Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell Read online

* * *

  Valis calmly observed the battle from the Minerva’s cockpit. She resisted berserking while flashes from pulse fire came from the Reiki forces. Their ships and fighters were taking losses, but the mass of two hundred ships had too much momentum to be stopped. As they reached the area of effect the Siren emitted its song system. Dozens of ships and hundreds of fighters were caught in the wake and rendered useless. The Artemis and Gemini focused their attacks on any incoming crafts and destroyed them before they could get close. As the explosions cleared the Maidens found the Reiki fleet was holding position just outside the Siren’s area of effect.

  “Celi, prepare to use your shields at maximum output,” Valis ordered.

  “They’ve never been pushed that far,” Celi said. “Is there a reason you’re asking?”

  “I have a feeling their plan is to test us,” Valis said. “If everything goes right we’ll bring the offensive to the enemy, but for now we need to hold out. Seles, change the Artemis over to spread mode.”

  “Yes Valis,” Seles said.

  The Artemis’s reflector plates popped off the frame and circled around the end of the barrel. After lengthening the barrel a number of the plates shifted and allowed multiple barrels to appear. As the mobile suit fired its pulse shot was first amplified and then separated into dozens of deadly projectiles. The front of the Reiki line was devastated when the pulse shots crashed into their shields and drained them. The survivors were treated to a volley from the Gemini’s heavy cannon. While the fleet engaged the Maidens the Columbia base and its ships moved forward to join the battle.

  Chapter 5 - Aegis’s Shield

  Celi focused her mind as pulse blasts hit in uncountable numbers. When her mobile suit’s shields began waning the other four were pushed closer to her. Celi closed her eyes and felt the berserk come over her. As she did so the Aegis’s gravity drive began spinning and emitted an incredible amount of energy. A moment later a wave of particles flew in all directions from the Aegis and covered everything nearby with an impassable energy shield. As the Reiki fired upon the newly created shield their pulse shots and HV missiles reflected back on their ships and caused considerable damage. The Artemis and Gemini took a moment to recover before firing again. The Siren turned off the song system and moved to support them.

  “It’s time Seles,” Valis said over the com.

  “Alright,” Seles said.

  The Artemis started glowing as Seles activated the arrow system. She aimed the cannon and fired the massive beam through the enemy fleet. As dozens of ships and hundreds of fighters exploded she shifted her aim and fire a second shot. After the smoke cleared over half the Reiki fleet had been destroyed, while many more of their ships and fighters were severely damaged. The Artemis returned to normal and continued firing alongside the Gemini. Celi maintained the shield as the battle continued.

  * * *

  Brian watched the battle from the bridge of the Freedom with a smile on his face.

  “You’re looking pretty smug captain,” Jesela said. “Is there something you know we don’t?”

  “No, I’m just enjoying the show,” he said. “Kyli, Tctie, change formation to E-14. It’s our turn to pound them mercilessly.”

  “We’re on it captain,” Kyli responded.

  “On our way,” Tctie said.

  While the Reiki fleet continued its assault on the Maidens the forces of the Columbia base moved in to attack. All of them had their mobile weapons clumped into groups of eleven as they charged into the fray. As the battle intensified the Reiki fleet turned its attention away from the Maidens and focused on the incoming ships.

  * * *

  Seeing the tide turning Celi ended her berserk and returned the Aegis’s protective field back to normal.

  “Celi, take the Siren and fly through their center,” Valis ordered.

  “Of course,” Celi said.

  She flew the Aegis closer to the Siren as it turned its song system on. The two mobile suits danced through the Reiki fleet while rendering their crafts inoperable. Behind them the Gemini, Artemis, and Minerva followed and destroyed anything near them. A surrender signal came from the Reiki flagship after their forces stopped firing.

  “Cease fire,” Valis said to everyone over the com.

  “Are they planning something?” Kivi asked.

