Phoenix Among The Stars (Exodus)

by Robert Stadnik

  “Understood, captain.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “Although we haven’t obtained any new information about the Screen, the pair of sightings of their fighters leads us to believe they have a significant presence in this region of space. With Drix’s knowledge of how they behave towards other races, it appears that the Screen’s hostility is not limited to just us. Whether their hostility is driven by need or fear remains to be seen.

  “We’re still learning more about the Aldarians. Doctor Myers released them from quarantine a few days ago and we’ve set them all up in quarters on deck twenty-four. Their technology is advanced, so much so that our scientists and engineers have not been able to crack even the basic foundation of how any of it works. Even the Aldarians seem lost how their technology functions, the knowledge lost when the majority of their population died off. For now, I’ve reassigned a team of engineers and scientists to facilities on deck sixty-six to work on the Aldarian technology full-time.

  “We’re still dealing with some glitches in the ship’s systems, but nothing serious. Given the stresses of traveling through interstellar space, PHOENIX has performed exemplary. Drix continues to apply his software expertise to our systems. Once the Aldarians have settled into their new surroundings, I’m hoping they will begin contributing with whatever skills they have to help run the ship.

  “That’s all for now. I only hope these messages are getting back home so people know what we’re doing out here. Attached are some video files from the crew. This is Captain John Roberts signing off.”

  The holographic display disappeared as the lights illuminated in the conference room. President Butu turned to her cabinet members seated around a large oak conference table. Two service bots rolled around refilling the staff’s drinks as the officials discussed the latest video compilation distributed by ELM News.

  “The video has been authenticated,” the science minister told Butu. “Like the others, it’s legitimate.”

  “She’s been gone three months,” said Butu. “But it appears the PHOENIX is thriving in space.” She turned to her security minister. “Has there been any progress in identifying the individuals who are receiving and distributing PHOENIX’s transmissions?”

  “None,” replied the security minister. “We still haven’t been able to determine how the transmissions are arriving to Earth undetected. As unlikely as it sounds, they must be using some covert means to send the transmissions that we’re not familiar with.”

  The Mars minister spoke up. “This ship survived two Screen attacks. I wouldn’t put anything past them.”

  “True,” said the security minister. “The EXODUS Project was able to develop viable new technology to counteract the Screen. Who knows in what other areas they made advancements.”

  Next to the security minister sat the only empty seat in the room, the seat usually occupied by the head of the TERRA Command Council. Admiral Donalds refused to attend any presidential cabinet meeting since PHOENIX left the solar system. Many on the president’s staff urged Butu to replace Donalds, but she knew it would damage her politically. The general population was still fearful of a Screen attack and it would not look good to replace the leader of TERRA shortly after a rogue starship escaped the solar system. As much as she wanted him out, she had resigned herself that, for now, she was stuck with him.

  “Has TERRA had any success in figuring out how the transmissions are being sent and who’s receiving them?” asked the president’s chief-of-staff, Charles, who was seated next to Butu.

  “I’ve been checking with the sensor and communications teams on Mars,” said the Mars security minister. “They haven’t had any success on either front.”

  It was a small comfort to Butu that TERRA was cooperating in one area, but she wasn’t about to leave them alone. “Keep working with them, Minister Thallace.”

  “What’s the mood of the people?” asked the energy minister.

  “Recent polls indicate the public is worried about the Screen attacking in retaliation for the PHOENIX leaving the solar system,” said Charles. “But those fears are subsiding. Not surprisingly, the citizens of Mars are most concerned since it’s assumed they would be hit first in a Screen invasion.”

  “If the Screen did attack, they would have done so by now,” said the vice president.

  “A reasonable assumption,” said Minister Thallace. “TERRA has their entire fleet stationed at various points within Mars’ orbital path around the sun. The Screen may not attack because of the fleet blockade that’s been established. They may assume TERRA has other ships with PHOENIX’s capabilities.”

  “Since our knowledge of the Screen is limited, we should assume they will continue to operate under their current pattern of behavior,” said the Earth security minister.

  “Agreed,” said Butu. “We will continue the ban on all travel beyond Mars.”

  “That may be difficult to enforce,” said the population minister. “The people are fascinated by the PHOENIX. Even though they’re afraid of the Screen, the majority of the population supports the ship’s mission. Others may attempt to follow her path.”

  “It will continue to be the position of this administration that no ship is to leave the solar system, civilian or military,” said Butu. “We’re lucky the Screen didn’t invade when PHOENIX left, but we cannot afford to risk another ship leaving. TERRA’s blockade will ensure the ban remains in effect.”

  Butu turned to the interior minister. “I understand TERRA finally vacated the EXODUS Project ground station in the Tormented Valley.”

  “Yes, Madame President. As soon as they left I had my people move in to conduct our own investigation, but there was little for us to look at. Most of the equipment was destroyed and any computer systems left behind that were not destroyed had their memories wiped.”

  “By the project participants or TERRA?” asked Charles.

  “We don’t know,” said the interior minister. “TERRA claims they found nothing useful at the site to lead them to any project members who remained behind when PHOENIX departed.”

