The image laughed evilly before reverting back to Brian’s normal reflection. He clenched his fist angrily while the sound of laughter faded from his mind. Seeing something out of the corner of his eye he drew his rakna blade and slashed. Myden quickly blocked the strike with his telepathic staff. Brian backed away and sheathed his sword.
“Sorry about that,” he said.
“No, I should’ve announced my presence sooner,” Myden said. “It’s good to know I can still fight hand to hand.”
“I suppose you listened to that exchange a moment ago,” Brian said. “Was he telling the truth?”
Myden looked down. “Yes. The twelve seeds were races like yours, on the threshold of joining the Confederation.”
“How many have they killed within their empire?” Brian asked.
“The Mardok, the Braiden, and fourteen others,” Myden said. “The Confederation would double its members in the next few centuries if all of them had lived.”
“How can you look so calm about the current situation?” Brian asked. “I’m about ready to break everything I can with anger.”
“I’m the same way Brian,” Myden said. “For centuries I lived in the shadows, killing much of my empathy in the process. But since I met you and the others, those feelings have returned. Right now I appear calm, but underneath I feel the same as you.”
“Staying in here won’t do me any good,” Brian said. “Would mind sparring?”
Myden smiled. “That’s just the thing we need to vent our hearts.”
* * *
Shiken Ka attended to his work in the command center of the Siberia base while Commander Serin did the same. The surviving ships and colonies in the Shandi home system were preparing to flee to the Degan system by his order. Veda appeared on the screen from the Columbia base.
“This is not the outcome I thought would happen,” Shiken admitted.
“None of us did,” Veda said. “Were your mate and children on the planet?”
“No, I sent them to my fief on Kalmar two years ago,” Shiken answered.
“Valis sent me the next plan,” Veda said. “She wants us to regroup in the Degan system.”
“I agree with the move,” Shiken said. “We need every available ship before moving against them. Tell me, where does she think they’ll attack next?”
“Valis told me there’s a ninety five percent chance they’ll strike the Kailion system,” Veda said. “Given the path they’ve cleared it looks the same to me.”
“Cut off the head and the body will die,” Shiken said.
“That’s what it looks like,” Veda said. “But that system is guarded by the main force of the Confederation, along with the Third Mylor fleet.”
“We’ll hope they can hold out,” Shiken said. “That’s all we can do for now.”
Chapter 17 - Collecting the Pieces
The bases of Heaven’s Light remained in orbit of the Shandi homeworld. Dozens of colonies and ships flocked to them to escape. Valis was alone in the strategy room of the Avoni. After looking over the possible movements of the Greys she shook her head and stepped away. She waved it off in frustration and went over to the window. As she stared at the stars something in the shadows caught her eye.
“If you came to say I’m not myself then leave,” she said.
“I didn’t,” Myden responded. “I came to lend a hand.”
She turned to him. “Are you saying you could have helped before?”
“No,” Myden said. “Not until it was clear who it was we were dealing with.”
“I thought we were fighting the machine god,” Valis pointed out.
“Not exactly,” Myden said. “The machine god gives the orders, but my people are still led by the generals of old. The one in particular we’re dealing with is General Sunadin Malkas, the leader of the Red Star Knights.”
“How do you know that?” she asked with a pessimistic tone.
“I trained Sunadin so I should know,” he answered. “I was the general of the Black Star Knights before the machine was activated.” He turned on the holographic display and pointed at how the Grey forces were distributed. “Long ago, I told Sunadin a good tactician will always carry a second weapon. The planet killers are moving in pairs, and the way the fleets are shaped match his style.”
“Do you know what his short term goals are?” Valis asked.
“You can see it as well as I can,” Myden said. “But I’ll indulge you.” He called up the star map and displayed the Greys’ movements. “The Reiki and Viken were the staging ground for the main war. Sunadin knows the Shandi and Kalaidians are the first line of threat. He’s destroyed one and now he’ll focus on Dega Jul. Doing so will cut off the Kalaidian territories. Then he’ll strike with everything he has.” He noticed a bit of hope in her eyes. “If they succeed in that endeavor the next target will be Malcov and then the Ick-Tckt. Once they’re gone there will be nothing to stop them from annihilating every race in the Confederation.”
“You’re a lot better at this then you let on,” she said.
“That’s why I’m here to help,” he said. “I know things seem hopeless but we’re still in this.”
“I’ll take any help you can give,” Valis said.
“Then let’s get to it,” Myden said. “We have a war to win after all.”
* * *
Seles sat in front of her computer for hours, unable to work on the music in front of her. While she paced around her room in frustration a buzz came from the door.
“It’s me,” Mira said.
“Come in,” Seles answered.
Mira glanced at the monitor. “Looks like you’re stuck.”
“I’m not feeling it right now,” Seles said.
“I’m the same way,” Mira said. “But that’s not what’s bothering you, is it?”
