CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“Alliance station, this is PHOENIX,” announced Bret. “We’re holding at requested coordinates.”

An image of an Onixin appeared on the communications monitor. “Acknowledged, PHOENIX. This is Hui’is, caundu of the station. I am transmitting a shuttle traffic schedule to you. Docking pylons Alpha and Beta have been designated for your use. I have been assigned to be your traffic coordinator during your stay.”

“Thank you, caundu,” replied Bret. “You’ll be working with Lieutenant Block in coordinating our traffic activity. He’ll be your liaison to our hangar bay.”

“Very well, lieutenant,” said Hui’is. “Contact me again when you are ready to send your shuttles over.”

“Acknowledged. Michaels out.” He looked at David, who was sitting next to him. “Think you can handle it?”

“I’ve never coordinated shuttle traffic with a space station before,” said a nervous David.

“Vish will handle most of the logistics,” explained Bret. “Both you and the hangar should only need to provide minimal input on the schedule.”

“Ok, but one thing, sir. What’s a caundu?”

“That’s a proper Onixin title for station operator. Kind of like how vori is their term for ship commander.”

“Oh.” David wasn’t even aware of that. He was beginning to realize that he still had a lot to learn about the alliance aliens despite all his studying up on them.

The alien trading station was never claimed by the former station facilitator’s race. So it was decided to turn it into an observation and restocking hub for alliance ships. Each alliance race sent a group of their military officers to work at the station. Forty-three of PHOENIX’s crew members would be transferring to the station to represent TERRA’s interest. They were also off-loading an assortment of weapons, medical supplies, and other necessities for the station. Even though the Screen had been defeated, it was agreed to equip the station with weapons and shields.

“Is Rudov going to be around?” David asked Bret.

“No, he’s joining me at the station to go over communications protocols with the team there.” Bret recognized David was nervous about being left alone. “You’ll do fine. Like I said, Vish can handle the logistics and any of the command deck staff here will be able to help you out.”

“Ok, thanks.” David felt a bit more reassured hearing that he did have support around him if he needed it.

********

John was in his office with Julie, X, and Thresha going over some ship business. The workload for John was becoming overwhelming so he asked Thresha to help him with some of the administrative tasks. He was glad she accepted, as it was a chance to spend some time with one of his closest friends. He hadn’t seen much of her since defeating the Screen. He was dragged from one ceremony or press event to another back in the solar system, leaving him isolated from his crewmates. It was the one bright spot in their mission to locate the Io, a chance for John to do what he loved: command the PHOENIX.

Thresha’s presence was also helping the captain keep his focus away from the ring he saw on Julie’s hand. He spotted it this morning during the senior staff meeting but said nothing. So far Julie hadn’t made so much of an announcement.

“Michelle Fergus from the office of Senator Mayfus says that the Rifva government sent a message to your government,” reported Thresha. “They are requesting a delegation exchange to explore establishing formal relations.”

“Did she mention anything about Zuk?” asked Julie, referring to the Rifva who killed a human maintenance tech. He was currently being held in the brig.

“The situation with Zuk is a topic the Rifva plan to discuss during the initial meeting,” replied Thresha. “Until a decision is made, they are requesting that he is to remain on PHOENIX.”

“Fair enough,” said John. “Davers says Zuk hasn’t made a fuss. Speaking of security, they’re reporting an increased number of public disturbances down in Central. Destruction of property, fights.”

“I read that report,” as Julie pulled it up on her holographic DAT. “What’s interesting is that, except for a couple instances, they all involve Cresorians.”

“Drix would be so proud,” John quipped sarcastically. “Any idea what’s going on?”

“Our doctors think it has to do with the Cresorians living solitary lives for generations,” explained Julie. “They’re so used to living alone that they’re having a tough time adjusting to living on a ship with thousands of aliens.”

“I sympathized with them but we need to get a handle on this before it gets out of hand, or someone gets seriously hurt,” said John.

Julie quickly reviewed the security data. “So far security has confined the perpetrators to their quarters for a day.”

“Going forward, anyone involved in anymore disturbances goes directly to the brig for at least two days,” instructed John. “And have the chief increase security’s presence in Central.”

“Will do,” as Julie transmitted the orders to Davers through her DAT.

“I think that’s it for ship business,” said John. “Do we have anything from the alliance?”

“The Onixin military has reported that a merchant freighter from their world has gone missing,” reported Thresha. “They have dispatched a cruiser to its last known location.”

