Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  Valis picked a crimson flower with thorns. “He’s a good man. Far better than I thought a Terran ever would be. He’s taken to the role of Rakna Maigar to honor our people.”

  “But he’s not a true Maigar Valis. Being Terran he could never play that role,” Veda said with prejudice dripping in every word.

  “What do you mean by that?” Valis asked. “He completed the ritual and was confirmed by a Reiniere. Why would being Terran bar him in your eyes?”

  “His heart is Terran.” Veda stared down Valis. “His heart is savage, vile. Terrans are war crazed brutes incapable of civilization. If you’re not careful, he’ll kill you and take your ship.” She laughed to herself. “Of course, being a male, he’s probably not smart enough to do that.”

  Valis gritted her teeth, holding back on anger. “Gaelic Kein would be sickened by those words.”

  Veda looked at her angrily. “Never use my brother’s name so lightly Valis! Gaelic was a fool who died because he was weak.”

  “When he spoke of freedom he was speaking of all Kalaidians, not just the women.”

  “That’s what we disagreed upon. He believed males were equal to females, a foolish notion.” Veda laughed. “Of course, your mind would be clouded after you slept with the creature.”

  Valis slapped Veda across the face, knocking her to the ground. “Brian’s a man of honor, and I’ll not have you speaking of him in such a way! He alone did what we couldn’t by freeing the serfs. You speak of concepts like freedom and equality, but not because you believe it. He believes in freedom and equality, not just in words but in action. You think he’s being of war and hate, but he’s anything but that! He’s chosen to give his life up for my crew without hesitation.” She pointed a finger at her grandmother. “Or is it that you’re jealous of what he did? Is the fact that he freed our people and not our family!?”

  Veda sat up and wiped the blood from her lip, staring up at Valis. She stood up, resigned. “You really are too much like my brother.”

  “Are you saying I’m a weak fool?” Valis asked angrily.

  “Yes Valis, but aren’t we all?” Veda composed herself. “We can discuss this further at dinner. I have a number of business deals that must be dealt with this afternoon.”

  She watched her grandmother leave before turning to the garden and walking down the stone tiled path. Veda is stuck in the past. She looked up at the bright blue sky. Mother would have loved this place. After a few strides Valis entered a small white stone building with numerous works of art. But one caught her attention more than any other. She walked up to the picture, stunned at what it showed. The pictured showed Mira Kein, dressed in a purple dress similar to the white one Mira wore when performing with Brian. She stood on a stage with light shining on her and crowds of fans surrounding the stage. At the bottom of the picture was written: MIRA KEIN, THE ETNERAL SONG OF GAELIC. Valis reached up to brush the picture’s face.

  “No wonder you wouldn’t tell me,” Valis said.

  * * *

  Valis walked into the dining room, a massive open aired room with white walls and columns. The table at the center was sparse with a small set of dishes near the head. The only one sitting at the table was her grandmother. Some servants shuffled in and escorted Valis to her seat.

  Valis sat down, noting the empty chairs. “I hope I’m not the only one here.”

  Veda laughed. “No my dear, the others will be here shortly. Our family is busy all the time. You’d know that if you didn’t run to your star ship all the time.”

  Valis smiled. “I don’t run away, I prefer business that includes travel. Coming home is nice once in a while though.”

  “I’m sorry for what I said to you earlier,” Veda said with reconciliation in her voice. “I was out of place.”

  “Why the sudden change in attitude? After all, you referred to him like he was a monster.”

  “A reference I regret, I assure you. As for the real reason,” Veda paused to take sip of wine from her glass, “I received a message from Celestia just an hour ago. I may have thought Celestia was a puppet and fool in the past, but the woman’s changed.”

  “Changed, how so?”

  Veda swirled her wine. “Happiness, for the first time in my life I saw happiness in her eyes. I also learned he declared the Callun Kamiya with Seles.” Veda looked at Valis with a grin. “He had every chance to grab for power and yet didn’t. Why?”

