Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty (14 page)

The
Freedom, Daevoni, and Vomada were sending relief materials down to the surface
near the southern most continent of Viken Prime. Esra and Brian were on each
other’s respective monitors when an Ick-Tckt mobile armor appeared on their
scanners.

“Seems
awfully strange they’d only send one,” Esra said.

“My
thoughts exactly,” Brian said.

“Should
we send out a scout?” Esra asked.

“I
have a feeling there’s something different about this one,” Brian said. “Let’s
keep an eye on it and do nothing else.”

“Valis
told me to trust those feelings of yours,” Esra said. “So, are the rumors
true?”

“What
rumors might that be?” Brian asked.

“The
ones that deal with you changing,” Esra explained.

“I
was cocooned in my exoskeleton for ten days,” Brian said. “But overall, I feel
the same. Now, are there any other rumors I should know about?”

“The
only other one rolling around the base is we’re supposed to get more ships,”
Esra said.

“That’s
Veda’s job,” Brian said. “But our docks have the ability to support fourteen
more heavy class ships.”

“I’m
glad to have such wealthy employers,” Esra said. “Mercenary work is spotty and
this is much more stable. It’s like working for the military again, but more
laid back.”

“Laid
back is your style,” Brian said.

“Head
first is yours,” Esra said.

Brian
noticed the com line flash on his console.

“Captain,
we’re receiving an encoded signal from the unknown craft,” Droid A reported.

Brian
looked at Esra. “I think they want to talk.”

“I’ll
listen in,” Esra said.

On
the monitor appeared an Ick-Tckt warrior sitting inside the cockpit of one of
their new mobile armors. From the jeweled necklace it was obvious his rank in
their military was quite high. Both Brian and Esra saluted.

“I
am Admiral Khcha, the Chka Knight of her highness Queen Kchlt,” the warrior
said. “I’ve come to discuss an alliance with your organization.”

“Well
met admiral,” Brian said. “I’m Captain Peterson of the Freedom.”

“I’m
Captain Esra of the Daevoni,” Esra said.

“Tell
me admiral, why did you come to us personally?” Brian asked. “You could’ve sent
someone else in your place.”

“I
came to speak with you warrior to warrior,” Khcha said. “Also, I want to show
our genuineness in this matter. I’d like to speak with the two of you in private
if that’s alright.”

“I’m
okay with it,” Esra said.

“As
am I,” Brian said. “I have a private launching bay on the ship for things like
this. I’ll send the coordinates in a moment.”

“I’ll
be there,” Khcha said before ending transmission.

“Things
must be bad if he’s come to us in person,” Esra said.

“Agreed,”
Brian said.

“I’ll
be over there in a few minutes,” Esra said.

“I’m
looking forward to it,” Brian said.

After
the monitor went black Myden stepped into the room.

“Do
you want me to listen in?” the Grey asked.

“Not
this time,” Brian said. “But we should have Tctie ready if need be.”

“Are
you sure about this?” Myden asked.

“They
have every right to know about him,” Brian said.

“Of
course,” Myden said.

* * *

Tctie
woke up and stood in his pitch black room. The drone’s antennae twitched.
One
of them is coming onboard.
He thought.

“We
should be prepared,”
Myden said telepathically.

Tctie
sensed him in the corner.

“Brian
wants us to stay out of it unless asked,”
Tctie said.

“He
must have told you before saying something to me about it,”
Myden said.

“We
sparred yesterday,”
Tctie said.
“He told me through fighting could we understand each other.”

Myden
laughed.
“That’s a typical thing for him to say.”

“You
sound relieved,”
Tctie said.

“I
am,”
Myden said.
“I was worried his transformation would change him too much, but
it hasn’t. Tell me, can he close his mind to you?”

“Yes,”
Tctie answered.
“That’s why I lost every match with him yesterday.”

“That
part of him hasn’t changed,”
Myden said.
“Let’s go and see if
we’re needed.”

“Alright,”
Tctie said as
the two left the room.

* * *

Seles
entered the bridge and was surprised to find it empty save for the four droids.
She went to the console near the captain’s chair and found everything was
running on autopilot. She turned to the droids while scratching her head.

