E:A Vol 1 Ch 13—February 15, 2117

Victoria had just finished her breakfast when there was a knock at her door. She answered it to find the Vice Chancellor standing there. She gave him a quick bow. “The Commander…I mean High Chancellor is still resting,” she said. “I can wake him if needed.”

“No, that’s quite all right. Please let him know that I wish to see him at his earliest convenience. I happened to recall something this morning. Something that I think he would be interested in knowing.”

“I’ll let him know. Is there anything else I can do?”

“No. Thank you. I will be at my home all day. He can find me there.”

She nodded as he turned and left. It was another couple of hours before Zy’nayth woke and made his way downstairs. Victoria was busy moving her things that had been brought back from Earth into the house. She wasn’t sure if she should move anything back to her chambers on Terra 2, but that was something she could talk about with Zy’nayth later. Right now, she was just getting the boxes inside and doing a little decorating.

Zy’nayth walked over to her as she was putting a few books on a shelf near her desk in his study. “I must go feed,” he said quietly, “yesterday took more out of me than I thought.”

“The Vice Chancellor was here. He’d like to see you at your convenience. He remembered something he thought you’d want to know. He’s at his home.”

Zy’nayth gave her a tender kiss. “I’ll stop by his home after I tend to…myself.”

“Okay. I love you,” she replied with a quick kiss then went back to her organization project.

***

“Preparations are already well underway for your installation,” the Vice Chancellor said.

“That is not why you summoned me,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Just trying to cheer you up,” he smiled then shifted to a more serious tone. “What your brother said about Gal’lara wasn’t true. I didn’t think it was at the time, but the years have been many and are a bit cluttered in my head. I went back through my journals from the war. Your brother was with my team in the capital when your hometown was destroyed. He was with us for three days and nights. There wouldn’t have been enough time for him to go to your hometown and return to the capital without his absence being noticed. High Chancellor, he said it to provoke you. I think he wanted you to kill him.”

“For what purpose?”

“That, I do not know. But I know how difficult it must be for you right now, and I wanted you to know that I’m sure he didn’t touch Gal’lara and he certainly couldn’t have killed her.”

“Thank you. Though it does not make the fact that I killed him any easier to bear.”

“With all due respect, he had it coming. You know how ruthless he was.”

“I still do not like the fact that I took his life. But it is done and things must continue.” He stood, letting out a sigh, “I am still quite tired. We shall talk later, old friend.”

“Whenever you wish,” the Vice Chancellor said as they walked to the door. “I know it is of no consolation, but you were born to be the High Chancellor. I’m sorry it happened as it has, but it’s for the best.”

The High Chancellor gave him a nod then headed across the village to his home. There were several people out and about and they congratulated him on his “promotion.” He was thankful that his home wasn’t far and when he entered and shut the door, he leaned against it, letting out another sigh. “Promotion.”

“Hmm?” Victoria said coming into view. “You okay?”

He nodded and told her of his discussion with the Vice Chancellor. “Perhaps I will find out why he provoked me. I am glad I decided to keep his things.”

“We’ll figure it out,” she replied, “but you still look exhausted. Go upstairs and rest.”

“Did you talk to Becket yet?”

“For a moment. He didn’t have much time to talk. I didn’t mention anything about your new position, if that’s what’s on your mind. I figured you’d want something specific said.”

He nodded as he embraced her. “Do not say anything until I think this through.”

“I won’t. Please go and rest. I’m worried about you.”

“Come with me. I do not wish to be alone.”

“Be right behind you. Let me finish this first.”

“Do not keep me waiting,” he said as he headed to the stairs. Victoria smiled and hurried about her latest project, finishing it quickly.

Zy’nayth was curled on his side in the bed. Victoria changed into her pajamas even though it was still early afternoon. She made her way over to him and drew him into her arms. “Would you like a massage?” she asked.

“Tempting, but no.” His hand stroked her brown curls, “How are you holding up? This has not been easy for you either.”

“I’m fine.”

“Mmm,” he murmured then fell asleep in his wife’s arms.

