Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  Julie looked at the plate. She wished it could simply make her sadness go away. “I’m afraid breakfast won’t lift my spirits.”

  Mu nodded. “I will not be offended if you do not eat the dish. It is there if you have need of it.” The Rifva returned to the kitchen as Julie just stared at the plate.

  When she lifted her head back up she spotted Kevin walking down the street. He looked up at the apartment building. Julie wasn’t the only one worried about the captain. The navigation officer saw Julie and waved at her.

  “Commander,” said Kevin as he approached the table. Julie motioned for him to sit and join her, which he did. “How’s your morning?”

  “It’s been better.” Julie knew she needed to try and maintain the illusion that things were alright, but she didn’t have it in her.

  “I know what you mean. Have you heard how the captain’s doing?”

  Julie shook her head.

  “Look, I know you have your reasons for not telling us what happened to him. It’s just frustrating not being able to help.”

  “I understand,” said Julie. “But even if I told you what happened, it wouldn’t matter. The captain’s beyond anyone’s help for the moment.”

  Kevin was disappointed. If he could do something, he’d jump at the opportunity. “I never told anyone this, but the captain helped me through a rough patch in my life. A while back I discovered I had a sneak implant and learned I was actually a Holocaust descendant.”

  Julie was stunned by the news. “I never knew…”

  “Doctor Myers and the captain were the only ones,” said Kevin. “I asked the captain to keep it a secret, and he kept his word. Whatever feelings he had about me being a mute, he never showed them. Instead, he helped me through it. What was remarkable was he never treated me any differently after learning about my heritage. He let me keep my post and acted as if I was like anyone else.”

  Julie broke a weak smile, happy to hear something that was characteristic of John.

  “I wish I could help him the same way he helped me,” said Kevin. “I feel powerless, and the captain deserves our help.”

  “I feel the same way,” admitted Julie. “We just have to hope that the captain will pull through whatever he’s dealing with.”

  “Julie Olson.” Julie and Kevin looked over to see Rudov approaching. “Forgive my interruption of your meal time, but I have discovered something you should know about.”

  The Onixin communications officer flicked his wrist and brought up his holographic DAT, which showed a variety of equations. “I have been concerned with the lack of Screen communications we have picked up. PHOENIX has far more advanced communications equipment to allow us to pick up covert transmissions; however, we have been unsuccessful in that endeavor. I had engineering conduct some modifications to the communications array, and we picked up a Screen transmission traveling through open space.”

  “What’d you find out?” asked Julie, elated to hear that there had been a breakthrough.

  Rudov extended his arm so Julie could read the contents. Her face turned somber as she read the information.

  “What’s wrong?” asked Kevin.

  “We need to assemble the senior staff in the board room ASAP,” said Julie. “Contact the command deck and have them set a course for the Quix nebula immediately.”

  An hour later the senior staff was gathered in the board room. Julie was sitting at the head of the table, a seat John once occupied. She didn’t have time to dwell on that, there were more urgent matters to attend to.

  “Thanks to Rudov, we’ve uncovered several Screen transmissions on our long range scanners.” Bret patted his compatriot on the back as Vish brought up a visual representation of the transmission in the center of the table. “Our decryption teams successfully unraveled the transmission.” Julie took a deep breath before continuing. “The transmission reveals that the Screen are planning to return to the Quix nebula to retrap the Quix.”

  There were some rumblings amongst the senior staff about the news.

  “The protectorate has been notified and has deployed ships throughout the nebula,” announced Korifluxinina. “However, none have reported any Screen ships on their long range scanners.”

  “Neither have we,” added Tim.

  “Is it possible the Screen are somehow concealing themselves from the Quix and our sensors?” asked Kevin.

  “If they believe they can pull this off with an armada of Quix vessels outside the nebula, we have to consider that,” said Julie. “The problem is, we don’t know how the Screen plans to trap the Quix. I doubt they’ll use the same technique they did last time.”

  “Tactically, it’d make sense to initiate some cascade reaction that affects the entire nebula,” said Chief Davers. “There aren’t enough Quix ships to patrol the entire perimeter at once.”

  “Do the Screen even have the capability to conduct such a large scale cascade?” asked chief engineer Postun.

  The Senfo navigation officer, Jufo, spoke up. “The Screen were able to alter the atmosphere of my entire homeworld. It is within their ability.”

  A holographic humanoid image of Vish appeared over the table. “Probability analysis indicate a 78.4% possibility the Screen are capable of such an action.”

  “Luckily, we have a plan,” said Julie. “Vish.”

  An outline image of the nebula appeared over the table. “The Quix have a comprehensive sensor net deployed throughout the perimeter of the nebula,” explained Vish as dots representing the satellites appeared. A n’quadrin energy feed can be directed from the power facility on Forn to the nearest satellite, which would spread the energy feed to the other satellites, effectively creating an energy shield.”

  “As we all know, very little n’quadrin is needed to create a stable energy shield,” said Julie, referring to PHOENIX’s new shield system that was powered with n’quadrin.

