“Do you have an idea of how we can get through that thing?” El Kar asked.
Brian looked at Zae. “Have Meldi use the Mjolnir’s enhanced rifle system.”
“Relaying the order now,” Zae said.
A moment later the Mjolnir deployed its reflector plates into power position and charged the cannon. When it fired the beam slammed into the shields and made a dent. As it continued firing with the other crafts the shields shrank before giving out. The bombardment flattened all the remaining ships and mobile suits on the base before a surrender signal was sent.
* * *
Veda and Shiken Ka stood at ready while Reban directed traffic. The Maidens and the ships finished their mission and were now heading back.
“Victories like this are good once in a while,” Veda said. “Having to stress about every nuance isn’t something I care for.”
“Most commanders feel the same,” Shiken said.
“Have you had a chance to look over her final plan?” Veda asked.
“Only a small portion of it,” Shiken said.
“She’s crazy,” Veda said. “I keep telling myself she’s going to get herself killed doing things like this. But every time she proves me wrong.”
“You’re looking at one of those beaten by her crazy tactics,” Shiken said.
“You’re still sore about that, aren’t you?” Veda asked.
“No,” Shiken said. “I enjoy losing as much as you like being wrong. But time’s passed and now we’re allies. I hope others can change like I did.”
“We’re going to need that if our organization wants to survive,” Veda said. She looked at Reban. “How are things moving along?”
“Smoothly as usual,” Reban answered.
The scanners went to alert mode when four hundred Malcovin ships appeared. The ships were dangerously close to the Columbia base as they started their attack.
“All units scramble,” Veda quickly ordered. “You think they would’ve given us a moment’s rest.”
“It just means less work when we reach their home world,” Shiken said.
The base shook while the enemy fleet surrounded it. The shields took the blasts while the mobile weapons deployed outside and moved into defense formations.
* * *
In the Sicily base’s command center the Malcovin onboard ran about in a flurry. Admiral Vikrit stood at the center table and watched the battle as it continued. A brown furred Minan commander named Daekon served as his first officer on the base.
“Should we move to help them?” Daekon asked.
“Let’s wait for their call,” Vikrit said.
“Of course sir,” Daekon said.
“All units will remain on standby until further ordered,” the admiral said. “Just want to make sure none of them rush in there.”
“We wouldn’t want that sir,” Daekon said.
“Yes, let’s sit back and see how good they are,” Vikrit said.
* * *
The Maidens sped their return when the Malcovin fleets appeared. They stuck to the Y formation with the Artemis and Gemini firing from long range. The enemy focused everything on the base and turned little of its attention to them as they approached.
“I think it’s time for another arrow,” Kivi said. “Then we’ll sweep through them. After that it’s your turn Mira.”
“I’m on it,” Seles said.
“Of course Kivi,” Mira said.
The Artemis charged up for another arrow attack. The enemy ships saw this and started moving apart. The Artemis’s blast destroyed fifty ships and over three hundred Talons in one shot. While the mobile suit returned to normal the four flew into the enemy. Once they looped around the Siren activated its song system. The four shot through another of the Malcovin fleets. As they did so the Siren’s system disabled ninety percent of the ships and mobile suits in its wake. The Gemini and Artemis switched to spread attacks to clear the area. The surviving enemy ships flew to their two remaining formations while the four joined the Columbia base. Mira ended her berserk and returned to Siren to normal.
“Do you want to do another charge?” Seles asked.
“Let’s wait for our ships to engage their fleet,” Kivi said.
“Alright,” Seles said.
“It appears their target changed,” Celi said.
“It’s not like we’re less of a threat,” Mira added.
“They want to take down our bases,” Kivi said. “They have much better shielding then any individual ship, so it’s simple tactics.”
“We’re not going to let them do that,” Celi said.
“Of course not,” Kivi said. “We need to wait for the others to make their move before making ours.”
* * *
Brian finished a quick modification to the original plan and sent it to the other ships.
“That should do the trick,” Brian said.
“Interesting idea,” Esra said. “I can tell you learned from Valis.”
“It hinges on Kivi seeing what we’re doing,” Brian said.
The six ships shifted from their triangle formation to having the Freedom at the head of a single file line with the Vomada taking up the rear. The Freedom’s mobile suits moved into a cone shaped arrow tip while the other mobile weapons moved around to compensate. From the Avoni’s forces the Mjolnir flew to the very front of the tip. As the newly formed group of ships marched forward they cut through the enemy fleet’s flank like a drill bit.
“How’s she doing?” Brian asked.
“The shields are holding at sixty five percent,” Jesela said.
“Weapons systems are still at full,” Myden said.
“The enemy appears to be ignoring us,” Droid A reported.
“They really want to take down our base,” Brian said.
Chapter 40 - Gold Strikes
The command center shook as the Malcovin forces focused their attacks on the base.
“Number four shield station has overloaded,” Reban reported. “It’s the same with stations five and ten.”
“Send units to cover our gaps,” Veda said.
“Of course,” Reban said.
