Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “I’m sorry, but that’s not how I see it,” said Nimix, realizing he wasn’t going to convince Julie of his point of view.

  “You should have come to me,” said Julie. “I was your friend. I trusted you. If you had misgivings about the captain, you could’ve confided in me.”

  “I’m…, I’m sorry,” said Nimix. “I had no other choice.”

  “You did have a choice,” said Julie, resisting the urge to be angry. “Now you have to suffer the consequences. In a few hours, we’ll be arriving at your new home.”

  “You’re not serious about kicking us off the ship?”

  “You can’t be trusted to remain on board. Besides, you’re getting what you want. You don’t have to worry about the captain’s mistakes ever again.”

  Julie didn’t give Nimix a chance to respond as she quickly left the detention area. She was mad at herself for not seeing him for his true self. But she was glad she confronted him. If nothing else, he learned that he would have never have roped her to his side.

  At 1500 hundred hours everyone who was leaving the ship was assembled in the hangar bay. John was disappointed when he saw the number of people in the hangar. There were others besides the twenty-eight conspirators who had elected to leave the ship.

  “Final tally is one hundred fifty two,” said Chief Davers. John had promoted him to head of security this morning. It was the one bright spot in this whole ugly affair.

  John only nodded as he looked at the group standing by the transport shuttles. That many people were unhappy with him? Their departure, as necessary as it was, didn’t hurt any less.

  “Hey,” said Alex’sis, nudging him as she saw his disappointment. “Don’t forget, there’s still close to 5,000 people on board who support you.”

  “She’s right, sweetie,” said Chris Anne, wearing a very bright yellow dress with an equally bright yellow wig. It was the singer’s way of telling the group leaving that their actions hadn’t dampened the mood on the ship. “Don’t let a few bad apples discourage you.”

  They were right. John couldn’t let a few misguided individuals get to him. It was their choice to leave, and they only represented a fraction of the crew.

  “The controls on the transports are locked and are programmed to take you down to the planet’s surface,” announced John. “We’ll be sending additional shuttles down with all the supplies you’ll need. When we complete our mission, we’ll notify TERRA to make arrangements to pick you up and return you to the solar system.” John nodded to Davers, who motioned his men to begin ushering the people onto the transports.

  “I won’t be sorry to see him go,” Chris said as he spotted Jeremy Hakins. Larry Cleveland was walking next to his friend, but when he saw the captain he broke from the group and headed towards John, but was quickly stopped by a security officer.

  “Please, I need to speak to the captain!” pleaded Larry.

  “It’s all right,” said John. “Let him through.”

  The guard allowed Larry to pass, but Davers stood behind the miner, his pulse gun armed.

  “Captain, please! I don’t belong with these people,” said Larry. “Jeremy convinced me to go along with all of this. I never wanted to hurt you.”

  “Then why didn’t you alert somebody?” asked John. “If you didn’t like what they were planning, why not say something?”

  “I don’t know,” replied Larry. “Jeremy was my friend, and I felt obligated to him. “But you have to believe me, I never wanted this.”

  “What’s worse than conspiring to kill me is standing by and doing nothing about it,” said John. “You claim that you were manipulated, but your actions say otherwise. No, you belong with your friends.”

  John motioned to Davers, who grabbed Larry and pulled him back to the group. As he was pushed back into the crowd, Jeremy looked over at the captain with a hateful glare. Chris winked and blew a kiss at the miner.

  “I can’t believe he had the audacity to try and justify his actions,” said Alex’sis.

  “What a shame,” said Chris. “He was kind of cute. So was Jeremy, but he fought like a girl.” It was his way of trying to lighten the mood. It worked. John had to lower his head and hide his smile.

  Soon the transport doors’ closed and they watched shuttles lift off and fly out of the hangar. Soon, several additional shuttles loaded with supplies followed the transports out and down to the planet.

  “Roberts to command deck.”

  “Go ahead,” said Julie.

  “We’re done here. Get us out of this system.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The president’s chief-of-staff, Charles, remained behind the curtains and watched President Butu approach the podium. They spent all afternoon yesterday rehearsing the speech she was about to give to the press. It was important that she came across as sincere if she was to convince the public of her words.

  “Good afternoon,” said Butu. “This past year the networks have broadcasted transmissions from the experimental starship PHOENIX, formerly known as the EXODUS. All the broadcasts have been verified as authentic by various independent outlets, and the details showcased in each transmission are too compelling to ignore.

  “Although TERRA continues to maintain the ship was destroyed by the Screen near Mars, the transmissions clearly indicate otherwise. Therefore, I am here to inform you that it’s the government’s official stance that the PHOENIX is indeed intact and the transmissions are a reflection of their activities in space. As an institution of the government, and given the overwhelming evidence, I have formerly asked TERRA to recognize PHOENIX as an active vessel. However, I want to reiterate that PHOENIX was launched without the consent of either TERRA or this administration. Despite its purported mission the ship operates as a rogue entity.

