Phoenix Rising
Part 4: Reunions
By Joseph W. Joiner
With a blast of light and particles of stellar matter the great ships emerged from the chaos of the Firestorm into normal space. Shimmering motes of charged ions left a glowing trail that followed the ships briefly before fading. One was sleek and shone like a new star, the other was dark and menacing. Behind them followed a motley collection of seven other ships, a mongrel gang of ragtag castaways from every known race that plumbed the depths of space. A Human cargo carrier, a Dysori pleasure yacht, a Muero troop transport, and others that all bore the scars of their capture, and all bore the emblem of a mighty bird with sweeping wings of fire. The phoenix.
In the month since their encounter with Josidynn Prosidius and the Artimus, the fledgling Phoenix fleet had grown considerably. A successful raid on a Dysori munitions base had armed the new ships with cannons and missiles, and rearmed the Redeemer. As an added bonus, the base had yielded the newest of the plasma cannons recently developed. Rowena had ordered it installed immediately. The only real drawback had been the base getting off a distress signal before their communication equipment had been blasted. They fleet had barely managed to escape an armada of heavy cruisers. Once again, the crew attributed the success of the raid and their escape to Rowena's uncanny luck. The blessing of the Goddess, they said, and their awe for her grew.
It was the third shift now, in the early hours when most of the crew was asleep. Rowena, never one to sleep regularly, liked coming to the command deck and watching the stars. Only a few of the crew manned the stations, and they were used to the odd comings and goings of their leader. For the most part, they forgot she was even there unless she spoke to them. On this night she reclined in the Prefect's seat and felt the vibration of the engines slowly fade as the fleet slowed to sub-light speed.
They had arrived in the Sol system.
The computer generated hologram of the system activated to show their position. Rowena studied the three-dimensional map for a moment, then turned to the officer at the helm. "How long before we can achieve orbit around Jupiter?"
A glowing dot appeared in the hologram. It moved until it came to the image of the massive gas giant. The officer consulted her screen. "We are four chronauts from Jupiter, Commander. I would imagine we could achieve orbit in less than five."
Rowena acknowledged the report with a nod. "Set a course to take us around Jupiter and approach the moon of Titan from a non-aggressive vector."
"Aye, Commander. If I may ask, who do expect to find there?"
"An old forgotten colony. One that perhaps even Simon Christiansen's government has forgotten. Scan for the outpost, but be sure to use passive sweeps so as not to appear threatening. I don't want to contend with any orbital defenses they might have."
"Aye, Commander."
Rising from the Prefect's seat, Rowena watched the image of the starfield on the viewer as the fleet moved through Terran space. The human system was smaller than many in the known galaxy, having only nine planets, but it was also renowned for the extraordinary beauty of the seventh planet Saturn. The rings were only so much dust and debris, and the humans had only recently discovered what a wealth of resources orbited the planet. There was a small risk of being discovered by a mining ship, but if they kept their distance it was unlikely.
She glanced at the dim corner where Arden usually perched. Tonight he was absent. Most likely prowling the darkened corridors of the ship as was his way. The man never seemed to sleep and was rarely, if ever, in his cabin. In the galley he ate alone, and the crew took great pains to avoid him. His presence on the ship was insufferable, and only his ability to gain the fleet more ships had kept him with them this long. His secret network had proved itself again and again, leading them to stray vessels and remote outposts that provided valuable supplies and weapons. It was because of him that they had come to the Terran system. As long as continued to be necessary and unthreatening, he would live.
She sighed and stared at the stars. Jupiter was a far away mass growing larger on the screen. She marveled at the colorful ribbons that encircled the planet, entranced by the chaotic swirling gasses. She looked around to see if any of the crew had noticed her gaping like a child, but all were occupied by their duties. "I'll be in my quarters," she announced, and left the bridge to the curious stares of the crew.
It took only a few minutes to reach her cabin, and she was surprised to find the door already open, but the lights still off. Drawing her belt knife she cautiously stepped inside.