Seles nodded. “You felt it too.”
“The screams of so many dying is unforgettable,” Mira said.
“The others felt is as well,” Seles said. “But no one’s talking to anyone about it.”
“I’m sure they are,” Mira said.
“I hope you’re right,” Seles said.
“Now stop this, and tell me what’s really eating at you,” Mira said.
“When Brian was taken by Delne, Myden allowed me into his thoughts,” Seles said. “With it came many of his memories. I remember everything from that day and prior which resides in Brian. When I see his life before this I feel so empty. He was born with very little and lived as a poor person. He struggled each day to move forward, broken by the pain in his heart. When I see his dreams through his eyes mine feel so hollow. I was born with everything. All Baed and I had to do was escape. Compared to the burden he’s had to live through my problems feel so meaningless.” Seles stopped for a moment. “I feel like I don’t know who I am or what I’m doing here. Am I just following the path he makes?”
Mira smiled. “That’s the real you Seles.” She hugged her friend. “You should know something; none of us really know who we are. I’m a copy of the original Mira Kein. My existence is an illusion and for a long time I hated myself for being alive. Eventually, I realized my father wouldn’t have created me to replace Mira. He wanted a daughter who would live a greater life than her. He never got to see her in her glory and that’s why he created me. I don’t live for the original Mira, but for myself. She had a great life, even if it was tragically short. But the memories I’ve gained since the day I was born are different. Those memories are what make me who I am. Just because you have his memories doesn’t make you him or his lesser. Brian would never think like that. You’re you and confused like the rest of us.”
“Are you confused?” Seles asked.
“All the time,” Mira said before stepping back. “Now let’s get out of here and take a bath. Relax the body and the mind will follow.”
“Thanks Mira,” Seles said.
“Don’t mention it,” Mira said. “I know you’d do the same for me.”
* *
*
Jesela was quietly working on the Artemis and Siren when Brian came in. He moved next to her and looked over her shoulder.
“What brings you here?” she asked.
“I wanted to see if you were alright,” he answered.
She spun and did a little dance, but the smile on her face was false.
“I guess not,” Brian said.
She sighed with frustration. “Normally things don’t get to me.”
“What’s different?” he asked.
“No matter how great the things I make are, they’re nothing compared to the Greys’ weapons,” Jesela said. “I haven’t felt this inferior since the sojourn.”
“A single person can only do so much,” Brian said. “Though many believe my coming to space changed everything, anyone could’ve taken my place. It’s the same with everyone really. If you weren’t here another engineer would be and probably feel the same.”
“That’s not exactly comforting,” Jesela said.
“It wasn’t meant to be,” Brian admitted. “What I can do is tell the truth.”
“If that’s the case then what should I do?” she asked.
“Keep on living and you’ll find out,” Brian said. “Even though you’re not a pilot you’re the fiercest warrior I’ve ever seen. If everyone was like you the Greys wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“You’re feeding my ego quite well, but not my spirit,” Jesela said.
Brian laughed. “I’m a pilot Jesela. That’s who I am now. No matter my future, I’ll always fall back on that. But you, you’re different. Your life is what the Shandi consider ideal. You see a problem, think about it, and then act upon it.” He smiled at her. “You’re a woman with her head in the clouds, always dreaming of a better way. As long as you never lose that you’ll find a solution.”
He went to the exit.
“You’re a dreamer too, aren’t you?” Jesela asked.
“I was until the dreams turned dark,” he said. “Now all that’s left is a murderer hardened by the enemies who haunt his soul.”
“Both of us know that’s a lie,” Jesela said.
He laughed. “Perhaps you’re right. See you later Jesela.”
“Take care,” she said as he left.
* * *
“Something seems off,” Valis said while she and Myden worked on the battle plan.
“You’re not used to meeting your equal, are you?” he asked. “You can trust me on this.”
“Given your experience I’ll have to,” Valis said. “Why didn’t you step in and help sooner? Even without knowing what you felt you needed to you could’ve helped.”
“My place is in the shadows,” Myden said. “I’ve survived for so long with that in mind I never felt it was my place to step in.”
“You should have,” she said. “But I won’t dwell on that now that you’re helping me.”
“For victory one must know their enemy,” Myden said.
“How many campaigns did you fight in?” Valis asked out of curiosity.
“Thirty four,” Myden said. “Most of which were civil conflicts but eleven were with what you call the Original Five races.”
“We assume because they aren’t fighting each other now they’ve always been at peace,” Valis pointed out.
“The universe is not so ideal,” Myden said. “The Confederation was formed to end conflicts between species. The Original Five saw the younger races would be joining them soon and sealed the pact to prevent a galaxy wide war.”
“So the seeds of this war began thousands of years ago?” she asked.
“Of course they did,” he said. “And the seeds of the next war are being planted right now.”
“Now I’m worried,” she said.
“Don’t be,” Myden said. “The conflict at hand is what matters. We’ll deal with the next problem when it comes.”
