Fractured Alliance

by Robert Stadnik

  “Bret to Captain Roberts,” the communications officer said through John’s pip.

  “Go ahead.”

  “I have Admiral Vespia and the council on the horn.”

  “Patch it through,” John instructed. A few moments later, the wall monitor flickered to life. There was Admiral Vespia and the rest of the council. “Admiral.”

  “Captain Roberts, Captain Olson,” Vespia greeted. “We’ve finished deliberating on the report you sent us. Are you still holding position by the gate?”

  “We are,” John replied. “We’ve been unable to come to a consensus here about how to proceed.” The senior staff was split on whether or not to activate the gate. Some wanted to proceed through it, but others wanted to destroy it.

  “We’ve come to a universal agreement here,” Vespia revealed. “We already communicated our decision to the alliance. They agree to abide by our decision.”

  Vespia paused before continuing. “There’s a great interest in exploring where the jumpgate leads, but PHOENIX is not the ship to undertake such a mission. Although your mission is to explore space, the primary reason is to uncover any hostilities that might threaten the human or alliance races in this galaxy. None of us are comfortable having PHOENIX travel to another galaxy. If a threat came to our doorstep, we would want you able to return home to help deal with it. Therefore, you’re ordered to continue your mission to explore space in this galaxy. The jumpgate is no longer your concern.”

  John was relieved by their decision. He didn’t want to pursue anything relating to the Screen. If TERRA ultimately chose to activate the gate, they had the entire alliance fleet to handle whatever threat might be on the other side.

  “Understood, admiral. We’ll leave behind a contingent of fighter bots to guard the gate,” John offered.

  “Very good, captain,” Vespia said. “Safe journeys on your continued travels.”

  John nodded as the communication ended. He looked over at Julie. “Well, that takes care of that.”

  “I initially wanted to explore the gate, but I’m kind of glad we’re not,” Julie admitted. “The Screen was destructive to so many races here. I could only imagine what their oppressors were like.”

  “A part of me felt like we were obligated to explore the gate. But we spent four years in pursuit of the Screen. That chapter for us is closed. We need to move on.”

  Julie agreed with John’s perspective. The first few years on PHOENIX was dedicated to finding the Screen. They had been defeated by the alliance, then exterminated by the Io. Going through the gate could reopen old wounds. Julie had reconciled what they had to do to achieve victory, but John had done things she was certain still haunted him. No, it was best to let TERRA figure out what to do with the jumpgate.

  ********

  Limex was in her quarters, assembled with four of her fellow Cresorians. They had decided to remain on PHOENIX until a suitable world was found where they could set roots. With the decision made and the ship’s command informed, they were all relocated to a collection of quarters on deck sixteen. So far, all the Cresorians were adhering to the stipulations outlined by Captain Roberts. Despite their newfound willingness to cooperate, Limex had heard that many were still unhappy. To ensure continued cooperation, she invited four to meet with her weekly to discuss their concerns. She purposely chose the four Cresorians who were the most disruptive. If she could convince them that following the ship rules was worthwhile, then the others would fall in line.

  “I have received the reports from the legal representative of each group,” Limex started. “I am pleased that everyone has been behaving.”

  “We do so only because we have no choice,” Jumix grumbled, one of the more vocal Cresorians. “It is unacceptable for us to be treated like common prisoners.”

  “We are in this predicament because of our actions,” Limex reminded. “We must learn to live with the aliens here until we find a home.”

  “How can we live with species who have never wanted for anything?” Wulex asked. “We spent cycles barely living with enough to survive in space. These others, particularly humans, seem to enjoy their overindulgence. It is an insult that they behave in front of us in such a manner. We lost the most all of all the races the Screen terrorized.”

  “They are willing to share their resources with us,” Limex stated. “We should be grateful for such generosity.”

  “I call it giving in. We are looked upon as second class citizens,” Jumix argued. “And why should we take the word of someone who is in league with them?”

  Limex did not appreciate the insult. She got right up to Jumix’s face. “I have suffered as much as the rest of you. Do not confuse my willingness to cooperate with the humans as being their puppet. Unlike you, I am not shortsighted about our situation. You want nothing more than to continue fighting.”

  Jumix clenched his fists in anger. “We have spent generations fighting to survive. For the honor of those who came before us, we must remind these others of the sacrifices we made.”

  “They also have sacrificed and lost,” Limex pointed out. “No one was spared from the Screen.”

  “Not like us!” Jumix shouted. “They will never understand the hardships we all endured.”

  Limex looked around as the others nodded in agreement with Jumix. “Then what will you do? Continue fighting here with those who consider us allies? You heard Roberts Captain. If we cannot live here peacefully, he will expel us from the ship. We will be living in space again unless you want to return to homeworld?”

  “I will not be a slave, even to our own kind,” Jumix replied.

  “But we will not return to space, separated from one another,” Grovenix added. “Apart, we cannot hope to rebuild our culture and what it means to be Cresorian.”

  “You think we can recover our identity living here?” Jumix asked.