  “With a human starship now operating outside the solar system, there is a risk of retaliation from the Screen. Several months ago Congress approved the construction of new capital ships and orbital stations to prepare for this threat. To further enhance our defenses, I am announcing the expansion of the Earth Security Force. TERRA Academy graduates who have been assigned to the reserves will be offered positions. Their training at the Academy will enhance the capabilities of Earth Security and will help develop measures to fortify Earth’s defenses. This will also permit TERRA to focus on improving Luna and Mars’ defenses.”

  Butu paused for a moment before completing the final portion of her speech. “There are strong feelings in the public about the PHOENIX. I want to remind everyone that, despite the ship operating without the government’s authorization, they are still our brothers and sisters out there. We may not agree with their decision to leave, but they are doing what they believe is right. I believe I speak for the public when I say I look forward to the day when the crew of the PHOENIX returns home to us. Thank you.”

  The reporters threw out a frenzy of questions, but Butu wasn’t answering any of them. She walked off the podium and out of the briefing room.

  “We’re already getting feedback about the speech,” said Charles as the two headed to the president’s office and he listened to the information coming through his earpiece. “It appears admitting the PHOENIX is intact was the right call.”

  “Now if we can get some more cooperation from TERRA,” said Butu as they entered her office and sat down on the couch. John’s house bot, X, emerged from the far corner of the office and approached the pair. The bot was assigned to the service of the president since being brought to Sydney last year. The president had the bot upgraded with features found on a typical government security bot in order to justify X serving as part of the president’s staff.

  “Is there a probability the PHOENIX starship has made contact with TERRA and they have not advised you of such contact?” asked the bot.

  It amazed Butu how preoccupied the bot was about the ship. Anytime PHOENIX or its crew was mentioned, X would ask if any contact had been made with them.

  “I don’t think so,” replied Butu
.

  “I’ve had my people do some checking in TERRA,” added Charles. “They haven’t heard of PHOENIX contacting TERRA.”

  “I have browsed all government department databases and found no indication that the PHOENIX starship has contacted any said entity,” said X. “It is reasonable to conclude that military entity TERRA has also been excluded from any contact.”

  Butu looked at Charles. “We need to know if the speech had any sway on the command council to begin military construction.”

  “I’ll have our contacts do some discreet inquires,” said Charles. He left the president alone to tend to business.

  “You ask about the PHOENIX quite a bit,” said Butu to X. “I promised I would tell you as soon as we heard from them.”

  “Forgive the repeated inquires,” replied X. “This unit does not understand as there is no specific mandate in my programming, but I am compelled to ask about the PHOENIX starship whenever the subject is raised. I cannot explain it. Perhaps it is a subliminal interpretation of this unit of statements John Roberts has made in the past.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Butu.

  “You have stated it is your intention to inform this unit when contact was achieved with PHOENIX starship,” said X. “John told me numerous times that politicians could not be trusted.”

  Butu laughed. X had shared with her tidbits of information about John when he was growing up. She almost felt that she knew this young man she never met. “Your owner’s correct. Politicians should never be trusted. But in this instance, I meant what I said. When PHOENIX makes contact, I will tell you.”

  “This unit cannot reconcile John’s statement to yours,” said X. “How does this unit resolves said discrepancy?”

  “Well, you’ve been here for a year now,” said Butu. “Have I done anything to make you question my intentions?”

  “Your actions have not been contrary to stated intentions towards this unit,” said X. “Perhaps John’s statement about politicians was not meant to be absolute. This unit will need to analyze this conundrum in detail.”

  Up on Luna, the command council was finishing watching the president’s speech. “Computer, end display,” said Admiral Donalds. He looked at the assembled command council. “So it seems the president has decided to take advantage of our reservists.”

  “Former reservists,” said Admiral Block. “I’ve spoken to Superintendent Mortino who’s been keeping track of them. He’s reporting that they’ve all accepted positions with Earth Security.”

  “You mean they accepted positions that make good use of their Academy training?” said Vespia. “I’m shocked.” She made no effort to hide the sarcastic undertone of her statement.

  “I hardly think we need to be worried about the government hiring TERRA reservists,” said Admiral Jensen.

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” said Vespia. “My sources tell me the government intends to hire every graduate who isn’t placed in the fleet. It’s a perfect way to build a military to rival TERRA.”

  “Earth Security deals primarily with protecting government officials and supporting local law enforcement,” said Admiral Block. “They don’t have the capability to challenge us.”

  “I believe Karla is right and we should be concerned,” said Donalds. It was one of the few things he and Vespia agreed upon. “However, we cannot let the government distract us. Our focus needs to remain on protecting ourselves from the Screen.”

  “What do you propose?” asked Admiral Block.

  “We need to distract the government for the long term,” explained Donalds. “And I have something in mind that should accomplish that.”

  “Would it have anything to do with you cancelling the annual test?” said Vespia. She was referring to the command council sending a volunteer TERRA pilot to fly past the Mars orbital boundary to see if the Screen would continue their pattern of attack. The test had been scheduled the previous month, but Donalds put a halt to it.