  “There are thousands of satellites,” pointed out Bret. “There’s no way the Quix can modify all of them in time.”

  “Only a small number of satellites will need to be retrofitted to establish a shield network,” clarified Vish.

  “Based on best estimates, the Screen will arrive at the nebula in five days,” said Julie. “We should arrive in three and the Quix should have the shield system up by then.”

  “The protectorate has spread the home fleet as much as they can for patrol duty,” said Korifluxinina.

  “When we arrive we should deploy our fighter drones to assist with the patrols,” advised Tim.

  Julie nodded in agreement. “I’ll want status reports from the relevant departments this afternoon. If nothing else comes up, we’ll reconvene in the morning.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Chris’ heart was breaking. He could hear John’s cries and moans coming from the bedroom. He wanted to rush in and comfort his captain, but there was no consoling John. The captain made it very clear he wanted to be left alone. All Chris could do was leave a tray of food and water at the bedroom door, which John ate very little of.

  John’s suffering had become too much for Chris. He couldn’t continue to sit by and do nothing while his friend was in agony. He paced around the living room, wondering what to do. He was relieved when he heard a slight rap on the door. He rushed over and opened it to see Thresha.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” Chris said as he let her in. “I don’t know what to do for him.”

  “I feel his anguish,” said Thresha in her typical calm voice. “He is trying to suppress his feelings, but cannot, and does not know how to handle his emotions.” Since John went into isolation, Thresha could sense him no matter where she was at in Central. “He must face himself.”

  “Oh sweetie, I don’t know if he can do that.”

  “He must, but he does not need to do it alone.”

  The Aldarian leader walked to the bedroom. She opened the door and found a room in complete disarray: the bed unmade, empty liquor bottles, and trays of uneaten food strewn everywhe
re. In the corner, by the window, sat a disheveled and unshaven John. His face was caked with dry tears and his eyes were red. If his appearance shocked Thresha, she made no indication. As she walked over to him, John looked up at her. He made no attempt to chase her away.

  Thresha knelt down and took his hand, caressing it gently. “I am here for you.”

  “I’m so lost,” he muttered. “I can’t go on.”

  “There is a ritual my people perform,” explained Thresha. “It is called huenari. It allows one Aldarian to guide another through a telepathic connection. I believe it can help you.”

  John cringed, but not from the expected discomfort of having his mind probe. “I don’t want you to see what I’ve become. I’m a monster.”

  Thresha gave him a comforting smile. “You are my dear friend, nothing will ever change that. You do not need to be afraid of what you will find within yourself. I will be with you as your friend and guide.”

  John trusted her and slowly nodded his head. He had given up and there was nothing left for him to lose. Thresha placed her hands on his head and closed her eyes, establishing the telepathic link. John closed his eyes as well, preparing for the wave of pain that would come. It did, but it wasn’t as bad as the first time Thresha probed his mind.

  The next thing John knew he was standing in his bedroom at his home in La Habra. He looked around and was amazed how real everything seemed. His room looked exactly the same as how he remembered it. He wasn’t simply remembering his past, he was living the memory. But he panicked as he realized he was alone.

  “Thresha! Where are you?”

  “I am with you,” she answered, her voice seeming to come from all around him. “I will not leave you.”

  “Where are we? It looks like my home on Earth, but that’s not possible.”

  “We are in one of your most cherished memories,” explained Thresha. “Something so simple as familiar surroundings brings you great happiness.”

  “I thought I accepted PHOENIX as my home,” said John.

  “PHOENIX is your home, but this is the home that resides within your heart,” said Thresha.

  John looked around the bedroom and smiled. The walls were the same dark red color he remembered picking with Nicole. It was an interesting contrast to the black bedspread and sheets on the bed. Nicole used to say that John’s bedroom looked like a bordello.

  John looked to the doorway and saw X roll in, carrying folded bed sheets. The bot made no reaction to John’s presence, and the captain watched as it unfolded the sheets to make the bed.

  “Your affection for your friend is powerful,” said Thresha.

  “He wasn’t my friend, he was my house bot,” clarified John.

  “Not to you,” replied Thresha. “In your heart he is equally important to you as your family and friends. You considered X and Nicole as your family. That is one of your more remarkable traits. You see something within everything, whether it is living or otherwise. It is no different as when you first looked upon the PHOENIX.”

  “When Julie and I saw first saw it, she was looking at a massive starship, but I couldn’t help but see all the dedication and hard work the crew put into building her. I always believed PHOENIX had a soul, one created by the collective will of everyone who built her.”

  “You see PHOENIX as more than a starship, just as you see your friend here as more than just a house bot.”

  John watched as X rolled out of the room. “I wish I could have taken him with me,” he said as he followed his friend out of the bedroom and downstairs. X went into the kitchen, and John watched the bot preparing some food on the stove.

  “I don’t know how I could handle it if X is gone too,” muttered John as he watched the bot working in the kitchen. He regretted not taking it to New York with him. Why did he leave X behind in California? It was a question John didn’t have an answer for. Was he so excited about going to the Academy he was willing to toss aside his old life?

