E:A Vol 1 Ch 9—April 5, 2116

Becket had noticed a remarkable transformation in Victoria since the last time she returned from spending three months on the Raythian flagship.

“Hey love, good to see you,” he said, embracing her. “You doing okay?”

She smiled, “I’m fine. How are the tests going?”

“The antibiotic seems to be working on our test subjects, but no idea how things are going for the Rayth. Did you guys figure out a way to test it without actually having a Rayth feed on a human?”

“No. We’re still working on that. Brought the data for you to look at. The First Science Commander thought you’d bring a fresh perspective to it. He didn’t want me to transmit it over the comm-system since they had traitors on board the ship. Who knows, maybe one’s still there. They want to play it safe. Anyway, here’s the chip with all the data.”

“Happy to give it a look.” Becket finally looked up at the tall powerful Rayth commander. “And how is my favorite Rayth doing?”

“Favorite Rayth?” The Supreme Commander seemed to snarl and smile at the same time.

Becket chuckled, “Commander, it’s good to see you.”

“The feeling is mutual. I hope that I do not have days of testing ahead of me.”

“Not this trip. John’s off-world with the Alpha Team, they send their regards. This is just a break for Victoria to stock-up on supplies. We actually weren’t expecting you to come down.”

“If my being here is an issue, I shall return to the ship.”

“Nah,” Becket said with a wave of his hand, “Simon Harris may want your insight into a few things. But then, if you’d rather avoid him, I understand. It does seem like we take advantage of your talents when you are here.”

“Trust me, Dr. Becket McKenna, no one takes advantage of me. Therefore, if you do not need me, I shall find Dr. Harris and see what he needs me to fix.” He gave Becket and Victoria a nod and went down a separate corridor.

“Did he just grin?” Becket asked.

“He did. He has a wonderful sense of humor,” Victoria said. “Don’t tell anyone, though. Don’t want to hurt his image.”

“Smiling Rayth? I need to get used to that.”

“Can you come to my chambers for a few? I need to talk,” she said, suddenly serious.

“Sure,” he said as they headed to her quarters.

Once they entered, she set her bag on the bed and climbed up next to it. “I think I’m falling in love with him.”

Becket sighed and sat beside her. “Now because you asked me to, I need to remind you that you might still be focused on your idealized, or as you once said, romanticized version of what’s really going on. He’s saved your life a few times, he’s become your knight in shining armor. It would be very easy for you to turn that into something it’s not.”

“I don’t think I am.”

“You didn’t think so on your first trip either. Victoria, these last couple of years have been very traumatic for you. You could be looking for something that really isn’t there.” They talked for several minutes, Becket pointing out all of the reasons she might think she’s really in love. Finally, he drew her into a soft kiss.

It was at that exact moment that her door opened and Zy’nayth walked in. Victoria and Becket immediately parted. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” the Supreme Commander said as he held up a glass tablet, “Simon Harris gave me his problem. He seems to be terrified of me.”

Victoria smiled, “I think most people are terrified of you. They still think they’re a meal to you.”

Becket discreetly removed his arm from Victoria’s shoulders and stood, “I should get back to my rounds. Get some rest, dear. Take a trip to the mainland. It’ll do you some good.” He gave a nod to Zy’nayth then left.

Zy’nayth set the tablet on the nearest table. “Your decision has been made, then?”

“Decision? Oh, the kiss. No. That was…it wasn’t what you think. It…”

“Then I shall make this easy for you,” he cut her off. “I will contact my home world and dissolve the marriage. You have learned much during your six months on our ship. We can communicate through the subspace comlink and I can stop in from time to time for more of Becket’s tests. I believe the First Science Commander would also be willing to continue to work with you.”

“Zy’nayth…”

The towering Rayth knelt before her, “You are trying to convince yourself that it would be right. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you. You still do not know after six months of living with me. I believe that speaks for itself.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she reached out to him, “I can’t lose you.”

“You will never lose me, Victoria Carson.”

“No. Don’t do this. Commander, please.”

The Commander let out one of his typical frustrated growls. Then Victoria caressed his face, no longer seeing him as a Rayth. She studied his eyes for a moment then leaned in and kissed him. And she knew. She acknowledged what her heart had been trying to tell her. She loved Becket, but she was in love with Zy’nayth.

The Supreme Commander’s kiss went to her ear, “Do not do this to me. I love you too much. If you do not love me, I would rather let you go than live in deception.”

“I love you. I know it now. I’m sure.”

Zy’nayth held her close. “You came to this conclusion…just now?”

“Yes,” she answered as she pulled back to look into his silver eyes, “I am very much in love with you.”

“Then I do not have to fight Dr. Becket McKenna?”

Her smile widened. “Your humor shows itself as the strangest times.”

“I was not joking.”

