Operation Phoenix Book 2: Bohina

The humans had docked at station Tyesye to install new equipment when General Richards inspected the progress. The workers replaced some of the glass tubes the humans had slept in with a sizeable lighted pad. Spotlights of a light blue color were above it.

Richards stopped a Gorenan engineer next to the control console, a short distance from the pad. What is this technology called again?

The engineer smiled with pride. It’s the byomyu. It’s the latest thing for transporting objects and people from place to place.

We had similar technology on Romasu in our science fiction stories. We called it a ‘Transporter.’ The general walked to the console and looked it over.

But, byomyu is much easier to say and remember. The engineer watched Richards.

That’s if you’re used to Lorana. Richards glanced at him and then back at the console. I’m glad you have these controls in English.

Wimi, it took some doing, but it was doable. He folded both sets of hands as he rocked back and forth on his heels. The other ships had some bizarre letters. We had trouble using their languages. The Yaponeeeeeze have almost as many syllables as Lorana.

Japanese.

What?

It’s Ja-pa-ne-se not ’Yaponeeeeeze.’

And you think our words are hard to pronounce. As he grinned, he showed some missing teeth.

When will the training be completed? Richards dusted off a spot on the console.

It will be complete by noon tomorrow. The man put his hands behind his back as he continued to rock.

Later that day, Richards and the boys sat in a restaurant. Jacob played with a plant on the table next to him until it tried to bite him. The boy snatched his hand back. The plants around it quickly slapped the little plant. The general stopped a server. Can you find out how long it will be before we get our meals, please? It has been over an hour. The plants picked up their pots and walked off the table. Jacob dropped his jaw as his eyes became big as he mouthed, Wow! He wrapped his hand around his Dad’s arm from underneath and tugged.

The server looked nervous. I’m sorry, sir. But we can’t serve you here.

Why not? Richards became cross. Jacob tugged again.

We don’t want any trouble. Please, leave before the Bohinan see you here. The man looked around nervously.

Come on, Boys. Richards started to leave. Let’s take our business elsewhere.

But, Daddy, the plants move like people! Jacob tugged on his father’s arm again as his father drug him off the bench with his arm. Jonathan shook his head as he followed.

As they walked through the noisy market place, they came upon a Japanese couple.

People won’t let us eat at their restaurants. The young couple held onto each other as the man explained. They say they don’t want trouble. But, they don’t say why.

We had the same problem. Richards reached down to place a hand on Jacob’s shoulder as the boy clung to his father’s back pocket. Go to your ship and eat there. The Bohinan must be here. It will be safer aboard ship.

Arigatoo gozaimasu. He led his girlfriend away.

You’re welcome. The general continued with Jacob in tow. Jonathan followed as he watched his brother act like a little boy.

Soon, they met a group of Finns and Swedes as they spoke Swedish. They stopped and looked at Richards as he walked up to them. One gentleman spoke English. We’re having problems finding a place to eat. People fear us.

It’s not you these people are afraid of. It’s the Bohinan. Richards put his hands on his hips as Jacob hid behind him with his hands in his father’s back pockets. Go back to your ships where you’ll be safe.

They walked off as the general turned to Jacob.

He squatted down to Jacob’s level. Why are you always hiding from people?

Day scare me. I don’t know why. Jacob looked down.

You’re not afraid of the troops like others. Richards smiled at him as his son ducked in and wrapped his arms around his arm.

Richards stood and led his boys on down a corridor as they came upon a group of troops. They told of more stories of Bohinan threats and lack of service.

Carter, take the boys back and get them something to eat. Then stay with them. Richards ordered the Marine. Samson, Rocky, and Hunter you’re with me. The rest of you fan out in groups of four and tell our people to return to their ships. Let them know the Bohinan are here.

Yes, sir! They went their separate ways.

Richards led his men to the slave market. They started to receive reports of humans taken by the Bohinan. Richards and the troops investigated the reports and had all humans return to their ships. With the people onboard and accounted for, Richards and his men could tell how many were still gone. The process took time but was much quicker than any other method.

