Brian glanced at the Viken homeworld with his left eye glowing brightly. I can hear their fears. It’s the same regardless of species or creed. They don’t want to die, they don’t deserve to either. He stared at the planet killers. Is this what you really want? Is a void of nothingness the only answer you can come to?
“When the last enemy is dead the war will be won,” Myden said telepathically. “The sad conclusion so many warriors come to is such a notion. Even in my despair I once came to the same belief.”
“What changed you Myden?” Brian asked.
“You and all the others,” Myden said.
“Did we miss something?” Jesela asked.
“They were speaking in their heads again,” Grigon said.
Brian smiled. “It’s time.” He hit the com. “Kyli, have all of our mobile suits fire on the same point.”
“Yes captain,” Kyli responded.
Brian looked the shield around the planet killer and saw some strange wave patterns. I see.
“Veda, launch all of our nuclear weapons at the target point I’m sending over now,” Brian said.
“As you wish,” Veda said.
“Why are you focusing there?” Grigon asked.
“I see a weakness in their array,” Brian answered. “It’s funny, all I’m going on is a feeling and people take me seriously.”
“It’s because you’re the only captain to survive fighting the Greys,” Jesela said.
“I didn’t do it alone Jesela, remember where you were,” Brian said.
“I’ll never forget that time in my life,” she said.
“None of us will,” Grigon said.
A number of silos on the Columbia base opened up before fifty nuclear missiles flew out at high velocity. A number of them were shot down as they closed in on the planet killer, but more than twenty went off. After the shield array on the massive ship went down it stopped moving forward. It was evident from the flickering lights that the power systems were fluctuating. While the ships charged up Brian shifted the com to the Maidens.
“Valis, I want the five of you to hold off for now,” he said.
“You think we’ll be needed for the other one, don’t you?” she asked.
“Of course,” he said.
“We’ll hold back then,” Valis said.
The five ships aimed their cannons at the center of the damaged planet killer and fired. After each hit the opening to the interior grew larger. When it looked like they were about to punch through to the center the massive vessel’s shield turned back on to block their attacks. A moment later a dozen Talons from the Vomada charged in and inverted their gravity drives. After a series of explosions the shields went down again. Grigon quickly programmed another six Talons to detonate their drives inside the planet killer. The six automated mobile suits flew in faster than any mortal pilot could and charged straight for the center. Each Talon recorded everything it could before reaching the center chamber, which resembled a smaller version of the machine god. The six Talons began glowing as they inverted their drives and exploded. All the lights inside the planet killer went dark while the massive vessel turned and went to smash into the moon orbiting the Viken homeworld. The second planet killer and the forces of the Columbia base all quickly retreated as the two objects collided in space. A great explosion shattered the glowing moon’s dark side. The shockwave pushed everything nearby away. Once everyone could get their bearings the Grey fleet regrouped around the second planet killer. The Columbia base, its forces, and the remaining thousand Viken warships gathered together as well.
* * *
“What just happened?” Seles asked.
“We destroyed one of the main targets,” Kivi said.
“But at what price?” Mira asked.
Valis opened her eyes. “The others will know soon enough.”
“What does that mean?” Celi asked.
“Check the orbital trajectory for the moon,” Valis said.
Each of the others quickly did an analysis and found the moon was now moving in a retrograde orbit towards the planet. Their estimates showed it would be three or four weeks until impact.
“I don’t think we can do anything about this,” Kivi said.
“Let’s focus on what’s in front of us,” Seles said. “If we don’t take down the other one it won’t matter whether or not their moon is falling.”
“You’re right,” Valis said. “In order to do what we need to we need a push.”
* * *
The systems on the Viken flagship were like most of the others. Most of their ships survived the explosion only to have the majority of their functions knocked out, including shields and weapons.
“General, our communications systems aren’t working,” the commander said.
“Our ships were not enough for this war,” Yardek said. He stared at the second planet killer when it renewed its approach on the homeworld. “Very well, if that’s the only way I’ll take it.” He looked to his men. “All of you are to evacuate immediately.”
“What about you sir?” the commander asked.
“I’ll stay here and make sure things run smoothly,” Yardek said.
“But sir,” another officer said.
“Don’t question this decision,” Yardek said. “Remember who we are.”
“Of course sir,” his officers said.
After his soldiers fled via the escape shuttles or fighters he turned the com back on and sent out the same order to the surviving ships. While the forces of Heaven’s Light regrouped another thousand Grey carriers appeared in front of the planet killer. One by one the Viken ships were cleared of their personnel. Yardek silently went about the work of readying their gravity drives for inversion.
“Farewell my friends,” he said.
Chapter 10 - Yardek’s Sacrifice
Another thousand carriers appeared shortly after the first set of reinforcements. The five ships and the Columbia base had been forced to return to normal mode. Brian shook his head in frustration.
“They certainly don’t want to make this easy,” he said.
“Captain, the Viken ships are being evacuated,” Droid A reported.