“The twinkle in your eyes says differently, Commander. Besides, you know how upset I’d be if you hurt him. And that’s why you didn’t attack him when you entered and found him kissing me. If I’m not mistaken, your culture would demand his death.”

“Indeed.”

“Dr. Carson,” came a voice over the intercom, “is the Supreme Commander with you?”

“Yes, General Cavanaugh.”

“Sir,” Vince said, “we’re detecting another ship coming in to range. We’re not sure if it’s friend or foe and would appreciate your assistance in the control room.”

“On my way, General.” He stood and gave Victoria a kiss, “You must speak with Dr. McKenna about your decision.”

“I know. Go.”

The moment he turned to leave, Victoria thought he grew taller, more imposing, powerful. He was made to be Supreme Commander. And he was meant to be her husband. She was sure of it. When she met up with Becket in the infirmary and told him, he nodded.

“When you first told me about him saving your life, I knew,” he managed a smile, “I’ve always known. I just needed to make sure you knew. Love, you’ve been through so much, I just wanted to make sure you were ready. The kiss was to make you think. If you liked it, then maybe you weren’t really in love with him.” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, “But I knew you were. Had to make sure, though.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Sweetheart,” he said in his smooth Scottish accent, “I’m heartbroken, not mad.”

“Thank you, Becket.”

“Attention, this is General Cavanaugh, it appears we have a hostile ship approaching Terra 2. Please confine yourselves to your quarters until further notice. Doctors McKenna and Carson, have the infirmary prepped for incoming injured. Out.”

Victoria’s internal comlink buzzed. She tapped her earpiece, “This is Dr. Carson.”

“Victoria, the Supreme Commander has gone back to his ship,” Vince said, having switched to a private channel with her, “he wanted me to let you know he’d be back after dealing with the threat.”

“Does he think this is bad?”

“He says he can handle it,” Vince replied. “Just be ready down there, we’re gonna take a few hits.”

“We’re ready,” she said as the first blast hit the city. The comlink disengaged and everyone went about their tasks.

After a while, things quieted down. Victoria and Becket had more injured than space for them. Though the city only took two hits before apparently before being handled by the Raythian flagship, the city had no defenses, no way to soften the blow of the attack.

“This will ease the pain,” Victoria said as she administered a shot to one of her patients. “Nurse Glasson will finish up with the cast. You’ll be on crutches for a bit, but the break was clean and should heal without a problem.” She gave him a warm smile and moved on as Lutia Glasson took over tending to him.

“Second degree burns on his forearms. He was trying to help another Marine out of a fire,” Geoffrey Tanner, one of their top three nurses, said of the next patient.

“Oh no! Chris!” she said and began to examine his burnt body. She looked up at the paramedics, “Get him to the burn unit, now! I thought the Alpha Team was off-world!”

“Major Chapman?” she heard the familiar deep voice.

“Yes,” she said as she looked up at the Supreme Commander.

The hand came down and settled on Chris’s chest. The medics looked to Victoria. “When he’s finished,” she said, “follow his instructions. Geoffrey, with me.” She put a hand on the Supreme Commander’s arm and gave it a squeeze, “Thank you,” she whispered.

He was concentrating on healing Chris Chapman and didn’t acknowledge her, but she knew he had heard her. She also knew that saving someone so close to death would require him to feed soon. It was something she wished she didn’t know. He was saving Chris, but in order to do so, he would take the life of another.

When Zy’nayth joined her several minutes later he looked weakened. He had tended to a couple other severely injured patients. “You should go back to your ship,” she said.

“I can help more wounded.”

She lowered her voice, “Which would require you to feed on more humans held in your food storage. I can’t…no. I shouldn’t have let you heal Chris.”

“He was your friend.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “My offer stands. I will return shortly.” The Supreme Commander returned to his ship and fed.

By the time Victoria returned to her quarters, she was ready to collapse from exhaustion. There had only been four fatalities with nearly fifty wounded, some seriously, but most were now out of danger, thanks to Zy’nayth. It was almost 3:00 a.m. when she sank onto her bed and fumbled to get her shoes off, and Zy’nayth wasn’t there. She managed to get out of her shoes then walked barefoot next door and let herself in. The Supreme Commander was sitting up in the bed, typing away on the glass computer tablet.

“Hey,” she said as she walked over to him.

“I did not wish to disturb you,” he replied without looking up from his work. “I was also concerned that after our discussion in the infirmary, it would be best if you had time to further think about things—our relationship. I have to feed. This is something you must come to terms with. I am sorry that I have to do so, but thus far, I have not found a way to survive without feeding on the energy of a human.”

“I know. Thank you for your help tonight. Good night.” She let out a long sigh, took off her lab coat that she hadn’t managed to discard yet, and curled up beside the Supreme Commander. She fell right to sleep.

