CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Here you go, Drix,” as Samuel handed a glass of tomato juice to the Cresorian.

“Samuel Ross, you know that tomato juice gives me the same inebriating effects as alcohol,” reminded Drix.

“Come on, it’s a little celebration,” encouraged Michelle.

“Is the celebratory event in Central tomorrow not sufficient?” asked Drix. Given the recent events with the conspirators, the captain ordered a large ship wide celebration to commemorate all the accomplishments the crew had achieved: the Aldarians coming on board, successful trade with aliens, contact with the Onixins.

“It is,” said Samuel. “But I also wanted to throw a little party for the department and to thank you. We’ve made some remarkable advancements with some of the things you’ve taught us.”

Drix took the glass. “Your gratitude is appreciated, Ross Samuel. “Perhaps if I sip it, I should be fine.”

“Cheers!” as Samuel drank his wine. He went to mingle with the other computer technicians, leaving Drix and Michelle at their stations.

“I hope he does not expect us to cease our work while we celebrate,” said Drix.

“Wish I could,” remarked Michelle. “I’ve got a lot of stuff to do.” Her console beeped. “The scrubbing program’s done. Looks like it picked up something anomalous in the computer.” Michelle didn’t recognize what she was seeing on the monitor. “Drix, can you take a look at this?”

The Cresorian looked over at her display. “It appears to be a large data block of encrypted information. The encryption does not match any protocols you have taught me.”

“Yeah, I don’t recognize it either.” Michelle tried a standard decryption test to see what would happen. “Whoa! What did I do?”

Drix reviewed the algorithms. “The data block is protected by an adaptive encryption sequence. Anyone attempting to unlock it risks the program decompiling the data into unrecoverable strands.”

“I’ve worked with similar programs,” said Michelle. “But nothing this sophisticated.”

“I believe I may be able to determine the proper sequence to decrypt the information,” said Drix. “However, I will only attempt to decrypt each individual data block.” Drix spent a few minutes analyzing the program. Michelle was amazed how intuitive it seemed for the Cresorian to look at a piece of software and work with it.

His first attempt to unlock the data was successful. An image of an older gentlemen appeared on the monitor.

Michelle smiled, recognizing who it was. “Hey, that’s Admiral Johnson.”

“The individual who recruited John Captain and Julie Commander.” Drix remembered being told about the admiral. This was the first time the Cresorian had seen a picture of the person responsible for the EXODUS Project.

“The file tag indicates this is a personal log,” said Michelle. “We probably shouldn’t be looking at this. We should notify the captain.”

“Agreed,” concurred Drix.

********

It didn’t take long for John, Julie, and Alex’sis to come to the computer lab. Once they heard the computer department uncovered files belonging to Admiral Johnson, they all stopped what they were doing and raced down. Drix unlocked a few more sections of the data block by the time they arrived as well as inform the other department members of the discovery.

John gazed at the image of Admiral Johnson on the screen. He looked younger than when the captain first met him. “Have you looked at any of the data?”

“No,” replied Samuel. “Everything Drix unlocked is flagged as the admiral’s personal logs. We haven’t looked at them.”

“This doesn’t make sense,” said Alex’sis. “His personal logs were kept on the ground station’s server in the Tormented Valley.”

“Maybe he put a copy in the main computer,” Julie speculated.

Alex’is shrugged her shoulders. “It doesn’t make sense. He was pretty clear that nothing of his logs would be stored on PHOENIX.”

It was a mystery John didn’t think was worth solving. “How much have you unlocked?”

“Several hundred logs,” replied Drix. “But the encryption program is adapting to my techniques. It is becoming increasingly difficult to unlock each sector of data.”

“Based on the rate the program is adapting, it could take well over a year to unlock the entire data block,” added Michelle.

“Can’t you just disable the encryption program?” asked Julie.

“This is the most advanced human software program I have worked with,” explained Drix. “It is taxing my own skills to keep up with it. If I attempt to disable it, there is a risk the remaining data block could decompile.”

“I’d rather play it safe,” said John. “Take your time with unlocking the data. Can we transfer what you’ve unlocked to our personal databases?”

“Yes, John Captain.”

John looked at Julie and smiled. “Wanna split looking at the logs?”

