Down in Central, John entered the coilquin, finding it empty except for the Yearden and his attendants, who were up on the altar. No soothing sounds played through the temple, only silence greeted John as he walked in. The Yearden was standing, as if he was waiting for the captain. John made his way up to the altar, curious as to what the reclusive elder Aldarian wanted to say to him.
As he stood before him, the Yearden extended his arm and gently touched John’s face. His hand was cold, and goose bumps rippled through John’s body.
“So many paths lie before you,” the Yearden said. His voice sounded weaker compared to the last time he spoke to John. He pulled back his white veil and the captain got to see his face for the first time. He was no different than any other Aldarian except that his face was filled with wrinkles. But it was his eyes that were different. They weren’t bright blue like other Aldarians, but completely white. Was he blind? John wanted to know but felt it inappropriate to ask.
The Yearden spoke again. “You fear what could be lost in the coming days. Whatever path you choose will not save you from the losing what you hold dear. There will be great sacrifice, it cannot be avoided.”
John was scared hearing those words. He forced himself not to dwell on what could happen to PHOENIX when they faced the Screen armada. Yes, he expected there would be casualties, but John hoped that somehow they could emerge unscathed.
“You try to deny what may happen, but you must accept it,” said the Yearden. “Whatever you lose, you must never forget you are not alone. You will never be alone.”
The Yearden released John’s hand, turned and walked away. Was this his way of comforting John? If that was his intention, it didn’t work. All the Yearden did was confirm John’s fear that no one would be safe when they faced the Screen.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
PHOENIX arrived just outside the Ni star system and, luckily, there was no Screen armada waiting for them. The senior staff was on the command deck, and the air was thick with tension. Long range scanners had not picked up any large fleet approaching, but John knew the Screen were coming.
“We’re holding position, captain,” said Alex’sis.
“Launch fighters,” ordered John.
“Issuing orders,” said Alex’sis. “Fighter groups Theta, Virgo, Aries, Omega, Taurus, and Beta squadrons are launching. Automated control groups Delta, Leo, Cancer, Zeta, and Libra squadrons are standing by.”
“Captain, control interface for the automated groups has cleared all diagnostic tests,” said Private Tim Richardson, who was standing next to Alex’sis. There were insufficient pilots to fly all the fighters housed on the ship, so the remaining Interceptors were reprogrammed to fly remotely under the control of the private.
“Have three of the pile-driver groups launch when the Interceptors are in position,” ordered John. He looked over at his communications officer. “Any luck with the Ni?”
“Negative, sir,” replied Bret. “Sensors don’t show our transmissions being bounced back, but without scanning the system I can’t verify if the Ni are receiving our messages.”
“Maybe we should scan the system,” said Kevin.
“No,” replied John. “The Ni were clear about us not scanning their system. I don’t want to risk making an enemy out of them. We’ll just have to hope they’ve detected our presence and choose to respond to us.”
“Captain,” said Julie. “With your permission, I’d like to take an Interceptor and join our fighters out there.”
“Absolutely not,” John blurted out, not caring that everyone heard his outburst.
“Sir, we’re going to be entering in a sizable battle engagement,” said Julie. “A senior officer should be out there with the fighters.”
John jumped down from his command chair and approached his executive officer. “I don’t want you out there.”
“I’ve been doing fighter training for months,” said Julie. “I’m just as good as any of the pilots out there.”
“Julie…”
“I need to be out there. You know it’s the right thing to do.”
The Yearden’s warning was still fresh in John’s mind, and he wanted to do anything he could to protect his friends from harm. But Julie was right. One of them needed to be out there to rally the troops. He reluctantly nodded his head and Julie headed out of the pit.
“Commander,” said John. He went up to her and gave her a hug, not caring about proper military protocol. “Promise me you’ll come back here,” he whispered in her ear. “I can’t lose you.”
“You won’t, I promise. We’ll see each other again.”
The captain released his hold and watched her leave the command deck.
“I’ve monitored her training,” said Alex’sis. “She’ll be fine.”
“She’s the best,” said John. He turned and looked at the rest of the command deck staff. “So are all of you. I expect every single one of you to make it through this.”
“Yes, captain,” replied the command staff.
“Captain,” said Bret. “I just got a coded message from the Quix Protectorate. Twenty-three of their ships are now free of the nebula and are heading to our location. Their engines are powering up faster than they expected, but they estimate they won’t arrive here for another three days.”
“We’ll just have to hope that the Screen don’t show up until then,” said John, but somehow he felt that wasn’t going to happen.
Most of PHOENIX’s corridors were empty. Those not assigned to duties were sent to designated shelters areas that were guarded by well-armed security teams for protection. But one crew member was refusing to leave her quarters.
“I won’t leave my home,” said Betty Christen, holding her baby. “Jeffrey said this is the safest place for us.”
Professor Harthy tried to reason with her. “Security teams have been assigned to shelter areas and provide the best protection if the Screen should board the ship. Who’s going to protect you if you remain here?”
“Jeffrey will protect us,” sobbed Betty. “He promised he would.”
“Professor, should we remove her?” asked the waiting security officer.