After a long nap and another feeding, Zy’nayth looked like his old self and helped his wife bring in the rest of her belongings.

“I don’t think I can call you High Chancellor,” she said as she put her clothes in the closet, “I think you’ll always be the Commander in my mind. Just seems more powerful.”

“I am afraid you will have to, at least when we are around others.”

She put the last blouse away and walked over and kissed her husband’s cheek. “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful night. Want to go for a walk?”

“If you would like to.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Zy’nayth let out a groan, “I would like to join you on a walk, but I am not in the mood to deal with those who want to congratulate me. I did not want to kill my brother and I did not want his position. I do not want to be congratulated.”

She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. “I understand. Maybe we should just go to bed. I think we both could use the extra rest.”

“I am still quite tired.”

“Then you shall rest.”

“And I request a massage. Please.”

Victoria looked up into his silver eyes and smiled. “I think you need one.” She went and shut out the lights downstairs and returned to their bedroom, smiling when she found it lit with candles and the stars through the iris.

“Very romantic,” she said as she settled beside him.

“Sorry about the walk,” he said.

“I was only thinking of getting you out of the house. It’s not like you to stay inside all day. But I understand why you don’t want to go out. Now roll over, let me get to work on those back muscles.”

February 19, 2117

“This is fantastic news,” Becket said as the Mythican Expedition leadership team sat around the conference table. Victoria had just told them of her husband’s new position as High Chancellor. “This should unlock a lot of barriers to our research.”

“Can he stop the war,” Vince asked, “now that he’s the ruler?”

“They still need to feed. That means humans are still on the menu,” Becket replied before Victoria could answer. “So why didn’t he come to tell us himself?”

“There are a lot of things he has to take care of,” she said, “no time.”

“What does this mean for you?” Col. John Hagen asked. “Does his new position afford you any privileges—at least keep you a bit safer?”

Victoria sighed, “Not really. I’m still human. He can’t just start making sweeping changes. For now I’m still going to live on the island, which is fine with me. It will allow me to stay close with those who’ve been helping us with our research.”

“Are you still planning on working here? Your normal duties?” Vince asked.

“If you still want my help. I’m not sure how things will change once the Commander gets settled in his new job.”

“You mean High Chancellor,” Chris said.

Victoria smiled, “I told him that was going to be hard for me to get used to.”

Be’atta spoke up, “Have you ever found out what his name is?”

“Yes,” Victoria said, “but I’m not allowed to tell anyone. Another Rayth tradition that I don’t understand. No one knows anyone’s name unless they’re close friends or family. Don’t see how they pull that off.”

“At least you know,” Be’atta smiled. “I kept wondering why you kept calling him Commander after your marriage became more than being in name only.”

Vince looked at the clock, “Is there anything else, Victoria?”

“No. I’m ready to get to work.”

“Good. You know your assignments for the day. Victoria, just work with Dr. McKenna. I’ll work you back into the Alpha Team next week.”

She nodded as they stood and headed out.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Becket said as they walked together to the infirmary.

“He didn’t want me to say anything until today. You know how he likes things planned out.”

“But to not even mention that he was running for office?”

“Uh…” she stopped and put a hand on his arm, “that’s not exactly what happened. And I haven’t asked him how much of this I can tell you. Just know it was very hard on him. When he does come here, try not to congratulate him. He didn’t want the job.”

“If it was hard on him, how are you?”

“I’m fine, more worried about him.”

“That bad?”

Again she nodded. “Not physically, of course. A lot of emotion wrapped up in all of this,” she stopped, “Please don’t say anything to anyone. He probably doesn’t want me saying anything.”

“I won’t. But are you sure you’re okay?”

She gave him a warm smile as they entered the office area of the infirmary, “I’m really okay. If I wasn’t, do you think he’d let me leave the house?”

“I suppose not.”

***

“Victoria,” Vince called to her as she walked past his office, headed for the bridge to go home for the evening, “got a couple of minutes?”

“Sure,” she said, walking in. “Whatcha need?”

