E:A Vol 1 Ch 12—February 13, 2117

“It would seem as if I’m going to be allowed to run this facility without much, if any, oversight from the Oversight Committee,” Vince Cavanaugh said to Victoria and Zy’nayth as they sat in his office. “And the McGuire family is being thoroughly questioned.”

“I’m sure people will be bought off again,” Victoria sighed.

“Not this time,” Vince grinned, “I put in a call to the top dog.”

“Who?”

“The president himself.”

“President? As in ‘of the United States?’ You have connections like that?”

“Was sworn in a week before the Supreme Commander headed to Earth. He happens to be an old friend. He wasn’t exactly pleased with what I told him. He was settling in, and hadn’t even been told about our little Expedition yet. He got an earful. Anyway, told him that you’d cooperate in any way to make sure Jason’s family was duly dealt with. I know it’ll be difficult for you, but you will have to give a statement, perhaps even testify if it goes to trial.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes. Oh Vince, thank you so much!” Victoria said then hugged him.

“You’re very welcome. Now, back to business. I’d like you to continue working with Becket and return to your normal duties, but I understand if you’d prefer to not be involved with this Expedition any further. We’ve caused you enough trouble.”

“You did what you had to, then what you could. I don’t blame you at all. It was Jason’s family. They paid off the O.C. I hope the president can find evidence of it.” She waved off her remark. “I’d love to help out, just like I suggested before—resume my normal duties, but living with my husband. Sir, are you sure there won’t be any trouble? They, the O.C. won’t try to get to you or Becket will they?”

“I don’t know, honestly. I do know that the Supreme Commander gave them one hell of a scare. I think the fact that they were all fed upon changed their minds about the research you’re needed for. And how Rayth can now get to Earth and feed in numbers, which I hope they won’t. In any case, I’d like to take advantage of that. If I hear of the slightest attempt by them to get to any of my crew, I will let one of you know,” he gave a nod to both Victoria and Zy’nayth.

She nodded. “I’m more worried about Becket. He risked everything to help me.”

“I’ll do my best to keep him out of their clutches. As far as the Oversight Committee knows, I told Becket to give you back your bracelet. Becket was unaware that it was a tracking device,” he winked. “I’ll take the fall, if one needs to take one; you have my word that Becket’s position will remain secure.” Then he turned to the Supreme Commander, “And I would appreciate any help you’d be willing to offer. I am truly sorry that I couldn’t have been of further assistance when…”

“I will do what I can, but my services will be quite limited. I have other duties to tend to. And thank you for taking care of Dr. McKenna.”

“It’s the least I could do for him and for the two of you.” Vince stood, “I’ve taken enough of your time, I’m sure you want to get home. One last item though, Victoria, when would you like to return to duty?”

“A week,” Victoria replied. “I want to settle back in and talk with the villagers who’ve been helping with our research. You know, just sort of get back up to speed.”

“Then I’ll see you first shift Monday after next. If you need to take a little more time off, just let me know. I know you can still work from the island, and if that’s better for you, then by all means, go ahead.”

He escorted Victoria and Zy’nayth to the bridge portal control room but to his surprise, they didn’t use the bridge to get to the island, they were teleported up to the flagship.

“It will only take an hour to get home,” Zy’nayth replied to her puzzled look when they appeared on the ship. “I have changed the bridge address for the island and created a device for Dr. McKenna to use that will automatically dial the address so that he may still visit us.”

“I take it that the address can’t be traced,” she replied as they entered their chambers.

“Hopefully not. I will give you a similar device when we get home.” He sat down in his oversized chair and she sat on his lap, resting her head on his shoulder, and drifted to sleep.

“I can’t wait to get there,” she said, waking almost an hour later and apologizing for falling asleep. “I can’t believe how much I missed it.”

“It has been quite lonely. And you need rest. I am glad you slept. I am glad you find it easy to sleep in my arms.”

“Zy’nayth, has this rescue mission hurt your status at all?”

“Perhaps I have made a few more enemies since many would not risk so much for a human. But my position as Supreme Commander should not be in danger.”

