Freedom Saga 2: Freedom's Bell (6 page)

Valis
sat in the cockpit of the Minerva. As she opened her eyes she slowly looked
around herself.
Is this what he was feeling? Is this what he saw?
She
thought when Celi appeared on her monitor.

“Are
you up for this?” Celi asked.

“As
long as I don’t hear voices I’ll be alright,” Valis said.

“Thinking
positive is an improvement,” Celi said.

“I
have to,” Valis said. “Otherwise the Minerva shows me dark possibilities.”

Kivi
appeared on the screen. “You’re turning into a space cadet.”

“I
miss that wry humor of yours at times,” Valis said.

“I’m
not that far away,” Kivi said. “So what’s the plan?”

“The
three of us will start the battle,” Valis said. “Then everyone else will join in.”

“Got
it,” Kivi said.

“Let’s
go,” Celi said.

The
Columbia, Hong Kong, and Nevada bases were phase cloaked over Reiki Prime.
While the ships prepared to launch the Minerva, Aegis, and Gemini flew out
first. Kivi moved her craft into the front and readied the cannon. The Aegis
moved to the middle and turned its shields to max. Valis flew the Minerva close
behind as support. The three mobile suits turned their phase cloaks off over the
orbital ring of the planet and headed straight for the main military base. As
the Reiki scrambled to intercept them the Gemini fired a series of powerful
pulse blasts through their shields and destroyed the base. Hundreds of ships
and thousands of fighters rushed from the other bases to surround the three
mobile suits. They kept close to the orbital ring to prevent the Reiki from
firing freely at them. The Gemini destroyed one ship after another while Valis
focused on the smaller fighters.

“If
it was just the three of us I’d be worried,” Kivi said.

“Agreed,”
Celi added.

“Even
if we were victory would be ours,” Valis said. She relayed images of the
rioting on the surface. “The people of this world have chosen a different path
than their government. The only thing different would be if we lived or died.”

When
the Reiki military moved to tighten the noose around them the three bases
appeared. From the Columbia base the Avoni emerged with the Daevoni, Reinkar,
and Raulno. From the Nevada base emerged ten Avoni class Kalaidian battleships
led by the Heimus. From the Hong Kong base came ten newly crafted Gerden class
ships, led by the Xavan. All of them deployed their mobile weapons before
tearing into the Reiki forces. A moment later several fleets of rebel Reiki
ships appeared behind the bases with the Freedom and Vomada at their head.

“Now
this war ends,” Valis said.

* * *

When
the Freedom came out of gravity jump Brian had the com ready.

“All
units are to deploy in formation X-3,” he ordered. “Seles, Mira, do your
thing.”

“Yes
Brian,” Seles said.

The
Artemis and Siren darted outside to join the other three Maidens. Kyli and
Tctie led the other mobile suits and moved into X shaped formations. The rebel
fleets deployed their fighters as they joined the battle. Brian watched
intently before making sure it was being recorded. Jesela finished what she was
doing before walking down to him.

“Are
you sure about this?” she asked.

“Yes,”
he said as light flashed from the explosions outside. “We must show the people
of Alden we mean what we say.”

“Alright,”
Jesela said.

“You’re
not the only one to question me on this,” Brian said. “The other captains said
something about it.”

“In
the end he’s right,” Grigon said. “I don’t like showing our technology to
others. But if they don’t see what we’re doing they’ll assume the worst.”

Jesela
returned to her console. “If that’s what you wish then it’ll be done Brian.
You’ll let us edit it in case of people doing stupid things, right?”

He
smiled. “In that case Jesela we’d better edit everything out. When are we not
doing something stupid?”

“So
true,” she said with a smile.

* * *

As
the battle raged the Artemis and Siren made their way to the other three Maidens.
The Gemini cleared a path using its cannon. When they came closer the two
turned about and moved into position. The Gemini and Artemis were in the front
with the Aegis in the middle, with the Minerva and Siren in the rear.

“It’s
getting crazy out there,” Kivi said.

Seles
pressed a button on her console. “This should help you figure out which ones
are our enemy.”

A
key displayed which Reiki ships were rebels and which were still with the
Central Government.

“That
helps,” Celi said.

“Seles,
Kivi, you’re the spearhead for our attack,” Valis said. “I want the two of you
firing at the same target when the time comes.”

“We’re
ready,” Seles said.

“Just
waiting for the rest of you,” Kivi said.

“Mira,
you and I will act as support again,” Valis said.

“Of
course,” Mira responded.

“I’ll
hold the middle then,” Celi said.

“Let’s
go,” Valis said.

The
Maidens separated from the combat zone and began destroying the orbital defense
satellites one after another.