The slave market had some 2,000-people crowded into a small area. Richards and the troops made their way slowly through the crowd to the front. The noise drowned out the auctioneer’s speakers. Richards’s radio vibrated.

He took his radio from his side. Richards, over! His voice barely sounded over the noise of the crowd and the auctioneer.

Captain Russell here, sir, Russell’s voice came over the radio as the general put an earpiece in his ear. We have nine still missing from the USS Washington, three from the Merivoimat, two from the South African, one from the Hawthorne, six from the Suomen Joutsen, 10 from the Japanese ships, 14 from the German ships, and five from the Italian ships. All other ships reported all people present and accounted for, sir, over.

All right, we’ll be on the lookout for them, over. Richards looked at his men. Anything else, over.

Nothing, over. Russell’s voice came back.

Very well, Richards, out. The general put his radio back. Then he scanned the crowd around him for the rest of the troops. He found a Soldier and went to him.

There are 50 missing, pass it on! Richards tried to speak above the crowd and loud music.

Yes, sir! The Soldier moved over to a Marine.

Richards walked past the stage and caught a glimpse of a human woman backstage. He made his way to a side door and looked around for a guard. When he saw none, he slipped into the corridor. His men followed him. The general walked until he found the backstage door, which was open a crack. Richards quietly pushed the door open until he could see the woman. He stepped in and took out his phaser. The general shot the guard in the back and caught him as he fell. Before she made a sound, Richards motioned the woman to keep silent. He laid the guard quietly on the floor and scanned the area. The general walked to the woman and broke the chains. Then, he escorted her out of the vicinity. When they reached the corridor, he removed the cuffs from her wrists.

Come with me. Richards led her toward the front. Did you see any more humans?

No, I thought I was done for. The woman quivered as she followed Richards to the backdoor.

His men found three children.

Take them back to their ships. Richards left the people with them. I’ll keep looking around.

I’ll stay with you, sir. Corey Hunter turned to him.

Alright. The general led him back down the corridor to another door. The Marine found the door partway open so, he peered inside through the opening. He could see five Bohinan and six humans. He rushed back to the crowd and took out his radio. Mitchell, this is Richards, over! He strained to get his voice over the noise.

Mitchell, here, over! Mitchell’s voice came back.

I found six more people in the slave market, but they are surrounded by five Bohinan. I need backup right away, over. Richards held the radio near his mouth. He listened carefully to his earpiece.

Understood, sending more troops your way, over. Mitchell’s voice came back.

The general put it back to his mouth. Good, Richards out!

Richards put his radio away and waited for backup as he paced while Hunter looked on. He did not have long to wait. Several Marines and Soldiers rushed to the front of the crowd. Richards signaled the men and women to come toward him. When they arrived, the group entered the corridor quietly. The troops made their way to the door. Richards checked to see the situation inside the room. He motioned the soldiers to follow him. The general burst in the room and started to shoot the Bohinan. The other troops did the same. The humans caught the Bohinan off guard, but they fired back. The others in the room began to scream. Soon, the troops subdued the Bohinan.

Get these people back to their ships! Richards passed the people back to the Marines.

The Marines took the people. Samson and Rocky stayed with Richards and Hunter. As they reached the crowd, more Bohinan came after them. The troops prepared for a confrontation. A Bohinan shot Richards with a dart. He staggered and then went down. The other three humans tried to defend him, but the Bohinan shot them with darts, too. One of the Marines with the people saw them drag Richards and the others away.

Smith to Washington, over! The female Marine spoke as fast and loud as she could.

Washington, here, over! Mitchell’s voice came back.

Bohinan have taken General Richards, Samson, Rocky, and Hunter! Smith talked into the radio as fast as she could and then put it to her ear.

Backup is on its way, over! Mitchell’s voice came back.

Understood, Smith out! Smith put her radio away. She paced as she awaited backup.

When more Marines and Soldiers showed up, they headed down the corridor and checked all doors and rooms. However, they could not find Richards or the others.

Smith took out her radio again. Smith to Washington, over!

Washington, here, over! Mitchell’s voice came back when she put her radio to her ear.

