PHOENIX attacked and disabled the first Screen battleship with a starburst. As it floated in space, the human starship followed up with a ruialon attack on the other two ships, inflicting some damage as the beams penetrated the Screen shields. The Screen managed to get several shots off on PHOENIX, but her shields held.
“The modifications to the ruialon weapons have worked,” said Korifluxinina. “They have passed through the enemy shields with ease.”
“Take out their weapons and engines and then target the other two battleships,” ordered John.
Despite the first wave of Screen ships being destroyed, the enemy would not relent. “Seven more battleships and thirty-two cruisers altering course towards us,” reported Julie.
The battle raged and the Screen continued to lose ships more quickly than the alliance. More Screen battleships tried to mount another assault against PHOENIX, but the alliance wouldn’t allow it as several groups of ships took a position around PHOENIX to protect it. The Mars planetary cannon continued to take out cruisers and battleships as the Ni ships fired on any Screen vessel that came within their range.
“Fifteen ships are trying to pass us,” said Tim. “Looks like they’re making a run towards Earth.”
PHOENIX and several alliance ships managed to take out most of the ships as they flew by, but three Screen cruisers managed to escape unscathed.
John was scared how much destruction those cruisers could unleash on Earth, but before he could issue any orders one of the Ni ships took action. It’s length suddenly increased and it extended itself in front of the three cruisers. As soon as the ships impacted the Ni vessel, they all exploded.
With that crisis averted, John reviewed the enemy armada’s status and realized they had lost too many of their fleet to win. Only a handful of Screen ships remained.
Suddenly, the Screen halted their assault and retreated backwards, grouping together in one formation.
“Captain, I’m getting a signal from a Screen battleship,” said Bret. “They’re…they’re signaling their surrender.”
“Notify the fleet to cease fire,” ordered John. “Contact the Screen and inform them to jettison their primary power cores and prepare to be boarded. If they don’t comply, we will resume our attack.”
“Sending the message,” said Bret. “They’re responding in the affirmative.”
For a moment, everyone looked around at one another, not sure what to say or do.
“We did it,” said Julie, the realization of their victory hitting her. “We stopped them.”
“Stop them?” said Chris. “We kicked their asses!”
Suddenly, the command deck erupted in cheers as everyone began celebrating the success of their mission. It took three years, but PHOENIX accomplished its primary mission. They stopped the Screen. Humanity was finally free.
John hugged Julie, Thresha, and Chris before refocusing his attention again. “What’s the status of the alliance fleet?”
“Three hundred fifty-six vessels destroyed,” reported Tim. “We have about eighty ships badly damaged, mostly Cresorian.”
“Send out REPOs to tow in any ship that can fit in our hangar,” instructed John. “Coordinate rescue efforts with the other alliance ships.”
“John Roberts,” interrupted Korifluxinina. “The Ni ships are leaving the system.”
John looked at Jacks. “They have completed their duties here and are returning to the whole.”
“Should we contact them?” asked Julie.
“Send them this message,” said John. “Tell them we say thank you.”
“Captain, we’ve got an incoming message from Luna,” said Bret. “It’s the command council.”
“Put it up,” said John. An image of Admiral Vespia appeared over the operations table.
“John Roberts, what’s your status?” asked Vespia.
“We’ve defeated the Screen and are in the process of taking the surviving enemies into custody,” said John. “We’re now in the process of conducting rescue operations.”
“And EXODUS?” she asked.
“Only minor damage to PHOENIX,” countered John.
“Very well then,” said Vespia. “With the Screen threat now eliminated. I’m ordering you to bring EXODUS to Luna. You will hand the ship over to TERRA and you and Cadet Olson will be taken into custody to stand trial.”
“Now wait a minute….,” started Chris, but John held his hand up to silence his friend.
“Understood, admiral. We’ll be in orbit of Luna in the next couple of hours and will give myself up to TERRA.”
Vespia nodded and the display disappeared.
“What the hell are you doing, sweetie?” Chris asked John. “They’re going to throw your ass in prison.”
“I agreed to command this ship to eliminate the Screen threat,” explained John. “We did that. It doesn’t matter what TERRA does to me now.” He looked at Julie. “You can take a shuttle to an alliance ship if you want. I’ll understand if you don’t want to come with me.”
“No,” said Julie. “We’re in this together. Whatever they do to you, they’ll have to do to me.”
John was grateful that she would remain by his side. At this moment, he realized how much he had come to depend on her. He looked over at Bret and Rudov. “Coordinate the rescue efforts and inform the fleet that PHOENIX will be heading to Luna.”
“What should we say about you and Commander Olson?” asked Bret.
“The truth, that Julie and I will be turning ourselves over to TERRA.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
For the first time in its history, court martial proceedings were being held in the TERRA command council chambers on Luna instead of advocate’s office on Mars. The proceedings were being held publicly. A large audience consisting of humans, Senfo, Onixin, Quix, and Cresorians were gathered in the chambers.
