CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

A large gathering of people was assembled in the botanical gardens on deck seventy-four. They were there to pay homage to the deceased Cresorian the escort team brought back with them. Drix had requested human burial procedures be followed for her. Cresorian tradition dictated that a body be launched into a star but Drix did not want her to be incinerated. Although she had been alone in life, he wanted her to be surrounded by people in death. John agreed to his request and had the technicians modify a portion of the gardens to accommodate a burial plot.

Thresha officiated the ceremony. Everyone agreed she did a remarkable job. She talked about Sulix’s life and read a couple of passages from the Cresorian’s journal. She said that Sulix would never be forgotten as long as she was remembered by everyone. John was moved by her words. The eulogy reminded him of his sister, Nicole. Like Sulix, she spent the last few years of her life alone without the love of a friend or family member. The captain was unable to hold back a couple of tears that ran down his face as he thought about his sister. He felt lost knowing she wouldn’t be home on Earth waiting for him.

“Now, as we commit our friend to the ground, our thoughts will light her life force as she continues her journey within each of us.” Thresha lowered her arms. “This concludes the remembrance ceremony. Go forward my friends. Carry the memories of Sulix with you in your life.”

Chris Anne, who was standing next to Thresha, stepped forward. “Sulix’s database has been downloaded into the ship’s computer. We invite all of you to review it and learn more about our departed friend.”

With the ceremony over, the crowd dispersed into smaller groups. John quickly wiped the tears from his face. “That was a wonderful ceremony,” as he approached Thresha.

“I was honored you asked me to officiate it.” She looked over to Drix, who was talking with a group of humans and Aldarians, which included Julie and Alex’sis. “He has been despondent since returning.”

John nodded. “Finding another Cresorian was important to him. I wish things hadn’t turned out this way.”

Thresha was optimistic. “As long as there are other Cresorians traveling though space, I believe he will fulfill his dream someday.”

“We need to keep telling him that,” said John. “I don’t want him to think he’s lost his only opportunity.”

“You have demonstrated a willingness to take time to help others,” said Thresha. “The crew follows your lead. They will do what they can to ensure Drix never gives up hope. The same goes for you, captain. Remember that you are never alone.”

Julie interrupted them before John could respond. “Excuse me. The command deck just notified me that the Onixin freighter has entered the hangar bay.” John notified the Onixins that PHOENIX had successfully made contact with the Quix. They offered to send two of their scientists to help improve communications with the Quix. John accepted without hesitation. The chance to work side-by-side with the Onixins could only strengthen their alliance.

“Good,” replied John. “If you’ll excuse us, Thresha.” She nodded and, as the two officers left the gardens, Thresha joined Drix and Alex’sis’ group.

“Where’s the captain and commander?” asked Alex’sis.

“They are meeting the Onixins in the hangar,” replied Thresha.

“I should join them,” said the operations officer.

“Before you go, could I speak to you in private?” asked Drix.

“Sure.” The pair excused themselves and moved over by the koi pond for some privacy.

“I have not had the chance to thank you for helping me through this difficult period.” Drix handed Alex’sis an unusual piece of jewelry.

“What’s this?” she asked as she examined it. It consisted of strings of dark blue metal wrapped around a misshapen grey stone.

“It is a umakin,” explained Drix. “The translation in your language is birth stone. Female Cresorians spend many cycles making it. They give it to their offspring when they separate as a reminder of who cared for them in their hatchling cycle.”

“Was this Sulix’s?”

Drix nodded. “I did not feel right having it buried with her. The umakin represents the efforts Cresorians make in continuing our species. It belongs among the living and it belongs with someone who helped connect me to Sulix.”

Alex’sis was touched by his gesture. “This means so much to me. Thank you.” She turned the jewelry over in her hands and admired it. “How should I wear it?”

“Close to your heart, which I believe is there,” said Drix, pointing to Alex’sis chest.

********

John and Julie were walking down a corridor of the ship. “The scientists asked if we could meet in Central,” said Julie. “They’ve heard so much about PHOENIX. They want to see as much as they can.”

“Works for me,” replied John. It’d be a nice change of pace from conducting business in the board room.

