Grey War Saga 1: Twilight of Innocence (20 page)

The admirals of
Kalaidia left the throne room after Lumiar Wavecrest, the leader of the
Braiden, entered to speak with Queen Celestia and Jabril Hopart. The cloven
feet of Lumiar echoed in the room as she joined the other two. After the doors
closed the monitors on the walls displayed the current situation.

“It’s been a
long time since we last met,” Lumiar said.

“How have your
people been doing?” Celestia asked.

“Quite well,” Lumiar
answered. “We’ve finished building ten colony class ships to use as homes for
the time being. But given our current situation I suspect a few things will be
changed.”

“We need you to
bring them to this system and take as many civilians as possible,” Jabril said.

“We would even if
you hadn’t asked,” Lumiar said. “The debt my people owe to Kalaidia is great.
If saving the lives of your people is something within our power we will gladly
do it.”

“Thank you,”
Jabril said.

“From the images
it appears the Greys are headed here next,” Lumiar said. “We can’t spare as
many as I would like but we pledge two thousand pilots to the defense of this
world.”

“Are they
trained to use Phase Raknas?” Jabril asked.

“Yes,” Lumiar
said. “For a long time many of my people have sought vengeance for what
happened on that awful day. Although I don’t encourage such desires I
understand it. Now, many others have suffered the same fate. The dead are
crying out for justice. Even though we can contribute only a small amount the
Confederation needs us at this time.”

The com flashed
when an encoded message came in. Celestia turned it on using her wrist
computer. On one of the screens Valis appeared.

“I have dire
news for you Celestia; hopefully you have Jabril and Lumiar with you,” Valis
said. “The Greys have only one option for victory in this area of the galaxy
and it involves a direct assault on Kalaidia Prime. The attack will begin within
the next four days. We have secured the rear exit from the home system to Dega
Jul and ask that you send as many civilians and colonies as you can. The enemy
force moving against you will consist of three planet killers, a fleet of
fifteen thousand carriers, and the Red Star, a special planet killer under the
control of one of the Grey generals. Know that Heaven’s Light will be with you
when the battle begins. Included in this message are detailed battle plans for
the Kalaidian fleets. I pray they help you. And tell the people their Herald
will come. He has found his song and will save us from the fire in the skies.”

The message
ended with silence for a moment. Celestia hit the com to contact Admiral Nia,
the leader of the first fleet of Kalaidia.

“Nia, begin
preparations to use the special project,” Celestia ordered.

“Of course my
queen,” Nia said before the monitor went black.

“What’s this
special project?” Jabril asked.

Celestia pointed
to the sky near the equator. “Since the sojourn our engineers have been working
on a defense system to counter the planet killer.”

“Is it an
orbital shield?” Lumiar asked. “But the amount of power it requires is beyond
anything we have.”

“All of the
grids across this planet will go black but the power is possible,” Celestia
said. “Our solar ring will give us what we need.”

“Why didn’t you
say anything about this before?” Jabril asked.

“I said nothing
because it wasn’t ready to test until two days ago,” Celestia said. “We can
thank the goddess for that. I’ll make sure parliament is given all the details
now that it’s an option.”

“Alright,”
Jabril said.

“I’ll get back
to my people and do as you asked,” Lumiar said. “I pray the gods watch over
us.”

“They will,”
Celestia said. “And I pray Kali does the same.”

* *
*

Brian woke up
and found Mira brushing her hair. He slipped on his clothes and stretched with
a yawn.

“You look well
rested,” Mira said.

“You do as
well,” Brian said.

He slipped on
the locket she gave him a few years prior.

“Does it work?”
Mira asked.

“I don’t know,”
Brian said. “Is it copying me at all times?”

“That’s not its
actual function,” Mira said.

“I thought it
was copying my thought patterns?” he asked.

“Its main
purpose is to act as a beacon,” Mira said.

She went over to
him and tapped the amulet. After it opened it showed an image of Brian, Seles,
and Mira together on Dega Jul. She tapped it again and a hologram of the three
was projected into the room.

“It’s like a
digital photo from my world, only three dimensional,” Brian said.

“If you’re ever
stranded alone I wanted you to have this,” Mira said. “It will guide you back
to us if your body loses its corporeal nature.”

“Thanks,” he
said.

“By the way,
who’s the mystery person with my earring?” she asked.

“It’s a secret
for now,” Brian answered. He noticed she wasn’t pleased. “I’ll say this much,
the person who has it will need your help when the time comes.”

