Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty (13 page)

Seles
stayed with the Aegis as they moved in to defend their allies. She smiled when
she saw Brian flashing around and destroying missile launchers with his
rakna
blade.

“He’s
crazy you know,” Celi said.

“I
do,” Seles said. “That’s part of the attraction.”

“Why
didn’t you try that?” Celi asked.

“Because
I wasn’t thinking,” Seles said.

She
spun the massive sword in the Artemis’s left hand until it gathered enough
energy and slashed in the direction of an enemy missile launcher. A beam of
energy shot out and blasted the launcher to pieces.

“It
works,” Celi said.

“It’s
slower than my cannon, but it’s good to know I have a backup,” Seles said.
After destroying another missile launcher she watched Brian again. “How is he
able to do that?”

“He
first showed signs of it during the sojourn,” Celi said. “As to the teleporting
the explanation is inside our exoskeletons as well.”

“And
what would that be?” Seles asked.

“The
reason they have the power they do is because they have a miniature Q-Drive
inside,” Celi said. “At least, that’s what Daes told me.”

The
other three Maidens turned about from their mission to return to base.

“Did
you get all of them?” Seles asked.

“Every
last one,” Valis said. “I’m glad the Minerva has the system it does.”

“Could
one of you come get me?” Brian asked over the com. “It seems my exoskeleton is
low on power.”

“I’ll
go get him,” Seles said.

“The
rest of us will stay here,” Valis said.

* * *

The
Columbia base and its allies slowly advanced on the remaining enemy ships. The
loyalist fleet numbered just over three hundred while the rebels still had
around two hundred and fifty ships under their control. The six ships and the
base had taken some damage due to ramming. On the surface of the Viken homeworld
the conflict was subsiding as the people filled the streets to take back their
world. Government troops all over their homeworld and colonies were
surrendering in mass. Veda watched the enemy fleet carefully while Reban
continued with her work.

“What
do you think they’ll do?” Veda asked.

“One
last suicidal charge,” Yardek answered.

“The
courts won’t look upon their actions lightly,” Ulad explained. “They’re better
off dying here than later.”

“Our
surrender conditions guarantee their lives,” Veda said.

“But
you’re not letting them keep their wealth,” Yardek said. “Those who’ve tasted
such power can’t stand to lose it. For them a prison sentence is little better
than death.”

“I’d
rather live than be wealthy,” Veda said.

“Let’s
finish this,” Valis said. “It’s not elegant, but we have to end this.”

“I
understand,” Veda said. “All units are to move forward in formation A-2.”

The
Columbia base and the rebel fleets moved forward as enemy charged and fired.

“I
don’t like this,” Veda said.

“Not
every battle will go the way we want it,” Reban said.

“I
know that,” Veda said. “Even understanding the circumstances doesn’t help.”

“All
forces are now engaged,” Reban reported.

“Good,”
Veda said. “Let’s end this.”

* * *

Brian
closed his eyes and meditated while floating powerlessly in space. The only
thing he heard was the sound of his heart beating.
This is strange.
He
thought
. In all my time in space I’ve never done this before.
He opened
his eyes and saw the damaged Artemis closing in.

“They
got you good,” Brian said.

“It
took throwing everything they had to get me,” she responded. “Do you want to
come inside?”

“Not
right now,” Brian said. “I’m enjoying the view.”

“Okay,”
Seles said.

The
Artemis grabbed him in its one good hand before turning about. In front of the
two the battle raged while the loyalist forces fought to the bitter end.

“This
is why I want to end things like this,” Brian said.

“It’s
senseless killing,” Seles said.

“Millions
have died in this war,” Brian said. “And millions more will be displaced and
suffer for years to come.”

“It’s
always for the same reason, isn’t it?” Seles asked.

“Those
who have power won’t give it up unless forced to,” Brian said. “We can reason
with them as much as we want, but it takes more than words to move them. What’s
most frustrating is that there’s no need for it anymore.”

“What
do you mean?” Seles asked.

