* * *
After Mjolnir landed on the Avoni Brian and Mira took the elevator cord down once more. They noticed the Phase Raknas were almost finished. Jesela and Daes, along with all the other engineers were hard at work on both the interiors and exteriors of the mobile suits. They left the cargo bay and quickly made their way towards the bridge.
“What happened to us?” Mira asked.
“I’m not sure,” Brian said as the door opened to the bridge of the Avoni. In a circle at the bottom of the bridge stood Valis, along with Kivi, Seles, Baed, Zae, and Celi.
“Brian, what happened on Shandi Prime?” Valis asked.
“Yes, please tell us,” Kivi and the others echoed.
“What did you see at the end of the path?” Seles asked.
“To be honest I don’t remember that part,” he answered. “The only thing I know is the ancient ruins are what caused this.”
“What sort of ruins?” Valis asked.
Brian stood in thought for a moment. “Shiken Ka spoke of a sealed ancient temple he got lost inside of when he was young. There were pictures of archaic Shandi culture, but what was most amazing was the area inside the innermost parts of the temple.”
“What was there?” Valis asked.
Mira stepped in. “Shiken Ka brought us inside of a large chamber and at center of it was an accurate statue of Brian, left behind with a message about the Teacher. When Brian and I touched the statue our eyes began glowing.”
“The same thing happened to all of us,” Kivi said.
“But how is that possible?” Zae asked. “We were separated by light years.”
“If what Myden said was true then distance wouldn’t matter in that place,” Baed said.
“I wish there was more that I could tell all of you, but I honestly don’t recall what happened after I went down that strange path,” Brian said.
“I believe you,” Valis said. “It may take us awhile to figure out what happened, but for now we can worry about it later.”
“Agreed,” Kivi said.
“Agreed,” the others said.
Seles walked over to Brian. “Is everything alright?”
“Do you mean me, or what’s happening right now?” he asked.
“You,” she said before closing her eyes and sighing with frustration.
“We should talk in my quarters,” Brian said.
When they went for the elevator a panicked image of Veda Kein appeared on the main monitor.
“Valis!” she shouted. “Our base at Dega Six has fallen.”
“Are you sure?” Valis asked.
“Yes. It fell in less than an hour,” Veda said.
“How could they have done that in less than an hour?” she asked as she turned to Brian.
“It means Dreka’s with them.” Brian looked at Seles, “Let’s get everything ready with our mobile suits.
“Yes,” Seles answered as they ran into the elevator.
“What did he mean?” Veda asked.
“How long will it be before Shiken Ka and his allies arrive?” Veda asked.
“Tomorrow,” Valis answered. “I’ll begin planning the mission immediately. Even with this alliance our forces are outnumbered.”
“I trust you with this Valis,” Veda said before ending the message.
“The start of another war,” Valis said. “When will fighting like this ever end?”
“When the last enemy is dead,” Kivi answered grimly. “Or when everyone realizes how wasteful and stupid war really is.”
Chapter 35 - Troubleshooting an Asteroid
Seles sat in the cockpit of her Zero.
“Is everything working properly?” Brian asked over the com.
“Everything’s green,” she said after checking the diagnostics, “How about yours Brian?”
They gravity jumped to Dega Six a few moments later and turned the phase cloaks on afterwards. They headed in the direction of the asteroid now conquered by the forces of the Duchess.
“Do you think it was a wise decision for Valis to send us both out for this?” Seles asked.
“She sent both of us in case the enemy forces were weak. If that’s the situation we’re to strike them down ourselves,” Brian said. A strange smile crossed his face. A light began flashing on each of their monitors. “Looks like a distress signal.”
“Kalaidian,” she said as she pressed the button and opened a secure com channel. “This is Lieutenant Seles of the Avoni. Please respond.”
“Oh, thank the goddess,” a number of voices responded. Ahead of their position they detected three Novaguards hiding on the near side of an asteroid.
“This is ensign Delis, and the other two are ensigns Jaes and Raeka. We’re from the resource colony of Dega Six under the ownership of the Kein family.”
“What condition are your Novas in?” Seles asked.
“All systems are working perfectly,” Delis answered.
“Please tell us everything,” Seles requested.
“After our base fell our forces surrendered. That was when Ick-Tckt closed in and fired on us. If it wasn’t for that Talon stopping them we would’ve died,” Delis reported.
“Are you saying the Duchess’s forces fired on surrendering forces?” Seles asked.
“Yes lieutenant,” Delis said. “What’s your command?”
“The three of you are to fly to this designated point,” Seles said before sending an encoded message containing the coordinates.
“Thanks,” Delis said as the three Novas lit up and flew away.
“Do you think it was Dreka that saved them?” Seles asked.
“Yes. We’ve only met through fighting twice, but that’s enough to understand the character of a person. Dreka’s proud, but not a murderer. He wouldn’t stand by and let others be killed like that,” he said, closing his eyes for a moment.
“But,” Seles said bitterly, “If what they say is true the Ick-Tckt is going too far. Firing on surrendering foes isn’t just cowardly, it’s illegal.”