  “TERRA was there for three months,” said the Earth security minister. “I doubt they would have spent all that time there if there was nothing to look at.”

  “I could make some inquires,” said the Mars security minister. “See if I can uncover anything.”

  “Please do, but be discreet,” said Butu.

  The conference room door opened. “Excuse me, Madame President, you wanted me to remind you of the dedication ceremony.”

  “Thank you, Mary.” Butu looked at her cabinet. “We’ll reconvene in three months, thank you everyone.” It was difficult getting the entire cabinet assembled for these meetings. Usually, Butu met with only a handful of cabinet members whose departments directly impacted whatever policy issue was at hand. But she wanted all of them together when discussing the PHOENIX. It was difficult, as their various schedules made it hard for them to assemble in Sydney.

  As the meeting ended, Charles whispered in the president’s ear. “David Mitchell wants a word with you in private.” She nodded and Charles motioned for the economic minister to remain. Once everyone else had vacated the room, she looked over at her secretary.

  “Mary, I’ll need a few minutes.”

  She nodded and closed the door, leaving the president alone with her chief-of-staff and economic minister.

  “I didn’t want to discuss this in front of the others,” said David. “Much of what I’m about to say is based on assumption.”

  Butu selected David for the economic post because he analyzed all aspects of a situation before rendering his opinion. He never let his political loyalties influence his review of economic conditions. His statements were typically solid and Butu trusted his word.

  “Go ahead,” said Butu.

  “We know the PHOENIX is quite large and, although TERRA has not elected to share the schematics of the ship with us, the photos and videos we do have has allowed me to make some educat
ed guesses about the resources it took to build her.”

  He handed Butu some papers. “I’ve conducted extensive research trying to identify who provided the EXODUS Project with the materials needed to build PHOENIX. Although my findings are only a small portion of the bigger picture, it appears that the EXODUS Project established a vast network of contractors and subcontractors to procure the materials needed to build her.”

  Butu read over his summaries as Charles spoke. “I had a chance to read over David’s notes. They hired one company, who contracted with another company, who in turn contracted with another outfit.”

  David nodded. “With this string of networks, none of these companies were aware that the materials they were providing were for a single project. As I said, it took significant resources to build PHOENIX. When she left, there were still outstanding orders being processed for delivery to Alaska.”

  “Why would they continue to order materials if they were preparing to leave?” asked Butu.

  “Probably to maintain the illusion that activity at the project was proceeding normally,” said Charles. “If they stopped issuing construction orders, they risked tipping off TERRA that they were winding down the project or preparing a launch.”

  “A significant amount of money was invested in the project,” said David. “Many of these companies have been left holding the bag with unpaid invoices. Several have already gone out of business and others may not survive the next couple of years. Based on my analysis, there is a possibility the departure of the PHOENIX has initiated a ripple effect that will result in an economic downturn.”

  “A recession?” said Butu. Such a notion seemed silly. “How could one ship affect our economy?”

  “I’ll admit it’s hard to digest,” said David. “But I wouldn’t bring this to your attention if I didn’t feel the existing data was compelling.”

  “How long?” asked Charles.

  “It’s difficult to say,” said David. “My analysis is based on a miniscule portion of the project’s activity. We may see the effects in the latter half of the year or a couple of years. The magnitude may be minor, or it could be severe.”

  Except for a couple of minor dips, the economy had grown and prospered the last few decades, primarily due to the expansion of the Luna and Mars colonies. If a recession hit, the president would be directly blamed for it.

  “Thank you, David,” Butu said as she reclined in her seat. “Please keep this information to yourself for now.”

  “Of course, Madame President,” said David as he got up and exited the conference room. When he was gone, she looked over to Charles.

  “What do you think?”

  “It’s hard to imagine. David’s one of the foremost minds in economics, so his opinion holds a lot of weight. But this is all theoretical, and it’s hard to believe the end of the EXOUDS Project could impact the economy.”

  “I don’t relish sitting by and letting this happen,” said Butu. It would certainly put her at a disadvantage in any future dealings with TERRA if her popularity dropped. “David mentioned construction materials left over when PHOENIX left. Maybe we could use that to our advantage.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “We could use the materials to constructs ships for TERRA.”

  Charles knew what she was alluding to. Give TERRA something they couldn’t refuse that would also helped the president. “We should have the order brought up in a bill drafted by a senator. Given current fears about a Screen attack, it would pass parliament with ease. I’ll contact some of our fellow party members to see who would be willing to introduce such a measure.”

  Butu nodded. “One more thing, what’s Admiral Johnson’s condition?”

  She could see the disappointment on Charles face. “I’m afraid his condition is unchanged.”

  “Is there any hope he might recover?”

  “No, it’s unlikely we’ll ever get any useful information out of him.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Life aboard PHOENIX with three hundred Aldarians was slowly becoming normal for the crew. After going through quarantine, they were all settled into quarters on deck twenty-four. Not once did the Aldarians ever complain or ask for any special accommodations. But they were reclusive, none of them venturing out to interact with the crew or explore the ship.