They met up with the Onixin scientists, Calbo and Nueista, down in Central and gave them a tour of the city. The scientists were amazed by the ship’s interior and asked a lot of questions about its construction. After visiting the Aldarian coilquin, they finished the tour with a sit down meal at the Stardust Café.

“Mario, this is Calbo and Nueista,” introduced John as Mario brought over some menus and glasses of water. “They’re from the Onixin science institute.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Mario. “I’m sorry I don’t have any Onixin dishes available. I’ve been reading up on some of your food recipes but haven’t had a chance to try making one.”

“We do not expect such accommodations,” said Nueista. “We would rather sample some of your human and Aldarian dishes.”

“Based on your people’s cuisine, I’d recommend the Greek salad and xixia eggplant stew,” said Mario.

“That would be acceptable,” said Calbo. Nueista nodded in agreement.

“I’ll get that started,” promised Mario. “Captain, commander?”

“Tomato soup,” said John. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to eat anything. The smell of xixia made him nauseous.

“Cobb salad,” replied Julie.

As Mario left to get their orders filled, the scientists looked around their surroundings.

“We have heard many stories about your vessel,” explained Calbo. “But they do not compare to seeing it firsthand. This is a remarkable vessel.”

“Thank you,” said John. “I hope your trip here wasn’t too difficult. I was expecting you to arrive in one of your military’s new cruisers.”

“The council is concern that dispatching any cruiser beyond our system will alert the Screen,” explained Nueista. “For now, they continue to rely on freighters until the construction bureau has built a sufficient number of ships to defend our homeworld.”

She pulled out a small triangular device and activated it. A small holographic screen popped up. “We have been looking over the data you sent on your communications with the Quix. It is impressive you managed to improve the transmission links to encompass visual data.”

“The visual link has helped facilitate our relations with the Quix,” explained Julie. She remembered when she and John got their first look at Equiforna. He looked like an oversized slug with arms and hands. They estimated he was at least seven feet tall. What was striking was he had no face. Apparently the Quix could see and hear through tiny sensory receptors in their skin, which was covered in a thick liquid membrane. John joked that if a Quix ever came on board they should hide the salt.

“But you have not been able to increase the amount of data in the transmission?” asked Nueista.

“No,” replied John. “We’ve had our people working around the clock on the problem. So far they haven’t come up with anything.”

Julie noticed that Calbo had been silent. He was scrutinizing the data on the holographic screen. “You look puzzled by something.”

“I feel I am at an impasse,” admitted Calbo. “There is something unique about the nebula, something I cannot identify.”

“Sometimes when I’m having a problem it helps to talk it out,” advised Julie.

“I have looked at the data on all transmissions between your vessel and the Quix,” as Calbo pointed at the data summarization on the screen. “I find it unusual that the data parameters are consistent. Both sides can only send a specific amount of data in each transmission.”

“What’s so strange about that?” asked John.

“The nebula consists of ionized gases that are constantly shifting and changing,” said Calbo. “Therefore, data may or may not go through in any transmission. Such consistency we are seeing here is highly unusual.”

“My colleague does make a valid observation,” said Nueista. “However, we have not come up with a probable explanation as to why this phenomenon is occurring.”

“What about speculation?” asked John.

Calbo looked perplexed. “You mean guessing? We are scientists. Our integrity would forbid us from making statements unsupported by facts.”

“But you could offer an opinion based on the given information,” said Julie. “You wouldn’t be guessing, just offering a possible scenario based on the data we currently have and your scientific knowledge.”

The Onixins still looked confused. Calbo finally spoke up. “On our world, we draw conclusions based on the logical path of experiments. Each conclusion is strengthened on the results of successive experiments. Therefore, any conclusion drawn would be based on proven results that have been repeated.”

“But your instinct is telling you something’s wrong here,” said John. “You looked at the data and assumed something is going on based upon your experience as scientists. On our world, some of our most amazing breakthroughs happened by accident and guessing.”

“My apologies,” said Calbo. “But it is difficult to offer an opinion.”

“Don’t’ be sorry,” reassured John. “You might be on the right track.”

“If the humans are not offended, what would it hurt to render an…opinion,” said Nueista.