“Absolutely,” replied Julie. This was the opportunity for both of them to learn more about the man who brought them to the EXODUS Project. They only had spent a few days with the admiral after meeting him before PHOENIX launched. They were eager to see what new things they would find out about him.

“Transfer half the files to Julie and half to me,” ordered John.

“Already done, captain,” said Michelle. “The computer’s scanned the contents of the logs, so you can conduct searches by keywords if you like.”

Alex’sis folded her arms. “Something tells me you’re bailing on dinner tonight.” The captain had made plans with her for this evening.

“Sorry, lieutenant,” said John. “But this is too good to pass up.”

Alex’sis smiled. “I don’t’ blame you. Just promise me you’ll share anything worthwhile with me.”

“We will,” assured Julie. Alex’sis had served under Admiral Johnson the longest out of the entire senior staff. It wouldn’t be right to keep anyting from her.

“Well, I know Bret, Chris, and Kevin are hanging out tonight,” said Alex’sis. “Guess I’ll bug them.”

********

After finishing up his duties for the day, John retired to his quarters He planned to stay in all evening and review as many of the admiral’s logs as he could. After changing into more casual clothes, he cracked open a bottle of chardonnay and slowly paced around the living room as he listened to the admiral’s logs.

“I was spot on about Lieutenant Brandus’ assertiveness. She’s only been here two days and already asked if Professor Donavin could be kicked out of the project. She finds him an annoying little man who gives her headaches. I’ll have to keep those two separated.”

John chuckled, imaging how Donavin and Alex’sis first meeting must have gone. Although Donavin had come a long way since the ship launched, him and Alex’sis still tended to butt heads.

“Next entry,” ordered John.

“I know he’s only finished his freshmen year, but I’m sure John Roberts has what it takes to command EXODUS.”

That caught the captain’s attention. “Computer, pause.” He took a seat on the couch. “Resume and display video.”

“He’s made quite a name for himself in his first year,” said Johnson as his image appeared on the wall monitor. “Although he’s become infamous with the staff, there’s something remarkable about him. I can’t pinpoint it yet but my gut’s telling me he’s the one. I’ve checked his background and both his parents are dead. He has one living sister, Nicole, who’s living off the grid. It didn’t take much effort to locate her with my resources. I found her living on the streets of Tacoma, addicted to pixi.”

John’s hands shook hearing that news. “Computer, pause.” Admiral Johnson knew about his sister? Why didn’t he ever say anything to John about her?

John took a couple deep breaths. Was it possible the admiral knew what happened to Nicole all this time? “Computer, how many logs contain references to Nicole Roberts?”

“Three entries.”

John wasted no time. He had to know what the admiral uncovered about his sister. “Play them in sequence.”

The second log played. “I’ve been monitoring Nicole’s activities. Despite the odds, she’s managed to kick her drug habit. This complicates matters and I felt I had to meet with her. She confirmed my worst fears. She knows her brother is at the Academy and plans on going to New York to see him. I tried to convince her to wait until he graduates. Her reappearance may distract him with his studies. I even offered her money but I couldn’t sway her. She’s letting her love for her brother cloud her thinking. She’ll destroy everything I’ve worked so hard to build. I can’t let that happen.”

“Final entry,” said the computer.

An unkempt Johnson appeared on the screen. “It’s done. I couldn’t stand by and let her threaten the project. She put up quite a struggle for someone so small but I did it. I weighted the body and dumped her in the ocean. My plans for John are safe. Nicole’s no longer a threat.”

John shook violently as his entire world shattered hearing the admiral’s words. This couldn’t be real. It had to be a mistake. “Computer, re…replay the log.”

He approached the wall display as the log played again. He hoped the phrases would come out differently but Admiral Johnson repeated the same haunting words. John clenched his hands into fists and pounded the display. The force shattered it. He wanted to inflict pain on the admiral but the image vanished as the monitor broke. With only silence in the room, the admiral’s words sunk in. John lost all control. He screamed and yelled with the realization that his sister was dead, killed by the very man who brought him to this ship.

********

Julie was relaxing in her quarters listening to the admiral’s logs. So far it was rudimentary issues regarding problems that had popped up in the EXODUS Project. Occasionally, Admiral Johnson talked about devils and saving a kingdom. It didn’t make sense until she listened to the log where Johnson talked about his worsening dementia. That revelation shocked her and she had the computer play all logs referencing his medical condition.