Zy’nayth set the tablet aside and turned out the lights. He held his wife close and fell asleep.

April 6, 2116

“The ship that attacked Terra 2,” Vince Cavanaugh stated at the beginning of the meeting with the off-world team leaders along with Victoria, Becket, and Zy’nayth, “was one stolen by the Gyhan. It appears as if there’s a traitor among the Raythian fleet and they managed to get their hands on a ship.”

“But why attack us?” Col. Hagen asked. He and his team had received word of the attack and had bridged in to help. That’s how Chris ended up helping a fellow Marine, nearly getting killed in the process. John continued, “They’ve left us alone. Usually we’re just caught in the crossfire when they attack villages. They’ve never attack our teams, not directly.”

“Perhaps they are upset that you have found a cure to the plague they were spreading to kill my people,” the Supreme Commander said.

“That was my thought,” Vince nodded.

“Unless the Commander has let the cat out of the bag,” John remarked, “that’s not something known outside of this city. As a matter of fact, they shouldn’t even know where our city is.”

“There’s also the fact we’re rather friendly with the Supreme Commander,” Vince said.

“Trust me, General, Colonel,” the Supreme Commander replied, “I am not on friendly terms with your city. You have something I want, namely scientists to help me find a way to subsist on food. In return I will defend your city until the goal is accomplished. After that, you will be left to your own devices.”

“Is that a fact?” John asked.

“Gentlemen,” Vince intervened before things got out of hand, “I think we’re all agreed that these Gyhan rebels and the Raythian traitors need to be found and stopped. We’re here to try and figure out a way to do that.”

“We also need a way to defend this city. We’re sitting ducks down here without any spaceships or anti-aircraft, or shields or whatever you want to call them,” Dr. Pavel Zharkov spoke up. Though not a Marine, he was their Senior Astrophysicist and one of the members of the Command Staff. “Supreme Commander, do you have a ship we could…um…borrow?”

“I do not.”

The discussion ended in the early afternoon and Victoria, still tired from the day before, wanted nothing more than to crawl into her bed and go to sleep, but instead she headed to the infirmary. “You need rest,” Zy’nayth said as they walked down the corridor.

“I need to tend to my patients first. You wouldn’t really leave us to defend ourselves, would you?”

“It would depend.”

“On what?” she stopped and turned to him.

“My position as Supreme Commander allows me some freedom, but dropping everything to come and defend one of our enemies would cause…trouble.”

“But you did yesterday. And we’re not enemies.”

“My ship was here yesterday. The Gyhan were using one of my own ships, and I simply wanted it back. And yes, in the eyes of my people, you are enemies. You are human. You are a food source. And you have killed my people.”

Victoria bowed her head.

“I must keep my position secure,” he sighed, “if we are going to work together.”

“The ends justify the means?”

“I am afraid so.” He lifted her chin, “I would, of course, make sure you were protected.”

She gave him a warm smile, “I know. But…it’s just a different way of handling things. I think that if the roles were reversed…”

“You would do the same,” he said then walked off.

Victoria shook her head and continued toward the infirmary. She went about her work then retired to her chambers for dinner. Zy’nayth left word that he would be spending his evening on his ship to check on the status of the prisoners they took.

April 8, 2116

“Are you sure, Becket?” Victoria asked a couple days later, “We still have a lot of patients. You could use a helping hand.”

“I’d love for you to stay, but none of the patients are in serious condition. We’ve got a good staff here. Don’t worry about us. Besides, the Commander is eager to be away now that both ships are ready to go.”

“I’m sure he could wait a day or two more.”

“You do realize who we’re talking about? I don’t think he’d want to wait another day or two. Or are you having a change of heart about your relationship with him?”

“No. I just want to make sure you have the help you need. I don’t want to dump all of this extra work on you.”

“It’s not your fault our city was attacked. We’ve got enough coverage for the bumps and bruises left in the infirmary.”

“Some are more than that.”

“Yes, and I’m perfectly capable of tending to them. Go, Victoria…if, of course, that’s what you really want. You’re welcome to stay, though, and I’ll talk to him for you if you don’t want to, or can’t.”

“Let’s get our rounds done, have lunch, then I will let the Commander know I’m ready to go.”

***

“More food?” Zy’nayth asked as he noticed the number of boxes she brought on board had increased from her previous two trips on the flagship.

“We didn’t state how long we’d be gone this time. Just stocking up. Could you bring a few of those back to the kitchen for me?”

She carried one large box down the hallway to the kitchen. She heard Zy’nayth’s familiar raspy groan, causing her to smile as she put the cans and pouches into the cupboards. Zy’nayth brought the remaining boxes in for her and helped her unpack them.