  “Our pilot has been selected to undertake a different task, one that will serve our needs,” said Donalds.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “Here you go, Drix,” said Samuel, handing a glass of tomato juice to the Cresorian.

  “Samuel Ross, you know that tomato juice gives me the same inebriating effects as alcohol,” said Drix.

  “Come on, it’s a little celebration,” said Michelle.

  “Is the celebratory event in Central tomorrow not sufficient?” asked Drix. Given the recent events with the conspirators, the captain ordered a large ship wide celebration to commemorate all the accomplishments the crew had achieved: the Aldarians on board, successful trade with aliens, contact with the Onixins.

  “It is,” said Samuel. “But I also wanted to throw a little party for the department and to you as a thank you. We’ve made some remarkable advancements with some of the things you’ve taught us.”

  “Your gratitude is appreciated, Samuel Ross.” Drix took the glass of juice. “Perhaps if I sip it, I should be fine.”

  “Cheers,” said Samuel as he drank his wine. He went to mingle with the other computer technicians, leaving Drix and Michelle at their stations.

  “I hope he does not expect us to cease our work while we celebrate,” said Drix.

  “Wish I could,” said Michelle. “But I’ve got a lot of stuff to do.” Her console beeped. “The scrubbing program’s done. Looks like it picked up something anomalous in the computer.” Michelle didn’t recognize what she was seeing on the monitor. “Drix, can you take a look at this?”

  The Cresorian looked over at her display. “It appears to be a large data block of encrypted information.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t recognize any of the encryption protocols.” Michelle tried a standard decryption test. “Whoa! What did I do?”

  Drix reviewed the algorithms. “The data block is protected by an adaptive encryption sequence. Anyone attempting to unlock it risks the program decompiling the data into unrecoverable strands.”

  “I’ve worked with similar programs,” said Michelle. “But nothing this sophisticated.”

  “I believe I may be able to determine the proper sequence to decrypt the information,” said Drix. “However, I should only decrypt each individual data block.” Drix spent a few minutes analyzing the program. Michelle was amazed how intuitive it seemed for the Cresorian to look at a piece of software and work with it.

  His first attempt to unlock the data was successful. An image of an older gentlemen appeared on the monitor.

  “Hey, that’s Admiral Johnson,” said Michelle.

  “The individual who recruited John Captain and Julie Commander,” said Drix. This was the first time the Cresorian had seen a picture of the admiral who was responsible for the EXODUS Project.

  “The file tag indicates this is a personal log,” said Michelle. “We probably shouldn’t be looking at this. We should notify the captain.”

  “Agreed,” said Drix.

  Twenty minutes later, John, Julie, and Alex’sis were in the computer lab. Drix unlocked a few more sections of the data block by the time they arrived as well as inform the other department members of the discovery.

  John looked at the image of Admiral Johnson on the screen. He looked younger than when the captain first met him. “Have you looked at any of the data?”

  “No,” replied Samuel. “Everything that Drix unlocked is flagged as the admiral’s personal logs, so we haven’t looked at them.”

  “This doesn’t make sense,” said Alex’sis. “His personal logs were kept on the ground station’s server in the Tormented Valley.”

  “Maybe he put a copy in the main computer,” Julie speculated.

  “How much have you unlocked?” asked John.

  “Several hundred logs,” said Drix. “But the encryption program is adapting to my techniques. It is becoming increasingly difficult to unlock each sector of data.”

  “Based on the rate the program is adapting, it could take well over a year to unlock the enti
re data block,” said Michelle.

  “Can’t you just disable the encryption program?” asked Julie.

  “This is the most advanced human software program I have worked with,” said Drix. “It is taxing my own skills to keep up with it. If I attempt to disable the program, there is a risk the entire data block could decompile.”

  “I’d rather play it safe,” said John. “Take your time with unlocking the data. Can we transfer what you’ve unlocked to our personal databases?”

  “Yes, John Captain.”

  John looked at Julie. “Wanna split looking at the logs?”

  “Absolutely,” replied Julie. This was the opportunity for both of them to learn more about the man who brought them to the EXODUS Project. They were eager to see what they would find out.

  “Transfer half the files to Julie and half to me,” said John.

  “Already done, captain,” said Michelle. “The computer’s scanned the contents of the logs, so you can conduct searches by keywords if you like.”

  “Something tells me you’re bailing on dinner tonight,” said Alex’sis to John. The captain had plans for dinner with her, Bret, and Chris.

  “Sorry, lieutenant,” said John. “But this is too good to pass up.”

  After finishing up his duties for the day, John retired to his quarters He cracked open a bottle of chardonnay and slowly paced around the living room as he listened to the admiral’s logs.

  “I was a little too right about Lieutenant Brandus’ assertiveness. She’s only been here two days and already asked if Professor Donavin could be kicked out of the project. She finds him an annoying little man who gives her headaches. I’ll have to keep those two separated.”

  John chuckled, imaging how Donavin and Alex’sis first meeting must have gone.

  “Next entry,” said John.

  “I know he’s only finished his freshmen year, but I’m sure John Roberts has what it takes to command EXODUS.”