“Are they requesting help from us?” asked Julie.

“No,” replied Thresha. “The freighter was one of their older ships. They believe it may have encountered engine or communications issues.”

“I want to keep a priority tab on that one,” insisted John.

“It’s probably nothing,” said Julie, trying to reassure him. She knew he was thinking the Io might be responsible. “Lots can happen in space.”

“You’re probably right but it’s for my piece of mind,” said John.

“I will add it to your schedule for monitoring,” said Thresha. “I was contacted by the new station facilitator, Treen.”

John was aware that a Senfo was elected leader of the station. “She’s invited us to take a tour of the station.”

“I have found some time in both your schedules,” said Thresha. “However, Treen has asked if you could contact the Ni.”

“What for?” asked John.

“The Ni is the only race that did not send a delegate to live on the station,” revealed Thresha. “She contacted them personally but the Ni simply stated they were not interested the affairs of the station.”

“They’ve declined all requests to establish relations with the alliance,” added Julie. “It’s as if they’re no longer interested in us now that the Screen have been defeated. Have you talked to Jacks about this?”

“I have,” replied John. “But it claims it doesn’t know what’s motivating them. Given that it’s not linked to the whole, I’m inclined to believe it.”

“It just seems odd,” commented Julie. “They built all sorts of their technology into PHOENIX. You’d think they’d at least have a vested interest in this ship.”

“Perhaps you should reach out to them,” Thresha advised John.

“I’ve already tried. They won’t even answer my calls. If they don’t want to interact with us, we can’t force them. All we can do is wait and hope they change their minds.” John checked the list on his DAT. “I think we’re caught up for now.”

“With your permission, I will contact Treen and set up a time for the tour,” said Thresha.

“This unit would like to assist you,” X offered Thresha.

“Thanks, Thresha,” replied Julie as the Aldarian and bot left the office. She turned to look at John, apprehensive about breaking her news to him. She looked down at her ring. “I wanted to tell you in private before our meeting but Thresha got here before I did.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” assured John as he got up and gave her a hug. “I’m happy for you, congratulations. Have you set a date?”

“Not yet,” replied Julie. “Mitchell popped the question last night. We haven’t even discussed a wedding date. Hell, I haven’t even told my father.”

“Well, he’s a really nice guy and he seems to care a lot about you,” said John. “Whatever help you guys need, let me know.”

“Thanks.” Julie was worried how John would react to her engagement. She knew he still harbored some pain from losing Alex’sis. She didn’t want her happiness to upset him.

“I do mean it, Julie. I’m happy for you two.”

Julie nodded. “Well, I better take care of some of these things. I’ll talk to you later.”

********

The two went about their business for the rest of the day. Julie’s news caused John to reflect on his own situation. He ended his day early and returned to his apartment. X was reviewing the apartment food stock to determine what it should make for dinner tonight.

“This unit did not expect you home early,” said the bot. “Dinner has not been prepared.”

“That’s ok,” as John maneuvered around the bot and grabbed a bottle of cranberry juice from the refrigerator. “I’m not hungry.” After pouring himself a glass he settled on the couch in the living room.

“Your mannerisms indicate you are preoccupied with thought,” as X hoisted itself on the couch next to John and its ocular sensor turned to him.

“Julie got engaged last night,” revealed John.

“I conclude that Mitchell Connors is the individual who proposed to her,” said X.

John nodded. “I’m happy for her. I really am but it got me thinking about my own life.”

“You are referring to Alex’sis Brandus.” John told X about his relationship with Alex’sis, how much he loved her, how painful it was to lose her.

“She was the love of my life,” admitted John. “I see that same love between Julie and Mitchell. I know some people can move on and find someone else. I’m not that type of person.”

“Finding happiness with another person is a common behavioral driver,” stated X. “It is a common thing for humans to do.”

“I don’t operate that way,” replied John. “Alex’sis was the only one for me. I can’t replace her. I wouldn’t want to. I’ll always love her and don’t think I could have those same feelings with someone else.”

“You have told this unit numerous times how difficult it was to accept Alex’sis’ passing,” said X. “Perhaps you need more time.”

“Maybe,” as John fidgeted with his glass. “I’m glad Julie has found someone. She deserves to be happy.”

X patted John on the back in an attempt to comfort him. “You have always told this unit that individuals must do what they feel is right for them. You must do the same.”