  “I told you before, he believes in freedom and equality. When he left for Kalaidia Prime, I asked him what he was going to do. He showed me a copy of a document from his homeworld, from when his country, the United States, declared their independence. I could see in his eyes that he lived those beliefs and would do right when he went to Kalaidia. Unlike what we’ve been told for centuries by the older races, Terrans aren’t evil.”

  “Maybe he’s an exception.”

  Valis shook her head. “No. I’m sure Terra Prime is the home to many good people.” She leaned forward and took a sip from her wine. “Did Celestia say anything else?”

  “She mentioned that the House of Commons will be up and running by the end of next month. Her goal is to have a prime minister in place by the one year anniversary.” Veda narrowed her eyes. “The man has courage Valis, I’ll give him that. He stood before the nobles and told them what they didn’t want to hear.”

  “Gaelic would be proud. Did you know he received Gaelic’s blessing and title while on Kalaidia?”

  “Celestia mentioned that in her message. To think my brother left behind a message for someone he didn’t know. How could he have known Brian would appear a hundred and fifty years after his death to succeed him?”

  “I’ve studied the works of Kali extensively and I have a theory about Brian.”

  “Go on.”

  “A little over two thousand years ago the Teacher came to our world,” Valis said. “He said that one day he would return to us. Now, if you look at the reports of the Original Five, the Teacher stated that the Warrior would follow him.”

  “Are you saying Brian’s the Warrior?”

  Valis took another sip of wine. “The reason I believe it is because the Five Maidens are members of my crew.”

  “What?” Veda asked. “You and Seles, I know, but who are the others?”

  Valis felt for the mark on her inner right thigh. “As you know, I bear the mark of the Maiden of Wisdom. Seles bears the mark as the Maiden of Passion. My Commander, Kivi doesn’t know it, but she bears the mark of the Maiden of War. My head medical officer, Celi, bears the mark of the Maiden of Life. I’m not sure about the fifth, so I’ll have to check into it, but I’m confident she’s onboard as well.”

  Veda closed her eyes. “That isn’t possible Valis. The only one of our family to bear that mark was my brother’s only daughter, Mira Kein. She died long ago and was far too young to have born any children.”

  “What was Mira like?”

  Veda smiled with nostalgia in her eyes. “Never before have I seen a girl so born to sing. Her voice echoed like the goddess herself and her beauty was unmatched. If she had lived her name would be legendary. Mira was a once in a thousand years talent, combining the best of all things.” She sipped her drink. “I remember how my brother was after her death. Sadness beyond despair, it was like an ocean of tears.” Valis sat with her grandmother in silence for a moment, hearing nothing by the wind. “The past is the past and nothing can change it.” She shook away the tears before turning to Valis. “I’d better change the subject or I’m going to cry my heart out.”

  “Alright, I have a way. Tell me what the job is.”

  “Always the businesswoman,” Veda said. “Don’t you ever find the time to relax?”

  Valis leaned forward and whispered into Veda’s ear. “The last night before I leave Dega Jul I have an appointment alone with Brian. I should feel nice and relaxed after that.”

  Veda sat back, shocked. “That’s disgusting!”

  “You wouldn’t say that after you spent
a night with him.”

  Chapter 9 - Night Visitors

  Brian stood up and stretched. “I think it’s about time for me to get some sleep,” he said as he stepped out of his armor.

  The four girls each took a turn to say, “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight ladies,” he said as the door close behind him, leaving the girls to themselves.

  A moment later the door light flashed OPEN in Kalaidian. The door opened suddenly as four Minans dressed in blue and gold uniforms ran inside. They were armed with pulse rifles and stun batons. The four took positions around the girls. Seles stared at their uniforms and noticed at the starburst badge they wore on their sleeves. She was about to ask a question when a fifth being entered the room, this one wearing a crimson and gold exoskeleton that resembled a humanoid cat.

  The Mylor floated over to Seles and spoke in a robotic, feminine voice. “You are Lieutenant Seles Daevon of the Avoni, are you not?”

