“Is it just me or are their weapons getting more effective?” Celi asked.
“It’s not your imagination,” Valis said. “They learn slowly but when they do it’s enough.”
“Should we berserk?” Mira asked.
“No, let’s hold back for now,” Valis said.
“Patience isn’t one of our virtues,” Kivi said.
“I’ve got an idea,” Seles said.
“Go for it,” Valis said.
“Alright,” Seles said.
The Artemis’s reflector plates shifted from the cannon to all around the Maidens’ mobile suits. A few more popped off the frame of the Artemis and moved in circles around them.
“So what do we do now?” Mira asked.
“The key is to know where to fire,” Seles said. “Because our enemies are everywhere around us all you have to do is shoot. The Artemis’s system will do the rest.”
Kivi started by firing into the nearest plate. As she did so the reflector caught her blast and bounced around the other plates and amplified it greatly. The attack then spread out and pounded the nearby Grey ships. Each of the others took their turns and fired.
“Now deploy the Novas on our crafts,” Seles said. “Program them to fire into the plates and concentrate your weapons elsewhere.”
“Jesela must have wanted you to test this,” Mira said.
“If we can’t use our special systems then we’ll use what we do have,” Seles said.
The ten Novaguards with the five mobile suits went into autopilot and used the Artemis’s reflector plates to amplify their pulse cannons. The Grey ships nearby started taking much heavier casualties while the Maidens were better defended. Valis smiled and sent the same plan over to Meldi in the Mjolnir.
* * *
The Freedom shook as the swarms of incoming Grey ships concentrated their fire away from the Maidens. The mobile suit units stayed on the hulls of their ships for protection as the Greys became more aggressive by the moment. The entire fleet and bases were backing off while the battle progressed. On the other side of the planet their allies were running into the same impasse.
“Something’s different,” Grigon said. “Their attacks are much better coordinated.”
“Maybe we should get closer together for protection,” Jesela offered.
“No,” Brian said. “If we do that the planet killer will fire on our formation.”
He noticed the reflector plates around the Artemis and Mjolnir were acting as amplifiers for the Novaguards.
“I didn’t know they could be used like that,” Brian said.
“I added a little something when we had a chance to overhaul them,” Jesela said before looking at Grigon. “I hope you’re not offended.”
“I feel the opposite,” Grigon cawed.
“Can we do the same thing with our Novas?” Brian asked.
“Of course,” Jesela said. “I’ll set the reflector plates on the ship up right now.”
“I’ll set the Novas to autopilot then,” Brian said.
The reflector plates on the Freedom shifted and moved into position while still attached to the main ship. After a minute of frantic work Brian finished the program. Near the front of the Freedom a pair of bay doors opened and over a hundred Novaguards on autopilot emerged. The swarm of fighters quickly moved to their assigned positions and began firing into the plates. The amount of pulse fire coming from the Freedom was doubled as the Grey ships nearby were cut down. Brian hit the com.
“Kyli, I want you and the other pilots to do the same thing our Novas are doing,” he ordered.
“We’re on it captain,” Kyli responded.
* * *
The area of space around the Maidens was devoid of enemy ships while the Greys moved around them. A hole in the front line opened the way to the planet killer.
“What should we do Valis?” Seles asked.
“I don’t like how this looks,” Valis said.
“Is it a trap?” Kivi asked.
“It’s a trap,” Valis said.
“What’s the Minerva telling you?” Mira asked.
“The planet killer is already in position,” Valis said before hitting the com. “Veda, the bases need to use their Hades systems. We need to make a shield using them.”
“We’re on it Valis,” Veda said.
“I want all our forces to pull behind the bases’ shields as well,” Valis said.
“Relaying the orders as we speak,” Veda said. “Is there anything else?”
“Send the six ships from the Columbia base and their mobile weapons forward,” Valis said. “The five of us and them are going to make a charge for the planet killer.”
“Alright,” Veda said.
“One more thing,” Valis said. “Do we have any nuclear missiles left?”
“Only the five equipped on the Mjolnir,” Veda said.
“That should be enough,” Valis said. “Take care of things here Veda.”
“I will Valis,” Veda said.
The forces of the Confederation and Heaven’s Light moved behind the line of asteroid bases. Seeing the opportunity, the Greys charged forward while the eight bases started glowing with energy. The Freedom, Avoni, Daevoni, Reinkar, Raulno, and Vomada moved forward with their mobile forces and joined the Maidens. Valis switched her com to the Mjolnir.
“Meldi, I need you to use the last of our nukes to punch a hole in their carrier line,” Valis said.
“I’m ready when you need me captain,” Meldi said.
Valis switched over to the Freedom. “Brian, does Grigon have any Talons left to sacrifice?”
“There’s twenty two remaining on the Vomada,” Brian answered.
“Prepare all of them for self-detonation,” Valis ordered.
“Things are going to get that bad?” Brian asked.
