Heaven Saga 2: Sands of Aquarius (4 page)

“Good,”
Valis said. “Now Riga, I don’t have to tell you what to do.”

“I
know, continue on course. We’ll open fire as soon as you do.”

* * *

The
Mjolnir and the Talon sparred for a long time, claws clanging against sword and
shield. After a few minutes of fighting the Talon backed away and flashed a
message using the eyes of the mobile weapon. Brian signaled back. A second
later a hail came from the Talon. He accepted the call. On his monitor appeared
the image of a red feathered, young Malcovin pilot seated inside the Talon’s
cockpit.

“My
name is Lieutenant Dreka, of the Sheldik.”

“I’m
Lieutenant Commander Brian Peterson of the Avoni. Why did you contact me?”

“You
should be receiving your change of orders right about now,” Dreka said. He wore
a smug look on his face.

Brian
looked to this communicator as a message came in. “What kind of change in
orders?”

Dreka
cawed in laughter. “It’s seems my captain has chosen to join yours for this battle.
That means you’re no longer an enemy of mine.”

He
turned on the message as an image of Valis came on. “Brian, Captain Riga of the
Sheldik has decided to make a deal and join us. As of now your orders are to
return to the Avoni.”

“I’ve
never had this happen before,” Brian remarked.

“As
a mercenary, it’s my job to change sides if the price is right,” Dreka said as
the two started flying towards their ships.

“It
must get confusing.”

“Not
after the tenth time Terran. Remember, the Gods have theirs, so let’s get
ours!” Dreka explained with a laugh.

“That’s
an interesting way to live,” Brian said.

* * *

When
the Rigika moved into position for an attack the Sheldik opened fire with its
pulse cannons and HV missiles. The Avoni joined in the attack, firing all its
weapons. As the shields of the Rigika collapsed under the double assault a
message came in.

“Put
it up on the monitor Zae,” Valis commanded.

“Yes
captain.”

On
the screen came the image of not Krigik, but his commander. “I am Commander Sedil,
now in charge of the Rigika. As of a moment ago captain Krigik died. We give
our surrender.”

“Of
course Commander Sedil,” Valis turned to Kivi. “Cease fire. Recall our Novas.”

“Yes
captain,” Kivi responded.

Valis
turned to Sedil. “As terms of surrender, I will give you two choices Commander
Sedil. First, surrender your ship and abandon it to us. Or pay an appropriate
price equal to the sale price of a Geld class ship.”

Sedil
knelt down and took something off of Krigik’s corpse. It looked like a flat
gold card with inscriptions on it. “Seeing as Krigik’s no longer alive his
market accounts are open for the taking. I’m sure he had enough to purchase
another ship like this.”

“Send
over the account numbers and pass codes. Once we confirm their legitimacy
you’re free to go,” Valis said.

Sedil
went to the scanners and input the card.

Zae
turned to the captain. “Commander Sedil has sent over all the data. It checks
out according to the Degan account database.”

“Good,”
Valis said. “Well Commander Sedil, good doing business with you.”

“Likewise,”
Sedil was about to turn off communications before stopping, “By the way, you
should know I hold no grudges against you.”

“That’s
good to hear. I’d hate to destroy such an understanding new captain,” Valis
said before turning off the monitor.

* * *

The
Mjolnir landed in the cargo bay while a number of engineers ran about to make
repairs. When Brian turned off the systems and opened the hatch he noticed Daes
staring up at the mobile suit with a surprised look on her face.

“What
is it Daes?”

She
pointed to various spots on the giant. “What happened out there?”

He
used the elevator cord to get to the ground and join Daes. In a number of areas
the Mjolnir’s outer frame was scratched and dented. He turned to Daes and shook
his head in disbelief. “The Talon I fought was piloted by someone who could go
toe to toe with me.”

“You
look far too excited,” she said.

“I
know,” he said. “I knew if I fought enough of them I’d finally meet a Malcovin
who could pilot their suit like that.”

Kivi,
Zae, Celi, and Daes waited on the bridge. A moment later, Brian, Seles and Mira
joined them. Valis came out of the strategy room.

“Hmm…one
of you is missing,” Valis said.

“Who’s
missing?” Kivi asked.

Valis
smiled. “It’s not official until we launch again from Dega Jul, but I’ve granted
our chief navigator the rank of lieutenant.”

A
smile came to Seles‘s face. “It took her a year longer than me but she finally
got it.”

“That’s
because of her youth and inexperience,” Valis explained.

The
elevator opened and Baed emerged wearing a silver bracelet, signifying her rank
as lieutenant. She saluted everyone.

“Thanks
Valis,” Baed said. “I’m indebted to you for giving me this opportunity.”

“You’ve
done well, more than enough to warrant a promotion,” Kivi said.

“You’ve
done a great job,” Seles said as she embraced her cousin.

Valis
waved for all of them to pay attention. “I’ve called you all here for an
assessment, starting with the highest rank officer and moving down.” She
turned, looking at Seles, Baed, and Mira. “It may be awhile so feel free to
relax here or any place nearby.”

“Yes
captain,” the three answered separately.

“Now,
let’s get started.” Valis looked at Kivi and waved for her to follow.

“Yes
captain,” Kivi said as they went the strategy room.

* * *

Valis
poured a glass of wine and offered to Kivi, who nodded and took the glass.

“I
hope you’re not planning to drink a glass for each of us Valis,” Kivi said
before taking a sip.

“No,
I only plan on a glass or two for now.” Valis paused to take a sip. “It’s been
nearly seven years Kivi.”

