Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty by Marcus Johnson Read Free Book Online

collect their crew members I want you back in space,” Valis said.
“The Ick-Tckt will attack again, probably very soon.”
    “Acknowledged,”
Dreka said before ending transmission.
    “I
didn’t want to tell you this, but I must,” Myden said. “They attacked Brian and
Kivi while they were returning to the ships. Kivi’s alright, but Brian’s in
critical condition.”
    “What
happened?” Veda asked.
    “He
was forced to berserk,” Myden said. “And in doing he pushed beyond the point of
return. Mira’s taking care of him right now.”
    “What
about Seles?” Valis asked.
    “She’s
taking care of the crew,” Myden said. “I’ll keep you updated.”
    The
screen went black.
    “They
knew this would happen,” Valis said. “They’ve been planning this for months,
and now we may lose a lot more than we bargained for.”
    “Do
you have any ideas?” El Kar asked.
    Valis
nodded. “No matter what happens to Brian we have to survive as an organization.
These attacks were carefully planned by the Ick-Tckt. And no doubt their
government will deny these are their forces.” She looked at Veda. “I want you
and Daes, Jesela, Dreka, and Grigon to look for a way to detect them.”
    “We’re
working on it,” Veda said.
    Valis
looked at the other captains. “You two need to focus on repairs. My plans will
be adjusted to assume you’re not involved.”
    “As
you wish,” El Kar said.
    “I’m
alright with that,” Esra said.
     
    * * *
     
    Seles
helped with a number of things in the launching bay before making her way to
Tctie’s mobile suit. He stepped outside and headed to the ground on the
elevator cord before noticing her. After setting down he let go of the cord and
bowed his head.
    “I’m
sorry commander,” he said.
    “You
have nothing to be sorry for,” Seles said. “I’m glad we got to you before
anything bad could happen.”
    “I
heard voices in my head,” Tctie said.
    “Have
any of your race berserked before?” she asked.
    “Not
to my knowledge,” Tctie answered.
    “It
was probably a side effect of entering that state,” Seles said.
    “How’s
Lieutenant Kyli?” he asked.
    “Her
leg is broken, but fortunately that’s all,” Seles said.
    “I’m
glad,” Tctie said.
    “Until
she’s better you’re in charge of the mobile suit teams,” Seles said.
    “I’ll
do my best,” Tctie said.
    He
turned as his eyes flashed blue for a moment. Seles watched intently.
    “What
is it?” she asked.
    “I
can hear the captain,” Tctie said. “Commander, you should go to him.”
    “I
will,” Seles said before leaving.
    Tctie’s
antennae twitched as he looked around the launching bay. I can hear them.
It’s faint but there. The drone felt something else in his head. Is this
the captain?
     
    * * *
     
    Kivi
used the scanning system in her exoskeleton to help Baeron and his soldiers
collect wreckage. As she looked around she noticed the amount of damage the
battle had caused to the surrounding areas. She took the helmet off before
leaning against a building. Baeron ordered a few more of his troops to keep
searching before joining her.
    “I
can see him when I look in your eyes,” Baeron said.
    Kivi
smiled. “He’s a better politician.”
    “Perhaps,”
he said.
    “For
the record, we didn’t know this would happen,” Kivi said. “And also, we would
never start a battle over a planet like this.”
    “From
your organization’s track record I believe as much,” Baeron said.
    A
Minan soldier ran over and handed his commander a piece of wreckage.
    “Continue
as you were,” Baeron ordered.
    “Of
course sir,” the soldier said before leaving.
    After
examining it Baeron looked at Kivi.
    “Did
your people make enemies with the Ick-Tckt?” he asked.
    “No,”
she answered. “Nor have they declared war.”
    “They
won’t,” Baeron said. “As long as they pose their forces as independent they
don’t need to.”
    “Sounds
familiar,” Kivi said.
    “True,”
Baeron said. “But