CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

At 0400 hours the senior staff was summoned to the board room by the captain. He didn’t clue them in on what it was about but he made it clear it was an urgent matter. They filed into the board room where found him already seated in his chair at the head of the table. They all noticed how tired he looked. He had not slept all night, pondering the information he was about to share with his staff. It was only having drank a copious amount of coffee that he was still awake.

Above him on the wall display was the Onixin council, Senfo Commonality leader Danuo, and the Quix queen. Their presence indicated that the news was big, whatever it was.

When everyone took their seats John began. “The Quix was able to decipher all the data we obtained from the Screen battleship we fought.”

Well so far the news was good. Everyone hoped the Quix would come through and crack the Screen’s data encryption.

Chris was the first to speak up. “Their homeworld?” He was hoping that the captain would verify they had learned the location of the Screen homeworld.

John shook his head. “There weren’t any coordinates to their star system in the data, just the location of some of their fleet movements and a couple remote installations. I can confirm they know everything we’ve been up to these past few months. They know about our alliance with the Quix and Onixins, and know of the Senfo’s reconstruction efforts. Given their knowledge of our activities, a few hours ago I signed a treaty entering PHOENIX into a unified alliance with the Onixins, Quix, and Senfo.”

More good news. So far, the staff was elated hearing what the captain had to say.

“Although we have more work ahead in rebuilding our world, there is consensus within the commonality that we must actively participate in the new alliance,” said Danuo.

“We will be dispatching a fleet of cruisers to reinforce the defense of the Senfo star system,” announced Ogo.

“I have directed the protectorate to send a couple of ships to the Senfo as well,” added the Quix queen. “With the ships the Senfo military have already reactivated, their wolrd should be safe.”

Despite the good news, Julie noticed no elation in John. “Captain, you don’t seem happy. An alliance will strengthen all of us against the Screen. We’re no longer alone in our mission.”

“Not alone but the Screen already concluded that an alliance amongst the four of us was inevitable,” said John. “It’s the Ni they’re worried about. They’re afraid we’ll eventually convince them to join us.”

“If they know about our activities with the Onixins, Senfo, and Quix, they have to know we haven’t had any luck establishing relations with the Ni,” said Alex’sis.

“There wasn’t anything in the data to indicate if they know of our efforts reaching out to the Ni,” said John. “But they’re worried, enough that they’ve assembled an armada of ships to go to the Ni homeworld to wipe them out.” The news created a disturbing ripple in the board room. Everyone was on edge.

“When?” asked Julie.

“After extensive analysis none of our scientists could decipher Screen time measurements,” said the Quix queen.

“We did identify several markers in the data indicating the information is recent,” clarified Ogo. “We estimate the fleet will arrive at the Ni star system in a matter of human measured days”

“Our experts concur with that assessment,” said Danuo.

“Then we must warn the Ni,” recommended Thresha.

“It’s not that easy,” said John. “I’ve had messages sent to the Ni as soon as we learned of this but they haven’t replied.”

“All of us have been sending transmissions to their world. None have been replied to,” said the Quix queen.

“It’s possible the Screen are already jamming any messages being sent to their homeworld,” speculated Bret.

“Possibly,” said John. “Nevertheless, we can’t allow the Screen to attack the Ni. They’ve already caused enough damage with other races.”

“The Ni have demonstrated pretty advanced technology,” pointed out Kevin. “Then probably can handle a Screen attack easily.”

“I’m not willing to take that chance,” replied John.

Julie already knew what he decided. “We’re going back there, aren’t we?”

John nodded. “We’ll proceed to the Ni homeworld and keep sending messages. If they don’t respond, we’ll defend them from the Screen.”

“Is it wise going back?” asked Kevin. “They warned us never to return to their system.”

“It’s a chance we’ll have to take,” admitted John.

“How many ships constitute the Screen armada?” asked Drix.

“Nothing was specified in the files,” replied Ogo. “You will not know what you will be facing.”

“I have authorized the protectorate to dispatch vessels to aid you,” announced the queen. “However, the engines of our ships will need time to fully power up once free of the nebula. It could take thirty dartnas for the protectorate to rendezvous with you at the Ni system.”