She spoke into the radio. We lost the general, sir, over! Then she put it to her ear.

Return to the ship, over! Mitchell’s voice came back.

Understood, sir. Smith out! She put the radio away. They headed back to the ship.

On the bridge of the Washington, Mitchell and Russell stood near the screens as they monitored the people’s return.

What are they planning to do? Russell stood in front of Mitchell.

Dradik once said that this problem between the Bohinan and us would go to Bohina itself. He stood with his arms crossed deep in thought. I think they will take him to Bohina knowing we would follow.

But what good would that do? Russell became concerned. How could we stand against an entire planet?

We can’t know that until we get there. Mitchell rubbed his lips between the fingers of one hand as he kept his other arm across his chest. He suddenly let his arms down and walked to the helmsman. What’s the ETA to Bohina from here?

The helmsman looked it up on his star chart. It will take approximately two years at full speed ahead, sir. But, we will need to stop at another station to pick up supplies.

We won’t be fully trained on recent technology until the morning. Russell stepped over to Mitchell.

Right. Mitchell was again deep in thought. I suppose they won’t leave without us. So, we will wait until after the training sessions tomorrow. Make sure we have plenty of supplies. This is going to be one long trip.

Aye, sir! Russell returned to his seat and started to prepare.

Make sure everyone is onboard ship before noon. We have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Mitchell turned back to Russell.

Aye, sir! Russell did not look up. He continued to enter data into his computer console.

The next day at 12 o’clock sharp earth time, the Bohinan ships started to leave the space station. They waited for the human vessels.

They knew when we planned to leave. Mitchell stood and walked to the main screen that had the Bohinan fleet a short distance from the station. Slowly the human ships started to follow them. They laid in a course for Bohina and moved out to where the Bohinan waited. The Bohinan headed out at a slow speed. But, Mitchell had other plans. The humans left at full speed as they left the Bohinan in their stardust.

Contents

CHAPTER 2 In Pursuit

On the bridge, the crew monitored the Bohinan ships as they followed the humans. Mitchell entered as a naval captain stood from the command chair.

Mitchell walked up to him. Captain Meyer, what do you have on the Bohinan?

Not much, sir. Meyer showed him the image on the aft view screen. They have stayed far back. They don’t seem to want to hurry to get to Bohina. You would think they would be out in front of us. What is their game plan, sir?

Put the pursuit on the main screen. Mitchell stepped toward the main screen.

Meyer followed him. We have them outgunned. We could just take the general and the others back.

No, we couldn’t. Mitchell studied the screen. They have them on one or more of the ships while we don’t know which one or ones. They could easily kill them before we could reach them. They want to wear down our resources, so we can’t put up a fight later. We need to conserve our resources. He turned to the com station. Have all ships slow to speed 15.

That will make the trip much longer. Meyer looked at him.

Yes, but not that much. Mitchell turned back to him.

Aye, sir! Helmsman, speed 15. Meyer glanced to the helmsman.

Aye, sir! The helmsman slowed the ship.

Sir! The armory sergeant looked up from his console. We lost the stars!

All the screens went blank.

All, stop! Mitchell went to the armory.

All ships near us report stopped, sir. The com sergeant reported.

What happened? Mitchell looked at the Armory console. Where are the other ships?

Unknown, sir. We seemed to have entered a part of space where there are no stars. The armory officer showed the last few seconds on his console’s screen.

What does the radar show? Mitchell looked at the radar screen.

It shows nothing out there, sir. The armory sergeant double checked his radar readings. I can’t even see the other ships, sir.

Have all ships report in. Mitchell looked over at the com sergeant.

This is the USS Washington, all ships report! The com sergeant relayed the message.

This is Capt … Tanaka of … Yama … You’re breaking … Repeat. Came the voice of one of the captains.

This is the USS George Washington, all ships report! The com sergeant repeated her message. She repeated a second time after a long silence.

This is Captain Tanaka of the Yamada. You’re coming in clear now. Tanaka’s voice came clear over the intercom. We are all stopped. We cannot see anyone, even on the radar.

