Phoenix Among The Stars (Exodus) Read online

  "We're getting reports that the ECON went down. No one's been able charge any purchases to their accounts." The ECON was a computer system that monitored ship resources and assigned monetary values to them. It allowed for a functioning economy to exist on the ship.

  John shook his head. He couldn't believe it. The PHOENIX makes its first jump out of the solar system, surviving two Screen attacks, and one of its key systems fails. He had concerns about the ship’s integrity, but everyone seemed confident that PHOENIX was well built.

  "All right," said John. "I'm heading back in. Meet me in the hangar bay with a status report of the ECON."

  "Yes sir. PHOENIX out."

  John clicked the channel back over to tell Julie and Martin. "We've got a situation with the ECON and need to head back in. We'll have to table our training for now." John was happy to end the session; he had enough of feeling inferior for one day.

  "Understood, captain," replied Julie. "Lieutenant Everold, lead the way."

  "Yes, sir," replied the seasoned fighter pilot. Everold's Interceptor turned and flew back to the PHOENIX, with John and Julie trailing behind. John took the opportunity to look at the stars dotting the background. This was still a dream, it had to be. It was just a few days ago his chance at a career in TERRA was in shambles, as was his chance for a life in space. Now here he was, in a neighboring star system, commanding the first human starship.

  John turned his attention to the large brown, organic looking structure floating in space, admiring what was now his home. He could hardly believe humans actually built it. The PHOENIX was now the one chance to break humanity’s oppression from the Screen.

  The three fighters glided into the hangar and landed near the bay’s center. The cockpit doors opened in unison and the three pilots emerged as the hangar technicians surrounded the Interceptors to conduct their maintenance checks. Lieutenant Brandus approached John as he climbed out of his cockpit.

  "How did it go out there?"

  "You didn’t see?" asked John. He assumed the entire command deck staff watched his pathetic performance.

  "I was busy handling ship operations," Alex'sis replied, lying right through her teeth. She watched John from start to finish. If she was an Academy instructor she would have failed him five minutes into the test.

  "So what's with the ECON?" asked John as Julie joined them.

  "We started getting calls about thirty minutes ago from people down in Central." Alex'sis handed John a Data Acquisition Terminal (DAT) for him to review the report. "The merchants reported they couldn't process any sales through their terminals, and then the civilians and military officers throughout the ship reported they couldn't access their ECON accounts." She waited for John to finish reading the report. She didn't have to wait long for his reaction.

  "Are you kidding me?" he said.

  "What?" asked Julie. John handed her the DAT to read what it said.

  "The ECON computer is completely fried?" said John.

  "We had minor power fluctuations in the main energy grid throughout the ship," explained Alex'sis. "Engineering has been trying to stabilize the network, but it looks like an energy surge hit the ECON central core and ravaged the entire unit."

  "According to this, the power surge was minimal," commented Julie. "There’s no way it should have blown out the ECON."

  "The techs are examining it now," said Alex'sis. "We'll have to wait to see what they say, but I already have an idea what might have happened."

  "What?" said John.

  "The ECON was the first system developed and installed on EXODUS...PHOENIX," Alex'sis said, correcting herself. "The system was installed nineteen years ago and was never updated or replaced."

  "Hold on a second," interrupted John. "The system specs we reviewed showed that numerous generations of systems were installed on PHOENIX over the years."

  "Yes,” said Alex’sis. “Shields, weapons, life support, hyperdrive, and other systems were updated with newer versions as we developed the technology. But the ECON was never upgraded because it was considered a low priority system. It worked and there wasn’t a need to update it. As more systems came online, the overall power levels of the ship increased. The newer systems were designed to handle power surges, but not the ECON."

  "Great," said John. "The only system that regulates ship resources is an antique." He shot a glance at Julie. “If there’s a riot, you’re in charge of suppressing it.”

  "Can the techs repair the core?" asked Julie, ignoring John’s sarcastic remark.

  "We'll have to wait for their assessment," said Alex'sis.

