CHAPTER FIFTEEN

PHOENIX was in orbit of a large comet the sensors picked up in proximity to the ship’s path. It was a perfect opportunity to conduct a scientific survey and perform some mining operations on the comet itself. In addition, engineering needed to do an extensive diagnostic test of the hyper jump engine. The test required taking the engine off-line for at least a day. By orbiting within the tail of the comet, PHOENIX could hide itself from other vessels as the test was done.

Although it was lunch time, Julie was working. She was in the botanical gardens consulting with the ship botanists. Several plants had died with no apparent explanation. The botany department alerted the senior staff of their concerns. Julie volunteered to work with them in their investigation.

“What about the water feed?” she asked as she looked over the preliminary report on her DAT.

“Within normal parameters,” answered Professor Begsha. “I’ve even had maintenance take apart the filtration systems for inspection. They found nothing.”

“According to this, you’ve maintained the same nutritional schedule for the plants,” remarked Julie.

“I created the feeding schedule six years ago in the Tormented Valley,” explained Begsha. “I was concerned the plants would not adapt to living in space so I developed a formula with a more concentrated nutritional base. They’ve been thriving all this time. So I didn’t see a need to alter the formula.”

“Have you considered the presence of the aliens that have visited the ship?” asked Julie. “Drix, the Aldarians, the Onixins.”

“We’ve ruled them out,” replied Begsha.

“What about the alien plant life we’ve picked up?”

Begsha shook his head. “We’ve kept the alien plants segregated from the native Earth plants. If the dead plants succumbed to something from the alien fauna, we would have seen something long before now.”

“This sounds like the same issue we had with our banana stock,” said Julie.

“It does, but the banana trees recovered and we were never able to determine a cause for their sickness,” explained Begsha. “We simply chalked it up as a one-time fluke.”

“Professor Begsha, Commander Olson,” said Elizabeth Montablo as she approached the pair. She was carrying a tomato plant in her hand. “Sorry to bother you. I’ve been looking over this plant and found something. She handed Begsha a magnifying enhancer. “Right there.”

It didn’t take long for Begsha to spot what Elizabeth was referring to. “I see it.”

“What is it?” asked Julie.

“There’s a puncture in the stem.” Begsha handed the plant and enhancer to Julie to see. Sure enough, she spotted the prick on the stem.

“Could it be natural?” asked Julie.

“No,” replied Elizabeth. “The scanner verified the puncture was deliberate. I did a scan of the cell structure and found an overdose of vitamins in its system. Enough was pumped in to kill it.”

“Maybe one of the botanists was trying to treat it,” speculated Julie.

“No, any nutritional supplements the plants need are flushed into the water system,” explained Begsha. “There wouldn’t be any reason to inject a plant by hand. Elizabeth, check the other plants to see if they have the same injection marks and vitamin overload.”

“Yes, professor.”

Begsha didn’t say anything until Elizabeth was out of earshot. “Commander, this is an amateur mistake that none of my botanists would make.”

“What about Doctor Geal and his team?” asked Julie.

“Doctor Geal is a pioneer in the field and he selected only the best for his team. I can’t believe any of them would make such a stupid mistake. Even the two Aldarians he has working for him have demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the science. I can’t see them being responsible either.”

Julie didn’t like where her mind was going: sabotage. “Professor, let’s keep this between us for now. Conduct the analysis on the other dead plants and let me know what you find.”

“Of course, commander.”

“I’ll have security check the logs to see who has been coming in and out of here.”

“So many people pass through here every day,” said Begsha. “You think you could point to the person responsible by reviewing the video feeds?”

“Maybe not, but it’s all we can do right now.”

*******

After consulting with Professor Begsha a little while longer, Julie finally left the botanical gardens and headed up to the command center. As she waited on the lift, she was contacted by the head of the mining department.

“Brustrom to Commander Olson.”

“Go ahead.”

“Commander, we’re ready to deploy to the comet but mining team B is refusing to proceed with the operation.”

“Why?”

“They won’t give a reason. They’re simply refusing to work.”

