Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence (17 page)

Seles, Mira, and
Zae were behind the stage of the auditorium of the Columbia base. Each wore a
sparkling dress that matched their hair color with white gloves and boots. They
looked themselves over one more time before sitting down to take a drink.

“I don’t know
about you two but I need this,” Zae said.

“I know I need
some music to get my mind into a better place,” Seles said.

“That’s the
way,” Mira said. “Do you want to try it today?”

Seles looked at
a pair of
rakna
blades in the corner. “I need some time to work on the
swordplay.”

“You’ll get
there, Kivi did,” Zae said.

“Will she be joining
us today?” Mira asked.

“No, she said
something about going underground,” Zae said.

“I want no more
of that,” Seles said. “Have either of you been hearing voices in your head?”

“None other than
my own,” Mira said.

“I’ve heard a
thing or two,” Zae answered. “And none of it was pleasant.”

“Music seems to
disrupt the Greys in battle,” Seles said. “I wonder why?”

“When we sing
together our minds are thinking the same thing,” Mira said. “The Greys are
trained to fight as one. When our thoughts reach them in such an ordered manner
their ability to think normally vanishes.”

“It seems too
simple to be true,” Zae said.

“But we saw it
in battle,” Seles said.

“We did have a
closer look than you,” Mira added.

“I’d be out
there with you but the Avoni needs someone to command it,” Zae said.

“True,” Seles
and Mira said together.

“So what’s the
plan for this concert?” Zae asked.

“All three of us
will go onstage together,” Mira said. “The
Reiniere
of the other ships
are going before us on the other bases. The three of us are considered the best
musicians amongst them and we’ll act as the finale.” She turned the video on
and showed a quartet of Kalaidians performing on the Alaska base. “Today is a
day for raising our spirits. We’re alive; it’s time to celebrate it.”

“When are we
on?” Seles asked.

“The others will
be finished in ten minutes,” Mira said. “Check your gloves one more time.”

* *
*

Grigon joined
Veda and Reban in the command center of the Columbia base. The monitors were
showing the day long concert put on by all the Kalaidian musicians while the volume
was on low. The grey feathered birdman looked up when Mira, Zae, and Seles went
onstage and began their routine.

“No matter how
many times I listen to them it’s always as good as the first time,” Grigon
said.

“The one regret
I have in my life is not learning how to sing better,” Veda said.

“You’re
alright,” Reban said. “The issue you have is sticking to a rhythm.”

“That’s true,”
Veda said. She stretched and yawned. “Well, they’re ready.”

Grigon cawed.
“This should be interesting.”

“What’s the
secret project you’ve been working on?” Reban asked.

Veda touched the
console and a number of panels in the wall opened. Inside of them were androids
that resembled Brian’s exoskeleton, but with machinery underneath instead of a
person. Each wore a pair of
rakna
blades and carried a pulse rifle on
its back. One of the android’s eyes lit up before the machine walked out and
knelt in front of Veda.

“What are your
orders Admiral Veda?” the android asked with a voice similar to Brian’s.

“Remain on
standby for now,” Veda ordered.

“As you wish my
lady,” the android said before standing up and taking a guard position.

“Are they
Keinien androids?” Reban asked.

“They’re updated
models with a bonus inside,” Veda said.

“Each is
equipped with a miniature Q-Drive,” Grigon said. “That way they can infiltrate
our enemies’ ships.”

“Without minds
like ours they can’t be disrupted mentally,” Veda said.

“How many do we
have?” Reban asked.

“Each base has
five thousand ready to go,” Veda said. “In our next battle they’ll play a vital
role in buying us time.”

“I’ll make sure
they do what we need them to,” Grigon said. “All the systems are connected to
the Vomada.”

* *
*

Brian stepped
into his exoskeleton and turned on the holographic system. He then placed the
two
rakna
blades on his belt before looking in the mirror. On the
monitor was the video of Mira, Seles, and Zae as they took turns as the lead
for different songs. Myden silently stepped out of the shadows.

“I haven’t seen
you look like this in years,” Myden said.

“Being beaten
down enough times took the life out of me,” Brian said. “It’s time the Warrior
makes his move.”

“I’m sorry I put
this burden on you,” Myden said.