“Well, I want you to focus on your work. Don’t go taking unnecessary risks for me.”

“Would you have preferred to stay on Earth?”

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck, “No, no. I just meant…threatening a Rayth attack…that wasn’t a wise thing to do.”

“I did not end up having to threaten them, Becket came up with another idea.”

“I know, but what if Becket hadn’t been there? Oh, never mind. Just don’t go starting a war because you want to save me.” She grinned, “It’s pretty flattering though. I love that you’re willing to risk so much for me. But let’s not go starting a war when we’re trying to stop the one we’re already in.”

“I will take this under advisement.” He winked at her just as his comlink buzzed, he tapped it and answered, “Standard orbit. Rotate shore leave.” He took Victoria’s hand, “Your things will be transported down. Are you ready?”

She smiled, “I am.”

They were teleported just outside of the Supreme Commander’s island home. Victoria closed her eyes and drank in the familiar smells of the island.

“Clear skies, your things will be fine outside tonight,” he said. “Would you like to take a walk along the beach?”

She shook her head, eyes still closed. “Nope. I just want to be here with you. Maybe go into my garden for a bit. Feel the dirt. Know it’s real. I just want you nearby.”

“I approve of this idea…but…”

She opened her eyes after another deep breath and smiled at him. “You have to go off somewhere?”

“I do need to check in with the village leaders and let him know that we have returned, and find out when they would like Dr. McKenna to return to work. You need to eat. You have not eaten since breakfast and it is now past your normal lunchtime. You should do that while I talk to the leaders. Becket said that he stocked your refrigerator, and of course, your garden has items in it for you. I will meet you in your garden later.”

“Please hurry.”

“I will,” he kissed her cheek then walked towards the main part of the small village.

***

Victoria finished her late lunch and was weeding her garden when she heard her husband come out of the back door.

The long black leather jacket was tossed onto a lawn chair. She turned and saw him running his hands through his hair.

“Something wrong?” she asked.

“Maybe. Perhaps not.”

“What is it?” she asked, getting up and brushing the dirt off of her.

“It would seem that the High Chancellor did not approve of my trip outside of the galaxy on his flagship.”

“Your flagship,” she corrected. “Who is the High Chancellor? I’ve never heard you talk of him or that position.”

“The leader of all Rayth.”

“Oh. But nothing happened, right? I mean there weren’t any attacks or anything here while you were gone? And it is your ship. You didn’t end up taking the whole fleet like you had planned.”

“I will speak to him tomorrow,” he sighed.

“But you’re worried.”

“More tired than worried. Victoria, it has been a long…weary time. I am going to retire for the day. I need to rest and think.”

“Want me to join you? I’ll be quiet. I can read or something,” she said. “Or you can talk to me about your worry. It’s not like you.”

Zy’nayth let out a sigh. “Things are complicated when it comes to the High Chancellor. He thinks he commands the people, but he does not.” He stood, grabbed his jacket, and they both walked into the house and up to the second story. “However, he is able to stir up trouble for those of us who the people respect and listen to.”

“Then why is he still in power? If the people look to you or whomever to lead them, why not kick him out of office?” she replied as she helped him take off his boots.

“You cannot really kick him out of office. He…” Zy’nayth stopped. “It is complicated.”

“Why can’t you impeach him or something?”

“There have only been six High Chancellors. As you know, we are a long-lived race. I am not sure how the first six came to power. Though I had opportunity to ask the fifth High Chancellor, it was not something…” he sighed, “was not something I wanted to know. To believe.” He sat at his workstation but turned to face her. “Victoria, there are not elections. One does not earn his rank and privilege. He attains it by killing his predecessor. Only on rare occasions has a person ever truly earned their office.”

“So this guy got to be the High Chancellor by killing the previous High Chancellor? How can the people tolerate living under the rule of a murderer?”

“It is our way. Regrettably. And Victoria, you must understand that my position as Supreme Commander was assumed in the same way. As I have told you, I have not lived this long and made my way to this position by being a nice guy.”

“But you’ve changed,” her statement was almost a question.

“I have, to a point at least. To confront the High Chancellor is not something done lightly. Not even for me.”

