“It doesn’t look like this is going to work,” Meldi said. “What options do we have?”
“Concentrate all of our pulse blasts onto a single section of the shield,” Brian ordered. “We have to see if we can weaken its shields another way.”
“Yes commander,” the pilots answered.
Each of them aimed at a single section of shielding and bombarded the planet killer. A moment later the Talons joined them, along with the Avoni and Vomada. After a dozen barrages of attacks it was evident pulse weapons alone weren’t going to work.
“That’s enough,” Brian said. He closed his eyes. I’d rather not pollute the space around this planet with radiation but our options are running low. He opened his eyes. “Grigon, it’s time to use our special trick.”
“I’ve already got three of them prepared for this,” Grigon said. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to use this after this battle though. The Greys will catch on and jam the engines from inverting like this.”
“We’ll worry about that bridge when we have to cross it,” Brian said. “Meldi, ready your unit to launch missiles as soon its shields are down. Set the warheads to remote detonation and prepare to close in.”
“Yes commander,” Meldi said. After her subordinates checked in she spoke once more. “Everyone’s prepared.”
“Good,” Brian said. He looked at Braiden Prime before turning back to the battle. He noticed that Grigon had launched the ten spare Talons at the planet killer. The front seven activated their shields to full capacity and acted as a wall. The three Talons readied for self-detonation closed in directly behind the front seven. As they closed in to the flickering shields, a massive amount of pulse fire emerged from the planet killer. It blast into the Talons’ shields and forced them back. The three Talons advanced while inverting their drives and flew straight into the sphere’s shields. Three blasts of light, as bright as a star, hit the planet killer. The colossal ship was stopped in its tracks with its shields down. The seven Talons in front aimed and launched fourteen nukes into the unshielded ship. A moment later Meldi and her unit launched their missiles. The ship appeared to tilt as explosions chained along the side the Avoni’s forces were on. The Raknas and Talons backed off to watch as the massive ship started exploding.
“Did we get it?” Myli asked.
“It doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere,” Meldi said.
Brian looked down at the ship as his eyes turned blue. “Squadron one, fire all missiles immediately!” he shouted.
As the final ten Raknas and the Mjolnir fired their missiles a massive amount of light began emitting from the moon sized ship. After a few seconds it righted itself one last time before firing a colossal beam of energy straight at Braiden Prime.
* * *
The few Braiden on the surface looked into the northern hemisphere sky and saw a massive beam of light slam into their planet. The wave of superheated energy flowed from the beam’s landing point to the rest of the planet instantly. Within moments every living thing on the surface was vaporized. Those below the surface immediately felt the heat outside reach fatal levels. It suffocated and burned those hiding in underground shelters. The oceans boiled away from the heat. The underwater observatories domes and protection melted way as scalding heat burned those hidden under the water. The cities and signs of civilization were burned away one by one. The surface of Braiden Prime was left a lifeless desert covered in scalding steam. The only remnants of the Braiden civilization were a few satellites in orbit and a few of the stronger structures built on the surface. All electromagnetic and communication activity ceased immediately.
* * *
Brian and the other hundred and eight members of the Avoni, along with Grigon, watched helplessly as the planet killer’s beam struck the planet. With its shield down, each of the remaining nuclear missiles struck the moon sized ship with impunity and caused explosions all over the spherical ship. Although the moon sized vessel didn‘t completely explode it was obvious from the explosions inside there wasn’t anything left alive. A wrenching feeling overcame Brian while his eyes glowed blue. He coughed up a small amount of blood as a tear falling from his eye. He gathered up the last of his strength to fight back the emotions.
“All remaining forces retreat to the dark side of the Braiden moon,” he ordered.
* * *
Far away on the bridge of the Raulno, each of the Maiden’s eyes began glowing bright blue. Dreka stood in the main launching bay and felt the same wave. Myden sat alone in a dark room and shuddered. On the bridge Seles tried to stand but fell to her knees in pain.
“What is this I’m feeling?” Seles asked. Their eyes and hers began fading back to their normal color. She used the seat next to her as a brace. “It feels as if all the light in my heart went out.”
“I felt the same thing,” Mira said.
“As did I,” Kivi said.
“Something terrible has happened,” Valis said.
Dreka entered the bridge looking flustered. “Did the rest of you feel that?” he asked.
“All of us did,” Kivi said.
“What caused all of us to feel the same thing at the same time?” Mira asked.
“His despair,” Seles said. A tear fell from her eye. “Brian’s seen something so awful words can’t describe it.”
Myden appeared on the bridge with a hood over his face. “What each of you felt was a ripple of Brian’s consciousness,” he said telepathically. “He and the others on the Avoni have witnessed something that defies all emotion, to the point of emptiness.”
“Do you know what happened?” Seles asked. “Please, tell us.”
“A few minutes ago I felt a scream cry out from the darkness of space. Within a few seconds the screams stopped. It was the hearts and minds of a people who deserved better. Long ago I remember observing them from afar, with the hope they would join us one day. But now that will not happen.” Myden paused and let the sadness within his mind flow to the others on the bridge. “The people who called themselves the Braiden are no more.”
