Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Read online

  Freedom’s Bell

  By Marcus Johnson

  Text Copyright © 2013 Marcus Johnson

  All Rights Reserved

  For those fighting to end to poverty

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1 - Colonial Rule

  Chapter 2 - Freedom Strikes

  Chapter 3 - Lack of Faith

  Chapter 4 - Fleet Battle

  Chapter 5 - Aegis’s Shield

  Chapter 6 - Forging Victory

  Chapter 7 - Moving the Pieces

  Chapter 8 - Forcing the Issue

  Chapter 9 - Precision Demolition

  Chapter 10 - Forward Momentum

  Chapter 11 - Rebellious Dissent

  Chapter 12 - Ring the Bell

  Chapter 13 - Oppressed Odairans

  Chapter 14 - Piercing the Line

  Chapter 15 - Three Pronged Victory

  Chapter 16 - Angry Birds

  Chapter 17 - Flock of Talons

  Chapter 18 - Hanging On

  Chapter 19 - Pushing Back

  Chapter 20 - Relax and Relief

  Chapter 21 - Finding the Nest

  Chapter 22 - Pirate Base

  Chapter 23 - Strike While the Iron’s Hot

  Chapter 24 - Lead Feet

  Chapter 25 - Interrogation and Celebration

  Chapter 26 - Bronze Invasion

  Chapter 27 - A Long Battle

  Chapter 28 - Engulf and Destroy

  Chapter 29 - Wear and Tear

  Chapter 30 - Ending with Rage

  Chapter 31 - Revolutionary Thoughts

  Chapter 32 - Valis Departs

  Chapter 33 - A Look at Peace

  Chapter 34 - Relief Mission

  Chapter 35 - Sneaking Past the Blockade

  Chapter 36 - Senseless Measures

  Chapter 37 - Silver Light

  Chapter 38 - The Tightening Noose

  Chapter 39 - Marching Forward

  Chapter 40 - Gold Strikes

  Chapter 41 – Sabotage

  Chapter 42 - Final Preparations

  Chapter 43 - The Heart of Greed

  Chapter 44 - The Battle of Malcov Prime

  Chapter 45 - Flames of Liberty

  Chapter 46 - When the Gate Crashes

  Chapter 47 - King’s Fall

  Chapter 48 - Free Birds

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  Storms raged across the surface of Malcov Prime, the home world of the bird people. Surrounding the Earth sized planet was a solar power generation system in the form of an orbital ring supported by five towers equally spaced around the equator. Below the clouds thousands of cities spanned the four continents of the world. The two larger landmasses were near the equator while the other two were covered in ice on the north and south poles. Across the planet and above the sky innumerable ships of all kinds came and left. As the day wore on four fleets greater than a thousand ships appeared in orbit. Each fleet sent down a single drop ship. They landed on the tallest tower in the capital city of Jerikai. From each of the four ships emerged a heavily plumed Malcovin officer. From their metallic tones each was marked as an admiral of the Malcovin military. They walked through the cold mountain air and into the tower before them. After going through a series of opulent halls the four admirals came to a pair of golden doors twenty vetres high and half as wide. One of the guards in front of the door let out a loud caw to signal their entrance. As they walked in the four saw the red feathered Creko kneeling before King Zaris, the leader of the Malcovin people. Though Zaris’s feathers were grey from age his red eyes were filled with youthful rage. He wore gems and gold from beak to clawed foot, as well as an elaborate crown to mark his status. On his belt he wore a pulse pistol and in his clawed hands he held a glowing Keiker pike. Zaris glanced at the admirals and waved for them to wait. He held his pike under Creko’s beak and cawed.

  “I was a fool to believe you’d get the job done,” Zaris said.

  “There was nothing I could do!” Creko shouted nervously. “The Odairans are the ones to blame!”

  “They will pay for their insolence,” Zaris said. “But you must pay for failing me!”