“Yes, that bad,” Valis said.
The planet killer’s main cannon flared up with energy before firing. The massive beam slammed into the glowing bases of Heaven’s Light. As their energy was drained most of the power behind the attack was lost, but a wave of destruction rolled around the edge of the formation. A ring several ketres wide and hundreds of ketres in diameter slammed into the planet below, scorching a portion of the city. At the same time, a strange glow from the planet killer surrounded the vessel for a moment before it went back into recharge mode. Valis and the others looked back at their bases saw their shields were close to being drained, while most of the other systems were severely damaged.
“It’s worse than I thought,” Valis said. “Everyone, we need to strike now. If that thing gets another shot off our allies are finished.”
“Yes Valis,” the others said.
* * *
The power systems throughout the Columbia base fluctuated while everyone onboard desperately worked. Veda and Reban found their communications systems had been damaged.
“What’s our status?” Veda asked.
“The Hades system is down and eleven of our gravity drives are fried,” Reban said. “Our scanners say most of our mobile weapons are alright though.”
“Let’s establish contact with them first,” Veda said.
“I’m working on it right now,” Reban said.
She rebooted the com systems and the monitors turned back on. Shiken Ka, Miv Daek, and Captain Javrin appeared on the monitor a second later.
“Have your base move to the rear,” Shiken said. “The Siberia, Hong Kong, and Alaska bases sustained the least damage and should become our forward line.”
“What about the other bases?” Veda asked.
“They’re still functioning, but not very well,” Javrin said.
“We’ve contacted them using the direct laser system,” Miv Daek said.
“I understand,” Veda said. “Until further notice the Siberia base will be our main command center. Make sure you talk with Valis.”
“I will,” Shiken said.
The Columbia, Nevada, Death Valley, Sicily, and Sahara bases slowly mo
ved to the rear while the other three moved ahead. The majority of the surviving ships and mobile weapons moved to the front as well. Veda and Reban turned their attention away from the battle to order the repairs.
“This is the first time we suffered damage like this,” Veda said.
“You’ve been spoiling for a challenge,” Reban said.
“I know, but this is rough,” Veda said.
The monitor showed thousands of vessels on both sides of Dega Jul locked in battle. The planet killer on the opposite side flared up and fired. A number of Mylor battleships moved in the way and absorbed most of the blast, but a third of their ships were damaged or destroyed. Another ring of destruction rained down on Dega Jul.
“What should our engineers focus on?” Reban asked.
“The gravity drives first, then the shields,” Veda said.
“They’re on their way now,” Reban said.
She glanced at the monitor. For a moment both of the women were mesmerized by the scale of the battle.
“Do you think we stand a chance in this war?” Reban asked.
“As long Brian’s alive we do,” Veda said. “Kali blessed that young Terran, even if he doesn’t believe in her.”
“I wonder if she’s watching this,” Reban said.
“The stage is set and all the actors are here,” Veda said. “The great war is upon us. Even if our role is to die, let it be a grand death on the great stage of existence. If Kali wills it, then let us sing.”
“If Kali wills it, then let us sing,” Reban repeated.
Veda opened the com and began a chant praising the goddess. Reban joined her as they worked. All across the base and expanding outward the chant emerged from the lips of every Kalaidian while they worked or fought. The chorus warmed the hearts of those hearing it and raised the spirits of those in battle.
Chapter 23 - Furious Assault
The Maidens and the six ships went forward while the planet killer recharged. As they did so the smaller Grey vessels started emitting energy and took the rough outline of mobile suits with the saucer in the center. The Grey ships then switched from attacking in swarms to attacking in organized units like the actual mobile suit teams. Brian and the other captains watched the tide shifting with grim looks on their faces.
“I don’t like this at all,” Esra said from the bridge of the Daevoni.
“We’ve seen this before, but not on such a scale,” Zae said from the Avoni.
“What exactly do they gain from changing their shape like this?” El Kar asked from the Reinkar.
“They’re more organized,” Dreka said from the Raulno.
“I know your instincts are to berserk, but we can’t at this point,” Brian said. “We have to get closer.” He looked at the Artemis. “Maybe that would work.”
“Do you see something?” Esra asked.
“There’s a way out of this but we have to get closer,” Brian said.
Valis appeared on their monitors. “Switch to formation D-3 and have Grigon send the Talons out.”
“They’re on their way now,” Grigon cawed.
“Valis, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Brian asked.
“Yes,” Valis said. “The Talons will clear a path through their carriers. All we have to do is keep moving.”
“Alright,” Brian said before she left the screen.
“You didn’t answer my question yet,” El Kar reminded.
“Their telepathic energies allow them to shape reality,” Brian explained. “Don’t be surprised when they start emulating our ships and weapons.”
“Now I know I don’t like this,” Esra said.
