Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “I do not know what to say to them,” admitted the Rifva.

  “Tell them what you saw, nothing more,” advised Julie. “That’s why Captain Roberts had you in security.”

  “On my world there is specific protocol to follow when dialoging with individuals of certain positions,” said Mu. “Before coming to PHOENIX I was a low level merchant. I was never schooled on conversing with those of the Centronimo class.”

  “I don’t think you should worry about that, otherwise they wouldn’t have requested to speak with you,” said Julie. “Just do the best you can. You can always blame your unfamiliarity with protocol from living on an alien starship.”

  “Thank you, Captain Olson,” said Mu.

  That evening, after Chris finished his performance at The Lounge, he returned to his quarters to relax. He was conflicted about Danuo’s offer, and performing tonight didn’t do anything to help him come to a decision. He saw the looks of admiration from the Senfo in the crowd, but he also saw the same admiration from the other crew members. How could he consider leaving the ship and a crew that have leaned on him for support?

  Chris reclined on the couch, too tired to change into his pajamas and take off his makeup. He was halfway through his glass of wine when the door chime rang.

  “Come in.” He was happy to see it was John, but also nervous. The captain had obviously already talked to Danuo, and knew about their offer to Chris.

  “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to perform tonight,” said John. “Doctor Howl told me she treated you for a sore throat.”

  “Can’t let my fans down, sweetie,” said Chris as John took a seat next to him. “My throat’s fine, just some minor inflammation.”

  The captain had a sincere look on his face. This would be the hardest conversation he ever had. “Danuo told me about his offer.”

  “Captain, I can assure you I would never give up my post here,” said Chris. “Relocating to Flutori isn’t realistic.”

  “I think you should go.” Chris never expected that to come out of John’s mouth.

  “What?”

  “I came here with a hundred reasons why you should stay on PHOENIX,” admitted John. “But I wouldn’t be a good captain or friend if I did that. I need to look out for the best interests of the crew, but I also need to consider the best interests of the individual. The truth is, I think this is the best thing for you.”

  “But I have a commitment to you. I’m responsible for the crew’s morale,” Chris argued.

  “The crew will be fine,” assured John. “Chris, you came to the EXODUS Project to escape your problems on Earth. You gave up your singing career. Instead, you found your talents could help the crew as we looked for the Screen. Because of you, we survived everything we went through. But you don’t belong here. You’re a star, far bigger than what PHOENIX has to offer. You’ve got an entire planet who needs you and wants to treat you like the celebrity you deserve to be.”

  Chris’ eyes welled up with tears as he realized John was reiterating what Chris already knew in his heart. He wanted to live that life of a star again, but a part of him felt he was being selfish. It was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders hearing from a friend that it was ok to pursue his dreams again.

  “When I first met you, I looked up to you,” said John. “You were my idol.”

  “Stop it, sweetie,” said Chris, choking up.

  “You’re still my idol, but also my dear friend.” John gently touched Chris’ cheek, wiping away the tears. “You were always there for me and helped me through so much. It’s ok for you to go.”

  Chris’ heart ached. He wanted to be there for John in so many ways, but he knew the captain would always belong to Alex’sis.

  Chris hugged his friend, and John had to force himself to remain compose, even though he was hurting inside. He had to be the captain and be strong for his crew member.

  “Ok,” said Chris, breaking their embrace. “We go on like this and my face will be a mess.”

  John smiled as he handed him some tissues from the coffee table. “I’m going to have to inform the crew. They’re not going to be happy.”

  “I’ll tell them,” offered Chris. “They deserve to hear the news directly from me.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  PHOENIX arrived at Flutori, delivering medical supplies to the planet as well as a team of alliance doctors and scientists who were assigned to the planet to help the Senfo reawaken the rest of their population and rebuild their planet’s ecosystem. It was also the last night of Chris living on PHOENIX. He would be moving to the planet in the morning, so tonight he was putting on his last performance for the crew. For the past few days, people were stopping by The Lounge to wish the singer luck. Chris realized how much he would be missed as people kept stopping by to say their good-byes to him.

  It didn’t take long for The Lounge to fill up with people. The Stardust Café and Smitty’s were also packed, taking in those crew members who couldn’t get into The Lounge.

  John showed up to The Lounge early and was initially going to see Chris before the show, but decided against it. There were too many emotions in John and he couldn’t bring himself to say good-bye to his close friend.

  “Here,” said Julie, placing a small drink on the table.

  “What is it?” asked John as he stared at the clear liquid as Julie sat down.

  “It’s called a swirly.” She flicked the glass and a rainbow of colors appeared and danced around the liquid. “Apparently, a Onixin and Quix were experimenting new drinks with Max and came up with this.”

  John took a sip and immediately liked it. “I could get addicted to this.”

  “I don’t want to hear that from the ship’s captain.” John turned to see Doctor Myers. “I already have an Onixin addicted to the stuff.”

  John chuckled as Myers joined them. “I’ll only sip it.”

  “So how you doing?” asked Julie. She knew John was having a tough time with the realization that Chris was leaving. She tried not to think about it herself. Chris had done so much for the crew, especially after their defeat from the Screen at the Ni star system. If it wasn’t for Chris, Julie was certain the crew wouldn’t have pulled through.