This is Captain Mitchell, Captain Tanaka, have you heard from any of the other ships? Mitchell stepped closer to the com station.

Aye, we have heard from the HMAS Australia and the FNS Suomen Joutsen, but no one else. Tanaka’s voice came back.

Have they heard from anyone else? Mitchell stopped midway to the com station.

Stand by. Tanaka’s voice came. After a long silence, Tanaka’s voice came back again. Aye, they both have heard from others, and the others heard from others. All ships are accounted for.

Good, notify all ships to reverse engines at top speed and stay in your formation. Mitchell waited for Tanaka to relay his message. Reverse engines full-speed.

Aye, sir. Meyer turned to the helmsman. Engines full speed reverse.

Aye, sir, full speed reverse. The helmsman laid in the course and speed and then engaged.

The ship reversed course, but after a long time still did not exit their section of space.

We should be out by now. Mitchell looked at the screens. Are we moving?

Aye, sir. Meyer looked at him from beside the helmsman’s station.

I see the other ships! The armory sergeant looked up.

Good, we’re getting out of it. Mitchell looked at the stern screen. It showed them as they exited the section of space. Get a safe distance and then go around it on the starboard bow.

Aye, sir. Meyer passed on the message to the helmsman.

Then the com sergeant also passed on the message.

Once on their way again, Mitchell met with some scientists in a large conference room. What was all that?

It was what we call ‘Dark Matter’ or matter that is a non-luminous gas. We don’t know what exactly dark matter is. But, we believe it to be ordinary and massive neutrinos, WIMPs, celestial bodies called MACHOs and clouds of non-luminous gases.

What are WIMPs? Mitchell looked at the scientist across from him.

WIMP means Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. They are slow moving particles and have a large mass. They have little interaction with normal matter causing them to be dark and invisible by electromagnetic observation. The scientist explained. MACHO stands for Massive Compact Halo Object which is any kind of celestial body which explains the presence of Dark Matter. MACHO consists of small chunks of normal baryonic matter that emits little or no radiation. It drifts through interstellar space between solar systems. Until now, we have only theorized about the presence of Dark Matter.

Then, this could be a massive field. Mitchell glanced at the other scientists in the conference room.

That is correct. The scientist kept his eyes on Mitchell. It’s one that should have been on the star charts.

It apparently moved into our path as we traveled to Bohina. Mitchell put his hands on the table as if to push himself up. Let’s go around it as far as we can.

Yes, sir! The scientists replied as they stood.

Captain Mitchell led them out of the room.

Back on the bridge, Mitchell entered and went straight to the helmsman. He stood with the helmsman between him and Russell who took over for Meyer.

All ships continue just outside of the cloud. We need to go around this thing as quickly as possible. Mitchell glanced over at the com station.

The com sergeant, Sutherland, passed on the message.

Later, Mitchell led Jonathan and Jacob to the end of the chow line. When they reached the Mess Hall, the line was out the door and down the corridor. Jacob started to stare at the floor with an angry expression.

Mitchell looked at him. What’s wrong, Jacob?

It’s like dis every meal. Can’t you do some ding? Jacob looked up at him.

There is only one mess hall for 600 plus people. Mitchell smiled at him and tried to cheer him up. There’s nothing I can do about it.

Can’t you pull rank? He looked from Mitchell to the doorway.

That wouldn’t do any good. Mitchell looked at the line as it moved a few steps forward. We can wait like everyone else.

But I’m hungry. Jacob started to rub his tummy.

I know you’re hungry. Mitchell looked down at him. You should have eaten all your breakfast.

Jacob put his hands in Mitchell’s back pockets, laid his head on the captain’s hips, and pouted. A scuffle broke out near the head of the line.

Stay here! Mitchell left the line and went to the scuffle. What’s the problem here? He laid a hand on the two men’s shoulders.

He’s trying to cut in line! A man let go of the other man’s shirt.

I have to get back on duty! The second man looked at Mitchell.

If that’s true, why aren’t you using the mess reserved for those on duty? Mitchell put his hands on his hips. All you need is your duty pass.

I don’t have one. The man looked away.