* * *

Flashes
from the battle continued escalating as the three bases edged forward and added
their weapons to the mix. Veda and Shiken Ka directed everything from the
command center of the Columbia base.

“What
do you see this time?” Veda asked.

Shiken
turned away from the battle. “They don‘t have a functioning command structure.”

“It
doesn’t help when half their military has defected,” Veda said.

“The
images on the surface tell a different story,” Shiken said.

Veda
looked at a smaller monitor showing the unrest on the surface. “You’re right. They
don’t have a working command structure because of this.”

“This
battle may take several hours to resolve,” Shiken said. “But in a matter of
minutes their government will fall.”

“Hopefully
they have a leader ready to take care of things,” Veda said.

* * *

The
Maidens destroyed another orbital base before turning back to the main combat
zone. Seles and Kivi fired into a pair of enemy ships at the edge of the
battle. As they drove through the enemy fleet hundreds of Reiki ships appeared.

“Are
they reinforcements?” Celi asked.

“Ours,
not theirs,” Kivi answered.

“That
makes all of the colony systems from their territories,” Seles said.

“Remember
we still have a mission to complete,” Valis said. “There’s one more base on
this hemisphere left.”

“Sorry
about that,” Kivi said.

“It’s
easy to get distracted in this,” Seles said.

The
five exited the other side of the battle and charged another base as it fired
at them. With a pair of precise shots from the Artemis and Gemini the last base
exploded. They turned about while the Reiki fleets met in a series of
explosions and suicidal ramming.

“Why
are they doing that?” Celi asked.

“They
were ordered to,” Valis said. “A free people will sacrifice out of love, a
chained people sacrifices out of fear.”

The
Artemis lit up as its drive sped up. Seles’s eyes glowed blue as she flew
towards the fleet on her own.

“Seles,”
Kivi said.

“Let
her go,” Valis said. “Nothing can stop her now. The rest of us will follow her
wake.”

The
Artemis danced through incoming fire as it blasted one perfect shot after
another through their ships. Seles narrowed her eyes as time slowed down. She
deployed the reflector plates into spread position and continued firing her way
through their forces.

Veda
and Shiken Ka watched the battle and the events on the planet with equal
intent. On the surface, it was apparent all the government buildings were under
siege or taken over by rebels and civilians supporting the cause. As the chaos
continued a number of the loyalists broke away and began surrendering their
ships. As they did so, the fanatic loyalists targeted and destroyed them.

“Such
barbarism,” Veda said. “I’m surprise they’re not murdering civilians at this
point.”

“They
probably have,” Shiken said. “The Reiki have had a closed government for a long
time now. The Confederation’s media isn’t the most effective but some truth
still comes from it.”

“I
shouldn’t be comparing too harshly though,” Veda said. “The nobles of my world
did the same thing years ago.”

An
explosion blew the roof off the Central Government’s main building on the
surface. As water flooded in the complex sank. In orbit the loyalist forces
were close to annihilation as they were surrounded. The two watched the Artemis
fly in and finish them off.

“She’s
amazing,” Veda said. “I never thought I’d see someone match him in battle.”

* * *

Brian
and the others remained on high alert when the last of the loyalist ships was
destroyed.

“Captain,
we’re receiving a hail on an open channel from the Ministry of Defense,” Droid
A reported. “He says he’s the new representative for his people.”

Brian
turned on the holographic system and readied to sign. “Put him through.”

“Yes
captain,” Droid A said.

On
the screen appeared a wounded Reiki admiral. Next to him were a number of
others looking to quite tired after a prolonged fight.

“I
am Admiral Cova Breesh,” the leader signed. “Are you Captain Peterson?”

“I
am,” Brian signed. “Are you the one in charge?”

“Yes,”
Cova signed. “The rest of the Central Government fell with the capital city. I’m
the last of the old guard in power.” He fluttered his tentacles. “We surrender
and request aid.”

“I
accept,” Brian signed. “Our organization will help your people in any way we
can.”

“We’ll
do as you ask Captain Peterson,” Cova signed.

Brian
nodded before ending transmission. He looked at the monitor, “Veda, you have a
lot to do.”

“I
won’t be the only one,” Veda said. “They’re going to need you to form a new
government.”

Brian
shrugged. “I thought I’d get out of this one, but if it’s my fate I’ll see it
through.”

“I’m
glad,” Veda said.

“Are
we delaying the plan?” Grigon asked.

“No,
Seles will take command,” Brian pointed to the wreckage outside. “I’m sure she
can handle anything that comes up.”

* * *

Seles
took a deep breath after ending her berserk. As she rested her head she felt
exhausted.

“Are
you still with us?” Kivi asked.

