The Phoenix Requiem (The Phoenix Conspiracy Series Book 7)

by Richard Sanders

  For instance, did the Forbidden Planet hold a reserve of thousands of starfighters able to launch from the planet’s surface? Or perhaps, in the mish-mash of static on the 3D display there was a powerful fleet of Polarian battleships, tightly bunched, ready to slaughter any who would come to uncover the planet’s secrets. Either way, the stealth system should protect them, Calvin hoped. But if such a thing was true, and they were discovered, he had to concede that Rez’nac was right. Although the Nighthawk packed a nasty punch, the vessel could only take a small beating before it would be lost—it was a stealth frigate after all, not some dreadnought.

  “I mean all your weapons and all your technology, marvels that they might be to us, as mortals, they will avail us nothing,” Rez’nac spoke matter-of-factly.

  “Why will they avail us nothing?” asked Calvin, realizing that Rez’nac had been withholding information from him. Information they would certainly need if any of this plan had a prayer of working.

  “It will be as the Essences desire,” said Rez’nac. “We shall see if I am right—if this place is guarded by the Sentinel or not anymore. If it is—then I wish you all honor and peace in the darkness that claims us all in time.”

  “No, no, no,” said Calvin. “You’re jumping ahead. And being pessimistic. Nimoux has drafted up a beautiful plan; we are going to infiltrate the Forbidden Planet, expose the Dark Ones, and save not just your species but ours.”

  “I hope you are right and I am wrong,” said Rez’nac. “I hope that with all my heart and, had I still a soul, I would hope with that too. But alas, it is lost to me. I no more have a soul than all of you.”

  The way Rez’nac was speaking, Calvin found it difficult to get much more useful information from him, at least at this time. But he gave it one last try before giving up. “Rez’nac,” he said. “What is the Sentinel?”

  “The Sentinel is the guardian,” said Rez’nac, as if that answer had been sufficient.

  “That doesn’t help me,” said Calvin.

  “Nor shall it, should we encounter it,” said Rez’nac, with a kind of religious awe in his voice. “Pray that we don’t.”

  “Okay then,” said Calvin, feeling no option other than to continue to proceed carefully and assume that this alleged Sentinel was more a creature of legend, or being of myth, than something real and actually tangible; therefore, it was not a threat he needed to, nor could, assess.

  “I believe it was my turn next,” said Summers, who had been waiting patiently in the XO’s chair this entire time.

  Calvin made an open gesture. “Go ahead.”

  “Jay, Cassidy, and Miles are all correct regarding our status and our systems,” said Summers. “Once the doctor got the dampening field disabled, I was able to jump the ship momentarily into alteredspace, which rendered the tractor beams moot—just as you had planned. Then, when we returned to normal space, we made certain to avoid the trap. Rez’nac guided us the rest of the way, and now we are here. And, to the best of my knowledge, sir, our presence has not been discovered.”

  “Excellent work,” said Calvin. Then he asked the question that he most feared to ask. “And the pod, the pod with Rafael, were you able to retrieve it?” Calvin had noted Rafael’s absence on the bridge and had taken that as a bad sign.

  “We retrieved the pod,” Summers confirmed. “It too was able to execute a short-range alteredspace jump to keep clear of the trap.”

  “And Rafael?” asked Calvin.

  “Safe and sound and onboard,” Summers smiled. Calvin felt a wave of relief wash over him. He’d lost Rain today, someone who had been a good friend. No, someone who had been much more than that, a counselor to him, a shoulder to lean on, someone who had helped him work through his issues regarding Christine, not to mention that she had been instrumental in helping him quit his dependency on equarius; but, most of all, she had been someone he loved, on many levels. There had been romantic love, of course, but also something else, something deeper. And Calvin felt as though a piece of his heart, or his soul, had been ripped away from him for good. Rain had meant that much to him. So, to hear that Rafael was still alive, that news nearly brought tears of relief to his eyes.

  “Where is Rafael?” asked Calvin.

  “He asked for leave to go to his quarters and rest; he knows the mission will be soon and he thought a thirty-minute nap might help him keep sharp presence of mind. I told him he could,” said Summers. “But I can order him back, if that is your wish.”

