Fury Of The Phoenix (Exodus)
Page 25
“Come in.” The commander entered and found the captain standing by the large window of his quarters, looking out at the local space.
“Captain.”
“How’d the simulation go?” he asked.
“Not well, sir.”
“That’s ok. It’s not like they were going to pass the first time around.”
“Yes sir.” Bowman knew he was trying to make her feel better and she appreciated his understanding.
“I’ve received new orders from TERRA this morning,” said Randon. “We’re being recalled back to Mars.”
“Why?” They were scheduled for another rotation of patrol of the inner sphere of human territory.
Randon activated a holographic display and showed the orders to Bowman. Her eyes lit up as she read it. “Are they serious?”
“Very,” replied Randon. “I’ll let you inform the crew. Given the timetable, we better set a course back to the solar system otherwise we’ll miss the big event.”
“Yes sir! I’ll take care of it immediately,” said Bowman as she raced out of the captain’s quarters.
Seven hours later, the SENTRY was in orbit of Mars, not far from the CROSSROADS space station that circled Mars and wrapped around it like one giant ring. A heavy traffic of ships came and went from the station, which was home to over six million people.
Bowman was on the observation deck with the other off-duty officers, waiting anxiously with the others for the big event.
“When’s she due to arrive?” asked Lieutenant Wu.
“Should be any moment,” replied Bowman.
“How long has she been gone?” asked another junior officer.
“Over thirteen years,” said Bowman.
A low sounding siren blared over the ship’s speakers. “CROSSROADS station to all docking personnel in sector prime, report to dock one to receive incoming starship. Repeat, all prime sector docking teams to port one. All ships in nearby vicinity to vacate area immediately.”
“I heard she stopped at Aldaria to pick up some passengers,” Bowman overheard one of her officers say.
Everyone looked around, trying to catch a glimpse. It was Wu who spotted it first. “There, over there!”
Bowman looked to where she was pointing at and was amazed at what she saw. She had seen videos and holographic images of it, but they didn’t compare to seeing her in person.
The TFS PHOENIX slowly approached CROSSROADS station. Even the largest ships in the area were dwarfed by PHOENIX’s massive size and no other vessel looked like it either. PHOENIX looked like a living being, it’s flowing lines and concave curves unlike any other human starship in service.
Bowman never thought she would have the opportunity to witness PHOENIX returning home. When it last left the solar system, she housed almost thirty-five thousand people, with almost half the crew comprising aliens. What new races had she encountered during her last journey? What new things had the crew uncovered? Being a crew member on such a magnificent ship must be a lot more exciting than Bowman’s assignment on a patrol ship.
The commander felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Captain Randon. “PHOENIX will be off-loading passengers in an hour. The command council has requested you be at the docking port to see them disembark.”
Bowman was confused. “Why?”
“Apparently, someone on that ship wants to see you.”
That didn’t make sense. Bowman didn’t know anyone on PHOENIX. Who knew about her?
A NEW ADVENTURE TO BE WRITTEN…SOMEDAY………
Novels by Robert Stadnik
EXODUS SERIES
Exodus Of The Phoenix
Phoenix Among The Stars
Phoenix In Chaos
Fury Of The Phoenix
HEROES & CONSEQUENCES
Tales Of A Former Child Superhero