  “What other choice do we have?” Limex said. “We either learn to live here in peace or return to our former way of life.”

  The others looked at one another. They all realized Limex had outlined their circumstances accurately.

  Jumix relented. “We will remain here and cooperate, but we are not happy.”

  “I never said it would be an easy process,” Limex acknowledged. “But if we have any hope to thrive, we must learn to co-exist with the other races. We must convince our fellow Cresorians that we can start the foundation for our new society here. If we are successful, we can push for change back on homeworld.”

  “You make a compelling argument,” Jumix admitted. “Very well.”

  The group put their wrists together and bowed to one another before the four left Limex’s quarters.

  Grovenix joined Jumix as they were escorted back to their quarters by security. Grovenix whispered in his friend’s ear so security couldn’t hear him. “You really believe these humans will give us more freedom on this ship? It is not worth being treated like vumis by them.”

  “We are at a disadvantage,” Jumix reminded. “For now, we will cooperate with the humans and adhere to their rules. Keep a lookout for any opportunity we may use to our advantage.”

  ********

  It was Mu’s first day back working at Homeworld Decadence. He took an extended time off after being released from medical to recover from his wounds from his attack by the Cresorians. Rifvas took a longer time to heal from physical injury compared to other races. He remembered what Mario, the human cook who trained him, had once said. “Sometimes the best thing to do is keep busy with work.” Surprisingly, that piece of advice seemed to be working for Mu. He found himself less bothered by his aches and pains while focused on his duties.

  Mu was in the kitchen putting together the evening’s menu for the restaurant as one of his bots was taking inventory. He overheard one of his staff talking to someone outside.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I am here to speak with Mu. The computer stated he was here.”

  Mu recognized the voice of Vun and went out fr
ont to see it. “I am right here.”

  Vun’s body vibrated when it saw Mu. “Klenot. I hope I am not out of place coming here to see you. I know you are preoccupied with this operation.”

  “It is agreeable to see you,” Mu said as he motioned for the Gercol to join him at a nearby table. “I was going to contact you tonight after the dinner rush.”

  “Are you recovered from your ailments?” Vun asked.

  Mu blinked his three eyes in unison. “Yes, I am utradih. The doctors say I should have no prolonged negative effects from the attack.”

  “I am glad to hear that,” Vun said as it shifted its body from side to side and contemplated what to say next.

  Mu picked up on the Gercol’s struggle to continue the conversation. “Is there something specific you wanted to ask me?”

  “I have conducted extensive research into this avenue I wish to pursue with you,” Vun started. “I studied Rifva culture on mating practices, but it is incompatible with Gercol practices. I decided the best course of action is to pursue what I would like with you through an alternative means. As we are living on a starship populated with mostly human creatures, their customs should be used. Therefore, I would ask you to dinner so that we may learn more about one another.”

  Mu was familiar enough with human culture to know Vun was asking him on a date. He found the proposal surprising, but heartwarming. “I am honored you would ask me to partake in such activity. I accept your offer.”

  Vun’s body shuddered with glee. It was unfamiliar with the sensations it was feeling towards Mu but was enjoying the experience. “I am elated to hear that. As you have said yes, how do we proceed?”

  “You do not know?” Mu admitted.

  “I have read up about human dating practices, but am still unsure how to move forward,” Vun said. “It seems there are many variations. The proposal for dinner seemed the safest course of action.”

  “It can be confusing,” Mu agreed. “We should agree on a time and place to meet to talk while enjoying food and drink. Humans call it getting to know each other.”

  “May I suggest that we meet at my quarters tomorrow,” Vun offered. “I have been learning the art of cooking.”

  Mu was surprised by this revelation. “I did not know you cooked.”

  “I have carefully observed your skills in the restaurant kitchen,” Vun revealed. “It is my attempt to show you appreciation for showing me the indulgences of humanoid creatures.”

  Mu was touched by Vun’s response. He had enjoyed the time spent with the Gercol. The thought of spending more time with it appealed to the Rifva.

  “Tomorrow will do,” Mu said. “Let us say at 1900 hours.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  “Come in,” Andre said when he heard the door chime rang.

  “Good morning,” X said as it rolled in. It was carrying two full bags of groceries. It immediately headed over to the kitchen and placed them on the counter.

  “You can leave them there,” Andre instructed. “I can put the stuff away.”

  “You make that statement each time this unit delivers your groceries,” X pointed out. “It is part of my function to perform such tasks.”

  “I don’t want to put you to any trouble,” Andre insisted. “I’m sure you have some errands to do for the captain.”

  “Assisting at the home is the primary function of this unit,” X explained. “I am merely fulfilling what my programming dictates. This unit can attend to the needs of both you and the captain with no difficulty.”

  “Well at least let me help you put the stuff away,” Andre said as he hobbled into the kitchen. After much prodding by the captain, Andre reluctantly agreed to have X come over a couple of times a week to help around his quarters. He and his wife never owned a house bot; they never felt they needed one. It took some time for him to get acclimated to the bot’s presence. But he soon found himself enjoying it coming around.

