Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light (22 page)

The Confederation
forces flew into the V formation of the ships of Heaven’s Light with pulse
cannons blasting and mobile suits doing likewise. As the area filled with
flashes and explosions, the Artemis and Siren held their position. Across the
way of space the Gemini and Aegis did the same. Seles watched the battle unfold
before her and continued firing pulse blasts regularly into the enemy fleet.
Mira stood by in the Siren and held back for the moment. When a number of
Lances broke away from the main fleet and flew towards them, Seles aimed the
cannon at the reflector plates and fired. The pulse of energy bounced through
the approaching mobile suits and destroyed them before making its way into
another ship. Seeing the opening across the way, the Gemini fired a powerful
blast through the enemy fleet and finished off another wounded ship while
destroying three more Lances.

“You two have
some chemistry,” Mira commented over the com.

“Kivi and I have
sparred together for years,” Seles said between shots. “But the real reason is
our training together these last few months.”

The Siren
charged its pulse cannon and fired, destroying a Lance.

“I know I needed
it,” Mira said.

Their scanners
flashed as one of the fleets turned their direction. Across the way another
fleet did the same against the Gemini and Aegis.

“I don’t think
we can take that many on by ourselves,” Mira said.

“We can,” Seles
said. She closed her eyes and focused on berserking. When she opened her eyes
they were glowing blue. “I’m activating the Artemis’s arrow system.”

The Artemis lit
up with a glowing blue color as its gravity drive spun up to produce more
energy. The reflector plates moved back to the mobile suit and surrounded the
barrel of the main rifle.

“Mira, could you
brace me?”

“Firing that
thing requires I do so,” Mira said. She flew her mobile suit grabbed Seles’s
from behind. “I’m in position.”

“Let’s do this,”
Seles said.

The Artemis
fired a beam of energy almost a hundred
ketres
in length and a hundred
vetres
wide into the center of the Confederation fleet. Dozens of ships and mobile
suits caught in the beam had their shields drained immediately before
exploding. The force pushed the Artemis and Siren back a little bit. When the
dust settled the enemy fleet had a massive hole through its center.

“Brace me for
one more,” Seles requested.

“I can do that,”
Mira said.

The Artemis
aimed a second shot before the Confederation forces could reform their defenses
and fired; another beam the same size of the first cut through ten ships and
three dozen Lances. Once the explosions subsided, the remaining enemy forces
were spread out enough to prevent such losses. Seles closed her eyes and ended
the berserk.

“Arrow system
deactivated,” she said she leaned back for a rest. “It’s all yours Valis.” She
opened her eyes as they faded back to normal.

“That was
crazy,” Mira said. “Why didn’t you cut them apart like that from the
beginning?”

“The arrow
system can fire a certain number of times in a short period,” Seles said.
“Anyways, I have to leave some behind so our subordinates can get some
experience.”

“Whatever you
say Seles,” Mira said.

The two mobile
suits separated and hid themselves behind another icy rock.

* *
*

“This is
horrible,” Baeron said.

He and Siata
watched as their fleet was decimated by two shots from the Artemis. After the
explosions settled the ships of Heaven’s Light advanced into the center of the
chaos.

“We don’t stand
a chance,” Siata said. She turned to the communications officer. “Have the
people in charge had enough?”

“No captain,” he
answered. “They insist we crush their forces in this battle.”

The Mylor female
hissed under her mask. “Foolish are those who waste lives. Idiots are those who
believe these tactics can win.”

“What should we
do?” Baeron asked.

“If we are to be
defeated then let it be one to be remembered,” Siata said. “Those in charge
must see the stupidity of their desire.” She stared at the situation. “Have the
fourth and seventh fleets combine their forces. Relay the same orders to the
second and tenth fleets. All remaining forces are to join the closest group.”

“For someone determined
to lose you sure like cracking orders,” Baeron said. “What about our fleet?”

