Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “It was my twenty-first birthday,” said John. “No one wanted to go drinking with me.”

  “Not at eight in the morning.” She took a seat at the conference table.

  “How’s Danuo?” asked John.

  “He’s handled the situation better than I would imagine,” said Julie. “Then again, I think he’s trying to be the leader he was elected to be and staying strong in front of his consultants.”

  “Remember a while back I was getting discouraged that we weren’t making any headway out here?” asked John.

  Julie nodded.

  “I sent a communication to the Onixins, Ni, and alien trading outpost about what we did here. I also gave my assessment about the Screen, how they’ve been waging a sort of guerilla warfare against other races.”

  “Looks that way,” said Julie. “You get a response?”

  “Malnygun replied thanking me for the information,” said John. “He promised to communicate my report to the merchants coming through the station.”

  “Maybe that’ll get the word out about PHOENIX and more races will be willing to work with us,” said Julie.

  “There’s been no word from the Ni, no surprise there,” said John. “Then there’s the Onixins. They sent me this.”

  John pushed his DAT over to Julie. She read the contents and was taken aback. “Is this real?”

  John cracked a smile. “Yes. The Onixins have formally offered to enter an alliance with us.”

  Julie jumped up and hugged John. “That’s great! You know what this means?”

  “According to the agreement, full scientific and military support.”

  “The next message back to Earth is coming up,” said Julie. “We need to make sure this goes in the data packet.”

  “I never thought we would reach this point,” said John. “Maybe we can pull this off.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  “Captain Roberts! To what do I owe the honor?”

  “Hello, Professor Timilson,” said John as he entered the professor’s office.

  “Please, call me Fred. I hate titles,” as he motioned for the captain to sit down. “I was a little surprised when you contacted me. I thought the ship’s captain would have little need for a statistician.” Timilson was the only statistician on the ship and primarily functioned as a consultant with the other science departments on their projects.

  “I’ve got something that’s right up your alley.” John sat down and handed the professor his DAT. “This was found encrypted in the main computer. The computer techs managed to unlock it and I’ve been going through the information the last couple of weeks. But to be honest, this stuff’s beyond my comprehension.”

  Timilson looked over the information. “This looks like a study on human population growth. Strange, I don’t see who authored the study, but the index shows it was commissioned at the EXODUS Project.”

  “That caught my eye too,” said John. “But I found it odd that there would be such a study done. Far as I know, the EXODUS Project was strictly focused on developing PHOENIX. This doesn’t fit in the project’s mandate.”

  “I would agree and I never heard of any such study going on in the project.” Timilson looked at the numbers and graphs in the report. “Some of these statistical equations are pretty advanced. I don’t even recognize a lot of these foundations.”

  “Can you interpret it?” asked John.

  “I believe I can,” replied Timilson. “But it’s going to take awhile. How soon do you need this?”

  “No rush, professor, I mean Fred,” said John. “Consult with other scientists if you need to. I’m just more curious than anything else.”

  “As am I,” said Timilson. “It’ll be nice to focus my attention on a project of my own.”

  “Command deck to Roberts,” came the voice of Julie over their pips.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Captain, sensors have picked up something. Can you come up here?”

  “On my way, commander.” John looked at Fred. “There’s one more thing. Did you have any extensive interaction with Admiral Johnson at the project?”

  “Not really,” replied Timilson. “I met him in Cardiff when he recruited me for the project and talked to him once afterwards, at one of the social parties in Central. But that was seven years ago. Why?”

  “Oh, nothing. I was just curious.” John had been asking some of the crew how well they knew Admiral Johnson. John wanted to know if any other crew members were aware of his dementia. But it seemed the admiral wasn’t very well known on a personal level. Any interaction he had with the crew was strictly business.

  “Far as I know, the senior staff had the most contact with the admiral,” said Timilson.

  “Thanks,” said John. “And I look forward to what you uncover in that report.”

  John left the professor for the command deck. Meanwhile, down at The Lounge, Drix was helping Chris Anne put away glasses and getting ready for tonight as a couple of bots cleaned the tables and swept the floors.

  “I appreciate you helping me on such short notice, sweetie,” said Chris.

  “It is my pleasure to assist you,” said Drix. “Is Max going to be able to work tonight?”

  “Probably not,” replied Chris. “Doctor Howl has ordered one night of bed rest to ensure his bones have healed.” Max was an athlete and did whatever he could to stay active. Unfortunately, his activities were becoming more dangerous. He recently took to scaling the buildings in Central, without safety ropes or an antigravity harness. Yesterday he slipped and fell two stories, breaking several bones. Needless to say, John put a stop on that activity.

  “Who will work behind the bar?” asked Drix.

  “Me, sweetie,” said Chris. “Lisa and Amber can cover for me during my performance,” referring to his two waitresses.

  “Can you not enlist the bots to help service patrons?” asked Drix.

  “I could,” said Chris. “But I don’t like using them as waiters. It’s too impersonal.”

  Chris’ attention was caught by the sight of John entering the bar. “Captain, what do we owe the pleasure?”

  “Hey Chris. The computer said Drix was down here.”