"No need for weapons, Commander," came Arden's voice. "I am not here to harm you. I thought we should speak."
Rowena sheathed the dagger and keyed the lights. "You have a lot of courage for one so stupid. How did you get in here? The door was locked."
He grinned, and his lack of fear infuriated her. "I know locks," he said. "They tell me their secrets."
She muttered a curse as she crossed the room and slumped onto the couch. "I grow more weary of you every day, Arden. These little surprises don't help. I think you enjoy testing my limits."
"True," he admitted. "Yet look at all you have accomplished because of me. You have weapons that would have taken you many more months to acquire, and you have a fleet of ships. Helena must surely be trembling at the thought of you roaming the stars."
She managed at weak smile at the image of Helena cowering under her throne. "Somehow I doubt she's trembling with anything but rage. I've never said that you weren't useful, human, but I would have gained what I have without your help. You just saved me some time."
Arden frowned. "You dismiss me too easily," he growled. "I saved you years you don't have. After all I've given you, you still don't trust me. How do you think that makes me feel?"
Rowena leaned forward and fixed him with a contemptuous gaze. "I really don't care about your feelings. You've never explained your desire to help me, or how you come by your information. Yet you ask me to trust you. Would you trust in my position?"
He shrugged. "Perhaps not, but I would at least be grateful."
"Oh, I am beholden to you," she sneered, "which is why you still live. But the moment you betray me or harm any member of my crew, I'll gut you myself and forget you ever existed."
He stood and made his way to the dispenser. Helping himself to a glass of her ambrosia, he downed it with one swallow. "I've taught you many things, Rowena, but the one lesson you haven't learned is to never underestimate a possible enemy." He turned to her and his one eyed stare was piercing. She managed to keep from flinching. "You don't want me as an enemy, Commander. I can assure you of that."
Rowena stood and faced him. "Nor do you want me as yours," she snarled back.
For a moment the tension in her cabin was thick enough to cut as each tried to stare the other down. At last Arden blinked and looked away. "We're nearing Jupiter," he said. "I haven't been this close to home in years. How long before we achieve orbit around Titan?"
"A few chronauts," she replied, smiling at her small victory. "You are certain the colony is there?"
"There's not a doubt in my mind. It's been a few years since I was last here, but I'm sure they are still there. They'll contact you as soon as the fleet gets close enough to be detected. Their equipment doesn't scan very far. However, they're a nervous bunch, so I would suggest sending only one ship, perhaps just a shuttle."
She nodded at the sound advice. "Agreed. I'll call for you when it's time."
"You wish for me to go along? That surprises me."
She shrugged. "It might help us to be seen with another human, and perhaps you can earn my trust by helping me if they prove to be unfriendly. Now get out of my cabin. I want to rest for awhile."
He set down his glass and walked to the door. As it slid silently open he looked back at her. "I'll earn your trust, Commander," he said. "Perhaps you'll eventually earn mine." Then he was gone before she could answer. She simmered for a moment. How did he always manage to get the last word?
The colony contacted them two chronauts later. Rowena had returned to the bridge and was trying to think of the best way to make contact when the signal came through. Surprised, she nodded to the communication officer to open a channel. The screen flickered and a man's stern visage appeared. He appeared to be in his later years, with streaks of gray running from the temples through his thick brown hair. Behind him stood a dozen men and women. All of them looked worried. "This is Micah Sage, mayor of Titan colony. Who are you?" He spoke Terran, and it took her a moment to understand. Fortunately Hestia had taught her enough to communicate.
Rowena straightened her back and lifted her chin. "I am Commander Rowena Quintus of Phoenix Fleet," she said. "We've come a long way to meet you."
"You're Dysori," he said. "What do you want with us?"
"To talk," she answered. "I've heard a lot about your colony."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? We thought no one remembered us. Where did you learn of us?"
She hesitated, and she knew he noticed. "Word gets around, even in space. Can we meet?"