  “How’s the captain doing?” Andre asked. “I haven’t seen him in a few days.”

  “He has been preoccupied with a variety of duties relating to the operation of this vessel,” X replied. “He does send his regards to you and promises to be in contact soon.”

  Andre smiled. Although he didn’t want John taking time out of his schedule to see him, the elderly man was enjoying his company. It made it easier for him to deal with his loneliness. Despite volunteering regularly in medical and going out with some of the staff for social engagements, he still often felt lonely. In some ways, he and the captain were alike. They both lost someone they loved very much. John made it no secret to Andre that he missed Alex’sis and thought about her daily. Andre thought of his deceased wife constantly. But the captain didn’t seem lonely. As he told Andre, he considered the crew his family.

  “Do you have any plans for the evening?” X asked.

  “Nurse Drew invited me to meet her and some of the other nurses at Smitty’s,” Andre said. “But I’m not up for going out. I’m going to stay in.”

  “This unit would be willing to stay with you this evening,” X offered.

  Andre found the offer unexpected. “Don’t you need to be back at the captain’s apartment?”

  “John has plans tonight and will not be home.”

  “Well, the company would be nice,” Andre admitted. “What do you want to do?”

  “The needs of this unit are irrelevant. It is up to you to decide what you would like to do. We can engage in a game or watch a movie.”

  Andre shuffled out of the kitchen over to the living room. From underneath the coffee table, he pulled out a large photo album. “Adriana enjoyed making hardcopies of pictures we took. I haven’t looked through this in years. If you’re up for it, I’d like to show you.”

  “This unit would be amenable to such activity.” X put the last of the groceries away and rolled into the living room. “I will return in a few hours once I have finished my remaining tasks for John.”

  Andre nodded. “Sounds good.” After X left, he took a seat down on the couch. He was hesitant to go through the album, unsure how he would react seeing the life he and his wife built together. But showing the album to someone else, even a house bot, might be good for him. Maybe this would be the therapy he needed to get past his apprehension living here.

  ********

  “Dad, the food’s ready” Julie called out as she sat down at the kitchen table. David emerged from the bedroom and kissed her on the cheek before sitting down.

  “You didn’t have to come all the way here,” he said as they both began serving themselves. “I could have picked up lunch and gone to your quarters.”

  “You’ve been coming over all the time for dinner,” Julie pointed out as she set some more food on the dining room table. “It’s my turn to visit you.”

  “I appreciate the time with you, no matter where we spend it.” He looked at one of the containers of food. “This isn’t alien food, is it?”

  “It’s one hundred percent human,” Julie assured. Her father tried some alien dishes and didn’t care for any of them. “A couple of calzones, some macaroni salad, and veggies.”

  “Good choice,” he said as they began eating. “How’s Mitchell?”

  “He’s good. Things have been quiet in engineering. I’m the one who’s been working late these past few days.”

  “You have a lot of responsibilities being executive officer,” David remarked.

  “It’s become a bit much,” Julie admitted. “John and I can’t keep up with all the daily status reports. PHOENIX is just too big. We realize we can’t run this ship like a capital ship. There’s too much going on. We’ve talked about hiring an assistant to handle all the administrative tasks.” She turned on her holographic DAT. “You don’t mind, do you? I’m just going to run a search of crewmembers who’d be qualified.”

  “Not at all,” he replied as she ran the search. “It’s smart to get someone to help you. With so much going on, it’s unreasonable for you and Captain Roberts to keep u
p with everything. I’d offer to help, but I’m just a farmer. Paperwork wasn’t my strong suit.”

  Julie appreciated her father’s willingness to help. “How’s it going on the farm deck?”

  “Good. I’m still amazed at how they were able to replicate a farming environment on this ship. Sometimes I think I’m back in Nebraska. It’s nice working as a hired hand and not running the entire operation.”

  “You always ran the home farm solid,” Julie said.

  “That farm was nothing when I bought it,” David recalled. “I’m proud what I was able to turn it into, but don’t miss all the work that I put into it.”

  Suddenly, a name popped up on the DAT that caught Julie’s attention. “I don’t believe it.”

  “What? What is it?”

  Julie’s face beamed with delight. “I think I found our assistant!”

  ********

  John was in his office reviewing the latest reports from Ben’s legal team on the Cresorians. So far, it seemed they were behaving themselves. It was one less thing to worry about. Things on the ship were proceeding smoothly, but it still took time to get through all the reports. John would rather be in his apartment relaxing or socializing in Central than reading these mind-numbing reports.

  Julie called earlier and asked to meet with him regarding their administrative problem. As he was getting burned out reading status reports, he welcomed her distraction.

  The door chime rang, and it couldn’t have come sooner. “Come in,” John said as he switched off his holographic DAT. The door opened. Julie stepped into the threshold so that it would remain open.

  She wasted no time. “I found someone who would be perfect as our assistant.”

  John got up and walked around to the front of his desk. “That didn’t take long. Who is it?”