  "How long would it take to rebuild a new unit if we had to go down that route?" asked John.

  "It could take up to a week," said Alex'sis.

  "We can't spend a week without the ECON," said Julie. She imagined the logistical nightmare of trying to manually regulate ship resources on a vessel this size. The whole idea of the ECON was to remove the human element and avoid any accusation of favoritism when allocating credits.

  John preferred their first crisis in deep space to be a Screen encounter, not this operational nightmare. "We're going to have to improvise until the ECON is fixed. Julie, have the merchants manually track people's purchases and keep a running log. Once the ECON is up again we can input the transactions."

  "I recommend increasing security around Central," said Alex'sis. "To mitigate the chance of people trying to take advantage of the situation and take more resources than they actually need." John gave her a disparaging look, not appreciating what she was implying.

  "It may be a good idea, captain," said Julie, seeing John's reaction. "Just as a precaution."

  "Fine," relented John. "Contact Chief Sandoval and have him deploy some of his people."

  "Yes sir," said Julie. John turned to Alex'sis.

  "In the meantime, I want to go over some of the sensor data that the science teams have been collecting of this system and local space," said John. "Then we’ll figure out which star system to jump to next."

  "Lieutenant Jacobson already has some possibilities lined up," said Alex'sis. "He’s up on the command deck."

  "Fine," replied John. He turned to Julie. "Let me know when you've taken care of everything."

  "I will."

  "We still on for dinner?"

  "Yes, captain."

  John wanted to scream for Julie to stop calling him captain and sir. He was still adjusting to the notion of being leader of this ship. Although the crew had thrown their support behind him after their victory against the Screen in the solar system, he felt he still had much to do to earn their respect.

  John and Alex'sis parted ways with Julie from the hangar deck and entered the lift.

  "Deck two," said John. "I really hope the other systems are more reliable than the ECON.”

  “They are, sir,” said Alex’sis. “I guarantee it.”

  “Good, because I’d hate to wake up tomorrow morning and find that life support has failed.”

  “You don’t have to worry, captain. The PHOENIX was built to withstand the harsh environment of space.”

  Alex’sis’ confident tone gave John some reassurance. “You can be honest with me about my performance out there. I know I sucked."

  "Starship captains typically don't fly Interceptors," said Alex'sis in a matter-of-fact tone. "I recommend you follow that standard. But if you wouldn’t mind indulging me, can I ask how you passed the simulation tests at the Academy? No one can advance with their class without passing basic flight combat."

  “I cheated,” muttered John. Back then, he was so proud how he circumvented the test. Now he felt embarrassed. It was the one area he could not excel in, no matter how hard he tried. “Ask me about it sometime, over a bottle of wine or something, and I may give you the details.”

  “Fair enough, captain,” said Alex'sis as she tried not to smile. “But sir, I was under the impression you excelled at everything. That’s why Admiral Johnson chose you for this command.”


  “No one’s good at everything,” said John, who had difficulty admitting such a thing. He didn’t like to dwell on any of his own deficiencies. “I’m good at most things, it just so happens I pilot a fighter like it’s a trash can rolling down a hill.”

  “I’ll keep your little secret between us,” said Alex’sis.

  “You’re all heart, lieutenant,” said John as they both stepped out on deck two.

  "I hope you weren't offended about my inquiry," said Alex’sis.

  "Very little offends me." John picked up his pace going down the corridor to the next lift. If the ECON was down it was possible the various security systems on deck two could be faulty as well, despite Alex’sis assurances. John knew it was an irrational fear, but one he couldn’t shake. He made a mental note to have a diagnostic test done on the deck’s systems for his peace of mind.

  Less than a minute later both officers were on the command deck. The area had remained active and busy since the ship jumped out of the solar system. Officers were busy running tests on systems, coordinating tasks with the various departments, and conducting scans of Alpha Centauri. John and Alex'sis found Kevin at the operations table at the center of the pit. He was completely engrossed studying the star charts displayed on the table and didn’t notice them approaching him.

