“Kem dal, tah keh him no,” Brian said in Shandi.
“Vraim ee, so in to no,” Shiken replied.
“What does this mean?” Myli whispered to Mira.
“The Blood Oath makes them brothers,” Mira answered.
Shiken turned to the crowd, “Let the feast begin!”
* * *
Tired, Seles fell back as she dropped her sword. Kivi stood over her, looking tired herself.
“You’re pretty good,” Kivi said before sheathing her sword. “I think with a little time, you’ll be as good as him.” She saw sadness in Seles’s eyes. “What is it?”
“Lately, I feel like he’s been distant,” Seles said as she dusted off the sand, “I don’t know what it is but something’s been bothering him that he won’t open up about.”
“It’s the Kai,” Kivi said. “He suffered its wrath only a few months ago. In all this time he’s never shown weakness. But the Kai is much more than torture. It eats the very soul of the one who suffers it.”
“What will happen if he can’t be healed of his pain?” Seles asked.
Kivi closed her eyes. “He’ll be consumed by the darkness and enter it himself. Either he’ll die by his own hand or he’ll become the monster that scarred him.”
“What?”
“That’s how a Kaida is trained,” Kivi explained. “Only by suffering the Kai can one ever understand its power.”
“If that’s true, then Delne…”
“She was trained by her own mother.” Kivi stood silent for a moment, “But I can’t believe he’ll suffer that fate Seles. He’s too strong.”
“He’s mortal,” Seles said. “That’s what we’ve forgotten.”
Chapter 26 - We Won’t Back Down
Brian, Shiken Ka, El Kar and Mira stood around the center planning table at the top of the command center.
“What are you holding onto that’s got them excited?” Mira asked.
El Kar changed the hologram to show the storage warehouses deep underground, “We have enough parts to arm forty heavy class ships with matching shielding systems.”
“That’s twice as many as Valis estimated,” Brian said. “Isn’t there anything we can do with all that equipment?” He looked to El Kar.
“We don’t have the power to use any of them,” El Kar answered. “The parts were constructed for use on Ick-Tckt ships only.”
“Can’t we use the same trick as we did yesterday?” Mira asked, looking to Brian.
“No,” Brian answered. “They were caught off guard the first time. I doubt their commander is foolish enough to send them in without a counter measure.”
A moment later the orbital barrage began again, much fiercer than before. Each of the people in the room held onto a nearby counter while the ground shook violently.
“I don’t think they intend to capture you anymore!” Shiken Ka shouted.
* * *
“It looks they’re launching another attack on the base,” Zae said, bringing up the image on the main monitor.
Valis narrowed her eyes as she watched. “They’re so concentrated on attacking the surface they haven’t noticed us.”
Kivi sat at her seat and compiled all the information from the other Kalaidian ships. “Our friends are spreading out as planned captain,” she reported.
“Good,” said Valis. “Open fire.”
Zae and Kivi activated all attack systems and fired a barrage of pulse cannon blasts as well as a number of HV missiles. The three Kalaidian ships with the Avoni did the same, while the Novaguard units stayed in a defensive formation, firing their pulse cannons into the Ick-Tckt fleet. Within a few moments of the battle beginning, two of the heavy class ships exploded along with half the Drones. The surprised Ick-Tckt fleet ended their bombardment and turned about.
“Is everyone in position?” Valis asked.
Zae turned around, “Looks like everything is going as planned captain.”
“Excellent,” Valis said, watching the battle carefully. “Seles, it’s your turn,” she commanded over the com.
“Yes captain,” Seles responded.
Seles stood by outside the Avoni in the Mjolnir. After this battle I’ll be flying my own mobile suit. Seles looked at the images of her subordinates, still piloting Novaguards. I’m going to miss flying one of those.
“Lieutenant, I have a question,” ensign Kaela asked over the com.
“What is it Kaela?” Seles asked.
“Is it true our Novas are going to be retired? I’ve been hearing rumors that the captain’s going to replace them with mobile suits like the Mjolnir.”
“The Zero is nearly finished,” Seles said. “But because of the cost it’s going to be a while before all the Novas are replaced.” She readied pulse rifle of the Mjolnir before vanishing out of sight. “Kaela, you take care of my back. The plan’s the same as the first battle.”
“Yes lieutenant,” Kaela answered with a salute.
* * *
The barrage pounded down relentlessly for half an hour. Brian turned to Shiken Ka, “I’m going to ready our counter attack force.” He put a hand on Mira’s shoulder. “You’re in command of the troops,” he said before heading outside.
Shiken turned to El Kar, “Ready our ships. If the shields fall we’ll have to flee.”
“Yes my lord,” El Kar said. He headed to the elevator.
Shiken turned to Mira, “I know that your numbers are small and most aren’t warriors. If you wish lieutenant, you and your people can board the Gigos.”
Mira watched the battle before turning to Shiken. “The two captured Novaguards are alright, aren’t they?” she asked.
“Yes,” Shiken answered.
“Please allow the pilots to join Brian and the Spits. The rest of my people will do as you offered,” Mira said before leaving.