  Creko tried backing away but it was too late. As he screamed the glowing pike was already through his heart. Zaris cawed before tossing the dead birdman aside. After the pike cooled he wiped the blood from the tip and sat down on his golden throne and looked to his attendants.

  “Please clean up the mess,” Zaris said.

  “Yes my lord,” a black feathered servant said before dragging the body away.

  The four admirals came forward. The one wearing gold knelt before his king first. The others followed suit.

  “My lord, the four navies have gathered,” Shakar, the admiral of the Gold navy said. “For what reason have we been called forth?”

  King Zaris cawed with anger. “Heaven’s Light has been allowed to survive. I called you to ready for battle with them.”

  “Shall we go on the offense?” Takar, the admiral of the Bronze navy, asked.

  “Or should we fight them another way?” Vikrit, the admiral of the Silver navy, asked.

  Zaris stepped off his throne and stood before them. “The Iron navy will deploy to Odairan space immediately.”

  Regelik, the admiral of the Iron navy nodded. “Yes my lord.”

  Zaris raised his Keiker pike to the sky. “No matter the price we must crush Heaven’s Light. No one will ever conquer the great people of Malcov!”

  * * *

  Grigon was performing a diagnostic on the Artemis and Siren when Seles and Mira emerged from their mobile suits.

  “Everything looks good on the inside,” Mira said.

  “Same for the Artemis,” Seles said.

  Both of them noticed Grigon was distracted by something.

  “Grigon, what’s wrong?” Seles asked.

  The old birdman shook his head. “Too many memories,” he answered.

  “What kind of memories?” Mira asked.

  “The kind that poisons your soul,” Grigon said. “Many years ago, before either of you were born, I lived a life of luxury. Other than the king I was the most powerful of my people. But time changes and people die.”

  “Are you talking about your wife?” Seles asked.

  “We know the official story, but what really happened?” Mira asked.

  “He killed her,” Grigon said. “Rikai was the best engineer I ever knew. But because she was female teaching her was against the laws of my people,” he cawed, “Remember my young friends, laws aren’t always just or right. Often they only justify the will of the ones in power.”

  Chapter 1 - Colonial Rule

  A fleet of over a hundred ships stood between the colonies of the seventh Reiki system and the outside world. Any ships approaching the colonies were immediately destroyed. When the suppression fleet approached the Freedom appeared. The ship’s shields blocked any incoming attacks while firing back with its pulse cannons and HV missiles. On the bridge of the Freedom Captain Brian Peterson, Myden, Grigon, and Jesela worked at their stations. Filling out the rest of the bridge crew were four droids that resembled Malcovin officers.

  “Seles, Mira, follow the plan Valis sent us earlier,” Brian ordered.

  “Of course,” Mira said as the pair appeared on the bridge’s monitor from their mobile suits.

  “We’re on it,” Seles added.

  The Artemis and Siren launched and headed for the Reiki fleet.

  “Kyli, Tctie, deploy in formation A-3,” Brian ordered.

  The Kalaidian and Ick-Tckt lieutenants appeared on the monitor from their mobile suits.

  “A-3 it is captain,” Kyli said. “Tctie, you can take poi
nt this time.”

  “I’m on it,” the ant man responded.

  The launching bays of the Freedom opened wide as ninety nine mobile suits flew into formation. Most of them were Phase Raknas while the last dozen or so were Phase Talons. Lieutenant Tctie’s Phase Rakna was painted dark and had four arms instead of the usual two. The mobile suits separated into nine squads of eleven before moving to engage the Reiki fleet. The Reiki ships deployed their starfish shaped fighters and headed straight for the mass of mobile suits.

  “Valis was right,” Brian said.

  “Are you talking about the predictability of their battle tactics?” Jesela asked.

  “It’s scary to behold,” Brian said. “Myden, keep them on their toes.”

  The old Grey cracked a grin. “Don’t worry, firing weapons is easy.”

  “I’m glad to hear it old man,” Brian said.