“But if the people don’t like him…”

“He has many guards, many in the upper echelon loyal to him, though the average person does not like him. He is physically and politically well-protected.”

“But you’re just going to talk to him. Explain things. He wouldn’t hurt you, would he?”

“He and I are often at odds. He would like to have me removed but he knows that the people respect me. He has always resented me for that.”

“So you’ve known him a long time?”

“My entire life. He is my elder brother.”

Victoria shook her head. “What?”

“I told you it was complicated.”

“You want to remove him from power, don’t you? But you can’t bring yourself to kill him because he’s your brother. That’s it, isn’t it?”

“It is. Yet he would kill me in an instant if it would not cause an uprising among the people of the Empire.”

Her hand was shaking as she caressed his face. “Who was High Chancellor before your brother?”

“My father.”

Victoria bent down and rested her head on his chest. “He killed his own father.”

“And our mother.”

“Oh, Zy’nayth, I’m so sorry that you’ve had to suffer so much loss.”

“Much loss is to be expected if you are a Rayth in a powerful family. Do not worry. Things will be fine. I would just rather he left me alone.”

February 14, 2117

“There’s been a change in plans,” Zy’nayth said as he walked into the kitchen where Victoria was finishing her breakfast. “The High Chancellor would like you to accompany me today.”

“What?” she said nearly spitting out her last bite.

“He wants to see the woman I would risk my career over. We leave in thirty minutes. And Victoria, you must adhere to all of the rules about interacting with Rayth. You must…”

“I know, I know,” she said, “I’ll be on my best behavior. I understand how much of a threat he is and that you can’t show weakness and all of that.”

Zy’nayth took her trembling hands into his own. “You will do well. You have not broken the rules since your first month on the flagship. I love you. Remember that, always.”

Victoria quickly washed her dishes then went and changed clothes. The bridge portal took them right to the High Chancellor’s estate, just outside of a guarded side entrance to the office area. It was cooler than the island village, and Victoria could hear the hum of a large city outside of the gated walls, though it wasn’t as loud as the din she was familiar with in cities like New York or Los Angeles on Earth. Resisting the urge to look around, she kept her eyes on her husband’s boots as she followed him into the palace.

“Ah, Supreme Commander, as always, a delight to have you in my humble home,” came the sickening sweet voice of Zy’nayth’s brother.

“High Chancellor,” Zy’nayth replied with a slight bow. “May I present my spouse, Victoria.”

Without lifting her eyes, she bowed to the High Chancellor. Then his large hand went to her chin and lifted her head to look into her eyes.

“Quite lovely, my brother.”

“Thank you. I think so as well,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Come, let’s talk in my study. Much less intimidating.”

The High Chancellor’s arm wrapped around Victoria’s shoulders as he led them to his study where he offered her a chair. She sat, head bowed and silent.

“Now, dear brother, though she is lovely, was it necessary to take my flagship to another galaxy to fetch her?”

“I believe it was. There was no immediate threat facing our planet or people, and the rest of the fleet was at hand should a threat arise. Would you not do the same for your wife?” he asked, knowing full well that his brother’s wife was a powerful woman despised by most, including her husband, though he did his best to not let her know it.

“Of course, of course,” the High Chancellor replied, “But please explain to me why my flagship was needed to get this human.”

“I could not bridge to get her. It was the only means of transportation to get to where I needed to go.”

“I should have been informed!”

“The fleet is under my command. I have never needed to inform you of any use of the fleet, military or otherwise, let alone one single ship.”

“The flagship!” the High Chancellor raged. “My flagship!” Victoria swallowed hard as she saw, out of the corner of her eye, the blow land on Zy’nayth’s cheek. But she also managed to see that he didn’t flinch. He stood stone still. “You left the galaxy. Rayth have never ventured that close to the outer worlds, let alone into another galaxy. However, from what my sources tell me, this planet she is from is a fertile feeding ground. I expect my fleet to head there and start bringing back fresh food supplies. I will forgive you this one time, brother. Go and get us some fresh food stores.”