Vince motioned for her to take a seat. “John and I had a little talk this afternoon and we’d like you to discuss this with your husband.” He sat back down in his chair, “You haven’t been out on an Alpha Team mission since you married. Now that he’s High Chancellor, John and I are concerned about sending you out.”

“I’ll be fine,” she said.

“I’m not so sure,” Vince replied. “We were thinking about what would happen should you encounter a Rayth gathering. We can’t ask you fight them. I don’t want to put you in that situation. Plus, it wouldn’t look good for the High Chancellor’s wife to be out shooting at Rayth.”

“Oh. I never thought about that.”

“Listen, I’d love to get you back out there helping people. I know you want to, but I don’t want to put you or the High Chancellor in a situation that would be detrimental to either of you, especially his position. However, I suspect that your husband will have an opinion on the matter. If he’s okay with sending you out in the field, I’ll arrange it. If not, I’m sure your research and the infirmary will keep you quite busy.”

“I’ll talk to him, but you’re right. I probably shouldn’t go out with the team. I have a feeling he’ll agree.”

Vince nodded, “I wanted to give him the option. Have a good evening and I’ll see you Monday.”

She bridged back to the island where the sun was already setting. She stopped and enjoyed the view for a moment before walking across the village to her home.

Zy’nayth was in the sitting area, flipping through screens on his glass computer tablet. Victoria set her bag on a chair then sat beside him, giving him a kiss on his cheek as she did so. “I thought you’d be at the office or whatever you call it,” she said.

“Got lonely,” he smiled without looking up from his reading. “Did you have dinner?”

“Yeah,” she said then told him of Vince and John’s concerns. He set his tablet aside and rubbed his face.

“Stay on Terra 2,” he said, “unless it is vital for you go out. I know sometimes your medical team needs all the help it can get. But General Cavanaugh is correct, it would be rather awkward to have my wife encounter a gathering.”

“I’d probably just run and hide. I couldn’t fight.”

“You were never very good at hiding.”

She groaned, then smiled, “If I had been good at hiding, we would have never met.”

This time he returned her smile, “That reminds me, we need to get back to your combat training.”

“You have enough to do. I’ll just do my best to avoid getting into situations where I need to fight. When things ease up, we can restart my training.”

“No,” he said, wrapping an arm around her, “we will keep training. It will ease my mind.”

“No it won’t. You know how bad I am. It’ll just frustrate you.”

He chuckled, “Perhaps a little. Still, you need to learn and it is good exercise for both of us.”

“Not for you. I’m soaked with sweat after five minutes and you never break a sweat in our lessons.” Her head rested on his shoulder. “There’s no sparring area here.”

“We can go up to the ship.”

“Are you going to still be the Supreme Commander of the army?”

“For now, yes.”

“Good.”

“I am glad you approve.”

“Well it means I can still call you Commander and not be entirely wrong in your rank.”

He stood and reached out a hand to her, “But not in the…”

“Presence of others. I know,” she replied as she took his hand. “Where are we going?”

“To the beach. I understand you enjoy sunsets.”

“You okay with getting out in public?”

“I think the Vice Chancellor has let it be known that I prefer not to be ‘congratulated’ on my new position. Come.”

“What? No uniform?”

He looked down at his long black flowing pants and shirt. He never left his home without his leather uniform on.

“Too tired to change.”

She smiled, “People might be shocked seeing you so casual.”

“Too tired to care.”

She gave his hand a tug. “Zy’nayth, we don’t have to go. It’s not like you to not care about how you’re perceived. We can stay here.”

He let out a long sigh as his weariness seemed to envelope his features. “I do not want to keep you locked up in this house because…”

Her hands went to his face, “How about we just call it an early night? Go upstairs and unwind. You need to rest. I know you haven’t slept well since all of this happened.”

“Victoria…”

“Zy…”

He sighed. “It was a difficult day. Are you sure you would not mind?”