“I wonder how many of us will be alive when that happens,” Valis said.
“Given the advances in age prevention all of you could be there,” Myden said. “But I’ll say living for thousands of years wears on your sanity.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Valis said. “But getting back to what we were doing, are you sure we shouldn’t head for the Kailion system?”
“If the Third Mylor fleet can’t handle a planet killer or two the Confederation deserves to lose,” Myden said. “Still, I hope they win.”
“Hope is a hard thing to come by these days,” Valis said.
Chapter 18 - Attack on Kailion
The Galactic Confederation’s headquarters was abuzz with activity both inside and out. Thousands of ships launched from their docks and formed a defensive perimeter around the colossal station. While it quietly orbited a gas giant a number of colonies moved closer for protection. All of the member races had their delegates in an emergency meeting with Lord Kris of the Mylor leading the discussion in the Great Hall. When the debate on how to defend against the Grey threat reached a climax the monitors in the room showed a pair of planet killers and a fleet of five thousand carriers nearby. The Confederation ships advanced on the enemy with their Lances deployed as the battle commenced outside. As panic set in Kris banged the gavel to quiet the room.
“I know all of you are afraid, I am as well,” Kris said. “But now is not the time for this. Our foes have us besieged on two fronts. We must keep our wits about us or we will lose everything.”
“Some of us already have,” Talia, leader of the Viken delegation said.
Both the Shandi and Reiki delegations agreed with her.
“We can’t replace that which is lost,” Kris said. “But we can do something to save the rest. Given the situation I believe it’s time to enact emergency protocol.”
“Exactly what is our emergency protocol?” Iraka, the leader of the Malcovin delegation asked.
“Emergency protocol calls for this station to leave the Kailion system,” Kris answered. “The standard choice would be for us to head for Dega Jul.”
“Can we even move this station?” Lyra, the head of the Kalaidian delegation asked.
“If needed, yes,” Kris said.
Outside, the battle intensified before the lead planet killer fired a massive beam. After the light faded away over half the defense fleet was wiped out in a single shot. While fear gripped those in the station the Third Mylor fleet appeared to aid in the defense. Five thousand sphere shaped ships similar in size to the Grey carriers engaged the enemy forces. As the battle moved into what looked like a stalemate the second planet killer moved towards the gas giant. When the massive ship descended into the atmosphere of the planet the first planet killer and most of the Grey forces backed away before gravity jumping away. A moment later a massive explosion rang from the planet as the atmosphere lit up after the core ignited. The officers inside Confederation headquarters activated the emergency transport system and gravity jumped the station out of the Kailion system. A number of ships and colonies followed suit, but more than half were left behind. As the planet lit up it blew off its atmosphere in a massive explosion. The wave of destruction flew in all directions as thousands of ships and dozens of nearby colonies were destroyed.
* * *
Valis and Myden had been working for hours when word came in. The two watched the video footage of the destruction.
“The first was a warning,” Valis said.
“Yes, and this is the shot into our bow,” he said.
“Did you know they could do this?” she asked.
“The planet killers were originally created as deep space research vessels,” Myden answered. “As for their offensive capabilities, no, I didn’t know.”
Valis sighed, “Over half the Third Mylor fleet was taken out, as well as two thousand Confederation ships.”
“The other planet killer is still lurking about,” Myden pointed out. “If I was to guess where, I suspect the areas between Dega and Kalaidia.”
“Are you sure they’ll head for Dega first?” Valis asked.
“Are they after our military or people?” she asked.
“People,” Myden said. “Unless everything’s automated, ships like ours need people. Destroy the people and the ships won’t matter. And what we haven’t discussed are the supply issues ahead for the refugees.”
“Brian was right on this,” Valis said. “Their strategy isn’t to conquer, but to annihilate.”
“Now that you’ve come around you know their targets,” Myden said. “They’ll go after population centers like homeworlds. Then they’ll move to the colony systems until there’s nothing left.”
“It’s similar the nuclear holocaust stage most races avoid,” Valis said.
“That’s the parallel I’d draw as well,” Myden said. “But to keep ourselves alive I think we should split the planning.”
“How would you like to do that?” Valis asked.
“I’ll be the shield and focus on the defense of Dega Jul,” Myden said. “You’ll be the sword and focus on the planet killer moving about.”
“It’s a deal, but with one requirement,” Valis said.
“You want to have the others in on this, don’t you?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “When we’re planning for dozens of ships it’s manageable alone, but with thousands things get harder.”
“I’ll defer to you on this then,” Myden said. “We should call for a meeting tomorrow.”
“A meeting tomorrow then,” Valis said.
Myden stepped into a shadow and disappeared. A buzz came from the door.
“Captain, it’s me,” Zae said.
“Come in,” Valis said.
Zae stepped in and saw the holographic table in a mess of numbers and images.
Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence Page 10