“I am afraid I cannot do that, High Chancellor. It was, as you have said yourself, risky for me to go there in the first place. I would not risk the entire fleet when there is sufficient food in our own galaxy.”

“But not in these numbers. You will do as I command. Go. This discussion is over.”

“Their numbers present a problem, High Chancellor. They are not the docile villagers we are used to gathering. They could cause us more harm than it is worth.”

“You’re lying.”

“Am I? Victoria’s people have been thwarting our gatherings since they arrived in this galaxy. We have lost many men and many jets to them.”

The High Chancellor circled his brother. “I know of your trips to this city of theirs. I know you’re still trying, in vain, to find another way for us to feed. It’s futile. When will you admit this?”

“With all due respect, High Chancellor, it is not futile. There has been significant progress made. I would be happy to share what we have learned and give you a full progress report. It is encouraging.”

“Due to your wife, yes, so I’ve heard. How convenient. No. This obsession with this fantasy of being able to eat food has to end. Go. Destroy their city. What do they call it? Terra? Destroy it.”

“Destroy a town full of fodder? Should we do that, the armies from their galaxy would come to seek revenge.”

“It wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order. I need you to prove to me that you are still loyal to me. To our people. I’m concerned, dear brother, that this woman has dulled your mind.”

“I will not destroy a food source. It is to our advantage that they be allowed to grow, reproduce. Besides, you very well know that I am loyal to you and our people,” he paused then added, “brother.”

“You will do as I command.” The High Chancellor had made his way behind Victoria’s chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Until their city is destroyed, I will find out for myself the pleasures this human has afforded you and caused you to betray me.”

Zy’nayth turned to his brother, “I have not betrayed you, and Victoria will be returning with me. I suggest you remove your hands from her.”

“Is that a threat?” the High Chancellor laughed.

Zy’nayth walked over and opened the door, “Send for the High Council,” he said to the High Chancellor’s assistant.

“What do you think you’re doing?” the High Chancellor asked.

“You have committed two punishable acts. They will hear and judge you. We should return to your office. The High Council would find this study too confining.” He walked over and held out his hand to Victoria, “Come with me.”

She gratefully took his hand, then followed him to the High Chancellor’s office. It only took a few moments and the dozen members of the High Council arrived and settled into their twelve seats in the High Chancellor’s office.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the Supreme Commander. Though not a member of the High Council, if they were summoned, he was as well since he often served as an intermediary between the High Chancellor and the High Council. “Why were we summoned?” he asked as he took his own raised seat.

“The High Chancellor wishes for me to destroy a viable food supply source. He also threatened to keep my spouse for his own pleasure, which is punishable by death.”

“High Chancellor, is this true?” the Vice Chancellor asked.

“Of course not. He has been trying to undermine my rule for centuries. You know this.”

“Sir, he has never brought a public complaint before,” the Vice Chancellor replied. “And for him to accuse of you of threatening to take his mate is not something he would do lightly.”

“He has committed treason and should be brought to task for that. Yet you and the Council will let him go because he refuses to destroy that woman’s city…”

“So you did order him to destroy a food supply source?” a High Council member asked.

“One small city of a couple hundred humans. Not even half enough to feed the crew of one warship. He needs to prove that he’s loyal. There’s never been a human in this family and he brings this…thing…in as his mate!”

“You’re worried about his bloodline?” another Council member asked.

“I’m worried that this human has turned him against his people. The Supreme Commander of the Raythian Army and Fleet may be following the orders of this human. Don’t you find that worrisome?”

“The Supreme Commander is loyal to his people. He’s proven that time and again,” another Council member said. “Besides yourself, there are only a handful of Rayth who were alive during the war. His heroic deeds are well known. I cannot imagine one little human would turn him from his people.”

“You don’t know him as well as I do.”

“I will not stand here and be insulted and accused of being a traitor to my people. I have put my life on the line for them for ten thousand years and I will continue to do so,” Zy’nayth said.

The Vice Chancellor looked at his superior. “Sir, from what I’ve seen and heard here, I suggest that you let the Supreme Commander go, with his mate, of course. I also suggest that should you attempt to accuse of him treason in the future, you should bring forth evidence.”

