The two entered the command center. Brian and Valis worked at the center table when Veda and Grigon came over. Her guards spread throughout the room.
“What’s the situation?” Veda asked.
“We’re surrounded on all sides,” Valis said.
Veda shook her head. “I don’t see any worry on your face. Why would that be?”
“As long as we’re inside the base we’re protected,” Valis explained.
A moment later the base shook when the ships outside opened fire. As the bombardment continued the alert system came on. All the troops within the base took their battle stations while the pilots scrambled to their mobile suits. All of the ships in the docking bay fired up their systems.
“It looks like your question has been answered,” Brian said.
“Yes, it has,” Veda said.
Chapter 11 - Scattering to the Winds
While the bombardment continued, Seles and Mira waited in the docking bay of the base. Numerous crew members from all the ships ran to their stations onboard them. Outside, a shield array surrounded the asteroid and bounced the attacks away harmlessly. The door opened from the interior as Valis and Brian made their way to the Avoni. They stopped when they reached the pair.
“It was an honor serving under you Valis,” Seles said with a salute.
“As it was for me,” Mira said, doing likewise.
Valis saluted the two before handing each of them a command circlet. “I would’ve rather given these to you when we had more time,” she said. “But the current situation prevents such.” She smiled while looking at them. “For over a decade you served the Avoni and I. You served with honor and dignity far beyond my expectations. Someday I hope to give you a proper parting ceremony. Thanks for all you’ve done, and may Kali watch over each of you.”
“Thanks,” Seles said.
“Thank you,” Mira said.
Valis looked at Brian. “I’ll go on ahead. Prep the Mjolnir when you’re ready.”
She ran into the Avoni. The base shook from another fierce assault. A dumb look on Brian’s face broke through the veil he usually wore these days.
“I really don’t know what to say,” he said.
“You’re supposed to say goodbye,” Mira said while pulling him down for a kiss. She stepped away and nodded to Seles.
“And promise us you’ll return,” Seles said as she kissed him.
“I will,” he said. Before stepping on the stairs he turned and saluted them. “Commander Daevon and lieutenant commander Kein, take care of the Freedom. I entrust everything to you.” He smiled before running inside. As the ship fired up Seles and Mira headed for the Freedom.
“I don’t know about the name change,” Mira said.
“You mean how he called us by our surnames?” Seles asked.
“It feels weird,” Mira said.
“I know, but wearing an exoskeleton will be weirder,” Seles said. “At least we’re allowed to wear these.”
She placed the circlet with two leaves on her forehead. Mira did the same with her single leafed circlet. The Avoni pulled out of its dock and floated towards the gate as they watched the ship they called home leave.
“Do you think they’ll be alright?” Mira asked.
“They survived the sojourn,” Seles said. “If they could live through that nothing the Confederation throws at them will compare.”
“I guess you’re right,” Mira said.
Seles turned to the Freedom. “Let’s go Mira; we have a lot to do before he returns to us.”
* * *
Valis entered the bridge and went to her chair. Baed and Vae sat at their consoles while Zae was in the commander’s chair. Daes stood by at the top of the bridge.
“All weapons and shields are prepared,” Zae said as she looked up.
“All mobile suit pilots have reported to their crafts and will be ready momentarily,” Baed reported.
“The Avoni’s ready for launch,” Daes said.
“Alright,” Valis said. She turned on her com. “Brian, have you boarded?”
“I’m heading for the launching bay as we speak,” he responded.
“Good,” Valis turned the com to Meldi and Myli, “Launch as soon as we exit the base and take formation D-3.”
“Yes captain,” the two squadron leaders responded.
“Vae, take us out,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” Vae said.
When the Avoni reached the gate the doors opened to the outside. The heavy class vessel flared up as it moved outside and into the thick of the bombardment. The shields glowed as pulse blasts slammed into them.
“It appears the upgrades work,” Daes said with relief in her voice.
“True,” Valis said. “As it stands we possess the technological edge.”
“But they’re only a few years behind us,” Zae said.
“I know,” Valis said. “We have to take advantage as much as we can until they catch up.”
* * *
Brian stood in the launching bay in front the Mjolnir.
“It’s been awhile old friend,” he said as he stepped on the elevator cord.
The eyes on the mobile suit lit up as the systems inside turned on.
“I was worried you’d abandoned me,” the mobile suit said. “I was ready to deploy on my own if you didn’t show up.”
Brian smiled as he took his seat in the cockpit. “Without the upgrades things are going to be rough,” he said as he turned everything over to manual control.
“We’ll survive,” the mobile suit said.
“I’m sure we will,” Brian said before turning on his com. “Everything’s ready on my end Valis.”
“Go ahead and launch,” she ordered.
“Formation D-3, right?” he asked.
“You know my tactics far too well,” Valis said.
“I’ll be heading out now,” Brian said.
The Mjolnir’s engines fired up as the hatch above opened to let it outside. It joined the other mobile suits on the hull of the Avoni and added to its shielding.