  “No,” said Calvin, rubbing his chin as he turned his thoughts away from his crew and onto the purple star just ahead. “Let him sleep awhile longer. In the meantime, I want a closer look at that star. Jay, use the stealth propulsion and get us closer to the star, and the Forbidden Planet orbiting it. I don’t know what’s going on here,” he pointed to the scrambled 3D display, “But I need to know what is out there. We all do.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jay acknowledged and the ship began to move, though, other than a change in yaw, the movement was undetectable.

  “Sir,” said Cassidy.

  “What is it?” Calvin instinctively got up to go hover over the Ops terminal. From what little he understood, everything seemed to be in order.

  “I probably should have mentioned that, while all the ship’s systems are working, the 3D display is not. Not completely, anyway,” said Cassidy.

  “What’s wrong with it?” asked Calvin.

  “I ran a diagnostic, but it came back inconclusive—my guess is this is the result of some kind of scrambler on their end; they don’t want ships scanning the Forbidden Planet—even if those ships have successfully gone through both the Veil and the Barrier.”

  “Man, these people are paranoid,” muttered Calvin.

  “Some things are so sacred that they must be kept secret,” said Rez’nac.

  “Is there a distinction to your species,” asked Calvin, “Between the abstract ideas of sacred and secret?”

  “Of course,” said Rez’nac. “Something sacred may be well known, such as the existence of the Essences, other things—things I cannot divulge here—those things are also sacred, but must be kept a secret.”

  “But you wouldn’t ever describe such things as sacred as opposed to secret?” asked Calvin, hoping Rez’nac might accidentally reveal something that might prove useful.

  “I believe I am speaking the human tongue correctly,” said Rez’nac without any condescension. “However, perhaps I am not. As I understand the concepts, sacred means something of precious and religious significance. Secret means something that only a few may be allowed to know.”

  “No, I think your grasp on our tongue, as you call it, is quite perfect,” said Calvin, disappointed that Rez’nac did not divulge an example of something sacred and secret. It was interesting, to Calvin, how the muscular blue warrior still clung to the traditions, rites, and rituals of his religion, despite concurrently holding the view that he has lost his soul and could never get it back. To Calvin, it seemed like there was no longer a point—assuming there ever had been one. But, to Rez’nac, the practice of his religion, strange as it seemed to Calvin, must have been something so deeply rooted within his core that it probably could not be removed, not if Rez’nac’s personality was to remain intact. However interesting it was, Calvin ultimately dismissed it as the result of decades of thorough indoctrination. The important thing was that Rez’nac seemed unwilling to expound further about the Forbidden Planet’s secrets, and its defenses, which meant greater danger for the Nighthawk than Calvin believed necessary. Unfortunately, he could think of no way to compel or convince Rez’nac to speak of things that he held too deeply inside to share.

  Calvin turned his attention back to the forward window and watched as the purple star grew larger as they approached.

  And then the strangest thing happened. A kind of purple glow filled the bridge, completely ignoring the hull and the armor plating. It felt warm, a bit like the summer sun, but otherwise didn’t cause any discomfort.

&n
bsp; “Sensors, what the hell is that?” asked Calvin, alarmed that he had just exposed himself and his crew to some kind of previously unknown toxic alien radiation.

  Immediately, Rez’nac dropped to his knees and began chanting something in a whisper, almost as if in prayer. It might have been the strange new lighting, but Calvin could have sworn the Polarian looked bluer somehow.

  “It is radiation emanating from the Forbidden Planet’s parent star,” said Cassidy.

  “Will our shields block it out?” asked Calvin, not wanting to raise them—for fear that it would compromise their stealthy approach—but also not wanting to expose himself and his crew to a potentially lethal radiation source. He looked instinctively down at his arms and hands, seeing no bumps, moles, burns, or injuries forming.

  “Unclear,” said Miles. “There’s a chance. But I can’t guarantee it. Should I raise the shields?”

  Calvin didn’t like the idea of raising the shields merely for a chance that that it would block out the radiation, especially when it offered the Forbidden Planet, and its defenses, a one-hundred percent chance of noticing their presence.