  “No,” Valis said. “They’re doing what we didn’t expect.”

  “So the surrender is real?” Mira asked.

  “Perhaps,” Valis said. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

  * * *

  Brian stared at the mass of destroyed ships outside as the battle went quite. He activated the holographic system on his exoskeleton. After a moment of silence a female Reiki appeared on the monitor and waved her tentacles with resignation.

  “I am Admiral Shea Ghau of the Reiki second fleet,” she signed. “I recognize your superiority and wish to surrender.”

  “You understand our terms are unconditional,” Brian signed back.

  “We’re prepared to leave our ships and destroy them if necessary,” Shea answered.

  “There will be no need for that,” Brian signed. “Your government won’t accept this decision.”

  “We’re prepared for exile,” Shea signed. “The Central Government has lost its mind and in doing so lost the will of the people.”

  “So active utility isn’t the will of the people?” Brian asked.

  “No,” Shea signed. “It’s the will of those in charge. Most of us see no need for military action.”

  “I see,” Brian signed. “If you wish your fleet may head for Dega Jul and request refugee status.”

  “We’d rather stay in this system and protect the colonies from further harassment.”

  “As you wish,” Brian signed. “Two more of our bases will be entering the area in a few hours. You’ll link up with them for further orders.”

  “Thank you Captain Peterson,” Shea signed.

  “Thank you for surrendering,” Brian signed

  The screen went dark before changing back to showing the command center and bridges of the other ships. Brian turned the holographic system off.

  “So what did she have to say?” Veda asked.

  “Please, tell us,” Esra added.

  “They’re surrendering to us,” Brian explained.

  “I’m surprised they did so,” El Kar said.

  “Thankfully we weren’t forced to annihilate another fleet,” Zae said.

  * * *

  Brian waited until the Freedom was docked before turning to the others.

  “Thanks for the effort everyone,” he said. “Given the situation everyone should take a break sometime today.”

  “Are saying this for our sakes or yours?” Grigon cawed.

  “I know how hard you work old man,” Brian said.

  “He’s in the summer of his youth compared to me,” Myden piped in.

  “I’m glad I’m still young,” Jesela said.

  “As am I,” Brian added. “Grigon, look after her for me.”

  “Of course,” the old birdman said.

  Brian nodded before leaving. When the pilots left their mobile suit’s the hallways flooded with crew members heading to their quarters and the mess hall. Brian took a deep breath before stepping inside the HDC and closing the door behind him.

  “Earth image one,” he said.

  The blank room shifted to the forest of northern Minnesota as the sun set. The temperature was warm with a clear sky. As he sat down and leaned against a tree Brian couldn’t help but feel comfortable. After a few minutes the sun set and stars shined above him. He gazed lazily for a few minutes before falling asleep. An hour passed before Seles and Mira came in. The pair went over to the sleeping Brian and shook their heads. Seles motioned for them to move away. When they were sufficiently far away they gazed at the stars above.

  “He’s been sleeping in here a lot lately,” Mira said. “I get the feeling he misses Earth more than we imagine.”

 
; “I don’t think he’s slept in his bed more than a few nights since returning to us,” Seles said. “Last time I was supposed to spend the night with him he was asleep at his desk.”

  Mira laughed. “The same thing happened to me.” She looked at Brian. “Now that he’s in charge the work load increased. Adding to it, he’s not the type to ask others for help when he should. I should know, because I’m just like that.”

  “Will you ever tell me your secret, the one you shared with him so long ago?” Seles asked.

  “Someday I’ll tell you everything,” Mira said. “But for now, let’s take some of the work away from him.”

  “That‘s a great idea,” Seles said.

  Chapter 6 - Forging Victory

  Veda, Shiken Ka, Valis, Kivi, Esra, Brian, El Kar, Myden, Grigon, and Dreka gathered in the command center. The surviving ships of the Reiki fleet were positioned around the colonies. A moment later two asteroids the same size as the Columbia base appeared on their scanners.