“You’re reprimanding me when he’s the one who’s guilty?”

“Sir, you admitted to ordering him to destroy her city. You are guilty on that count. We will overlook the matter. As for wanting to take his mate, I do not think the queen would look upon that act kindly, whether true or not.”

Though the High Chancellor wasn’t as tall or as imposing as the Supreme Commander, he was quick. He pulled out a knife and had it at Victoria’s throat quicker than anyone could react. “I demand that he prove his loyalty. These new humans in our galaxy have been a threat from day one and this one here is probably controlling him.”

The Supreme Commander walked over to his brother, Victoria stayed stone still. “I do not think you want to do this,” Zy’nayth said. “If you harm her, you will not leave this room alive.”

“See! He just threatened me. Is that loyalty to the High Chancellor? To his own brother?”

“You are holding his wife at knifepoint. That is a punishable offense, no matter what your rank,” the Vice Chancellor replied. “Release her, sir. This is not a fight you can win. You know he is the better fighter.” As he spoke, he pushed a button on his chair and the cameras in the room began broadcasting to the Rayth around the Empire. “I will ask you one last time. High Chancellor, release the Supreme Commander’s chosen spouse.”

“I am protecting my people!” he shouted and drove the knife into Victoria’s throat.

The Supreme Commander’s growl shook the walls as he dove for his brother. Victoria collapsed to the floor, grabbing at her neck, blood oozing out between her fingers. The High Chancellor was shoved against the wall then Zy’nayth reached out and began to heal his wife’s wound. As he started, the High Chancellor attacked him, but Zy’nayth was able to keep him at bay just long enough to stop the bleeding. Then he turned on his brother.

“Do not make me do this,” Zy’nayth said. “You cannot win.”

“I’ve been doing a little training,” the High Chancellor replied. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to teach you a lesson, Supreme Commander. I am the High Chancellor. You are not.”

The High Council left their desks and moved into the vast outer chamber as the two men fought. Everything was being broadcast and recorded. Victoria couldn’t move, her wound barely healed by her husband. She just laid on the floor, in her own blood, and watched, horrified that her husband, who she had personally seen take ten of his own men to the floor without breaking a sweat, seemed to be struggling against his much smaller brother.

Blow for blow was matched. And when the Supreme Commander landed flat on his back after being thrown through a wall, Victoria tried to scream, but ended up choking, loosening the work her husband had done to stop the bleeding.

“Get up. Come on, you’re stronger than this,” she said to herself. “Don’t let him win.”

The boot connected with Zy’nayth’s head. His growling groan of pain shook the walls. When the boot came down for a second blow, his hands caught it, twisted it and sent the High Chancellor to the ground.

“Back off!” Zy’nayth shouted. “You cannot win!”

“Look at you, so confident even with your face smashed in. I have the upper hand. You’ve grown weak.”

“Why are you doing this? There is no need.”

The High Chancellor spun and took the Supreme Commander’s legs out from under him. “I will win. I will take your mate as my own and I will do things to her you never even dreamed of. Just like I had your precious Gal’lara before killing her.” The look of shock on the Zy’nayth’s face caused the High Chancellor to laugh. “Of course, I made it look like she and your little boy were killed in the attack. I thought you figured that out millennia ago.”

With one quick movement the High Chancellor was kicked back across the outer chamber. Zy’nayth strode over to where his brother was getting back up. One hand picked him up off of the floor while the other punched him. The High Chancellor recovered and soon punches and kicks were flying as the men spun around the room, or were thrown. Glass broke, tables were smashed, walls and the marble floor were dented by the force of their blows.

The High Council members watched, from a safe distance, but none of them interfered. The blows, the crunching of bones could be heard in the room where Victoria was still lying helpless on the floor. She shuddered at every crack and thud, worried that her husband, who was the strongest man she’d ever seen, wouldn’t survive this.

Minute after minute passed. It seemed like hours. A cacophony of breaking and crunching sounds filled the air. Glass. Wood. Bone. Marble. The creaking of metal. Guttural snarls. Hissing growls. Then suddenly everything was silent.