Chapter 37 - Grieving Hearts
Silence filled the Avoni in the moments following the destruction of the Braiden homeworld. Each member of the Avoni, along with Grigon, quietly went about their duties. But in their eyes a dark emptiness was visible. The tears of sadness were hidden behind a veil of denial. Each mobile suit landed in the launching bay mechanically. Every pilot checked the systems again before disembarking. Brian landed the Mjolnir with glazed over eyes.
I’m sorry Brian, but I don’t know what to say in this situation. The Mjolnir wrote on the monitor.
“Nothing will set my heart at ease right now friend,” Brian said in response. He tapped the mobile suit before leaving. His elevator cord seemed to slow down as he descended and saw the dispirited look in the other pilots’ eyes. All thirty of them gathered before him. Meldi stepped forward. She was shaking.
“I’m sorry…I failed you,” she said as her voice trembled like her body. “I failed them.” Meldi fell to her knees and started crying.
A number of the other pilots came forward and tried comforting her. Brian took Meldi by the hand and helped her stand.
“Lieutenant, you didn’t fail me,” he said. “And you didn’t fail them. Each of you fought your best and did everything within your power to save them. We faced an unknown enemy with strength beyond anything would could’ve anticipated. The fact we survived is a miracle. If anyone is to blame for this failure, it should be I.” Brian paused. “As the commander of this operation I should’ve planned better, but I wasn’t up to the task.”
“That’s not true,” Myli said.
“No commander, what Myli says is true,” Seli said. A number of the others echoed the sentiment.
“You’re probably right,” Brian said. “But that’s the way I feel. I know the Braiden wouldn’t want me to believe it but I can’t help but do so.” He paused and thought for a moment. “I have something to tell you, something I’ve
hidden from everyone except for the command staff onboard.” As he was about to continue Meldi took his hand in hers.
“We know,” she said. “You’ve been putting on a strong face for months and we haven’t said a thing. None of us wanted to believe it. Everyone onboard knows you’re dying.” Meldi and the others had tears in their eyes. “How much longer are you going to be with us?”
“I’m glad you know about this, really, I am,” he said. “The plague that killed the males of your world is now ravaging me. I’m so numbed from the medications I’m on I can barely feel your touch. My vision’s blurry and all my other senses are dulled. At this pace I should be dead within another month or two.” He let the silence stay for a moment. “Now you know the truth. Remember this as my final command when the time comes: survive. Make it back to the Confederation alive and deliver the information we’ve gathered on this journey.”
“We’ll do our best to see it through,” Meldi said. Each of the other pilots nodded in agreement.
“Good,” Brian said. “I need to speak with the command staff on what to do next. You have permission to stand down. I think that’s what all of need right now.” Brian saluted before leaving the pilots and engineers in the launching bay to themselves. After the door closed behind him the emotion of sorrow overcame them.
The walk to the bridge felt silent and slow to Brian. As the elevator opened he saw Zae and Baed sitting at their consoles. Jesela stood at the console in the back of the bridge. Celi came out of the side room while wiping away some tears.
“How’s the Avoni?” Brian asked before going to the captain’s chair.
“We’ve activated the stealth cloak,” Jesela said. No major damage to report.”
“I’ve flown the ship to the dark side of the Braiden moon as ordered,” Baed said.
“How are all of you doing?” he asked.
“My nerves are shot,” Jesela said.
“Numb,” Zae said. “The totality of what just happened hasn’t hit me yet.”
“It’s the same with me,” Baed answered.
Celi looked down at the floor. “I can’t believe what happened did,” she said.
“When we saw what happened to the Mardok I had a feeling could happen,” Brian said. “I’m sure all of you knew as well. The rational thing to do would’ve been for us to not involve ourselves. Maybe it would have spared us this moment in time. But the right thing to do was to try helping them.”
“Brian, what should we do next?” Zae asked.
“Rest and mourn them,” he answered. “I’ll think of something tomorrow Zae. I need some rest.”
“Alright,” Zae said. Brian went to the elevator and left the four women on the bridge together. When they were sure he was gone Zae turned to the other three. “I’m not the only one who can see what’s happening.”
“No,” Celi said. “There was something in his eyes that said more than his words ever could.”
“What can we do to help him?” Baed asked. “He’s putting all of the blame for this on himself.”
“That’s his way,” Jesela said. “Brian’s a loner by nature.”
“The disease is draining him both mentally and physically,” Celi said. “I don’t think he can berserk like he used to.”
The monitor flickered as Grigon appeared. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I wanted to speak my piece on this matter,” the old birdman said.
“Go ahead,” Zae said.
“I don’t have much to say, just a little of advice really,” Grigon said. “He needs someone to comfort him, now. The one he cares for the most is further away than imaginable. He has no one to turn to. His Terran heritage forces a certain image on your people. But like the rest you he’s all too mortal.”
“You’re right,” Celi said. She looked at the other three. “What?”
“You’d do nicely,” Zae said.
“She’s definitely the best candidate,” Baed added.