Shiken drew his falchion. His voice echoed over the loud speaker, even louder than the pulse blasts hitting the shield, “If this be our final battle then let us die with glory! By my order, fight unto your last breath. Our tails are to the mountain and there is no chance of retreat. In the name of my great grandfather, Gigos Ka, we will defy the heavens and become gods ourselves!”
When Shiken’s speech ended each Shandi raised their weapons in a cheer.
* * *
Brian walked into the small hanger where the captured ships were being stored and saw Myli and ensign Celis in their respective pilot suits. Both were checking on their Novaguards and saluted as he came over to them.
“Is everything alright?” Brian asked.
“Yes Maigar,” each said in turn.
“Good.” Brian put his hand on the beak of Myli’s fighter, “I’m going to take a ride on the back until we get into the sky.”
“Aren’t you worried about getting killed?” Celis asked.
“You two didn’t see me earlier.” He extended the exoskeleton’s draconic wings. “I took out a dozen Spits before being forced to the ground.”
Myli shook her head. “It never ceases to amaze me what the captain gives to you.”
“Are you almost ready?” Mira asked over the com.
“We’ll be lifting off momentarily,” he answered. “What’s the status on their ground forces?”
“It looks like a large number of infantry as well as two hundred Drones,” Mira answered. “Our radar shows their space force has been annihilated or left the orbit.”
“Are you detecting any Kalaidian vessels?” Brian asked, noticing Myli and Celis listened intently.
“Yes, four heavy class vessels, a large force of Novaguards, and I’m pretty sure the Mjolnir,” Mira answered ecstatically.
“Good,” Brian said. He turned to the pair in front of him, “Let’s go, we have a victory to claim.”
The pair boarded their fighters. He took a hold just behind the cockpit on Myli’s fighter before locking his helmet and activating his exoskeleton to full power. The two fighters blasted out of their holding area with a number of Spits around t
hem. The shield went down momentarily to allow the fighters to leave the base and intercept the Drones. As soon as the enemy force was in sight, Brian detached from Myli’s Nova and flew. He sped forward, spinning his rakna until it had gathered enough energy to blast a pair of Drones, knocking them from the sky. Myli and Celis stayed close to their commander, flying in a defensive circle, ensuring his flank was protected.
* * *
In the middle of the massive dog fight in the sky, Brian and the Novaguards with him started picking up the signals from the Kalaidian forces.
“Looks like our back up is here,” Brian said to Myli and Celis. At the same time he slashed away at a Drone’s engine he was blasted point blank by another fighter and fell to the ground with a resounding boom.
“Brian!” Both Myli and Celis shouted. They heard him groan.
“That wasn’t fun,” he grumbled over the com. “If you can hear me Seles, please take care of the rest. I’m going to pass out now.”
“Brian!” Seles shouted over the com. “Can anyone tell if he’s alright!?”
“Seles, its Mira. Other than his armor’s power level near zero he doesn’t have any serious injuries.”
“It’s good to hear you,” Seles said. “Tell Shiken Ka that we’ve destroyed all the Ick-Tckt forces in orbit and will now commence with the mop up on the surface.”
Mira turned to Shiken, “You got all that, right?”
“Yes lieutenant,” Shiken Ka answered. He turned on the base’s communications system, “To all Shandi forces I repeat my earlier instructions.”
El Kar turned to his lord. “We’re receiving a message from orbit. It seems the Avoni wishes to speak with us.”
“Lady Star,” Shiken said. “Put her through.
“Greetings Lord Ka,” Valis said while saluting in the traditional Kalaidian manner. “From what I can see I don’t think that I’ll have to pay that ransom.”
“No, aiding us is payment enough,” Shiken responded. “We have many things to discuss Captain Valis, many things indeed.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it Lord Ka,” she said.
Chapter 27 - New Beginnings, New Alliances
Captain Riga and Dreka stood at the center of a massive dark chamber, at the far end stood the Duchess Chka. She stood twice their height and many times a drone male’s mass. Three warriors stood nearby. She walked forward, clicking as she spoke.
“I brought you hear today to hear my proposal captain Riga,” said the Duchess.
“I’m listening,” he said.
“I need your skills as a tactician in the conflict before us here on Dega Jul. I’d be willing to pay above your standard rate by twenty percent.”
“What exactly warrants that kind of payment?” Riga asked.
“Bring me the head of Valis Kein and I’ll double your pay.”
Riga cawed. “I see, so that’s it great Duchess.” He turned to Dreka, making the sign of money with his hand. “So your intention’s to destroy the Kein family?”
“Yes,” the Duchess answered. “As your people know competition breeds conflict. We must eliminate those in conflict with our business. The Kein family’s been a frustrating rival of mine for many years.”
“How many do you need?” Riga asked.
The Duchess clicked her chitins to her warriors, who answered back. She turned back to the Malcovin, “As many as you can get in contact with.”
“I have my ship, and at least two others,” Riga said. “Give me a little time and I’ll see what I can do about rounding up more.”
“Thank you captain Riga,” the Duchess answered. “The time for small scale battles has ended. We must destroy the Kein family and all of their holdings before the Confederation High Council can make a decision on what to do.”
