“Yes sir,” replied Bret as the lights to the command deck went out. Julie looked around as the emergency lights flickered on. The Io were able to disable PHOENIX with a single shot. What hope did the other alliance ships have?
A little while later, Julie got word that John was in medical. As soon as she got repairs to the ship underway, she raced down to see how her friend was doing. She found John in the main surgical bay being treated by Doctor Myers as Thresha stood by him.
“What happened?” asked Julie.
“A couple of Io boarded the ship,” explained John. “I think one of them knocked me out.”
“Why did they board the ship?” Julie hadn’t heard of any of the crew encountering them.
“They came for Betty,” said John. “She went with them and she took her kid.”
They all knew how unbalanced Betty had been since Jeffrey’s death, but to willingly go with the Io was complete insanity. “How the hell did they know about her?” asked Julie.
“I don’t know,” answered John. “I tried to stop her when I was attacked.”
“Luckily, all you have is a concussion which I’ve attended to,” said Myers. “I’m also detecting a minor electrical disruption in your frontal lobe, but that should resolve itself.”
“I guess I’m lucky they didn’t decide to take me with them,” said John.
“I’m glad all they did was knock you out,” said Julie.
“What happened to the Io ship? Thresha asked Julie.
“They took off. I had a message sent to the Screen homeworld to alert the occupation fleet. If the Io’s looking for revenge, that’s where they’ll go.”
John was grateful the Io decided to back off from attacking the PHOENIX. They could have easily overwhelmed the ship “And our status?”
“Systems are a mess,” reported Julie. “We have to reboot and reinitialize all our systems. The ship won’t have propulsion for at least twelve hours, and it could take up to thirty-two hours to get the rest of our systems up. For now, we’re stranded with no way to contact anyone.”
Even if they could intercept the Io ship at the Screen star system, they’d have to think twice on how to deal with them. “As soon as we have engines again, set a course for the Io homeworld.” That gave them twelve hours to come up with a countermeasure against the Io.
“With twelve hours, that’ll give you enough time to rest,” said Myers. John looked at him despairingly, but Myers wasn’t having it. “That’s an order. You’ve been through a lot, captain. You need to rest.”
“Doctor Myers is correct,” said Thresha. “You will be more effective after some sleep.”
“Ok,” relented John. “I’ll get a little bit of shut eye, but if you hear…”
Julie raised her hand. “Anything new comes up, I promise to call you.”
John hopped off the bed. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he was tired. Maybe a couple of hours sleep would help.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
“Engines back online,” reported Jacks.
Finally. It seemed like an eternity to get the engines working again. “Set a course for the Screen homeworld and initiate jump,” ordered John.
“Captain, we only have short range sensors,” advised Jufo. “We will be limited to a speed of factor two.”
“Understood, proceed,” said John. He looked over at Korifluxinina. “Please tell me you and the scientists have come up with something to counter the Io.”
Korifluxinina brought up a data file. “We conducted a detailed analysis of the Io energy blast. Unfortunately, we were unable to formulate an appropriate countermeasure. If the Io do attack again, they will disable the PHOENIX.”
It wasn’t what John wanted to hear. But Tim had an alternative. “Captain, we could use the fighter bots and ram them into the Io ship.”
“Crude, but it may work,” said Julie. A kamikaze run seemed like their best option at the moment.
“Then we’ll have to go with it,” said John. The Io was almost as big as PHOENIX. Somehow, John didn’t think that a bunch of fighter bots would do much damage ramming the enemy ship.
A few hours later, PHOENIX arrived at the Screen star system.
“Shields are up, but only at twenty-two percent,” reported Jacks.
“Bring our weapons online,” ordered John.
“What weapons?” replied Jacks.
“We don’t have anything?” asked a surprised John.
“Last estimate was another seventy-two minutes to bring ruialon weapons online,” reported Jacks. “Starburst, torpedo tubes, and the other beam weapons are still offline.”
Great, so they were stuck relying on the fighter bots. “Do we know the state of the Screen homeworld?” asked John.
“Not at this time,” replied Korifluxinina. “The asteroid field is interfering with our limited sensor capability.”
“There’s an opening in the asteroid field,” said Tim.
“Plot a course through it and take us in,” John said nervously.
“All hands to battle stations,” said Julie.
PHOENIX maneuvered through the asteroid field, luckily the alliance occupation force now controlled the Screen gravimetric emitters and established a path for their ships. It was easy for the mammoth human starship to pass through to the interior.
As soon as PHOENIX emerged to the inner part of the system, it headed straight to the Screen homeworld, but the senior staff could already see from the sensor readings they were too late.
The alliance occupation fleet was decimated. Ships were either destroyed or floating aimlessly. The remaining Screen ships had also been destroyed, along with their shipyards.
But it was the readings on the planet that disturbed the command deck officers. Every major city had been reduced to rubble and, try as they might, they could not pick up a single Screen life sign.
“Can you pick up any survivors?” John asked Tim.
“Sorry, sir, but the sensors can’t pick up anything,” replied Tim.
