Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “State you question,” boomed the whole.

  “Why?” asked John. “Why didn’t you stop the Screen at the start of the battle. You never needed PHOENIX to protect you. Why let them nearly destroy PHOENIX and kill over seven hundred of my people?” John didn’t realize the anger that welled up in him, making him raise his voice.

  John waited for an answer, but the Ni said nothing immediately. “You said if I asked you would answer.”

  “It was me.” It was Jacks who answered. “It was because of me the Ni did not act immediately.”

  “You?” John was confused.

  “My presence in the whole had been a disruption ever since I rejoined them,” explained Jacks. “My experiences with both the Screen and your people created a debate within the Ni, and without consensus the whole could not proceed. It was only with the threat of your annihilation did the whole force itself to act.”

  “You mean…” John didn’t want to say it as he connected the dots. “If you never would have returned home…”

  “You must stop there, captain,” interrupted Jacks. “My experience with you gave the whole insight about how humans function.”

  “Chaotic, unpredictable,” bellowed the whole.

  “It was that insight that led the whole to decide to intervene and save you,” said Jacks. “My disruptive presence was necessary to give them that information.”

  “Your species operates with barely a semblance of order,” said the Ni. “You have the capacity to destroy, yet demonstrate an ability to create unity and foster care towards others. Humans can be destructive like the Screen, or evolve to a higher plane. The whole has concluded that humans have the propensity to attain evolutionary greatness. It is why we are bestowing this gift.”

  A large pink crystal formed from the gases in front of John and floated towards him. The captain instinctively grabbed it and looked at it as it seemed to pulse with life.

  “Within the crystal holds the achievements of the Ni,” explained the whole. “All our scientific knowledge is embedded within it. It is yours to use as a guide as humans progress and unlock the secrets the universe has to offer. The information is far advanced beyond your current knowledge. It will take furniski for your people to grasp the basic concepts.”

  To receive a race’s entire accomplishments was mind-boggling to John. “Why give all your knowledge to a race you barely know?”

  “Because humans, out of all the races we have observed, demonstrate the best chance of success of becoming what the Ni once was.”

  The words caught John’s attention. “What do you mean was?”

  “Our time has passed,” announced the whole. “We remain so that we could pass our legacy to another worthy species. Now that it is done, the Ni can become no more.”

  “But you can stay and teach us everything you know,” said John.

  “Our decision has been made,” reiterated the whole.

  John turned to his friend. “Jacks?”

  “As great as the Ni has become, we are still a part of the universe and all things must come to an end. Our time has long since passed and we must now embrace our ending.”

  “That doesn’t mean you too, does it?” asked John, afraid of what the answer would be.

  “It is only because the whole is ending that the part is being allowed to rejoin us,” said the whole.

  “I joined PHOENIX because I had nowhere else to go,” explained Jacks. “The discord I created within the whole that prevented us from acting immediately created great distress. It was decided I could no longer be a part of the whole and was expelled shortly after we saved you.”

  “It is only with sympathy do we permit the discord to rejoin us. It is better it joins us in the void than exist alone.”

  John didn’t accept their argument. “You can stay with us on PHOENIX,” he said to Jacks. “You’ve become a part of the crew and can make a good life for yourself there.”

  “Your words please me, John Roberts,” said Jacks. “But the whole is correct. I cannot exist as a remnant of the Ni. I choose to join them and embrace our ending.”

  “But you wouldn’t be alone,” said John, pleading to his friend. “I was alone when Alex’sis died, but the crew was there for me. We can be your new whole. We’ve lost too many friends and colleagues. I can’t lose you too.”

  “Your compassion has never been limited to your own species,” said Jacks. “That is what makes you unique, John Roberts. But beginnings and endings are part of the universe. Our time has come. It is now up to the newer races to find their way.”

  John was speechless as Jacks body suit separated and the Ni emerged from it. He wanted to plead with Jacks to return to PHOENIX with him, but the captain knew his arguments would be fruitless. As independent as Jacks was from the whole, he was still part of the Ni.

  Jacks swirled around John, offering its version of an embrace the alien observed humans do so many times on the PHOENIX. “You saved me from the Screen, offered me sanctuary, and gave me a home when I no longer had one. Although I join the whole in the void, what you have done for all of us will carry on. I believe the universe will never forget John Roberts.”

  With that, Jacks raced away from John and rejoined the whole, becoming a part of them for one final time. “Captain John Roberts of the human starship PHOENIX. Farewell.”

  A few hours later, long after the Quix ship left the Ni star system, they registered the implosion of the Ni homeworld. As before, when he lost so many of the crew, John mourned the loss of his friend Jacks.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  “Both houses of Congress narrowly passed the bill,” announced the anchor on ELM News. “With the law effective immediately, Transit Express announced special rate fares for first time travelers to Luna and Mars.”

  “Display off,” said Julie as she sat in John’s office. She reviewed the crew manifest list sent to her. It wasn’t for the PHOENIX, but for a commercial ship called the EMPORIUM. The ship was filled with passengers, all who were descendants of Holocaust victims. With the law prohibiting their travel from Earth now struck down, some were wasting no time planning a life away from Earth. The people on the EMPORIUM were heading to a nearby life supporting planet PHOENIX located during its travels. They would represent the first human colony outside the solar system.

