Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  Drix reached the bay and turned the seat around, but it was a sight Drix never expected to see. There sat the decomposed body of the Cresorian female.

  “You think he’s ok?” asked Chris. It had been over five hours since the Cresorian ships docked together.

  “I hope so,” said Alex’sis. She told Drix to take as much time as he needed. She knew the importance of this trip.

  “We’re getting a signal,” announced Howard as the console beeped.

  “Numonti to pile-driver,” came the voice of Drix.

  “Lieutenant Brandus here. Drix, are you ok?” She could hear something in his voice indicating something was wrong.

  “There is nothing for me here, we can go.”

  “He doesn’t sound right,” said Chris.

  “Drix, what happened?” asked Alex’sis.

  “The Cresorian is dead.” His words hit Alex’sis like a ton of bricks. This was Drix’s dream and it was shattered. She could only imagine what he must be going through.

  “Drix, return to your ship and dock with our shuttle. I’m coming aboard.”

  Drix offered no protest as the transmission ended.

  “I’m coming with you,” said Chris.

  “No,” replied Alex’sis sternly. “I have a sense of what he’s going through. I need to go alone.”

  Chris reluctantly agreed and, twenty minutes later, Alex’sis was on the Gruger. She found Drix sitting on his bed holding some trinkets. She sat next to him and put her arm around his waist.

  “I’m so sorry, Drix.”

  “You do not need to apologize, Alex’sis Lieutenant.”

  “Yes I do. I know how important this was to you. We all wanted this for you because we knew you’d be happy.”

  “It was merely an unfortunate chain of events,” said Drix. “Sulix died from an illness.”

  “Sulix?”

  “That was her name. Once I discovered her body, I checked her vessel database and learned she had been ill for quite some time.”

  Alex’sis didn’t know what to say. She put her head on his shoulder and held him.

  “Protocol dictated that I should initiate the ship self-destruct sequence,” continued Drix. “But I found myself going through her possessions. I did not feel right destroying everything that represented her. Her life was worth something that one individual should remember her.”

  “Tell me about her. What was she like?” asked Alex’sis.

  “I think you two would have been friends,” said Drix. “She had a strong personality and was unafraid of space travel.”

  Drix recounted what he learned of Sulix, and Alex’sis sat there and listened to every word. By the time they were done, Alex’sis felt she and Sulix had been friends and mourned silently for her.

  Eventually, the escort group, with the second Cresorian vessel in tow, headed out of the area and back towards PHOENIX.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  “It’s definitely a signal. Distorted, but there,” said Bret. “The nebula is having an effect of how we’re detecting it.”

  “Can we clean up the distortions if we get closer?” asked John from his command chair.

  “Possibly,” replied Bret as he consulted his console. “I’ll have to play with the sensors to see if I can make any improvements.”

  “Private Mallison, bring us within fifteen thousand kilometers of the nebula’s perimeter,” ordered John. The PHOENIX arrived at the nebula yesterday and almost immediately the sensors picked up some faint transmissions coming from it. It was barely discernible and was almost dismissed by Bret and the scientists who reviewed the data. But after careful analysis, they were certain a signal was being broadcasted from inside the nebula.

  “Can you determine what the transmission contains?” asked Julie from the operations table.

  “Not yet,” answered Bret. “I’ve tried using the Onixin’s communications setup they used during their expedition, but so far no luck. I can also confirm none of our signals are penetrating the nebula.”

  “Stubborn little nebula,” John commented.

  “That’s pretty accurate,” said Kevin from his station. “I’ve confirmed what our scientists have already told us. The composition of the nebula’s ionized gases makes it impossible for PHOENIX to travel through it.”

  “I wonder if whoever is on the other side has the same problem, unable to navigate ships within the nebula,” said Julie.

  “We’ll have to confirm that someone is in there,” said John.

  “I think I can do that,” said Bret. “I put the transmission through one of Drix’s algorithm programs and it resequenced the transmission into something audible.”

  “Play it,” ordered John. Bret activated the command deck speakers and played the transmission.

  “This is Equiforna, external ambassador to the Quix.” The high shrill voice felt like a ripple through John’s skin. “If you are listening to this message, please respond on carrier line oniteen-six-zillion nifety.”

  “Any idea how to interpret those numbers?” said Julie.

  “Without knowing their basic foundation of math we’re pretty much screwed,” said John. “Has Drix encountered them?”

  “I checked the computer and Drix never came across any race by that name,” replied Mallison. “The records from the Onixin expedition don’t have any reference to a Quix either.”

  “Captain,” said Bret. “I analyzed the transmission and think I can reconfigure the communications dish to send a similar formatted transmission through the nebula.”

  “Will it go through?” asked Kevin.

  “No guarantees,” said Bret. “But it’s our best shot at the moment.”

  “Do it,” said John.

  “It may take a couple of hours to reconfigure the dish,” said Bret.

  “When you do, send a standard greeting,” said John. “And alert me the moment you hear anything.”

  With nothing left to do but wait, John headed to his office to get some work done. The time went by and Bret was able to successfully send a transmission, but there was no response. Soon the day was over and nothing had happened.