  “Looks like our friends are here,” Esra said.

  “More is better,” Kivi said.

  “It gives us more room for error,” Valis said.

  “We all know you enjoy the challenge,” Brian said.

  “True,” Valis said.

  The monitor flashed as the leaders of the two bases appeared split screen style. On one side was the leader of the Nevada base, a Kalaidian captain named Lena Obril. She was a Southlander with dark tan skin, red eyes, and long black hair. She wore a silver and red exoskeleton. On the other side of the screen was Miv Daek, a Shandi noble. She wore a green and black uniform with a large curved blade on her back. Both command centers were identical to the Columbia base, including the flurry of activity going on behind the scenes.

  “It’s been awhile Lady Veda,” Lena said.

  “Everyone looks glad to see us,” Miv Daek remarked.

  “That’s because we know how good you are,” Brian said.

  “Thanks Captain Peterson,” Lena said.

  “You sound as optimistic as usual,” Miv added.

  Valis pressed a button on the holographic table. The image showed all the solar systems near Reiki Prime. She displayed all the bases and ships of Heaven’s Light a moment later.

  “Our attack begins with a feint using the Freedom and Vomada,” Valis said. The display showed the Freedom and Vomada gravity jumping through a number of systems before reaching the Reiki home system. The two ships then attacked a military base on the edge of the solar system. “The Freedom and Vomada will launch a surprise attack on the Reiki base here.” Valis shifted the image back to the rest of their forces. “At the same time the Columbia and Hong Kong bases follow with their stealth systems in place.” The two asteroid bases followed the movements of the two ships. “The Nevada base and all allied Reiki vessels will make their way to the home world.” She shifted the last asteroid base and the fleet of ships to a position in orbit of Reiki Prime. “While the Freedom and Vomada draw their military’s attention we’ll move the other bases over their home world.” Valis showed the three asteroid bases attacking Reiki Prime. “If possible, the Freedom and Vomada will join us, but otherwise, we should be able to crush their defenses in a matter of a few hours.” She looked at Brian. “You don’t mind being our distraction?”

  “Not at all,” Brian said.

  “Good,” Valis said. “I’ll send the complete plan to all of you as events unfold. I may shift things around if they try something unexpected.”

  “Are we leaving the colonies undefended?” Lena asked. “Isn’t that a bit risky?”

  “Yes it is,” Valis answered. “But I’m confident we’re their main target now. The way the Reiki government thinks is one thing at a time. Until the threat of our forces is gone they won’t bother the colonists.”

  “That’s a dangerous assumption,” Miv Daek said.

  “I have to agree,” Shiken said.

  “We have to assume some risk,” El Kar countered. “Remember, our force is small and our enemy has an entire military. One false move and we lose.”

  “Perhaps we should leave the Reiki defectors behind to defend the colonies,” Brian suggested.

  “I like that idea,” Esra said.

  “Could we ask the Sicily base for help?” Kivi asked.

  Valis shook her head. “No, they’re on standby for the moment. But I’ll change the plan so the defectors can stay here and look after everything. The price we pay is risk to ourselves.”

  “Better us then them,” Miv Daek said.

  “Agreed,” Lena said.

  * * *

  Jesela and Grigon were busy performing diagnostics on the Artemis and Siren. While the computers calculated the data Jesela rubbed her hand against the Artemis’s leg.

  “She’s being rough on her,” she said.

  Grigon cawed. “They’re fighting real battles now.”

  “I know,” Jesela sighed, “I wish they’d fly through water more often.”

  “Why are you so concerned about their cleanliness?” the old birdman asked.

  “Because appearance is everything to a lady, didn’t you know that?” Jesela asked with a smug smile.

  “I didn’t know that,” Grigon said.

  “What is it like for the women on your world?” Jesela asked.

  “They aren’t allowed much,” Grigon said. “It’s against the law to teach them anything other than basic math and writing.”