“You’re not the
one to blame,” Brian said. “It was chance that brought me here. The fate before
me now is mine to determine.”

“What song are
you performing?” Myden asked.

“The song that
made me what I am today,” Brian said. “Nobody knows I’m going out there in a
few minutes. Please don’t spoil the surprise.”

“I won’t,” Myden
said.

* *
*

The crowd
cheered when Mira brought the last song to its end. Seles, Zae, and Mira all
bowed as the crowd rose to its feet to congratulate them on a great concert.
When the three turned around they noticed the holographic imager was still
running. A moment later a beam of light shined on Brian as he knelt. The
surprised crowd called for him to perform. When he stood he activated the com
system so everyone in the Degan system would be able to watch or hear. Mira
quickly ran over to whisper in his ear.

“We weren’t
expecting you,” she said.

“I thought I’d
crash the party,” Brian said. “Follow my lead.”

“Are we doing
“Stairway to Heaven”?” she asked.

“That’s the
one,” he answered. He noticed Seles and Zae looked a bit lost. “Split the
difference with the other two.”

“That should
work,” Mira said.

While Brian
warmed up the
rakna
blades and amazed the crowd with their sound Mira,
Seles, and Zae figured out their roles and positions. The three women stood
behind Brian in a half circle before tuning their gloves to the right sound.
When everyone was ready Brian took his stance while the holographic system
keyed to the song. With his blades and dance movements he played the guitar and
sang “Stairway to Heaven” like he did years prior. The story of the song was
told with black silhouettes and imagery from the lyrics of the song. The three
women acted as the other instruments and back up singing where it was needed.
When Brian reached the crescendo of the guitar riff his movements were so fast he
looked like a blur of flashing light. After the song ended he and the women
took their closing poses with light shining on them. The crowd cheered as he
sheathed his swords and looked at them.

“The sound I
hear is one of hope,” Brian said as he addressed everyone. “For the last few
months our lives have been turned upside and torn apart. I speak now because
it’s time we turn the tide of this war!” He paused to let them cheer. “The
Greys have beaten us down but we’re not gone. We’re still alive and as long we
are we have a future. And as long as we’re alive the Confederation has one as
well. I ask each of you to take a moment this evening and remember those who’ve
lost their lives. Burn that image into your soul as we prepare for battle. The
Greys will come to destroy us and though our numbers are small we will emerge
victorious. That is what Heaven’s Light was founded for. Wherever tyranny shows
its head we will stop it. But we can’t do it alone. We must unite as one or all
of us will fall before their charge. We must cast aside our differences for
survival. Tonight is the night we come together! To the citizens to of the
Confederation I call out to you! If you can fight then take up your blade or
rifle; take up your fighter or vessel, even if they’re derelict and old. For
those who can’t fight I ask you to survive. Even if you must flee your home
then do so. Objects can be replaced but your lives can’t be.” He paused to let
the crowd cheer some more. “Tomorrow we go to battle once again. If there is
one thing to remember then remember these words spoken by Gaelic Kein: If you
must die then do so with a song on your lips and love in your heart. As a
fellow
Maigar
I hear his words and shall live by them till the end of my
days. This I swear.”

When the crowd cheered
Brian bowed before heading backstage. The three women followed as the others
celebrated. He leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.

“I still feel
like I’m oozing cheese every time I do something like that,” he said.

“I think they needed
to hear you say something,” Zae said.

“By the way, all
three of you look lovely right now,” Brian said.

“Which one of us
is the loveliest?” Mira asked before winking.

He laughed. “I’m
not answering that question. One smile isn’t worth two slaps.”

“You were really
good yourself,” Seles said.

“Thanks, and all
three of you were as well,” Brian said. “Now let’s join our friends out there
and enjoy the evening together.”

Valis sat in the
cockpit of the Minerva. After she said a prayer to Kali she turned the systems
on.

This will be a
difficult battle.
The Minerva wrote on the screen.

“I know, but we
have no choice but to fight,” Valis said.

The com
activated and showed it was Grigon from the Vomada.

“What is it old
man?” Valis asked.

“Everything’s
ready,” Grigon cawed. “Veda gave me the password and they’ll head up to space
shortly.”