  At first, John was worried their introverted nature was inherent with their species, but John had Drix and Chris Anne keep in constant contact with them. Through them, John learned that the Aldarians did not want to disrupt the crew and remained isolated so as not to interfere with life on the ship. It took effort, but eventually Drix, Chris, and other crew members succeeded in convincing the Aldarians to explore their new home. After a few weeks, it was natural to see at least one Aldarian roaming the ship. Of course, Chief Sandoval wasn’t pleased at the situation and insisted on keeping constant surveillance.

  “Captain Roberts,” Thresha called out as she caught up with the captain in the corridor. “I hope I’m not keeping you from your duties.”

  “Not at all,” said John as she joined him. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen much of you or your people these last few weeks.”

  “I understand. Much of your time is spent running this large vessel. We have been meditating to allay the disruptions in our spirits. Our Yearden says our spirits have a deep connection to our homeworld, and that they cannot be mended until we learn to live with our new human friends and build a community together.”

  “I like how your Yearden thinks,” said John. “But I don’t want to push your people into an uncomfortable situation.” John had seen the Aldarian spiritual leader in medical, but he was shrouded from head to toe in a white garment. Julie had seen him on the Aldarian homeworld and told John the spiritual leader was very old. According to Thresha, the Yearden was the oldest living Aldarian, whatever that meant. They were still trying to figure out what the Aldarian term for ‘cycle’ meant in human measurements of time.

  “The Yearden is wise to the needs of our people,” said Thresha. “He wouldn’t ask this of us if he didn’t feel we were ready.”

  “What can I do to help?” asked John.

  “My people would like to contribute to the ship. We may have lost the knowledge of our technology, but my people can learn new things. We are willing to undertake whatever work needs to be done.”

  “Well,” said John as they stepped into the lift. “Some department heads have said they could use more help in their areas. I can talk to them, see if any of them would be willing to train some of your people.”

  “We would be most grateful,” said Thresha. “After all you have done for us, it is only fair that our presence on this ship benefit you.”

  “There is an issue that’s been nagging me.” Last night John received the final medical analysis on the Aldarians, an analysis he waited for before broaching the subject. “When our medical staff scanned your people, they noticed none of them had microns, yet humans and Aldarians have been able to communicate.”

  Thresha looked perplexed. “Microns?”

  “It’s a device that translates alien languages, allowing different races to understand each other while still speaking their native tongues. Drix said that all space faring races use them to communicate with one another. I assumed your people had them.”

  “Our history says my people used to explore the stars,” said Thresha. “We conversed with other races, but without the aid of technology. Our doctors theorized our ability to understand other languages is a byproduct of our telepathic abilities.”

  Her statement caught John off-guard. Telepathy?

  “Captain, did I say something wrong?”

  “Computer, hold the lift,” said John. “You never mentioned your race had telepathic abilities.”

  “My apologies for not informing you,” said Thresha. “Would knowledge of our telepathic abilities have impacted your decision in bringing us on board PHOENIX?”

  “Well, yes…I mean, no. I don’t kn
ow.” John was at a loss for words. All he could think of was three hundred Aldarians on board reading the crew’s minds. “It would have been helpful to know this beforehand.”

  “I’m sorry if this has put you in a difficult position,” said Thresha. “If our telepathy is going to pose a problem, then perhaps you should return us to our homeworld.”

  “I’m not taking you back and risking the Screen finding you. No, it’s fine. I’ll just have to inform the crew.” John wanted to hit himself. How could he have let such crucial information slip by unnoticed? Revealing this to the crew was going to be a delicate matter.

  “How does your telepathy work?” asked John. “Do you need to constantly block out other people’s thoughts?”

  “Our ability is passive,” explained Thresha. “We can naturally sense the emotions of others, but only if the individual is exhibiting strong feelings. Reading the thoughts of others requires significant effort on our part.”

  “How much effort?”

  “Both the subject and reader must be open to the connection,” said Thresha. “Even then, the subject can physically feel the connection.”

  “So you can’t just read someone’s mind without their knowledge?”

  “It would be impossible, captain, and against our ethical code.”

  This wasn’t turning out to be such a bad thing after all. If the Aldarians couldn’t casually read other minds, then the security risk was minimal. John made a mental note to have Doctor Myers review the Aldarian bio-scans again with this new information.

  “Computer, resume lift operation.” John looked at Thresha. “I’ll need to inform the crew about this. In the meantime, could you ask your people not to discuss their telepathic abilities until after I’ve made the announcement?”

  “Of course, captain,” said Thresha.

  As the lift continued down, a lone Aldarian woman was braving a new frontier. Putting any apprehension aside, she had left the comfort of her quarters and was now walking the cobblestone streets of Central. She marveled at how strange everything looked. The buildings in Central were unlike the crystal structures on her homeworld, which were uniform in their appearance. The buildings here varied in shape, size, and texture, nothing seemed consistent. How could these humans thrive in such a chaotic environment?