“With
the advent of the gravity drive and technological developments, there’s no need
to fight over resources,” Brian said. “There’s more than enough to go around.”

“Both
you and I can see that,” Seles said. “But I’m afraid most are blind to it.”

“All
too true,” Brian said.

After
a few minutes the battle was over. Yardek led his fleet into the atmosphere and
down to the planet. Brian looked at the wreckage of all sides.
There has to
be a better way.
He thought as the Artemis landed inside the Freedom.

* * *

Kivi
landed the Gemini inside the Raulno and sat back to relax for a moment. When
she went to stand some text appeared on the screen.

That
went better than we expected.
Gemini Alpha wrote.

You
were great Kivi.
Gemini Beta wrote.

She
smiled. “It was thanks to you two. Without you I couldn’t fly both at the same
time.”

Thanks
. Gemini Alpha
wrote.

Come
back to talk soon, okay?
Gemini Beta asked.

“I’ll
see the two of you later,” Kivi said before using the elevator cord to get to
the ground.

Dreka
was already in the room with his equipment ready.

“Excellent
work captain,” the birdman cawed.

“You
seem excited,” Kivi said.

“I
finally get to do some readings,” Dreka said. “By the way, how smooth was the
system?”

“It
was easier to use than I thought it would be,” Kivi answered. “You did a great
job with your designs.”

“My
grandfather worries about function more than design,” Dreka said. “I wanted to
create a mobile suit that not just works, but is easy on the pilot.”

“Make
sure you patch them up as quickly as possible,” Kivi said.

“You
think they’ll attack?” Dreka asked.

“It’s
not a matter of if, but when,” Kivi said.

“As
you wish captain,” Dreka said.

“Thanks,”
Kivi said. “I’ll be on the bridge for the time being.”

* * *

Several
hours passed before word came from General Yardek on the surface. Brian stood
on the bridge of the Freedom with Myden, Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and the
four droids. When the signal was received Brian touched the console to ring the
bell. The signal connected to every device in the area and continued spreading
across the Confederation.

“Many
lives were lost today,” Brian said. “To Viken people, we of Heaven’s Light
return the freedom you once owned back to you. Should tyranny rise again we
will return, but I hope it doesn’t come to that. Let us build a world where
wars like this are never fought again. I hope to see such a world. But until
the Freedom’s bell rings eternal, our mission will never end.”

Brian
pressed the button to add his message to the transmission. He looked at their
planet before turning to the others.

“You
sound more melancholic than before,” Mira said.

“I
didn’t just sound like it,” Brian said. “I am. After a decade of fighting I’m
growing weary of it.” He stared at the wreckage outside. “But there’s no point
in dwelling on it, we have many more battles to fight. Let’s hope it comes to
an end someday.”

“Before
anything we need to recharge your exoskeleton,” Jesela said.

“And
you need to go the med lab so I can give you a physical,” Mira said.

“Demanding,
aren’t you?” Brian asked. “Alright, I submit.”

* * *

Valis
headed into the Columbia base’s command center to add some data to their
collection. As she did so she noticed the looks on both Veda and Reban’s faces.

“I
see neither of you enjoyed the last battle,” Valis said.

“One
who enjoys battles has a problem,” Veda said. “But to be honest, the last one
was the worst.”

“Brutal
is the word I think of,” Reban piped in.

“I
sensed the same thing from everyone,” Valis said.

The
monitor flashed and showed General Yardek and Representative Ulad in the
parliament building.

“We’ve
secured all the strongholds of the former regime,” Yardek said. “I’d like to
thank all of you for your help in this matter. The people of this world are
free again, all because of you.”

“We
accept your thanks,” Veda said.

“Given
the situation we’re going to request aid,” Ulad said.

“We’ll
do as we can,” Veda said.

“We’ll
send you the data on where to ship it in a few hours,” Ulad said.

“We’ll
be waiting,” Veda said.

After
the screen went dark the two went back to work. Valis watched them before
walking out. As she headed back to the Avoni she looked at all the workers
around the base as they struggled.