  “Sounds terrible,” Jesela said.

  “It’s worse than how your people treated men when they walked amongst you,” Grigon said. “At least they could achieve military rank and become Maigars.”

  “Do they look any different from you?” Jesela asked.

  “Not really,” Grigon said. He tapped his beak. “Their beaks are shorter and lighter in color, that’s all.”

  “Then why are they treated so differently?” she asked.

  Grigon cawed, “Because the king says so.”

  The calculations were finished. As Grigon looked over the data he cawed with excitement.

  “It’s that good, huh?” She looked over the data. “Wow! They’re only using a third of the theoretical output and doing this.”

  “Rikai would be proud,” Grigon said.

  “Of course she would old man,” Jesela said.

  * * *

  Seles watched the pilots practice in the simulators. Kyli led all of them except Tctie through a battle against Phase Talons. The Ick-Tckt stood with Seles and observed the battle.

  “What trouble will you make for them?” Tctie asked.

  “An extra fleet will appear in a moment,” Seles answered.

  “You’re twisted,” Tctie said.

  When the battle shifted the pilots were forced to fight much longer than expected. The sign of wear appeared on their faces as the simulation went on.

  “Are you happy here?” she asked.

  Tctie shifted nervously. “Yes.”

  “You know, I can’t tell if you’re lying by your body language,” Seles said.

  “I’m sorry,” the ant man said. “I’m not used to being addressed to by females so directly.”

  “Is that why you’re following Kyli around so much?” Seles asked.

  Tctie paused before nodding his head. “I don’t mean to make her uncomfortable,” he clicked his mandibles, “but acclimating is difficult.”

  Seles smiled. “You’re doing just fine lieutenant.”

  “Thanks commander,” Tctie said before clicking his mandibles excitedly.

  * * *

  Brian returned to the Freedom after the meeting was finished. He paced the hallways of the vessel before finding himself on the bridge. The only ones there were the four droids.

  “Is something wrong captain?” Droid B asked.

  “I have a lot on my mind these days,” Brian answered.

  “Is it because you’re a mammal?” Droid D asked.

  Brian laughed while the other three looked at D.

  “That
’s part of it,” Brian said. “Tell me, how well versed are the four of you in morality?”

  “Commander Grigon has programmed each of us with the full extent he could,” Droid B responded. “We understand the nuances of the current situation.”

  “Is there a reason you’re asking captain?” Droid A asked.

  “I’m wondering if we’re doing the right thing,” Brian said. “I don’t mean the overall scheme, I mean the immediate.”

  “That we cannot answer,” Droid B said. “According to our programming we’re doing the right thing.”

  “Interesting,” Brian said.

  The door to the bridge opened as Grigon entered. He took his station before looking at Brian.

  “Talking philosophy with these four, are you?” the old birdman asked.

  “I’d rather not lay it on Seles or Mira,” Brian said.

  “I can see why,” Grigon said.

  “We were trying to help the captain,” Droid A said.

  “I’m glad,” Grigon said. “When I was alone you were my only companions.”

  “Is that why they seem just like any other sentient life form?” Brian asked.

  “Precisely,” Grigon said. “Work can only hold your sanity for so long, that’s why I needed someone to talk to.”

  “Why haven’t you mass produced them?” Brian asked. “You’d be rich beyond anything I can imagine.”

  Grigon cawed. “Wealth can only buy so much young Terran. Remember, the second richest person within our organization is me.”

  “I would’ve thought those who tried killing had taken everything you owned,” Brian said.

  “They couldn’t,” Grigon said. “I put all my assets into banks on Dega Jul. Dumb I am at times, but not foolish. Anyways, I wouldn’t trust Zaris to keep the economy booming.”

  “Why do you say that?” Brian asked.

  “Because he’s a lousy business man and a lying cheat,” Grigon said. “Not to mention a coward.”