“Alright, you
can play coy if you want,” Mira said. “I’m going to check sickbay before
heading to the meeting.”

“We’ll be
waiting,” Brian said.

* *
*

General Sunadin
was looking over his invasion plan for Kalaidia when the image of General Regen
appeared next to him.

“How is it
going?”
Regen asked.

“It’s more
difficult than our lord thinks,”
Sunadin said.

“The Mylor and
Avar have stopped our advance,”
Regen said.
“In addition, the
remains of the Daemos have begun to move on us with the help of the Rendi. We
must press forward on this side or our entire plan will be set back.”

“I know, but the
Terran is a tricky warrior,”
Sunadin said.
“His power throws
everything off when it comes to planning.”

“I know,”
Regen said.
“Have
you spoken to Myden yet?”

“He’s appeared
to me a few times,”
Sunadin said.
“I’ve tried to convince him to return to us but he’s steadfast
in his heresy. Killing him seems to be the only option left to us.”

“Are you
prepared to go through with it?”
Regen asked.
“He was you teacher and
commander for a long time.”

“Too many
centuries have passed for my loyalty to remain with him,”
Sunadin said.
“He
is a traitor and as such deserves the penalty of death. If I meet him on the
battlefield I will show him no mercy.”

“I’m holding you
to that,”
Regen said.
“Well, I’ll leave the rest to you Sunadin. Give us a victory.”

“I will,”
Sunadin said as
Regen disappeared.

* *
*

Brian, Myden,
Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and Kyli were on the bridge of the Freedom. In the
background the four droids silently worked away. The space around Dega Jul was
being cleared of all the debris while scores of colonies from different star
systems gravity jumped in. The refugees landing on Dega Jul aided in the repair
of the city planet. The eight bases of Heaven’s Light acted as processing centers
while their ships were in for repairs.

“So what’s your
decision?” Seles asked.

“I’ll give shore
leave to the crew,” Brian said. “In shifts and everyone remains on call. Does
that sound reasonable?”

Everyone nodded
a yes.

“Good,” Brian
said. “Now the issue to bring up is our next move.”

“Sunadin will
move on Kalaidia,” Myden said. “Valis and I are drawing up the final battle
plans, but we’ve given all the commanding officers the basic one.”

“How many are
attacking Kalaidia?” Seles asked.

“Three standard
planet killers, fifteen to twenty thousand carriers, and the Red Star,” Brian
answered. “Even with our combined forces the chance of victory is slim.”

“From what I see
it hinges on whether enough of us can berserk or not,” Mira said.

“It looks the
same to me,” Kyli added.

“But even with a
song going the problem is communication,” Seles pointed out. “I’m sure the
Greys can jam our signals as a countermeasure.”

“True, but all
we need to do is apply a different method,” Myden said.

“What method
would that be?” Kyli asked.

“You can ask him
yourself,” Myden said.

The door opened
and in walked a slightly taller than normal Ick-Tckt drone. From the staff he
held and appearance everyone could see it Tctie. His ant like eyes seemed to
shimmer in the light when he joined them.

“It’s good to
see everyone again,” Tctie said.

“You look well,”
Brian said. “Have you learned to control your power?”

“Yes,” Tctie
said. “Let me demonstrate.”

Tctie held the
telepathic staff up and concentrated. The room was filled with a strange aura
while the drone connected all their minds as one.

“This is like
the sea of blue,” Seles said.

“I can’t bring
everyone there,” Tctie said. “But I can unite our minds. Using the modified
Phase Rakna with a system similar to the Siren’s I’m able to do so on a larger
scale.”

“And the best
part is the machine god can do nothing to stop it,” Myden said. “You’ve done
well in continuing to improve.”

Tctie ceased
using his power. “It’s because of what you taught me Myden. Now I can help the
cause at this crucial moment.”

“We’re going to
need it if we’re going to win this war,” Brian said.

Brian and Baeron
entered the remains of Mya’s shop with their weapons ready. The human and
bearman quickly made their way to the basement and then to the sublevel right
below the surface. After a thorough check the two returned to the surface where
Mya was waiting wrapped in a thermal cloak.

“Can I go
inside?” she asked.

“Everything’s
clear,” Baeron said.

“Before that, do
you have the suit I requested?” Brian asked.

Mya smiled.
“Thanks for remembering. And yes, it’s in my apartment.”

Baeron signaled
a team of Minan soldiers to join him.