  * * *

  Phase cloaked behind the suppression fleet was the Columbia base. The asteroid complex was a flurry of activity as the remaining five ships moved out. In front of them the Reiki fleet was busy with the Freedom and its mobile suits. Valis sat in the cockpit of the Minerva and closed her eyes. She was wearing her purple and black exoskeleton with her helmet next to her seat. After the Avoni moved outside Meldi and Celi appeared on her monitor from the Mjolnir and Aegis respectively.

  “Is everything alright?” Celi asked.

  “You look a little stressed out captain,” Meldi said.

  She opened her eyes and smiled. “Thanks for asking. I think Brian was spot on with the drinking issue.”

  “You can still have some from time to time,” Celi said.

  “Just don’t drink before battles, that’s all I ask,” Meldi added.

  Valis laughed. “I’ll be alright.”

  Ahead of them the Freedom flew into the thick of the enemy fleet while the Artemis and Siren engaged a number of ships on their own. Valis closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning on the com. As she did so her eyes were glowing blue.

  “This is Captain Valis speaking to all forces of the Columbia base,” she started. “The Avoni and Daevoni will advance forward and join the Freedom. We’ll deploy our mobile suits in formation A-3.”

  “We’re on it captain,” Zae reported from the bridge.

  “Moving into position as we speak,” Esra said from her bridge.

  “What about the rest of us?” Kivi asked from the cockpit of the Gemini.

  “I’d like to know as well,” El Kar said from the bridge of the Reinkar.

  “The Gemini will join the three of us,” Valis said. “As for you El Kar, I apologize for our enemies being weak. Maintain formation D-2 with the base.”

  “As you wish,” El Kar said.

  The two Kalaidian battleships deployed their Raknas. The Minerva and the Aegis joined the Mjolnir outside as the Gemini flew over to them. The four mobile suits moved forward with the Aegis in the middle.

  * * *

  Numerous fighters and ships from the Reiki fleet broke away to engage the Artemis and Siren. Seles closed her eyes and concentrated before allowing the berserk to come over her. The Artemis started glowing blue as its drive sped up.

  “Mira, brace me,” Seles said.

  “I’m on it,” Mira responded.

  The Siren held the Artemis as its rifle fired a massive beam into the enemy fleet. While the center of the Reiki fleet collapsed the Artemis fired another shot, further stressing the enemy’s formation. Seles ended her berserk and returned her mobile suit to normal.

  “That was pretty effective,” Mira said.

  “The arrow system is working perfectly,” Seles said.

  The Avoni, Daevoni, and their mobile suits appeared on their scanners.

  “Looks like our friends have arrived,” Mira said. “Shall we ramp up the party?”

  Seles nodded. “We have to leave them something to do. I know Kivi will be disappointed if she doesn’t get a shot in before they surrender.”

  Valis appeared on their monitors.

  “Seles, Mira, join the four of us now,” Valis said.

  “On our way,” Seles said.

  She and Mira flew their crafts to the other four mobile suits and waited inside the Aegis’s shields. Valis observed the data stream from the Minerva’s computer system.

  “This is Valis speaking again,” she said. “Our enemy is currently focused on sinking the Freedom. As it draws their attention our main force will engage in a pincer attack. The Avoni and Daevoni will stay the Freedom while the rest of you engage their flank. The heart of the enemy is gone. All that remains is to hand them defeat.”

  The Freedom joined the Avoni and Daevoni as they turned about their forces. The three ships and their mobile suits tore into the Reiki fleet. At the same time, the three ships with the Columbia base deployed their forces and attacked the rear of the Reiki formation. Valis narrowed her transmission to the five mobile suits near her.

  “We’ll do what we did against the second Confederation fleet,” she said. “Meldi, take the Mjolnir and return to the Avoni.”

  “Yes captain,” she said as she flew the Mjolnir away.

  The Gemini and Artemis moved to the front while the Siren and Minerva moved to the rear. The five mobile suits swept through the enemy fleet and annihilated anything in their path.

