Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius

by Marcus Johnson

  Before the elevator door closed he turned to Zae. “You’ll get the chance next time we’re on leave.”

  When the door closed he closed his eyes. The image of Delne crept into him mind. He shook it off when the door opened. Heading into sickbay, noticed Celi and Daes in the lab room chatting about something.

  “Are you okay?” Mira asked. She touched his face. “It’s her again, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” he answered.

  She blushed. “Brian, I’ll always be there for you.”

  The others in the sickbay started giggling. “I think we’re being caught on to,” he said.

  “I haven’t exactly been keeping it a secret,” Mira said while smiling. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  He shook his head before Celi and Daes entered the main room.

  “I’m ready to check you now.” Celi said as Daes left.

  Mira stood outside the testing room and waited. After Brian entered the small testing room he stepped out of his exoskeleton armor and stretched.

  “Does the armor bother you?” Celi asked.

  “Not really, I just feel like my body needs some air once in a while.”

  She smiled. “Interesting,” she said as she began running the scanner over his body. Celi looked at his eyes closely before checking the scanner a few times. “Do you mind staying for a while so I can collect some data?”

  “Not at all,” he said.

  * * *

  When Brian returned his room he shed his armor and went into the washroom. He turned on the water and splashed his face. Brian closed his eyes before sighing with relaxation. He sniffed the air and turned back to this room. Walking back into the main room he saw nothing, but could feel someone’s eyes on him. Instinctively he went for his rakna.

  “You’ve really grown too paranoid,” Seles said from the inside of the closet. She opened the door, still wearing her blue dress from earlier. When she stepped out she flipped her hair. “I’m not letting you off this time”

  “I’m sorry Seles; I’ve been on edge lately.” Seeing her stand there, looking so beautiful, he couldn’t resist embracing her. He spoke softly into her ear. “You’re the most beautiful girl in the galaxy. I’ve been holding you at arm’s length,” he closed his eyes, “I’m sorry.”

  Seles stood in his embrace and felt warmth she hadn’t experienced in seven months. “You’re not the one who’s sorry Brian,” she said, running her hand through his hair. “Since the day you saved me I’ve been trying to save you. Until now I’ve failed.” She pulled back to look into his eyes. “Tell me everything Brian, don’t leave anything out.”

  He let the façade fall away as tears ran down his face. “Alright Seles, I tell you everything.”

  Chapter 38 - The Battle of Dega Six

  “Lieutenant,” Vrekt said over the com.

  “I know,” Dreka said as the images appeared on his monitor. “We’d better get back to base.” He and his patrol of Talons turned around. Behind them the Avoni and eleven Kalaidian vessels of the same class appeared in orbit of the gas giant, Dega Six. Turning on his com, Dreka called captain Riga. “Captain, we’ve spotted twelve Kalaidian vessels, including the Avoni.”

  “We’d best prepare for additional forces to appear,” Riga said. “Valis wouldn’t attack unless she could win.”

  We’ll be back to base momentarily captain,” Dreka said.

  * * *

  Brian and Seles stood by in their respective mobile suits with Valis on the monitor. “Remember the plan you two,” she said.

  “I’ll draw Dreka off and fight him on my own,” Brian said.

  “And I’m to lead the assault on the interior of the base using my mobile suit to break through their defenses,” Seles said.

  “I’ll leave everything to you two until further notice,” Valis said before ending the message.

  “What about us?” Myli asked over the com.

  “Don’t worry Myli; I’ll be leading you towards the base,” Seles answered.

  “She wasn’t asking about that,” Meldi said sarcastically. “She was wondering when we get to fly a mobile suit like you.” The other Nova pilots laughed over the com.

  “It won’t be much longer ladies,” Seles said after laughing with them for a moment. “The others are nearing completion any day now.

  “All of you will get a shot at flying a mobile suit,” Brian added. “I can promise that.”

  “Yes Maigar.” the pilots said in unison.

  “Why do they listen to you more than me?” Seles asked.

