Freedom Saga 1: Heaven's Light by Marcus Johnson

“But soon we will.”
    “So what’s the
plan Valis is so keen on?” Veda asked.
    “She wants to
draw them away using the Avoni and Terran,” Grigon said. “El Kar will be joining
her shortly with the Reinkar as back up.”
    “And what are we
to do?”
    “Wait for a few
minutes before running away with our lives,” the old birdman said.
     
    * *
*
     
    Valis and those
on the bridge of the Avoni sat quietly as the battle continued. The
Confederation ships aimed at them while the Lances moved to intercept.
    “Hold your
positions,” Valis said. “I know it looks bad, but our shields will hold out
against this attack.”
    El Kar’s image
appeared on the main monitor from his bridge. “Do you need our help yet?” he
asked.
    “Not quite,”
Valis said. The Avoni shook from an attack from outside. “Maybe speed things up
a little bit.”
    “As you wish,”
El Kar said.
    The Reinkar
headed for the gate to join the Avoni.
    “Captain, we’re
detecting another fleet coming out of gravity jump,” Baed reported. “It appears
to be the fleet in charge of Dega Jul.”
    Valis tapped her
finger in annoyance. “I wasn’t expecting them to be this desperate.”
    “What should we
do?” Baed asked.
    “Continue as
planned,” Valis ordered. She turned on the com to the Mjolnir. “Brian, it’s
about time for your announcement.”
    “Alright,” he
responded. Brian opened his com to all channels and frequencies. “To the
Confederation forces, this is Commander Peterson speaking. The charges against
me are false and violate my rights as a citizen of Dega Jul. I won’t surrender
because I’m not guilty of any crime. If you choose to withdraw we will allow
you to do so.”
    The new fleet of
attack ships surrounding the base opened fire.
    “It doesn’t look
like they’re going to listen to reason,” Brian said over the com.
    “No, I didn’t
think they would,” Valis said.
     

Chapter 12 -
Running, Running, Gone
     
    Baeron stood on
the bridge of the Zakar as the battle around the base intensified. The Zakar
looked the same other attack ships save for its greater mass. The ship matched
Avoni class ships in size and armaments. The bridge was a large circular room
with the captain in the center and their subordinates stationed around them.
Currently, there were six officers on the bridge. Floating next to Baeron was
the captain of the ship, the Mylor named Siata.
    “Sir, we’re
detecting an energy surge from inside the asteroid,” the science officer
reported. “It appears to be a gravity drive system.”
    “We’re also
detecting another vessel emerging to join the Avoni,” the security officer
said.
    “That’s the
Reinkar,” Baeron said as he looked at the screen. “What should we do captain?”
    “The base will
disappear in a moment,” Siata said. “Have all the ships concentrate their fire
on the Avoni.”
    “Of course,”
Baeron said as he pressed the com. “All ships change your primary target to the
Avoni.”
    “Yes sir,” the
other captains responded.
     
    * *
*
     
    Valis sat
watched the enemy ships target the Avoni.
    “Holding out is
looking more remote by the moment,” she said.
    “They don’t like
us very much,” Zae said.
    “Captain, Veda
wants to say something,” Baed reported.
    “Put her
though,” Valis ordered.
    “Yes captain,”
Baed said before turning the com on.
    Veda appeared on
the screen. “Take care of yourself Valis,” she said, “As well as the rest of
you.”
    “I take it
you’re leaving?” Valis asked.
    “Grigon insists
on it,” Veda said. “With the current situation I have to agree.”
    “How long will
it be until you to depart?” Valis asked.
    “A few minutes,”
Grigon cawed from off screen.
    “See you soon
Valis,” Veda said.
    “Thanks
grandmother,” Valis said before the screen went dark. She pressed the com,
“Brian, go for it.”
    “Of course,” he
responded. “Meldi, Myli, stick close to the ship. Things are about to