“We carry three Onixin traders on board,” said Noonica. “I will have them speak with the cruiser. Assuming you are telling the truth, what do you propose?”
“Your freighter’s barely space worthy and cannot support your crew,” said John. “I offer you sanctuary on my ship.”
“In exchange for what?” asked Noonica.
“We ask of nothing of you,” said John. “Our vessel can easily accommodate you and your passengers. You can remain on PHOENIX until such time each of you have made arrangements to go elsewhere.”
“I will inform the others of your offer and let them decide for themselves whether to trust you,” said Noonica. “I will contact you again after the Onixins have contacted us.”
“Understood,” said John as the transmission ended.
“Somehow, I think he’ll convince everyone to trust us,” said Julie.
“Me too,” said John. “It’s not like they have a lot of options.”
“We should make arrangements to bring them over,” said Alex’sis. “I’ll have transport shuttles standing by to begin evacuating them from the freighter.”
“I’ll inform Doctor Myers to prepare for quarantine process,” said Julie.
“Good,” said John. “Have Drix and Thresha greet our new guests when they come on board. Maybe seeing other aliens will relax them.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Getting the aliens through quarantine went much faster this time due to all the biometric data Alex’sis and Drix collected during PHOENIX’s first visit to the alien trading station. Although the Onixin cruiser vori convinced the freighter passengers that PHOENIX was a friendly vessel, the aliens were still distrustful when they came on board. They questioned every scan and procedure done at medical and even the selection of their accommodations. Chris Anne, Drix, and Thresha each had their hands full trying to keep them calm. After realizing they weren’t being treated as prisoners or subjected to experiments, the new aliens began to relax, but none of them would offer any information about the location of their home star systems. It seemed, for now, they would remain on PHOENIX. But for some of them, it didn’t take long to acclimate to their new surroundings.
One of the Rifva, curious about the ship, was escorted to Central by one of the Aldarians assigned to him as a guide. The alien was fascinated by the unusual architecture within the ship, but it was the smells that got his attention.
“What is that place?” the Rifva asked, pointing to the Stardust Café.
“That is the Stardust Café, a human restaurant,” said the Aldarian Triftil.
The Rifva was confused by Triftil’s statement. “Restaurant? I am unfamiliar with that term.”
“It is an establishment whose purpose is to serve prepared food,” explained Triftil. “Food is used as the medium by which individuals engage in conversation to facilitate social interaction. It is a pleasant experience.”
Mario came out and saw the pair standing in front of his establishment. “So Triftil, you giving our friend here a tour of the ship?”
“Thresha requested volunteers and I was happy to oblige,” replied Triftil.
“I’m Mario,” the café owner said to the Rifva as he put his hand out to shake. The Rifva extended his arm that protruded from his stomach region, which Mario found disconcerting. “I hope that’s just a third hand.”
“When your vessel first visited the trading outpost, I observed the Cresorian and human female…shake hands?” said the Rifva. “Is this not how you greet one another.”
“Oh, what the hell,” said Mario, grabbing the Rifva’s hand and shaking it. “Nice to meet you. What’s your name, or designation, or whatever others call you?”
“I am Mu.”
“You the only one of your kind on board?” asked Mario.
“There is another of my species here,” said Rifva. “However, I have never interacted with him and do not know his designation.”
Mu’s attention was suddenly diverted to the various odors coming out of the cafe. “I am curious as to the aromas emanating from your establishment.”
“Shoot, if I didn’t know better I think you might be interested in cooking,” said Mario. “If you want to come inside I’ll show you.”
Mu looked at Triftil. “Is that permissible?”
Triftil nodded. “You are free to do as you wish on this ship.”
Mu blinked his three eyes in unison. “I am at your disposal, Mario.”
“Follow me,” said the café owner. As they entered the café, Julie and Chris Anne were in Central Grocer, picking up some groceries for their quarters. Chris was giving the executive officer some interesting bits of information from his interactions with their new alien guests.
“And those blob aliens, the Gercol,” said Chris. “They can merge into one form.”
“Weird,” said Julie. “Do their minds merge too?”
“No, they keep whatever constitutes their brains separate. But the medical staff couldn’t find any definable organs in their bodies and are still trying to figure out their biology.”
“Did the Gercol say what the benefits would be merging together?” asked Julie.
“No,” replied Chris. “They weren’t exactly forthcoming about much of anything.”
“I heard they leave a liquid residue when they walk,” said Julie.
“It’s pretty gross,” confirmed Chris. “Donavin reprogrammed a couple of bots to follow them and clean up their residue. I wouldn’t want to slip on that stuff, especially in high heels.”
“You think any of our new guests will come down to see you perform tonight?” asked Julie as she inspected some oranges. She heard that Chris was putting on a performance tonight for the aliens they rescued, as a way to get them comfortable on the ship.
“I think so. The Aldarians have done great getting the new aliens settled in. They promised to have all of them at The Lounge tonight. You going to be there?”
“I think I’m free tonight,” said Julie. “But I’ll double-check and get back to you.”