“I know,” he said. “That’s why we’re taking them back with us to report to the Confederation the actions of the Duchess’s troops.”
“Yes, we definitely will.”
The invisible Mjolnir and Zero approached the fallen asteroid base to find numerous destroyed crafts. A moment later they spotted the fleet of Ick-Tckt and Malcovin ships stationed at the base.
“Kali,” Seles said.
“This is awful,” Brian said. He turned on his scanner.
Seles did likewise to survey the damage. “How many do you think died before he intervened?”
“Too many,” he said. “This is the price of war.”
“I’m detecting something,” she said.
Flying in a patrol was a squad of eleven Talons. Both Brian and Seles readied their weapons system.
“Calm yourself Seles; we’re not here to fight.”
“I know but I…” she trailed off.
“I understand,” he said as the patrol passed them by. “I think we have all the data Valis needs so let’s go.”
“Sure,” she said. The two invisible mobile suits turned around and flew away.
* * *
Valis, Kivi, and Zae stood by in the strategy room while they waited for Seles and Brian to return.
“No matter how many times I look at it, we’re still outnumbered three to two,” Valis said.
“That’s counting the forces Shiken Ka will be sending us?” Zae asked.
“Yes,” Valis answered flatly. “I can only hope they don’t try something as bold as attacking us while we’re on Dega Jul.”
“That kind of fighting will attract the attention of the Confederation,” Kivi said.
“I know, we don’t want them involved,” Valis said. “If the Confederation gets involved nobody wins.”
“We’re back,” Brian said over the com. “We returned with three surviving Novas from the base. What orders should I relay to them?”
“Tell them to take
a few hours and relax,” Valis said. “I’ll debrief them later on what happened.”
“Yes captain,” he answered.
Chapter 36 - The Honor of Lady Star
Outside the Kein family estate nearly a hundred Shandi vessels landed. One by one each ship opened its main door and let out a captain and their escorts. The first to the gate was Shiken Ka. Waiting for them was Veda and Valis. Brian and Seles stood nearby.
“Greetings Lady Veda,” Shiken said while saluting. “After long discussions with the other noble families I come to ask for a peace between us.” He took the blade off his back and tossed it to his guards behind him. “Not just between us and your family of course,” Shiken looked to Seles. “Negotiations with the Kalaidian homeworld will begin shortly after this meeting.”
Veda smiled after hearing those words. She put her hand up and waved for her guards to let the Shandi through.
“I welcome you Shiken Ka. Long have our peoples been at war, but today that ends. The time for peace between Kalaidian and Shandi is now. I hope the celebration tonight will suit you and your peoples’ taste,” Veda said. “I’m sorry but I have many things to attend to. For now, please go with my granddaughter Valis.” Veda left with a number of advisors pestering her.
“I’m glad we met Lady Veda,” Shiken said as she left.
Veda turned back and saluted. “I’m glad you’ve chosen the same path as ours.”
“As am I,” Shiken said. He turned his gaze to Brian. Seles held his left arm while Valis stood to his right. He moved forward and reached out with his hand. Brian shook it gladly. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you for coming Shiken,” Brian said.
Shiken turned to Seles. “You must be Princess Seles Daevon. Your resemblance to your mother is striking if I may say so.”
“Thank you,” Seles said.
He turned to Valis. “For a century our peoples have warred over territory, resources, and because of our differing beliefs. But today that’s coming to an end.”
Valis smiled. “It has,” she said. Valis turned to the Shandi captains entering the gate as each gave up their weapon. “My grandmother has many preparations to attend to so for now I have the honor of planning our strategy.”
Each Shandi bowed with honor before following Valis into a large open plaza. A number of Kalaidian guards came out and handed each of them a tablet. Valis took her position in the center. On one side were the captains of the Shandi forces while on the other were the Kalaidian captains. Brian and Seles stood in the back with Shiken next to them.
“Before I begin, are there any questions from either of your forces?” Valis asked.
“Shiken, I’ve been meaning to ask something,” Brian said.
“Yes.”
“Why do your people call her Lady Star?”
Shiken chuckled. “I was the first to call her by that name. It was after she completely defeated me in battle.”
“You fought her during the war?” Brian asked.
“Yes, it was almost nine years ago. Her force had been reduced to two ships and both the captains had died during the battle. My side had eight heavy class ships, but that mattered little for the fact we couldn’t see outside.”
“What do you mean?”
“Valis clustered her Novaguards together in such a manner that they appeared to be large ships on our radar.”
“You couldn’t see outside? Why?” Brian asked.
“Our ships in those days were completely sealed from space. We relied heavily on our radar and scanning systems to see anything outside. Now we know better. But the illusion of equality is what drove me to enter battle against her as a standard battle. I thought we were about to rout them when one of the Kalaidian ships inverted its gravity drive and destroyed six of my ships. Thinking we were now outnumbered I was forced to retreat.” Shiken watched as Valis delivered her battle plans to the captains. “Captain Valis’s tactics are what wins battles.”
