She laughed. “Having my machine talk to me is something I’ll have to get used to.”
Chapter 13 - Kalmar Revisited
After completing a gravity jump, the Columbia base appeared in orbit of the desert planet Kalmar. Veda and Grigon were in the command center when Kivi joined them.
“What’s our status?” she asked.
“The same as the last jump,” Veda said. “It seems the Confederation took the bait.”
“We hoped they would,” Grigon said.
“I feel bad making Brian and the Avoni to act as decoys,” Kivi said. “I don’t like, not at all.”
“Sometimes we do what we must though we don’t like it,” Grigon said.
“Valis hesitated when she came up with this plan,” Veda said. “I can understand why.”
Kivi turned to the monitor showing the planet below. “Valis has grown quite fond of him over the years. She tries to separate her feelings for him from the rest. But at times, I can see it in her eyes,” Kivi looked at Veda, “You know what I’m talking about.”
“The first time I saw them together I knew her feelings,” Veda said. “She tries to push everything down to control herself. That’s how she wins battles.”
Grigon cawed. “I’m glad I’m not a mammal; too much fire in the blood.”
“As much as it weakens us that fire also gives us strength,” Kivi said.
“Spoken like a true Southlander,” Veda said.
“And you sound like a Northerner,” Kivi countered.
Grigon feigned a caw with a confused look on his face. “I have no idea what the two of you are talking about.”
The two women laughed.
“Don’t worry, we don’t expect you to,” Veda said.
Outside, a number of Shandi ships appeared around the base.
Kivi noticed a message was coming in. “It looks like our friend has arrived,” she said.
Shiken Ka’s image appeared on the main monitor. “All of you look well,” he said.
“As do you Lord Ka,” Veda said.
“I brought my fleet to aid in your survival,” the snakeman said.
“How were the negotiations?” Kivi asked.
Shiken growled with frustration. “They went nowhere. The High Council is set in its decision and won’t listen to reason.”
“Then the plan will continue as is?” Kivi asked.
“Yes,” Shiken said. “My people will do their best to conceal the presence of your base.”
“Thank you,” Veda said.
* * *
Seles, Mira, and Jesela stood on the half lit bridge of the Freedom, located at the center of the ship. The shape of the bridge was similar to the command center on the base but smaller. The circular room had consoles and monitors in every direction. Three doors were equally placed to allow for easy entry and exit. In the center of the room was a large chair on a track and swivel to allow for movement. Seles went the captain’s chair and put her hand on it. A moment later all the ship’s systems turned on.
“That’s handy,” she said. “Is it set for anyone touching the chair?”
The other two joined her. “No,” Jesela explained. “Only the crewmembers can do so.”
“It’s lenient when it comes to activating the ship,” Mira observed.
“Yes,” Myden said as he stepped out of the shadows. His hood covered most of his head and face while he held his black staff. “But necessary.”
“So you’re the Grey I’ve been hearing about,” Jesela said as she went over to him. She measured herself when standing next to him. “Taller than I thought.”
“My name is Myden young Kalaidian,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Jesela,” she said. “I don’t like being referred to as chief engineer or lieutenant commander.”
“As you wish Jesela,” Myden said.
“It’s great to see you again,” Seles said as she embraced him. “I didn’t think you’d be joining us yet.”
He patted her on the back as they hugged. “There are many things we must prepare for,” he said.
“What plans are you talking about?” Mira asked.
Myden pointed to the captain’s chair. “Would all of you join me in touching the chair?”
“Sure,” Jesela said.
She ran to the chair and touched with her hand. Seles and Mira nodded before doing the same. Myden was the last as placed his three fingered hand on the chair. A moment passed before a holographic image of Brian appeared before the four of them. He held his rakna blade in both hands before him with the tip in the ground. He smiled as he looked forward.