"One minute," he said, and turned around to confer with the cluster of people in the background. When he faced the screen again, his expression had softened. "We're in desperate need of medical supplies. Can you help?"
Rowena nodded and smiled. "We'd be happy to assist you. Transmit a list and we'll do what we can to give you what we can spare. I take it we have permission to bring a landing party?"
He nodded. "We'll allow you to land one ship, and no more than six of your crew. Please forgive our caution, Commander, we don't get visitors very often."
"Understandable. Please believe we intend no harm to any of your people."
Sage seemed to relax. "We're transmitting our list now, and we've activated a beacon for your shuttle to follow to our landing grid." The screen went blank and Rowena barked orders. "I want those medical supplies loaded and the shuttle ready to fly in five chronauts!"
Rowena was surprised to find that the colony was under the surface of Titan instead of the usual environmental-domes the humans regularly used. The shuttle touched down on the landing pad, which immediately began to descend into the depths. She watched the gauges with a little apprehension as the platform stopped more than three hundred feet below the surface. She had come alone, and help was a long way off. The platform was then slowly retracted into a pressurized hangar bay.
Opening the shuttle doors, Rowena was taken aback by the number of people that had come to see the visitors. More than a hundred stood quietly behind the tall form of Micah Sage. She recognized many Dysori men and women among them.
He waited until she had stepped from the shuttle before walking up and holding out his hand. Remembering this was the human custom of greeting; she accepted it, again surprised by the strength of his grip. "I am Micah Sage," he said. "Welcome to Titan colony."
"I am honored by your welcome," she said, giving a slight bow with her head. "The supplies you requested are on board."
He glanced behind him and pointed to the shuttle. A group of burly men stepped from the crowd and went to the shuttle. "You came alone?" he asked.
"I felt it best. There was no need to bring anyone else. They would have just been in the way, and I want your people to see us as no threat."
He nodded. "Prudent of you. We thank you for the supplies and offer you refreshment. Will you come with me?"
"Of course."
She followed him through the crowd and into a maze of corridors that she quickly became lost in. She suspected this was done intentionally. After a lengthy trek he opened a door and led her into what was obviously a conference room of some sort. A large polished table and several chairs were the only furniture. A tray of food and a pitcher of pale liquid were on the table. He poured two glasses and offered her one. "Not the best brew in the galaxy, but it's cold and strong."
She took a cautious sip. The taste was not unpleasant and slightly bitter. "I've heard of this drink," she said. "Beer?"
He seemed pleased. "My own recipe. Not as sweet as Dysori ambrosia, but it'll get you drunk much faster. Something to eat?"
She shook her head. "I'd prefer to talk of my purpose for coming here."
"Get right to the point, don't you?"
She frowned at the unfamiliar term. He noticed and smiled. "Speak," he said.
"I am not a member of the Dysori senate of military," she began, and did not fail to notice that he immediately relaxed. "My crew and I are considered renegades and criminals by Queen Helena. For the last several months we have been gathering ships and crew in order to build a fleet. My plan is to eventually join with the Corsairs of Nephalis and help them remove Helena from the throne, and then destroy the Muero."
His brows lifted in surprise. "That's a lofty goal. What makes you think you have a chance to succeed, even with the Corsairs?"
She drank some more of the beer. Despite the unusual flavor, she liked it. "The Dysori fleet is spread to thin fighting the Muero. The defenses of Arcadius Prime are not enough to repel a large invasion force. Most of our ships are Dysori, so we would be able to penetrate deep into the home system before they realize we are a threat and can recall the fleet."
"So what do you want from us?"
Rowena sat down and leaned on the table. "My information says that this colony is home to some of the finest scientists and technical minds in the galaxy, both Human and Dysori. I've also heard rumor that you have a few ships hidden nearby. I'd like for you to join us."
He frowned. "I can't speak for all of us, but most of us are happy here. We have a home and families that won't want to be uprooted and thrust into the middle of a personal war."
