Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light (26 page)

Brian glanced as
the rank circlet he wore as an officer on the Avoni before taking the captain
bars in his hand. He stared at the simple metal bars before pressing them
against the chest plate on his exoskeleton in the area above his heart. Seles
put on her exoskeleton and walked over.

“You look
different,” she said.

“I am,” he
responded. “I’m normal once more.”

She embraced
him. “What was it like?”

“The world was
fuzzy and out of focus,” he said. “I couldn’t tell the difference between
dreams and reality. All I felt were waves of thoughts coming from others.”

“Will I suffer
the same in a few years?”

“Not likely,”
Brian said. “If you’re eyes start glowing red I’ll say something.”

“Thanks,” she
said with a laugh.

A buzz came from
the door.

“It’s me,” Mira
said.

Brian and Seles
separated before the door opened. Mira poked her head in. “I guessed you two
would be here.”

Seles passed
Mira with a grin. “You would’ve done the same.”

Mira smiled
back. “He still looks like he’s got some energy.” She glanced at Brian, “Later
tonight, right?”

“Sure, I’m
game,” Brian said.

Seles shook her
head. “This relationship is still really weird.”

The three walked
the halls of the Freedom until they came to the bridge. Once inside, they saw
Myden, Grigon, Jesela, and Kyli waiting for them. He went to the center and
looked at everyone. As he did so he raised his hand in salute. They returned
the gesture.

“Today is the
day everything begins my friends,” Brian said. “The Freedom is the symbol of
the future to come. This ship has neither race nor creed. It fights not for
money, not for glory, not for god, not for country, and not for fame. As we
begin this journey I warn it’ll be long. The fight for liberty is endless in
our time. Perhaps someday we’ll see the end. But for now let us be content on
the start. I’ll be counting on everyone in the days to come. My days in a mobile
suit have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean I won’t fight. I’ll be at your
side at all times. And if need be I’ll lead from the front.” Brian drew his new
rakna
blade and raised it to the sky. “Until the Freedom’s bell rings
eternal our mission will never end. Even if we can’t live in that world, even
if we fall along the way, it’s our duty as rational beings to try making it
real. I give my life for this dream and I ask you do the same.” He sat in the
captain’s chair while everyone else took their positions on the bridge.
“Jesela, please open a com link to our friends.”

“Yes sir,” she
said as she hit the button.

“To the forces
of Heaven’s Light this is Captain Peterson speaking. First, I want to thank
everyone for the support they showed on my behalf through the recent ordeal.
Second, prepare to move out. Our first mission begins today. I’ll be contacting
your captains later for further instructions.”

“Where are we
going first?” Valis asked as she appeared on his monitor.

“Yes, please
tell us,” Kivi added.

“I suppose it
would be good to know,” El Kar said.

“Our
Maigar
in captain’s bars wouldn’t keep us in suspense,” Esra added.

“Then I won’t Esra,”
Brian said with smile. He pointed to the star map. “Our first liberation will
be the Reiki’s seventh colony system. We have some unfinished business there.”