Then, I guess you’ll have to go to the end of the line like everyone else. Mitchell pointed to the end of the line.

The people clapped as the man walked to the end of the line. Mitchell went back to Jacob. The line moved slowly. A woman with three young children tried to cut in front. Mitchell went back up to her.

Ma’am, you need to go to the end of the line like everyone else. He pointed to the end of the line.

But I have small children. She guided her children along in line as she ignored Mitchell.

So do others in line, plus they have younger children. Mitchell pointed to the end of the line again.

The woman sighed heavily and complied. Mitchell leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. Jacob started to walk toward him.

Stay there, Jacob! He watched Jacob turn around and go back to his place.

Another man came and tried to cut in line.

Hey! Mitchell glared at the man. End of the line! The man just looked at him. End of the line, Buddy! He gave a stern look. The man walked to the end of the line as he glanced back at Mitchell.

When Jacob reached the door, Mitchell got in line with him. As they entered the mess hall, the chain broke into 10 tracks, one for each food dispenser. Tables and chairs filled another part of the room. People stood around as they waited for seats to open. The noise of all the talk was loud. Jacob pressed against Mitchell.

What’s the problem? Mitchell looked down at him.

Nodding. Jacob watched the other people as he continued to press against Mitchell. They slowly moved in line.

When they reached the dispensers, Mitchell took two trays. He ordered their meals, then each meal formed on the counter. The captain placed the meals on the salvers. Then, he ordered their drinks.

Okay, Jacob, pick up your tray, and let’s go. Mitchell picked up his own tray.

Will you carry it? Jacob pouted.

You’re a big boy now, you’re six, so, pick up the tray. Mitchell looked at him sternly.

Jacob picked up the tray and carried it as he continued to pout.

Stop your pouting! Mitchell was stern.

They walked to the tables and found only two seats open. They put their trays on the table. Jonathan took one place next to Mitchell’s wife and son while Mitchell sat in the other chair and put Jacob on his right knee.

Jacob, stop pouting. Mitchell started to eat. Eat your supper!

Jacob squirmed. You’re lumpy.

Mitchell looked at him puzzled and shook his head. Jacob, sit still!

After they ate, they took their trays to the kitchen window before they left. Mitchell’s family followed them.

The next day, Mitchell arrived on the bridge. Russell met him as he stopped at the screens and studied them.

Russell walked to him. The Bohinan are just ahead of us. They were waiting for our departure from the dark matter. They apparently knew about it and took steps to avoid it.

We shouldn’t have been caught by it. Mitchell sounded like he was still upset over it.

We are still learning about the warnings the star chart issues. Russell was a bit defensive.

We need to be ready for anything out here. Mitchell calmed somewhat.

I agree, sir. Russell noticed some movement on the forward screen. They are starting to move out. I guess they think we’ve noticed them.

Now, it’s them leading the way. Mitchell watched the screen.

Contents

CHAPTER 3 Captivity

Corey awoke as he held his head. He noticed Richards tied a strap around his waist. Looked up at the general with confusion and Hunter noticed the general’s beard had started to grow out. He checked his own, which he had as well.

Apparently, the Bohinan don’t clothe their animals. We’re their animals. Richards backed away when he finished.

There were only two rags, so we had to split them. A bearded Rocky stood behind Richards.

Yeah, it’s the new Tarzan look. Samson walked over to them in his beard and rag. They don’t cover completely, but as the general says, ‘It’s better than nothing.’ I’ve gotten used to being without clothes from the last time I was on one of their ships. So, I disagree. I would just as soon wear nothing. I’m comfortable in my skin, but the general won’t let me.

I agree with you, Master Gunnery Sergeant. I’ll show them some muscle. But how long have I been out? Corey looked around at the room.

We don’t know. Richards stood. We can’t tell the passage of time, except our beards and they're bringing us their idea of bread and water.

Hunter stood and noticed the rag only covered his front. He looked around the area and saw no cell, just the cargo hold. There were no guards either. What happened to the cell?

There wasn’t one, Hercules. Samson walked to the door and put an ear to