“So we don’t have them to count on for this,” Brian said. “Grigon, be ready to use your trick.”
“The remaining Talons are ready,” Grigon said.
The Grey fleet moved forward. A moment later the now abandoned Viken fleet turned about and advanced on them. As the damaged Viken ships took hits they detonated their gravity drives one by one. With each explosion a two to three carriers was destroyed. An encoded com line came in from the Viken flagship.
“General, is that you?” Brian asked.
“I know our ships can’t fight them as they are,” Yardek said. “But at least they can clear a path for you.”
“Are you the only one left?” Brian asked.
“Only one is needed to control the system,” Yardek said.
“Then keep it up while you can,” Brian said.
“I will,” Yardek said.
* * *
The Maidens watched while the Viken ships took out the majority of the Grey carriers. The Columbia base and its forces slowly marched forward to meet the planet killer as it moved into position. Valis felt a chill go through her body and looked at the Viken flagship with sadness in her eyes.
You know it’s the only way. The Minerva wrote.
“I know it is,” Valis said. “It’s time we make our move.”
“Are we charging in?” Kivi asked.
“On my signal,” Valis said.
Another dozen Talons from the Vomada charged the planet killer and inverted their drives. The massive vessel’s shields flickered for a moment before holding. Ten more Talons flew in as five of the last six Viken ships detonated their gravity drives. The shields went down long enough for the ten Talons to blow themselves up. A large hole leading inside appeared.
“Let’s go now,” Valis said.
“Yes Valis,” the oth
er four said.
The Maidens berserked before their mobile suits started glowing. The Gemini split in two as they charged in and targeted the weakest point. Seles fired eight arrows shots consecutively to force the shields down again. All of their allies fired into the weak spot of the damaged planet killer. A number of smaller attack vessels closed in to distract them. The Viken flagship was slammed into when it tried backing away. The others shifted their attention to the smaller vessels to clear themselves enough room to finish the job. The Maidens quickly flew in a circle through the enemy ships, cutting them down by the dozen as they did so. At the same time the planet killer charged up as it neared its destination.
* * *
Numerous consoles were on fire when Yardek got back on his feet. He quickly turned the systems back on and found the engine materials were leaking into the ship. The scanners showed the planet killer was charging up.
“I always knew it would end like this,” he said.
His damaged ship turned and headed straight for the planet killer’s weakened area. He found his com line to the Freedom was still open.
“General, are you still alive?” Brian asked.
“I’m here,” Yardek said. “But I won’t be for much longer.” He laughed. “The gravity drive is leaking badly and I don’t think I’ll last much longer anyway.”
The Maidens destroyed a pair of ships looking to crash into Yardek’s ship.
“Are you sure about this?” Brian asked.
“I told you I’d clear a path for you,” Yardek said.
“But…” Brian trailed off.
“I’m a soldier Captain Peterson, always have and always will be,” Yardek said. “In the world of peace you dream of those like us will be lost anyway. Perhaps it is better we give our lives before that time. I’ve lived a long life and have no regrets. Remember that captain. Fight on and keep your dream alive.”
“I will,” Brian said.
When the Viken flagship inverted its drive the entire ship was filled with light. Yardek smiled one last time as he and his ship were vaporized. The explosion knocked the planet killer’s shield down for the last time. The Artemis quickly moved in and fired a pair of arrows into the center. As the planet killer rolled it fired a weakened, off target beam towards the Viken homeworld. The beam slammed into the southern pole and destroyed everything on the bottom third of the planet. Although dust and debris covered the southern hemisphere of the planet the majority was spared. The forces of Heaven’s Light fired everything they had left at the core of the planet killer until the five hundred ketre diameter ship floated lifelessly near the moon.
* * *
After the surviving Grey ships fled the forces of Heaven’s Light moved into orbit of the Viken homeworld. Dust and fire covered the bottom of the planet while thousands of ships fled the surface. Veda grimly looked at the situation when Prime Minister Ulad appeared on the monitor.
“Is it over?” she asked.
“For now,” Veda said. “I’m sorry for what happened today.”
“It could’ve been worse,” Ulad said. “Our home is damaged, but not dead.”
“What about your moon?” Veda asked.
“The Mylor ambassador, Lady Drevis, has assured me the Mylor will take care of it,” Ulad said. “How I don’t know, but I trust her.”
Veda sighed. “How do you wish to proceed?”
“What matters now are the lives of the people,” Ulad said. “For now the majority of them will leave the planet.”
“The Confederation might not be able to deal with so many,” Veda said.
“Then I’ll ask for asylum from the individual races,” Ulad said. “If we don’t leave the Greys will return to finish us off.”
“I understand,” Veda said. “Heaven’s Light will do everything in its power to help.”
“Thank you,” Ulad said.
* * *
Brian sat in his quarters with the lights off and stared at the monitor. The first clip was the destruction of the Braiden homeworld. The second was the recording of the destruction of the Reiki homeworld. The last was the recent strike on the Viken homeworld. After the video ended he looked over the casualty figures.