“Where’s
Brian?” she asked.

“We
do not have permission to say,” Droid A answered.

“Is
he having more secret meetings behind my back?” Seles asked with a wry smile.

“They’re
not meeting behind your back,” Droid B said.

“Yeah,
they’re meeting in the launching bay,” Droid C said.

The
other three looked at him.

“Idiot,”
all of them said in unison.

“Even
knowing that I won’t interrupt them,” Seles said. “I’ll just have to wring it
out of him later.”

Mira
stepped into the room and looked around.

“Where’s
Brian?” she asked.

“He’s
having a secret meeting again,” Seles answered.

“I
see,” Mira said.

“What
did you want to see him for?” Seles asked.

“I
need to take a few samples,” Mira said.

“You
could’ve gotten that last night,” Seles said.

Mira
laughed. “But obtaining it that way isn’t fun.”

“Of
course,” Seles said. “By the way, is he alright for you know what?”

“He
seemed normal last night,” Mira answered. “There’s something strange though.
All of the physical imperfections on him are gone. The only things remaining of
what he was are the scars on his body. ”

“I’ll
have to check it out tonight,” Seles said.

“Well,
enjoy,” Mira said as she went to leave.

“Sure
thing,” Seles said.

* * *

Brian
and Esra walked into the specified launching bay. The lights were off until he
turned them on. The room was large enough to hold up to three mobile weapons
but was empty at the moment. Both were wearing their exoskeletons with their
helmets on before purging the room of air.

“Nice
room you have here,” Esra said.

“You
don’t have one on the Daevoni?” he asked.

“Credits
always seem to disappear before I can make one,” she said.

“Well
then, I’ll have to show you the view,” Brian said.

He
pressed the button to open the bay to the outside. The double doors opened at
the top of the room and showed the Viken homeworld below.

“It’s
nice, but a transparent window would be better,” Esra said.

“You’re
right of course,” Brian said.

“Looks
like our friend has arrived,” she said.

The
mobile armor turned off its stealth system as it landed. The pointed object
rested on four of its spikes. The bay doors closed a moment later and air was
returned to the room. The hatched opened and out walked Khcha, a warrior
standing over three
vetres
in height. Brian and Esra took their helmets
off to speak with the Chka Knight without impediment.

“You
came a long way to see us,” Brian said. “I hope it wasn’t for nothing.”

“It
won’t be,” Khcha said. “The queen asked me to see you in person regarding this
matter.”

“I’m
not in the way, am I?” Esra asked.

“No
captain, you’re not,” Khcha said.

“It
was my understanding the queen and her government opposed the legality of
Heaven’s Light,” Brian said. “What changed?”

“By
your actions you’ve softened her stance, as well as mine,” Khcha answered. “You
can understand our position when you consider the ramifications of such an
organization within the Confederation. For centuries there has been a delicate
balance in place. Your organization was created to upset this order. We feared
the worst and thought it would lead to a civil war between races of the
Confederation. In spite of those fears, you’ve actually stabilized the balance
much better than it was before.” He pointed to his mobile armor. “This weapon
is called the Auguar Star, the latest weapon in our arsenal. It was created to
battle with Heaven’s Light. But, as time passed the queen changed her mind.”

“We’re
glad to hear it,” Brian said.

“As
you know, the Ick-Tckt history is one of bloodshed and war,” Khcha said. “It
was less than twenty years ago when we finally reached a lasting peace. But
now, because of fear, that’s coming to an end.”

“How
many nobles have moved against her?” Esra asked.

“It
appears all of the duchesses as well as half of the countesses,” Khcha
answered.

“How
do you feel about it?” Esra asked.

“I
will stand by my queen,” Khcha said. “My life means nothing without her.”

“Your
honor is commendable,” Brian said. “If what you say is true then there is a
place for dialogue.”

Brian
tossed the warrior a data crystal.

“What’s
this?” Khcha asked.

“It’s
the key to finding an understanding,” Brian answered. “Look it over on your way
home.”

“I
will,” Khcha said before heading back inside the mobile armor.