“Then get another team to replace them.”

“Commander, they’re still expecting to get paid for a full day’s work.”

“Mr. Brustrom, usually one only gets paid if they actually do their job. I’ll bring this up to the captain but you can let them know not to expect to get paid.”

“I will, commander. Brustrom out.”

It was odd that some miners were refusing to work on the comet. From what Julie read, it was no more dangerous than mining on a moon or planetoid.

A few minutes later Julie arrived at the captain’s office. “How’s your day so far?” as she walked in.

“So so,” replied John. “I just finished having a long meeting with Ecerson about ship maintenance.”

“How’d that go?” Engineering had told the captain and commander that they were falling behind on ship maintenance. With only five thousand people on board a ship designed to hold fifty thousand, there weren’t enough technicians and engineers to keep up with the routine maintenance.

“We went through all the numbers,” explained John. “Even if we trained the Aldarians interested in engineering, we don’t have enough people to maintain the ship. But Ecerson did have a solution.”

“Which is?” asked Julie.

“Activating the maintenance bots we have in storage,” said John. “Ecerson believes activating a hundred of the bots will be enough to catch up on the maintenance schedule.”

“Works for me,” said Julie. “But what happens when the bots need maintenance themselves? PHOENIX was never stocked with spare parts for them.”

John had a solution for that problem. “A section of the ore processing center can be reconfigured as a factory to manufacture bot parts. Ecerson’s already consulted with the relevant tech experts and they agree it’s feasible. The mining department’s been churning out plenty of raw materials and they don’t use all the space allocated to them.”

Now was as good as a time to bring up that subject. “Speaking of miners, I just got a bit of unpleasant news on the way up here.”

John didn’t like the tone in her voice. “Why? What’s going on?”

“Kenneth Brustrom contacted me and said one of the mining groups refuse to work on the comet.”

“Because?”

“They haven’t given a reason. They simply refuse to do their job.”

For the captain, it was a simple problem that had a simple solution. “Then they lose a day’s pay, end of story.”

“I figure that’s what you might say,” said Julie. “I already told Kenneth to tell that to the miners.”

“Anything else to liven up my day?” asked John.

“I just came from deck seventy-four to get an update about the plants that have been dying off. One of the botanists found evidence that they were deliberately poisoned.”

“Sabotage.” As hopeful as John was these incidents would stop, he wasn’t surprised.

“Whoever it was, Professor Begsha is sure that none of the botanists are responsible,” said Julie.

“They treat the plants like children, which is a good thing,” said John. “We may need to post security around the clock down there.”

Suddenly, their pips beeped. “Ecerson to Commander Olson.”

“Go ahead.”

“Commander, I have six engineers refusing to conduct the diagnostic test on the engines.”

“Mr. Ecerson, this is the captain. Did they say why?”

“No, they simply refuse to work. Captain, I can’t run the test without them.”

“What about the Aldarians?” asked Julie. “A number of them have been trained in engineering operations.”

“I could call them in.”

“Do it,” ordered John. “And let those six engineers know they won’t be paid and may be suspended from work for a number of days.”

“Understood, captain. Ecerson out.”

“Call me a cynic,” said John. “But this all seems way too coincidental.”

“Like it was planned ahead of time,” agreed Julie. “But what are they trying to accomplish? Neither group are impeding their departments’ operations.”

“I don’t know,” said John. “I suspect we’ll see it soon enough.” His desk beeped and John checked the monitor. “Brustrom and Ecerson just sent me the names of the workers refusing to work.”

Julie came around and looked at the names. “Professor Donavin, no surprise there.”

“Jeremy Hakins,” added John. “He’s the one who got into an altercation with Chris a while back.”

Julie remembered Chris and several witnesses telling her about that run in. “He’s made it no secret that he’s not happy with aliens on board.”

“Have Ecerson and Brustrom instruct these people to vacate the work areas,” said John. “If they refuse, have security escort them out.”

“Yes, captain,” said Julie.

