Free Freedom Saga 3: The Dawn of Liberty by Marcus Johnson Page A

possible.”
    “Agreed,”
Veda said.
     
    * * *
     
    Brian
opened his eyes and saw Kyli staring at him.
    “Where
were you?” she asked.
    “I
felt something calling out,” Brian said. “I think Tctie is beginning to
understand a few things.”
    “In
other words, I’d better use the simulator some more,” Kyli said.
    Brian
laughed. “You could say that.”
    “I’ll
do my best,” she said. After a long pause she looked him in the eyes. “You’re
not going to die, are you?”
    “Everyone
asks me that these days,” he said. “To answer simply, I don’t plan on it.”
    “Then
why did the five of them come in here a few hours ago?” she asked.
    “While
I don’t plan on dying being prepared is what I must do,” he said. “You’re a
soldier Kyli, so you know that.”
    “I
do,” she said. “But it’s bad luck to say such things.”
    “Bad
luck,” he laughed, “I’d say I’ve had spectacular luck up until now. Don’t
worry; I don’t plan on dying any time soon.”
     
    * * *
     
    Seles
and Mira landed their crafts on the Freedom. As both left their mobile suits
Jesela ran in for another round of scans. Seles could tell something was
bothering Mira by the look in her eyes. Mira turned away and looked up at the
Siren for a long while as the other two watched her.
    “This
isn’t like you Mira,” Seles said as she put her hand on Mira’s shoulder.
“What’s wrong?”
    “You
know we’re your friends,” Jesela said.
    Mira
bit her lip as she held back some tears. “I guess you’ll know soon enough
anyway. If Tctie can sense it there’s no hiding it any longer.”
    “Does
this have something to do with that secret of yours?” Seles asked.
    “It
has everything to do with it,” Mira answered.
    “Why
don’t you just tell her about this?” Jesela asked as she tugged on Mira’s
earring.
    Mira
instinctively pushed Jesela away.
    “Wait…did
you know?” Mira asked.
    “Of
course silly,” Jesela said. “Let me tell you a secret. You talk in your sleep,
and Brian does as well.”
    “When
did you and Brian?” Seles asked.
    “During
the sojourn,” Jesela answered. “If he had died I would’ve been the last lucky
lady to grace him.” She looked at Mira. “I’ve known for the last six years and
I’ve had a tough time not asking. You know I have a big mouth.”
    Mira
laughed. “You also have a big heart.”
    “So
what’s this secret then?” Seles asked. “And why did she point to your earring?”
    “This,”
Mira touched her earring, “is the source of my existence. When Mira Kein died
my father was broken up and spent the last years of his life working on it.
Before he finished the activation process the plague hit and I was lost in the
depths of space.”
    “Wait…so
the real Mira died?” Seles asked. “If you’re not the original, then are you a
clone or something?”
    Jesela
laughed. “She’s actually a hologram.”
    Seles
shook her head. “How is that possible?”
    “I’m
more than a hologram,” Mira said. “When I had some trouble with my matrix Brian
helped me. I know how to maintain it now so I don’t need others to help me.”
    “We’re
going to have to discuss this further, in private of course,” Seles said.
    “Where
should we do that?” Jesela asked.
    “I
have a bath in my quarters,” Seles suggested.
    “We’ll
finish this discussion in there then,” Mira said.
    “After
we’re all done here of course,” Seles said.
     
    * * *
     
    After
Tctie landed his mobile suit he headed for his quarters. Once he stepped inside
he felt a presence in his mind.
    “You
did well today,” Myden said.
    “It’s
thanks to you,” Tctie responded.
    “You
still have much to learn,” Myden said. “But for someone so fresh your
potential is great. You helped the others so well our engineers are jealous.”
    “Now
that’s a compliment,” Tctie said . “Are we still going to meet for practice?”
    “Until
the day comes when I feel you’ve maxed out your