Franklin, the owner of Smitty’s, came over to check on Julie. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m good for now,” Julie replied. “Just waiting for Mitchell.”
“Soon as I see him, I’ll send him back to you,” Franklin promised as he left her alone. He could tell she was not in the mood to talk.
Julie activated her holographic DAT and began reviewing the tactical data they had on the DUDOS. In one respect, she felt guilty looking over it. The only reason to review the information was if they were expecting a military confrontation. How could she think that? The Cresorians were instrumental in defeating the Screen. How could they go from allies to enemies in a matter of months?
On the other hand, the DUDOS had exhibited nothing but hostility towards them. Reviewing tactical options was a prudent move for a military officer. They had the welfare of the ship’s crew to consider.
“Security to Roberts and Olson,” came the voice of Chief Davers over her pip. “We have a hostage situation involving a Cresorian and human, deck fourteen, unit M3322. My team’s heading there now!”
Julie immediately jumped out of the booth. “Tell Mitchell an emergency’s come up!” she yelled to Franklin as she ran out. “John, chief, I’m heading to deck fourteen now.”
“Who’s the hostage?” John asked.
“Report is Jumix is holding Ben Ravarius hostage,” Davers replied.
“Acknowledged, keep me apprised,” John instructed. “Julie, I’m remaining on the command deck in case the situation with the DUDOS changes.”
“Understood,” Julie said. If a Cresorian was holding Ben hostage, the one person who had worked so closely with the Cresorians, it could destabilize the situation with the Cresorians on PHOENIX. “Olson to Limex. I need you at unit M3322 immediately. One of your people is holding Ben hostage.”
“I will be there,” Limex replied.
The DUDOS attacking the ship, now a Cresorian was holding a crewmember hostage. Things were going from bad to worse. Julie had a hard time imagining how either situation could come out with a positive outcome.
********
A full security detail was situated outside Ben’s quarters when Julie arrived. They had their weapons drawn and pointed towards the open door. She announced herself visually to the team. When they nodded to her, she made her way through the entrance, where she heard Chief Davers and Limex talking.
“You need to release Ben. He needs to receive proper medical attention,” Davers told Jumix.
“This is not how we will resolve our dilemma,” Limex pleaded. “Killing him will accomplish nothing. He has been our advocate since our arrival. Kill him, and we lose all support on this ship.”
“Limex’s right,” Julie said as she joined the pair, holding her hands up to Jumix to show she was unarmed. Limex was also unarmed, but the chief had his pulse gun drawn and pointed at Jumix. “There’s no need for this.”
“I disagree, Julie Captain,” Jumix replied. He had his arm wrapped around the attorney’s neck. His other hand was on the knife still embedded in Ben’s side. “You promised us a home and broke that promise.”
“We can find another planet,” Julie said.
“For Buinox to destroy?” Jumix countered. “He will pursue us until he has us. How long are you willing to keep us here?”
“They have treated us well here,” Limex argued. “You cannot claim that your time here has been unbearable.”
“It does not matter!” Jumix yelled. “We do not want to remain here. We would rather return home than stay on this ship.” His eyes focused on Julie. “You flaunt your luxuries, thinking if you share your amenities it will appease us. But you have no idea what we have suffered. Your kind was spared the destruction the Screen inflicted upon us. You expect us to submit to a life of meekness when we are survivors.”
His eyes then shifted to Limex. “You are willing to subject to them because you are weak, tired of fighting for what is best for our people. You lost your way as they poisoned your mind with their way of life. You’d rather become one of them and give up your identity than live as a Cresorian.”
“That is not true,” Limex insisted. “I am doing what is right for our people.”
Her remark only incensed Jumix’s anger. He pressed the knife into Ben, moving it around, causing the attorney to cry out in pain. “You will never understand!”
He pulled the knife out of Ben and shoved him to the floor. He lunged towards him, ready to attack again when the chief opened fire. Two shots struck Jumix in the head and chest, and he collapsed to the floor.
“Julie to medical. We have a Cresorian down and a human in need of help.” She raced towards Ben as Limex checked on Jumix. Ben was breathing heavily as he clutched his side. Julie put her hands on the wound and applied pressure. “Help’s on the way.” She looked over at Limex. Her head was buried in Jumix’s chest, and he wasn’t moving. It was all the confirmation Julie needed.
Ben grabbed Julie by the arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”
Julie tried to comfort him. “Save your strength. It’ll be okay.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
It had been three days since Jumix attacked Ben. The DUDOS was still firing its weapons on PHOENIX, albeit at a slower pace. This morning John received a priority communication from TERRA. He read the report slowly, trying to accept the contents in it.
The door chime to his office rang. “Come in.” It was Julie. “I just finished reading the communication from TERRA,” John said as Julie sat down.
“And?” Julie didn’t get the report as it was flagged for John’s eyes only.
“Buinox was telling the truth. The Cresorians have declared war on the alliance. They’ve already attacked a Onixin and Quix ship.”
It took a moment for Julie to process the news. “Do they…do they want us to come back?”
