Phoenix Among The Stars (Exodus) by Robert Stadnik

Author:Robert Stadnik [Stadnik, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Robert Stadnik
Published: 2011-09-13T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Although we haven’t obtained any new information about the Screen, the pair of sightings of their fighters leads us to believe they have a significant presence in this region of space. With Drix’s knowledge of how they behave towards other races, it appears that the Screen’s hostility is not limited to just us. Whether their hostility is driven by need or fear remains to be seen.

“We’re still learning more about the Aldarians. Doctor Myers released them from quarantine a few days ago and we’ve set them all up in quarters on deck twenty-four. Their technology is advanced, so much so that our scientists and engineers have not been able to crack even the basic foundation of how any of it works. Even the Aldarians seem lost how their technology functions, the knowledge lost when the majority of their population died off. For now, I’ve reassigned a team of engineers and scientists to facilities on deck sixty-six to work on the Aldarian technology full-time.

“We’re still dealing with some glitches in the ship’s systems, but nothing serious. Given the stresses of traveling through interstellar space, PHOENIX has performed exemplary. Drix continues to apply his software expertise to our systems. Once the Aldarians have settled into their new surroundings, I’m hoping they will begin contributing with whatever skills they have to help run the ship.

“That’s all for now. I only hope these messages are getting back home so people know what we’re doing out here. Attached are some video files from the crew. This is Captain John Roberts signing off.”

The holographic display disappeared as the lights illuminated in the conference room. President Butu turned to her cabinet members seated around a large oak conference table. Two service bots rolled around refilling the staff’s drinks as the officials discussed the latest video compilation distributed by ELM News.

“The video has been authenticated,” the science minister told Butu. “Like the others, it’s legitimate.”

“She’s been gone three months,” said Butu. “But it appears the PHOENIX is thriving in space.” She turned to her security minister. “Has there been any progress in identifying the individuals who are receiving and distributing PHOENIX’s transmissions?”

“None,” replied the security minister. “We still haven’t been able to determine how the transmissions are arriving to Earth undetected. As unlikely as it sounds, they must be using some covert means to send the transmissions that we’re not familiar with.”

The Mars minister spoke up. “This ship survived two Screen attacks. I wouldn’t put anything past them.”

“True,” said the security minister. “The EXODUS Project was able to develop viable new technology to counteract the Screen. Who knows in what other areas they made advancements.”

Next to the security minister sat the only empty seat in the room, the seat usually occupied by the head of the TERRA Command Council. Admiral Donalds refused to attend any presidential cabinet meeting since PHOENIX left the solar system. Many on the president’s staff urged Butu to replace Donalds, but she knew it would damage her politically. The general population was still

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