The shaking subsided when the Maidens flew in and helped with the shielding.
“Grigon should install the Aegis’s system on everything,” Shiken said. “It out does any shield my people have come up with.”
“He won’t because there’s a massive drawback,” Veda said. “Did you ever notice the Aegis doesn’t have any weapons?”
“Hmm…I always did wonder about that,” Shiken said. “I guess I thought it was more because it matched the pilot’s personality. Celi doesn’t strike me as a hunter.”
“She isn’t,” Veda said.
“The others are heading back,” Reban said.
“It’s about time,” Veda said.
The monitor flashed and showed Vikrit and Daekon.
“Do you need any help?” the admiral asked.
Veda smiled. “I think we can handle it.”
Vikrit cawed. “I have a ton of men itching for battle.”
“I take it their blood is boiling,” Shiken said.
“Of course it is,” Vikrit said. “If you need anything, just ask and we’ll be waiting.”
* * *
Kivi led the Maidens as they blazed through the Malcovin fleet. When the four reached the tip of the six ships in formation they moved next to the Mjolnir. Brian appeared on their monitors.
“It took you long enough,” he said.
“We thought we’d give you guys something to do,” Kivi said. “So what’s our next move?”
“We’ll keep moving until we reach the base and attack anyone opposing us,” Brian said. “They should be calling off their attack any second now.”
The small fleet barreled its way through the enemy until it met with the Columbia base. The ships switched back into a triangle formation with the Freedom at the front. The enemy ships collected their Talons before gravity jumping away. The damaged shi
ps and Talons still moving sent out surrender signals.
“It looks like they decided to leave earlier than we thought,” Seles said.
“This was just a scouting fleet,” Kivi said.
Veda appeared on their screens. “All forces are to return to base.”
“This’ll be the last time we get a chance to rest,” Kivi said. “Make sure you make the best of it.”
* * *
In a nearby solar system Admiral Shakar and his guard fleet of six hundred ships waited. As he paced about the bridge his subordinates nervously worked at their stations. After an hour the survivors of the fleet he sent to attack the Columbia base appeared. Their numbers were cut by more than a half, leaving less than a hundred and sixty ships from the original four hundred.
“Sir, the fleet is sending over the data you wanted,” the science officer reported.
“We’re going to need it,” Shakar said. “Send my thanks to the surviving captains. Once their drives are recharged we’ll return to the home world. We should get there a day or two before the enemy.”
“Yes sir,” his subordinates responded.
The admiral went to his chair and pulled up the small monitor attached to it. He watched the battle footage closely while grinding his beak. What caught his eye the most was the fact that the Columbia base’s forces repelled his ships without help from the other base or the Silver navy.
“Is something wrong sir?” the commander asked.
“The king…he isn’t going to like my assessment,” Shakar said.
“It’s that bad, isn’t it?” the commander asked.
“Yes, that bad,” Shakar said. He looked at his men. “I trust all of you to fight with everything you have. The future of our world is in our hands. Whether or not the rebels back home succeed it’s our duty to fulfill the will of the king.”
All the officers saluted.
“We’re with you sir,” the commander said.
* * *
Valis, Seka, Dreka, and Grigon were in the planning room watching the acts of subterfuge the resistance performed across the Malcovin territories. When the video was done Valis looked at the others.
“I wasn’t expecting as much cooperation from the citizens as this,” she said.
“None of us did,” Seka said. “I thought a good portion of the female population would jump in, but the numbers Teaika and Kili send me are staggering. The fourth and eighth colony systems have fallen. Admiral Shakar has recalled all garrisons in our people’s territory to defend the home world.”
“That I figured on,” Valis said. “He’s seen the superiority our forces have right now. Shakar didn’t become the Gold one being an idiot.” She looked at Dreka and Grigon. “Are they ready?”
“The pilots are as ready as they’ll ever be,” Dreka said.
“The engineers are the same,” Grigon answered.
“Good,” Valis said. “We have a few more things to take care of before our friends arrive.”
* * *
After the Artemis and Siren landed Jesela ran in to do her usual round of scans. When Seles and Mira left their mobile suits they checked on what Jesela was doing. She looked up when she noticed they were staring at her.
“Grigon told me to keep a close eye things, so that’s what I’m doing,” she said.
“Is that all?” Seles asked.
“You aren’t keeping secrets on us, are you?” Mira asked.
Jesela shook her head. “The problem with secrets is we have to know them to keep them. Neither of us have a clue on what using these systems will lead to. So to ensure things are running smoothly we’ll check after every battle to see if something’s going on. If we spot something we’ll tell you.”
“I guess we have to believe her,” Mira said.
“I’d hate to do that,” Seles said. “Believing there’s a conspiracy is more interesting.”
“Myden’s the expert on conspiracies,” Jesela said. “I’m just a pawn in the game, nothing more.”
“Aren’t we all?” Seles asked.
* * *
Myden left his console to join Brian at the bottom of the bridge. He looked at the plan Brian was so engrossed in.
“This will be the greatest victory so far,” Myden said.