John shook his head. “There are reports of continued infighting among the Cresorians. They’re even attacking each other. TERRA feels the combined forces of the alliance is more than enough to keep them at bay if the Cresorians cease their infighting and unite. We’re to continue with our mission. How’s Ben doing?”
“He’s been discharged from medical and is expected to make a full recovery. I spoke with Limex. She’s decided her people can’t stay on PHOENIX. They’ll be leaving at the end of the day.”
John wasn’t too surprised to hear such news, and he wasn’t inclined to argue for them to remain on board. “Where will they go? The DUDOS is also still out there.”
“I pointed that out, and she doesn’t care. Given what Jumix did, she believes they’ve lost all trust with the crew. They’ll never be looked upon as equals. As for where they’ll go, she wouldn’t say.”
“Maybe given some time…” John started but stopped himself from finishing the sentence. He couldn’t solve everyone’s problems. “If they want to go, so be it. There’s one thing I can do to help them. Now that we’re officially at war with the Cresorians, it makes what I want to do easier.”
John got up and headed out of the office. Julie followed him out of the command deck down to the operations table. She suspected what he was going to do. Buinox would be sorry for crossing John.
“Tim, arm ruialon beam weapons,” John ordered. “Target the DUDOS’s weapons. Once they’re destroyed, fire a starburst.”
“Yes, sir,” Commander Richardson replied as he brought the weapons systems online.
“Buinox is hailing us,” Bret reported. “He wants to talk.”
“I’ll bet he does,” John muttered. No doubt the Cresorian saw PHOENIX had armed its weapons and was locking onto his ship. John had no intention of talking to him. They were past talking. “Fire when ready.”
PHOENIX’s ruialon forward beam emitters fired, striking the DUDOS multiple times. When the sensors showed every weapon emitter of the DUDOS was destroyed, PHOENIX followed up with a starburst attack.
“DUDOS weapons have been destroyed,” Tim reported. “Starburst
has hit the target. All their systems are offline.”
“Jufo, take us out of the system and jump the ship,” John ordered. “Exit the jump when our Cresorian guests are ready to leave.” He looked at Julie. “You have any comments on my actions?”
“No, John,” Julie replied. “I stand by your decision.”
John said nothing more as he patted her shoulder and returned to his office.
********
Julie was in the hangar, watching the Cresorians board their ships. John opted out of seeing them off. Given what happened, he was done with dealing with any Cresorian and wanted no more interactions with them. It was a sad end to their situation. They had all come together to fight and defeat a common enemy. But that foundation wasn’t enough to solidify the alliance that was forged.
Limex was the last one to arrive at the hangar. She had the same belongings she’d had before coming on board. None of the Cresorians accepted the provisions offered to them. They all elected to leave the same way they came.
Limex approached Julie, flanked by two security guards.
“The last of your people have boarded their ships,” Julie informed her.
Limex nodded. “Where is John Captain?”
“He’s chosen not to see you off,” Julie admitted. “I’m sorry.”
Limex was not surprised that John Captain refused to see them off. “Do not apologize. You and your crew did everything to help us.”
“Where will you go?” Julie asked.
“I will be resuming the life I have always known. As for the others? Once we leave this ship, they are free to do what they please. I was only their leader on PHOENIX. In space, they are free to what they want.”
Julie was disheartened, and Limex could see the disappointment in her face. “Do not grieve for us. We are survivors, we always have been. Sacrifice is part of our lives. Also, please tell Ben Attorney I appreciate everything he tried to do for my people.” Limex started to walk away but stopped and turned to Julie one more time. “Jumix was…he was my gogankin.”
It took a few moments for Julie to remember what that word meant. By the time she realized Limex had said Jumix was her son, the Cresorian was already on board her ship. All the executive officer could do was watch the Cresorian ships leave the hangar. Sure enough, as Limex had predicted, the ships split up and jumped in different directions.
CHAPTER NINTEEN
John and X were in Andre’s quarters, going through his personal effects. With things relatively quiet on the ship since the Cresorians’ departure and no sign of the DUDOS, John had no excuse to avoid going through his deceased friend’s belongings. It was tough. Everything he looked at was a reminder of Andre.
“This unit has finished packing Andre’s clothes,” X announced. The bot found John sitting on the living room couch, looking through some photos. There were five boxes of pictures on the coffee table.
“Yeah.” John barely paid attention to his bot. He was too engrossed in the pictures. He was living Andre’s entire life through these photos. His upbringing, marriage, raising kids, retirement years, all documented in these pictures.
The door chime rang, but John didn’t hear it. He was too caught up looking at the photos. After seeing his master wasn’t moving, X went and opened the door. “Julie Olson.”
Julie stepped inside. “Vish said you and John were here.”
Hearing his executive officer’s voice broke John out of his trance. “Is everything okay?” he asked as he put down the pictures.
“Ship operations are fine. I came here to see how you’re doing. We’ve barely spoken since the Cresorians left.”
“Sorry about that. I just needed some time to myself,” John admitted. “I should have told you…”
Julie held her hand up. “No, no. It’s okay. I needed a little time to myself as well.”
“I keep wondering what Drix would have said or done if he were still here,” John wondered. “I finally realized that I had no idea what he would have done. He was our friend and valued crewmember, but that was when he was alive. Who knows what he would have done with his fellow Cresorians here.”