“So many,” he said.
“It’s not your fault,” Seles said.
He turned, having not noticing she had come in a moment ago.
“I know,” he said as he stood up. “But it doesn’t help.”
She embraced him. “I felt it. I felt everything as they died.”
He held her tight. “I hear its voice day and night. It tells me to die.”
“Don’t listen to it,” Seles said. “Listen to my voice and filter everything out.” She reached up and brushed his face. “When all seems lost think of those you love. We’ll always be here for you.”
He smiled. “You’re a great woman Seles. The best I’ve ever known. If you hadn’t come into my life I’d be a mess right now.”
“You’re a mess even with me,” she said. “Anyways, Mira would step in, wouldn’t she?”
“Perhaps,” Brian said. “But she’s not you.” He gazed into her purple eyes. “What should I do?”
“Mourn the dead and do what you can for the living,” Seles said. “It’s all mortals like us can do.”
“You’ve gotten wiser as well,” Brian said.
“My swordplay isn’t half bad either,” Seles said. “Give me a try next time you have a day off.”
“I’ll take you up on that,” he said before kissing her.
* * *
Mira and Jesela stood outside Brian’s quarters and quietly listened to the conversation inside. Mira stretched before the two left. She looked down at her hand and made a fist.
“I still don’t understand how paper beats rock,” she said.
“It’s a Terran game, right?” Jesela asked.
“Maybe that’s why it doesn’t make sense,” Mira said. “I really wanted to be the one to comfort him this time.”
“It wasn’t as bad as the sojourn,” Jesela said. “When Celi told me what he was like then I didn’t believe it.”
“There are times when he sits up at night and stares at the mirror in the dark,” Mira said. “It’s like there’s a voice that only he can hear.”
“He is different,” Jesela said. “The years have taken away his innocence.”
“Is that what it is?” Mira asked.
“He’s the same man we found on that Grey ship,” Jesela said. “But it was inevitable he’d be scarred by his experiences with us.”
“You don’t seem different,” Mira said.
“That’s because it’s all a big show,” Jesela admitted. “Beneath the surface I’m scared. I’ve seen this before and know it’ll only get worse.”
“Then make sure to see my performance tomorrow,” Mira said. “That should lift your spirits.”
“Sounds like just the thing I need,” Jesela said.
The two found themselves in a packed cafeteria. In addition to the normal crew there were several hundred Viken refugees onboard.
“That’s a long line,” Jesela said.
“Then let’s go to my quarters and get something there,” Mira suggested.
“Don’t tell me you’re learning to cook,” Jesela said.
“I’m not anywhere near as good as Seles is yet,” Mira admitted. “But I know a few tricks.”
“By the way, what’s that necklace you gave Brian?” Jesela asked. “He wears it all the time.”
“Let’s just say it’s his beacon,” Mira said with a smile. “Though what I wonder about is the earring I gave him after he returned from the sojourn.”
“Are you talking about this?” Jesela asked as she pulled it out of her pocket.
“Why do you have that?” Mira asked.
“Brian said this was a copy,” Jesela answered. “I think he gave the original to someone else, but I don’t know who. So what is it?”
“That’s my backup,” Mira answered.
Je
sela looked at it. “Interesting…” She spun around with a little dance before putting it away. “I’ll take good care of it then.”
“Thanks Jesela,” Mira said.
Chapter 11 - A Moment of Sorrow
Prime Minister Ulad stood outside the parliament building in the capital city of the Viken people. Thousands of ships from various races came and went as the population of the homeworld was shuttled elsewhere within the Confederation. On a nearby dock the Freedom was gathering as many as it could. Brian took a break from the refugee work to walk over to Ulad as she stared at the burned sky. At the same time a fleet of Mylor battleships used their power to return the scorched moon to a stable orbit. Brian stopped when he was next to her and looked at the same sky.
“There are no words for such sorrow,” Ulad said. “How do we move on?”
“It isn’t easy,” Brian said. “This is the fourth world I’ve seen this done to. But like the Braiden and Reiki you have a chance to move on.”
“You sound wise for a man only in his thirties,” Ulad said.
“I’ve grown old quickly during my years in space,” Brian said.
“It’s because these are extraordinary times,” Ulad said.
“Perhaps,” Brian said.
“Did he die well?” Ulad asked.
“As a good soldier should,” Brian answered. “Because of his sacrifice your world was spared destruction.”
“In a few centuries the atmosphere and ecosystem should return to relative normality,” Ulad said. “Are the reports true about the undeveloped worlds?”
“They’re coming in now,” Brian said and he looked to the ground. “So far six are confirmed dead.”
“What about your world?” she asked.
“I hope they’re alright,” Brian said. “That’s about all I can do.” He drew his rakna blade and pointed at the dead planet killer visible in the sky. “As long as I live Earth will live on through me. Even if I am the last Terran to exist I choose to fight forever.”
Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence Page 6