“The captain’s busy working tonight and Lieutenant Brandus is doing something with Drix, so they’ll be a no show,” said Chris.
“The captain’s making himself fully available in case the Quix calls,” explained Julie. “Our techs weren’t able to decrypt the Screen data we downloaded, so we sent the data to the Quix for analysis. They’re pretty certain they can decrypt it and would only take a few hours. So the captain wants to be available when they call.”
“Wouldn’t it be exciting if the data had the location of the Screen homeworld?” said Chris.
“That’d be huge,” said Julie. “With our alliances with the Quix and Onixin, and the Senfo making progress rebuilding their world, we should be more than a match against the Screen.”
“Shoot, meat’s getting expensive again,” said Chris as they moved over to the butcher counter.
“What’d you expect?” said Julie. “That’s filet minion.”
Chris stuck his tongue out her. “Sweetie, it’s nothing but the best for this girl.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
At 0400 hours the senior staff was summoned to the board room by the captain. They filed into the board room quickly and they all noticed how tired the captain looked. He had not slept all night and was only kept awake by drinking a lot of coffee.
Above him on the wall display was the Onixin council, Senfo Commonality leader Danuo, and the Quix queen. Their presence indicated that whatever the news, it was big.
When everyone took their seats John began. “The Quix was able to decipher all the data we obtained from the Screen battleship we fought.”
“Their homeworld?” Chris asked, hoping that the captain would verify they had indeed learned the location of the Screen homeworld.
John shook his head. “There weren’t any coordinates to their star system in the data, only the location of some of their fleet movements and a couple remote installations. But I can confirm they know everything we’ve be
en up to these past few months. They know about our alliance with the Quix and Onixins, and even know of the Senfo’s reconstruction efforts. Given their knowledge of our activities, a few hours ago I signed a treaty entering PHOENIX into a unified alliance with the Onixins, Quix, and Senfo.”
“Although we have more work ahead in rebuilding our world, there is consensus within the commonality that we must actively participate in the new alliance,” said Danuo.
“We will be dispatching a fleet of cruisers to reinforce the defense of the Senfo star system,” announced Ogo.
“I have directed the protectorate to send a couple of ships to the Senfo as well,” said the Quix queen. “With the ships the Senfo military have already reactivated and staffed, they should be safe.”
The news sounded great to everyone, but Julie saw no elation in John. There was more to be said.
“Captain, you don’t seem pleased about all of this,” said Julie.
“The Screen already concluded that an alliance amongst the four of us was inevitable,” said John. “It’s the Ni they’re worried about. They’re afraid we’ll eventually convince the Ni to join us.”
“If they know about our activities with the Onixins, Senfo, and Quix, they have to know we haven’t had any luck establishing relations with the Ni,” said Alex’sis.
“There wasn’t anything in the data to indicate if they know of our efforts in contacting the Ni,” said John. “But what we do know is they’ve assembled an armada of ships to go to the Ni homeworld and wipe them out.” The news created a disturbing ripple in the board room.
“When?” asked Julie.
“After extensive analysis none of our scientists could decipher Screen time measurements,” said the Quix queen.
“But we did identify several markers in the data indicating the information is recent,” said Ogo. “We estimate the fleet will arrive at the Ni star system in a matter of human measured days”
“Our experts concur with that assessment,” said Danuo.
“Then we must warn the Ni,” said Thresha.
“It’s not that easy,” said John. “I’ve had messages sent to the Ni as soon as we learned of this but they haven’t replied.”
“All of us have been sending messages without a response,” said the Quix queen.
“It’s possible the Screen are already jamming any messages being sent to the Ni homeworld,” said Bret.
“Possibly,” said John. “Nevertheless, we cannot allow the Screen to attack the Ni. They’ve already caused enough damage with other races.”
“We’re going back there, aren’t we?” said Julie.
John nodded. “We’ll proceed to the Ni homeworld and keep sending messages. But if they don’t respond, I plan to defend them from the Screen.”
“Is it wise going back?” asked Kevin. “The Ni warned us never to return to their system.”
“It’s a chance we’ll have to take,” replied John.
“How many ships constitute the Screen armada?” asked Drix.
“Nothing was specified in the files,” said Ogo. “So you will have no idea what you will be facing.”
“I have authorized the protectorate to dispatch vessels to aid you,” said the queen. “However, the engines of our ships will need time to fully power up once free of the nebula. It could take thirty dartnas for the protectorate to rendezvous with you at the Ni system.”
“Our military is in the process of assembling a fleet to aid you,” said Ogo. “But it may take up to a human measured week to reach you.”
“We have only begun to reactivate our ships,” said Danuo. “We cannot provide any support at this time.”
“Hopefully, the Screen won’t attack until after the Quix and Onixin have reached the Ni system,” said John. “But until then, we’re on our own.” The captain turned to his chief engineer. “Professor Donavin.”
“Yes, captain?”
“The proposal on the maintenance bots we discussed. I want you to put it into action. Use as many personnel to get it done. I want the plan ready by the time we get to the Ni system.”
