“Any drug or chemical has a tendency to tamper with our telepathic power,” Myden said. “Caffeine makes us hyper aware of the thoughts of others and can cause psychosis.”
“We should get back to focusing on the battle,” Brian said.
“Of course,” Myden said. “All weapons systems are functioning normally.”
“All shields and drive systems are the same,” Jesela said.
“Communications are functioning perfectly,” Droid A reported.
“All other periphery systems are the same,” Droid B said.
After a moment of silence Brian shook his head. “Maybe I shouldn’t kill the small talk like that.”
* * *
Veda, Reban, and Shiken Ka attended their stations in the command center. Both inside and outside the base the activity level went from a storm to calm as the battle approached.
“I hate this part,” Veda said.
“The waiting is always the hardest part,” Shiken said.
“For so much build up I’m surprised Valis thinks we can finish this in less than an hour,” Veda said.
Reban turned to them. “We’ve received the signal. Our allies have taken the first orbital tower and have disabled their defense network.”
“All units prepare to attack,” Veda said.
Chapter 44 - The Battle of Malcov Prime
The battle began with long range attacks from the Artemis and Gemini. They softened up the enemy fleet as their allies followed. The six ships and their mobile weapons opened fire when they came within range. As they did so three hundred ships surrounded the base. On the other side of the planet the Silver navy was engaged in a massive firefight with eleven hundred ships of the Gold navy.
“Seles, Kivi switch to spread mode,” Valis said. “Our enemies are clustered together so let’s take advantage of it.”
“Good idea,” Seles said.
“Sounds like a plan,” Kivi said.
The two switched their cannons to spread mode and fired. The enemy fleet moved to surround the five before the Siren activated its song system. While Mira chanted an old Kalaidian war song the Malcovin ships and Talons were rendered useless. The Artemis and Gemini made quick work of the disabled enemy vessels as they headed for the first orbital base. Mira continued the song system as they passed over the base and flew for another. After five minutes Mira ended her berserk.
“That’s all I’ve got for now,” she said.
“You did perfect,” Valis said. “All enemy bases in our plan have been destroyed or disabled.” She looked at the ships attacking the Columbia base. “Our next objective is to drive the enemy away from our allies.”
* * *
Zaris stood uncomfortably while his forces in space took a beating. The others in the room exuded a special kind of stupidity as their world fell apart around them. Admiral Shakar remained calm on the small monitor.
“We haven’t lost yet my lord,” the admiral said.
“I know, things don’t look good right now,” Zaris said.
“Our forces on the far end of the planet are holding their own,” Shakar reported.
“My lord, the enemy has penetrated the palace grounds!” a guard shouted over the com before being killed in an explosion.
Zaris cursed under his breath. “This is all because of that damned Terran,” he watched his forces outside as they were driven back, “and of that damn woman.”
* * *
Grigon led a hundred and ten Talons on an attack against the palace. The female pilots proved to be superb as they defeated their foes. The remaining enemy Talons moved inside the palace perimeter for cover when Seka appeared on the monitor.
“You’re looking spry for a grey feather,” Seka said.
“I was as good as Dreka in my youth,” Grigon said.
“Is it for Rikai?” Seka asked.
“For her,” Grigon said. “And all the others forced to live under the claws of tyrant kings.”
“I’m glad you came back,” Seka said.
“It’s good to be home,” Grigon said.
“By the way, what’s the enemy doing?” Seka asked.
“They’re moving into last stand position,” Grigon said. “They know they’re outmatched but have been ordered to fight to the death.”
“Send me word when the palace falls,” Seka said.
“It won’t be long,” Grigon said.
* * *
Vikrit and Daekon watched their forces and the Gold fleet trade attacks and retreats. The admiral looked at the monitor to see what their allies on the other side of the planet were doing.
“Looks like the five made their mark,” Daekon said.
“I’d give all my money for one of those mobile suits,” Vikrit said.
“I don’t know the details but I know they cost a fortune,” Daekon said.
The base shook as the enemy surrounded them. The weapons on the base and its mobile suits returned fire.
“I should be glad to have this place,” Vikrit said.
“Sir, the third fleet is being pounded pretty badly,” Daekon reported.
“Have them join with the fifth fleet,” the admiral ordered. “Our job is to keep the main force of the Gold navy occupied until our friends take down Zaris.”
* * *
The ships attacking the Columbia base turned their focus once the battle commenced. From their formation it was obvious their true target was the Freedom itself. Brian watched with annoyance from the bridge as his ship shook from their attacks.
“Kyli, Tctie, move into formation D-22,” Brian ordered.
“Yes sir,” Kyli said.
“Yes captain,” Tctie said.
The mobile suits clustered together around the ship. A moment later the Avoni and Daevoni did likewise as they moved next to the Freedom.
“Thanks you two,” Brian said.
“We won’t let you get ganged up on you that easily,” Zae said.
“Anything for our Maigar captain,” Esra said.
A moment later the Mjolnir switched its cannon to spread mode and fired a number of volleys into the enemy. At the same time the Maidens returned to the base.