Jesela patted Celi on the shoulder. “Even though I’ve spend a night with him I think you’d be a better fit for this situation,” she said.
“Alright,” Celi said. “I’ll go and see to him right now.” She left the bridge.
Baed turned to Jesela. “When did this happen?” she asked.
“Near the start of our journey home,” Jesela answered.
Zae clapped her hands. “Enough, let’s get back to work.”
* * *
Brian walked silently to his room. After opening the door he walked in and stepped out of the exoskeleton. He stared at his face in the mirror.
“I killed them, didn’t I?” he asked. “I gave them hope knowing it was all for nothing. My desire to save others has brought pain upon those I care about the most. And now they have to live with it.” He punched the mirror and shattered it. He pulled back his bleeding fist before smashing the table into the far wall with a kick. He threw the three chairs around the room before falling to his knees. He punched the floor repeatedly.
“Why!?” he shouted. “This isn’t how it was supposed to end! They prayed with all their might and their gods abandoned them! That’s how it always works, doesn’t it God!?” He stood up and shouted at the ceiling. “The people put their faith in you and all they ever receive is despair. Not once do you save the weak. Once again the innocent pay for the sins of the guilty.” He sobbed before falling to the ground once more. “Seven billion are dead. Not because they were guilty, not because they’d done anything wrong. The only sin they committed was living, wasn’t it? Did their lives mean nothing to you!?” He punched the floor again. “Dammit all!” he angrily cried.
* * *
Celi was about to open the door when she heard Brian’s tirade. She listened to each word and felt every punch. She fell to the ground while clutching herself and crying. I’m sorry I can’t do more for you. She thought to herself before wiping away the tears. She stood and walked into the room. She noticed Brian wasn’t moving and ran over to him. A little bit of blood was coming out of his mouth. She quickly checked his pulse and found he was alive still. She wiped the blood away with a cloth in her belt. Celi moved him onto the bed before removing his shirt. She went to her med kit and took out a cold pack. She placed it on his feverish head. Brian took her hand.
“Thank you,” he said.
“You’re carrying the burden all on yourself,” she said. “Let us carry it with you.”
“I know,” he said. “But I feel like I was the one who killed them.”
“It wasn’t you,” she said. “The Greys destroyed them. I’m not going to write it off as fate or anything like it. I’m not a believer in god.”
“Then what do you believe it?” he asked.
“I believe in you, in myself, and those around me,” she answered. “I believe in real things, not something that may or may not exist.”
He tightened his grip on her hand. “Stay with me,” he said. “I’m afraid if I go to sleep right now I won’t wake up ever again.”
“I’ll make sure you see tomorrow.”
Chapter 38 - Vengeful Blades
Brian opened his eyes and saw Celi next to him. He winced as he rolled over to get off the bed. Celi stirred a moment later and yawned as she sat up. She watched Brian change his clothes into an identical outfit.
“You need to get some fashion into your life Brian,” Celi said.
Brian turned while smiling. “I know,” he said. “Brown pants and a white shirt every day is a bit on the monotonous side. I’m sorry about last night.”
“It’s not a big deal,” Celi said. She hugged him. “When all this is done I want a couple of nights together on Dega Jul.”
“Sure,” he said.
“Have you had a chance to think about what we should do next?” she asked.
“It sounds close to revenge but I really believe we need some kind of justice in this situation.” Brian narrowed his eyes. “I have a plan I’d like to run by the command staff as well as the crew.”
“Alright,
” she said. “You’re healthy enough for one more battle, that’s the truth. I’m doing everything I can to help you, but it’s difficult.”
“I’m glad you’re trying,” he said. He stepped into his exoskeleton armor. “It’s ironic I’m supposed to be the strongest and yet wear this when the rest of you don’t.”
“The armor is symbolic of your rank as a Maigar,” Celi said.
“I haven’t been able to carry a blade dance in months because my senses and balance are off,” Brian said.
Celi changed into a different uniform. She blushed when she noticed Brian’s eyes were lingering on her.
“You’re really pretty,” he said. “If we get through this I’m taking you up on your offer.”
Celi shook her head and sighed. “Let’s go talk to the others about the plan.”
* * *
Zae, Baed, Celi, Jesela and Meldi watched as Brian finished his briefing on their possible mission. Each had shock on their face. Grigon snickered in the background.
“Well planned young man,” Grigon said. “A bold strategy if I ever saw one.”
“When did you come up with this?” Zae asked.
“When I woke up this morning I thought it through in my head,” Brian answered.
“Given the amount of enemy forces stationed at the fourth planet this plan is filled with disaster,” Meldi said.
“I know it’s risky,” Brian said. “Any venture worth gaining is filled with risk.” He paused to look over the others. “Revenge is petty and that’s not what I’m seeking with this plan. We could leave, maybe we should. But I can’t let this go unheeded. The Greys overstepped a boundary that isn’t forgivable. Justice must be served. But, if any of you object we’ll withdraw leave this system.”
“I don’t object,” Grigon said.
“I agree with you Brian,” Zae said.
Heaven Saga 3: Sojourn Into Despair Page 21