  “Not yet,” said Calvin. “But move the ship away, full-about! Get us away from this…whatever this is.”

  “Aye, aye,” said Jay, and the ship turned, moving them swiftly away. Once the purple glow disappeared, Rez’nac returned to his feet.

  “I am yours,” he said, addressing Calvin. “But I must counsel you, we must pass through the Violaceous Cloud in order to approach the Forbidden Planet. I assure you it represents neither harm nor danger. It is merely a medium with which a Polarian may feel as though he is one with the Essences.”

  “I see,” said Calvin cautiously. Despite Rez’nac’s assurances, and the apparent requirement that they pass through this strange purple radiation, Calvin was hesitant to offer the command. Instead, he tapped his line for the infirmary below.

  “This is the captain,” he said. “I have a question.”

  “Dr. Andrews here, sir, how may I help you?” came the reply. Calvin felt a knot in his throat. He had half expected to hear Rain’s voice over the comm; hearing Dr. Andrews’ voice was like disturbing an unsettled wound. Still, he had to work with what he had. Rain had nobly sacrificed herself, an action Calvin would always regret, and yet—somehow—always be thankful for.

  “Did you observe a strange phenomenon a few seconds ago, where everything appeared as if you looked at it through a purple lens?”

  “Affirmative, sir,” said Dr. Andrews. “I was able to identify it as Ioceptian Radiation, a rare byproduct of a Class VII star.”

  “I see,” said Calvin. “And, is it dangerous? Prolonged exposure to it by humans, I mean.”

  “No, not really,” came the reply. “At least, I should think not. There have never been studies regarding prolonged exposure—meaning months, but it is known that humans can survive exposure for days, if not indefinitely. There is a really interesting case study that suggests—”

  “Thank you, Dr. Andrews, that will be all,” Calvin said, terminating the connection. “Well, Rez’nac, it looks like you win this one.” The Polarian nodded respectfully. Calvin twisted his chair around to face the helm. “Jay, bring us back around. Our target destination, the Forbidden Planet, standard approach. As for you, Miles,” Calvin twisted left, “Your job is to keep us stealthed.”

  “Aye, sir,” said Jay.

  “You got it,” said Miles.

  “And what if they do see us?” asked Summers, as she sat in the XO’s chair directly to his left.

  “Then I suppose we’ll be forced to defend ourselves,” said Calvin, not eager for such a scenario to occur.

  “Or else retreat,” offered Summers.

  Calvin looked at her. “We didn’t come all this way just to retreat. Like it or not, at this point, we have doubled-down. We’re all in. Either this plan of Nimoux’s,” he waved the folder in the air, “Works, or it fails. But there is no turning back.”

  “I only meant, retreat and try another approach,” said Summers.

  “There won’t be any second chances if our first effort fails,” said Calvin. Strictly speaking, he didn’t know if that was true, but something tugging inside him, a very strong feeling, convinced him that it was. It was either success or failure. Here and now. No more waiting.

  They approached the parent star and the lavender lighting returned. Again, Rez’nac kneeled, chanting quietly and prayer-like. Calvin eyed him curiously, wondering just what the Polarian thought he was accomplishing, but ultimately decided it was harmless, whatever it was, to allow the Polarian warrior to cling to his superstition.

  They passed few ships and fewer defenses. Rez’nac commented that most everyone had been summoned to join the Dread Fleet on its mission—he’d used a term that Calvin did not recognize, but he gathered its meaning from context. Although Rez’nac, upon further explanation, said it roughly translated to Light War. To which Miles quipped “Good, I’m not really in the mood for a heavy war.”

  No one laughed. Partly because everyone had grown to expect such comments from Miles, but mostly because, at that moment, they caught their first glimpse of the Forbidden Planet out the window. It appeared on the 3D display in high detail, even though, out the window, it seemed merely to look, at first, like a bright star. As their approach continued, the shape of it began to look much more planet-like, although, as Calvin studied it on the 3D display, he noted a tremendous lack of civilization. As far as he could tell, the entire planet was quite nearly bare.