Once the alien alliance learned that John and Julie had turned themselves in, they demanded to be present for any hearings that would decide their fates. Word about them had also reached Earth, Luna, and Mars, and people were demanding their immediate release. Under pressure, Admiral Vespia agreed to open the hearings to the public. She had cemented herself as the new head of TERRA and, as a gesture of good will, turned over Admiral Donalds and the command council members she removed to Earth Security. In addition, she agreed for Earth Security personnel to occupy TERRA headquarters as well as appoint at least three of their commanders to TERRA’s command council.
With her position safe for now, Vespia sat at the middle of the council table and waited patiently for the proceedings to begin.
The doors to the chambers opened and John and Julie walked in, accompanied by two TERRA and Earth Security guards. As soon as the audience saw them, they broke out in applause. Vespia did not react to the adulations.
The two young officers stood at the head of the table and looked up at Admiral Vespia. She noticed how proud and confident they appeared. Neither of them showed any fear about what punishment they might receive. They certainly didn’t come across as cadets. It was still hard to imagine that these two inexperienced cadets managed to do the unthinkable. They defeated the Screen.
Once the applause died down Vespia spoke. “Cadet John Roberts and Cadet Julie Olson…”
“That’s captain and commander,” shouted an audience member.
Vespia slammed her gavel down. “Silence! Any more outbursts like that and I’ll clear the chambers and conduct these proceedings in private.” When no else offered a protest, she looked back down at John and Julie. “You’ve been provided a list of charges leveled against you. The charges include theft of TERRA property, assault against fellow TERRA officers in battle, and disregard for the chain of command. Do either of you have anything to say?”
“We elect to make our statements during the official court martial proceedings,” answered John.
“Very well,” said Vespia. “This preliminary meeting is to ascertain whether there’s enough evidence to support th
e charges against you. The council has determined that there is sufficient evidence to move forward with court martial proceedings.”
There was a loud drone that came from the audience, but Vespia held her hand up. “However, the council recognizes there is a technicality that prevents us from moving forward with those proceedings.” John and Julie looked at each other in confusion.
Vespia opened a file on her DAT. “According to our records, the two of you never graduated from the Academy. Court martial proceedings clearly state that only commissioned officers can be held to answer charges for violating military rules. Although the charges against you are serious, the simple fact is we can only court martial officers who’ve been approved to serve in TERRA. Cadets do not receive such approval until they graduate from the Academy. You two never did.
“Therefore, it’s the judgment of this council that all charges against John Roberts and Julie Olson be dropped, especially in light of their accomplishments.” Vespia looked at the pair and smiled. “You were willing to sacrifice your careers and risked your lives to free not only humanity, but our new alien friends from the Screen. You embody the spirit TERRA was founded upon. It’s a spirit TERRA has forgotten and will perhaps find again thanks to you.”
The audience broke out in applause. John and Julie hugged each other, each having a hard time believing this good fortune.
“There’s more,” announced Vespia. “Now that we’ve taken care of that issue, we need to figure out what to do with you two. Clearly you have more experience than any other ship commander in TERRA’s fleet.
“So it’s the judgment of this council that the EXODUS be officially commissioned in the fleet. Let it be known that it will be designated as the TFS PHOENIX and will serve as TERRA’s flagship. As John Roberts and Julie Olson have demonstrated their worth in commanding it, they will be offered the opportunity to continue commanding PHOENIX. What say you two?”
“Yes, admiral,” they said in unison.
“Good, then as of this date TERRA officially promotes John Roberts to the rank of captain. I would promote Ms. Olson to commander, but I don’t think the ship of that size should be commanded by a single captain. Therefore, the council officially promotes Julie Olson to the rank of captain as well and she will continue to serve under Captain Roberts as his executive officer.”
The audience broke out in applause again and people rushed from their seats onto the floor towards the two newly promoted officers. This was something neither expected. In one fell swoop, TERRA wiped the slate cleaned.
“Captain Roberts,” boomed a voice from the crowd. John turned and saw a man in a suit approach him. The man extended and shook John’s hand. “My name’s Charles, the president’s chief-of staff. The president conveys her apologies for not being here, but recent events necessitate her remaining on Earth for safety reasons.” John and Julie were advised of the rift between TERRA and the government, and how close civil war almost broke out.
“Thank you,” said John.
“The president would like to meet you at your earliest convenience.”
“Sure, I don’t really have much on my plate at the moment,” said John.
“How about now?” offered Charles. “We have a shuttle waiting to take you down to Sydney.”
That was quick. John turned to Julie, who motioned him to go. “Go on, I’ll stay here.”
John looked up to Admiral Vespia, who was still in her seat. “You better go while you have the chance, captain.”
John nodded and followed Charles out of the chambers, followed by supporters still cheering him on. Before John knew it, he was on a luxurious shuttle heading down to Earth, escorted by five Interceptors piloted by Earth Security soldiers. John couldn’t take his eyes off the planet. Although he dreamed of a life in space, he was happy to see his homeworld again. The last time he saw Earth was three years ago when PHOENIX left.
John kept his attention on the outside view as the shuttle descended into the atmosphere and flew across the ocean. Out of the numerous planets he had seen, none of them compared to Earth’s landscape.