“I believe he would have done everything he could to integrate them here,” Julie said. “He was an example of how aliens could live and work together. He got along with everyone. That’s what the alliance was founded upon. Maybe he was unique among his people in that he recognized the benefit of collaboration.”
John smiled. “I always thought Drix was like me. He marched to his own beat.”
“He did. He wasn’t like any of his people,” Julie agreed as she looked around. “How are you doing here?”
“I’m doing okay. I miss Andre a lot, but I’m not sad. It’s weird, but I understand why he did what he did. He lived a full life, spent it with someone who meant the world to him. When he lost her, he considered his life over. As much as I wanted him to be happy here, I’m glad he’s at peace.”
“I feel that way with Mitchell,” Julie revealed. “I couldn’t imagine my life without him. When we fought the Screen protecting the Ni, he was the only person I thought of when I was in my fighter.”
“When I found Alex’sis after the command deck was hit, even though I felt her pulse and knew she was gone, I couldn’t accept it. I went into automatic mode. I later thought that denying her death made me weak.”
Julie had a different perspective. “I think it makes you an optimist. You always hope for the best in a situation. That’s always been your strength. And I like what you said about Andre. He tried to continue with his life. He even went so far as moving to this ship.”
“From the pictures I’ve gone through, he lived a full life,” John smiled.
“What do you want to do with all of this?” Julie asked.
“X, we’ll take all the pictures back to my apartment. They represent the life Andre made for himself with Adriana. As for the rest of his things? We’ll send them to requisition. Let them decide what can be sold or reprocessed.” He looked at Julie. “Wanna help?”
“I’d love to,” Julie said as she grabbed a box of pictures. “I’m meeting Mitchell and dad for dinner later. Want to come with?”
“Sounds perfect,” John said as they headed out of Andre’s quarters.
********
Doctor Roth entered the main surgical bay, reviewing some data on her holographic DAT. Her patient was oozing over the main surgical bay.
“I have to be honest with you, Vun. I can’t make much out from your biological scans.”
“You are an accomplished healer,” Vun said. “I accept whatever conclusion you may draw.”
“Well, I compared these readings from your last readings when you first came on board. At the micro level, your cells are operating about forty-three percent faster than baseline. If you were human, I’d compare that to elevated blood pressure. How do you feel?”
“I feel good,” Vun replied. “I have never felt so...invigorated.”
“Glad to hear that. So why the sudden need for a visit?”
“I have learned from you humans that going on a…hunch…is best,” Vun explained. “I felt the need to see you, so I went with that compulsion.”
“Well, as far as I’m concerned, you’re in perfect health. Just don’t take that as absolute. I still don’t have experience with non-humanoids.”
Vun slid its body off the surgical bed. “I appreciate your time looking over my functions. Good day.”
Roth watched as the Gercol left medical. She signed up for this tour to expand her knowledge of aliens. Vun certainly was an example of that challenge. She accepted its explanation that it came for a check-up on a hunch. In Roth’s experience, people rarely went to a doctor on a hunch. She was certain Vun came to her for a reason, but she wasn’t going to coerce a confession out of him. Maybe in time, it would tell her.
As the chief medical officer headed to her office, something else was nagging her. She swore Vun looked a lighter shade of green.
********
<
br /> Vun made its way to a lift and headed down to Central. It was satisfied with the doctor’s examination. Despite the unusual circumstances, things were proceeding as normal. Any concerns the Gercol had about its health had been abated. It knew its time was now limited. However long it had left was still an unknown.
Vun arrived at Homeworld Decadence and found Mu talking with some of his staff. As soon as the Rifva spotted the Gercol, he excused himself from his workers.
“I am happy to see you,” Mu said as he extended his three hands out. Vun extended three appendages out and enveloped Mu’s hands. The warmth of the appendages always felt good to Mu. “I am taking the evening off, so we may spend time together in my quarters.”
“Will you teach me more of the craft of cooking?” Vun asked.
Mu blinked his three eyes in unison. “Yes, I have selected a dish that I believe you will be able to master.”
“I am ready for the challenge,” Vun promised. “What time would you like me over?”
“I will be ready for you at 1800 hours.”
Vun’s body shook a little. “I will see you then.”
The Gercol left the restaurant. It decided to slide around Central rather than head to its quarters. It only stopped once when it caught a look of itself in the reflection of a glass storefront. These humanoid aliens couldn’t see it, but Vun saw the changes occurring in its body. It never thought that this could happen with a humanoid creature. Somehow it and Mu had created a life together. The birth of this life form would mean the end of Vun’s life, as was the case with any Gercol who procreated. Vun decided it would wait to tell Mu about their new life form when its physical changes became obvious. As to telling Mu that Vun would die once their offspring had emerged? Vun decided that it would say nothing. It knew enough about Rifva culture to know such news would only bring sadness to Mu. This was something to celebrate.
Vun saw a clothing store. Although it did not know what it and Mu’s offspring would look like, it felt best not to take chances. If it needed clothes when it emerged, Vun would have them ready in hand. The Gercol made its way into the store to browse the wares.
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