“True, I seem to be on the winning side more often than not,” said Brian.
* * *
“I don’t know about this,” Seles said. She looked uncomfortable in a silvery blue dress. Valis stood behind her, adjusting its tightness. She wore a purple dress.
“You look great,” Valis said.
Seles stared into the mirror. “Why are we playing dress up anyway?”
Valis sighed. “This is an official event tonight. I rarely get the opportunity to dress up, so of course I’m taking advantage of it. As for you, remember your noble rank.”
“I really wish my mother was the one to do this,” Seles said.
“Remember what tonight signifies,” Valis said. “You have the chance to sign the treaty and end an era of war.”
“I know,” Seles said, still uncertain.
Valis looked out the balcony to the stage set up outside. Veda and Shiken Ka were ready to sign the treaty. She took Seles’s hand. “Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
* * *
Baed and Zae sat at their consoles on the bridge of the Avoni while keeping a close eye on the party. A few minutes of silence passed between them until the door to the bridge opened. Brian walked in.
“What are you doing here?” Zae asked.
“I requested to be here for this,” he said. He walked over to the captain’s chair. Seeing its size he opted to stand.
“What brings you to the bridge?” Baed asked as she turned to face him.
He paced about the bridge. “The treaty signing between the Shandi and your people should be without my presence. Also, it occurred to be me I spend little if any time on the bridge.”
“That’s true,” Zae said.
“I think I’ve been avoiding this place for a number of reasons,” he said. “So show me what you two do here all day long. I’ll be honest in saying I don’t have a clue.”
“Sure,” Baed said.
“Hope it doesn’t bore you,” Zae added.
Chapter 37 - Mental Preparation
Dreka watched the treaty signing between the Shandi and Kalaidia from a monitor in the engineering room. The others ran about while working frantically to finish installing Q-Drives in three more Talons.
“They’re really making a spectacle of this, aren’t they Lieutenant?” ensign Vrekt asked. He was a little shorter than Dreka with brown color in his feathers.
“You’d think our chances were slim to none by the way they’re making it look,” ensign Rait added. He was the same size as Vrekt but black in color.
“We still have the number advantage by far,” ensign Malke said. He was taller than all of them with red feathers.
“Once these three are upgraded that Terran will be history,” Vrekt remarked.
Dreka looked at this subordinates before cawing with impatience. “He’d destroy you three by himself.”
“I think you’re exaggerating how good he is,” Rait said.
Dreka cawed again. “No, I say it because I could beat the three of you by myself. Get back to the simulator and work on your piloting.”
“Yes lieutenant,” the each said one in order before leaving Dreka alone. He turned back to his work.
The fools have no idea just how great a pilot he really is. He watched the monitor again, seeing Seles signing the treaty on behalf of Queen Celestia. It’s hard to believe she’s the one piloting the other mobile suit. The Talon bay’s main door opened. The plumed captain Riga headed straight to Dreka. Noticing how engrossed he was with his work, he patted Dreka on the back.
“How goes the work?”
Dreka seemed startled by the sudden contact and turned about. “It’s going to take a few more days to finish this. But…”
“What’s wrong?” Riga asked.
“To be honest my subordinates are subpar mobile suit pilots. Even though I can hold my own I worry about the other mobile suit we spotted.”
“The Phase Rakna,” Riga said. “I think that’s what the Kalaidians are calling it.”
“The pi
lot of that mobile suit is nearly as good as Brian,” Dreka paused, “Even outnumbered three to one I have confidence lieutenant Seles would win.”
“That’s pretty damning for our pilots,” Riga said. “The thing that concerns me more are the rumors Valis is ready to roll out more of them.”
“There’s nothing we can do about it other than continue on the path we’ve chosen.” Dreka turned to the three Talons being modified for Q-Drives. Why did my grandfather appear to me like that? And why did he tell me to believe in Brian? That Terran stole my grandfather’s work and I’m supposed to help him? I don’t’ understand.
“What’s wrong Dreka?” Riga asked.
“Nothing captain,” Dreka cawed, “I’d better complete these as quickly as possible.”
“The best way to win this war is to destroy the Avoni,” Riga said.
* * *
Brian leaned over Baed, causing her to blush while he watched her at work moving the ship during battle simulations.
“I can see why Valis chose you for this,” Brian said. “You’re as good as Seles is when it comes to piloting.”
“I prefer the bigger ships though,” Baed said, smiling.
“What if you jumped into a Nova?” he asked.
“She’d be Seles’s equal,” Zae said while looking over from her console.
Kivi walked in to relieve him. “Is everything alright?” she asked.
“Of course,” Brian said. “I was trying to figure out our bridge operations.”
Kivi took the captain’s chair and started checking the ship’s systems. “It’s time you paid your scheduled visit to sick bay.”
“Thanks for reminding me,” he said as her turned to leave. “Thanks Baed, Zae. I’m glad I had a chance to spend a few hours up here in to see how things work.”
“Thanks,” Baed said.
“You owe me another chance at the Mjolnir,” Zae said.
Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius Page 18