The professor knew taking Betty by force could permanently scar her psychologically, but it would ensure the baby’s safety. But could he approve an action that could harm the only remaining parent the child had left?
“Officer Ased, do you have a spare firearm?” asked Harthy. The officer pulled his spar pulse gun, which the professor grabbed and checked. “I’ll remain here with Ms. Christen and lock us in.”
“You sure, professor?”
“I’m sure.”
The officer nodded and left them. Harthy locked the doors as Betty sang a lullaby to her baby.
The coilquin was designated a shelter area and was filled with Aldarians, humans, and the aliens recently rescued from the Onixin freighter. Chris Anne was part of the security detail and was helping to push security barriers in front of the coilquin.
“Hey,” said Chris to a young man he saw getting in position at his station behind one of the barriers. “If you arrange your rifle clips to the side, you’ll have an easier time getting to them for reloading.”
“O...Ok, thanks,” stammered the young man.
“Chief Davers gave me that tip when he taught me how to use these things,” said Chris. The singer watched the young man nervously arrange his clips. “What’s your name, sweetie? I’ve never seen you before.”
“Calvin, I work down on the farming deck.”
“I’m Chris.”
“I know. I love your music.”
“Everyone does, but thank you,” said Chris as he winked at the young man.
“I like your jumpsuit. But don’t you think wearing high heels is a bad idea?”
“Sweetie, if we’re going into a firefight, I want to look good,” said Chris, looking over his sparkling green jumpsuit. “Besides, I have no intention of being cremated and want the last outfit I wear to make a statement a
bout my greatness.”
Calvin chuckled. “I wish I wasn’t scared like you.”
Chris leaned over and whispered in Calvin’s ear. “Sweetie, let me tell you a secret. I’m scared shitless.”
“Really?” Hearing Chris’ admission made the young man feel better.
“Chief Davers told me to focus on the task at hand and you won’t be afraid,” advised Chris.
“Ok,” said Calvin.
“After this is all over, how about you and me sit down to a nice bottle of wine,” offered Chris.
“I would like that.”
Chris smiled at the young man. “So would I, sweetie.”
Inside the coilquin, Drix was helping Thresha and the other Aldarians get everyone situated. The Cresorian noticed the Yearden was still sitting in his spot at the center of the altar.
“Excuse me, Thresha,” said Drix. “But should the Yearden be located to a less exposed position?”
“He has refused to move anywhere else,” replied Thresha. “I have explained the risk for remaining there if the Screen should invade the coilquin, but he chooses to remain.”
“Perhaps he is trying to show strength for your people,” speculated Drix.
“It is possible, but I worry for him. I cannot imagine losing him.”
“I am confident that John Captain will repel the Screen,” said Drix, and he wasn’t saying that to make Thresha feel better. The young captain had already done so many remarkable things: unifying races, defeating the Screen at every turn, stopping a minor insurrection on the ship, locating the Cresorian homeworld. There was no doubt in Drix’s mind that the captain would lead them to victory.
Up on the command deck, John finally sat back down in his command chair. He paced around the pit for a long time after Julie left, worried that she might not survive the battle. But he had to have faith she would be alright. And he figured he was making the other officers nervous walking around the pit aimlessly.
“Captain,” said Alex’sis as the operations table beeped. “I’m picking up a massive energy signature. Multiple ships coming out of a jump. I can confirm they’re Screen.”
John looked at his command display and saw it light up with ships registering on the sensors. “How many?”
“Sensors are still accounting for them,” said Alex’sis. Her heart jumped seeing the final number.
“Alex’sis!” said John.
“One hundred seventy-two ships,” she announced.
The command staff looked at each other nervously. John knew they would be facing a lot of ships, but he never expected the number to be that high. He cleared the lump in his throat. “Put the image up.”
The holographic display showed the fleet of Screen vessels heading towards them. “We’ve got one hundred twelve fighters, forty-seven cruisers, and twelve battleships.” PHOENIX eclipsed them all in size by a wide margin, but combined they’d be able to take on the massive human starship.
“Tim, launch all remaining Interceptors and pile-drivers,” ordered John.
“Yes sir,” replied the private who stood on the opposite side of the table from Alex’sis.
“Roberts to hangar bay. Looks like we’re going to need those transports.”
“Already on it, captain,” replied the senior hangar bay officer. “We’re loading the last of the containers onto the transports.” The transport shuttles were loaded with a combination of containers holding plasma and quadrin with the intent of turning the transports into flying bombs.
“Good, launch when ready,” said John. He looked at Alex’sis. “Activate all weapons and raise shields.”
“Yes, captain,” said Alex’sis.
He then turned to Lieutenant Jacobson. “Kevin, position PHOENIX so our starboard side is facing the Screen. I want as many as our weapon ports facing them.”
“Yes, captain,” said Kevin.
“Alex’sis, I want to fire the Quix weapons first. Maybe that’ll give them a second thought about attacking us.” Although they couldn’t get the Quix weapons hooked into the ship’s plasma network, they did hook them up to quadrin generators.