“We’re going on
a hunt,” Baeron said.

“I’ll join you
in a little while,” Brian said.

Baeron nodded
before leading a squad of a dozen soldiers under the surface in search of
Greys. The lights flickered for a moment before the power was restored to Mya’s
building. The side facing the massive ground scar was covered in ash and debris
while all the windows on the ground level were blown out. Mya tapped her wrist
computer to unlock the upstairs. Brian kept his sword ready before escorting
her upstairs.

“A regular
soldier would have been enough,” Mya said as they entered her apartment.

“I know, but I
figured if I was going to pick something up I’d pitch in,” he said.

The main room of
the apartment was her design studio. Numerous holographic projectors were built
into the walls while fabrics of every type were strewn about.

“You have a nice
place here,” Brian said. “I’m glad it survived.”

Mya walked out
of her bedroom with something a long black bag. “This has been my home for
fifty years. If it was destroyed I’d rebuild it.”

“That’s a long
time to do one thing,” Brian said.

“True, but I do
it well,” Mya said. “One day I’d like to expand my clientele to your people.”

“Humans enjoy
fashion as much as Kalaidians,” Brian said. “I can imagine your profits will
soar.”

“I have little
need for money anymore,” she admitted. “You may not know this, but my net
wealth is close to that of the Kalaidian nobles. I’d rather spend my time and
money on things I love and not giant estates. Too much work for me.”

She handed him
the suit.

“Thank you,”
Brian said. “When the war is over I’ll come back and order another one of
these.”

“That’s good, I
have a few things in mind,” Mya said.

* *
*

Seles, Mira, and
Jesela were in the launching bay with the Artemis and Siren. After several
hours of maintenance work the three took a break to get something to eat and
drink.

“You look
ragged,” Jesela said while looking at Mira.

“Between this
and sickbay I’m working double shifts every day,” Mira said. “There’s no end to
it.”

“It’s the same
with keeping the ship running,” Jesela said.

“Yeah, but you
don’t sleep anyway,” Seles said.

“That’s true,”
Jesela said.

“When did you
find time to cook yesterday?” Mira asked.

“As the first
officer I have little to do other than check the ship’s supplies and review
battle plans,” Seles answered. “I’d rather have Kyli’s job but I have the one I
have.”

“It sounds like
you’ve got more free time than the rest of us,” Jesela said.

“I do in some
ways,” Seles said. “But when combat approaches I’m too busy.”

“We all feel
that way,” Jesela said.

“By the way, the
improvements are great,” Mira said. “Every time I use the song system the swath
of disabled enemies seems to get bigger.”

“And ten arrows
is much easier to allocate then two,” Seles added.

“I told you all
it took was time and money,” Jesela said. “Although now I think we’ve hit a
wall.”

“What do you mean?”
Seles asked.

“The special
models and Mjolnir are fixed designs,” Jesela said. “We can change them around
to a point before we need to start from scratch.”

“Mjolnir’s old
compared to these two but I wouldn’t say he’s outlived his usefulness,” Mira
said.

“That’s not what
I meant to say,” Jesela said. “Technology is limited in advancement by current
scientific models. We’re hitting that wall about now.”

“So how do you
get past it?” Seles asked.

“A lot of time
and research,” Jesela said. “There are a few anomalies in our current gravity
drive models we can’t explain. It’s even worse when we look at the planet
killers. According to all the data we have such ships shouldn’t work, let alone
exist. I’ve asked Myden, but he insists he knows nothing about the actual
construction of such massive gravity drive systems.”

“He was a
general, not an engineer,” Seles pointed out.

“That’s why I
don’t press,” Jesela said. “If he knew something he’d tell me.”

“I wonder why
our weapons work so well against the Greys,” Mira said.

“Most races
think of technological advancement are linear and fixed,” Jesela said. “But in
reality it’s far from that. Technology moves in leaps and bounds. Our
Maigars’
exoskeletons and
rakna
blades are far ahead of our other advancements.
The mobile weapons Grigon prototyped are the same. They’re far ahead of our
ships in terms of technology. But even they have their limit.”

“If you can’t
move forward then move sideways,” Seles said. “In battle, a force is often
stopped from advancing by a superior defense. The only way to counter it is to
move around the defense and attack from a different angle.”

“We’re trying
but it’s not easy,” Jesela said.

The eyes on the
Artemis and Siren lit up when the mobile suits sent out a message. Jesela
looked at her tablet and smiled.