Rowena's eyes narrowed. "If Simon Christiansen remembers you are here you may find you don't have the luxury of choice. If I can learn of your presence here, you can be sure he will eventually. He may already have spies among you."
Sage smirked. "I doubt that. You're the first outlander to come here in over ten years, and the only spy of his that would even have a chance of getting this close would be my sister Cassandra. I hear she's an ambassador of some kind these days. Besides, we're too small and too remote to be noticed. The original colonists planned it that way when they came here. But you do raise some valid points, I'll give you that."
"Will you join Phoenix Fleet?"
He popped a piece of cheese into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "I'm sure a few will want to come along, life has become somewhat sedentary here. The Dysori among us don't like being cooped up underground. Your kind seems to be afflicted with wanderlust, so the chance of adventure would appeal to them. The rest won't want to leave. As for the ships, we have an old science ship and a transport vessel hidden on the far side of Titan, and a Muero prison barge that crashed here a few weeks back. It would take a lot of work and spare parts to get them operational again."
Rowena blinked. "A Muero prison barge? Were there survivors?"
Sage looked uncomfortable. "A few," he admitted. "Apparently the few Muero soldiers on board were either killed in the crash or by the prisoners once they got free. Only a handful survived before we made it to the crash site. A few men and women, all Dysori."
At that moment the door chime sounded. Sage frowned. "I told them not to disturb us. Who could that be?"
He opened a door and a woman rushed in. "Micah, I heard that the visitors are Dysori and that the leader is..." she stopped abruptly and stared at the young woman who was staring with astonishment at her. "Rowena!" she cried, and threw herself at the feet of the girl.
"Hestia?"
Sage crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "I take it you two know each other?"
Rowena placed her hand gently on the head of the weeping woman. "My dearest friend, it is the blessing of the Goddess that you have been returned to us." She looked up at Sage. "Hestia was my first officer until a few months ago. Her fighter was destroyed when we fought the Muero at the Calibos colony. We thought she had been killed."
Sage ran his hand through his hair. "Hestia was one of the survivors of the crash. When we found her she was unconscious under the body of a Muero guard. Seems she got his weapon away and blew a hole through him before he fell on her. It took a long time for her to come to her senses. I can't imagine what the Muero did to her and the others."
Rowena stroked the ragged locks, noticing that Hestia's hair, once brown with just a few strands of gray, was now almost completely white. There were new scars on her arms and face, permanent reminders that the Muero liked using their claws on soft- skins. Hestia clung to Rowena's legs, sobbing like a child. Her lifted eyes asked the question her voice dared not speak, and Sage gave a single sad nod. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "We can help the body heal, but the mind..." his voice trailed off. "I doubt she'll be the same woman you knew. Then again, maybe you are exactly what she needs." He dropped to one knee beside the woman and took her by the shoulders. "Come now, Hestia. Do not tire the Commander. Why don't you go to your room and tidy yourself up? I promise she will not leave you."
Hestia looked up at him, then at Rowena. "Your word, Commander? You will not leave without me?"
Rowena smiled gently. "I would not dream of it, old friend."
Hestia allowed Sage to help her to her feet and guide her to the door. As it opened her face lit up and she spun around. "Rowena, talk to Micah. He is here, and I've seen him. I've talked to him. You should go see him too." A satisfied smile settled on her face, which she turned on Sage. "You see, Micah, I was telling the truth." She walked proudly through the door. Sage sighed.
"What is she talking about?" Rowena asked, entirely mystified by the events of the morning. Her heart was a thudding dully in her chest.
Sage shook his head. "I wasn't ready to tell you this, Commander. Not yet anyway. I wasn't counting on Hestia doing it for me."
"Perhaps you shouldn't keep secrets from me any longer," she said firmly. "I am grateful to you for Hestia's life, but that gratitude will only grant you so much leeway."