After
the vessel was gone Brian and Esra headed to the bridge.

“What
was on that thing?” she asked.

“A
complete report on Tctie,” Brian said. “I’m sure the queen has something to say
about it.” He hit his com. “Myden, Tctie, it looks like you weren’t needed.”

“That’s
good,” Myden said.

“If
you ever need me I’ll be ready captain,” Tctie said.

The
Freedom was in orbit of Dega Jul a few days later. After receiving permission
to land the ship entered the atmosphere and headed to its usual dock in the
Kalaidian district of the city planet. Brian was on the bridge with Myden,
Grigon, Jesela, Seles, Mira, and the four droids. When the ship landed Kyli and
Tctie entered.

“I’ve
called for a meeting because there are a number of things we need to take care
of,” Brian said. “With our recovery of material we’re going to submit a few
things to the Confederation.”

“If
what we found is accurate the High Council will have to act,” Seles said.

“What
kind of actions will they take?” Mira asked.

“Probably
sanctions,” Brian said.

“It
won’t help us much,” Grigon cawed. “But at least it’s something.”

“By
isolating them the High Council will also prevent their internal disputes from
moving outwards,” Myden said.

“Dega
Jul can’t become a battleground,” Brian said. “In a few days we’ll be leaving
to deal with the situation amongst the Ick-Tckt.”

“So
that’s what the secret meeting was about,” Seles said.

“Exactly,”
Brian said. “Esra and I were the only ones to meet with the guest. He asked us
to refrain from using his name, but he’s very close to the queen.”

“So
what do you want us to do?” Kyli asked.

“For
now stay on high alert,” Brian said. “This isn’t a pleasure visit. When I go to
meet with Confederation’s representatives in a few hours I want to expose
myself to the threat. If the enemy attacks we’ll be able to deal with them
immediately.”

“I’d
prefer if you took a guard or two,” Seles said.

“I’ll
have Mira shadow me in the Siren,” Brian said. “Kyli and Tctie will guard the
Freedom.” He looked at Seles. “I have a special mission for you though. I think
you’ll like it.”

* * *

Seles
stepped into the launching bay with Mira at her side. Grigon and Jesela were
running a few more checks before the women deployed.

“We’re
going to test it,” Seles said.

“All
of the necessary reflector plates are in position,” Jesela said.

“It
should be interesting to watch,” Grigon said.

“I’ll
take care of Brian,” Mira said before getting into the Siren.

“I’ll
lay low and be the sniper,” Seles said.

The
Siren flew outside at the same time Brian took to the streets. Mira turned the
phase cloak on and quietly followed him. A moment later Kyli and Tctie led the
mobile suit teams outside to guard the Freedom.

“Refrain
from firing an arrow at the beginning,” Grigon said. “We want to make sure it
actually works before using the big stuff.”

“Alright,”
Seles said.

“You’re
clear to go,” Jesela said.

“See
you later,” Seles said before flying the Artemis outside.

She
turned the phase cloak on and headed for the Kein estate. Surrounding the
palatial grounds were a number of towers made for shielding it from an aerial
or orbital attack. At the top of each one was a large reflector plate similar
to the Artemis’s. Seles landed the invisible mobile suit on the top of the
palace and sat back in her seat.

“This
is going to be a long wait,” she said.

I’m
here to keep you company.
The Artemis wrote.

“That’s
true,” Seles said. “Let’s listen to some music.”

What
kind would you like me to play?
The Artemis asked.

“Let’s
mix it up between Mira and Zae’s,” Seles said. “The contrast between them makes
for an interesting dichotomy.”

As
you wish.
The Artemis wrote.

* * *

Brian
walked the streets of Dega Jul as the day wore on. Every now and then he’d make
a stop and say hello to the people he knew. The entire time he kept an eye for
anything strange following him. As soon as he reached the Confederation
security sector he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

“I’m
picking up a pair of Auguar Stars,” Mira said over the com.

“They
won’t attack now, but keep an eye on them,” Brian said.

“I
will,” Mira responded.