  Seles glanced around. “Yes, and who might you be?”

  The Mylor moved next to Brian’s empty exoskeleton. “I’m Commander Siata of the Confederation Special Task Forces. I was dispatched by the Degan authorities to ask Brian a few questions about the incident last night.”

  The bedroom door opened and Brain walked out carrying his rakna blade. He looked at the girls to see if they were okay before tossing the rakna on the ground. Siata used her telekinesis to take the rakna and hold it in her hand. Her suit’s cat eyes glowed blue while she checked the blade. “I’m still amazed at the construction of such a weapon,” Siata said. “One would think the Kalaidians were a much older race when looking at this sword.” Using her telekinesis again she placed the sword back onto the ground. “Your friends seem surprised to see us.”

  “Do you know her Brian?” Seles asked.

  “Yes, I was told by the Degan authorities that a special task force would watch my activities,” Brian answered. He turned to Siata. “So you know about the Ick-Tckt?”

  “It was reported by some concerned citizens. I don’t suspect you or Kivi of doing anything wrong.” Siata turned to Seles. “Nor do I suspect any of your friends here did wrong.” She turned back to Brian. “I just need some questions answered.”

  “Go ahead,” Brian responded.

  “Stand down,” Siata commanded the Minans. They lowered their pulse rifles. “Now Brian, tell me everything you can remember.”

  “I was at the Kritkar with Kivi. We were enjoying a night out, drinking and such. During the evening, we were approached by a pair of Ick-Tckt, male drones. They asked if I was willing to work for their Duchess, Chka. Since I have a contract with Captain Valis I declined.”

  “What position were you offered?” Siata asked.

  “They offered me the position of her Tcka Knight,” he answered.

  “So after you turned them down, what happened next?” Siata asked.

  He cleared his throat. “I got drunk. Kivi and I headed back to this apartment complex later, when we encountered a number of Ick-Tckt armed and ready. They requested I come with them, or else.”

  “I snuck up behind their sniper and knocked him out,” Seles added. “I took that position myself.”

  “So you claim rightful self-defense?” Siata asked.

  “Yes, that’s what I claim,” Brian answered.

  Siata held her one hand up and signaled before turning back to Brian. “That will be all. If I have any more questions I’ll call you into my office.” Siata turned and left, flanked by the four Minan soldiers.

  * * *

  Zae sat in the cockpit of the Mjolnir and fought a simulated battle. After destroying a number of simulated enemy Talons she turned off the system and closed her eyes. She opened up her eyes and took a deep breath before standing up to stretch. She opened the front hatch of the giant and took the elevator cord to the ground. She saw Daes was busy working on something on the computer.

  “You did pretty well,” Daes said as Zae came over to get a drink of water.

  “I could do better if the restrictor wasn’t in place,” Zae said.

  Daes looked at her with a brow raised. “You do know that would kill you in real combat Zae.”

  “Not if I have an exoskeleton like Brian and Kivi.”

  Daes again stared at Zae. “I should tell you that they paid for those suits themselves.”

  “I know Daes, that’s why I’m willing to pay the same as them,” Zae turned to the Mjolnir and gazed at the giant, “I wouldn’t mind having one of those either.”

  Daes called up the image of the prototype Talon. “I may have a solution to that problem. You see, unlike the Mjolnir, the Talon isn’t doesn’t use a gravity drive.”

  “I know that much.”

  Daes pointed to the back of the prototype Talon. “The original design for the Talon uses a Q-Drive. But for cost reasons, the Talons we see today aren’t equipped like that.”

  “What’s the difference between the gravity drive and a Q-Drive?”

  Daes called up the blueprint of the Mjolnir. “The Mjolnir is equipped with a light class gravity drive. This is what gives the mobile suit its power. Being a true gravity drive, it only needs to be replenished every ten years with Aldenite. The Q-Drive doesn’t process Aldenite the same way. Although it’s much cheaper to recharge the Q-Drive, its maximum usage time is about ten standard days.”