“I’m
sick of it too Brian,” she said before walking into the Avoni.

Brian
stepped into the command center as Veda was checking a few things over. Reban
moved about the room as she directed relief traffic to and from the surface.

“What
brings you here young man?” Veda asked.

“Am
I leading the negotiations or are you?” Brian asked.

“I’ll
lead them this time,” Veda said.

“Are
you sure?” he asked.

“It
would be best if we split the burden,” Veda said. “From what our intelligence
officers are finding the Ick-Tckt are going to be a challenge.”

“I
guess their queen isn’t working well with the other nobles,” Brian said.

“No,”
Veda said. “And it’s leading them towards a civil conflict of their own. Also,
from the amount of material we’ve recovered we can finally link something to
specific nobles.”

“Can
you tell me which ones?” Brian asked.

“All
of the duchesses,” Veda said.

Brian
sighed. “I was hoping it’d be a rogue one or two, not all of them.”

“What
about the drone under you command?” Veda asked. “I’ve heard some strange things
about him.”

“Tctie’s
manifesting telepathic ability,” Brian said. “I know because I experienced some
strange things when we briefly touched minds. Myden is training him how to use
it properly.”

“The
old man seems to have an extra jump in his step lately,” Veda said.

“How
long do you think this will take?” Brian asked.

“Negotiations
should only take a few days,” Veda answered. “The Viken used a democratic
system before, so all we need to do is set up the interim government. All
that’s left afterwards is to prepare them for fair elections.”

“How
do we promise that?” Brian asked.

“Since
we can’t stick around I called for help from the Confederation,” Veda said.
“Now that the civil war has been resolved they’re willing to get in here.”

“A
day late and a dollar short,” Brian said.

Veda
laughed. “I think credit would be a better term to use around us.”

“You’re
right about that,” Brian said.

“Take
a few days to relax,” Veda said. “After what you’ve been through you could use
it.”

“So
you’ll be sticking me with the work next time?” he asked.

“That’s
right,” Veda said.

* * *

Seles
walked into the launching bay and found both Grigon and Jesela hard at work.
The right arm of the Artemis was completely replaced and the rifle was almost
finished.

“How’s
she holding up?” Seles asked.

“She’ll
be ready to fly by the end of the day,” Grigon said.

“It’s
a good thing we budgeted enough to keep a few spare limbs and rifle parts for
these things,” Jesela said. “By the way, you’re not the only one to incur
damage.”

Seles
closely looked at the Siren and noticed a number of black dents. The rifle also
appeared to have taken a beating.

“The
Ick-Tckt are crafty,” Seles said. “If it wasn’t for the Hades system and Kivi
we may have been killed.”

“She
certainly showed the Gemini off,” Jesela said.

“Dreka
won’t shut up about it,” Grigon cawed.

“Oh
don’t be like that, we all know you’re proud of him,” Jesela said.

“I
am,” Grigon said. “By the way, what’s different about Brian?”

Seles
and Jesela looked at each other.

“He
isn’t a woman, is he?” Seles asked.

“No,
he’s cranky old bird,” Jesela said.

“What
does that mean?” Grigon asked.

“Brian
may look the same, but take a look in his left eye,” Jesela said.

“It’s
like looking eternity in the face,” Seles said. “Well, take care you two; I’m
going to relax for a while.”

After
she left Grigon cawed. “Shouldn’t she be staying with him?”

Jesela
shook her head. “Nope, tonight’s Mira’s night if I remember my schedules
right.”

“Sounds
complicated,” Grigon said.

“It’s
a mess, that’s for sure,” Jesela said.

* * *

Brian
slipped his clothes back on before stepping into his exoskeleton. Both Mira and
Celi carefully looked over their comparisons of him prior to the change and
after.

“Look
at this,” Celi said.

“I
see what you’re talking about,” Mira said.

“Exactly,”
Celi said.

“What
are you two discussing?” Brian asked. “You know my expertise is outside of the
medical field.”