  His attention was diverted by some flickering lights in the dining room. He went to investigate, and as he entered the dining room he saw a table set with elaborate china with a pattern of pink roses. Candles were burning on the table, and two people were sitting and enjoying dinner together.

  “Mom. Dad,” whispered John, not wanting to disturb them.

  “Although they could not be a part of your upbringing, they remain just as important to you,” said Thresha.

  “I tried to remember what they looked like from their pictures and videos,” said John. “I saw how much they dotted over me as a baby. I knew they loved me. I was always afraid I would forget them.”

  “You never forgot,” said Thresha. “You simply locked the memories away so they could not see the individual you feared you had become.”

  “The evil person I’ve become,” reiterated John.

  “I do not see that here,” countered Thresha. “What I see is an individual who grew up in a loving environment and who cherished his family. There is no ill will in your past.”

  John felt better hearing that. “Nicole used to tell me stories about them. How happy they were, how much they were in love. She told me all the time how much she wished I could have known them.”

  “You do know them,” said Thresha. “As Nicole is a reflection of them, you are a reflection of them as well. She helped make you the person you are.”

  John realized someone was missing. “Where’s Nicole?” But Thresha did not reply. “She should be here.” If John was walking through his fondest memories then his sister should be here. The happiest moments of his life was with his sister.

  John left the dining room and entered the living room. There, he saw a person in a TERRA uniform standing by the fireplace, holding a picture frame. As John got closer he saw Nicole’s picture in the frame. He looked at the individual, who he recognized as Admiral Johnson.

  “You!” The heartwarming feelings John felt was instantly replaced by anger. He grabbed the admiral by the neck and forced him to the floor, chocking him as hard as he could.

  “You son of a bitch! You killed her!” John squeezed as hard as he could, but the admiral only blurted a horrid, evil laugh.

  “You don’t believe I killed her anymore than I do,” he cackled.

  “You murdered her!”

  “Don’t lie, John. We both know who’s responsible.”

  Suddenly, John found he was choking himself. His other half smiled as John gripped his neck. “If you weren’t so special, maybe your sister would still be alive.”

  “No! Shut up!” shouted John as he released his grip on his other half.

  “You had to be the center of attention,” said his dark self as John retreated back up against the wall. “That’s why Nicole left you. She couldn’t put up with you self-center ego. You made her turn to drugs.”

  “It’s not true!” shouted John, holding his hands over his ears so he couldn’t listen anymore. “She cared about me!”

  “You wanted to be special and look what it got you,” said the dark half as John fell to his knees. “You got the attention of a crazy admiral who killed your sister so he could use you, just as you’ve used the crew to leave Earth.”

  “No! Thresha! Help me! Please!” But there was no answer.

  “Everything around you dies. That’s what makes you special. Death claims everyone around you. You will always be alone.”

  It was too much for John. “I’m sorry! Please! I’m sorry! It should have been me! It should have been me!” He curled up in a ball and cried as his surroundings dissipated and he laid in a gray empty landscape.

  John felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. He slowly looked up and saw his sister standing over him. She had a warm, comforting smile. It was that same smile that always made him feel at ease.

  “Nicole!” John scrambled to his feet to face his sister. She looked exactly as she did the last time he saw her, beautiful and radiant. “I’m sorry…”

  “Hush,” Nicole said as she placed her finger on
his lips. John said nothing more and the two just looked at one another. All the good feelings associated with his memories of Nicole filled him.

  “I miss you so much,” said John.

  “I know,” replied Nicole. She wrapped her arms around him and embraced him. John hugged his sister back and began to cry. “It’s ok, John. You don’t have to forgive yourself. I forgive you. We all do.”

  With those words the dark cloud that had plague John lifted away. All the pain, anger, and regret he had carried all these months were finally released from him.

  “I’ve always been proud of you and will always be proud of you,” said Nicole. John looked up and saw a shimmering bright light. There, a large group of people were standing in the distance. He knew them all. They were his family, his friends, his crewmates who were no longer among the living. There, in the front of the large group, stood Alex’sis, Drix, Donavin, and Martin. They each smiled and nodded at him, letting John know that he would be fine.

  “Never forget, we’ll always be with you,” said Nicole, as she released her brother and walked towards the others.

  “Wait! Don’t’ go!” pleaded John.

  Nicole turned and looked at her brother. “We’ll never leave you, John. We’re going where we belong, in your heart. We’ll always be a part of you.”

  John watched as they all walked into the light. He believed what Nicole said. They would always be with him.

  Thresha lowered her hands as she ended the telepathic connection as Chris Anne watched anxiously from the door. John had twitched violently several times, but Chris didn’t intervene, trusting that Thresha knew what she was doing.

  John opened his eyes and looked at his Aldarian friend. “I saw her,” he whispered. “I saw her.”

  “She never left you,” said Thresha. “None of them ever left you.”

  A peaceful look came over John’s face as he smiled for the first time in months. It was all the confirmation Chris needed. He knew at that moment the captain had found peace within himself. John’s long crisis was finally over.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “We’re in position,” Kevin reported from his station.