“That’ll take the heat off us,” Jesela said.
“They do make things easier,” Brian said.
* * *
The Maidens carved a hole through the enemy force until they reached the Columbia base. When the saw the Freedom taking the majority of the attacks they flew in the way and let the Aegis’s shield take the hits.
“They really don’t like our ship,” Mira said.
“No, it’s an eye sore to them,” Seles said.
“I think it’s because Zaris hates Brian,” Kivi suggested.
“Not a bad theory,” Celi said.
“That’s exactly what he’s after,” Valis said. “Now focus on the battle. Seles, be ready to go when it’s time.”
“Alright,” Seles said.
* * *
Admiral Shakar sat on the bridge of his flagship with trepidation in his eyes. While his forces on the far side of the planet were holding their own, the forces closest to him were being cut apart. When he looked at the monitor he saw the same from those inside the palace.
“My lord, have you secured an escape route?” the admiral asked.
“Of course I did,” Zaris said. “I might have to use it. Those damned rebels have our wings to the wall and it’s starting to look hopeless.”
“Get out of there if you must,” Shakar said. He turned to his men. “No letting up! We fight till the last ship is stardust! We are the last hope for Malcov!”
* * *
Dreka waited in his Talon when Seka appeared on the monitor.
“Our troops have secured the orbital tower,” she said. “It’s time you joined your grandfather.”
“I’ll do that,” Dreka said.
He flew the Talon back down the center shaft until reaching ground level. Once he was outside a number of enemy Talons moved to surround him. He quickly
tore them apart with his mobile suit’s claws. When he reached the palace he found the others had pinned the last remaining guard Talons inside the compound.
“It’s good to see you’re finally here,” Grigon said over the com.
“I’m glad to help old man,” Dreka said. “What is it you wanted me to do?”
“Attack anything trying to leave the palace grounds, especially any ships or Talons,” Grigon said.
“You think he’ll try running?” Dreka asked.
“Of course he will,” Grigon said. “Zaris fears death more than anything.”
“Alright then, I’ll take care of it,” Dreka said.
“Good,” Grigon said. “We’ll sack the palace in the next few minutes. Watch for a ship then.”
“Got it,” Dreka said.
Chapter 45 - Flames of Liberty
From the far side of the moon two hundred Malcovin ships flew in to help the Gold navy. Veda, Shiken Ka, and Reban watched with a bit of unease.
“Valis didn’t plan for this,” Veda said.
“One can’t anticipate their opponents’ every move,” Shiken said.
“Our ships are tangled up and the Maidens are still on their attack route,” Reban reported.
“So we’re on our own,” Veda said. “All units are to take formation E-17.”
Five hundred mobile weapons spread across the asteroid’s surface. The two incoming fleets headed straight for them.
“How are our shields?” Veda asked.
“Holding at seventy one percent,” Reban said.
“They’re draining at a rate of one percent every thirty seconds,” Shiken said.
“Maybe that’s the reason why Valis wanted us to end this battle so quickly,” Veda said.
“Incoming!” Reban shouted.
Outside, one of the damaged Malcovin ships flew into the Columbia base’s shields and exploded. Once the smoke cleared the shield array had fallen to fifty two percent and had a large hole in it. The Malcovin ships aimed at the weak spot and pounded the base with pulse blasts and HV missiles. When a hole in the defense array began opening to the interior the Freedom flew in the way.
* * *
The Freedom shook from the enemy attacks falling on it. After another wave the shaking threw Jesela to the ground. Brian ran to her and held her up. She shook her head and smiled.
“It’s just a bump on the head,” she said.
“Don’t worry me like that,” Brian said.
He helped her back up and to her console before returning to his station.
“Myden, concentrate on their forward attack ships,” Brian said. “Kyli, Tctie, pay no heed to the damage we take.”
“Yes captain,” Kyli and Tctie said.
“You sound like you’re getting into this,” Myden said.
Brian looked at Jesela. “It’s time to show them our trump card.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Let them see true strength of the Freedom,” Brian said.
“Activating the Hades system,” Jesela said.
The Freedom’s gravity drives all spun in unison as their particles accelerated. The ship was awash with light as it pointed its bow at the enemy fleet. The front of the ship opened to reveal a massive cannon barrel. As it charged the particles around the ship began flying into the barrel.
* * *
Admiral Shakar watched as the Freedom lit up as aimed at his fleet.
“Sir, the energy output from that ship exceeds any known power source!” his science officer shouted.
“What is that light?” Zaris asked over the monitor.
“I don’t know my lord,” Shakar said. “A minute ago their base and flagship were on the verge of destruction. But now…”
From the tip of the Freedom fired a beam three hundred ketres long. Two hundred ships and almost a thousand mobile suits were vaporized in an instance. The surviving Malcovin forces flew away from the glowing ship at full speed. The light stopped as the Freedom returned to normal. Shakar regained his senses and stared at the devastation to his forces.