“It’ll show the Confederation we mean business,” Brian said. He noticed the Grey was looking at him. “What?”
“Your mind is closed to me,” Myden said.
“It’s become a reflex to block it out,” Brian said. “I think when that thing was messing with me it became a habit.”
“Of course,” Myden said. “Brian, are you happy with how things have turned out for you? I won’t be offended if you say no.”
“Yes and no,” he answered. “If I had stayed on Earth I could’ve done something to make the world a better place, but I can’t say for sure. As to the reality that came true, there are things I like and don’t.” He looked around the bridge. “I’m proud I’ve made it this far. But I regret the life I lead because it’s counter to what I’m looking for.”
“I understand,” Myden said. “That’s why I lived all those years alone. I wanted to see the world at peace. And not the false peace my people chose, but a real one.”
“I’m also bothered by the predestined stuff,” Brian said. “It seems contrived and meaningless.”
“People cling to myth and legend because it makes them feel better,” Myden said. “I’m sorry it works that way.”
“I won’t put all the blame on you,” Brian said. “I embraced it. I could’ve just gone into the engineering department on the Avoni and lived a boring life that way.”
“Something tells me even if you had this is the direction you would’ve headed,” Myden said. “Never fear fate Brian, because you control it.”
Chapter 41 – Sabotage
Zaris walked around his throne room with the monitors showing his troops quashing some rebellious spots as others were forced to flee. While his advisors ran around in a state of constant panic Admiral Shakar calmly made his way to the king.
“I have returned my lord,” Shakar said.
“I’m glad they didn’t catch you,” Zaris said. “You’re the only one I can trust these days.”
“My loyalty is not a question,” the admiral said. “I obtained the data we sought.”
“Let’s see it,” Zaris said.
Shakar put the data crystal in a console near the throne. The main monitor showed the recent battle between the forces of Heaven’s Light and the Gold navy. Both watched carefully as the four Maidens carved through their troops. Once it was done concern came to Zaris’s eyes.
“There were only four,” Zaris said. “It was the same in the battle prior to them entering our territory.”
“This means the Minerva is somewhere else,” Shakar said. “I believe that’s the mobile suit piloted by Captain Valis Kein.”
“I hate things like this,” Zaris said. “I can see the others, especially the Artemis, being used for some type of special mission.”
“We know the special capabilities three of them possess,” Shakar said. He switched the screen to highlight the Artemis first. “This mobile suit’s weapons are better than anything short of an Original Five vessel. Its limitation is it can only be used two times before the suit needs time to recharge.” He highlighted the Siren. “This one is able to disable large numbers of enemy vessels. Through what process we’re not sure, but it’s extremely effective. It’s also limited to about five minutes of use.” He highlighted the Aegis. “This mobile suit possesses no weapons but has a shield system our engineers can’t explain. It has the ability to increase this protective field, but is limited to around fifteen minutes before it has to return to normal.” He highlighted the Gemini. “This suit has a cannon on par with the Artemis, but as of yet we’ve not seen any special capabilities.” He switched to an earlier shot of the Minerva. “We have seen this suit perform at an extremely high level. My suspicion is it’s capable of predicting its
enemy’s battle tactics at a high percentage.” He switched the screen back to the combat footage. “Our ability to defend the home world depends on us being able to isolate and destroy these special models. In the battles so far we’ve been unable to do so. It’ll be two days before they reach the home world. As such I’ve recalled all colonial ships and mobile suits to help the cause.”
“We can always take back the colonies,” Zaris said. “Rabble troops mean nothing to our forces.”
“I agree,” Shakar said. “As to the whereabouts of the fifth mobile suit, I suspect it may be hiding under our beaks.” He switched the footage to the targets the underground have been striking. “Valis is helping the rebels. In the last week we’ve seen an increase of attacks and in their precision. This correlates with the disappearance of the Minerva.”
“What are our chances of coming out of this?” Zaris asked.
“I put our chances firmly at fifty percent,” the admiral said. “Because of those special models I can’t make our odds any better.”
“It’s better than zero,” the king said.
An advisor ran into the room with panic in his eyes.
“They’re attacking our bases again my lord!” he shouted.
“Of course they are,” Zaris said. “Calm yourselves and drive them away. We can’t afford any more mess ups.”
* * *
Valis and Seka watched the live video feed from the latest round of attacks. The one they focused on was an attack on a Talon production facility in a nearby city. The females and their helpers managed to capture fifty more Talons and were shipping them underground as quickly as possible.
“I’m surprised the king’s soldiers have never found this base,” Valis said. “I haven’t asked, but is there a reason for that?”
Seka cawed. “The underground tunnels were built during the industrial age five hundred years ago. By the time we developed the first gravity drive these tunnels were long abandoned and have little records in the city above. Zaris has sent spies down here before, but none of them have been able to locate the base long enough to do anything. Every time they try a large scale attack we know about it long enough in advance to move to a different location.” She looked at Valis. “I take it Kalaidians didn’t build structures like this underground.”
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 18