“Yeah,”
Seles said. “Sorry I didn’t stop when you asked.”

“No,
you were right to charge in,” Kivi said. “I was surprised to see you fight like
that.”

“She
and the Artemis are one,” Valis said.

“She
and the Artemis are something,” Mira added. “What the heck happened?”

Seles
reached out with her right hand with her fingers outstretched. “I can’t
describe it.”

“We’ll
worry about it later,” Valis said. “Everyone should return to base.”

“See
you later then,” Kivi said before flying the Gemini back to the Raulno.

“Take
care you two,” Celi said before flying the Aegis back to the Avoni.

“Mira,
keep an eye on our huntress,” Valis said before heading back to the Avoni.

“You
looked tired,” Mira said. “Do you need help getting home?”

Seles
smiled. “No, I can fly on my own.”

Once
the two landed back on the Freedom they left their mobile suits. In the dim
light Mira noticed something strange about Seles’s eyes.

“What?”
Seles asked.

“I
might be seeing things,” Mira said. “Next time we have an off day I’d like to
run few tests on you.”

“If
we ever have an off day that is,” Seles said.

The
two headed for the bridge. As the other pilots landed the interior of the
Freedom became a flurry of activity again. When they entered the bridge
everyone was at their station while Brian paced around the room.

“What’s
the situation?” Seles asked.

“Their
government has surrendered to us,” Brian said.

“Shouldn’t
we use the thing?” Mira asked.

Brian
shook his head. “Not yet, we have to receive word from the rest of the Reiki
colonies. Once we have clearance we’ll use it.”

“Are
we staying or heading out?” Seles asked.

“We’ll
stay for a short time,” Brian answered. “I’m probably going to remain behind
and help them form a government.”

Seles
sighed. “So you’re leaving us again?”

Mira
laughed.

Brian
smiled. “I won’t be long my lady, I promise you that.”

“It’s
going to cost you,” Seles said.

“I’ll
pay up in full when the time comes,” Brian said.

“As
interesting as this is getting I have to take my leave and check your crafts,”
Jesela said before leaving.

Grigon
cawed. “Nobody is being serious these days,” he said before following her.

“I
wasn’t being serious, was I?” Brian asked.

“No,
you were being a fool,” Seles said.

“An
obvious one at that,” Mira said.

“I
am a fool, but not an idiot,” Brian said.

* * *

Grigon
and Jesela checked the Artemis and Siren again. The old birdman used the
console while Jesela used a tablet to do the work.

“There’s
a jump in your step today,” Jesela remarked.

“We’re
seeing the potential from one of these today,” Grigon said.

“Her
readings were off what the simulations predicted,” Jesela said.

“That’s
to be expected with technology like this,” Grigon said.

“So
what led to the design of the Talon?” Jesela asked. “I know many have dabbled
in the idea of mobile suits or mobile armors, but not the special drive
system.”

“It
was during the first war my people had with Kalaidia,” Grigon explained. “I
fought Gaelic Kein in a number of dogfights and neither of us came out a
definite victor. Before the plague struck your race I was working on a number
of theories when I stumbled on a new way of using the particles in a gravity
drive. With Rikai’s help we worked on how to best utilize them. The mobile suit
ended up being the most efficient design.”

“What
about the black boxes?” she asked.

“Those
were the areas Rikai focused on,” Grigon said. “She’s the reason these are here
today.”

“If
she drew up the blueprints for it then we should call the black box system the
Rikai Drive,” Jesela said.

“When
my people are free of their foolishness I’ll do so,” Grigon said. “Justice must
be served before such a thing can happen.”

“It
will be soon enough,” Myden said as he walked in.

“What
brings you here old man?” Jesela asked.

Myden
laughed. “I am old,” he said as he touched the leg of the Artemis. “She’s
moving along nicely.”

“That
she is,” Grigon said.

“Are
you two talking about the mobile suit or Seles?” Jesela asked.

“They
are one and the same in this endeavor,” Myden answered.

“I
hope you two aren’t keeping secrets on us,” Jesela said. “I have a big mouth.”

Grigon
cawed. “No, we won’t keep anything secret anymore.”

“Those
days are past us,” Myden said. “Honesty is the best policy.”

“If
that’s true then what do you mean by she’s coming along nicely?” Jesela asked.

Myden
gazed at the Artemis. “Only Brian has ever used his craft to its maximum before
Jesela. Seles and Valis are coming close though. In order to win the war we
need the Maidens to reach their maximum.”

“Even
if our foes are equipped like the Malcovin military I doubt that,” Jesela said.

“I’m
not talking about our foes within the Confederation,” Myden said. “I mean the
war with my people.”

“On
that I agree,” Jesela said.