The enemies flew around the six ships as they shifted form and fired. Far behind them the main force of the Greys was fighting the fleet of Heaven’s Light. On both sides of the planet the orbital defense system kicked in and began firing pulse blasts into the Grey ships using automated attack satellites. Through the com systems the sound of the Kalaidians’ chant was sent through all their ships and mobile suits. Each of the women joined the chant as their spirits were raised.
“It’s beautiful,” Grigon said.
“Yes it is,” Myden said.
“If Kali wills it, then let us sing,” Jesela said before chanting quietly.
“I agree,” Brian said before lending his voice to the cause.
* * *
The Maidens listened as their fellows sang in unison. Valis watched their foes carefully and noticed something happening to the Grey vessels. While they maintained their copied forms, their movements slowed down as if they were confused. She smiled when the Minerva’s system agreed with her.
“Brian, have the ships turned their Hades systems on and go to Siren mode,” Valis ordered. “Mira, you’re leading the way for us and doing the same.”
“Is the music getting to you?” Mira asked.
“No, it’s affecting our foes,” Valis said.
“How does chanting doing that?” Kivi asked.
“It probably has something to do with their telepathic power,” Celi offered.
“I don’t mind joining the chant,” Seles said.
The five ships spread out before their Hades systems went on. The Grey forces nearby were quickly subdued by the Siren system while Mira led the Maidens forward. Her craft started glowing as they rendered nearly half the Grey fleet useless. When they reached the first barrier of carrier ships they punched their way through using the Siren’s system and a good amount of pulse fire. At the same time the automated Talons around the Vomada flew into the enemy formations and detonated their gravity drives. The Mjolnir then took aim and fired its last nuclear missile volley. Five flashes of light filled the area as the explosions opened the final stretch to the planet killer. When they closed in the five ships shifted their systems to cannon mode and fired a series of powerful energy blasts into the shields. The planet killer’s power systems seemed shaky as it turned and fired a smaller than normal blast from its main cannon. The beam missed the fleet of Heaven’s Light and instead crashed into the surface of Dega Jul. Though the planet was spared, a crater one hundred ketres wide emerged from the smoke. Before the five ships could deliver a decisive blow the planet killer collected as many ships and carriers as possible and gravity jumped away. Valis quickly contacted her allies.
“All forces are to stand down the Hades system,” Valis said. “To all ships and bases capable of fighting, dive into the mass of disabled enemy ships and destroy them as quickly as possible. When we’re finished here we’ll join our allies on the other side of Dega Jul.”
“Yes Valis,” the others responded.
The five ships and the Siren stopped glowing when they returned their systems to normal. The Maidens and the six ships then turned about and began destroying every Grey ship floating in their path. Their allies in the main fleet did likewise as they crept forward.
* * *
Brian stopped chanting with the Kalaidians when he ordered the mobile suits to spread out and attack the Grey ships.
“What was it you were thinking of doing with Seles?” Jesela asked.
“The planet killer gravity jumped away before we could do it,” Brian said. “That just means we’ll have to save it for the other one.”
“You’re being vague about this,” Grigon said.
“He was going to use the same trick he used two years ago in the battle over the Ick-Tckt homeworld,” Myden said.
“I almost forgot about that,” Jesela said.
“It’s because I don’t use my power very often,” Brian said.
“It’s a dangerous one to use,” Myden said. “By the way, our weapons are working at sixty eight percent.”
“Our shields and other systems are functioning at seventy five percent,” Grigon said.
“Eleven of our mobile suits have taken severe damage,” Jesela said. “Five have been destroyed.”
“Dammit,” Brian said. “What about the planet?”
Droid C put the scans on the monitor
. “Our computer estimates half a billion civilians have died so far. In addition, due to the material thrown into the atmosphere the global temperature of Dega Jul will drop significantly in the next few months.”
“How much is the estimated drop?” Brian asked.
“To a level just above the freezing mark for water,” Droid C reported.
“That’s really cold,” Jesela said.
“Pack a thermal cloak from now on,” Brian suggested. “How much longer will it take us to clear the area?”
“It will take us two hours at this rate,” Myden said.
“We should hurry up then,” Brian said. “Kyli, have the mobile suits move into formation A-3 and spread out even more.”
“Yes captain,” Kyli said.
The Artemis, Gemini, and Mjolnir shifted their cannons to spread mode and flew away from the main formation. The disabled enemies easily succumbed to their attacks as they blasted everything in their path. The chant amongst the Kalaidians resumed while they mopped up the remaining Grey ships.
* * *
Siata was on the bridge of her ship while the other Mylors onboard worked. Her forces and the Third Mylor fleet had been cut in half during the battle. After the planet killer fired a second shot the Mylor ships flew into its path and deflected most of the blast using their telekinetic powers. All of their eyes glowed blue as they heard the song coming through from the Kalaidians fighting on the other side of the planet. The Greys fighting the fleet under her command slowed down.
“Captain, what do you think is the cause of this?” Commander Uta asked.
Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence Page 13