When she finished, she found herself pushed against the counter as Zy’nayth kissed her. Her arms ran up his black jacket and around his neck, but he pulled away. “I must return to the bridge, there is still much to be done. You are not expected in the science lab until tomorrow.”

She nodded and watched him as he left the chambers then she continued putting away the few other items she had brought with her, and took advantage of not being needed by taking a nap. She was still sound asleep when the Supreme Commander returned later that evening. She didn’t hear him enter and it was only his kisses that woke her.

“Hey,” she smiled. “Work all done for the day?”

He replied by allowing his kiss to go to her neck.

April 9, 2116

“Victoria,” the voice was soft, but deep and raspy, “Victoria, you will be expected in the science lab soon.”

“Too sleepy.”

“Victoria!” this time the voice barked through the room, causing her to bolt upright. “You will not be late, is that understood?”

“Yes, sir,” she said as she rubbed her eyes. “Sorry.”

“I did not mean to order you. The wife of the Supreme Commander must not expect special treatment.”

“I know, I’m sorry.”

He reached out to her when he realized she had trouble getting to her feet. “Did I harm you last night?”

“No,” she replied, sleepily, “just need to wake up.”

“Very well. You have thirty minutes. I will see you for combat training later.”

She nodded and sat back down on the bed, trying to get her bearings. It wasn’t the romantic morning after the honeymoon that she had expected. By the time she was summoned for the combat training, she had worked herself into a near rage.

The moment they were in the sparring arena, she didn’t wait for him to start, she ran up to him, intent on shoving him in the back, just get that first hit in, but without even seeing her, he easily turned caught her around the throat and backed her against the wall. He tilted his head, “Not a wise move, Victoria.”

She was groaning, flailing, struggling to get out of his grip. He let out a frustrated groan and released her. “Go back to the lab. You are not in the proper frame of mind to practice.”

Her anger was still burning and she reached out to hit him again, knowing it was futile. The Supreme Commander’s hand caught her fist and he shoved her back. “Go, Victoria.” But she remained, contemplating on yet another attempt. “You are dismissed!” he barked at her, snapping her out of her thought. She gave him an appropriate bow and headed back to the science lab, fuming.

After she finished her work for the day, she downloaded a few things onto her tablet so she could keep working, then returned to the Supreme Commander’s chambers. Her emotions bounced between anger and sorrow, the anger usually winning the struggle, as it usually did.

She fixed her dinner, ate very little of it, took her shower then went to the main room. She was sitting on the bed going through some chemical equations that helped to explain Rayth physiology when the Commander entered. She didn’t look up or acknowledge his entrance.

He took off his jacket and shoes then sat beside her. “I did ask if you had been harmed last night.”

She stared intently at the tablet and didn’t reply.

His hand gently took away the tablet and set it on the nightstand. “Victoria, your position on this ship has not changed just because our marriage has been consummated. You must understand this.”

“I know,” she said, still not looking at him, “it’s just that…I wasn’t expecting my husband to bark orders at me the morning after my honeymoon. All day, all I could think about is that…that this is how Jason treated me. I was just an object for him—an object to yell at, to beat, to rape…” she stopped and burst into tears. “He beat me on our honeymoon. He beat me no matter what his mood was. I found out I was pregnant and he beat me. He beat me so hard I lost the baby and…and I can never have children. Never. That’s all I thought about today. You…you…you acted like him! I don’t want to think of you like that. I don’t want you to be like him. You can’t be.”

Zy’nayth wrapped her into his embrace. “I am sorry that I have reminded you of something you wish to forget. I…I have no words to suffice. I love you, Victoria. I will work harder to be more attentive to how I talk to you. I will try not to bark orders. At least not when we are alone. It has been ten thousand years since I have had a wife. I am going to need to reacquaint myself with being married. Forgive me, Victoria.”

The tension in Victoria’s body eased and she nuzzled closer to her husband. “Forgiven,” she said, as she wiped her tears. “I know you’re not him. I know it. I…it was our honeymoon. Too many bad memories.”

“I am so sorry, Victoria. I truly am. I wish I had handled things differently this morning.”

She let out a long sigh. “I’ll try not to overreact.”

“You had a right to. Now what are you working on?”

“A computer simulation to test the effects of the antibiotic on Rayth. Becket and I are trying to adapt ours. Becket made the modifications and I’m checking his work before I show it to the First Science Commander.”

“May I see it?” he asked. She nodded as he picked her tablet up and scanned what she’d been working on. “This will not work,” he said and began pointing out the flaws and mistakes in not only the equation, but the theory.

She listened, took notes and questioned him on things that, in human terms, would work, but wouldn’t work for Rayth. When she had exhausted her questions she looked at him, “So, you command an army, are a brilliant computer programmer, and apparently a geneticist. Is there anything you don’t know or can’t do?”