“Serves them right,” muttered Jufo.
John spun around and gave the Senfo navigation officer a stern look. “That’s enough.” Jufo looked around, but no one seemed willing to echo his sentiment.
Despite everything the Screen had done, John couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. An entire race shouldn’t have to suffer for the actions of their leaders. As John looked at the holographic images of the destroyed fleet, a lump developed in his throat. He realized that the Io were a far greater threat than the Screen could ever be.
“John Roberts,” said Korifluxinina. “I am picking up the Io ship on the far side of the planet. The vessel is heading out of the system.”
“Hail them,” ordered John.
“We’re getting a response,” said Bret.
“Human starship PHOENIX,” came the sound of the same distorted electronic voice.
“You abducted two of my crew members,” said John, referring to Betty and her child. “We demand you return them to us and any other innocent aliens you kidnapped.”
“Your request is denied,” replied the voice. “You cannot dictate terms to us. Your vessel is without weapons and your shield system is barely operating.”
John clenched his fists, upset that the Io knew PHOENIX was at a disadvantage.
“You are fortunate to receive mercy from the Io. We will reclaim this area of space as our own, and subjugate the species that have infected our territory….but not neufer. We will leave for distant parts, to prepare ourselves. We return to reclaim this area that is rightfully ours. Tell the species you represent that the Io will return.”
“They’ve cut the transmission,” reported Bret. John watched on the operations table display as the Io ship left the star system. There’s was nothing they could do, they were no match for the Io. John couldn’t help but wonder whether he would be around when they returned.
“Captain,” said Korifluxinina. “I am detecting multiple life signs on the disabled alliance ships.”
It was good news to Julie. “They didn’t take them.”
“Begin rescue operations,” ordered John. “Let’s see how many of our friends we can save.”
PHOENIX spent the next two days rendering aid to the defeated alliance occupation force. They also scoured the Screen homeworld for any survivors. When they did all they could do, PHOENIX headed back to the solar system.
John was in his office reading some reports, trying to find some good with recent events. They had enjoyed a huge victory defeating the Screen. To go from victory to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Io was tough to accept. John felt responsible. Maybe if he hadn’t left that shuttle behind the Io would still be trapped on that planet.
“Command deck to Roberts. Incoming message from Admiral Vespia.”
“Put it through,” requested John. An image of Vespia appeared on his desk monitor. “Admiral.”
“Captain Roberts, I just finished going over your report,” said Vespia. “So you weren’t able to locate any Screen survivors?”
“We went through that planet thoroughly and didn’t find anyone alive, only bodies,” replied John. “But it appears the Io didn’t kidnap any of the Screen.” John felt that death was far more preferable than living as an Io.
“So the leaders we have in custody is all that remains of the Screen,” said Vespia. “Somehow, I don’t think the loss will be mourned by anyone.”
“Probably not, admiral,” agreed John. He felt no jubilation in the extinction of the Screen. Maybe he should be happy. After all, they were responsible for so many deaths. But the captain felt no such satisfaction.
“The Quix are reporting their long range satellites tracking the Io vessel. It’s heading out into deep space,” Vespia informed John. “It looks like, for now, the Io will be a matter to deal with at another time.”
“I’d like to think they may never return,” said John. “But somehow I think they’ll keep their promise.”
“The alliance leaders wanted me to convey to you their gratitude for saving the survivors of the Io attack,” said Vespia. “They’ll be sending ships to the solar system to transport them back to their homes.”
“It’s the one good thing that’s come out of all of this.”
“I haven’t known you very long, captain. But I can see something’s bothering you.”
“It’s because of me the Io were able to escape their planet,” said John. “If I hadn’t left that shuttle…”
“Hold on, captain,” interrupted Vespia. “I’ve read the logs of your time on the planet. You started something that was inevitable. If you hadn’t, another race would have come across the Io. You can’t keep a storm like that contained indefinitely. And, as much as you may not like to hear this, you were a cadet. Did you really think you weren’t going to make mistakes out there?”
As distasteful as it was for John to admit, the admiral was right. But it seemed she was trying to make him feel better. “Point taken, admiral.”
“Good, then we can resign ourselves that our scientists will come up with sufficient defenses the next time we encounter the Io,” said Vespia. “I’ll provide a full briefing to the council. When you get back, you won’t have to worry about giving your report to them.”
“Thank you, admiral.”
“Safe journey, captain. Vespia out.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“I can’t accept this,” said John, handing Myers back a piece of paper the doctor gave him earlier.
Myers smiled as he followed John into his apartment. “You have to, captain. I’ve thought long and hard about this.”
“Why can’t your daughter come live here?” asked John. “I can fast track her approval to join the crew.”
“Marissa isn’t one to live on starships, even one like the PHOENIX,” said Myers. “She’s happy on Earth and my place is with her.”
“This sucks,” muttered John as he slumped on the couch. X was in the corner watching the whole interaction. Humans engaging in conversation intrigued the bot. “First Chris leaves, now you.”