  "Lieutenant Brandus indicated you have some ideas where we should jump next," said John.

  "Captain," said Kevin as he looked up. "I have a couple of possibilities for us to consider."

  John motioned with his hand. "By all means, let’s see what you have."

  Kevin punched up the table's holographic display and a three dimensional image of the Milky Way galaxy appeared over the table. Kevin zoomed the display onto the small region where Alpha Centauri and the solar system occupied.

  "We have several stars within this region," explained the navigation officer. His nervous tone disappeared as he delved into his topic of expertise. "Barnard's Star, Wolf 359, Luyten 726-8, Ross 154, and Sirius are all within ten light years of us. The other nearby systems are Tau Ceti and Episilon Eridani. Any of these systems would be ideal to jump and conduct scientific and mapping surveys."

  John looked at the choices that were highlighted in red on the map. "Barnard's, Wolf, Sirius, Luyten, and Ross don't have planets orbiting those stars."

  "Yes, but each offer their own unique qualities that would yield a lot of data if studied closer," said Kevin. "The astronomy and physics departments have indicated a preference for Sirius and Luyten as they're binary systems."

  "Lieutenant," said John. "I understand everyone’s eagerness to expand our scientific knowledge of the galaxy, but our primary mission is to locate the Screen. We can’t jump the ship to every system to conduct scientific research. We need to focus our attention on systems with planetary bodies."

  "Captain, it's possible we could find a Screen orbital station at any one of these systems," said Kevin, trying to keep his preference of investigating all these stars alive. We don't know what we'll encounter unless we visit each system."

  "I appreciate your input, but we need to narrow our scope. We don't even know if the Screen even use space stations." John saw Kevin was going to continue to protest. "It's my call, lieutenant. We have to prioritize where to go."

  "Yes, sir," replied Kevin in a deflated tone.

  "That leaves Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani," said Alex’sis.

  "Tau Ceti has a complex asteroid system orbiting the star, and Epsilon Eridani has a gas giant and solid planet mass, as well as two asteroid fields. Either one would be ideal to house Screen vessels or facilities."

  "Which would be the most likely choice for the Screen?" asked John as he adjusted his black TERRA uniform.

  "Tau Ceti's debris disk is bigger than Epsilon's asteroid fields combined," said Kevin. "But the disk can be easily scanned with our sensors."

  "TERRA's assumed the Screen's sensor technology is more advanced than ours," said Alex'sis. "Even the EXODUS…," John gave her a quick look and Alex'sis corrected herself. "I mean, PHOENIX's sensor array may not be up to par compared with the Screen."

  "The bottom line is that both sides would be hard pressed to hide a facility or fleet there," concluded John. Both Alex'sis and Kevin nodded in unison. "And Epsilon Eridani?"

  "Epsilon's asteroid fields might contain complex metallic compounds that could impede our sensors," explained Kevin. "The outer portion of the system is protected by one field with the second located within the inner sphere of the system."

  "Sounds like a great place to hide a fleet," said John.

  "Any vessel the size of a capital ship would need hours to navigate through either asteroid field," said Alex'sis. "If the Screen was hiding there, PHOENIX would be unable to conduct any sort of pursuit. We would be limited to using our fighters and support craft."

  "We'll draw up a plan to handle all probable scenarios," said John as he focused the holographic display on Epsilon Eridani.

  "Then you've decided," said Kevin in a low tone. He was disappointed that they would be focusing on only one star system. There was so much to learn out here and he was disheartened that their scientific exploits were already taking a back seat to their primary mission.

  "I have," said John, noticing the disappointment on Kevin's face. "Lieutenant Brandus, inform all departments that we'll be making our next jump in twenty-four hours."

  "Yes captain."

  "Lieutenant Jacobson, have engineering prepare a sensor probe and configure it to handle the environment of Tau Ceti."

  Kevin was confused. "Captain?"

  "We'll make two jumps, the first to Tau Ceti to launch the probe and then a second jump to Epsilon. The probe can take readings of Tau Ceti and the surrounding space and transmit the data back to PHOENIX."