  One of the names on the list was Kevin Jacobson. With his goal of getting the law struck down fulfilled, he no longer had a reason to stay on Earth. Julie had hoped he might return to PHOENIX. Although the government had struck down the law, TERRA had not changed its rule about letting people with genetic defects serve in the military. The command council had issued a statement to the public saying they would evaluate their policy, but Julie suspected it would take some pressure from the public to force TERRA to change.

  “Come in,” said Julie as the door chime rang. “Doctor Roth.”

  “I transmitted the final staff numbers from medical to you,” she said. “We’re finally going to be able to open the second wing.”

  “With over eighteen thousand people coming on board, we’re going to need all the medical facilities,” said Julie. “By the way, congratulations on your promotion to chief medical officer.”

  “Thank you, captain,” said Roth. “I know it was tough for Captain Roberts to choose between me and Doctor Howl.”

  “I understand you promoted Doctor Howl to co-chair the chief medical officer position with you,” said Julie.

  “It seemed only right. Doctor Howl was at the EXODUS Project longer than me, and with such a large crew to attend to, having a single CMO didn’t make sense.”

  “I know you’ll do a fine job,” said Julie.

  “Is Captain Roberts going to be back in time for the farewell party on Luna?”

  “The Quix ship should arrive in a couple of hours,” Julie replied as the door chime rang again. “Come in.” Tim entered the office.

  “Captain, doctor. I just received word the Aldarians have chosen their new Yearde
n.”

  This was big news. Ever since losing the Yearden to the Screen, the Aldarian committee had been discussing who should be the new Yearden. Everyone was anxious for a decision. Even some of the crew began betting on likely candidates.

  “Who is it?” asked Julie.

  “The person will be revealed in a ceremony at the coilquin tonight,” explained Tim. “All the Aldarians are currently in the temple meditating until this evening.”

  “So much for talking to any of the committee members and getting an early scoop,” said Julie. “Vish, have the ceremony placed on the calendars of all the senior staff, and notify Captain Roberts as soon as he’s back on board.”

  “Acknowledged, Captain Olson,” replied Vish.

  That evening the senior staff found it difficult to get inside the coilquin. It seemed the entire ship was down in Central for the unveiling. Those who had worked with the Aldarians for the past few years wanted to know which of their colleagues would now represent the spiritual embodiment of the Aldarian race. The newer crew members showed up out of curiosity.

  The streets of Central were overflowing, even with additional sections of the area newly opened to accommodate the larger crew. The first row was designated for the senior staff and John and Julie sat side by side as the temple filled up. They looked around and all the Aldarians had their heads bowed, chanting a soft melody. Up on the altar, covered from head to toe in white garments, was the new Yearden. The two captains tried to see who it was, but neither could see past the white veil.

  “I wasn’t sure what to do after the ceremony,” Julie said to John. “None of the committee members approached me about any ritual or cultural protocol about this announcement. But I’m playing it safe and made arrangements for a dinner in the board room.”

  “We should’ve talked to Thresha about their protocols, but I didn’t think they’ve ever choose someone,” admitted John.

  The melody died down and a committee member stepped forward. “For many trutnai, we have meditated and asked for guidance as to who represents the spiritual collective of our people. It was a challenging task, as we have been away from our home. Although it has been difficult, living among our human and alliance friends have eased our burden. But our journey has concluded. I present the one who will ensure the purity of our spirituality.”

  The Aldarian stepped away and the new Yearden stepped forward, flanked by assistants on either side. They slowly lifted the veil and John’s heart sank as he saw the new Yearden to be Thresha. Her eyes, like Yeardens before, were completely white.

  “I am humbled to continue to guide our people and ensure their spiritual well-being. The time of discord has past. Because of the actions of our human friends, our homeworld is safe once again. Although we have called PHOENIX our home, the time has come for the Aldarians to return to our world and begin anew.

  John and Julie looked at each other, sad to hear such news. Thresha stepped down from the altar and walked up to them. She gently placed her hand on John’s face. “You mourn for a friendship you believe to be ending, but I tell you both that our friendship can never end. No matter where our paths take us, our bond can never be broken. We can never express all that you have done for us. Because of you, the Aldarians endure and will flourish once again.”

  “You’ll always have a place on this ship,” said Julie. John was too upset to say anything. Again, change had come and he would be saying good-bye to another friend.

  Thresha felt the heaviness in his heart. “John Roberts, you have done so much for all of us, not just my people. You must continue to thrive here as so many now look to you to guide them.”

  John embraced his friend and whispered to her. “You’ve done so much for me. Thank you.”

  “I did what any one of us were willing to do,” replied Thresha. “You will never be alone again.”

  For the first time in his life, John believed that.