  “Is there something you need my assistance on?” said Drix.

  “No,” said John. “I was just up on the command deck. They picked up a transponder signal from a ship and the signal’s Cresorian.”

  Drix stopped what he was doing as he processed the news. “Are you sure it is Cresorian?”

  John nodded. “We ran an analysis of the signal and verified it as genuine. We also checked its modulation. The ship’s piloted by a female and she’s available for mating.” Cresorian vessels modulated their ship transponders to provide a plethora of information: age of the pilot, their gender, etc.

  Drix didn’t know what to say. He never expected to come across another Cresorian vessel so soon, let alone one piloted by a female.

  “Drix, this is good news,” said Chris.

  “It is,” said Drix. “I am just overwhelmed by the news. How far is the vessel from us?”

  “A little over two and a half light years from this system,” said John. “It’s currently holding position in open space. We were scheduled to head over to the Trubar nebula, but I’m putting that trip off so we can rendezvous with the Cresorian vessel.” As part of their newly formed alliance, the Onixins provided PHOENIX with their star charts. On it was a nebula they called Trubar that they explored decades ago. Apparently, they made contact with a sentient species who lives within the nebula. However, no further expeditions were done after the Screen began contact with the Onixins.

  “Your offer is appreciated, but PHOENIX cannot go,” said Drix. “There is a high probability the Cresorian has not heard about PHOENIX and may flee at the site of a large starship approaching it. I will have to make the journey alone.”

  “Hell no!” said a vocal Chris. “It’s too dangerous to go out there by yourself.”

  “I spent most of my
entire life living in space alone,” said Drix. “I can take care of myself.”

  “None of us would be comfortable if we let you take off on your own,” said John.

  “Your mission is too important to deviate on another side errand,” said Drix.

  “What about if you had an escort accompany you?” offered John. “A pile-driver and fighter group could go with you while PHOENIX continues on to the nebula.”

  “That’s a little overkill, isn’t it?” said Chris. “And the Interceptors don’t even have hyper drives.”

  “I could modify the tractor beam on my vessel to hold all the fighters,” said Drix. “The beam would provide additional structural support that would allow the fighters to safely transverse faster than light travel.”

  “Sounds like you’re agreeing to the escort,” said John.

  “I am,” said Drix. “Thank you for the offer.”

  “Then it’s settled,” said John. “Drix, you and the escort group will head towards the Cresorian ship and PHOENIX will head to the Trubar nebula.”

  “Captain, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to go with Drix,” said Chris. “To provide moral support.”

  “Drix, it’s your call,” said John.

  “I would welcome your company on this journey,” Drix said to Chris.

  “We’ll hold off leaving until tomorrow,” said John. “That’ll give you enough time to prepare for the trip.”

  “Good, ‘cause I need to pick out what to wear,” said Chris.

  John returned to the command deck to inform the staff of the plan. He was nervous about sending Drix and a group of his people out on their own, but he knew there would be times where missions would preclude the presence of PHOENIX.

  “So that’s the plan,” explained John at the operations table. “Opinions?”

  “You think it’s wise sending a small group of ships out like that?” asked Julie.

  “Drix is concerned that the Cresorian might get scared off by the sight of PHOENIX,” replied John.

  “Makes sense,” said Alex’sis. “We don’t know how much word about us has gotten around this part of space. But I’d like to request joining the team on Drix’s mission.”

  “Why?” asked John.

  “I’ve been working with him researching the Cresorian database,” said Alex’sis. “As well as working with our geneticists trying to come up with an explanation for his behavior towards the Screen. I’ve learned a lot about him in that time, and this is going to be the most important event in his life. I want to be there for him.”

  “What about the mission to the nebula?” said Julie.

  “Private Mallison can easily handle my duties,” said Alex’sis.

  “If it’s that important to you, then ok,” said John. “But if there’s any sign of the Screen, you hightail it back to us.”

  “Understood,” said Alex’sis.

  Julie waited for her to leave the pit before speaking up. “You know there’s a possibility Drix may choose to remain with the female.”

  “Cresorian culture dictates they only come together for mating,” said John. “As soon as they’re done, they’re to part ways in order to ensure the survival of the Cresorian race.”

  “I know, but Drix has spent all this time with us, observing how humans engage in love. He’s made comments to me on more than one occasion how he would like to experience something similar to what humans have.”

  John sighed. Julie did have a point. Spending this long of a time on PHOENIX, Drix would undoubtedly be influenced by humans and the Aldarians. What if he decided to remain with the female? John wouldn’t even have a chance to say good-bye, unless the female agreed to return to PHOENIX with Drix. But that was a long shot.

  “Drix has to do what’s right for himself,” said John. “I don’t want to lose him, but he has to lead his own life, whatever that may be.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  “Exiting jump.” The pile-driver shuttle, Drix’s ship, and fighters from Virgo squadron all emerged in open space.

  “I’m showing green on our systems,” said Howard Newton, the pile-driver pilot.

  “All ships, report in,” said Alex’sis, who was seated next to Newton.

  “This is Virgo leader,” came the voice of Martin Everold. “My squad’s checked in and we’re good to go.”