“Yes, captain.”
John looked at Thresha. “I know your people won’t commit violence, even to defend themselves. But whatever support they can provide with medical assistance or repairing the ship will help.”
“Of course, captain. We will do what we can to assist you.”
“It’ll take three days to get to the Ni homeworld,” said John. “I want this ship and crew ready for battle when we arrive. Work with your staff and coordinate with Lieutenant Brandus, Commander Olson, and myself.” Everyone looked at the captain with confidence. “Dismissed.”
The ship came to life as word of their mission to the Ni system got around. The crew jumped into action and worked to make sure the ship was ready for battle with the Screen. The aliens recently rescued from the Onixin freighter were shocked to learn PHOENIX was going to protect a race that wanted nothing to do with outsiders, but they marveled at how the crew seemed committed in preparing for the mission.
John was so busy with preparations he wasn’t able to reconnect with Julie until the following day. They met up in his quarters during a brief break from their duties. When Julie entered she found her captain standing by the window, looking out at the stars as they streaked by.
“I never get tired of this,” he said.
“Me too,” said Julie as she joined him. “Every night I stare out of my bedroom window until I fall asleep.”
“Julie, am I doing the right thing?” asked John.
Julie was surprised by the abruptness in his question. She picked up a hint of self-doubt in his voice. “Absolutely.”
“We’re going to protect a race that wants nothing to do with us,” said John. “Is helping the Ni in the best interest of our mission? We already have an alliance with three other races.”
“This isn’t something you can look at with a strict military viewpoint,” said Julie. “The Ni is a sentient race who doesn’t deserve to be eradicated.”
“How do you know?” asked John.
Julie shrugged her shoulders as she contemplated the question. “All I can go by is our experience with the Ni we rescued. It showed compassion and generosity, and even defended us to its own people. I’d like to think that those traits exist somewhere within the rest of the Ni.”
“You think everyone believes that?” asked John. “Over a hundred people left PHOENIX because they didn’t want me in command anymore.”
“A lot has changed since then,” said Julie. “The crew has seen firsthand what the Screen has done to the other races we’ve encountered. They saw the devastated remains of Drix’s homeworld. No one, not even the Ni, deserve to suffer that fate. The Screen have ruled this part of space because no one was willing to stand up to them. If we don’t take a stand, who will?”
“We have to do this because it’s the right thing to do,” said John.
“Exactly. As your executive officer, I can say we’re doing the right thing. So no more doubts.”
John smiled. “Agreed. No doubts.”
“Thresha to Captain Roberts.”
“Go ahead.”
“I apologize for bothering you, but the Yearden has requested to see you. He is waiting for you in the coilquin.”
“Acknowledged,” said John. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“From what I know of Aldarian history, the Yearden has never requested an audience with the same person twice,” said Julie.
“I’ll take it as a sign of good luck,” said John.
Julie smiled. “Good, because the Aldarians would interpret it as a good sign as well.”
As John left to see the Yearden, Alex’sis was sitting in Doctor Myers’ office in medical. She wanted to put the visit off, but given the danger the ship was facing, she needed answers now. She couldn’t allow her personal issues get in the way of her duties, especially now.
Myers entered the office and patted her shoulder as he sat a
t his desk. His look was all the answer she needed.
“It’s positive, isn’t it?” she said.
Myers nodded. “Your five weeks along.”
Alex’sis leaned over and shook her head.
“I take it this wasn’t planned,” said Myers.
“I was hoping it was just bad food,” said Alex’sis.
“Your records show you’ve been taking Depran.”
Alex’sis nodded. “I was told it wouldn’t be as effective for me.”
“Although that birth control is the most effective, there are some women whose bodies break it down before it can take effect,” said Myers. “Regardless, you’ll have to stop using it immediately if you plan on continuing the pregnancy.”
“Keep it?” said Alex’sis. “We’re looking at going into battle against a Screen armada and I have to figure out if I want to keep the pregnancy? I’m a military officer. I don’t have time to deal with this domestic crap.”
“I’m sorry,” said Myers, not realizing how upsetting this was for Alex’sis. “Maybe you’d feel better if you talked to the father.”
“Oh no!” said Alex’sis. “He doesn’t need to know about this, and I expect you’ll respect the doctor-patient privilege and keep quiet about this. No one is to know about this!”
“I won’t say a word,” said Myers. He couldn’t give her any advice, her emotions were running too high right now to listen to anything. “If you want to talk about this later, I’m here to listen.”
Alex’sis didn’t say anything as she left Myers’ office. She never expected she would have to contend with something like this. She had always been careful. Here she was on a starship, heading into a battle situation pregnant. She did all the right things to ensure she never faced such a predicament, yet here she was now. Maybe she should just take a term pill and be done with it. It made perfect sense. She wasn’t in a position to raise a child. She was the lead operations officer of a starship. But when would the right time come to have a child?
Too many thoughts were swirling in her head. No, for now she needed to focus on preparing PHOENIX for battle. She would decide what to do afterwards.
Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus) Page 28