“Please be okay, please be okay,” Victoria said to herself, knowing she was losing too much blood. She heard the shuffle of feet on glass and debris near her. Her eyes darted to the door and the Supreme Commander stumbled in and fell to his knees at her side. He reached out to heal her but her eyes flickered as they saw the High Chancellor attempting to sneak up on them.

The Supreme Commander’s hand that had been about to heal his wife was suddenly on the chest of his brother. In seconds the High Chancellor’s body was a shriveled, lifeless mass on the floor.

“Stop!” came the order from one of the High Council members just as Zy’nayth went to heal his wife again. “You are under arrest for the murder of the High Chancellor.”

The Supreme Commander’s eyes were dark, piercing, and made the Council member take a step back.

“Gentleman,” the Vice Chancellor said to the guards who were about to stun Zy’nayth with their weapons, “that will not be necessary. As witnessed by myself and the Empire, the High Chancellor admitted to the rape and murder of the Supreme Commander’s first wife, as well as the attempted murder of his current wife. The fight was fair, and the Supreme Commander was well within his rights to take the High Chancellor’s life as our law states.

“He is now the new High Chancellor unless anyone here wishes to challenge him.” The Vice Chancellor looked from the guards to the High Council members, none of whom wished to challenge the Supreme Commander.

“What about you, Vice Chancellor?” the Supreme Commander asked in a shredded voice barely above a whisper.

“Never wanted the job. You were born for it and you know it.”

Zy’nayth gave him a quick nod. “I am taking my wife and going home.” He again began to heal her but was stopped.

“Sir, might I suggest you leave her here just a moment longer. You should tend to your own wounds first. Though you were the superior fighter, both of you are stronger than most Rayth and the injuries he gave you, I can easily see, are quite severe. I will stay with her so that no further harm comes to her. You have my word.”

Zy’nayth looked down at her. “Only a minute or two more, I promise.”

Her eyes gave him her answer and he walked to the storage area where the humans were kept in cocoon-like pods where they could be fed upon as needed.

“I’m sorry you were harmed, Victoria,” the Vice Chancellor said. “But I think it turned out for the best. The right man is now in charge.”

It was only then that she actually saw, and recognized, the Vice Chancellor. She’d been staring at the floor, as was custom, when they entered the council chambers, and after that, she was on the floor while the others were in the outer area watching the fight. The Vice Chancellor was one of the island village leaders. One that Zy’nayth had called a friend. A term he didn’t often use.

She opened her mouth but he shook his head. “Don’t try to talk, it’ll make the injury worse. I’d heal you but it is his duty. He won’t be gone long.”

He turned and dismissed the others who then went back to their posts or homes. The Vice Chancellor sat in a chair and kept an eye on Victoria. Though it wasn’t his place to heal her, if she turned for the worse before Zy’nayth returned, he would. He owed it to his old friend.

With the exception of his bloodied face and clothes, the Supreme Commander was once again walking straight and powerful. He knelt beside his wife and healed her completely. Then helped her up off of the floor and with the Vice Chancellor, walked to the bridge portal without a word.

“Any orders, sir?” the Vice Chancellor asked.

“Clean the place up. His personal items…have them destroyed.” He paused for a minute. “No. I want to go through them. Inform his wife, give her my condolences. I am sorry to put that burden on you. She may remain here until the installation.” He sighed, “I hope he kept journals. I want to know why he hated me so much.”

“Sibling rivalry.”

“I did not want the fight nor his job. I never did. There was more to this than sibling rivalry.”

“I know, old friend. I’ll have his items stored in his bedroom. I assume you’ll take your parents’ old room for your own.”

“Yes. Thank you. And I am taking the week off. It has been a rather stressful few months. I need a break. You and the High Council can handle things for a week.”

“Indeed.”

“I really do not want the job. I am a fighter pilot. That is all I ever was,” Zy’nayth said, emotionally spent.

“No, sir, you’re much more than that. You are the hope of our people. You, Victoria, Dr. McKenna. Now that you are High Chancellor, we can start to educate our people about the possibilities of eating a piece of fruit and actually have it give us strength and energy. This is as it should be. Now, go and have a peaceful week.”