“Remember, I have had 10,000 years and have had the opportunity to learn many things. Now we must start your language lessons.” He flipped screens on her tablet, found her daily list of words, and handed it back to her. She read off the words, pronouncing all of them correctly, then the Supreme Commander quizzed her on definitions as per their usual tutoring sessions.

When they finished, he told her to get dressed, they were going back to the sparring arena.

“But I’ve already showered and I’m exhausted from being upset all day.”

“No excuse,” he said as he put his boots back on. “This is for your own safety.”

“Do you think this is really worth it? I’m not much better than when we started three months ago.”

“It is worth it,” he buttoned up his long black jacket then waited by the door for her to finish dressing.

There was no one practicing, an oddity, but working alone with Zy’nayth, without the others in the arena, seemed to help her focus. And for the first time, she successfully anticipated and blocked one of his moves. She let out a small squeal of delight. But her momentary glint of success was overshadowed when she found herself with her back against the wall, a strong forearm pressing against her throat, though not hurting her. “Very good,” he smiled, “but you have a very, very long way to go.”

His arm released its pressure against her. “Want to continue? Our thirty minutes are up.”

“Up to you. I need the training, but I know you have other priorities.”

“We shall continue,” he said then led her to the center of the arena again and began to teach her a new technique.

She collapsed on their bed the moment they returned to their quarters. “How can you and the others go full out during your workouts and not be this exhausted.”

“If we did not build up our endurance, we would not survive our encounters with those who wish to do us harm. You are improving.”

He took off his jacket and tossed it into the chair then sat down and took off his boots. “Are you injured?” he asked.

“Don’t think so.”

“Do you say that so I do not have to heal you?”

He was leaning over her, though upside down, which she found a little disconcerting. “What?” she asked in reply.

“You do not wish for me to heal you so that I will not have to feed again. I will have to feed in any case, Victoria.”

“I’m fine,” she replied, “and I’d rather not talk about your feedings.”

“It is part of who I am.”

Her hand reached up and pushed his white hair behind his ear. The door opened without his consent. He turned his head, though still hovering over his wife. He let out a ferocious hiss, “Who gave you permission to enter?!”

“Sir, we have gained information that there is a Gyhan rebel base near here. Planet Xarghan, one of the bridge portal villages. I thought you’d want to set a course immediately.”

The Supreme Commander was now standing at his full height, bearing down on the Flight Commander. “To your station; set the course. That could have been communicated through the comlink or comm-system.”

The Supreme Commander then turned, put his boots and jacket back on, with Victoria helping. She could sense that he was seething with anger. She finished with the last button and gave his arm a gentle squeeze without saying a word. Moments later, Zy’nayth’s image appared on the ship-wide video communications system, informing the crew that they were going to investigate the encampment. Then he reached out and pulled the Flight Commander into view.

“And to others who feel they can simply barge into my private quarters without permission, let this be a lesson.” His hand came up and Victoria bowed her head and ducked into the kitchen so she didn’t have to watch what happened. When the video comm-system shut off, she returned to the main room and gathered her pajamas and took a shower.

The door opened and Zy’nayth walked in. “Robe,” he instructed and she quickly put it on, then he allowed his third in command to enter. His title: Second Commander of the Raythian Fleet.

“The village,” the Second Commander said, “appears to be more of a town. I doubt that it is made up entirely of rebels, since the rebellion hasn’t been going on long enough to establish such a large community. We need better intel before we order an attack.”

“Do we?” Zy’nayth questioned.

“The town provides more than enough food for us for a number of gatherings. Why destroy a food source if there are only a few rebels inside?” the Second Commander replied.

“Very well,” Zy’nayth said and turned to Victoria. “You will go to this town and find out what you can.”

“I wouldn’t know where to begin,” Victoria said.

“It was not a request, Victoria Carson,” he replied.

“Perhaps I could contact…” she began but was cut short.

“That is not an option,” Zy’nayth said.

“But, sir, I’m sure…”

He reached out and grabbed her around the neck, though he didn’t apply pressure. “It is not an option. Do not disrespect me or my orders. Gather suitable clothing for this world and get dressed.” Immediately, she went to the closet and pulled out a few items and hurriedly went into the bathroom to change.

“Can you trust her not to run?” the Second Commander asked in Raythian.

“No. That is why you will accompany her. I need an objective opinion as to her trustworthiness.”

“Yes, sir,” the Second Commander replied.

“Go get prepared.”

The Second Commander bowed and left the chambers. Victoria returned to the main room when she finished dressing. “Any idea of the weather? Will I need a jacket?”

The Supreme Commander opened a hidden closet, “Take a cloak. You will refer to the Second Commander as your brother. He will not allow his features to be shown, I assure you.”

“Zy’nayth, I can’t do this. I…”

“You must. I trust no one else.”