  “In other words, it may be cheaper and more effective for mass production, but not as good as the Mjolnir,” Zae said. She stood in thought for a moment. With the advent of the Talon fighters like the Novaguards are going to be scraped in a few years. She turned again to the Mjolnir. Is he trying to incite an arms race? She noticed a new image on the screen. “What’s this?”

  The image appeared a little small than the Mjolnir, but similar in shape and size. “This is the mobile suit I wanted to work on during our vacation Zae. I’ll call it the Phase Rakna. It’s going to cost up a lot of credits but it’ll be worth it.”

  Chapter 10 - Time to Themselves

  “You two have some fun,” Mira said with a grin. She stood with Jesela and Baed at the door. They waved as they left. The morning sun filled the apartment with radiance. Seles stood outside Brian’s bedroom door. She turned and knocked on the metal door.

  “Brian, are you ever going to get up?” She stood for a moment, hearing silence. She knocked again, this time a little louder. “Brian, wake up.” She put her ear to the door and listen, hearing someone groan, and then a thud. She heard some cursing and the door opened. A sleepy eyed Brian stood in the door, wearing only shorts.

  Seles giggled. “You look great Brian.”

  He grinned faintly as he tried to pose in a sexy manner. Doing so caused him to fall over.

  “You really are a fool,” Seles said after laughing. He stood up and shook his head.

  “Well, falling on my head like that wakes me up. Since I haven’t found the equivalent to coffee here in space I need something to get me going.” He opened the closet and took out a set of clothes.

  Seles paced about the room slowly. “What’s coffee?”

  Brian finished putting his new clothes on. “It’s a drink that has a lot of caffeine in it. It helps me wake up in the morning.”

  “Your people use caffeine as a stimulant?”

  He turned to Seles, who looked perplexed. “Yeah, caffeine is used all over Earth.” He noticed the strange look on her face. “Alright, what is it?”

  “You don’t know do you?” she asked.

  “Know what?”

  “That drug has a powerful effect over my people. Our metabolism is such that caffeine works like a narcotic.”

  “Are you serious? What kind of effects does it have on you?”

  She blushed. “It enhances the physical senses and increases sexual desire. But, if too much is used, we can suffer severe hallucinations or even cardiac arrest.”

  “That’s weird,” he said. “Never mind then.”

  She brushed her hand across his face. “I don’t thin
k you’d mind if I used it for the sex part,” she said with a wink.

  “Normally I’m to the one who’s sick, but this time it’s you.”

  “Are you feeling any better?”

  Brian touched her face while looking into her eyes. “A little bit.”

  She closed her eyes and held him tightly. “You’re lying again.”

  “I know Seles, I know.”

  * * *

  “Seles, why are you taking me here?” Brian asked, standing just outside Mya’s store.

  She grabbed his covered hand, as he was wearing his exoskeleton armor and rakna blade. “I just want to show you something,” she said as she dragged him inside. As they entered a number of Kalaidians were shopping around the store, looking at various dresses and fabrics. As soon as Brian was visible they all stopped and stared.

  He leaned down to whisper. “Maybe I should go somewhere else.”

  Seles smiled at him. “No.”

  “I can’t win against your smile.”

  A moment later the well dressed and beautiful Mya entered from the back room. She took one look at Brian and Seles and ran them over. “You got him here Lady Seles!” Mya exclaimed, clapping her hands. “I’ve been waiting for months for this chance!”

  Confused, Brian turned back to Seles. “What’s she talking about?”

  “Well, Mya’s been busy the last few months working on special projects.” Seles turned to Mya, who looked quite happy to see Brian. “That special project being clothes for you.”

  “The first time we met, when you posed as an android, I had a feeling,” Mya said as she walked around him. “Would you mind taking that off?”

  “Alright,” he answered as he flipped the switch and stepped out of the armor.

  “You’re quite the specimen, aren’t you?” Mya asked.

  “That’s only because of the training I went through. Seles she can tell you what I looked like before.”