“Very well,” said Calbo. “But I cannot be specific. Based on the almost exact nature of each transmission as it passes through the nebula, it is possible that the similarities are a result of some artificial force.”

“You mean something unnatural about the nebula?” asked Julie.

“I would offer that something within the nebula is influencing its behavior,” clarified Calbo. “An unknown influence that has yet to be identified.”

“That sounds like a reasonable theory,” said John.

“You are pleased with my opinion?” asked Calbo.

John nodded. “It fits what’s been going on in this part of space.”

Julie wasn’t following his train of thought. “You want to clue us in?”

“I know it’s a stretch, but just listen,” said John. “We know the Screen has interfered with humans, Onixins, and Senfos. They’ve also terrorized the ships of other races throughout this region. Based on their hostile actions against everyone, if they knew of the Quix, they’d exhibit the same hostile actions towards them.”

“I see the reasoning behind your course of thought,” said Nueista. “If an artificial force is at work here, it may have been created by the Screen.”

“Artificial would imply some sort of mechanical involvement,” added Julie. “But we haven’t found any sort of probe, satellite, or ship belonging to them here.”

“The composition of the nebula makes scanning the interior impossible with our sensors and yours,” said Calbo. “But your plasma weapons have proven effective against the Screen. If we introduced plasma into the nebula, it may create a reaction and reveal the source of the artificial influence.”

John was excited at the prospect. Even though they were speculating, he felt they were on the right track. “If we load up some of our probes with plasma, we can initiate controlled explosions at the perimeter. Come on.”

They stood up in unison and left the café just as Mario was bringing their food. “Hey, where you going?”

“Sorry, Mario,” said Julie. “Duty calls.”

“I’m charging you for this,” yelled Mario.

********

Over the next few hours the Onixin scientists worked with the humans and Aldarians as they fitted several probes with plasma containers. They came up with a plan on where to launch them towards the nebula. The Quix were contacted and advised of the plan. They fully supported it. They had a sizable fleet of starships that were trapped within the nebula. The prospect of finally emerging into open space excited them. They provided all the information they had about the nebula’s composition to the crew.

It was almost midnight by the time they were ready to launch the probes. Despite the hectic day, John wasn’t tired at all. He was anxious to uncover something that would conclusively connect the Screen to the nebula’s unique characteristics.

Chris Anne had learned of the team’s late-night work and arrived on the command deck with a tray of drinks for everyone.

“If I was a doctor, I’d tell you all to get some sleep and start fresh in the morning,” as he placed the tray on the operations desk. He handed two glasses to the Onixin scientists. “Your people who’ve visited PHOENIX seemed to love pineapple juice. I hope you’ll like it too.”

“Yes, yes,” replied Nueista. “It was highly recommended by several of our associates.”

“Oooo, you read my mind,” as Alex’sis looked at the large pot of coffee.

“I figure if you ain’t going to sleep, might as well get some caffeine,” as Chris poured her a cup of java.

“You’re a lifesaver,” as she enjoyed her first sip.

Once everyone had a moment to enjoy their beverages, John got them back to work. “Alright, let’s load the probes.”

“Fifteen probes are in the launch tubes and ready to go,” reported Alex’sis.

“Commander, ensure launch pattern Alpha N1 is programmed into each probe,” reminded Calbo.

Alex’sis nodded. “Already done, and its Lieutenant Brandus. She’s the commander,” pointing to Julie.

“My apologies,” Calbo said to Julie. “I am still having trouble with your officer designations.”

“Not a problem,” assured Julie. “Captain, I recommend we raise shields as a precaution.”

“Good idea,” said John. “Private Michaels, contact the Quix.”

A few moments later the image of Equiforna and the lead Quix military officer, R’nixnifira, appeared over the operations table.

“We’re about to launch our probes towards the nebula,” reported John.

“Our science teams on Forn are ready,” stated Equiforna. Forn was the name of their homeworld.

“I have two of our vessels located furthest from Forn ready to go,” reported R’nixnifira. “However, they will be unable to initiate any evasive action if a catastrophe occurs.”

“Understood,” said John. “Hopefully, this will go smoothly.” He looked over to Alex’sis. “Lieutenant Brandus, launch the probes.”