  After the ceremony Thresha, the committee, and the senior staff celebrated in the board room, but John’s heart wasn’t in it. Try as he might, he couldn’t help but be sad that Thresha would be leaving PHOENIX. He kept up a celebratory mood until he was too tired to do even that. He left the party and retreated to The Lounge, which only had a couple of patrons tonight. He sat in the corner and slowly sipped a glass of red wine Max poured for him. The bartender could see the captain wanted to be alone, and left the bottle at the table.

  X went to check on his master and found him in the bar where Vish said he was. “Julie asked this unit to check on you. She contacted me when you departed the board room.”

  “I needed some time for myself,” muttered John.

  “Then I will leave you be,” said X, as it started to roll away.

  “No, please stay,” said John, motioning for the bot to join him.

  “I am sorry Thresha will be leaving the ship,” said X as it lifted itself up on the other chair. “It was evident you considered her a close friend.”

  “I don’t know what’s been harder. Losing crew members in battle or losing them this way.”

  “Please clarify,” requested X.

  “Kevin left to start a movement, Chris left to be with the Senfo, Myers is moving back to Earth, Jacks is gone, now Thresha’s taking her people back to their homeworld. We went through so much together these last few years. The idea of continuing to explore space without them hurts.”

  “You left La Habra to attend the Academy in New York,” X pointed out. “You also left the Academy to command this starship. It is common for people to move to pursue their goals.”

  “Yeah,” said John. “But I got used to the idea of everything staying the same. When I took command of this ship there were barely five thousand people. Now we’re pushing twenty thousand.”

  “I have heard from many crew members that it is because of your leadership the ship prospers,” said X. “You should be happy so many people are coming on board.”

  “I am,” admitted John. “I know I’ll make new friends, but it’s hard having to lose some of the friends I’ve already made.”

  “I’ll never leave.” John looked up to see Julie. “I’m going to miss them too. But I can promise you I won’t leave.”

  “Even if TERRA offered you a ship of your own?” asked John.

  “They already did,” said Julie as she took a seat in between John and X.

  The news caught him off-guard. “You serious?”

  Julie nodded. “The council contacted me while you were away. They offered me a chance to command one of the new capital ships under construction. I told them absolutely not. Why would I?”

  “To command your own ship,” answered John.

  “And give up the chance of serving under John Roberts. I may have wanted a ship of my own as a cadet, but not anymore. I’m serving on TERRA’s flagship alongside the best commanding officer…”

  “Stop it, Julie,” said an embarrassed John.

  “No, I’m serious,” continued Julie. “You’ve done something no one else in this fleet could’ve done. Remember our Academy days what we thought of each other?”

  John couldn’t help but smile. “I thought you were an overachieving suck up.”

  Julie laughed. “And I thought you were a self-serving know it all who thought he was better than everyone.”

  “It’s scary to think I actually believed that,” admitted John.

  “And look where we’re at now,” said Julie. “I serve under a ship commander I admire and respect, and who’s become a good friend. No command of my own is worth given this up.” Julie took John’s hand and squeezed it. “As long as you’re here, I’m here.

  John smiled, grateful for her reassurance. He couldn’t imagine commanding PHOENIX without Julie by his side.

  “Thanks,” he said.

  “And this unit will not leave unless you request it,” chimed in X as it put its hand over theirs.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  TERRA spared no expense on the farewell party for PH
OENIX, which was also a good-bye party for those few crew members leaving the ship. John and Julie, dressed in ceremonial uniforms talked to hundreds of people. Even several representatives from the president’s office were present, eager to hear about PHOENIX’s exploration plans. The ship would be stopping at the Aldarian homeworld first before setting a course into deep space to begin a multiyear long journey of exploration.

  “Captain,” said Myers as he approached John with a woman the captain recognized as Myers’ daughter. “I’d like you to meet my daughter, Marissa.”

  “It’s so nice to finally meet you,” she said. “Dad’s told me so much about you.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine,” said John as they shook hands. “So doctor, are you all set to move back to Earth?”

  “Actually, we decided that she’s going to move here to Luna,” said Myers. “Now that they’ve struck down the law, she wants to experience life here.”

  “I hope you’ll enjoy it,” said John to Marissa. “I haven’t had a chance to explore Luna much, but hear it’s a great place to live.”

  “Thank you,” she replied. “Excuse me.” She knew that her father would want a few minutes to say good-bye to John.

  “I’m glad things have worked out between you,” John said to Myers. “She seems like a wonderful woman.”

  “She is,” said Myers. “A lot of people are wondering how long PHOENIX will be out exploring space.”

  “The command council left it to my discretion,” said John. “But we’re thinking maybe seven or eight years.”

  “I hope to be around when you return,” said Myers.

  “You’re not that old, doc,” replied John.

  “There’s an entire galaxy to explore,” Myers pointed out. “You’ll probably get side-tracked and not return for at least a decade. You never know.”

  “You’ll see me again,” said John. “This isn’t good-bye, more like a see you later.”

  “I like the sound of that,” said Myers as they shook hands. “Take care, captain.”

  John watched as the doctor went back to his daughter. He looked around at all the people at the party. It was at that moment he realized what he had accomplished. Humanity had finally taken its rightful place in the stars.