“Turn out the lights and lock up. I’ll go upstairs and change into my jammies. We can talk, sleep, whatever,” she grinned, “or you can just rest in my arms. I’m here to help you through this. I want to help you through this.”

He drew her into a soft kiss, “Thank you, my beloved.”

Victoria changed into a soft white cotton nightshirt and settled on the bed, opening the iris so she could see the sky change colors and the stars appear as darkness spread over the land. When Zy’nayth joined her, he looked even more weary. She reached out to him and he collapsed in her arms and wept.

He buried his face in the curve of her neck. “I found his journal,” he said softly, “I looked at his last entry. The only thing it said was that one of us was going to die that day. He wanted it to be him.”

“Maybe you should leave his things alone for now. Focus on the transition. It’s been a horrible few months between me being hauled back to Earth then all of this with your brother…maybe you need time away from the trauma.”

“I need to know why he did this.”

“You’ll find out, but it doesn’t have to be this week or even this month.”

He shook his head, “No. The sooner I figure this out, the sooner I can put it behind me.”

“All right. But promise me you won’t try to hold all of these emotions inside. I’m here, Zy. I’m a good listener.”

February 22, 2117

“Wake up sleepyhead,” she said as she kissed his ear. “You don’t want to be late. I need to hurry. Becket had an emergency surgery come in from off-world; a boy from Be’atta’s village.”

“All right. I love you.”

One last kiss and Victoria headed to the bridge portal. Once she was on Terra 2, she told Vince of their decision about her going off-world, then she went to the infirmary. Becket was in surgery, so she took care of the rounds. When Becket came out, she asked how the boy was doing.

“Five broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a concussion, but he’s stable. Trying to jump across that pit was not a good idea.”

“I saw Is’a. She’s with Be’atta. She’s a nervous wreck. I haven’t been able to break away from the other patients to talk to her. But I can inform her of Jo’han’s condition if you want.”

“Lutia and Janice have been keeping her up to date. I’ll talk to her. He’s stable, but he’s not out of the woods yet,” he said and headed to the waiting area.

“Ka’han was out hunting, he should be here shortly. General Vince sent Colonel John and Be’atta to the camp to get him,” Is’a said. “I just hope he was at the camp and they don’t have to go hunting for him out there. It’s a long walk as it is.”

Becket nodded, “I understand. As soon as he’s been moved, Janice or Lutia will come and get you. Victoria just got here, I’m sure she’ll be by.”

“Thank you, I know Jo’han is in good hands.”

***

“Becket, rounds are done,” Victoria said as she saw Becket heading to his office, “I’d like to check in on Is’a.”

“Go on, I’m sure she’d love that.”

Victoria found Is’a sitting by her son’s bed, holding his hand as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Hello Is’a,” she said as she walked up to her, holding out her arms for a hug.

“Victoria, it’s good to see you,” she said, embracing the doctor. “We’ve missed your trips to our village. The children always looked forward to it.”

“I think it was the lollipops they looked forward to.”

Is’a smiled. “Jo’han… did Becket tell you…”

Victoria pulled up a chair and sat beside her, glancing at the monitors quickly to check the ten-year-old’s vital signs. “He filled me in. Jo’han will have a lot of pain to work through, but I’m sure this little guy will be up and around in no time. Becket and I will take good care of him. I promise.”

“I know you will. But he’s just so young. So small,” she said and began crying again.

“Is’a, he’s strong. And he’s going to be okay.”

Victoria stayed for several minutes, talking and trying to calm the worried mother. She checked over the boy once more before she returned to the infirmary.

“She’s calmer,” she said to Becket who was looking over her research notes.

“Good. By the way, I uncovered some files, well Simon did, that seem to be about the Rayth. Our translators could only figure out a few of the words, but they seem to think they’re research notes. Do you think the Commander, uh High Chancellor, could translate them?”

“If he can’t, I’m sure his First Science Commander could.”

“Good. I’ve already uploaded them to your tablet.”

“I thought we already scanned the database for any mention of the Rayth.”