“If you’re seeing this than the four of you must be in the room,” the hologram said. “There are a number of things I wanted to say to each of you, but time constraints and secrecy had to be taken into account. The only one I told about this message was Myden, but he hasn’t been briefed on what it contains. It’s time I start explaining a few things. Mira, you know about the physical issues plaguing me of late. Celi hasn’t exactly kept it a secret and Myden suspects it as well. I know Jesela and Seles don’t know much about it. For a few years after the sojourn I was normal both physically and mentally. My brief awakening during the last battle with the Greys didn’t appear to affect me. But as time passed I started seeing things. I felt something creep upon my very soul. You see, during our time in the Greys’ territory I was touched by their machine god. It’s a presence of such darkness words can’t describe. But recently, I’ve been hearing the echoes of it in my mind. It knows I’ve begun awakening and wants me on its side. I can’t and won’t allow such a thing to happen. The plan Valis came up with has one hole in it. She doesn’t know my true intention and what I have to do. Sometime during the journey I will leave everyone. I have to do this because I’m a threat to everyone. If the machine god manages to warp my mind I won’t be the man you know, I’ll be a twisted agent for its cause. I’d rather die than suffer such a fate. That’s why I decided to leave you for now. Until the day my mind is right I won’t return. If it never gets right I wish all of you all a fond farewell. But before that there are a few things I need to tell each of you.” The hologram paused for a moment before starting again. “Myden, I entrust the plan to you. I know the wise ones have a specific place in the Teacher’s plan. The reasons you do what you do may be your own, but I trust the spirit behind them. You long for peace more than anyone. You’ve seen more death, destruction, and war than anyone in the Confederation. You know what must be done Myden, so do it old man!” The hologram smiled. “Jesela, you’re much more than you seem. You proved that to me during our time on the sojourn. With you as the visionary the Freedom and the Maidens’ mobile suits are secure. You will change this world Jesela, one machine at a time. Someday the Confederation will be glad you were the one to push them forward. I hope I’m there when they commend you, but I’m not making any promises.” He smiled again. “Mira, you know my feelings. When my spirits were down you’d comfort me. I want you to show that same love to everyone you treat onboard the Freedom. My wish is for you to help Seles find her voice. In the past the two of you have butted heads. But deep down you are friends. Cherish that relationship and help her. Everyone needs someone to talk to once in a while. Keep the song going Mira, the world is a better place with you in it.” He coughed before smiling once again. “Finally, to Seles; over the years I’ve told you what I wanted for the world. You know what my dream is. You have the strength, conviction, and ability to make it come true. I know you have doubts, but trust in your abilities. If there’s one person I know who can lead Heaven’s Light it’s you. Long ago I was willing to give you my life because I believed in you. That hasn’t changed. I believe in you Seles. Fly, fly higher than any Kalaidian has before and lead them to the future. My role in the Teacher’s plan was to set the path to paradise. But someone else has to open the door. I love you and I’m sorry if I never return.” The hologram stopped again before saluting to them. “The future is in all of your
hands and with it the fate of the peoples’ of Alden. Let freedom reign with the tolling of the bell.”
When the hologram raised its hand a sound reverberated throughout the Freedom and Columbia base; the sound was the tolling of a great bell.
Myden raised his staff. “On my life and honor Brian, I will see to it the job gets done.”
“Mine as well,” Jesela said with a salute.
Mira raised the raiga whip. “I’ll do as you ask.”
Seles drew the rakna from her belt and raised it in salute. “I’ll do my best Brian.”
Chapter 14 - Learning about Freedom
The four stood in silence for a moment to gather their thoughts. Seles closed her eyes. It’s time to move forward in my life. For years I’ve stood in the shadows taking orders. I’ll do as you wish Brian. Hopefully, someday, you’ll come back to us. She opened her eyes and looked at the others.
“For now I’ll be the acting captain of the Freedom,” she said. “I’ll be relying on all of you for help.”
“I’ll help in any way I can,” Mira said.
“The same for me,” Jesela said.
“As you wish La…Seles,” Myden said. “I’m still getting used to calling you by only your name.”
“That’s alright,” Seles said. “All of you can refer to me by my first name. I’m not one for changing what’s worked in the past. Hopefully you’ll let me do the same.”
“I will,” Mira said. “A title means nothing to me anymore.”
“Agreed,” Jesela said.
“As I have no rank my name is enough,” Myden said.
“Now that we’re clear on the issue we need to learn about this ship,” Seles said. “Jesela, what are the specs as far as weapons, shields, and the engines?”
Jesela danced to a console nearby and put the schematics on the screen. She highlighted the launching bays, engines, and weapon arrays spread across the ship.
“As you can see the Freedom integrates the designs from a number of races, not just our own,” Jesela explained. “The overall interior is similar to an Avoni class, but the power systems are closer to a Geld class ship.”
“So the power systems are pocketed and not centralized?” Mira asked.
“Exactly,” Jesela said. “There are a number of inefficiencies in Malcovin vessels I don’t care for, but the pocketed energy systems are a major plus.”
Seles observed the shield arrays. “These resemble Shandi style shielding systems.”
“In terms of defensive technology, the Shandi are second to only the Original Five,” Jesela said. She highlighted the pulse cannons on the screen. “The Freedom is equipped with twice as many heavy cannons as an Avoni class ship. In addition, we have three times the HV missile output. As an additional measure we have a backup attack and defense system.” Jesela moved the highlights to the cargo hatches on the sides of the ship and opened them up on the computer. Inside were a large number of upgraded Novaguards.
Seles smiled. “I was wondering what we were going to do with those.”
Jesela nodded. “We’ve installed the automated system Grigon has been using in his Talons. Their weapon and shields have been upgraded as well. Novaguards don’t have the same power as a mobile suit, but they still can serve as an extra line of defense.” She switched the image over to the launching bays and focused on the mobile suits onboard. “As you can see, only twenty five percent of our eventual mobile suit force has arrived. One of the main features of the mobile bases our organization uses is they have a production factory for anything from fighter class to mobile armors.”
“Are the mobile suits upgraded as well?” Seles asked.
“Yes,” Jesela said. “Although their moniker of Phase Rakna hasn’t changed they are second generation. Their weapons and shields are ninety percent better than the first generation. Their maneuverability has also been increased by seventy five percent.”
“How do the drive systems function?” Seles asked.