“How are you feeling?” Meldi asked as her image came up with Myli’s on his monitor.
He tapped his temple. “I’m be alright today Meldi.”
“The ghosts aren’t following you?” Myli asked.
“No, not for the moment,” he said. Brian closed his eyes and concentrated on the task at hand. “The ocean tides are shifting and washing over the world.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Myli asked.
“It means a great change is occurring,” Meldi said.
Brian opened his eyes. “The waves are getting stronger as we speak.”
* * *
Veda and her command staff occupied the nerve center of the base while Grigon worked away at a different console.
“There!” the old Malcovin shouted. “It’s ready to activate now.”
“Activate what?” Veda asked. “What exactly are you babbling about?”
Grigon cawed with indignity. “The system that’ll save our backsides,” he pointed to the gravity drive system, “It’ll take us a few jumps to reach the Kalmar system.”
Veda checked the systems. “He’s right,” she said. “We can jump an entire base?”
“Of course,” he said. “Did you think we’d just sit here and let them pound our shields forever?”
“No, but I wasn’t expecting this,” she looked over a few more systems, “It doesn’t look like we have any offensive weapons.”
“Not yet,” Grigon said. “But soon we will.”
“So what’s the plan Valis is so keen on?” Veda asked.
“She wants to draw them away using the Avoni and Terran,” Grigon said. “El Kar will be joining her shortly with the Reinkar as back up.”
“And what are we to do?”
“Wait for a few minutes before running away with our lives,” the old birdman said.
* * *
Valis and those on the bridge of the Avoni sat qu
ietly as the battle continued. The Confederation ships aimed at them while the Lances moved to intercept.
“Hold your positions,” Valis said. “I know it looks bad, but our shields will hold out against this attack.”
El Kar’s image appeared on the main monitor from his bridge. “Do you need our help yet?” he asked.
“Not quite,” Valis said. The Avoni shook from an attack from outside. “Maybe speed things up a little bit.”
“As you wish,” El Kar said.
The Reinkar headed for the gate to join the Avoni.
“Captain, we’re detecting another fleet coming out of gravity jump,” Baed reported. “It appears to be the fleet in charge of Dega Jul.”
Valis tapped her finger in annoyance. “I wasn’t expecting them to be this desperate.”
“What should we do?” Baed asked.
“Continue as planned,” Valis ordered. She turned on the com to the Mjolnir. “Brian, it’s about time for your announcement.”
“Alright,” he responded. Brian opened his com to all channels and frequencies. “To the Confederation forces, this is Commander Peterson speaking. The charges against me are false and violate my rights as a citizen of Dega Jul. I won’t surrender because I’m not guilty of any crime. If you choose to withdraw we will allow you to do so.”
The new fleet of attack ships surrounding the base opened fire.
“It doesn’t look like they’re going to listen to reason,” Brian said over the com.
“No, I didn’t think they would,” Valis said.
Chapter 12 - Running, Running, Gone
Baeron stood on the bridge of the Zakar as the battle around the base intensified. The Zakar looked the same other attack ships save for its greater mass. The ship matched Avoni class ships in size and armaments. The bridge was a large circular room with the captain in the center and their subordinates stationed around them. Currently, there were six officers on the bridge. Floating next to Baeron was the captain of the ship, the Mylor named Siata.
“Sir, we’re detecting an energy surge from inside the asteroid,” the science officer reported. “It appears to be a gravity drive system.”
“We’re also detecting another vessel emerging to join the Avoni,” the security officer said.
“That’s the Reinkar,” Baeron said as he looked at the screen. “What should we do captain?”
“The base will disappear in a moment,” Siata said. “Have all the ships concentrate their fire on the Avoni.”
“Of course,” Baeron said as he pressed the com. “All ships change your primary target to the Avoni.”
“Yes sir,” the other captains responded.
* * *
Valis sat watched the enemy ships target the Avoni.
“Holding out is looking more remote by the moment,” she said.
“They don’t like us very much,” Zae said.
“Captain, Veda wants to say something,” Baed reported.
“Put her though,” Valis ordered.
“Yes captain,” Baed said before turning the com on.
Veda appeared on the screen. “Take care of yourself Valis,” she said, “As well as the rest of you.”
“I take it you’re leaving?” Valis asked.
“Grigon insists on it,” Veda said. “With the current situation I have to agree.”
“How long will it be until you to depart?” Valis asked.
“A few minutes,” Grigon cawed from off screen.
“See you soon Valis,” Veda said.
“Thanks grandmother,” Valis said before the screen went dark. She pressed the com, “Brian, go for it.”
“Of course,” he responded. “Meldi, Myli, stick close to the ship. Things are about to get interesting.”
“Yes commander,” both said.
Brian focused his mind as he looked at the Confederation forces around them. The sound of their thoughts filled his mind as the Mjolnir flew from the safety of the Avoni’s shields and into the thick of their formation. Their mobile suit’s movements seemed sluggish to Brian as the slashed into a group of Lances.