“And yet you’re sending me down with the Second Commander? So either you don’t trust me, or you don’t trust him and want me to report back to you on what he did.” She shook her head, “Doesn’t matter. Should I be wary of him?”

“I will be in contact with you,” he only said as she bundled a couple more items into a shoulder bag.

“I will need something to trade,” she replied. Zy’nayth reached into the nightstand and pulled out a small leather pouch and tossed it to her.

She tucked it into her belt, Zy’nayth noticing her shaking hand as she did so. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “You will do well, Victoria. And with the Flight Commander’s mistake today, I do not believe the Second Commander will be a problem.”

She took a deep breath then turned to face him, “I’m scared.”

“Keep the wrist guard on and activated. I will be watching over you.” He bent down and kissed her. “Do not trust the Second Commander.”

“I won’t. I hope I don’t mess this up.”

“You will do well.”

“I love you,” she said.

“And you are my beloved. Do not forget that. Ready?”

“No.”

He tilted his head in question.

“Yes, but I’d rather not go,” she replied and grabbed her bag.

He led her to the bridge where the Second Commander was dressed in local garb and a cloak that hid his face. His hands were also hidden within the cloak.

Victoria walked over and took a position one step behind him.

“No,” he barked, “we’re supposed to be human. You will stand beside me.”

Her eyes quickly went to the Supreme Commander who gave her a nod so she moved beside her “brother” then they were teleported a half-mile from the town.

“Lead us. I am your sick brother, remember?” the Second Commander said.

She adjusted her shoulder bag and then slipped an arm around the Second’s waist. “Forgive me, it’s how I would help my sick brother.”

He let out a growl though not as menacing as the one the Supreme Commander was known for.

There were a number of people who passed them as they made their way to the town. It was early evening and there was a chill in the air, for which Victoria was thankful. It gave her “brother” a good excuse for wearing his hooded cloak.

“Can you point me to a lodging place?” Victoria asked one of the guards at the town’s gate, “My brother’s not well and won’t be able to stand much longer.”

They sent her in the right direction and once she paid for a room, she helped her “brother” up to it. “What should I do now, sir?” she asked the Rayth.

Victoria was instructed to visit several different locations and become familiar with the town. She was told what was acceptable information to divulge and what should not be said.

Though exhausted, she did as she was told and when she returned to their lodging, medical supplies in hand to keep up appearances of having a sick brother, she was near collapse. “I must rest,” she said after shutting the door.

“There is much to do.”

“Sir, I am not Rayth. I must rest more frequently. Forgive me.”

With a wave of a hand and a grunt, he gave her permission to sleep. She placed her cloak across the back of a chair then curled up on the bed.

April 26, 2116

She and the Second Commander stayed in the town for just over two weeks and what information she gathered, she felt wasn’t of any use. But she was thankful when she didn’t have to spend any time alone with Second anymore.

Once back on the flagship, Victoria was sent to the Supreme Commander’s chambers while he went to debrief his Second. She enjoyed a long, hot shower then slipped into comfortable clothes to awaited her husband. When he entered hours later, she was asleep.

The Supreme Commander stood over her and let his hands caress her curly brown locks for a moment, then he woke her.

“You have thinned.”

“I didn’t eat much. The Second had me on the run the entire time.” She stood and wrapped her arms around him, settling in the safety of his embrace. “I’m so glad to be home.”

“Home? This is not your home.”

She smiled against his chest. “Wherever you are is my home.”

He leaned down and drew her into a kiss. “I have missed you. Unfortunately we must talk about your trip now.”

She nodded and realized that this talk wasn’t going to take place in their chambers. She took a deep breath and followed him to his office just off of the main bridge. There were three other Rayth in attendance, all commanders. She sat in the designated chair, and awaited the questions. She answered quickly and succinctly, elaborating only when asked to do so.

“So there were more than ten officers in their military command post when you and Second Commander investigated it, as well as a number of other military operatives?” The new Flight Commander asked.

“Yes, Flight Commander, both times.”

“Are you sure?” the Flight Commander asked again.

“Yes, sir. I counted fourteen officers on our second trip before we had to leave or be seen; at least as many on our first trip.”

“You must be mistaken. This information conflicts with what was given to us by the Second Commander.”

“I’m not mistaken.”

The First Commander, Zy’nayth’s next in command, stood, slamming his hand on the table, “You dare imply that the Second Commander was lying.”

“Sir, I’m saying that I am not mistaken.”

The First Commander walked over to her, leaned down, his almost unnatural bright white teeth gleaming in the unnatural bright light, and hissed, “Perhaps, you are the one trying to destroy this fleet.”

Victoria sat silent and terrified.

“What are the odds that these terrorist attacks began when the Supreme Commander first encountered you?” the First Commander said.