  “Maybe your sex appeal doesn’t work on them,” Brian answered.

  Seles laughed as the pair launched from the Avoni. They positioned their mobile suits in front of the ship, flanked by four squadrons of Novaguards.

  “You really are an idiot,” she said.

  “Yes my lady,” he responded.

  Above them the heavier ships began bombarding the asteroid with pulse blasts and HV missiles. Brian and Seles both drew their mobile suits’ pulse rifles and joined in. The main shield deflected most of the energy blasts. The radar showed something coming from below and ahead of their position.

  “Looks like Dreka and his friends are about to greet us Seles.”

  “Then let the dance begin,” Seles said. The Zero charged the Talons with the Novaguards following.

  “And may you be the best dancer on the floor,” Brian said, drawing the Mjolnir’s rakna and charging straight for Dreka’s Talon.

  Flashing his pair of glowing clawed hands, Dreka’s Talon crashed into the Mjolnir’s blade and shield, driving it back. Seles and her squad continued forward while engaging the other Talons in a dog fight. With a quick flip of the sword and a punch with the Mjolnir’s shield, Brian knocked Dreka’s Talon back. The pair drifted in space while staring at each other through their respective mobile suits.

  “You seem anxious Dreka,” Brian said after opening the com to his foe.

  “Not at all Terran,” Dreka cawed, “I’ve been waiting for another chance.”

  “You really want to destroy me, don’t you?”

  “Yes, and in doing so take back my grandfather’s legacy.”

  “I didn’t steal your grandfather’s legacy. I was given it on a dying man’s promise.”

  “I don’t believe you,” Dreka said flatly before charging for another strike.

  “Then there’s nothing more to say,” Brian said.

  Seles led a squadron of twenty two Novaguards as they flew into a pack of Talons. Using the Zero’s superior speed and power she vaporized three Talons with the pulse rifle. The Novaguards circled the Talons in a display of tactical training owed to their commander. After attacking all the Talons she could see, Seles noticed her Nova squadrons had the Malcovin surrounded.

  “Seles, it looks like we having everything under control out here,” Myli said over the com.

  “Are you sure?” Seles asked before drawing the massive sword on her mobile suit and slicing through another pair of Talons.

  “We’ve got them on the run,” Meldi said.

  Seles turned the Zero towards the shielding systems. “Alright Myli, I’ll leave everything in your hands until I get back.”

  “Yes lieutenant,” Myli said.

  * * *

  “Is everything ready?” Shiken asked El Kar.

  “Yes my lord,” El Kar said. “Captain Valis has begun the assault from her side of the asteroid. Our ships will be in position momentarily.”

  More than a dozen Shandi vessels appeared from the top of the asteroid and began firing a barrage down into the Ick-Tckt and Malcovin forces. A number of Talons turned and flew towards them. Each heavy ship launched three dozen of Spits to intercept. Shiken Ka turned on his video com, seeing Valis on the other side.

  “Glad you could join us Lord Ka,” she said.

  “I’m honored to fight this battle on your side Captain Valis,” Shiken answered. “Although it appears your tactical plans were a bit off.”

  Val
is waved her hand. “What can one do? The enemy side is led by Captain Riga.”

  “That explains many things,” Shiken said.

  “But there is something he couldn’t plan for,” Valis said. “Seles’s ability in a mobile suit is equal to Brian. And fortunately for our side we have the advantage.”

  Shiken noticed his Spits were taking massive casualties. Valis backed her forces off.

  “That should give you the room you need to work with,” Valis said.

  “All Spits take formation L-10,” El Kar commanded. A moment later their enemy forces were isolated. “All vessels smash the enemy fleet!”

  The Malcovin and Ick-Tckt ships began backing off into the asteroid’s main shield for protection.

  * * *

  Captain Riga sat on the bridge of his ship. This isn’t good. He thought to himself while watching the Shandi forces pound the top of their formation.

  “Captain, the commander of the Ick-Tckt forces is asking what to do again,” his commander said.