“Our military is in the process of assembling a fleet to aid you,” added Ogo. “But it may take up to a human measured week to reach you.”

“We have only begun to reactivate our ships,” said Danuo. “We cannot provide any support at this time.”

“Hopefully, the Screen won’t attack until after the Quix and Onixin have reached the Ni system,” said John. “Until then, we’re on our own.” The captain turned to his chief engineer. “Professor Donavin.”

“Yes, captain?”

“The proposal on the maintenance bots we discussed. I want you to put it into action. Use as many personnel to get it done. I want everything ready by the time we get to the Ni system. I suspect it’s going to be critical if we’re too be successful.”

“Yes, captain.”

John looked at Thresha. “I know your people won’t commit violence, even to defend themselves. But whatever support they can provide with medical assistance or repairing the ship will be a great help.”

“Of course, captain. We will do what we can to assist you.”

The captain turned to the rest of the senior staff. “It’ll take three days to get to the Ni homeworld. I want this ship and crew ready for battle when we arrive. Work with your staff and coordinate with Lieutenant Brandus, Commander Olson, and myself.” Everyone looked at the captain with confidence. He wanted to impart some words of encouragement but couldn’t find the words. “Dismissed.”

********

The ship came to life as word of their mission to the Ni homeworld got around. The crew jumped into action, working to ensure the ship was ready for battle with the Screen. The aliens recently rescued from the Onixin freighter were shocked to learn PHOENIX was going to protect a race that wanted nothing to do with outsiders. They marveled at how the crew committed themselves for the mission. Witnessing the crew coming together had such an effect that many of the freighter aliens offered to help with the efforts.

John was so preoccupied with preparations he wasn’t able to reconnect with Julie until the following day. They met up in his quarters during a brief break from their duties. When she entered his quarters she found the captain standing by the window, looking out at the stars as they streaked by.

“I never get tired of this,” he admitted.

“Me too,” as Julie joined him. “Every night I stare out at the stars in bed until I fall asleep. I never want to forget how big space is and how fortunate we are to be out here.”

John hesitated to ask his next question. He always had some level of confidence in the choices he made. Now, he found himself doubting himself. “Julie, am I doing the right thing?”

Julie was surprised by his question. She picked up the self-doubt in his voice. “Absolutely, we need to do this.”

Her answer did little to placate his worries. “We’re going to protect a race that wants nothing to do with us. Is helping the Ni in the best interest of our mission? We already have an alliance with three other races. What does it matter if the Screen attacks them?”

“This isn’t something you can look at with a strict military viewpoint,” explained Julie. “The Ni’s a sentient race who doesn’t deserve to be eradicated.”

“How do you know?” asked John. “We know nothing about them. They could be just as aggressive as the Screen.”

Julie shrugged her shoulders as she contemplated the question. “All I can go by is our experience with the one Ni we rescued. It showed compassion and generosity. It even defended us to its own people. I’d like to think that those traits exist somewhere with the rest of the Ni. Yes, they threatened us if we returned but I think that was done out of fear, not maliciousness.”

“There are people on this ship who probably don’t agree with my decision to go back,” said John. “Over one hundred people left PHOENIX because they didn’t agree with how I commanded.”

“A lot has changed since then,” explained Julie. “The crew has seen firsthand what the Screen has done to the other races we’ve encountered. They saw the devastated remains of Drix’s homeworld, of the Senfo world, the Onixin’s moon. No one, not even the Ni, deserve to suffer a similiar fate. The Screen have ruled this part of space because no one was willing to stand up to them. If we don’t step up, who will?”

“We have to do this because it’s the right thing to do,” said John, feeling better.

“Exactly. As your executive officer, I can say we’re doing the right thing. So no more doubts.”

John smiled. “Agreed. No doubts.”

“Thresha to Captain Roberts.”

“Go ahead.”

“I apologize for bothering you but the Yearden has requested to see you. He is waiting for you in the coilquin. I would not contact you but he insists on seeing you.”