“We’ll hold
position and surrender when our allies are crushed,” Siata said. She turned to
the officers on the bridge. “If any of you object then say so now.”

The Minan
officers looked to one another for a moment before saluting her.

“We stand with
our captain,” the security officer said.

“It’s all too
easy to see the idiocy behind our orders,” the communications officer added.

“The lesson the
Terran taught was a heavy one indeed,” Baeron said. “We’re the pride of the
Confederation, the elite shock troops who keep the peace.” He watched as the
battle continued. “And yet we’re being destroyed. Not with valor but with
ease.”

“Even if he dies
his imprint has already been made,” Siata said. “The forces of Heaven’s Light
will uphold his legacy. The least we can do is bow our heads and accept the
fate before us.”

* *
*

Valis looked at
the probabilities as they came in and shook her head. She noticed the rear
guard fleet in the distance.
They couldn’t be…
she thought as she hit the
com.

“This is Valis
speaking again,” she said. “All ships are to attack the nearest combined fleet
in our current formation.” She looked at the other fleet. “All special mobile
suits are to circle around and pincer the far fleet. Leave their rear guard
alone for now.”

She watched as
the Artemis and Siren headed out from one angle while the Aegis and Gemini
headed from another.

“Does that
include us?” Meldi asked over the com.

“We’ll remain
with the Avoni for now lieutenant,” Valis said.

* *
*

The Gemini aimed
its massive cannon and fired another pulse blast into the Confederation fleet.
The Aegis flew next to it with its shields at full. The incoming pulse shots and
HV missiles were deflected away.

“This is very
different from what I’m used to,” Celi said.

Kivi smiled.
“With the duties I’ve had for the last few years I haven’t had the chance to
fight at the front like this.”

“You’re the type
of captain who’s very hands on,” Celi said.

“I also trust
Dreka and Kaela with the Raulno,” Kivi said. “Dreka often complains about being
stuck on the bridge though.”

Celi laughed. “I
can see why.”

The enemy fleet
concentrated its fire on their mobile suits while the Artemis and Siren headed
around to attack. The Gemini fired another pulse blast into the enemy fleet,
sinking a pair of ships and destroying five more Lances. A moment later the
oversized mobile suit opened its missile batteries and fired a barrage into
their center, destroying another three ships and dozen Lances. The Aegis moved
in front when another series of pulse blasts came their way. As they came
closer the fleet turned its focus on the Artemis and Siren.

“It was foolish
for them to turn their backs on us,” Kivi said.

“Foolish
indeed,” Celi said.

The Gemini fired
another pulse blast into their back ranks.

* *
*

Myden, Grigon,
and Jesela continued their duties on the bridge of the Freedom while the battle
raged on. Myden watched the explosions flashing on the screen. The other two
saw the light reflect in his large black eyes. He couldn’t hide the hint of a
smile on his face.

“For someone who
wants peace so badly you look awfully happy,” Jesela said.

Myden set the
pulse cannons to fire another round before looking back at her. “It’s hard to
break old habits young lady,” the Grey said. “Before I was forced into exile I
was the greatest warrior my people ever saw. The thrill of battle never left my
blood. But I do dream of the peace to come.”

“Peace is
boring,” Grigon added. “So I know how he feels Jesela.” The old birdman cawed.
“But we know it won’t be here tomorrow. We must fight on through this and the
next war.”

“How long will
we be fighting then?” she asked.

“Perhaps we’ll
be fighting forever,” Myden answered. “I’ve been fighting for over two thousand
years.”

“I’ve only been
fighting for a hundred and seventy,” Grigon said.

Jesela laughed.
“I’ve only been fighting for twelve.”

“Hearing both of
you say that makes me feel old,” Myden said.

