Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “Hello, captain.” John looked up to see Thresha. “I have not seen you here in some time.”

  John moved over so she could sit next to him. “I needed a place to clear my head.”

  “Is the serenity of the coilquin aiding you?” asked Thresha.

  “No,” replied John.

  “Perhaps meditating will help.”

  “I’m not one for meditating,” said John. “I don’t have the patience for it.”

  “I would be willing to teach you,” offered Thresha.

  John shook his head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. Preoccupation with ship business comes with being captain.”

  “I was going to discuss an issue,” said Thresha. “It is not important. Perhaps I should discuss it with Commander Olson.”

  “No, it’s ok,” said John. “What is it?”

  “I have been advised of a romantic relationship that has developed between an Aldarian female and human male.”

  That got John’s interest. He hadn’t heard of any Aldarians and humans dating. “Really!? Who?”

  “The Aldarian is Velenis, and the human is Danny Dernell.”

  “He’s Valerie’s brother,” said John, referring to the pair who ran the grocery store in Central. “But I don’t know Velenis.”

  “She works on the farming deck,” said Thresha. “Her and Danny informed me of their relationship, and the impasse they have reached.”

  “I hope it wasn’t a fight,” said John.

  “No,” replied Thresha. “But they wish to further express their love, but they do not know how to proceed.”

  “You mean sex?”

  “That is one of the issues,” said Thresha. “Humans use sex as both a means to express love with one another and to propagate their species. Aldarians engage in physical consummation for the sole purpose of producing an offspring. We use our telepathy to communicate our love with a mate.”

  “That’s a stumper,” said John. “The easiest answer would be finding some sort of common ground between how Aldarians and humans express love, but I’m not sure that would work. We don’t have telepathic abilities, and Aldarian mind probes are unpleasant for us.”

  “Correct,” said Thresha. “And the process of producing an offspring is so sacred in Aldarian culture, Velenis could never bring herself to engage in an intimate physical act strictly for pleasure.”

  “I think it’s one of those things they’re going to have to figure out for themselves,” said John. “On our world, people have learned to express their love in other manners due to a disability that prevents them from having sex. They can research the ship’s database and maybe get some ideas.”

  “A reasonable recommendation,” said Thresha. “Is there a particular subject they should research.”

  John got embarrassed, not wanting to blurt out that the pair should be researching fetishes or bedroom fantasies. “Danny should know what to look for.”

  “I will communicate your recommendation to them,” said Thresha.

  “While we’re on the subject, how come none of the Aldarians have had kids on PHOENIX?” asked John.

  “We are simply following the example of your people,” said Thresha. “Only one of your crew members has had a child on the ship.”

  “The crew doesn’t need to have kids,” said John. “There are millions of humans back home. But there are only three hundred Aldarians left. Your people are at risk of becoming extinct.”

  “If we are to have offspring who can truly learn what it is to be Aldarian, they have to be raised on our homeworld, surrounded by the things our ancestors created.”

  John understood where she was coming from. “Humans were worried that children raised on Luna and Mars would somehow forget what it meant to be human. It was one of the arguments against establishing the colonies. We may have originated on Earth, but our identity as a people hasn’t wavered. No matter how far we are from Earth, we never forget our origins.”

  “This ship can hold over fifty-thousand people,” continued John. “It’s not like we wouldn’t have the room.”

  “You present an interesting train of thought,” said Thresha. “One would think that humans, who thrive on differences, would be unable to have a unified identity. But there is truth in your words.”

  “Command deck to Captain Roberts,” said Julie over John’s and Thresha’s pips.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Could you come up here? We’ve come across something pretty huge.”

  “On my way,” said John. He looked at Thresha. “Care to join me and see what they’ve discovered?”

  “I would,” replied Thresha.

  The pair made their way to the command deck where they found Julie, Alex’sis, Drix, Kevin, and Gerry Miltoff around the operations table, with the holographic image of Proministaun displayed over the table.

  As the pair approached the group, everyone looked up at them except for Drix, whose eyes were glued to a display on the table.

  “Captain,” said Julie. “We were able to modify the sensors and clean up the distortions created by the magnetic field.”

  “And you found something?” asked John.

  “We have discovered your sensors were being tricked,” replied Proministaun. “The magnetic field does not exist.”

  “He’s right, captain,” said Gerry. “As soon as Proministaun analyzed the data with his equipment, he found the field was nothing more than a false projection.”

  “How can someone create an elaborate mirage in the middle of space?” asked John.

  “The technology to achieve such trickery would have to be advanced,” explained Proministaun.

  “What purpose would it serve?” asked Thresha.

  Lieutenant Brandus brought up a display of the local area of space and highlighted a specific star system. “To hide this. When we compared the unaffected sensor data to the distorted data, the computer identified a discrepancy. This star system did not show up before.”

  “The field was hiding that star system from our sensors,” added Kevin.

  “And probably from other ships traveling through this region,” concluded Julie.