“Acknowledged,” replied John. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“From what I know of Aldarian history, the Yearden has never requested an audience with anyone,” said Julie.

John crossed his fingers. “I’ll take it as a sign of good luck.”

Julie smiled. “Good, because the Aldarians would interpret it as a good sign as well.”

********

Alex’sis was sitting in Doctor Myers’ office in medical. She wanted to put the visit off but given the danger the ship was facing, she needed answers now. She couldn’t allow her personal issues get in the way of her duties. She just wished the timing could be better. She never imagined something like this would come up now.

Myers entered his office and patted her shoulder as he sat at his desk. His look was all the answer she needed.

“It’s positive, isn’t it?” she said.

Myers nodded. “You’re five weeks along.”

Alex’sis leaned over and shook her head. Worst timing ever.

“I take it this wasn’t planned,” said Myers.

“I was thought it was just bad food,” hoped Alex’sis, even though she already suspected what it was.

“Your records show you’ve been taking Depran.”

Alex’sis nodded. “I was told it wouldn’t be as effective for me.”

“Although that birth control is the most effective, there are some women whose bodies break it down before it can take effect,” explained Myers. “Regardless, you’ll have to stop using it immediately if you plan on continuing the pregnancy.”

“Keep it?” asked Alex’sis. “We’re looking at going into battle against a Screen armada and I have to figure out if I want to keep it? I’m a military officer. I don’t have time to deal with this domestic crap.”

Myers recognized how upset she was about this. “I’m sorry. Maybe you’d feel better if you talked to the father.”

That advise made her feel even worse. “Oh no!” as Alex’sis stood up. “He doesn’t need to know about this. I expect you’ll respect the doctor-patient privilege and keep quiet about this. No one is to ever know about this!”

“I won’t say a word,” promised Myers. He realized any advice he gave would fall on deaf ears. Her emotions were running too high right now to listen to anyone. “If you want to talk about this later, I’ll be here.”

Alex’sis didn’t say anything as she left Myers’ office. She never expected something like this in her life. She had always been careful. She was on a starship, heading into a battle situation pregnant. She did all the right things to ensure she never faced such a predicament, yet here she was. Maybe she should just take a term pill and be done with it. It made perfect sense. She wasn’t in a position to raise a child. She was the lead operations officer and had to set an example. But she also thought about what she wanted and having a child was something she wanted someday. When would the right time come to have a child here?

Too many thoughts were swirling in her head. For now, she needed to focus on preparing PHOENIX for battle. She would decide what to do afterwards.

********

Down in Central, John entered the coilquin. He found it empty except for the Yearden and his attendants. They were all up on the altar. No soothing sounds played through the temple. Only silence greeted John as he walked in. The Yearden was standing, as if he was waiting for the captain. John made his way up to the altar. He was curious as to what the reclusive elder Aldarian wanted to say to him.

As he stood before him, the Yearden extended his arm and gently touched John’s face. His hand was cold, creating goose bumps that rippled through John’s body. But there was something soothing about the touch.

“So many paths lie before you,” started the Yearden. His voice sounded weaker compared to the last time he spoke to John. He pulled back his white veil and the captain got to see his face for the first time. He was no different than any other Aldarian except that his face was dotted with deep wrinkles. It was his eyes that were different. They weren’t bright blue like other Aldarians but completely white. Was he blind? John was curious but felt it inappropriate to ask.

The Yearden spoke again. “You fear what could be lost in the coming days. Whatever path you choose will not save you from losing what you hold dear. There will be great sacrifice, it cannot be avoided. You will be tested as never before.”

John was scared hearing those words. He forced himself not to dwell on what could happen to PHOENIX when they faced the Screen armada. Yes, he expected there would be casualties but he hoped that somehow, they could emerge unscathed.

“You try to deny what may happen, I sense it,” said the Yearden. “But you must accept what is coming. Whatever you lose, you must never forget you are not alone. You will never be alone.”

The Yearden released John’s hand, turned and walked away. Was this his way of comforting the captain? If that was his intention, it didn’t work. All the Yearden did was confirm John’s fear that no one would be safe when they faced the Screen.