The Artemis
deployed its reflector plates and fired into the enemy forces as they turned to
meet the two mobile suits. The Siren hovered by its side and fired with its
smaller pulse cannon. As the Confederation forces swarmed towards them, the two
mobile suits combined their shields. In the distance they saw the Gemini and
Aegis tearing apart the rear ranks of the fleet. Mira sat calmly in the Siren
as the fleet surrounded them an all sides and moved in for the kill.

“I hope you’re
planning something,” Seles said.

“I am,” Mira
said. She closed her eyes and focused her mind. She opened them as they started
glowing. “It’s time they heard the Siren’s song.”

Mira switched
the communications array to full power. The back of the Siren flashed with
pulsing energy as a wave extended outward in all directions. While Mira sang an
old Kalaidian hymn the Confederation ships within the hundred
ketre
field stopped moving. She flew through their fleet and continued disabling
ships and mobile suits along the way. While they were immobile the Artemis and
Gemini blasted them to pieces. When the fleet was finished off the four mobile
suits met in the middle of the wreckage. The Siren went quiet while Mira ended
the song system and her berserk. In the distance they saw the ships of Heaven’s
Light finish off the other fleet. The few remaining survivors fled for the
Confederation’s rear guard.

“That was pretty
effective,” Seles said.

Mira smiled. “In
theory it was supposed to do that,” she said. “But rarely do I believe in
theories. I’m glad it worked as well as it did.”

“Are you two
alright?” Kivi asked.

“We’re fine,”
Seles said. “What about you two?”

“Celi’s shield
works great,” Kivi said.

“The extra heavy
cannon you’re using works great as well,” Celi said.

The four
received a hail from the Minerva. Valis appeared on their screens. “Allow all
remaining Confederation forces to join their rear guard. According to the
Minerva the probability of their surrender is ninety nine percent.”

“Can we call
this a victory?” Kivi asked. “It was more like a boot stomping.”

“I agree,” Valis
said. “The four of you are to return your respective ships and await further
orders.”

“Heading back to
base,” Celi said. The Aegis flew for the Avoni.

“This was fun,”
Kivi said as she flew the Gemini back to the Raulno.

“Let’s go home
Mira,” Seles said as she flew the Artemis for the Freedom.

“I’m right
behind you,” Mira said as the Siren headed home.

* *
*

The surviving
mobile suits and ships from the Confederation forces joined their allies. Siata
and Baeron watched as the fleet of Heaven’s Light changed formation and headed
their way.

“All ships and
Lances are to cease fire,” Siata ordered.

The six ships
and their mobile suits stopped advancing when they reached a distance of five hundred
ketres
. No fire was exchanged as the two fleets faced each other.

“To be defeated
so decisively by a force so small,” Baeron said. “Brian has the four elements
inside him, but now I see it is in them as well.”

“We were not
defeated commander,” Siata said. “We were sentenced to death by the High
Council.” She turned to the communications officer. “All ships are to fire
their surrender missiles.”

“Yes captain,”
the officer said.

After he relayed
the orders all the ships within their remaining forces fired a short range
missile that exploded with bright white light.

“Open a channel
to them,” Siata said.

“Yes captain,”
the communications officer said. “We’re hailing on all frequencies.”

“This is captain
Siata of the Confederation special task forces speaking,” the Mylor female
said. “I’d like to speak with your commanding officer.”

A moment passed
before the monitor lit up and showed the face of Veda Kein. “I serve as the
representative for this organization,” she said.

“I wish to
congratulate you on an easy victory,” Siata said.

“Why would you
say that?” Veda asked.

“Those giving us
orders are fools,” Siata said. “We give our surrender and acknowledge your
superiority.”

“We’d prefer a
legal status that doesn’t force us to fight with you anymore,” Veda said.

“I’ve already
sent the recommendation to them,” Siata said.

“Could you tell
us the status of Brian Peterson?” Veda asked.

“He’s currently
being detained at the bottom level the main headquarters in the Kailion
system,” Siata said. “His trial begins tomorrow.”

“Thanks for the
information,” Veda said. “Is there anything else?”