  Riga cawed. “Tell him to shut up and quit asking!”

  “Yes sir.”

  Riga turned back to the battle to see Dreka and Brian fighting. “Commander, tell all of our forces to move into this formation,” Riga said. He sent the data over to his commander.

  “But sir,” the commander interjected, “Our mission is to defend the base and defeat the forces of Valis and Shiken Ka.”

  “I know that,” Riga said. “Their second mobile suit is about to destroy the base. After the shield’s been disabled our fleet will be caught in the middle of a two direction bombardment. Even though our chance at victory has crumbled we still have a chance of taking out the Mjolnir.”

  “Of course sir,” the commander said as he sent the orders. The Ick-Tckt and Malcovin fleet began leaving the shielded area of the asteroid to evade the bombardment from the Shandi forces. Brian and Dreka were away from the main battle, fighting a duel in the darkness of space. Riga positioned his forces around the pair as they fought.

  “Dreka, we’re conceding the base,” Riga said over the com.

  “Does that mean we’re running?” Dreka asked with frustration in his voice.

  “Not quite yet my friend,” Riga answered. He turned on the com to the other Talons in the area. “All mobile suits and fighters are to take position in an encirclement formation around the Mjolnir. If we can destroy our enemy’s strongest warrior we can break their will to fight.”

  “Yes captain!” the Talon pilots shouted as they took up positions around the Mjolnir and Dreka’s Talon.

  “Wear him out as quickly as you can Dreka,” Riga commanded.

  “Yes captain,” Dreka said before charging at the Mjolnir once more.

  Chapter 39 - Spiraling into Control

  Blasting through the main gate, Seles flew her mobile suit into the landing bay. She fired at Ick-Tckt and Malcovin troops occupying the area. Three Novaguards followed her in and destroyed a number of Claws still on the ground.

  “The three of you can take care of anything that moves in here,” Seles commanded.

  “Yes lieutenant,” her three subordinates responded as they began hovering.

  Seles opened a com channel. “Our second objective has been completed.”

  “Good,” Valis said. She turned to her monitor. “Seles, our enemy has changed their strategy to escaping our encirclement. Return with your squadron and take pressure off the Mjolnir.”

  “Is everything alright?” Seles asked as she signaled her squadron to follow her.

  “Our enemy’s commander is sharp,” Valis said. “They knew this could happen. In the event of their loss they’ve set up a plan to encircle Brian.” She narrowed her eyes while looking closely at the radar blips around the Mjolnir. “Take formation M-15.”

  “I’ll relay your orders immediately,” Seles responded.

  * * *

  Valis appeared on Brian’s monitor. Flashes of light filled the cockpit from his battle with Dreka.

  “What is it Valis? I’m kind of busy at the moment,” Brian said while fending off Dreka’s claw strikes one after another.

  “Then I guess you don’t mind if I let you get killed?” she asked.

  He glanced at the radar. “Sorry, I was focusing on the battle.”

  “Go completely on the defensive,” she ordered.

  He adjusted the Mjolnir’s systems and put his shield out front before activating the defensive barrier. A mass of glowing green energy particles surrounded the Mjolnir. Dreka’s Talon backed off and switched over to firing the pulse cannon. As a number of Claws and Talons surrounded the Mjolnir they unleashed a barrage of pulse fire onto the mobile suit. Each attack struck the defensive barrier and deflected harmlessly away. Again looking at his radar, Brian saw the escaping fleet heading straight to him.

  “It’s time for you to fight seriously,” Valis said.

  “But Valis…” he said, still hesitating.

  “Just remember to stay in control,” she said. “I trust you. Now fight for your life and get out of there.”

  “Of course,” he said before blinking his eyes. When he at the monitor his eyes began glowing blue.

  * * *

  Dreka kept Brian close, attacking with his claws in quick passes between his Talon and the Mjolnir. Looking at his radar he cawed with glee.

  “Looks like he’s gone on the defensive,” Rait said over the com. Dreka fired pulse blast one after another and watched the Mjolnir closely.

