga sat quietly. His commander turned to him.

  “Captain, the Rigika is ordering us to move into a diagonal formation.”

  Sighing, Riga stood up. “Krigik is truly an idiot. We had a four to one advantage and look at the mess we’re in right now.”

  “What should we do captain?” his commander asked.

  Riga stood silent for a moment and stared at the Avoni. “Contact the Avoni.”

  “What?” His commander sat looking aghast. “Are we going to surrender?”

  Riga cawed. “No, we’re going to make a deal. Krigik’s incompetence has cost the lives of at least three hundred Malcovin today. I’m sure Valis will give us a better deal than he has.”

  “Yes captain, I’m hailing them right now.”

  * * *

  Valis watched as the last of the Claws were destroyed. We’re not in a good position right now; it’s taking Brian too l
ong to destroy that last Talon. It’s good that Seles and Kaela are back to command the Novas, but I’m still not sure of our chances. Wait! She stood, seeing the Rigika and the Sheldik move into formation. That’s it!

  Valis went to Baed. “Alright, I want to you move us parallel to the Rigika and opposite to the Sheldik. It’s a bit risky, but we can take them on one on one this way.”

  Zae turned to the captain. “Captain, we’re receiving a hail from the Sheldik. Their captain would like to speak with you.”

  She stared at the Sheldik. Captain Riga isn’t an idiot strung to his emotions like Krigik. He’s an opportunist. “Put him through.”

  “Yes captain.”

  The image of the gold adorned Captain Riga came up on the main monitor. He sat calmly. “It’s been awhile Captain Valis,” Riga said as he stood up.

  “Nearly five years,” Valis said. “Of course, at that time we fought on the same side.”

  “Yes, that’s true. But let me get right to the point.” Riga pointed at his monitor. “I propose a deal. Krigik has stupidly sacrificed too many lives and resources on revenge. My guess is his age is getting to him.”

  “What kind of deal?” Valis asked.

  “Simple,” Riga started. “We split the spoils. If I help you destroy the Rigika each of us gets to salvage one ship.”

  Valis nodded. “I agree to the terms.” She turned to Zae. “Send him the appropriate contract.” She turned to Baed. “As soon as Riga signs legally, change our heading to move straight at the Rigika.”

  “Yes captain,” the two answered in unison.

  Riga laughed when his commander handed him the electronic documents. After using his claws to sign he turned back to the monitor. “Everything’s done on my end.”

  Zae turned to Valis. “Everything’s cleared.”