“I hope your
system doesn’t have any bugs in it,” Valis said. “Our survival hinges on it.”

“I’ve had thirty
years to perfect it,” Grigon said. “Never doubt an engineer with that much time
and a lot of money.”

“I won’t then,”
Valis said. “Hold off the third planet killer as long as you can.”

“I will,” Grigon
said.

Veda appeared on
the monitor. “I like the battle plan you submitted last night.”

“Our only chance
is to hit them fast and hard,” Valis said. “Can you handle it on your end?”

“Of course
Valis,” Veda said. “I know I didn’t show the love and care I should have when
you were younger. I’m sorry Valis, and I love you.”

“Now stop that
grandmother,” Valis said. “This isn’t the time to say our goodbyes.”

“I know, but I
can’t help myself,” Veda said. She turned to the monitor. “It looks like our
enemy is here.”

Valis looked at
her scanner. “Yes they are.”

At three
separate points around Dega Jul a planet killer with five thousand carriers
appeared. The eight bases of Heaven’s Light and its allies headed for the
closest planet killer. The Third Mylor fleet and the Confederation forces
headed for the second planet killer. The Vomada flew off on its own with Grigon
as the lone living officer onboard. From the surface of Dega Jul a number of
transport ships met the old Malcovin ship. Their bay doors opened to reveal a
thousand Phase Talons set for autopilot. A number of older ships retrofitted
with the best pulse weapons they could find launched from the surface as well.
The fleet of derelicts joined the Vomada as it went to hold off the third
planet killer.

Valis touched
the com. “Brian, it’s time you do your thing.”

“I’m ready,”
Brian said.

* *
*

The Artemis and
Siren joined the Minerva, Gemini, and Aegis as they approached the enemy. Seles
used the reflector plates with her rifle and fired at the enemy before they
could close in. As the Greys approached their smaller attack ships emanated
energy to assume a look like a mobile suit. The Artemis’s shots each took out
two or three enemy ships before the fleet began exchanging fire. Once the
battle commenced Brian appeared on everyone’s monitor.

“Today is the
day we strike back my friends,” he said. “Behind us is Dega Jul. We will not
abandon it nor will we let it come to the same fate as the other worlds the
Greys have destroyed.” He drew his sword and pointed it at the planet killer.
“If there is nowhere to run then we will charge forward and give everything for
victory.” His eye began glowing as the Hades system activated on the Freedom.
“Let us stand together as brothers and sisters in sorrow. The dead shall be
avenged. This I promise. Now sing my friends! Sing with all your heart and show
the Greys what hope is!”

Veda began the
chant again to unite the Kalaidians. As each of the ladies of Kali joined the
chorus their allies began songs and poetics of their own. All of the bases of
Heaven’s Light glowed when they activated their Hades systems. The four ships
near the Freedom did the same. One by one the Maidens eyes began glowing as
they turned their special systems on and led the charge. From each of the eight
bases a thousand Keinien androids turned on and gravity jumped into the nearest
planet killer. Once inside they disrupted everything they could inside the
massive ship. Its main cannon turned off after the security systems were forced
to cope with the android invaders. Seles smiled when she looked at Brian one
more time.
Thanks you big fool.
She thought as the Maidens charged in
first.

* *
*

Grigon sat in
the captain’s chair of the Vomada with a number of the ragtag ship captains on
the screen. After giving them their orders they vanished from the monitors. In
place of the officers were droids that resembled Malcovin soldiers. After
programming in the first attack pattern Grigon sat back and relaxed.

“You seem
confident,” Dreka said as he walked in.

“I thought you
were with the Raulno,” Grigon said.

“Kaela can take
care of things there,” Dreka said. “Captain Kivi gave me the go ahead on a
field test.”

“This isn’t like
you Dreka,” Grigon cawed. “You were the type to always go slow and cautious.”

“All the years
of working with you and Jesela are wearing me down,” Dreka said.

The first line
of automated Talons charged into the third planet killer’s fleet. The mobile
suits moved much faster than they could with a living pilot. The planet killer stopped
dead in its tracks. Inside of it another eight thousand Keinien androids from the
bases were running amok.

“Looks like
Veda’s army has them pinned down inside the beast,” Grigon cawed.