John leaned back in his chair as Julie left. He had a feeling this was only the beginning of problems with crew members. He had prepared as best he could for this if it ever came to pass. Hopefully, he was ready for what might happen next.

********

A few hours later, as evening began to approach, Chris Anne was outside The Lounge. He had gotten the attention of a bot and was having it sweep up the front of the club. All of the sudden, he heard a low rumbling sound. It was getting louder and he could make out the sound as chanting.

“Freedom for PHOENIX, captain must go! Freedom for PHOENIX. Earth is our home!” A large group of protestors proceeded down the main road of Central. They were holding up signs and shouting as they walked.

“Sweetie’s not going to like this,” as Chris watched the group pass by.

The sounds got the attention of the The Lounge’s bartender, Max. He came racing out of the club. “What the hell? Are we under attack?”

“No, but it’s not much better,” as Chris pointed to the crowd passing by.

Max read some of the signs as he heard the chants. “Why would anyone have a problem with the captain?”

“Apparently, some do. Chris Anne to security, we have a big problem down here.”

********

It took some time for Sandoval to get his people in place down in Central. He managed to corral the protestors, which he estimated to be about forty people, to an area by Smitty’s. Once he determined none of them were carrying weapons, he contacted the captain to let him know it was safe to come down.

The captain arrived minutes later. He was escorted by a well-armed security detail. He had Julie remain up on the command deck in case things went sour. Alex’sis insisted on joining John. She wanted to face the protestors and ask them directly why they were risking everything they’ve worked so hard for.

Franklin Carl, the owner of Smitty’s, set up a couple of crates for John to stand on so he could address the crowd. This group was far more than the engineers and miners who had refused to work. John recognized a nurse and a couple of technicians in the group.

Once he was on the crates, the crowd ceased their chanting and wait t hear what the captain woul say. John didn’t waste any time. “I don’t understand what you people think you’re doing?”

“We’re tired of the way you’re running things,” shouted Larry.

“Yet none of you have ever contacted me directly or through your department heads,” John pointed out. He maintained a calm demeanor. He didn’t want to show that their protest was bothering him. He did bother him a little bit but he reminded himself that this group was miniscule in comparison to the five thousand others on the ship. “Several of you refuse to work, but decline to explain why to your superiors.”

“You run this ship like a dictator,” yelled Jeremy.

“You have never provided any instances or evidence to support that,” countered John. “Instead, you’re out here disrupting the lives of your fellow crew members. If you have a problem, you should come to me. You don’t come out and disrupt the lives on this ship. I cannot allow that.”

“We live in a democracy and can protest freely,” yelled Professor Donavin.

“No, you can’t,” said John. “This is a military vessel.”

“We’re civilians!”

“Who all signed a document agreeing to abide by military protocol regarding law and order,” reminded John. “You agreed to that when you joined the EXODUS Project.”

“You can’t tell us what to do,” said another protestor.

“I will do whatever is necessary to protect the lives of all crew members and the integrity of the ship,” stated John. “You’ll be escorted back to your quarters where you will remain under guard until further notice.”

“You can’t do that!” yelled Jeremy. “We have rights!”

John ignored the miner. “Chief Sandoval, anyone who resists is to be thrown in the brig.”

“Yes, captain,” replied the chief. “Sandoval to units, begin dispersal operation.”

It was a tense moment as security moved in on the protestors. Luckily, cooler heard prevailed and none of the protestors resisted security. John watched as the group was slowly dispersed and escorted back to their quarters.

“Not bad, sir,” said Alex’sis as John stepped off the crates.

“Pretty impressive for a young fellow,” added Franklin.

“Wish I could feel good,” said John. “I didn’t imagine so many people hate me enough to stage a protest.”

Franklin reassured the captain. “Don’t let them get to you. It’ll all work itself out. Come inside and let me buy you a drink.”

John appreciated the offer. “Thanks, Franklin but I can’t let this simmer. Come on, lieutenant.”

********

With their security escort, John and Alex’sis returned to the command deck. There, John made a ship wide announcement that anyone refusing to work for no legitimate reason would be confined to quarters and go without pay. He then had Alex’sis clear his schedule so he could spend the next two days meeting with each of the protestors. It was an arduous process. John discussed his position with each protester. He implored them that a workable solution was feasible.