“You’re reaction time has surpassed my current specs,” the Mjolnir said as they fought.
“I’m trying my best to keep from going all the way,” Brian said. “Celi told me something bad could happen if we activate the black box again.”
“There’s no need to,” the Mjolnir said.
“Have you determined their tactical plan?” Brian asked.
The Mjolnir remained silent for a moment. “It’s done. You can concentrate on attack while I maneuver.”
“Alright old friend,” he said.
The Mjolnir and Brian acted as one as they tore through the enemy crafts. Sword and pulse cannon traded attacks while coordinated with masterful evasion. Near the Avoni, the Reinkar launched all of its Fangs. They took formation behind the Mjolnir and cleaned up any enemy crafts remaining. Valis watched the spectacle with a strange smile on her face.
“It’s like he and it have become one,” Zae said.
“They have,” Daes said. “The Mjolnir’s as smart as he is.”
“The danger is it’s not a normal person,” Valis said. “The Mjolnir has awareness unlike anything our people have seen since the Keinien androids.”
The Columbia base began wavering as the gravity jump started. A moment later a flash of light filled the space around them as the base disappeared. In the confusion the Mjolnir and Fangs drove the Confederation fleet back.
Valis tapped the com once more. “Brian, it’s time to go.”
“As you wish,” he said before flying the Mjolnir back to the Avoni.
The Fangs with him did likewise and headed for the Reinkar. Brian relaxed in his chair and took out an injector. He placed it on his neck and pressed the button before tossing it to the ground.
“It’s getting worse,” the Mjolnir said.
“Of course it is,” Brian said. “My fate is sealed.”
“Stop saying such things,” the mobile suit said. “You still have a lot to live for.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” he said.
* * *
On the bridge of the Zakar, Baeron watched as their forces were driven back. Siata observed with great interest as the Mjolnir fought. After the base disappeared she turned on the com.
“This is your commanding officer speaking,” she said to all the ships within the Confederation fleet. “All ships are to retreat.”
“Yes captain Siata,” all the other captains said.
“Are you sure about this?” Baeron asked.
“Yes,” she said. “With our current strength our best bet is to simply give chase.”
“The Avoni has been hunted by greater prey then us,” Baeron said.
“I know,” she said.
The Avoni and Reinkar disappeared in the light of a gravity jump. Siata turned on the com once more.
“All scouting fleets are to pursue the Avoni,” she ordered.
“And so begins the Great Hunt,” Baeron said.
“Such a thing is sacred to your people,” Siata said. “Hopefully our troops are as fired up as the ones we’re giving chase to.”
“We will my lady,” Baeron said. “That I promise.”
* * *
The Avoni and Reinkar appeared in a resource system devoid of any major colonies. They were near the outer area of a small gas giant with a ring of asteroids orbiting it. Vae flew the Avoni to a small, hollowed out asteroid and took the ship inside while the Reinkar followed. Brian sat alone on the Mjolnir for a while before opening the front hatch.
“Take care,” the Mjolnir said.
“You too friend,” he said before taking the elevator cord down.
Meldi and Myli came over to him.
“Great job Brian,” Meldi said.
“You were amazing,” Myli added.
He pointed to the Mjolnir, “He deserves the credit.”
“Well, I’m going to the mess hall to enjoy a big meal. I didn�
�t get a chance to eat beforehand,” Myli said before running off.
Meldi stayed with Brian. “Are you alright?”
He nodded. “The stuff Celi’s giving me is suppressing the worst from happening.”
“It’s like the plague all over again,” she said with the resignation in her voice.
“Not quite as bad,” he said. “The end result will be better.”
“What’s going to happen to you if the suppressants fail?” she asked.
“I’ll suffer the same fate as the one who came before,” Brian said. “The Teacher was the first human to fully awaken. The price he paid for doing so was his life. All that remains of him is an echoing memory within the sea of thoughts.”
“Seles told me you were passed a message from him,” Meldi said. “What was it?”
“For some reason even I don’t know,” Brian said. “It’s like something inside me is blocking the message. What I do know is the path we’re on now is part of his plan.”
Meldi took his hand. “No matter where destiny takes you I and those on the Avoni will follow. Those who survived the sojourn will never live in ignorance again. If we’re to survive the coming darkness the Confederation must change. If it doesn’t, everything we love will be lost forever. We know the odds and the price we may pay. But if the Greys are beaten, even if only for a little while, it’s worth it.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page,” he said.
“We did briefly touch minds,” Meldi said. “I’d expect no less.”
“That’s true,” he said. “Are you up for a meal?”
“I don’t suppose I get to spend the night with you?” Meldi asked playfully.
“Probably not,” he said. “I’m not really in the condition for things like that.”
“You’re no fun,” she said.
“I’m flattered you’d think of me in such a way,” he said.
“By the way, what are you going to do with the Mjolnir?” she asked.
“I’m not sure,” Brian said. “I’d like to bring him to the Freedom, but part of me thinks I should leave him here. If I do that I’ll ask you to be his pilot.”
Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light Page 7