  “I’m trying to stay focused on the positive, but it’s tough,” admitted John.

  Myers patted him on the back. “You can still call him anytime.”

  “Won’t be the same,” replied John.

  The lights dimmed and the music began. The curtains parted and there stood Chris, wearing a glittering white dress covered with diamonds and a tiara that complimented the dress and sparkled in the black hair piece he wore.

  Chris began with a slow melody he wrote about friendship and love. He slowly made his way down the stage, but for this song, he wasn’t entertaining the crowd. As far as he was concerned there was only one person in The Lounge. The singer never took his eyes off of John, singing directly to him. This song expressed everything Chris wanted to say to John, everything he felt for the captain.

  Chris sat on John’s lap and sang to him. For the entire song, they were the only two in the entire universe. John remembered the person who stayed with him during his breakdown, and Chris remembered the man who reminded him that he still had something to contribute to the world.

  At the conclusion of the song, Chris put his lips by John’s ear and whispered, “Thank you.”

  It was a touching moment. John closed his eyes, not wanting Chris to see how painful it was going to be for John to see his friend leave. Julie recognized what this moment meant and, despite the new adventure Chris would be embarking on, how difficult it was going to be to leave his life on PHOENIX behind.

  Chris continued the performance until he physically couldn’t sing anymore songs. He lasted for almost three hours, finding the strength within himself to last that long.

  Long after the Chris had performed and the crowd had emptied from The Lounge, John and Julie remained, sitting at the bar with Max as the tri
o shared some cocktails together.

  “Looks like you’ll have to find a new act to replace Chris,” John said to Max.

  “No one can ever fill his shoes,” replied the bartender as he finished his drink. “Ok, I’m done.”

  Julie tapped her glass and Max filled it back up. She lifted it up. “To Chris.”

  John raised his glass as well. “To Chris.”

  Max hesitated for a moment, but something in him made him decide to reveal this. “He loves you.”

  John looked at Max for a moment, then to Julie, who showed no reaction to Max’s statement. “You knew?”

  “He confided in me a while back,” admitted Julie. “He never wanted you to know. He saw how hard it’s been for you losing Alex’sis.”

  John looked back at Max. “He told you too?”

  “He never said a word. I could see the way he looked at you.”

  John finished his drink and set the glass down. “I guess I always suspected. I just couldn’t because of…” He didn’t want to dwell on Alex’sis. “I guess that’s part of why I told him to go. If he stayed I’d always be a constant reminder of what he can’t have. I do care for him, but not in the way he wants.”

  “I think he understands that,” said Julie.

  “I will say this,” said John. “Losing Chris is almost as hard as losing Alex’sis.” He tapped his empty glass. “Another round, Max.”

  The next morning Chris was up early. He didn’t have to worry about packing as two bots were handling those duties. He spent two hours getting dressed and putting on his makeup. He chose a dark emerald dress and fiery red wig. The dress’ design called for a lot of jewelry which Chris put on.

  “Come in,” he said as the door chime rang. It was Julie.

  “The Senfo shuttle has arrived,” she informed him. “I’m here to give you an official escort off the ship.”

  “You’re so sweet,” smiled Chris. He looked at his dress. “What do you think?”

  “It’s perfect,” said Julie. “I wanted a few moments to talk to you in private.”

  “Oh sweetie,” said Chris, his emotions already stirring. “I just got all dolled up.”

  “Too bad,” Julie said jokingly. “What you’ve done for this crew is beyond words. I can’t tell you what you mean to me.”

  “I swear you’re going to make me cry,” warned Chris.”

  “I don’t care,” said Julie. “You left an indelible mark on all of us. We’re never going to forget you. You’ll always have a home on PHOENIX.”

  Julie grabbed Chris’ hands. “And I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what you did for John.”

  That struck a chord with Chris. “Promise me you’ll look out for him. He depends on you so much.”

  “I’ll take care of him, I promise,” assured Julie.

  Chris looked around his quarters, a place he called home for so many years. He remembered when Admiral Johnson offered him to hide away at the EXODUS Project. Never did he realize how things would turn out. Instead of hiding from the world, Chris found a whole new life. “Ok, let’s go.”

  The doors opened and Chris was taken aback what he saw. TERRA officers lined the corridor, all looking at him. In the background, on the ship’s speakers, one of Chris’ songs was playing.

  Julie stood behind Chris. “Attention on deck.”

  The officers stood at attention. Chris was almost overwhelmed by this acknowledgement of respect, but he maintained his composure. He wanted to look good for the crew. After all, he was Chris Anne. He walked with purpose towards the lift, with Julie right behind him.

  They arrived at the hangar deck. There, standing by the main doors, were the senior staff: Doctor Myers, Bret, Korifluxinina, Rudov, Tim, Thresha.

  “This is as far as we go,” said Julie. “He’s waiting for you on the other side.”

  Chris looked at all his friends. Nothing needed to be said between them.