Alex’sis initiated the launch sequence. The probes shot out of PHOENIX, heading on their pre-programmed flight paths towards the nebula.

“All probes successfully launched,” announced Alex’sis. “They’re proceeding on course.”

Everyone waited anxiously as they reached the perimeter of the nebula. Suddenly, the operations table beeped wildly.

“The probes exploded before we had a chance to initiate the destruct sequence,” reported Julie.

“What caused it?” asked John. No one immediately replied as they reviewed the sensor data.

“Captain,” said R’nixnifira. “The sensors on our end report the presence of an energy field. The detection was brief but we have confirmed it is there.”

“He is correct,” confirmed Calbo. “In a micro instant, the sensors picked up the presence of an energy field. Captain, we will need to impact more probes but I believe the energy signature conforms to the Screen.”

They were right, something was going on here and it was related to the Screen. John wasn’t surprised on this discovery.

“The hostile alien race you mention to us,” said Equiforna.

“If it’s an energy field, something artificial has to be generating it,” said Alex’sis.

“Could we locate the source of the energy field?” asked John. “There’s gotta be a satellite or ship that’s feeding it.”

“If we discharged enough plasma over a wider area, we should be able to locate the source of the energy field,” said Nueista. “But I recommend using your vessel’s plasma missiles. Their energy yield is higher and would maximize the explosions.”

“Alexis ‘sis, load up a full complement of missiles,” ordered John.

Alex’sis anticipated his order and already queued up the launch bays to load the missles. “Got it.”

“I would advise that we detonate an area of one hundred thousand of your measured kilometers,” recommended Calbo. “R’nixnifira, have your military stations recalibrate to detect Screen energy signatures. We are sending you the data we have.”

“Affirmative,” replied R’nixnifira.

After Calbo sent her the dispersal pattern, Alex’sis wasted no time once she received the information. She fired the missiles and sent them on their way. Minutes later, they impacted the energy field.

“There,” as Calbo highlighted the coordinates from his console. “The concentration of Screen energy is highest there.”

Julie checked the area. “I’m still not picking up any object.”

“Calibrate sensors to pick up metallic compound common to Screen vessels,” suggested Nueista. “Let us assume they use the same metal composition for all their space faring objects.”

“Our sensors are picking up an object at those coordinates,” reported R’nixnifira. “The data is consistent with Screen metallurgical composition. There appears to be no shield or other apparent defensive systems protecting it.”

“Then we can destroy it and bring down the field,” said John.

“You cannot destroy it,” warned R’nixnifira. “The satellite is on our side of the field. We will have to destroy it but all of our vessels are too far to launch an attack.”

“Is there an alternative?” asked Julie.

“We have enough information here to convince our queen to authorize the restoration of our ship engines,” said R’nixnifira. “But it will take some time to get the first set of vessels operational again and relocated towards the satellite to destroy it.”

“Captain,” said Nueista. “It is likely there are multiple satellites powering the energy field. We should map their locations for the Quix to better coordinate their efforts in removing them.”

“R’nixnifira, how long will it take you to reactivate your fleet?” asked John.

“Based on your measurement of time, and I may be off,” said the Quix military officer. “It will take approximately eighty-four of your measured days to reactivate a quarter of our ships.”

It was far longer than John wanted. “Contact your queen and inform her of our progress. We’ll continue locating the remaining satellites. We’ll also begin exploring the surrounding space to verify that the Screen have no monitoring stations nearby. We’ll reconvene in six of your dartnas.” That translated to one day for the Quix.

The Quix nodded and their holographic images disappeared over the operations table.

“Julie, have our fighters and pile-drivers begin reconnaissance of the local space,” ordered John. He then looked over at Calbo and Nueista. “We should contact your homeworld and notify the council of our findings.”

Calbo spoke up. “Seat Meri has been assigned as the liaison to the science bureau. We will contact Ugunomar and apprise him of our status.”

John nodded. This finding just reinforced what they already knew about the Screen. It seemed they have undermined a number of races in the region. If PHOENIX could undo the damage they have caused, it would only help in the mission when PHOENIX finally located the Screen.