Zy’nayth thanked him, tightened his grip around his wife’s waist and stepped across the bridge portal.

They arrived in the village where most of the villagers were spending the day off-island or down on the beach, but there were a few Rayth that greeted them, acknowledging Zy’nayth as High Chancellor. He’d forgotten that everything had been broadcast, which caused him to sigh inwardly, but he politely thanked them while making his way to his home.

“We both need showers. I will help you upstairs. Take yours. I will take mine down here.”

“No, I’m okay. Help me get clothes, not sure I can handle stairs. I need to eat. I lost too much blood. I need iron…”

“Do you need to call Dr. McKenna?”

“Probably easiest.”

“Very well. I will bring clothes down for you. Call the doctor. I will be quick about my shower.”

Victoria called Becket and told him the basics. She’d been stabbed, her husband healed her, but she lost a lot of blood. “Food, plasma,” she said. “I’m going to take a shower, so don’t rush. I’m fine, just need a little help getting going again.”

Becket hurried. He ordered food from the mess hall as he gathered his medical kit and transfusion supplies. He bridged over to the island and entered the house when there was no answer to his knock. He set the covered tray of food on the wide rim around the fire pit in the middle of the living room, then readied his supplies. Victoria walked into the room a couple minutes later.

“Told you not to hurry,” she said.

“Yeah, you were stabbed in the neck and you tell me not to hurry,” Becket replied. “Sit. Let me scan you. How’s your husband?”

“Apparently still in the shower. Upset. I’ll explain later. Just fix me up. I’ll have to fill you in another time. Sorry.”

“It’s all right,” he said, then finished his scan. “I think one bag will be enough, but I brought two. I’ll get the IV started. You okay with taking it out once the bag’s empty?”

“Yes, doctor.”

“Just making sure. Keep it elevated and…”

“I know, Becket,” she smiled, then winced as the needle entered her arm. “Thank you for coming.”

“Don’t mention it. Okay, love, you’re set. Need help getting upstairs?”

“No. My husband will help when he finishes with his shower.”

“I have finished,” came the raspy voice. “Thank you, Dr. McKenna.”

“I’d offer to check you over, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t do any good. Still don’t know much about Rayth physiology. Okay, Victoria, if you need anything, call. Get lots of rest. I brought two meals there, red meat, dark greens, so you shouldn’t need anything until morning. If you want me to bring more food, call. You two take care of yourselves.” He kissed Victoria’s cheek, then showed himself out.

Victoria looked under the dome of the tray and asked Zy’nayth to put one of the dishes in the refrigerator. He did so, along with the second plasma bag, then he helped her up the stairs with her food and plasma bag.

He set the tray off to the side of the floor-encompassing mattress. Victoria set the plasma bag on the dresser behind her and sat on the mattress to eat. Zy’nayth curled up on his side beside her and closed his eyes. She ate quickly, out of need, not hunger, then put the tray on the dresser. She grabbed the plasma bag and went over to get her pillows. She made a nice pile and leaned against them and pulled her husband’s head onto her lap. As much as she wanted to rest in her husband’s arms, he was the one in need of being held. If what the High Chancellor said was true about Gal’lara and Gal’nayth, she knew her husband’s wounds, scabbed over for ten thousand years, had burst, bright red, oozing, and causing him a lot of pain.

She let her hands rake themselves through his hair. Not prompting him to say or do anything other than rest.

“How is your neck?” he asked.

“Perfect. I had a great healer.”

He gave her a nod but there wasn’t even the hint of a smile.

“If you want to talk, I’m all ears.”

“I told him he could not win.”

“And so did the Vice Chancellor.”

Victoria felt his tears on her lap. “Let it out,” she said softly.

The new High Chancellor of the Raythian Empire let out all of the pain he had endured during his ten thousand years of life. Cries of pain, heartache, desperation, and anger were released. His tears soaked through Victoria’s nightshirt but she held him close and comforted him to the best of her ability until his exhaustion and weariness got the best of him and he fell asleep.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave