Phoenix In Chaos (Exodus) Read online

  PHOENIX IN CHAOS

  By

  Robert Stadnik

  EXODUS SERIES #3

  Phoenix In Chaos

  Copyright 2012 Robert Stadnik

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Nicole? Are you there? Where are you? I can’t see you.”

  A thick fog surrounded John. He squinted his eyes, but he couldn’t get a clear view. He started to run to get out of the fog, but it was useless. He ran for what seemed an eternity, yet remained in the fog. He continued calling out for his sister, but it was in vain. But he persisted, determined to find her. When all hope seemed lost, he spotted a shadowy figure in the distance. It was her, he just knew it. When he reached Nicole, he put his hand on her shoulder and spun her around.

  John woke up, covered in sweat. He looked around and found himself in his bedroom, in his quarters on board the starship PHOENIX.

  The young captain got out of bed and went to the bathroom. He splashed some cold water on his face to clear his head. He looked at himself in the mirror. Why was he dreaming about his sister? It was the third time he had this dream, and its intensity hadn’t subsided. Nicole hadn’t been a part of his life in years, ever since she left him back home in La Habra as a kid. La Habra…that part of his life on Earth seemed like nothing more than a distant memory. Only six months had passed since PHOENIX left the solar system in search of humanity’s mysterious enemy, the Screen. Yet, for some reason, John felt he had been living on this ship for years. PHOENIX felt more of a home than Earth ever did.

  The Screen was another topic John didn’t want to dwell on. These past few months in space had yielded little information about them, a race that had kept humanity contained within the solar system for nearly a century. If things continued this way, PHOENIX could be out roaming space for years trying to locate the Screen.

  John shook those thoughts from his head. Getting frustrated and dwelling on the negative wasn’t going to accomplish anything. “Computer, what’s the time?”

  “0435 hours.”

  There was no sense returning to bed. John wasn’t going to get back to sleep. “Roberts to command deck.”

  “Command deck here,” said a male voice through Roberts’ pip. “Lieutenant Richards here.”

  “Lieutenant, what’s our ETA to the station?”

  “Navigation estimates about ten hours.”

  “Thank you, lieutenant.”

  “Is there anything you want me to do, captain?”

  “No, I was just checking in. Roberts out.”

  A week ago Drix, the ship’s resident Cresorian, had approached John and Commander Olson about the location of a space station that was a well-known trading hub for space travelers. The station was rarely bothered by the Screen, but it provided an opportunity for the crew to learn about others races they hadn’t encountered. It was also a chance to gain some new information other aliens might have about the Screen. It would also be a chance to acquire alien technology that could enhance the PHOENIX.

  John was hungry and decided a hot breakfast was in order. After getting dressed in his black TERRA uniform, John headed down to Central. Despite the early morning, there were a lot of people out and about. No matter what time it was, people were always out doing something on board this massive starship.

  Once in Central, John headed straight to the Stardust Café. He was surprised to find his executive officer, Julie Olson, there sitting at one of the outside tables. With her was the Aldarian leader Thresha, the other alien race now living on PHOENIX. But unlike Drix, who was the only one of his kind on board, there were three hundred Aldarians on the ship, which comprised the entire race.

  “Thresha, commander, you’re both up early,” said John as he approached them.

  “I’ve always been an early riser, you know that,” said Julie. John used to complain about how much noise she made when she got up for school when they were roommates at the Academy. By the time Julie was out the door and heading to class, John was barely crawling out of bed.

  “Yeah, but this is a little early for you,” said John as he joined them at the table.

  “Commander Olson and I are finalizing the list of goods to offer for trade at the outpost,” said Thresha. She handed John her Data Acquisition Terminal (DAT) for review.

  “Good morning, captain,” said Mario, owner of the Stardust Café, as he set two glasses of orange juice down. “Are you joining these two lovely ladies for breakfast?”

  “Absolutely,” answered John. “You still make that Mediterranean omelet?”

  Mario nodded. “I do, but it’s going to cost you. Eggs are now twenty-three credits a pop.”

  “What? Why the hell so much?”

  “None of the chickens have been producing eggs the past couple weeks,” explained Julie. “Neither medical or the ship’s vets have found anything to explain it. I gave you the report about it two days ago.”

  John rolled his eyes. “Commander, if you haven’t figured it out, I don’t read all the reports you give me. I have a life.”

  “I’ll remember that the next time you’re asking why a report is late,” said Julie.

  John wanted to stick his tongue out at her, but resisted. It probably wasn’t good etiquette to display such childish behavior in front of Thresha. “Well, might as well take the hit on my wallet,” said John. “I’ll do the omelet and glass of cranberry juice.”

  “And for the ladies?”

  “Xixia paste,” said Thresha. John’s stomach churned hearing the name of the accursed Aldarian plant that got him sick a few months back. Xixia paste was a mixture of mashed potatoes, basil, mushrooms, and xixia, a plant native to the Aldarian homeworld. It had become a favorite breakfast item at the café among both Aldarians and humans, but John refused to have anything to do with it.