“Are you questioning my ability to keep a human in check?” the Supreme Commander’s deep voice was quiet but it still rumbled through the room, “or this crew’s ability to check for any subspace communications between my mate and another ship or planet? Please clarify that for me, First Commander.”

The First Commander bowed to the Supreme Commander, “I wish only to find the traitor or traitors, sir. This human believes she is safe because she is your mate.”

“You questioned my ability, not her beliefs,” the Supreme Commander said while rising slowly out of his chair, “perhaps you believe you are safe because you are the First Commander of this fleet?”

The First Commander took a step back and dropped his eyes. “I know better, sir. But it is our job to find the truth.” Then he looked up into his superior’s eyes, “This is the job you, yourself, gave to us.”

To Victoria’s surprise, the Supreme Commander gave him a curt nod and returned to his seat. “Continue.”

The debriefing devolved into more of an inquisition with Victoria at the center of it all. She answered and explained to the best of her ability. Though the only inconsistency between her story and that of the Second was the number of men in the command post, it was a point which continued to be brought up.

“I told you, there were at least a dozen during each recon!” Victoria shouted four hours later. Her exhaustion had taken over, as well as her frustration.

The blow was quick and unexpected. It knocked her out of her chair and sent her sprawling to the floor. But it wasn’t until she was scrambling to her feet that she realized that the blow had been struck by the Supreme Commander himself. She knew her nose and probably a cheekbone had broken, but more than that, she found herself heartbroken that he would lift a hand to her. He was her protector. He wasn’t Jason. He couldn’t be.

“Impudence!” Zy’nayth growled. “Do not raise your voice to me or my staff!”

She bowed her head even as she tried to get up from off of the floor, “Sir, I am not lying,” she slurred through her pain. “Use your telepathy on me. I’m telling the truth.”

She saw his boots moving away but heard those of the First Commander nearing. The hand was on her head and she could almost physically feel him entering her thoughts. He questioned her about the number of men on the first trip to the military command center. He saw it in her mind. He asked about the second trip. He saw that as well. Then he released her.

“She is truthful, sir,” the First Commander said. “However, her physiology does not seem to handle the telepathic link well. She is becoming quite ill.”

“I suggest you again question the Second,” the Supreme Commander said.

“I request to use telepathy on him,” the First Commander said. “She has not lied, he has. That amounts to treason, and a forced telepathic interrogation is warranted.”

“Request granted. Record it. Victoria, return to quarters.”

Victoria was still on her knees, slightly swaying, bloodied and crying. She heard the order, but she couldn’t move.

“First Commander,” he shouted, “heal her and take her to my chambers, I will tend to the Second personally.”

“Yes, sir.”

April 24, 2116

Victoria didn’t awaken until the following afternoon. The Supreme Commander was sitting in the large corner chair, working on his computer tablet. “I do not expect forgiveness, but I do apologize for striking you,” he said. “Your wounds have been healed, though you may be sore.”

“You have to protect your position, I know,” she groaned as she sat up, rubbing her jaw. “I need a shower.”

“Victoria, I knew that either my First or Second was conspiring with the Gyhan, I needed to find out which. I made it known to them that if there were more than a dozen guards, I would attack the town. I knew they would not want their outpost attacked. You exposed which man was the traitor.”

“Why couldn’t you just use your telepathy on both of us to begin with?” she asked as she tugged a fresh set of clothes out of the dresser, seemingly fighting with them.

“It is not allowed unless we have proof of treason, or, as in your case, you asked for it. I did not have the proof required to use telepathy on the Second. And he did not expect you to request use of it on yourself so that his testimony, being a Rayth, would stand for more than yours.”

She pounded her way down the hall into the bathroom. She showered, changed into pajamas, then went into the kitchen and fixed herself a sandwich, crying the entire time.

The Supreme Commander walked into the small kitchen as she was eating her sandwich. He sat across from her and went to wipe the tears from her eyes, but she kept turning away from his attempts.

He let her be and returned to the main room, settling back into his chair, tablet in hand, but all he did was stare at it. That was how Victoria found him when she entered the room after eating. His white hair hung in his face, one hand gripped the tablet until his bluish-gray knuckles were almost white, and tears ran down his cheeks as he stared at nothing.

Victoria’s heart sank. She walked over and pried the tablet out of his hand, setting it aside.

“I have never before struck a woman,” he said quietly, “not outside of combat anyway. I have the ship heading back to Terra 2. It will take several days to get there. We have a few stops we must make along the way.”

Victoria climbed up on his lap and wiped at his tears. “I’ve never seen a Rayth cry.”

“It is weakness,” he replied as his shaking hands now dug into the arms of the chair.

“You have the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she said softly. “Trying to find a way for our two peoples to live in harmony, walking that fine line between Supreme Commander of the Raythian fleet and husband to a human, who, for all intents and purposes, is the enemy.”