“Doctor Myers has altered my medication again,” said Johnson. “But he’s telling me it’s only a matter of time before it becomes useless. I have to hold out until I can get EXODUS launched.”

Doctor Myers must have done a great job treating the admiral’s condition. Julie never suspected anything was wrong with him.

There was a loud pound at the door that startled her. “Computer, pause log. Who is it?”

“Julie!” cried John. The desperate sound of his voice made her realize he was in distress. She ran to the door as she shouted, “Enter.” John’s face was bright red and tears were streaming down his cheeks.

“He killed her!” as John stumbled in her quarters.

“John! What?!” Julie tried to catch him but he fell to his knees on the floor.

“That son of a bitch killed her!” he screamed.

“John! What happened?”

“She…she was coming to see me,” he sputtered. “She wanted back in my life.”

“Who? Your sister?”

John managed to nod. “He thought I wouldn’t command PHOENIX if she came back into my life. He killed her.” Those words were too much for him and the emotions screamed out of him. “The admiral killed my sister!”

“Oh my god!” Julie wrapped her arms around him but there was no comforting her friend. John cried uncontrollably.

“Why?” he wailed. “She was all I had left. Why? Why?”

Julie couldn’t hold back her own tears as she held him. How could they have not seen Admiral Johnson for the monster he had become? Were they so blind with the offer of commanding this ship?

Julie pushed those guilty thoughts out of her mind. Her only focus was helping her friend. All she could do was hold him tight as he cried. John cried until he was too exhausted to even do that. Julie helped him to the couch where she sat by him until he eventually fell asleep.

Julie went to her bedroom where she listened to all the logs mentioning John’s sister. She was dumbfounded, hardly able to believe the admiral’s admission. Although feeling guilty for not recognizing his condition, she was angry. They had asked the admiral to remain on PHOENIX when it launched. Fortunately for him he declined that offer. Julie would not have been able to restrain herself from hurting him. She could only imagine what John would have done to him.

This revelation would have major implications for them. Besides how John would be going forward, how would the rest of the crew react when they learned of this. Should they even tell them? There were too many questions running through her head. She eventually gave up trying to answer the questions herself and decided it was best to get some sleep.

The following day Julie found John still sleeping on the couch. She couldn’t bring herself to waking him. Asleep, he could escape the reality that his sister was gone. The executive officer went to the command deck and promptly informed the senior staff the captain was taking some time off and was not to be disturbed by anyone.

“Is he sick?” asked Alex’sis. She found it odd that Julie instructed them not to bother him.

“No,” replied Julie. “He just needs to take a few days off.”

“He never mentioned he was getting burned out,” said Chris.

“Is he skipping the festival tonight?” asked Bret.

Julie had no patience and replied angrily. “I don’t understand what’s so hard about this. He’s taking some time off and asked not to be disturbed. You think you all can follow those simple instructions?”

Everyone was taken aback by her anger and nodded their heads. Julie headed to the captain’s office but someone followed right behind her. As soon as they were inside Chris confronted her.

“I don’t know what your problem is, but you have no right to lay into us like that,” said Chris. “I’m not buying your little story. You’re going to tell me what’s going on otherwise you and I are going to have some issues.”

“Chris…,” started Julie. She was ready to chase him out but she couldn’t. Instead, she buried her head in his chest and started sobbing.

Chris was caught off-guard by her breakdown. “Sweetie! What’s happened?”

“The worst thing,” she sobbed.

She told Chris about Nicole’s death but didn’t reveal that Admiral Johnson murdered her. She only said that the admiral had discovered she had died a few years ago. Julie didn’t think it was a good idea if the crew discovered what the admiral had done. Everyone held him in such high regards. She didn’t want to deal with the fallout if the truth was revealed.

********

The festival that evening in Central was a joyous occasion but it went on without the captain and first officer. Their absence did not go unnoticed. People wondered why they weren’t participating in the celebration. Many asked questions but none of the senior staff had answers for them. Although difficult, Chris performed that evening at The Lounge. He felt his place was with the captain but Julie assured him she would look after the captain, even though she suspected John would want to be alone. Sure enough, when Julie returned to her quarters she found the captain was gone. A check with the computer showed he was in his quarters. Although she was tempted to go see him she resisted. She knew he would be emotionally shut down and unwilling to talk with anybody.

