CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Getting the aliens through quarantine went quickly due to all the biometric data Alex’sis and Drix collected during PHOENIX’s first visit to the alien trading station. Although the Onixin cruiser vori convinced the freighter passengers that PHOENIX was a friendly vessel, the aliens were still distrustful when they came on board. They questioned every scan and procedure done at medical. They even questioned the selection of their accommodations. Chris Anne, Drix, and Thresha each had their hands full trying to keep them calm during the entire relocation process.

After realizing they weren’t being treated as prisoners or subjected to experiments, the new aliens began to relax. None of them were willing to offer any information about the location of their homeworlds. For now, they would remain on PHOENIX. For many of them, it didn’t take long to acclimate to their new surroundings. After all, they were used to interacting with different aliens and coming and going from an alien trading outpost. Being on PHOENIX wasn’t that much different for them.

One of the Rifva was so curious about the ship he wanted to explore it immediately. He was escorted to Central by one of the Aldarians assigned to him as a guide. The Rifva was fascinated by the unusual architecture within the ship and the humans who inhabited it. But it was the smells that got his attention.

“What is that place?” the Rifva asked his guide as he pointed to a restaurant.

“That is the Stardust Café,” replied the Aldarian Triftil.

The Rifva was confused by Triftil’s statement. “Restaurant? I am unfamiliar with that term.”

“It is an establishment whose purpose is to serve prepared food,” explained Triftil. “Food is used as the medium by which humans engage in conversation to facilitate social interaction. It is a pleasant experience and many of my people have come to enjoy the activity as well.”

Mario came out and saw the pair standing in front of his cafe. “So Triftil, are you giving our friend here a tour of the ship?”

“Thresha requested volunteers and I was happy to oblige.”

“I’m Mario,” the café owner said to the Rifva as he put his hand out. The Rifva extended his arm that protruded from his stomach region, which Mario found disconcerting. “I hope that’s just a third hand.”

“Can you clarify?” asked the Rifva.

“Nevermind, not important,” replied Mario.

“When your vessel first visited the trading outpost, I observed the Cresorian and human female…shake hands?” explained the Rifva. “You are attempting that greeting, correct?”

“Oh, what the hell,” said Mario, convinced that the Rifva’s extended appendage was a hand. He grabbed and shake it. “Nice to meet you. What’s your name, or designation…, what do others call you?”

“I am Mu.”

“You the only one of your kind on board?” asked Mario.

“There is another of my species here,” replied Mu. “However, I have never interacted with him and do not know his designation.” Mu’s attention was diverted to the various odors coming out of the cafe. “I am curious as to the aromas emanating from your establishment.”

“Shoot, if I didn’t know better I think you might be interested in cooking,” said Mario. “If you want to come inside I’ll show you.”

Mu looked at Triftil. “Is that permissible?”

Triftil nodded. “You are free to do as you wish on this ship.”

Mu blinked his three eyes in unison. “Then I am at your disposal.”

“Follow me,” as the café owner headed inside the restaurant. Mario kind of like the idea of showing an alien how humans cooked. This is something he never imagined doing, even after coming to the EXODUS Project.

********

Julie and Chris Anne were in Central Grocer to pick up some groceries for their quarters. Chris was giving the executive officer some interesting bits of information from his interactions with their new alien guests.

“And those blob aliens, the Gercol. They can merge into one form,” explained Chris.

“Weird,” remarked Julie. “Do their minds merge too?”

“No, they keep whatever constitutes their brains separate. The medical staff couldn’t find any definable organs in their bodies. They’re still trying to figure out their biology.”

“Did the Gercol say what the benefits would be merging together?” asked Julie.

“No,” replied Chris. “They weren’t exactly forthcoming about much of anything.”

“I heard they leave a liquid residue when they walk,” said Julie.

Chris confirmed her statement. “It’s pretty gross. Donavin reprogrammed a couple of bots to follow them and clean up their residue. I wouldn’t want to slip on that stuff, especially in high heels.”

Julie chuckled at his comment. “You think any of our new guests will come down to see you perform tonight?” she she inspected some oranges. She heard that Chris was putting on a performance tonight specifically for the aliens they rescued. It was his way to get them comfortable on the ship.

“I think so. The Aldarians have done well getting the new aliens settled in. They promised to have all of them at The Lounge tonight. You going to be there?”

“I think so,” replied Julie. “But I’ll double-check my schedule and get back to you.”

“The captain’s busy tonight and Lieutenant Brandus is doing something with Drix,” said Chris.

“The captain’s making himself fully available in case the Quix calls,” explained Julie. “Our techs weren’t able to decrypt the Screen data we downloaded, so we had to send the data to the Quix. They’re pretty certain they can decrypt it in only a few hours. He wants to be available when they call.”

“Wouldn’t it be exciting if the data had the location of the Screen homeworld?” said Chris.

“That’d be huge,” agreed Julie. “With our alliances with the Quix and Onixin, and the Senfo making progress rebuilding their world, we should be more than a match against the Screen.”

“Shoot, meat’s getting expensive again,” remarked Chris as they moved over to the butcher counter.

“What’d you expect?” said Julie. “That’s filet minion.”

Chris stuck his tongue out her. “Sweetie, it’s nothing but the best for this girl.”

“I’ve seen you put away your share of hamburgers,” said Julie.

“A little ground meat doesn’t hurt once in a while,” replied Chris. “It’s all about working out enough to keep this figure.”