He lifted his chin and stared at the ceiling tiles. Old and yellow, stained with age and water, they had suddenly become objects of fascination. Rowena waited patiently while he searched for the right words. "We knew who you were even before you spoke your name," he said at last.
"Hestia."
"Yes. She had told us that she served the chosen of the Dysori goddess of war."
"Dyania."
"Yes, that was it, thank you. She told us everything. I think she did so only to convince herself that it really happened. Some of the tales she told, well, we found them a little hard to believe, but Hestia can be convincing when she wants to be. Then you show up. I suppose she feels vindicated."
"What was she talking about? Who am I supposed to speak with?"
"Come with me," he answered. Rowena stood, and together they left the room.
He again led her through hallways that were completely identical. She found it hard to believe the colony so large, and that he was intentionally attempting to mislead her. Not that it mattered, her interest in the colony was in their ships and one other item Arden assured her was here, but that could wait. Sage had another reason for leading her in circles. It gave him time to talk.
"We have colonists of all the known races here," he explained. "Mostly we are a mix of Human and Dysori disenchanted with life on our homeworlds. The Soven among us tend the gardens where we grow our food. There are four of them here. They joined us when their ship needed repair and they saw how poorly we were managing the gardens. That was ten years ago."
Rowena stopped. "There's a Soven ship here too?"
Sage shook his head. "Long gone. Their ships are alive, you know. Once they chose to stay, the ship went on without them. Back to Y'mvalla, I think."
She cursed silently. A Soven vessel would have been a real prize. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded, tired of walking through seemingly endless corridors.
He stopped at an unmarked door. "Here is where go on alone, at least for a while," he said. "Behind this door, Commander is your future. And your past," he added. "The choice to walk through this portal is yours."
Rowena rolled her eyes. "You speak in riddles, and I do not like riddles."
His hand paused over the pad next to the door. "Not a riddle, Commander, a warning. Hestia had told me that you are an old soul in a young body. But does that make you wise enough to face what lies beyond?"
She reached over and touched the pad. The door slid silently open, revealing a darkened room. A trap? There was no logic in thinking so, but what could the mystery be? She glanced at Sage, who stepped back. "I will wait for you here," he said.
Rowena walked through the door.
The room became darker as the door closed. Her hand reached for her belt knife, but she remembered that she had left it on the shuttle. She was about to turn to the door when a rasping voice spoke in perfect Dysori. "Would you prefer some light?" A small lamp began to glow, casting a warm yellow glow.
The room was small but crowded. A single table and chair sat in the center, a blank computer screen balanced precariously on the edge. Books were piled everywhere, in every possible nook and cranny. A small bed was pushed against the far wall, and it was on this that the figure of a man sat. He was dressed in a rumpled robe, and a thick white beard hung to his chest. He gestured to the lone chair. "Please sit down."
She sat down and stared at him with wonder. "Who are you?"
"Micah and his people call me the Oracle, but that is not my name. They name me thus because sometimes I see things before they happen. It doesn't happen often, but I'm not usually wrong. For instance, I knew you would come to us long ago."
"You knew?" she tried to hide the skepticism in her voice and she knew she had failed when a faint smile appeared on his craggy face.
"I knew, because I have watched you for many years. Watched you, and tried to guide your steps as best I could."
"What do you mean you have watched me? How can you know anything about me?"
He reached over and gently placed his hand on her knee. She resisted the urge to slap his hand away. He stared into her eyes with an intensity that was almost frightening. "My true name," he said, "is Quintus. Once I was a high priest of Dyania, and I loved a woman named Persephone."
Shock tumbled through her and she jerked away. "No..." she whispered. "That's not possible."
"My daughter," he said, his voice soft and soothing. "You have been set on a path chosen by the Goddess, and it was she was who guided you here. A dark time is coming for all the free races. The Muero are not the only force of evil in the universe. You must prepare for the coming conflict, and for the Goddess to reveal her true intent for your destiny."
"More riddles?" she gasped, still stunned by the fact that her father was alive.