  “Fruit bowl for me,” said Julie.

  “And bring a pot of coffee,” added John.

  As Mario went inside to prepare their food, John looked over the trade list. “Well, at least we’re not trading our remaining supply of eggs away.”

  “We removed any supplies we’re low on,” said Julie.

  “Pulse guns, molecular generators, computer modules,” John said as he read off the list. “These are some pretty high-valued commodities. Didn’t we agree to limit the items to low tech stuff?”

  “Drix said that even though these aliens haven’t seen human technology, they’re pretty savvy and will be able to identify any of our low-valued items,” explained Julie.

  “I’d rather try trading the low tech stuff first before moving on to our big ticket items,” said John. “I’m not comfortable with trading weapons and computer components to races we don’t even know.”

  “Drix has said that the outpost merchants value consumables above all else,” said Thresha. “Perhaps we should limit the negotiations to food items.”

  “That might not be enough if we want any alien technology,” said Julie. In the last senior staff meeting we discussed that one of the goals was to try and obtain alien weapons that could be equipped on the PHOENIX. The Screen was aware of the ship’s offensive capabilities and the staff wanted to eliminate that advantage with new weapons. “It’d be hard to convince anyone to trade tech for food.”

  “We’ll just have to be convincing that our bagels and cream cheese are worth trading for tech,” said John.

  “I was not aware bagels were so special,” said Thresha.

  “They’re not, the captain’s being sarcastic,” said Julie,
recognizing John’s joke.

  After eating breakfast, Thresha went off to do some meditation at the Aldarian temple that was recently completed in Central as John and Julie headed up to the command deck.

  “How are things around the ship?” asked John as they entered the lift.

  “Just the usual,” said Julie. “I talked to Chris yesterday and he said crew morale seemed to be ok.”

  “I’m a little worried that there haven’t been any other incidents since the chemistry lab explosion.”

  Julie didn’t want to admit to John that she was also concerned. The explosion was a deliberate act of sabotage and an attempt to frame an Aldarian for the crime. Although the Aldarian was cleared, they were never able to identify the true culprit. Both John and Julie anticipated the perpetrator would try something again.

  “Maybe the saboteur will lay low for awhile,” said Julie.

  “I’d rather they try something again so we can catch them,” said John. “I hate the idea of someone working against us.” They both were convinced that the saboteur was the spy who was sent to observe the EXODUS Project.

  The pair spent the rest of the day attending to their duties, passing the time until the PHOENIX arrived at the trading outpost. When the ship was close to its destination, John, Julie, Alex’sis, Chief Sandoval, Drix, and Thresha gathered at the operations table on the command deck, with Bret and Kevin at their respective stations.

  “Two minutes until we exit the jump,” reported Kevin.

  “Do you still intend to keep the shields and weapons on standby?” Sandoval asked John.

  “Yes,” replied the captain. “We’re going to a trading outpost, not military boot camp.”

  Sandoval shook his head. Drix saw the chief’s disapproving look and sought to reassure him. “The station’s armaments are substantially inferior against PHOENIX, Thomas Chief. We cannot display any hostile intentions if you hope to trade with anyone there.”

  “If you say so.” Drix’s assurance didn’t convince the chief that approaching the station unarmed was the correct course of action.

  “Exiting jump,” said Kevin. They heard the low hum of the hyper jump engine disengaging.

  “Picking up a large metallic object ten thousand kilometers ahead of us,” reported Alex’sis. “Sensors are having difficulty translating it into a visual image.”

  “The station is located near a star cluster that disrupts ship sensors,” said Drix. “Implement the modifications I showed you and it should clear up the distortions.”

  Alex’sis played with the sensors exactly as Drix taught her the day before. “It’s working, sensors are clearing up.” She punched up the holographic display and an image of the station appeared over the table. The station was composed of a central cylindrical hub with five arms protruding from it. Each arm had a kink in the middle that made the arms flail in different directions. It had a bluish color to it, and various ships were moored at the end of each of the protrusions.

  “Captain,” said Bret. “I’m getting a lot of comm traffic out there. I think they’re talking about us and they sound scared.”

  “We better diffuse the situation while we can,” said John. “Open a channel to the station’s facilitator.”

  “Hailing the station,” said Bret. “I’m getting a response. A Facilitator Malnygun is on the line.” It was the same individual Drix said that had run the station for over fifty cycles.

  “Put him through,” said John. The image of the station was replaced by a blue colored alien. He looked humanoid, with two arms, eyes, and what looked like a nose. But where his mouth should have been there were a collection of large tentacles hanging off his face that hung down to his waist. Larger tentacles hung around the lower portion of his head, each moving wildly. It looked like a squid had been smashed into his lower face.

  “State your intentions,” said the facilitator as its tentacles moved. “The station is armed and we will defend ourselves.”

  “Jumpy octopus,” muttered Alex’sis under her breath. No one heard her.

  “I’m Captain John Roberts of the human starship PHOENIX. Our intentions are not hostile. We’re only here to conduct trade.”