Jesela switched the image highlighter over to the engine tiers on the back of the vessel. “The Freedom is equipped with four heavy class gravity drives. Two act as full time rechargers for the Q-Drives in the mobile suits. The other two function as the main engines of the ship. Using this system, the Freedom can gravity jump twice per day rather than once.” She moved the image back and displayed the ship in full. “Is there anything else you need to know?”
“Not at the moment,” Seles said.
“What’s the crew composition?” Mira asked.
Jesela switched the image to the roster of the vessel. “These are the current crew members.”
The numbers read as a hundred and twenty two Kalaidians, seventy three Malcovin, sixty one Shandi, thirteen Minans, ten Reiki, one Ick-Tckt, one Grey, and one Terran.
“It’s a bit Kalaidian heavy, but what can we do?” Jesela asked.
“It’s a start,” Myden said. “As the plan moves forward the number of races represented onboard will increase.”
Mira checked the medical officers’ roster. “According to this my second is Shandi.”
Jesela smiled. “She’s a bit rough around the edges but you’ll like her Mira.” She started for the door before turning back. “Well, off with me now. I have a thousand things to do and only a bit of time to do them all.” She stepped onto the door leading to an elevator.
Mira turned to Seles and Myden. “I should look over sickbay.” She headed for a different door than the one Jesela had left from. “Seles, I’ll see you later.”
“Later,” Seles said as Mira left. She looked at Myden. “I’m going to check on the pilot trainees.”
“Seles,” Myden said as she went to leave. “Remember that I’ll always be at your side. If you need my help you can ask anytime.”
“Thanks,” she said.
* * *
Mira took her time walking to the main sickbay so she could look around every corner she passed. After a while alone she came to the door. She went inside and inspected all of the sections in the sickbay. Because the Freedom was a multiracial vessel, the sickbays reflected that in the shape of the rooms and beds. Mira casually went into the main lab and turned on the computers and monitors. She heard a noise from outside and turned. She noticed a large form moving towards her through the dark room. As the form moved into the light Mira saw it was a tall and slender Shandi female wearing the sash of a lieutenant. She came up to Mira, standing nearly twice her height.
“You must be lieutenant commander Mira,” the Shandi said. “I am Lieutenant Suv Gar.”
“I’m glad to meet you lieutenant,” she said as she extended out her hand. Suv Gar took it and shook.
“Same for me,” Suv Gar said as their hands separated. “I’ve heard many things about you commander. Your skill in music is second to none amongst the Kalaidian people. But your skill in medicine is equal.”
“My reputation precedes me,” Mira said. “Tell me, what academy did you graduate from?”
“I graduated from the Torik Academy at the top of my class,” Suv Gar said.
“Do you have any combat experience?” Mira asked.
Suv Gar grinned. “There is a weakness to being learned; but to answer your question, none as of yet.”
“That’s a weakness you’ll be cured of soon enough,” Mira said. “What about treatment of differing species?”
“I have actual experience with the lizard races and mammals, but I will admit I have little experience with insectoid or aquatic types,” she said.
“Well then, let’s run through as many simulations as we can,” Mira suggested.
“As you wish commander,” Suv Gar said.
* * *
Seles stood outside the mobile suit training facility and watched the pilots as they ran through their simulations. She noticed Kyli was standing next to her.
“Reviewing the troops?” Kyli asked.
“In a way,” Seles said. “I noticed we only have Kalaidians, a few Malcovin, and a single Ick-Tckt as pilo
ts.”
“The engineers are working on mobile weapons for every race,” Kyli said. “But at the moment we only have Raknas and Talons. The Ick-Tckt, Tctie, will be using a modified Rakna for now.” She looked Seles over. “Haven’t you received your armor?”
“I haven’t been to my quarters yet,” Seles said. “I’ll make sure it fits later.”
“Is he coming back to us?” Kyli asked.
Seles stood silent for a moment. “Yes.”
She watched the pilots in the simulations having problems. Kyli could tell it was bothering her.
“I can teach as best I can,” Kyli said. “But the best should be taught by the best.”
“Are you trying to ingratiate yourself?” Seles asked with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Kyli laughed. “No, I’m just stating a fact. If you’re as good as we’ve seen then teaching them won’t be an issue.”
“Indeed,” Seles said. “Let’s go.”
Seles opened the door to the training area. Each pilot stopped what they were doing and watched as she went to the simulation room’s main computer. She programmed a battle into it before turning back to her subordinates. “As many of you know I’m Commander Seles Daevon, your acting captain for the time being. Up until now you’ve run simulated battles for your future service on this ship. I have to say I’m a bit disappointed with your effort. Over the next few months I’ll be leading your training personally. Hopefully this will yield the results our organization is expecting.” Seles hit the button the console to send the battle plans to each simulator. “We’ll begin our work by separating into different groups. We’ll start with ten squadrons of ten. Given our numbers, I’ll lead the bottom nine of the trainees. Lieutenant Kyli will lead the next bottom nine. The top of eight of you will act as squad leaders of the other eight units. You have half an hour to form your squadrons and prepare for battle.”
Chapter 15 - Physical Limitations
Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light Page 8