The next morning Julie checked with the computer and found that John was in his office. She quickly cleaned up and got into her uniform so she could see how he was doing. She wasn’t sure if him being back at work was good or bad.

“Come in,” said John as the door chime rang. The commander entered to find him going through reports. He didn’t show any signs of stress.

“Captain, I thought you were taking a few days off?” she asked.

“I need to get back to work,” replied John. There was no hint of emotion in his voice. He came across as cold.

Julie wanted to encourage him to take another day off but decided not to argue with him. It was pointless. John could be very stubborn. She took a seat across from him and picked up a DAT. “What can I do?”

“I transferred all of the admiral’s logs to my personal database and restricted access to myself only,” said John.

Julie didn’t expect to hear that. “John…”

“Hear me out. If I find anything relating to you, I’ll let you know. But I don’t want you to find anything upsetting in the logs about you. It would be too cruel.”

She appreciated that he was looking out for her. “I understand.”

“One more thing,” said John. “When we get back to Earth, I’m killing Admiral Johnson. All I’ll have left in my life after this mission is revenge.”

The way he phrased his statement as a simple fact scared Julie. She looked at his eyes and could see the hatred in them. She didn’t know what to say.

The only thing Julie could do was change the subject. “Uh, engineering will be starting up the hyper drive in an hour,” as she looked at her DAT.

They went over the reports for twenty minutes. It was difficult for her to concentrate but John sticking to mundane ship business helped her get through it. When they were done, Julie got up to leave the office.

“Julie,” said John. It took a moment for him to muster the words. His emotions were still raw. “I wish you could have known her.”

Julie nodded. “I would have liked that very much.”

John remained in his office for the rest of the day so to avoid seeing anyone. Julie made sure he was left alone. People suspected something had happened but she wasn’t giving them any answers.

********

John didn’t leave his office until 2345 hours. Somehow, the walk through the ship seemed empty. He felt that some of the life coursing through the vessel was gone. He felt like he was walking though a hollow shell.

He arrived at his quarters to find it occupied. Chris Anne was lighting the last of the candles he had placed around the living room area. The moral officer was dressed in a black gown, sparkling with small diamonds.

John wasn’t upset to find Chris there. He didn’t care. “I wasn’t aware your position gave you access to crew quarters.”

“A girl’s gotta do what’s necessary when a friend’s in trouble.” Chris went over to John and took hold of his hands. “Julie told me what happened. I’m so sorry.”

John wanted to pull away as that simple gesture roused some emotions in him. But he didn’t have the strength to fight. “Did she tell you how…?” He couldn’t muster the words. He didn’t want to imagine what the last seconds of Nicole’s life might have been like for her.

Chris shook his head. “It’s not important, sweetie.”

John looked on the coffee table and saw a picture of Nicole nestled in a silver frame. His heart ached seeing his sister. “Where’d you get that?”

“I found it in the main computer.”

Seeing her picture, John realized that he had forgotten what she looked like: her dark brown eyes, her warm smile.

“How do I mourn for someone who’s been dead three years?” asked John.

“You don’t,” replied Chris. “You celebrate their life and remember the time you spent together.”

“I thought she was perfect but she had her faults. But she always put my needs above hers. She left me so I could have a chance at my dreams.”

Chris smiled. “That sounds like her. I see those same qualities in you.”

“I miss her,” admitted John. “I thought I’d see her again when we got back to Earth. But that's not going to happen now.

“But a part of her will always be with you,” reminded Chris. “As long as you remember her, she’ll never be gone.”

The pair moved over to the couch. John picked up the picture frame as memories of his sister popped in his mind. He smiled as he gently ran his hand over the picture. He remembered all the fun times they had together.

“I wanted to go off-roading one time. Instead of buying a grav-bike, Nicole got the idea of putting me on X and making him go off-roading with me on top.” John started to laugh. “You should have heard X. He kept saying it was a violation of his programming to harm a person. But I begged him to keep going and he did.”

The stories kept coming out of John, one after the other. It was as if he was reliving his past and all the fun he had with Nicole. Chris never laughed so hard as he listened to all the stories the captain recounted about his sister.