  “There’s more,” said Alex’sis. “There’s a concentrated energy source coming from the inner most planet of the system. Proministaun is certain the source of the false magnetic field projection is coming from there. And…,” She hesitated to say anything more, looking at Drix.

  “What?” said John.

  “The energy source contains wave patterns consistent with Cresorian technology,” said Julie.

  John looked to Drix, who was still reviewing the sensor data.

  “Is it true?” John asked Drix.

  “The conclusion is sound,” replied Drix, who seemed to show no significant emotion about the news. “I have analyzed the data and it does appear whatever is projecting the field is of Cresorian origin.”

  “Is it possible some of your people settled on the planet?” asked Thresha.

  “The mandate in the Cresorian database is clear,” said Drix. “My people were to remain in space until such time we were recalled to our homeworld.”

  “Maybe a Cresorian crashed landed on the planet,” speculated John. “We can’t assume this is your homeworld.”

  “The equipment needed to display such a field would be significant,” said Proministaun. “If Cresorian ships are similar, they would not have the means or resources to build such a device.”

  “Perhaps multiple vessels landed there,” said Thresha.

  “We’ll have to go to the system and investigate the planet,” said John. “Drix, are there any protocols outlined in your ship’s database regarding returning to your homeworld, if this is the place?”

  “There is nothing specific,” said Drix. “It only states that when homeworld was ready we would be contacted. Captain, if this is the Cresorian homeworld, we have to contact the other Cresorians in space.”

  “One step at a time, Drix,” said John. Besides, John wasn’t sure how to
begin contacting Cresorians in space. The only way would be to send a wide beam transmission, and he didn’t want to do that and accidently alert the Screen of this location. “We need to make sure this is your people’s homeworld. If it is, we need to determine if it’s even habitable.”

  “He’s right,” said Julie. “Whatever is emitting the field could have been turned on when your people left.”

  “Will we have any problem jumping to the system?” asked John.

  “We’ve made all the modifications Proministaun recommended,” answered Kevin. “We shouldn’t have a problem.”

  “Then set a course and let’s go in,” ordered John.

  As they went to their stations to prepare for the jump, Thresha approached Drix and placed her hand on his arm. “You are worried what you may find.”

  “There is no record to explain why we were forced to leave,” said Drix. “If this is homeworld, what will we find?”

  John overheard Drix’s comment and ran through all the possibilities in his head. He wasn’t so worried about what they would find as the thought of Drix leaving PHOENIX. Whatever the state of the planet, John realized there was a good possibility Drix would leave the ship for good.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Forty minutes after making the jump, PHOENIX entered the recently discovered star system. Amazingly, once they were inside the system they had no trouble scanning it.

  Several probes were launched and provided visual images of the planet’s surface. It was clear from the images that this had once been a habitable planet. Buildings and roads adorn the landscape on all three continents. Vehicles of various sizes littered the roads, but everything was in decay. Buildings were dirty and cracked from weathering the elements, the trees and plants were dead or withered. Everything on the planet seemed to be in a perpetual state of decay.

  John tried to identify anything in the buildings that indicated this planet belonged to the Cresorians, but nothing seemed to match the styling elements of Drix’s ship.

  “Medical to command deck,” said Myers over the speakers.

  “Go ahead,” said John.

  “The planet does have a habitable atmosphere, safe for Cresorian, Aldarians, and humans. Based on our analysis the atmosphere appears to be suited best towards Cresorian physiology.”

  “Then this is my home,” said Drix, staring at the various holographic displays over the table.

  “We don’t know yet for sure,” reminded Alex’sis.

  “I cannot explain it, but I know this is homeworld,” said Drix.

  If this was the Cresorian homeworld, it would be a lifelong dream for Drix. Often he would close his eyes and imagine what homeworld must have been like: the culture, the people. He hoped to see it first hand, but realistically thought it would never happen.

  John saw how anxious his Cresorian friend was to verify this was home. The captain was happy for him, but sad with the thought that, if this was Drix’s home, he would probably leave PHOENIX. John didn’t want to see that happen. Drix had become a trusted friend and ally…no, he was more than that. He was a member of a large family. John found the thought odd. For some time now the captain felt disconnected from the rest of the ship. Now that he was facing the potential departure of a friend, his emotions were beginning to stir.

  John spoke up, finding it difficult to say anything. “Have we located the source of the energy field?”

  “It’s coming from a large structure on the other side of the planet,” replied Alex’sis. “There’s an island off the smallest continent where the structure is located.”

  Suddenly, the operations table beeped. “Captain,” said Alex’sis. “I’m getting a signal directed towards us. Sir, the source of the signal also shows five life signs, all Cresorian.”

  “Open a channel,” said John, who looked at Drix. “I think you better take this.”

  The frequency opened and they heard a voice over the speakers. “Unknown vessel, we have detected the presence of a Cresorian on your vessel. Explain yourselves.”

  “I am that Cresorian,” spoke up Drix. “My name is Drix. Who are you and what is this place?”