  * * *

  Brian watched the battle unfolding from the bridge of the Freedom while the others were busy at their stations. As the Maidens tore through the enemy fleet the Reiki ships intensified their attack on the Freedom. Although the shields were holding the shaking was getting worse.

  “Tctie, return with your forces and help defend the ship,” Brian said.

  “We’re turning about now captain,” the Ick-Tckt said.

  “This is a mess,” Myden commented.

  “More than a mess,” Grigon said before cawing.

  “It’s like fighting a stupider version of the Greys,” Jesela said before looking at Myden. “I didn’t mean you of course.”

  “Your thoughts say as much,” Myden said.

  “It’s because of the law of utility,” Brian said. “Whatever creates the most happiness is what they go with.”

  “How’s this creating happiness?” Jesela asked.

  Brian laughed. “That is the mystery, isn’t it?” A ship exploded near the Freedom and caused it to shake violently. “You’d have to ask their leaders for the answer Jesela. But using their current stance on utility it means that if killing a million saved a billion, they’d do it in a heartbeat.”

  “That’s pretty cold,” Jesela said.

  “As cold as the mountains of Yerka,” Grigon said.

  Tctie and half of the mobile suits flew in and acted as a shield for the Freedom. Brian watched as the Maidens continued their assault through the middle of the Reiki fleet.

  “How many of our enemies remain?” Brian asked.

  “They’re numbers are half of what they were when we arrived,” Grigon reported.

  “Let’s end this as quickly as we can,” Brian said.

  Chapter 2 - Freedom Strikes

  In the Columbia base’s command center Veda Kein acted as the leader of the base. Standing next to her was Shiken Ka. While she kept the place in order Shiken observed the enemy fleet. Veda banged her fist on the console.

  “They’re really going to do it,” she said.

  “There’s no doubt from the formation their fleet is moving into,” he said. “I take it they won’t listen to reason?”

  “They won’t even acknowledge our hails,” Veda said. “The only message we’ve received comes from their central command.” She put the message on one of the monitors.

  To all citizens of Colony System Seven: You are under orders to leave the solar system immediately and submit yourselves to the Central Government. Those who do not follow this order will be listed as enemy combatants and treated accordingly. Any outside force interfering with this command will be dealt with by deadly force.
/>   “They were never good at negotiations,” Shiken said. “I know in the past we fought, but even then we listened to each other. Because of that we were able to find peace. But because of their government’s inflexible stance the Reiki are a people under siege.”

  “They seem more like a people possessed,” Veda said. “Not even the nobles could control the commoners like this.”

  “That’s because your people believe in god,” Shiken said. “For those without a god they must make one themselves. For the Reiki it’s the law of utility.”

  “And what god have your people created?” she asked with a bemused smile.

  Shiken pointed to his head. “Reality begins in the mind of those who perceive it. Thoughts are born of perceptions and lead to actions. Actions change physical reality. Thus the universe changes with each thought born inside us,” he grinned, “the god we seek is inside all of us Veda.”

  “If only they would listen,” Veda said.

  * * *

  Half an hour passed before the forces of the Columbia base destroyed the remaining ships of the Reiki fleet. Seles leaned back in her seat sighed with relief.

  “What a worthless battle,” she said.

  Valis appeared on her monitor. “Everyone’s to return to base.”

  When the Artemis and Siren headed back to base Mira appeared on Seles’s monitor.

  “You look exhausted,” Seles said.

  “I am, but you look the same,” Mira responded. “Is it just me or did Valis look depressed?”

  “It wasn’t your mind playing tricks,” Seles said. “She hates battles like this.”

  “I sensed negative energy in the air this time,” Mira said.

  “Hopefully we won’t feel that in every battle,” Seles said. “How about getting together after we’re finished with our duties?”

  “That’s a great idea,” Mira said. “Let’s make sure to grab Jesela from her work.”

  Seles smiled. “She could use a few hours away from it.”

  * * *