The shuttle arrived in Sydney and landed on the lawn of the president’s office. Word about the captain’s arrival already reached the planet, and a large group of media and supporters were outside the gates, cheering him on. The captain waved and smiled at them before being led inside. He was awe struck that he was here to meet the president. He never imagined something like this would happen.
President Butu was waiting by her desk as Charles and John entered. Several of the president’s advisors were present, along with a few members of the media and two people who had been waiting for John.
As soon they entered he heard his name. “John!” Billy and David rushed toward their friend and almost tackled him as they hugged him. “You son of a bitch, you did it!”
“Wha…what are you guys doing here?” asked a surprised John.
“It’s a long story,” said David.
“You won’t believe it,” started Billy. “We got caught and arrested by TERRA, then Earth Security rescued us. You thought you had an adventure?”
“Your friends single handedly started the PHOENIX movement.” John saw President Butu approach them. “John Roberts,” she said as they shook hands as the media recorded the event. “On behalf of the entire human race, I want to thank you for what you’ve done. Because of you, humanity is free of the Screen and we can rightly take our place among the stars.”
“Thank you,” was all John could think of saying. This was becoming overwhelming to him. He expected to have been thrown in prison, not shaking hands with the leader of the government.
“Holy shit! John Roberts is speechless,” said Billy. Charles shook his head. He warned Billy about using profanity with the media present.
“There’s someone here who’s been waiting for you for quite a long time,” said Butu. She motioned behind John. He turned and saw a black bot slowly roll forward. Its casing may have been new, but John recognized it immediately.
John approached the bot and knelt down in front of it. He ran his hands gently over it as a swell of emotion came over him.
“I thought I lost you,” he said, trying not to choke up.
“Hello, John,” said X as it took John’s hand and held it. “President Butu was kind enough to offer me a place to stay. This unit is pleased to see you again.”
“I’m sorry I left you behind,” whispered John.
“The president stated you would return,” explained X. “This unit is satisfied you fulfilled that promise.”
John was overwhelmed and couldn’t say anything. He wrapped his arms around X and tightly held the bot. For the people in the room, it was an odd sight. But to President Butu, it was a family reunited.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The Ruby sector, the newest area of Crimson City, was slated to be open in three month. But TERRA had no suitable place to hold a hastily assembled alliance committee, so the musical hall in Ruby Sector was selected to hold an important meeting.
A ship commander from the Quix, Senfo, Onixin, and Cresorian ships was selected to represent their races. Senator Mulgen, who represented Mars, was selected to represent the human race. The committee gathered on the stage of the music hall, and one of the senator’s aides was given a micron implant so he could act as a translator between the senator and alliance members.
When they were all seated, several guards entered, escorting the two leaders of the Screen. Once word of the armada’s defeat reached the alliance worlds, they sent ships to occupy the now lightly defended Screen homeworld. It took less than a day to conquer the planet and the two leaders were brought to the solar system to answer for their race’s actions. The Screen leaders now stood in front of the committee, flanked by armed guards around them.
Senator Mulgen, who was seated in the middle, stood up. “You have been brought before this committee to answer for your crimes. It is our duty to determine what punishments should be handed to your pe
ople. However, in order for justice to be properly dispensed, we are convening this meeting to learn what motivated the Screen to act against our peoples.”
The senator sat back down. “Why? Why did you commit aggressive acts against us?”
The Screen leaders whispered to one another. One of them shook its head, apparently refusing to talk. After some more discussions, the other leader stepped forward.
“We are not indigenous to this galaxy,” began the leader. One of the senator’s aides whispered in the senator’s ear as he translated the Screen’s words.
“You are called Drou, correct?” asked the Senfo commander.
“Yes,” replied Drou. “We came to this galaxy to escape a hostile species who enslaved us. They used their superior technology to oppress us. But over a span of many mucloni, we devised a plan to escape them. We built a slip gate and escaped our homeworld and arrived to this galaxy.
“It did not take long for our ancestors to find a suitable planet to settle on. We then discovered other sentient races in this part of space.” The Screen pointed to the Cresorian. “We discovered your species first, and found they had technology that rivaled our oppressors. We feared that if you learned of our past, you would attempt to enslave us. So we presented ourselves as equals and attempted to acquire your technology. When your leaders refused to trade with us, we decided that the Cresorians had to be removed as a threat.”
The Cresorian, named Xex, slammed his fist on the table. “You destroyed my people!” Vori Hendestaun put her hand on the Cresorian’s arm to calm him.
“We sacrificed many of our people escaping our homeworld,” said the Screen. “We were unwilling to allow another race to enslave us.”
“Is that why you attacked the other races?” asked the Quix cadri.
“Yes,” replied Drou. “With your species, we simply trapped them in the nebula. The Senfo demonstrated a remarkable ability in the field of genetic manipulation and we saw the potential of what could happen with such advanced knowledge. The Onixin were masters of construction, and their discovery of quadrin would accelerate their technological advancements.”
Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus) Page 13