“She’s as good
at artificial intelligence programming as you are,” Dreka said.

“You’ll catch up
with time,” Grigon said. “By the way, what are you testing in a battle like
this?”

“The Talon I’ve
been working on for the last few years,” Dreka said. “I’ve equipped it with a
heavy class drive like the special models.”

“That can’t be
it,” Grigon said.

“No, you’ll just
have to watch as I fight,” Dreka said.

“Then go and
give the Greys a bill,” Grigon said. “They owe us one life for each they’ve
taken from us.”

“Thanks,” Dreka
said.

A minute later
Dreka’s specially modified Talon took off to join the automated ones in battle.
Grigon noticed the Talon in question carried an oversized
keiker
pike in
both hands, while one of the hands had larger than standard claws.

“Interesting
choice,” Grigon cawed.

* *
*

Brian stood on
the bridge of the Freedom with Myden and Jesela working away. Behind them the
four droids did their part as well. All of the forces of Heaven’s Light
followed the Maidens while they charged straight into the enemy formation. With
their cannons clearing a path they moved forward while the planet killer wasn’t
moving. Over the com all of their allies kept their songs going, which had the
same effect of slowing the Greys movements due to confusion. Brian adjusted the
aim of the cannon and fired the massive beam into a swarm of ships and carriers
trying to surround the Maidens. All of the mobile suits stuck to their ships or
stayed in tight formations.

“How are you
feeling?” Jesela asked.

“I’m fine,”
Brian said. “But thanks for asking.” He felt a wave in his mind when a number
of the Kalaidian pilots began berserking. “It’s working.”

“I feel a lot of
minds now,” Myden said.

“I know what
this is,” Jesela said. “Is this what Valis was planning on?”

“Hoped for, but
not planned,” Myden said.

The berserking
Kalaidian pilots were moving noticeably faster than the others and were quite a
menace for the Grey ships. Brian narrowed his eyes when he looked at the
motionless planet killer.

“I can see the
androids inside,” he said. “They’re proving to be well worth the investment.”

“You can see
them?” Jesela asked.

“Perceive would
be a better term,” Brian admitted. “From the way the two closest planet killers
are acting I’d say both are having issues. And the greatest weakness for the
Greys is their inability to adapt to changing situations quickly.”

“Was it always
like this?” Jesela asked.

“No, not for all
of us anyway,” Myden answered.

Brian fired the
cannon at another mass of enemies trying to swarm around the Maidens. He felt
pressure in his head when a wave of mental energy flew out from the planet
killers. The flow seemed to unite the Greys and allowed them to move faster
again.

“I was hoping
they wouldn’t be able to do that,” Brian said.

“It’s only a
temporary measure,” Myden said. “We should keep the songs going.”

“I’m sure they
would even if we told them to stop,” Brian said.

* *
*

Far away from
the battle around Dega Jul, General Sunadin meditated in his quarters in the
Red Star. Using his power he was able to project himself near the battle as it
occurred. Seeing the disruptive force from the enemy ships and their music, he
used his power to focus his soldiers on the battle rather than the mental
noise. When he turned to do the same with the other planet killers an image of
Myden appeared in front of him.

“You will not
win this Sunadin,”
Myden said telepathically.
“The Warrior has come, so have the Five Maidens
and the Wisemen. The twenty seven stars have gathered behind his flag.”

“Our lord has
ordered us to do this,”
Sunadin said.
“We can’t escape the wrath of
god.”

“You will never
find salvation bowing to a false deity Sunadin,”
Myden said.
“He
can save you and all the others from this fate.”

“Our fates were
determined a long time ago Myden,”
Sunadin said.
“I’ve accepted mine
and so must you.”

“You’re wrong,”
Myden said.
“But
you always were a stubborn one. Now leave this battlefield at once. This is our
victory to claim.”

Sunadin felt a
surge of mental energy from Myden and found himself lying on the ground in the
Red Star. His mind was reeling and for the first time in sixteen hundred years
he didn’t hear the machine god in his mind. But as he felt relief the pounding
of its presence filled him again. In frustration the general drew his staff out
and began practicing with it.
My fate was sealed on that day Myden. Words
alone can’t change that, only actions.
Sunadin thought as he sparred with
the air.