  “This is the Guger,” said Drix. “I am disengaging the tractor beam.”

  As soon as the Interceptors were released from their leashes, then flew around and assumed a standard escort formation.

  “My ass is completely numb,” said Chris, emerging from the rear of the craft. “That metal slab back there is not what I call a bed.”

  “Sorry, Chris,” said Howard. “These shuttles were designed for combat, not as transports.”

  “You could have least put some padding back there,” said Chris.

  “It was tough enough pulling the weapons rack so you could have a place to sit,” said Alex’sis. Pile-drivers were designed to seat only two occupants. Chris wanted to ride in Drix’s ship, but the Cresorian insisted he had to be alone when he docked with the other Cresorian vessel. “Besides, you could’ve worn something more comfortable than that dress.”

  “I wanted to look good for Drix’s big event,” said Chris as he straightened his multicolored gown.

  “You make it sound like you’re going to watch them,” said Alex’sis.

  “Don’t be gross,” said Chris. “I know what Cresorian anatomy consists of. Ick!”

  “Uh, I’m not picking up signs of any of ships in our vicinity,” said Howard. “It’s just us and the Cresorian vessel.”

  “Alex’sis to Virgo leader,” said Alex’sis. “We’re not picking up any ships on sensors.”

  “Confirmed, lieutenant,” said Martin. “We’re showing negative on our scopes as well.”

  “Drix to Alex’sis Lieutenant. The Cresorian ship should have picked up my transponder signal. However, the vessel shows no sign of initiating docking maneuvers. I also cannot confirm any life signs on the vessel.”

  Alex’sis checked the pile-driver’s sensors. “We’re not picking up any life form readings either.”

  “Keep in mind lieutenant that our sensors aren’t as sophisticated as the Gruger,” said Howard.

  “But we should be picking up something,” said Alex’sis. “Drix, is it possible the Cresorian abandoned the vessel?”

  “Unlikely,” said Drix. “Cresorians would only abandon their ship if it could no longer sustain them. My readings show all systems on the vessel running normally.”

  “Have you tried contacting her?” asked Chris.

  “I have been sending out continuous messages since our emergence from the jump,” said Drix.

  “Well, it’s your call Drix,” said Alex’sis. “We’ll proceed at your discretion.”

  “I will fly on ahead and initiate docking procedures with the vessel,” said Drix. “Remain here and I will contact you.”

  “Acknowledged,” said Alex’sis. “Good luck.”

  They watched as the Gruger flew ahead to rendezvous with the Cresorian vessel. Alex’sis wanted so much to be with Drix, but she understood he had to do this alone.

  “Don’t you think it’s odd that ship has stayed in the same place ever since PHOENIX detected it?” Chris pointed out.

  Alex’sis nodded her head. “But Drix says it’s not unusual for Cresorian ships to float in open space for days at a time.”

  Chris looked out the front window. “I hope he finds what he’s looking for.”

  The Gruger slowed as it approached the other Cresorian vessel. Drix was concerned by the lack of life signs, but he’d been waiting for this moment for a long time. This was his opportunity to contribute to the continuation of the Cresorian race. He knew that this interaction would only last a few hours, which saddened him. Since living on PHOENIX, Drix had observed how the humans interacted with one another, especially when it came to what they called love. Humans formed intimate conn
ections with their mates, and they supported each other in their lives. As Drix observed these displays of affection between crew members, he began to yearn for that himself. But the female he was about to meet would never understand such concepts. She would expect Drix to leave immediately upon confirmation that she had been impregnated.

  The Gruger was nearly upon the Cresorian ship and it still showed no movement. Drix initiated the mating signal, and moments later both ships turned sideways to dock. It was a hopeful sign, although the computer could be running the vessel. Drix took off his clothes, as dictated by Cresorian mating ritual, as the female would be unclothed as well. The Gruger’s transponder signal was modulated to communicate Drix’s gender and breeding status.

  He heard the sound of the hulls connecting and the locking mechanisms. This was his first time to mate, and Drix was nervous. All he had to go by was the historical database. He studied all information on mating until he had it committed to memory. He, like other Cresorians living in space, had an enormous responsibility. This was his opportunity to contribute to the goal of Cresorian survival.

  Once he confirmed the environmental integrity of the other ship, he opened the airlock door. He began thinking about what he read about human culture. They formed close bonds with their young children and spent years raising them and keeping close contact with them even after they grew up. He wouldn’t have that same opportunity. He would never have the chance to look upon his offspring as it hatched from its egg.

  Drix put those thoughts out of his mind. He had to focus on the task at hand. He was a Cresorian male and had a duty to perform.

  The airlock door opened, but no female was there to greet Drix. He entered the ship and looked around, seeing the accommodations had been well maintained.

  “Greetings,” announced Drix. “I am Drix, Cresorian male here to ensure the lineage of our people.” There was no reply. There was an odd odor in the air, one that Drix did not recognize. He proceeded to the front of the ship, towards the pilot bay. He saw the head of a Cresorian sticking up from the central seat. His hearts raced with anticipation. He moved a little faster as his mating instincts became intense.