  With no reason to hang out on the command deck John, Julie, and Thresha went to dinner at Smitty’s.

  “Captain, I wanted to ask you why you stopped coming to the coilquin,” said Thresha.

  “It’s just been busy for me,” said John. “I only went there to get over what happened on the Io planet. I’m fine now.”

  “You were able to attain a level of contentment each time you went,” said Thresha. “I feel you could continue to benefit from it.”

  “She’s right,” said Julie. “I go four times a week and it’s done wonders for getting rid of stress. You should reconsider.”

  “Maybe, I’ll think about it,” said John. But he had no intention of going back to the coilquin. Ever since learning of his sister’s death, John felt he had lost all faith in everything. Going to the coilquin would be a lie. He didn’t want to feel better. How could he? The one important thing in his life was gone, and even commanding this starship wasn’t filling the void.

  “Professor Harthy has been bringing Betty Christen there for mediation as part of her treatment,” said Julie.

  “She really needs it,” said John. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Doctor Myers enter Smitty’s with a group of the medical staff. John lost his appetite seeing one of the biggest reminders of Nicole’s death.

  Thresha sensed John’s discomfort and saw his attention was on Myers. “Captain, are you ok?”

  “I’m fine,” replied John. “I just remember there’s some things I need to do.”

  “Like what?” asked Julie as John slid out of the booth.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “Good night.” Julie and Thresha watched as he made a hasty exit from the pub.

  “He has been this way around Doctor Myers for quite some time,” said Thresha.

  “Is it that obvious?” said Julie.

  “His demea
nor changed as soon as the doctor entered. This is not the first time I have seen this happen. What has happened between them?”

  “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t.” Julie wanted so desperately to confide in her friend, but John was adamant no one else find out about what Admiral Johnson did to Nicole.

  “I sense a great deal of sadness within you,” said Thresha. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “I wish you could, but to be honest, I don’t think there’s anything anyone can do.”

  John went back to his quarters for the remainder of the evening. He reviewed the latest data transmission being put together for the people back in the solar system. He wondered how PHOENIX was being thought of back home. Were people in support of them? Or had TERRA successfully painted the crew as traitorous rogues?

  Home, that concept seemed foreign to John now. Earth certainly didn’t feel like home anymore. He had nothing to go back to. And PHOENIX felt more like an empty hull. This ship was created by a man who destroyed John’s life, and the young captain hated that idea.

  “Command deck to Roberts,” came the voice of Bret through John’s pip.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Captain, we’ve established a connection with the Quix.”

  That got his attention and the captain stood up. “You were able to talk to them?”

  “Yes sir. I have Equiforna on the line. I’ve given him a brief intro about us and he’d like to speak with you.”

  “Put him through.” John said anxiously. He heard the sounds of clicking and some static. “This is Captain John Roberts.” There was no immediate reply. Did they lose the signal?

  “Captain Roberts, this is Ambassador Equiforna. Can you hear me?”

  “Loud and clear.” Equiforna’s voice sounded the same to John like the voice on the transmission they picked up. “I’m a little surprised to hear from you. When there was no immediate reply to our hail…”

  “I regret that I was not at my station,” said Equiforna. “I was delegated by my leaders to be the liaison with other races; however, I relinquished my post onti ernas ago and no one was expecting to receive a message from the outside.”

  “I understand,” said John. “As Private Michaels may have informed you, we’re out here exploring space. We were told about this nebula by a race we’ve had dealings with, the Onixins.”

  “Yes,” said Equiforna. “We made rudimentary contact with the Onixins trazillion ernas ago. But after a few brief exchanges they ceased communicating with us.”

  “Some matters back at their homeworld forced the Onixins to end their visit to your nebula.” John chose not disclose the matter was the Screen.

  “The Quix royalty believed that additional contact with outsiders was unlikely,” said Equiforna. “I hope your arrival will spur interest in restarting research into leaving our home.”

  “You can’t leave the nebula?”

  “No, we discovered that our ships cannot make the transition into open space. The nature of the nebula has created a barrier that prevents our vessels from passing out into space.”

  “We weren’t aware of that,” said John. “We do know that our ship cannot travel through the nebula.”

  “That is unfortunate,” said Equiforna. “A visit by outsiders to our world would be a remarkable occasion to celebrate.”

  “I’m afraid for now, our contact will have to be limited to these transmissions,” said John.

  “I am impressed how you were able to remodulate your transmission to penetrate the nebula,” said Equiforna. “I believe with further collaborative research, we could add an imaging component to the messages.”

  “You mean see each other?” asked John.

  “Yes, if that is permissible.”

  “Absolutely,” said John. “We’d be happy to work with you to make that happen.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  A large gathering of people were assembled in the botanical gardens on deck seventy-four. They were there to pay homage to the deceased Cresorian the escort team brought back with them. Drix had requested human burial procedures be followed for her. Cresorian tradition dictated that a body be launched into a star, but Drix did not want her to be incinerated. Although she had been alone in life, he wanted her to be surrounded by people in death. John agreed to his request and had the technicians modify a portion of the gardens to accommodate a burial plot.