  “Chris Anne,” said Julie. “As a commanding officer on this ship, I hereby release you from your duties as morale officer of the PHOENIX. You are relieved.”

  “I stand relieved.” Chris stepped towards the doors and they opened. In the distance sat the Senfo shuttle and standing near it was John. He was dressed in a red ceremonial TERRA uniform. It was the first time the captain ever wore it.

  “You look absolutely beautiful,” commented John as Chris approached him. He paused for a moment, trying to figure out what to say. “I would have never made it if it wasn’t for you. You…”

  Chris put his fingers on the captain’s lips. He leaned forward to John’s ear and whispered, “I love you and always will.” Although John already knew that, it meant so much to him for Chris to say it.

  Chris kissed John on the cheek and, without looking at him, stepped away and boarded the shuttle. It was only when the doors began to close did he turn to take one last look at his friend. John was smiling, a smile telling Chris this was not an end for them. They would always be connected.

  John watched the shuttle lift off and exit the hangar. Long after the hangar doors had closed, and after PHOENIX left the Senfo star system, John remained in the same spot in the hangar, listening to Chris’ music over the speakers.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  “I may have picked up a ship,” reported Tim at the operations table.

  “Is it Onixin?” asked John.

  “I can’t determine from this distance. I can’t even be sure it’s a ship.”

  John looked at Korifluxinina. “Unarnu?”

  “There appears to be some interference hampering our long range sensors, but I cannot be sure,” reported the Quix science officer.

  Julie looked back at the communications station. “Any replies to our calls?”

  “Nothing so far,” replied Bret.

  “Reduce our speed to factor one and put the shields up,” ordered John. The Onixin cruiser sent to locate the missing freighter stopped reporting its progress nearly a week ago. The Onixin military contacted PHOENIX and requested the starship investigate the disappearance of both vessels. John had no problem with the request, figuring PHOENIX’s superior weapons technology could protect them from danger. He was just afraid what they would find.

  “You believe the disappearance is tied to the Io?” Jacks asked John.

  “I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but my instincts are telling me it’s them.”

  “No one has reported so much of a sighting of the Io,” Julie reminded him.

  “We are approaching the coordinates of the object,” reported Jufo.

  “Exit jump and bring the ruialon weapons online,” ordered John.

  “Exiting jump,” Jufo announced.

  The ship exited its jump and John waited anxiously a few moments for the sensors to record the surrounding space.

  “Picking up an object fifteen thousand kilometers from our location,” said Tim. “Hull design and composition conform to an Onixin cruiser.”

  “I can bring up a holographic image,” said Korifluxinina.

  “Do it,” ordered John. An image of the cruiser appeared over the operations table.

  “Hull marking confirm it’s the DEDIRIS ,” said Tim, which was the cruiser dispatched to search for the missing Onixin freighter.

  “Verify the ship’s transponder code,” ordered Julie.

  “I can’t,” replied Tim. “I’m getting some strange energy readings from the ship. I can’t pick up any transponder frequency.”

  John looked over to Korifluxinina, who was analyzing what the sensors were showing. “The energy readings appear similar to the ones on the planet where you left some of your crew. But I cannot say if it is the source of why we cannot pick up a transponder reading.”

  “Onixin transponder frequencies can only be disabled if the ship’s entire power network is destroyed,” noted Julie.

  “Readings indicate the ship’s power network’s still intact,” said Tim. “In fact, I can’t pick up so much of a scratch on the ship. If it was disab
led, it wasn’t done by conventional means.”

  “Protocol dictates a team should be sent to investigate the cruiser,” said Jacks.

  “No,” replied John emphatically. “I won’t send anyone over there unless we know what to expect.”

  “There are no life signs being picked up,” said Korifluxinina. “But the unusual energy readings may be concealing them.”

  John was suspicious. “Sounds like a trap.”

  “We could send a couple of bots over on shuttles to investigate,” offered Julie. “Have Vish control them remotely.”

  “We would need to get closer to the cruiser,” said Korifluxinina. “The energy emissions may interfere with any transmission link between Vish and the bots.”

  “How close?” asked John.

  “My calculations indicate within one thousand kilometers,” replied Korifluxinina.

  That was way too close for John’s comfort, but there didn’t seem to be any other choice. They needed some answers. “Load two bots on a shuttle and launch it towards the cruiser.”

  As everyone began preparations, John looked at the image of the cruiser as it continued to rotate in space. He wasn’t optimistic about what they would find.

  Unfortunately for John, his fears were well founded. A couple of hours later they were going over the footage recorded by the bots.

  “The bots explored every section of the ship and didn’t find one crew member,” reported Julie. “There wasn’t any evidence of an attack or anything indicating the crew was killed. It’s as if they simply vanished.”

  “What about the ship’s logs?” asked Bret.

  “The ship’s computer systems were erased of all information, even the operating system was deleted.” Julie sped the footage up. “The bots found a single piece of equipment.” The video showed what looked like a piece of a component. Analysis indicates it had taken an impact from an energy weapon.

  Julie looked at the senior staff. “The component didn’t match Onixin metallurgic structures, but it did match the metallic alloy of the Jeffrey McCail computer module.”