“Yes, sir, but we’ll only get two or three shots before the quadrin is depleted,” reminded Alex’sis.
“Understood,” said John.
“Five minutes to engagement,” reported Private Kathleen Mallison, who had taken Julie’s place at the operations table and was standing next to Alex’sis. “Screen fighters are moving in to attack first.”
“Virgo, Libra, and Aries Squadrons, engage the Screen fighters and try to break up their groups,” said John. “We want to prevent them from concentrating on any one part of PHOENIX’s shields.”
“Copy that, PHOENIX,” said Martin Everold.
“This is Commander Olson assuming lead of Theta Squadron.”
“Commander, have the rest of the manned fighter pile-driver groups focus on the fighters. The automated Interceptors and shuttles will focus on the cruisers. PHOENIX will provide auxiliary support but will be focusing on those battleships.”
“Fighters incoming,” announced Alex’sis.
The Screen fighters went full speed, concentrating their attack against PHOENIX. The Interceptor groups opened fired and managed to break up the Screen fighter groups relatively quickly. But many of the fighters regained their formations and refocused their attacks on PHOENIX, passing with all their weapons firing on the human starship.
The cruisers, now within range, fired their opening salvos and PHOENIX rocked from the numerous impacts. The automated fighters began their attacks, but the cruisers ignored them and remained focus on the PHOENIX.
“Shields approaching maximum absorption,” announced Mallison. “They’re targeting multiple locations on the starboard side, including the engineering section.”
“Transfer power from port shields to reinforce the starboard side,” ordered John. The Screen, who already made the first pass, turned around to attack the port side, but even with reduced power the port shields easily repelled the fighters.
“Fire Quix weapons on closest battleship, and follow up with particle bursts,” ordered John. Alex’sis initiated the attack and six red bursts fired from the mounted Quix weapons and hit the first battleship. Its shields crumpled under the attack and the particle bursts that followed finished it.
“Battleship destroyed,” reported Alex’sis, elated that they took out the battleship so easily. But her joy was quickly soured. “The quadrin generators have been depleted. The Quix weapons are offline.”
The battleships now opened fired and, along with the cruisers, inundated PHOENIX with continuous energy impacts. The ship rocked violently from the impact and John had to brace himself as the officers at the operations table held onto it.
“Captain,” reported Bret. “Fighter groups are reporting that several cruisers have targeted them. Delta Squadron is gone and Theta Squadron is under heavy attack.”
“Provide firing support to them,” said John. “Tim, get your fighters to provide support and send the transports to crash into the nearest cruisers.”
“On it!” replied Tim as he entered the orders into the computer.
“Shields down to sixty percent,” said Alex’sis. “Six cruisers have been destroyed and moderate damage to one battleship.”
Suddenly, the exterior ports opened on several cruisers and numerous pods fired from them towards the PHOENIX. Most of them passed through breaches in the shields and impacted the hull.
“Captain,” said Kevin. “I’m showing numerous objects that have attached to the hull. I’m reading hundreds of Screen life signs.”
Boarding parties. So that’s how they were going to assault the ship. They were going to be sorely mistaken for making such an attempt. “Computer,” said John. “Activate program Defend Mother.”
“Program initiated,” replied the computer.
All over the ship, storage containers burst open and out came the remaining maintenance bots that had remained dormant during PHOENIX’s t
ravels so far. Hundreds of bots dispersed throughout the corridors with one purpose, to locate any Screen life signs. As battalions of Screen soldiers, dressed in their black armor, came into contact with the bots, they were surprised. The bots, now armed with energy and pulse weapons on their appendages, fired at the soldiers. Before long the corridors were raging with fights between hostile aliens and machines.
As the battle raged inside PHOENIX, the armada outside continued their assault on the ship. The launch of the boarding parties gave PHOENIX the chance to take out more cruisers, but the battleships were too numerous and well-armed. PHOENIX simply didn’t have the firepower to take them all out.
“Captain, the battleships are concentrating fire on the engineering section,” reported Alex’sis. The ship rocked again and several explosions rippled throughout the ship.
“Damage reports coming in,” announced Mallison.
“Forget the damage. Remodulate shields to protect engineering,” ordered John.
“I can’t, shields are down to thirty percent,” said Alex’sis.
The Screen continued to fire, collapsing the shields in the rear of the ship. A barrage of energy blasts struck the rear and the engineering section was severed from the ship. The ship rocked violently from the attack.
Down in Central, the security team defending the coilquin got back on their feet just as the first wave of Screen soldiers approached, having broken through the line of bots. As soon as they were spotted the team opened fired, and the Screen responded in kind. Their armor provided them protection against the security’s team pulse weapons. It took numerous shots to take down one Screen, but the Screen soldiers only needed one or two shots to take out their enemy. The lights in Central flickered on and off as power began to fail throughout the ship.
As the Screen soldiers neared the coilquin, many of the security officers switched to hand to hand combat in an attempt to slow the enemy. Chris retreated to the entrance, firing his rifle as fast as his finger could pull the trigger. Suddenly, he felt an intense pain on his side from a Screen energy weapon and collapsed.
Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus) Page 29