“No, that will
be all for now,” Siata said. “This fleet will not pursue you any longer.”

“Thank you,”
Veda said before ending transmission.

“Now that we’ve
been beaten what should we do next?” Baeron asked.

“Return to Dega
Jul and lick our wounds,” Siata said.

* *
*

The six ships
waited for all of their mobile suits and mobile armors to land before returning
to their docks on the Columbia base. Seles leaned back in the pilot’s seat and
let out a big sigh of relief before opening the hatch. As she went to the floor
via the elevator cord Mira did the same from the Siren. Mira winked as they met
on the floor.

“That went
better than expected,” she said.

“Your song did
the number at the end there,” Seles said.

They headed for
the bridge while the ship was in a flurry of activity.

“It’s too easy,”
Mira said.

“I agree,” Seles
said. “But this is only the beginning. Our battles will intensify from here
on.”

“I’d assume as
much,” Mira said.

A moment later
the two entered the bridge. Myden, Jesela, and Grigon attended to their
consoles. Each of the three looked up as they came in.

“What’s our
status?” Seles asked.

“She’s working
perfectly,” Jesela reported.

“I know the
weapons system is working,” Myden said.

Grigon cawed
before looking at Jesela. “I’m going to check their mobile suits.” He looked at
Seles. “That’s alright with you?”

“Go ahead,”
Seles said.

The old birdman
left in a hurry.

“He moves fast
for a grey feather,” Mira said.

“He thinks twice
as fast,” Jesela added.

“The two of you
fought beautifully,” Myden said.

“Thank you,”
Seles said.

Veda appeared on
the main monitor of all six ships. The captains from the other five ships
joined her on screen. “Captain Siata was kind enough to tell us where Brian is
being kept and that his trial takes place tomorrow.”

“I say we crash
the party,” Seles suggested.

“Agreed,” El Kar
said.

“That’s a great
idea,” Esra said.

“I suppose
you’ll want me to plan this?” Valis asked.

“Be honest
Valis, you were going to do it on your own,” Kivi said.

“Someone knows
me too well,” Valis said.

“Very well,”
Veda said. “We’ll meet in the command center in eight hours.”

* *
*

Brian was
resting in his bed when the door opened. Jabril ran in and had to catch her
breath for a moment.

“You seem
excited about something,” he said as he stood up. “I don’t suppose it has to do
with getting me out of here?”

She waved him
off. “The forces defending the Columbia base have crushed two Confederation fleets.”

“I can’t believe
they’d waste so many lives on something like this,” he said.

“Well, it has
caused them to reconsider their stance on Heaven’s Light,” Jabril said. “But
they’re even more determined to railroad you.”

“I‘m not
surprised,” Brian said. “By the way, have you had any success in finding some
witnesses to speak on my behalf?”

“There will be
myself of course,” Jabril started. “Shiken Ka will be there as well.”

“Political
intrigue is something he’s not usually fond of,” Brian said with a smile.

“He was this
time,” Jabril said. “The only other witness is Lumiar Wavecrest of the
Braiden.”

“I’m glad to
have such allies,” he said. “How are things on Kalaidia?”

Jabril smiled.
“You won’t have to lead us to freedom this time Brian. Our people are doing
remarkably well. Since emancipation the fate of Kalaidia has changed for the
better.”

“I’m glad,” he
said. “At least someone will remember me.”

“Your name will
never be forgotten as long as the people of Kali live,” Jabril said. “If there
was a way to repay you we would.”

“The only
payment I wish for is the prosperity of your people Jabril,” he said.

“Then you’ll be
a wealthy man for the rest of your days,” she said. “Thank you Brian. Without
your aid and guidance my people would have descended into chaos.”

The light
flashed and the door opened. Four Minan guards came in and placed restraints on
Brian’s wrists.

“It’s time,”
Jabril said.

“Let’s give them
a fight they’re not expecting,” Brian said as they left.