  "Yes sir," said Kevin in an elated tone.

  "I want the ship fully ready by tomorrow. I'll inform Commander Olson of our plan."

  "Yes, captain," said Alex'sis as she left the operations table.

  John turned his attention to Kevin. "I understand we have a lot of scientists looking to unlock the mysteries of the universe, and I know you're just as eager to learn more about the galaxy. I'm not opposed to making diversions in the interest of science, but they need to be limited to launching probes. Our priority is to search for the Screen."

  "I understand, sir,” said Kevin. “I appreciate your willingness to do this."

  "Send me the schematics of the probe when engineering has put it together."

  "I will. Thank you, captain."

  John headed out of the pit to his office. He almost made it to the door when he heard someone yell his name.

  "Captain Roberts!"

  John recognized from the picture in the biographical file that it was Professor Donavin yelling for him. Julie had warned John about the professor and the young captain knew they would eventually meet. John didn't appreciate Donavin yelling for him in front of the command deck staff.

  "Professor Donavin. I assume your absence from engineering means the hyperdrive is ready for our next jump."

  "Absolutely not! I have yet to complete half my tests on the engines." The professor stopped right in front of John and was standing way too close for the young man's comfort. He almost stepped back but held his ground.

  "PHOENIX jumps in twenty-four hours," reminded John.

  "I don't think so," the professor replied. "The engines must remain offline until all my diagnostic tests are complete. My more immediate concern is..."

  "Professor Donavin," said John in a loud and stern tone. Everyone on the deck stopped what they were doing and looked at the pair. Even the professor was startled by John's strong voice. "I did not authorize the hyperdrive to be taken offline. Doing so strands us here and prevents PHOENIX from jumping in case of a Screen attack."

  "Captain..."

  "Second," John wasn't about to let the professor protest at all. "You do not come up here and dictate ship operations. I am the ship commander and you will foll
ow my orders. Is that clear?"

  "Captain, I did not mean..."

  "I said am I clear?"

  "Yes, captain."

  "You will return to engineering and bring the hyperdrive back online. Even though we will be jumping tomorrow, I expect the ship to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If you cannot meet those goals I will find someone who can."

  “Captain!” Donavin tried to protest, but Roberts wouldn’t let him.

  “Do you understand, or do I need to refer this to Mr. Ecerson?” said John, referring to the second rank engineering officer.

  "That won’t be necessary."

  "Then carry out my orders. Dismissed." John didn't wait for the quirky professor to leave. He took a step sideways and entered his office. The professor looked around for a moment and saw the command deck staff’s eyes on him. He pulled his lab coat tight and made a hasty exit, acting like a child being sent to his room after being scolded. Alex’sis could only smile as she watched the professor retreat. She was impressed how John handled him.

  John took a seat behind his transparent desk and collected his thoughts. He didn’t want to be harsh towards any crew member, but he had to put the professor in his place. John had to demonstrate that he was the captain not just in title. Admiral Johnson said the crew would not question John's ability to lead, but the young man assumed there were some crew members he still needed to prove his worth. He couldn't afford to let individuals like the professor walk all over him. Their meeting might have been unpleasant, but hopefully word would spread around the ship that John would not be bullied by anyone.

  CHAPTER THREE

  By dinner time the ECON was still down, but it did not stop people from coming to Central to shop or eat. Martin Everold was sitting at one of the patio tables at the Stardust Cafe, the Italian eatery the captain had recommended. The city-like atmosphere was dashed with the appearance of armed security officers in the area, maintaining a visual presence to ensure no one caused a disruption while the ship’s economic management system was offline. The captain had made an announcement earlier about the ECON being down for repairs, with no timetable when it would come back up, and that security would be conducting increased patrols until the system was reactivated. For Martin, the appearance of security reminded him of being back in Crimson City on Mars. If the Screen ever invaded the solar system, TERRA assumed Mars would be targeted first and therefore it justified having heavy armed patrols roaming the Martian city.