  “What could my tiny station offer a vessel of such magnificent size?” asked Malnygun.

  “We’re new to space exploration and haven’t made much contact with other alien races,” said John.

  “Your statement does not ring true,” countered Malnygun as the tentacles on his face gyrated in all directions. “A species with your ship construction capabilities cannot be novices to space travel.”

  John wanted to reply back with, “Oh yeah, and how many human starships have you seen flying around?”

  “John Captain tells you the truth,” said Drix.

  “And who are you, Cresorian, to vouch for these creatures?”

  “My name is Drix. If you check your records you will see I am a routine visitor to your station.”

  The blue alien consulted his computers. “Yes, Cresorian species, designation Drix. You have conducted business here for the last twenty-three cycles, attaining a rating of untyne, with a reputation of being a fair negotiator.”

  “Then based on my reputation you can accept that what the human captain says is true,” said Drix. “They are explorers who search for knowledge and trade.”

  “My scanners indicate you are the only Cresorian on board that vessel,” said Malnygun. “But there are three hundred of another race I have never encountered on board your ship.”

  Thresha stepped up to the operations table. “You speak of my people. We are the Aldarians. Through the kind actions of these humans, they rescued us from peril from our homeworld.”

  “I have heard enough,” said Malnygun. “You are permitted to come aboard my station. Transmit information on your units of measurement so I may convert it to station standard. It will facilitate your business here. Be advised that all trade negotiations are subject to a tribu surcharge to me and any disputes will be arbitrated by me.” Thanks to Drix, John already knew that a tribu was equivalent to four percent. “And no more than five of your crew may come aboard at one time.”

  John was impressed on how the facilitator handled their first meeting. He didn’t mess around. “We’ll transmit the requested information and will standby for docking instructions.”

  “Your vessel may not dock with the station,” said Malnygun. “I doubt we have the proper locking mechanism to interface with your ship. We have a transport bay you can use to land any auxiliary craft you have. Contact me when you are prepared to come over.”

  “Very well,” said John, but before he could say anything more, Malnygun ended the transmission. “Well, he was a nice chap.”

  “Once the facilitator determined your intentions were friendly, he lost interest,” said Drix. “Besides, his position as facilitator requires his attention on more pressing matters.”

  “What’s his race called?” asked Julie.

  “I do not know,” said Drix. “He is the only one of his species I have ever encountered and he does not discuss the history of his race with anyone.”

  “Captain,” said Alex’sis. “Since Malnygun scanned us, I thought to extend the same courtesy.”

  John cracked a smile. He knew Alex’sis would jump on the chance to learn more about the station, if for nothing else to gain a tactical advantage. “What’d you find?”

  “There are sixty-seven life forms either on the station or in one of the docked ships,” said Alex’sis. “Readings indicate seven unique species are over there.”

  “Not a lot of aliens given the size of the station,” said Julie. “The computer estimates the station could easily accommodate several hundred individuals.”

  “Are there any Cresorian life-signs, Alex’sis Lieutenant?” asked Drix.

  Alex’sis checked the sensor readings. “I’m not showing any indication of a Cresorian. I also don’t pick up any Cresorian ship docked.”

  “Were you expecting an
y of your people here?” Julie asked Drix.

  “No, but it was my hope to find one here,” said Drix. “I have only encountered one Cresorian male, and that was over nine cycles ago.”

  John could see the look of disappointment on the Cresorian’s face. “Drix, we’re going to be here at least a few days. Maybe a Cresorian will show up during our visit.”

  “Although the possibility is remote, I do appreciate your attempt to offer me hope, John Captain.” For Drix, meeting another of his kind would be a rare treat; however, he did have a specific reason for wanting to find a Cresorian, one he had not shared with his shipmates. He was of mating age, and according to the Cresorian database it was of paramount importance for Cresorians to mate whenever those of the opposite sex crossed paths. Although the significance of such an event weighed heavily on Drix’s mind, he felt it was a minor issue for his human friends and did not want to bother them with it.

  “Captain,” said Bret from his station. “The facilitator has made a station-wide announcement that we’re friendly, but there’s still a lot of nervous chatter about us.”

  “He’s right,” said Julie, looking at graphical display on the ops table. “Almost a quarter of the ships are disembarking from the station and leaving.”

  “Should we chase after them, see if any of them have information about the Screen?” asked Alex’sis.

  “No,” replied John. “We’re better off staying here and dealing with the remaining aliens. Alex’sis, I want you and Drix to do some reconnaissance on the station. Julie, you and the chief go over and meet Malnygun and show him what we have to offer.”

  “John Captain,” said Drix. “Malnygun only deals with the highest ranked individual of a ship. He will take it as a personal insult if you do not meet him.”

  “Fine, then me and the chief will go,” said John.

  “I don’t suppose pointing out how risky it is for the captain to go over to an alien outpost will stop you from going,” said Sandoval.

  “Nope,” replied John. “Julie, you’ll remain on the PHOENIX. Keep a constant lock on our pips.”