Myers sat next to John. “That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said about me. I was worried we wouldn’t be able to resume our friendship…”
“I hope me treating you the way I did isn’t a factor in why you’re leaving,” said John.
“It’s not,” reassured Myers. “That’s in the past. This is purely to reconnect with my family, nothing more. My time as chief medical officer on PHOENIX was a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I’m not a young man anymore. I realized that family is my first priority. I have a grandchild now, and want her to hear all my adventures I had in space on a remarkable starship with a remarkable captain.”
John cracked a smile at the compliment, but it still didn’t make him feel better losing Myers. “I assumed that everyone would stay on the ship since they spent so many years building it. I know my place is here, but it’s going to be hard seeing you go.”
“Life constantly changes,” Myers pointed out. “As much as we want, nothing lasts forever.”
“May I remind John that you will be able to contact Doctor Myers anytime via the communications system,” said X.
“It’s not the same thing,” John said to the bot. “But thanks for trying to make me feel better.”
“You’ve gone through a lot, captain,” said Myers. “You’re going to be fine. You’ll go on and continue to do remarkable things.”
Since Myers would be leaving, John felt this was the best time to ask him something. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“I’ve never been able to bring myself to ask Julie, because I’m afraid of the answer. But….do you think I’m less of a person for what I did to that Screen?”
“Captain…” started Myers, knowing full well he was referring to the captain’s murder of one of the Screen prisoners they captured. Julie never told the doctor what John did, but it was easy for Myers to figure it out.
“I know she enlisted your help in cleaning up my mess. I know she didn’t tell you what I did, but you’re smart. I….I maliciously killed a sentient being.”
“The fact you’re able to admit that shows how far you’ve come along,” said Myers.
“You’re avoiding the question,” countered John.
Myers thought carefully how to phrase his words. “If you’re asking me to absolve what you did, I can’t. You took a life in an act of revenge. That’s something you’ll live with for the rest of your life.
“I remember when I first met you. We debated whether conducting genocide against the Screen was justifiable if it came down to it. At the time you were willing to do whatever it took to protect humanity. But when you were handed the nuclear bomb, you chose not to use it.
Losing not just Alex’sis, but so much of the crew profoundly affected you. This is a simplistic explanation but, you’re only human. Individuals can only take so much hardship.”
John could only nod. He couldn’t argue with Myers.
“But captain,” continued Myers. “That doesn’t mean a moment of weakness makes you any less of a person. You’ve grown so much these past three years.”
“That means a lot to me, doc. Thanks.”
“Command deck to Captain Roberts.”
John rolled his eyes. “Being captain also means no privacy. This is Roberts.”
“Sir, we’re receiving a distress signal from a freighter carrying humans only a few light years from us.”
“I wasn’t aware the government had authorized human ships to begin venturing from the solar system,” said Myers.
“They haven’t,” replied John, who was equally confused. “Command deck, what’s the nature of their distress?”
“They’re requesting asylum on PHOENIX from the government.”
“Huh?” John was even more confused.
“All they said was the government is demanding they return to Earth immediately.”
“Alter course to inte
rcept, and contact TERRA. Let’s see if they have any idea what’s going on.”
“Yes sir. We should intercept the ship in thirty minutes.”
“I’ll head to the hangar. Notify Captain Olson. Roberts out.” John looked at Myers. “There may be a medical issue here. Care to tag along?”
“Love to,” said Myers as they headed out John’s apartment. “By the way, I should inform you that Doctors Roth and Howl plan to apply for the chief medical officer position.”
“Which one do you recommend?” asked John.
“Oh no! I’m staying out of that one. You can make the decision. You’re the captain.”
“Oh, thanks a lot. Make me the bad guy.”
The two wound up in the hangar where they watched a freighter come in. Julie was in contact with TERRA and learned that the freighter was staffed with sixteen people who had genetic defects. The government was demanding they return to Earth for continued medical monitoring and treatment.
“Security says we’re not picking up any weapons on the ship,” said Chief Davers, who joined the captain and doctor.
“Who’s representing the group?” asked Myers.
“A Witney Bowers,” replied John. “She’s a furniture dealer from Arizona. Apparently, a couple weeks after we defeated the Screen she closed her business and sold her house.”
“Are you going to send them back?” asked Myers.
John wouldn’t look at the doctor, focusing on the freighter door opening. “I haven’t decided.”
The freighter crew emerged from their small craft and John raised his hands. “I’m Captain Roberts of the PHOENIX. I’ve been advised of your situation and ask you to cooperate with us. Please line up so our chief medical officer can do a cursory exam of you.”
“Captain! Captain!” A small petite woman squeezed through the group to the front. “I need to speak with you.”
“Ms. Bowers, I presume,” said John.
“Yes. It’s an honor to meet the person who freed us from the Screen.”
She was sucking up to him, but John couldn’t blame her. She was at a disadvantage. John had no reason to keep them here and could simply offload them when PHOENIX returned to the solar system.
Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus) Page 21