He
entered the main security building and was escorted to Baeron’s office on the
top floor. The Terran stepped inside the room and found the lights were off.
Sunlight shined brightly off of Siata’s gold and red exoskeleton. She and Baeron
were watching things down on the street before turning to him.

“You’ve
got a nice place here,” Brian said.

“Thank
you,” Baeron said. “Did you bring the information?”

Brian
sighed. “It’s always business first with you two.” He tossed a data crystal to
the Minan. “The official name of their new mobile armor is the Auguar Star.
There’s also a recording of the meeting between their emissary, me, and Esra. I
want you keep the identity of the emissary top secret.”

“Whatever
is on this won’t leave this room,” Baeron said.

Siata
floated over to him and looked the Terran over carefully.

“Is
something wrong?” Baeron asked.

“You’ve
changed,” Siata answered. “Can you see them?”

“If
you’re talking about the gravitational bends around your body, then yes,” Brian
answered.

Baeron
looked at the Mylor.

“I
don’t see anything,” he said.

“That’s
because you’re not Terran,” Siata said. “The Teacher showed signs of this when
he walked the stars, but you’ve survived the change.”

“I
can’t do very much with it yet,” Brian said.

“With
time and training, you will,” Siata said.

“What
are you two talking about?” Baeron asked.

“You
saw it when he piloted the Mjolnir,” Siata said. “He was able to slip between
the ripples of reality. Now he can see it all the time.”

“Only
when I concentrate,” Brian said. “I’d go insane seeing strange lines and
vortexes all the time.”

“I
see,” Baeron said. “By the way, the High Council has taken all the evidence
into account and should be rendering their verdict as we speak.”

“I
wonder what they’ll do,” Brian said.

“They’ll
enforce heavy sanctions,” Siata said. “And given the viciousness of the attack
a military blockade will be deployed.”

“Will
you two be leading it?” Brian asked.

“I
want to,” Baeron said. “No one commits murder on my turf.”

“That
sounds like you,” Brian said. “You chased me to the other end of the galaxy.”

“It
was worth it for all the signals we recorded coming from Earth,” Baeron said.

“I’m
sure it was,” Brian said as he turned to leave. “We’ll be on Dega Jul for a few
days. If you need to contact us do so at any time.”

“Keep
an eye out for enemies,” Siata said.

“I
will,” Brian said.

After
the door closed Baeron loaded the data crystal and displayed the files on the
monitor.

“Do
you think he’s figured it out?” Siata asked.

“From
what we saw today, not yet,” Baeron said.

Siata
stared out the window and watched Brian walk outside.
The real reason
Terrans have been kept in the dark and away from the other races is because of
their power.
She thought.
A thousand warriors like you could destroy any
fleet in its path. We can’t let outsiders influence humans and twist them for
their own purposes. Humankind must find its own way to space.

“You
should take a look at this,” Baeron said.

She
watched the video.

“I
knew something like this was going to happen,” Siata said.

* * *

The
Columbia base appeared in orbit of Dega Jul. Veda and Reban were working out
their supply lists when Valis, Esra, El Kar, and Kivi entered the command
center. Veda displayed the current positions of their enemies on the
holographic table. Valis looked over the image of Dega Jul and the surrounding
area before making a few adjustments to their battle plan.

“How
do you predict things like this?” Esra asked.

“She
does have a way of making us feel foolish,” El Kar said.

“I
felt that way the whole time I served as her first officer,” Kivi added.

“I’m
good at seeing patterns,” Valis said. “Also, the three of you aren’t as bad as
you think. That’s why I’m going to ask you to take more of an active role in
our future battle plans.”

“I
thought you enjoyed exclusivity,” Esra said.

Valis
shook her head. “I’m losing too much sleep, that’s why.”

“Then
we shall take some of the burden from you,” El Kar said.

“We
don’t want you to get burned out,” Kivi said.

“Thanks,”
Valis said.

“You’re
sure they’ll attack?” Veda asked.

“They
will,” Valis said. “But they’ll wait until after the High Council makes their
announcement.” She looked over the image again. “I wouldn’t be surprised if our
enemies attacked the queen as well.”

“When
will they strike?” El Kar asked.

“Within
two days,” Valis answered.