  “Captain, keep an eye on our flanks,” Dreka said.

  “Of course Dreka,” Riga said. “Valis has seen my plan and sent the other mobile suit to aid him.” As Riga spoke the Mjolnir dropped its shields and drew its massive sword before charging straight at Dreka.

  Dreka’s eyes widened as he saw the mobile suit’s speed. “How is that possible?” He barely blocked the blade with the claws. “He’s trying to break the encirclement!”

  Riga stopped to think for a moment. “All Talons begin melee waves. We’ll wipe him out with overwhelming force.”

  “Yes captain,” his subordinates responded over the com. The other Talons around the Mjolnir closed in with their claws glowing, while Dreka’s suit was being pushed back slowly to the edge of the encirclement.

  * * *

  Seles joined a number of Novaguards in the effort to free the Mjolnir. While they were able to close in on his position they found it quite difficult to actually get close enough to help.

  “This isn’t looking good,” Seles said.

  With a deflection faster than Dreka could anticipate the Mjolnir knocked the claws aside. With a quick slash it took off one of the Talon’s arm and kicked the mobile suit to the side. The Mjolnir turned to face more combatants closing in. Brian slashed through their mobile suits with lightning speed. Quickly changing weapons, the Mjolnir took out its pulse cannon and began firing into the Talons nearby.

  Seeing the actions Brian was taking, Seles called for her squadron to take formation. “Take formation E-11,” she commanded.

  “Brian, are you still in control?” Seles asked over the com.

  “Of course,” he answered after a moment of silence. “That trick I learned is working. I’m reciting a song in my head over and over again.”

  * * *

  With his forces faltering, captain Riga signaled to withdraw. “All allied ships; it’s time to get out of here. We’re to regroup at Dega Jul.” Riga checked his com. “Dreka, are you still alive?”

  With his Talon damaged Dreka sneered and turned to flee. “I’m sorry captain; I underestimated the power of the Mjolnir.”

  “That’s not your fault,” Riga answered. “If our intelligence reports are accurate, the Terran is capable of berserking like a Maigar of old.”

  “Why wasn’t I informed of this earlier?” Dreka asked as he landed the Talon on Riga’s ship.

  “I wasn’t sure if it was true or not. Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

  “The left arm is completely seve
red,” Dreka said. “It’s going to take me several hours to repair the suit.”

  “What about the other upgraded Talons?” Riga asked.

  “They’ll be ready in a short while.”

  “Good, as along as Valis has the extra mobile suit our side is at the disadvantage.” Riga looked over the battle monitor. “I‘ve ordered a full retreat…that Terran’s tearing up the Ick-Tckt like they’re nothing.”

  Dreka turned off his com and then banged his fist on the control panel. “Dammit! I can’t stand losing to him again!”

  * * *

  One by one the enemy fighters boarded their battleships and carriers before gravity jumping out of the battle zone.

  “Looks like the battle went as you planned Valis,” Kivi said.

  Valis surveyed the battlefield. “The victory is ours, but we lost more ships than anticipated.”

  Kivi started running a diagnostic. “It shows how good of a commander Riga is.” She joined Valis in front of the monitor. “If he were in the regular Malcovin military he’d easily have made admiral by now.”

  “The days of being the captain of one ship are over for the two of us,” Valis said. She returned to her chair and pressed the com for sickbay. “Celi, please have Mira stand by in the launching bay. Make sure she has that special formula we spoke of earlier.”

  “Of course Valis,” Celi responded.

  * * *

  Brian landed the Mjolnir in the launching bay while Seles did the same with the Zero. Shaking his head and closing his eyes for a moment to concentrate he ended the berserk state. As he opened his eyes his vision blurred and a wave of exhaustion came over him. He stumbled out of the cockpit and used the elevator cord to reach the ground.

  Mira waited for Brian with a regenerator and chemical injector. “Are feeling alright?” she asked.

  He hit the ground utterly exhausted and barely able to stand. Seles came down on her elevator chord and ran over.