“Seems
like less time than that,” Kivi said while she swirled the wine glass.

“Something’s
changed, hasn’t it?” Valis asked.

Kivi
stopped swirling the glass. “To be honest I’m content.”

“Is
it Brian?”

Kivi
nodded. “For the first time in my life I have a challenger I can’t take for
granted.” She paused to drink. “I feel liberated.”

“He’s
had more of an effect than I thought on you,” Valis said. “But much of that
innocence was lost when he went to Kalaidia.”

“I
know,” Kivi said. “I can see it in his eyes. To have endured such pain and be
able to smile through it…that’s the true testament of his strength.”

“True.
But still, I want you to keep an eye on him. He’s been acting strange lately,
detached from the rest of us.” Valis paused to enjoy the wine. “I’m sure what
he needs is revelry and fun, something he can get his fill of during the
layoff.”

Kivi
laughed. “What are you suggesting I do?”

She
took Kivi’s hand. “Take him out for a night of fun, your style. I’m sure what
he needs isn’t the typical Kalaidian night out, but one suited to his people’s
tastes.”

Kivi
shook her head in disbelief. “Thanks a lot.”

* * *

After
a few minutes Kivi emerged from the strategy room and went to Brian. “I’d like
to talk to you later, alright?”

“Sure,
anytime,” he said as she left.

“What
was that about?” Mira asked.

“I’ve
never seen her look so confused,” Seles said.

Celi
tapped Brian’s shoulder. “Maybe our commander has the urge to spend some time
with this one.”

Brian
shook his head with annoyance. “It’s my turn; see you ladies in a few.”

He
went into the strategy room. Valis sat at the end of the table. Her purple hair
and aquamarine eyes seemed to sparkle in the dim light, highlighting her
beauty.

“Sit
down,” she said.  He sat in the seat next to her as she held a glass towards
him. “Would you like some?”

“What
is it?”

“Kalaidian
wine,” she answered.

“I’ll
try some.” She poured some into a glass, watching Brian stare at it for a
moment. He then swallowed it in one gulp. “Much sweeter than I expected.”

“Do
you like it?” Valis asked before sipping her glass.

“Yes.”
He noticed she was staring at him. “What is it?”

“How
are you feeling?” Before he could answer, she waved him off and poured another
shot into his glass. “And no, I don’t want the answer you give everyone. Tell
me how you really feel.”

He
gazed into the wine glass while swirling the liquid slowly. “At times I feel
very alone. They forget I’m not one of them.”

“I
haven’t forgotten,” Valis said. “You alone represent your people, for good and
for ill. And try as you might to fit it you really can‘t can you?”

He
gulped another glass of wine. “No. I feel pressure from all around. If I make
one wrong move my homeworld is doomed. The other races believe I’m superior.
Body and mind are one in the same to me and my mind is as fragile as anyone
else’s.”

“You’re
talking about the
Kai
.”

His
eyes glazed hauntingly. “What made it worse was her telepathic implant. Torturing
me physically is horrible enough. But it’s the way she manipulated my mind that
bothers me the most.”

“In
time all wounds heal.” Valis poured another glass for herself. “Let me tell you
a little about myself. When I was ten I was sent by my family to live with
Celestia, a close friend of my deceased mother. When I was there I lived with Seles.
She was just a little girl at the time. I came to think of her as my little
sister.”

“She
never said anything about this,” Brian said.

“No,
we don’t talk about it with others. The other thing I wanted to tell you is
that while I don’t understand everything you’re going through I do understand
the pressure.”

“Please
continue.”

“When
I was eleven I entered the Kalaidian military academy in Vaelis. I was the
youngest officer in training ever and graduated at the age of fourteen. Only
five years later I became the youngest captain ever at the age of nineteen.”
She pushed her drink aside. “What made more difficult were the expectations.
Being a prodigy, I was forced to live my life quicker than I wanted. If the
Kalaidian military had its way I’d be an admiral and hating every moment of
it.”

He
nodded. “I understand. It’s not just the fame that gets at you but the
expectations. Every time you enter a battle you should emerge victorious.”

“And
that’s why battles like the last one leave me feeling so empty,” Valis said. “The
challenge was there but the Sheldik turned and decided the battle before it got
interesting.”

He
laughed. “I know how it feels. The Talon I fought defended itself on an even
level. Given better technology he could really compete with the Mjolnir.”

“Who
was the pilot?” she asked. “The logs say that you spoke with him.”

“Lieutenant
Dreka.”

“Dreka
the Lightning, no wonder you had a tough time fighting him.”

“Is
he famous?” Brian asked.

“Dreka’s
the best Malcovin pilot, the grandson of the genius pilot and engineer Grigon
the Thunder. It’s said shortly before his death Grigon designed the Phase
Talon.” Valis drank some more. “I want you to enjoy yourself this week.” She
took a small metal card out of her pocket and slid it towards him. “I’ve given
you a private apartment in the Kalaidian district. At the end of the week I
plan on visiting you so make sure you leave some time for me,” she explained.

“Thanks
Valis. I appreciate talking with you.”

“Anytime,”
she said.

* * *

Brian
came out lost deep in thought. Zae went in after him and left him with the
other girls.

“Is
something wrong?” Seles asked. She stood in front of him and tried to meet his
melancholic gaze.

“It’s
nothing.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m alright.” He turned the rest of the
officers. “I’m going to take my leave.”

“Going
to see the commander?” Mira asked.

“Later.
I need some time to think by myself,” he said as he left on the elevator.