“What are they
saying?” Mira asked.

Jesela turned
the screen to them and showed the text written on it.
Get back to work. We
need to be ready for the next battle.

“That’s our
queue to stop talking and resume working,” Seles said.

“Then let’s get
to it,” Jesela said before the three went back to work.

* *
*

The Avoni and
Raulno shared a dock near the Kalaidian district. Both Valis and Kivi looked at
the red sky and ash filled air. The chill in the wind caused both of them to
turn the heating systems in their exoskeletons on. Ships of every make flew
about and gave the city planet the illusion of normalcy. In the distance the
scar could be seen.

“Are you going
hunting later?” Valis asked.

“No, three days
of that is enough for me,” Kivi said. “What about you?”

“Melee combat is
something I’ve never been particularly good at,” Valis said.

Kivi sniffed the
air. “The sky looks angry and the air is thick with ash. Even though Brian and
Myden stopped the worst from happening I doubt the Greys will be gone for a
long time.”

“They were put
here to act dissidents,” Valis said. “Their numbers are still in the thousands.
If they can breed underground, even in small numbers, Dega Jul will never be
free of their threat.”

“The machine god
thinks in terms of centuries,” Kivi said.

“Yes, and we
think in terms of years and months,” Valis said before sighing. “I wish the
Kritkar was still around. I could use a drink right about now.”

“Old Grig is
serving Kali now,” Kivi said. “Valis, what do you think you’ll do after all
this?”

Valis laughed.
“I’m a lifer Kivi. I’ll captain a ship until the end of my days.” She looked
her friend in the eye. “Why? Are you having second thoughts?”

“Something
inside tells me there’s more to life than fighting battles,” Kivi said. “I’m as
fierce a warrior as they come but part of me longs for a quiet life.” She
stared at the cityscape. “I know Brian feels the same. The only problem is I’ll
grow restless after a few years and want to come back.”

“My advice is to
follow your heart,” Valis said. “A few years away could be what you need. But
you may also find the calling of your life.”

“Thanks,” Kivi
said. “Moving to a different subject, how goes the battle plan?”

“Difficult at
best and impossible at worst,” Valis answered. “Since we don’t have a
scientific measure for the berserk or Tctie’s power adding them to the plan is
proving difficult. Myden keeps reassuring me but it’s not helping.”

“What’s it like
working with him?” Kivi asked.

“His instincts
and experience are obvious,” Valis answered. “You can tell he’s covered it up
for years, but underneath it he’s a warrior at heart. The only thing holding
him back is his fear of being taken over by the machine god.”

“A fear I hope
never comes true,” Kivi said.

A number of
officers were heading towards the pair.

“It looks like
we’re being pulled back to work,” Valis said.

“I think you’re
spot on,” Kivi said.

* *
*

Brian and Baeron
looked around the underground chamber they were in. The bodies of Grey soldiers
were all over the floor. The two were covered in a film of clear blood from the
creatures as they moved into another hallway. They took a break to sit down in
a small control room nearby.

“How far down do
the sublevels go?” Brian asked.

“The lowest
known level is seven,” Baeron said. “But we can’t be sure anymore.”

“From what I can
see you’re going to need to have units patrolling every part of Dega Jul for a
long time,” Brian said.

“I’ve already
completed the book work to do so,” Baeron said.

“Good luck, I’ve
had about enough of this,” Brian said.

“Being covered
in blood isn’t very enjoyable,” Baeron said.

“I know from
experience,” Brian said.

The two laughed
at their situation for a moment. Brian removed his helmet to get a breath of fresh
air.

“Why did you
choose Meldi to pilot the Mjolnir?” the bearman asked.

“During the
sojourn my mind touched hers,” Brian said. “I saw everything from her past.
Then a few years later I had a dream of her flying the Mjolnir. I don’t know
why but something told me to give it to her.”

“Dreams are the
mixing of your elements,” Baeron said. “They tell us what we need to do.”

“You know I
don’t believe in that stuff,” Brian said. “But it doesn’t matter, because
something told me she had to be the pilot. She’s strong inside and has a good
heart. That’s enough for me.”

“I’m glad
someone else sees that part of her,” Baeron said.

Brian put his
helmet back on as they went to continue their hunt.

“I think she’s
in love with you,” Baeron said.

“I know, and
that’s why I trust her,” Brian said. “Love is the bond that keeps people
together. Without it everything falls apart.”