“Agreed,” Riga said before turning to Dreka. He motioned his approval. “Give my forces a day or two to prepare and we’ll join yours in space.”
The Duchess Chka nodded before going back to her private chambers. The warriors motioned for them to leave. Silence followed until they were outside the Duchess’s pyramid complex.
“Do you think we can trust her?” Dreka asked.
“She’d better keep up her end of the bargain,” Riga squawked. “Otherwise your Talon will cut right through her forces.”
“True captain, very true,” Dreka said.
* * *
“Captain, a shuttle from the Gigos is requesting permission to dock,” Zae reported.
Valis turned to Kivi, “Take care of things here,” she turned to Zae, “Let them onboard.”
“Yes captain,” said Zae.
“What do you think he has in mind captain?” Kivi asked.
“Shiken Ka’s a proud one. I have a feeling he’s coming to talk about what happened,” Valis said as she left the bridge.
As she headed to the shuttle bay a security squad joined her. She entered the shuttle bay and watched the Shandi transport land. What trouble have you brought upon us Brian? She thought as the shuttle cut its engines. Shiken Ka opened the shuttle door. He moved outside and met a contingent of Kalaidian guards. He glanced around, seeing the look of fear on their faces. He grinned as Valis stepped to the front. With a quickness deceiving his size he drew his falchion with lightning speed. The Kalaidians were about to fire when Valis put her hand up to stop them. Shiken placed the sword on the ground in front of him.
“I am Shiken Ka, High Lord of House of Ka, and the greatest of the seven swords. I come not for battle, but to speak.”
Valis narrowed her eyes. “Let’s get to the point. What deal did my Maigar make with you?”
“None Captain Valis,” he said. “Brian’s an honorable warrior and hasn’t forsaken you. I asked him to fight beside my forces.”
“So you didn’t force him?”
“No. As I said, I asked him to fight. He took command of the other prisoners and helped my injured soldiers. I wasn’t expecting him to do that.”
“That’s part of his personality,” Valis said. “He knows little of the feud between our peoples.” She closed her eyes before sighing, “So if it’s not about a deal with Brian, why did you come?”
“I came to ask for an alliance.”
“What?” Valis asked.
“I know you were not expecting me to ask of this, but the Terran has shown our peoples can work together. I probably don’t have to mention I know what’s about to happen on Dega Jul.”
She paced around Shiken, sizing up the Shandi. “What’s about to happen on Dega Jul?”
“The Duchess plans to destroy the Kein family,” he answered.
“I already know this.”
“I’m sure you do. But what you probably don’t know is that they’re planning to attack within the next seven days.”
“Are you sure of this?” Valis asked.
“Yes. My spies have been feeding my organization information constantly as of late. The Duchess knows if she doesn’t act soon the High Council will make a decision.”
“Do your spies know where they’ll strike first?” Valis asked.
“They’re on it right now,” Shiken answered. “That’s all I can say for now.”
“Thank you,” Valis said. She held out her hand to shake his and saw the cut on his hand.
“This is the greeting custom Brian used,” Shiken remarked.
Valis smiled, “Kalaidians traditionally bow to greet one another, but since it was a Terran who brought us together, I thought using his people’s way was best.”
“He won’t betray you Captain Valis. Now that he’s my brother by arms and by blood, I will favor Brian’s decisions.”
“You seem quite taken by him,” Valis said.
“Yes, but for another reason. Long ago the Teacher came to your people and said one day he’d return in search of aid. Brian’s the one to fulfill that task. The same may be true of my people. He’s the one we’ve waited for and forgotten, the Knight of Aquarius.”
“Are you sure about this?
” she asked.
“Once I confirm it I’ll send you the details on this hidden piece of my peoples’ mythology. Watch him Lady Star, and follow the path he walks. His footprints in the sands of time will be the path to the future.” Shiken took his falchion back and sheathed it in a blur.
“Why?” Valis asked as he turned to leave.
“Brian’s eyes glow with the starlight path,” Shiken explained. “That man is no longer a man, but something much more. I see something in his eyes, something other than just the Kai. I see a greatness that shames even the pride in my heart. Where he goes, I will follow.”
“You’d follow him even if that leads to your death?” Valis asked.
Shiken smiled as the back hatch started to close. “Though time may move forward and stars will perish, I never see a day when that man’s soul will die. His body, perhaps, but his will shall endure forever.”
Chapter 28 - Awkward Moments
The Mjolnir landed in its assigned space in the cargo bay as a number of engineers ran over for maintenance. Seles changed the command language back to English before looking at Brian.
“I doubt I’ll be flying this for a while,” she said.
“What do you mean by that?” Brian asked as he opened the hatch. Looking out, opposite of the Mjolnir stood a giant nearly as large with a more fluid body design. The other Kalaidians began their work on the mobile suit.
Mira patted him on the back to get his attention. “Looks like you‘ll have some competition.”
“So what do you think?” Seles asked. “That’s the prototype Phase Rakna. Daes keeps calling it the Zero though.”
“Have you given it a test flight?” he asked.
“Not yet. Daes still has to finish the Q-Drive’s filtering system,” Seles said they took the elevator cord down.
Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius Page 14