  Thresha officiated the ceremony and she did a remarkable job. She talked about Sulix’s life and read a couple of passages from the Cresorian’s journal. She said that Sulix would never be forgotten as long as she was remembered by everyone. John was moved by her words, as the eulogy reminded him of his sister. Nicole, like Sulix, spent the last few years of her life alone without the love of a friend or family member. The captain was unable to hold back a couple of tears that ran down his face as he thought about her.

  “Now, as we commit our friend to the ground, our thoughts will light her life force as she continues her journey within each of us.” Thresha lowered her arms. “This concludes the remembrance ceremony. Go forward my friends, and carry the memories of Sulix with you in your life.”

  Chris Anne, who was standing next to Thresha, stepped forward. “Sulix’s database has been downloaded into the ship’s computer and we invite all of you to review it and learn more about our departed friend.”

  With the ceremony over, the crowd dispersed into smaller groups. John quickly wiped the tears from his face. “That was a wonderful ceremony,” he said as he approached Thresha.

  “I was honored you asked me to officiate it.” She looked over to Drix, who was talking with a group of humans and Aldarians, which included Julie and Alex’sis. “He has been despondent since returning.”

  “Finding another Cresorian was important to him,” said John. “I wish things had not turn out this way.”

  “As long as there are other Cresorians traveling though space, I believe he will fulfill his dream someday,” said Thresha.

  “We need to keep telling him that,” said John. “I don’t want him to think he’s lost his only opportunity.”

  “You have demonstrated a willingness to take time to help others,” said Thresha. “The crew follows your lead and they will do what they can to ensure Drix never gives up hope.”

  “Excuse me,” said Julie, interrupting the pair. “The command deck just notified me that the Onixin freighter has entered the hangar bay.” John notified the Onixins that PHOENIX had successfully made contact with the Quix. They offered to send two of their scientists to help improve communications with the Quix, which John accepted.

  “Good,” said John. “If you’ll excuse us, Thresha.” She nodded and, as the two officers left the gardens, Thresha joined Drix and Alex’sis’ group.

  “Where’s the captain and commander?” asked Alex’sis.

  “They are meeting the Onixins in the hangar,” replied Thresha.

  “I should join them,” said the operations officer.

  “Before you go, could I speak to you in private?” asked Drix.

  “Sure.” The pair excused themselves and moved over by the koi pond for some privacy.

  “I have not had the chance to thank you for helping me through this difficult period,” Drix said as handed Alex’sis an unusual piece of jewelry.

  “What’s this?” she asked as she examined it. It consisted of strings of dark blue metal wrapped around a misshapen grey stone.

  “It is a umakin,” explained Drix. “The translation in your language is birth stone. Female Cresorians spend many cycles making it. They give it to their offspring when they separate as a reminder of who cared for them in their hatchling cycle.”

  “Was this Sulix’s?”

  Drix nodded. “I did not feel right having it buried with her. The umakin represents the efforts Cresorians make in continuing our species. It belongs among the living, and it belongs with someone who helped connect me to Sulix.”

  Alex’sis was touched by his ge
sture. “This means so much to me. Thank you.” She turned the jewelry over in her hands and admired it. “How should I wear it?”

  “Close to your heart, which I believe is there,” said Drix, pointing to Alex’sis chest.

  Meanwhile, John and Julie were walking down a corridor of the ship. “The scientists asked if we could meet in Central,” said Julie. “They’ve heard so much about PHOENIX they want to see as much as they can.”

  “Works for me,” said John. It would be a nice change of pace from conducting business in the board room.

  They met with the Onixin scientists, Calbo and Nueista, down in Central and gave them a tour of the city. The scientists were amazed by the ship’s interior and asked a lot of questions about the construction. After visiting the Aldarian coilquin, they finished the tour with a sit down meal at the Stardust Café.

  “Mario, this is Calbo and Nueista,” said John as Mario brought over some menus and glasses of water. “They’re from the Onixin science institute.”

  “Nice to meet you,” said Mario. “I’m sorry I don’t have any Onixin dishes available. I’ve been reading up on some of your food recipes, but haven’t had a chance to try making one.”

  “We do not expect such accommodations,” said Nueista. “We would rather sample some of your human and Aldarian dishes.”

  “Based on your people’s cuisine I’d recommend the Greek salad and xixia eggplant stew,” said Mario.

  “That would be acceptable,” said Calbo. Nueista nodded in agreement.

  “I’ll get that started,” said Mario. “Captain, commander?”

  “Tomato soup,” said John. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to eat anything. The smell of xixia stew made him nauseous.

  “Cobb salad,” replied Julie.

  As Mario left to get their orders filled, the scientists looked around their surroundings.

  “We have heard many stories about your vessel,” said Calbo. “But they do not compare to seeing it firsthand.”

  “Thank you,” said John. “I hope your trip here wasn’t too difficult. I was expecting you to arrive in one of your military’s new cruisers.”