“You are not the enemy,” he said, still staring ahead at nothing. “I know this. Yet I valued my position over my wife.”

Victoria rested her head on his shoulder. “It can’t happen again,” she said. “I forgive you, but you must give me your word that you will never again hurt me. I can’t go through this again. I refuse to believe you’re another Jason. I refuse to believe I could be that stupid and duped twice.”

Zy’nayth’s arms released the arms of the chair and embraced her. He buried his head in her curls and wept. Her arms slipped around his neck and she stroked his long white hair. “I love you,” she said softly, “But I don’t know if I want to kiss you or punch you right now.”

“I deserve the latter,” he said as he nestled against her neck. “I am truly sorry, Victoria.”

“And I bet you haven’t slept in a while. Or fed from the looks of your complexion.”

She slowly got off of his lap and out of the chair, “You need to keep up appearances, Commander. Go and…feed. We don’t have to return to Terra 2. You can adjust your flight plan accordingly.”

He looked into her green eyes then stood, towering over her. “Are you sure? You do not deserve this life. I do not deserve you.”

“I’m sure. Just promise me, please, promise me that it won’t happen again.”

The Supreme Commander of the Raythian fleet knelt before her, head bowed. “I cannot promise. I would have never thought myself capable of what I did to you, I do not know if it would ever happen again.”

“Then promise me you’ll try not to let it happen again.”

He took her hands and kissed them, “That, I can promise, Victoria.”

“Oh, Zy,” she said, using a diminuitive of his name, “I love you so much.” She tugged on his hands, “Now you’d better stand. I don’t want people saying the Supreme Commander knelt before a human.” As he got to his feet, Victoria grabbed his long, heavy black cloak and handed it to him. “I will hold you to your word.”

“I would expect nothing less.” He strode out of his chambers, buttoning his jacket as he went. It didn’t take long for him to return. Victoria was curled up in his chair reading on her tablet.

“You look much better,” she said after the door shut.

He gave her a nod as he took off his jacket.

“Just a nod?” she asked.

“You do not like to discuss Raythian feeding habits.”

“Ah, yeah.” She set her tablet aside, “What happened to your Second?”

“In a holding cell.”

“A holding cell? Not dead?”

“No. I still have not figured out who the other conspirators are.”

“But your telepathy…couldn’t you figure it out through that?”

“His mental defenses are strong which is probably why he was selected, or chose to do this. He also appealed to the High Council. I run my fleet the way I wish, but his appeal intrigues me. It could implicate one of their members. In any case, I did get some names, but I am sure there are others. Too many. I cannot understand their reason for doing this.”

“Do you think the First might still be involved?”

“No. He willingly submitted to telepathy to clear himself.”

“I’m glad of that. At least there’s one person you can trust.”

“In my position, it is best not to trust anyone. But yes, I am glad he does not appear to be a traitor. He is a good commander.”

“Completely off topic,” she said, “but can I ask you for a favor?”

“Of course.”

“I’ve spent seventeen days in a makeshift bed, had to sit through hours of interrogation in a very uncomfortable chair, and apparently slept with my neck in the worst possible position. So would the Supreme Commander mind giving me a neck massage?”

The Rayth gave her a sly smile, “As you wish.”

“Just a massage, Supreme Commander. I’m not in the mood for anything else. I’m still a bit hurt.”

“I understand. Get comfortable, I will change.”

She crawled up on the bed, settled on her stomach, rested her head on her arms and watched the Commander change into his silk pajama pants.

“What is it?” he asked, noticing her staring at him.

“Just thinking.”

“About what?”

“Girls like me never end up with someone like you.”

“I do not understand.”

She sighed, “You’re very handsome. Sexy. And usually geeky girl scientists don’t get the sexy boyfriends. We end up with scrawny rats like Jason.”

“Geeky?”

“Intelligent. Not exactly the right correlation, but close enough.”

“Ah. Intelligence should be prized. If one cannot think, one cannot do much more than survive. Your people have much to learn.”

“I know.”

His warm hands began to massage her neck, causing her to inadvertently let out a moan of relief.

“Sexy?” he asked.

“Mhm,” she replied as she relished the relief his hands were providing.

“I do not understand the term.”

“Oh. I guess…well…attractive in an uh…uh sexual way. Usually strong, muscular types are considered sexy. It’s all relative, I mean, one person’s idea may not be another’s and…”

“And you find me sexy?” He stopped and grinned. “You have suddenly become very tense Dr. Victoria Carson.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Interesting.”

She smiled, closed her eyes and enjoyed her massage. When it seemed as if she’d drifted to sleep, Zy’nayth covered her up, kissed her cheek, then went to his chair and continued his work.

“I didn’t give you permission to stop,” she said groggily as she hugged her pillow and drifted back to sleep.

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