He shook his head. "No, no riddles. Only that which the Goddess has shown me. You are still free, still able to deny her plan for you if you so choose."
"What does she want of me?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotions she hadn't known she was capable of feeling.
"That is not for me know. I can tell you that all will be revealed when you again stand before Helena Myrianis."
A tear crept down her cheek. "I'm scared, father," she choked. "I'm so scared."
Quintus gathered his daughter into his arms and held her while she wept on his shoulder. "Fear is necessary, but also easily overcome, child. You walk among the righteous. Remember that wisdom does not come with age, but with acceptance of the respon-sibilities we are given. You are possessed of a courage and vision rare in these times, and that power will help you on the path you travel. You are the greatest hope for our people, and I know you will do well, Rowena. You will do well."
She clung to him, a little girl in the arms of her father.
Some time later, Sage looked up as the door opened and Rowena stepped out. He thought she had been crying, but if so she hid it well. He started walking back the way they had come and she fell into step beside him. "How long has he been here?" she asked.
"Almost fifteen years. Longer than me, in fact. He's had us preparing for your arrival for the last three. When Hestia arrived and realized who he was, she appointed herself to see to his needs. It struck me as strange until she told me about you."
Rowena gave an absent nod, her thoughts a whirlpool in her mind. After a moment she was able to concentrate on her purpose in coming here. "Time for bargains, Sage. I need ships and crew, and you have both. Tell me what you want in order to let them go."
"I couldn't very well order anyone to stay, and the ships aren't being used. We kept them up in case we had to suddenly evacuate, and that's never happened. They're yours for the taking, all I will ask is that you keep our presence here secret."
Rowena hid a smile. Sage was a reasonable man, it seemed.
"Many of the people here are Dysori unhappy with Helena's regime or others wanting to raise children the natural way. Quintus is their spiritual leader." He smiled and chuckled softly. "Every child here calls him grandfather. He's the gentlest soul I've ever known. It was many years before he trusted me enough to speak of his past, and you."
She digested that before speaking. "Do you want to know what he told me?"
Sage shook his head. "That's considered bad luck here. The Oracle's words are not to be shared. What passed between you is for no one else to know, for that is the way of prophecy. What you choose to do with what you have been told is up to you."
It took an effort not to turn around and run back to Quintus' room and demand answers. She could see logic in the cryptic words of her father, and her instincts were crying out for her to trust in a man she had never known. Her faith in the Goddess had just been validated, and that was reason enough to go on. Sage walked with quiet assurance and a confident air, the marks of a true leader. For some odd reason she trusted him, and if he could inspire such trust in her so quickly, she could only imagine what his sister was capable of. Such a woman she knew she must meet someday. "Now where are you taking me?" she asked.
"We call it the Hall. It's where we meet to make decisions that affect our lives here. You, Commander, are a large disruption. There's been a lot of discussion about you." He glanced at her, and she smiled smugly and shrugged. "I do what I must do," she replied.
Passing through an open portal, they entered what could only have been the Hall. A crowd of more than two hundred had gathered, waiting patiently. Rowena noticed that many of them carried bags of personal items. Sage also saw this, and she heard a resigned sigh escape him. He stared at the floor a moment before lifting his head and speaking. "These are all that wish to accompany you. I know my people, Commander, and these are some of our best residents. We will be sorry to lose them, but we will rejoice that they may find with you what they could not find with us. They will serve you loyally." He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "It's not often that any of us get the chance to serve our gods through those that they have touched." He lifted his hand and waved at the silent crowd. "These are most of the Dysori among us not too old to fight. Hestia assures them that you are the Chosen of Dyania. Through you, they will serve her."
Rowena stared in awe. With this many people she could man all her ships much more efficiently. For a moment she was stunned enough to not know what to do. Then she recovered and slapped her right fist to her heart. "For Dyania's glory!" she cried.
Almost as one the group of them returned her salute and lifted their voices in a loud echoing cry that sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. "For Dyania's glory!"