“First,
are you able to see between dimensions?” Celi asked.

“We’d
like to know that one for sure,” Mira said.

He
shrugged. “It’s not like I can see it. The best way to describe it is to mix a
few senses. The other issue is I’m afraid to try it around others.”

“If
you mess up you could accidentally cut someone in half,” Mira said.

“Or
get stuck between the walls of the ship,” Celi said.

“Neither
of those sounds comforting,” Brian said. “I used the exoskeleton’s drive to get
outside. Avoiding the enemy attacks using my power was instinct.”

“You
don’t have a person like Myden to show you how to use either,” Celi said.

“He’s
working wonders with Tctie,” Mira said.

“So
what’s strange about me?” Brian asked. “Other than my perception I don’t feel
any different.”

“From
what we can tell you lifespan has been increased further beyond what the
nanomachines would help with,” Mira said.

“How
long do I have to live?” he asked.

“About
a thousand years,” Celi answered. “Give or take a few decades.”

He
couldn’t help laughing. “You’re not serious, are you?”

“We
are serious Brian,” Mira said. “Given the changes to your genetic structure you
may have become a new species.”

“We’re
not even sure you could mate with a human anymore,” Celi said.

“Is
there anything else?” he asked.

“Your
body has been freed of all genetic defects,” Mira said. “Any debilitating
disease or disorders associated with them have been minimized. The one thing we
find strange is that your scars didn’t heal.”

“I
have one more question,” Brian said.

“What
would that be?” Celi asked.

“Can
I still eat pizza?” he asked.

The
two women laughed.

“Of
course you can,” Mira said.

He
sighed with relief. “At least I can maintain some semblance of normal.” He went
to leave. “I’d better get back to the bridge, there’s always more work waiting
for me.”

After
the door closed the two women flipped the images to Brian’s body before and
after the transformation.

“Should
we tell him?” Mira asked.

“Why
not leave it a secret?” Celi asked. “Anyways, it’s not like he’s the one who
cares.”

“True
enough,” Mira said.

“It’s
your turn, right?” Celi asked.

“Of
course,” Mira said.

“You
can tell him then,” Celi said.

* * *

Tctie
was meditating in his quarters when he felt a presence outside. The antman
stood up and opened the door. On the other side Brian stood with a strange
sparkle in his eye.

“Captain,”
Tctie said.

“You’re
changing as well,” Brian said. “I wanted to ask you a few things about it.”

Tctie
grabbed a pair of curved arm blades and put them on before stepping outside.

“I
can sense you want to spar,” Tctie said.

“I’ve
been meaning to do it since I first saw you practicing,” Brian said as the two
made their way to the HDC.

Once
the two entered the empty chamber the background shifted to the Kalaidian jungle.

“This
is like home,” Tctie said.

Brian
stared at the drone for a while. “You know I have an insect phobia.”

Tctie
wiggled his mandibles. “Many of my kind feel the same about mammals.”

“Are
you one of them?” Brian asked.

Tctie
nodded. “On the homeworld there are small creatures that resemble tiny
Odairans. The sight of them makes me twitch, but one crawling on me causes me
to run.”

Brian
laughed. “In spite of our differences we share something in common.”

“What’s
going to happen to me?” Tctie asked.

“If
you’re strong you’ll live,” Brian said. “Before my transformation I touched
your mind and saw your birth. I was surprised your kind emerges fully grown.”

“Our
ancestors stopped birthing larvae millions of years ago,” Tctie said. “What you
may not know is I saw the same thing from you.”

“You
witnessed my birth?” Brian asked.

Tctie
nodded. “Words can’t describe it.”

Brian
felt a flood of memories in his mind.

“I
see,” he said.

“Why
did you come to see me captain?” Tctie asked. “I know it wasn’t just to spar.”

Brian
drew his
rakna
. “I want to understand your people better. The only way
we can end conflict is to understand one another.” He held his blade forth.
“Let’s build a bridge together.”

Tctie
held his arm blades defensively, “As you wish captain.”