  “We welcome you home, Drix. We are the keepers of homeworld.”

  So that was that. In one sentence the question had been answered. John wanted to be happy for Drix, but he couldn’t. It was selfish, and John felt guilty.

  “We asked who you travel with,” said the Cresorian over the comm.

  “I travel on a starship created by a species called human,” explained Drix. “They offered me their vessel as a home as they travel through space.”

  “And what of the three hundred who are different from you and the humans?” John was impressed, whatever their technology was, it still worked well if they knew the compliment of the PHOENIX’s crew.

  “The Aldarians,” answered Drix. “A species who the humans saved and have also offered sanctuary to them.”

  “We welcome all of you,” replied the Cresorian. “Although the planet is not in a pristine state, we do welcome a small group to the surface.”

  Drix looked at John, who nodded. “We accept your invitation,” said Drix.

  “Then we await you with open arms,” said the voice before disconnecting.

  “I’m not picking up any planetary weapons or any other armaments at their location,” Alex’sis said as she finished scanning the planet.

  “I’m not surprised,” said Julie. “It looks like the entire planet has been decimated.”

  “Captain,” said Drix. “I must go down there.”

  “I was never going to stop you,” said John.

  “I’ll go with him,” said Julie.

  “I’m going too,” stated Alex’sis.

  “I would like to join you all as well,” said Thresha.

  “Fine, but I’m going down there,” said John.

  “Captain…,” started Julie. She already volunteered to go to the planet. It was foolish for the captain to go down as well.

  “I know about protocol,” said John. “But not this time.”

  Julie could see she wasn’t going to win this argument. Drix wasn’t just the first alien to come aboard PHOENIX, but a dear friend to John.

  “I’ll stay up here then,” said Julie.

  “Command deck to hangar bay,” said John. “Prepare Drix’s ship for launch.”

  “Should we have an escort group accompany us?” asked Alex’sis.

  John looked at Drix. “I do not think that will be necessary.”

  “We’ll just take the Guger down,” said John, referring to Drix’s ship.

  As the group headed to the hangar bay, John stayed back and looked at the planetary images above the operations table.

  “Hey,” said Julie. “You ok?”

  “Would it sound awful if I said I wish we never stumbled across this?” asked John.

  Julie knew what he meant. She didn’t want to lose Drix anymore than the captain. “We don’t know what he’ll do. All we can do is support whatever decision he makes.”

  “This is one of those times where I have to put on a brave face as the captain, isn’t it?” said John.

  Julie gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m afraid it is.”

  Within ten minutes the Guger was out of the hangar and descending down to the planet. No one said a word during the trip. This was a momentous occasion for Drix and no words seemed appropriate. John was scared at the thought of losing a friend, and Alex’sis shared similar feelings as well. But she was resolute in backing whatever choice Drix made. Thresha sensed the emotional turmoil within the Cresorian, and was ready to give whatever support he needed.

  Knowing that this was Drix’s homeworld, John tried to see the beauty in the decayed landscape they flew over. He imagined how this world must have been at one time, filled with Cresorians going about their lives. Were they any different from the humans worrying about their lives back on Earth, Luna, and Mars?

  The Guger arrived at the coordinates and gently land
ed on the ground. Five figures stood side by side in the distance. The group disembarked the Guger and stood outside, looking at the keepers who they recognized as Cresorians.

  “I never imagined I would see this day come to pass,” said Drix as the keepers began walking towards them.

  “Whatever we can do to help, we will,” said John, reassuring his friend.

  “You have already done so much for me,” said Drix. “Without you, we would have never discovered homeworld.”

  John couldn’t help but feel there was some sort of good-bye in those words. As unpleasant as it was, the captain had to resign himself that Drix had already made his decision.

  The keepers were almost upon them, and John found how remarkably similar they looked to Drix. The same hair that looked like a cat’s mane, the striped skin, although the keepers had dark brown and black, unlike the black and white stripes of Drix’s skin. The planet might have been in disarray, but the Cresorians were dressed in pristine clothes that looked ceremonial.

  The keepers bowed to the group and the one in the middle spoke. “We welcome you to the ancient home of the Cresorian race. Drix, you are the first to return since the great departure.”

  “I am honored to be the first,” said Drix. “But I am finding my emotions are in conflict.”

  “It is understandable,” said the keeper. “It will take time to adjust being here.”

  “These are my friends,” said Drix. “This is Alex’sis Brandus Lieutenant, Thresha of the Aldarians, and John Roberts Captain, leader of the human vessel PHOENIX.”

  “I welcome you to our world. I am Mimix, and these four are my guardian assistants. For the role you played in returning Drix to us, I am grateful.”

  “Drix is a valued member of our crew and I’m happy we were able to find his homeworld,” said John. “Drix has taught us a lot about the Cresorians and we have a lot of questions about what happened here.”

  “Then let you be the first to hear the tale,” said Mimix. He tapped his arm and a large image appeared next to the group. The images showed the planet in its original state: lush landscapes and beautiful structures.