“All ships are to change to formation X-11,” the admiral said. “Our only hope is if the others can beat the Silver navy quickly.”
* * *
Jesela knelt over Brian and pulled the injector back from his neck.
“It’s my turn to ask if you’re alright,” Jesela said.
“Thanks,” he said as he stood up.
“No problem,” she said.
“Let’s get back to the battle,” Brian said.
“We don’t want you pushing yourself,” Myden said.
“I can handle it for short periods of time,” Brian said.
“You looked quite strange,” Jesela said.
“You’d look that way too if you awakened,” Brian said. “By the way Myden, what’s our status?”
“The enemy has been driven back,” Myden said.
“That’s what I was hoping for,” Brian said.
“The cannon worked better than I thought it would,” Jesela said.
“Let’s be glad it did,” Brian said. “Our enemy was about to deliver the knockout blow.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Jesela asked.
“It’s just a headache,” Brian said. “I’ll have Mira take a look after the battle.”
* * *
Veda smiled when the blast from the Freedom knocked their enemies away from the base.
“He didn’t tell us about that,” Shiken said.
“There’s probably a reason,” Veda said.
“The enemy is trying to regroup,” Reban reported. “The Maidens are moving to prevent them from doing so.”
“Good,” Veda said. “All units are to stay in formation. We’ll let the Maidens take care of the enemy for now. Let’s concentrate on fixing the shields.” She glanced at the monitor showing the bridge of the Freedom. “Brian, are you alright?”
“Just fine,” he said. “We’ll continue as we were.”
“With that attack our chances of victory soared,” Shiken said.
“The Silver navy reports they’re holding their own,” Reban said.
“That’s a relief,” Veda said. “I get the impression we can’t use that thing multiple times.”
“Probably not,” Shiken said.
* * *
The Maidens were far away from the others when the Freedom fired. After the enemy moved to regroup they turned about to stop them.
“Could someone tell me what that was?” Celi asked.
“I have no idea,” Kivi said.
“Brian didn’t tell either of us the ship had that thing,” Mira said.
“There’s probably a reason why he didn’t say anything,” Seles said.
“Of course there is,” Valis said. “Alright, it’s time we end this. The enemy is on their heels and it’s time to crush them.”
“Yes Valis,” the other four said.
The five flew into the enemy and concentrated their fire in the area immediately around them. When they made a pass near the Columbia base the enemy moved into formation far away from the Freedom.
“Seles, I’m going to have you use the arrow system once,” Valis said. “Our enemy needs to be scattered and a simple charge won’t do the trick.”
“I’m ready when you need me,” Seles said.
“Let me work out a quick plan and we’ll be on our way,” Valis said.
* * *
The Freedom’s attack was so bright it could be seen in the daytime in the sky. Dreka shook his head.
“I didn’t think they could do it,” he said.
Seka appeared on the monitor. “What was that?”
“Just a little side project the old man’s been working on,” he answered. “I didn’t think it’d be ready for years.”
“Sir, the last of the mobile suit guards has been destroyed,” a female pilot reported.
“Good,” Dreka said. “Destroy anything tryi
ng to leave the palace.”
“Of course sir,” the pilots responded.
Behind them the silent city became loud as thousands of dissident citizens, male and female made their way to the palace. The angry bird people shouted and cawed nasty things about their king and his government as they did so.
“I don’t think he’ll be able to run with that crowd,” Seka said.
“He’ll try,” Dreka said.
He glanced at the other unit being led by Grigon and noticed the old birdman’s cockpit was opened.
“I wonder where he went,” Dreka said.
He aimed his pulse cannon and fired at the front gate, blasting it off its hinges. Once the smoke cleared the Talons flew inside with an angry crowd right behind.
Chapter 46 - When the Gate Crashes
When the rebels blasted the front gate Zaris stood up. His guards went to intercept anyone trying to reach the upper levels while his advisors seemed more interested in saving their own lives. He grabbed his Keiker pike and cawed in disgust.
“It’s not looking good,” Shakar said.
“We’re wounded, but not beaten yet,” Zaris said. “I entrust the battle to you old friend. I’ll leave this place and regroup our forces on the surface.”
“Of course my lord,” Shakar said.
Zaris gripped his pike and ran to the rear area of the throne room. He pressed a button on the wall to open a secret elevator. As he stepped inside the elevator closed and moved upwards.
“This isn’t over,” Zaris said.
* * *
Seles let the berserk come as she fired an arrow into the center of the enemy fleet. As a cluster ships exploded the Maidens flew into the fray and destroyed one enemy craft after another. The enemy fleet moved to surround them but found they were too fast. Seles closed her eyes and focused her energy before separating from the other four. In her state the Artemis moved faster than the enemies could anticipate and blasted them to bits as she passed them. A moment later the Minerva’s drive sped up and Valis joined in the display of destruction. After a few minutes the two moved back within the Aegis’s shield and ended their berserks. The enemy fleet was reduced to less than fifty scattered ships with a couple hundred Talons.
Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Page 20