  It made sense, in a way, he supposed. If the planet was so sacred that it was actually considered Forbidden, then it would be impossible to raise colonies there. Still, he had expected something to match the awesome glamour of Capital World and, truthfully, as an apparently untouched virgin planet, it seemed Capital World’s opposite in nearly every way.

  “Cassidy, I want a brief summary comparing this planet to Capital World; what are we dealing with once our teams touch the surface?”

  “Aye, aye,” she said. Then, after a moment of typing, “The air is breathable, atmospheric conditions favorable. The size is roughly one-point-two that of Capital World, but the planet is a bit less dense; you can expect comfortable gravity when you arrive.”

  “Wait, excuse me,” interrupted Summers. “I believe you said when you arrive. You, meaning who?”

  “Mister Cross,” said Cassidy.

  Calvin looked at Summers with a smirk. “You think I would stay here and miss out on all the fun?”

  “It was my understanding that the overall command of the mission was to be by Captain Nimoux, both operating in his capacity as second officer and the leader of special forces.”

  “Well, your understanding was mistaken,” said Calvin. “Nimoux is far too injured to command the away mission—he’s still recovering from Pellew’s nasty gunshot wound. Besides, the plan allowed for me to take on the command role at my option. As the commander of this ship, I have chosen to exercise that option,” said Calvin.

  Summers folded her arms and looked disapprovingly at him. No, it was more than mere disapproval. If Calvin didn’t know better, he would have sworn he saw genuine concern in her eyes. Be safe they almost seemed to say, those big green irises.

  “Oh, God,” said Miles, “If Calvin is going, that means I’m probably going too.”

  “That’s right,” said Calvin. He then stood up and approached Cassidy’s terminals to get a better look at what she had scanned. “We need to pinpoint a proper LZ,” said Calvin, “One near where the High Prelain lives. Scan for structures; I’m guessing he is in the most elaborate, best-guarded one.”

  “There is only one,” said Rez’nac, approaching from behind. Cassidy looked nervous with both Calvin and Rez’nac looming over her. “And it is on the other side of the planet; you must orbit and move to the correct position. Then you may launch your pods.”

  “Do as he says,” said Calvin, remaining at the Ops station, standing over Cassidy. Once the
y saw the home of the High Prelain, and for that matter, the gathering place of the Prelain Council, Calvin wanted to be the first to see it.

  “Aye, sir, entering orbit and moving the ship,” said Jay.

  “Move quickly, but don’t bring us so close that our stealth is compromised by the naked eye,” Calvin instructed.

  “Not a problem,” said Jay.

  After the better part of three minutes went by, Calvin could see it. According to the scanners, the planet consisted of mostly water, and had tremendous aquatic biodiversity, but, despite that, there were large green landmasses covered in trees—many of which were obscured by fog. However, un-obscured, and seemingly in the middle of nowhere, was a tiny island.

  “There,” he pointed. “Magnify.”

  “You mean deepen scan?” Cassidy asked rhetorically. She, much like Shen, who had occupied this post before her, seemed annoyed at the idea that a maximum resolution image could be magically magnified without a better image being taken. To Calvin, it all meant the same thing.

  What appeared on the tiny island was a stone tower, reinforced by some kind of black metal. There was also a dome structure, and the two seemed to be connected by some kind of passageway. The entire thing was brilliant white. And not a defense turret in sight.

  Another thing Calvin noticed was that, this close to the Forbidden Planet, the purple radiation was gone. His eyes were grateful to be seeing the bridge without the sensation that he was wearing tinted glasses.

  “That,” Rez’nac pointed at the enhanced image. “Is the Alcazar.”

  Calvin recognized the name from his prior discussions and briefings with Rez’nac, but, in truth, could not remember much about it except that it was the residence of the High Prelain, who, Calvin at least, suspected had been replaced by a replicant. By a dark one. And he intended to prove it. Assuming he was right. Which, he knew, his very life depended on.

  Even with the enhanced image, the Alcazar could more plainly be seen on the 3D display, where each of its few details were enhanced. Overall, the structure seemed smooth and ancient, and had only two entrances, if one did not count the tunnel to the dome.