Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty Read Online Free PDF Page A

*
     
    Myden
and Grigon watched the footage Seles, Tctie, and Kyli had brought back with
them on the bridge of the Freedom. After checking the undetectable object a
number of times Grigon got a rough outline of the craft. It appeared to be a
sphere thirty vetres in diameter with six pointed tips around it, making
it look like a star.
    “This
isn’t good,” Grigon said. “Other than using spread attacks or guessing our
systems can’t detect these things.”
    “Lieutenant
Tctie said something about sensing them himself,” Myden said.
    “We
can’t rely on a single Ick-Tckt pilot,” Grigon said. “Should he be killed we’re
blind.”
    “Not
exactly,” Myden said. “The Maidens could find them when berserking.”
    “My
question is, are they dangerous?” Grigon asked.
    “Yes,”
Myden said. “Many of the Ick-Tckt nobles hate Brian with a passion and Heaven’s
Light just as much. Do you have any ideas on this matter?”
    “I’ve
got a few,” Grigon said. “But I’ll need Jesela, Dreka, and probably Daes. It
wouldn’t hurt if Veda helped out as well.”
    “Have
you sent them the data?” Myden asked.
    “Just
before I brought it to you,” Grigon answered.
    “Good,”
Myden said. “Prepare the ship for battle. I have a feeling they’ll attack us
while we’re in port.”
    “As
you wish,” Grigon said.
    Myden
went to console and readied the combat systems before hitting the com, “Kyli,
Tctie, please come to the bridge.”
     
    * * *
     
    Seles,
Mira, and Jesela walked the streets as darkness fell across the city.
    “I
can’t believe you bought a dress like that,” Mira said.
    “It’s
out of character,” Seles said.
    “I
need something to wear for official matters,” Jesela said.
    The
three stepped inside the Kritkar. After spotting Brian and Kivi they made their
way over to the table.
    “It’s
good to see you two up to the same thing as usual,” Seles said as they sat
down.
    “Routine
is a good thing,” Kivi said.
    “It
provides stability,” Brian added.
    “It
can be boring,” Jesela said.
    “I
think relaxing is a better term,” Mira said.
    A
moment after they sat down the Malcovin waiter ran over to take their orders.
As each gave the birdman their order a group of Ick-Tckt drone soldiers, led by
a warrior officer, took a table near them. Both Brian and Kivi noted their
presence without drawing attention. Brian’s com beeped.
    “Everyone
should return to the ships as soon as possible,” Myden said quietly.
    Brian
looked at the others as they nodded. “We’ll leave after a drink so we don’t
look conspicuous.”
    “It’s
your call,” Myden said.
    “What’s
wrong?” Brian asked.
    “Jesela
knows,” Myden said before ending transmission.
    Jesela
shook her head. “All I wanted was one night off.”
    “You
know what’s got him flustered, don’t you?” Mira asked.
    “I
know as well,” Seles said. “Let’s hurry back to the ship.”
     

Chapter 5 - Knives in the Night
     
    The
Columbia base orbited Dega Jul with a quiet activity level around the asteroid.
Veda, Reban, and Valis worked in the command center. The Avoni, Daevoni,
Reinkar, and Vomada remained in their docks as maintenance crews worked on them
and the base. Valis looked up from what she was studying.
    “It
looks like we can finally unravel the mess of the Viken civil war,” Valis said.
    “Are
you sure?” Veda asked. “The last time we received word the rebels requesting
our aid were wiped out.”
    “And
the time before that they were actually the government acting as the rebels to
get us involved,” Reban added.
    “Your
cynicism is well founded,” Valis said. “This time it’s for real.”
    Veda
shrugged. “I was getting fond of the quiet life.”
    “When
are we moving in?” Reban asked.
    “In
a week or so,” Valis said. “Our agents on the scene need to collect a little
more before we intervene.”
    “A
lack of knowledge is a commander’s worst nightmare,” Veda said.
    Reban
looked at