On the second day, Jeremy Hakins was escorted from his quarters to the board room. The captain was waiting to reach out in the same manner he did with the other protestors.

“Hello, Mr. Hakins,” said John. “Please, have a seat.”

Jeremy said nothing as he sat down. John nodded for the security officer to leave so he could be alone with the miner.

“I’ve been meeting with the protestors the last couple of days,” explained John as he mover over by Jeremy. “Once we’re done here, you’ll be free to move about the ship again.”

“What do you want to talk about?” asked Jeremy.

“The protest really caught me off-guard,” said John with a hurtful look. “If I had any idea how upset some of the crew was…” He stood up and turned away from Jeremy. The miner was pleasantly caught off-guard. Their actions had gotten to the captain.

John seemed to regain his composure before returning to his seat. “Please, I want to make things right.”

“How?” asked Jeremy. “None of us felt we could approach you. You forced us to take our complaints public.”

“And that’s my fault,” apologized John. “I know the reputation I had as a cadet but I wanted to make a fresh start on the ship.” John got back up and paced around. “You have no idea the pressure I’ve been under commanding this ship. People are expected to follow my orders. I know a lot of them have a hard time accepting orders from someone so young and no command experience. That’s always in the back of my mind.”

John sat back down next to Jeremy. “It really affects me that you and others don’t have confidence in me. What can I do to demonstrate that I am worthy to command the PHOENIX? A captain is nothing without his crew.”

“I…I don’t know.” Jeremy wasn’t expecting John to cave in so soon. He thought he’d get a lecture and warned against any further protests or disruptions. Instead, this young kid was sitting here wanting to be friends.

“Maybe you need to talk to some of your companions,” suggested John. “I’m willing to meet with them, alone if necessary. Whatever it takes to resolve this.”

“I’ll check with them,” replied Jeremy. “They may agree to have a group meeting with you.”

John smiled. “Good. Talk to them and get back to me with the time and place. I won’t tell the senior staff. I want to build a foundation of trust with you and prove you can rely on me. We’ll keep this between me and your people.”

“That sounds fine,” said Jeremy.

John stood up. “Then you’re dismissed. I’m sure you’ll want to get back out there after being confined for a couple of days.”

Jeremy nodded and left without saying anything more. He made sure not to make his exit too hasty. But he could hardly contain himself. This is what they had been waiting for, an opportunity to get rid of the captain. And he was going to make it easy by meeting with the group alone.

Jeremy raced back to his quarters and waited to be contacted for the next meeting with the mysterious host. He was sure the host aware of the situation. The miner was anxious as he wanted to move onto the next step. The sooner they got rid of John the sooner they could truly look for the Screen, complete the mission, and return home.

********

Three days later Jeremy was contacted by the mysterious host. The core group of fifteen was to meet that evening the maintenance shaft on the lower level of the ship. When they gathered each related their meeting with the captain.

After everyone had related their experience the host spoke up. “This is perfect. I knew the captain’s inexperience and nativity would be his downfall.”

“So we’re going to meet with him?” asked Larry.

“The captain is willing to meet with us alone. It’ll be the only opportuninity to take him out,” said the host.

“They can still track his pip,” pointed out a group member.

“I’ll take care of that,” replied the host. “When we terminate him it’ll create an upheaval on the ship and a power vacuum. That will be our opportunity to seize control. We’ll be able to remove the Aldarians and Cresorian from the ship with ease.”

“Who’s going to replace the captain as leader?” asked Donavin. “If this is to work, we need a high-level person to take the captain’s place.”

“That won’t be a problem.” The host deactivated his camouflage device. As he stepped forward into the light the group was stunned to see who it was.

“With John Roberts out of the way, we’ll only have to worry about Julie Olson,” said security chief Thomas Sandoval. “And I’ve already made plans how to dispose of her. By the end of the day tomorrow, PHOENIX will be ours.”