“We did, however,” he smiled at her, “we were searching for the word Nix. Then when you found out they were actually called Rayth, we searched for that. But, we never looked for the word Rayth in the Raythian language. We didn’t even know it until you passed along that Raythian language file.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” she said, “Why would the Mythicans use the Raythian language instead of their own?”

“Maybe because they hadn’t created their own word for Rayth yet.”

“Perhaps.” She waved off the thought, “I’ll have my husband look at the files.”

***

By the end of her shift, Victoria was completely exhausted. She had dinner with the Alpha Team, catching up on what she’d missed while being stuck on Earth, then she bridged home. Zy’nayth was already home when she walked through the door. He looked tired, but happy.

“How was your day?” she asked.

“Better than yesterday. I took your advice, at least for the moment, to avoid digging into my brother’s journal.”

She smiled as she sat beside him. “I’m glad. You need a bit of a respite.”

“And how was your day?”

“That little boy brought in from Be’atta’s village, he tried to jump across a pit they use to catch animals. He didn’t make it across. The poor little guy was so banged up. Broken ribs, a collapsed lung…his mother, Is’a, was hysterical. I used to make regular trips to their village when I first came to Andromeda. Little Jo’han…” she sighed, “such a cute little boy, always trying to be strong like his father.” After a few minutes of silence, she told him about the files Simon’s team found. “Our translators don’t understand any of it so Becket put it on my tablet. Could you take a look?”

“Not tonight,” he said, “but I will.”

Victoria’s comlink buzzed in her backpack. She walked over, pulled it out and put it on her ear as she answered it.

“Oh no,” she said, immediately tearing up, “okay, I’ll be right there.”

She shoved the unit back into her bag, “I need to go back. That little boy…Jo’han…he started hemorrhaging and…”

Zy’nayth stood and grabbed her hand, “I will go with you.” Within minutes, they were on Terra 2 and headed for the operating room. Is’a and her husband, Ka’han, were pacing, crying, holding each other, then repeating the process. When they saw Victoria, Is’a ran to her, but stopped short when the powerful Rayth came into view.

“Victoria!” she shouted and pointed.

“It’s okay, he’s with me,” she replied calmly. “He won’t hurt anyone. I promise.”

Ka’han’s hand was on the handle of his knife attached to his belt. “Victoria, get back!” he shouted.

“He’s a friend,” Victoria replied calmly. No one outside of the Expedition: Andromeda team knew that he was her husband, and the High Chancellor wanted it kept that way. It was easier for everyone.

“Where is your son?” he asked.

“Stay away from my boy,” Is’a spat in hysterics.

Victoria took Zy’nayth’s hand, “In here.”

“Victoria! No!” Is’a shouted. “Not my baby! No! Please!”

The operating room required a passcode when entering from the corridor, and once she and Zy’nayth entered, the doors swooshed closed, keeping Ka’han and his drawn knife out.

Becket looked up from his patient then went back to his surgery. Zy’nayth asked the assisting to stand aside, then he placed a hand on the boy’s chest. Victoria could hear the screams outside. Becket was already taking off his surgical mask and setting his instruments aside.

There was a large gasp heard then the boy coughed and rolled onto his side. Becket and Victoria immediately looked at the readouts. All of his vital signs were normal and stable.

“He will sleep for a while,” Zy’nayth said, “but I have healed everything. He may need blood.”

Victoria let out a long sigh of relief, “Thank you for healing him. I wasn’t expecting…”

“I do not like to see young ones harmed any more than you do,” he said. “Perhaps you should go and let his parents know that he is out of danger.”

She went to the doors and as soon as they swung open, she said, her hands up, holding the frantic parents back, “He’s going to be fine. He’s been healed.”

“What? The Rayth healed him? He didn’t kill him?” Ka’han asked.

“I told you he’s a friend of mine.”

“We’re food for them. How can you call him a friend?” Ka’han growled.

“He has saved my life, several times. And, as you just saw, he saved Jo’han. He’s a friend.” She reached over and squeezed Ka’han’s arm to get him to look at her, “Ka’han, he’s a friend.”

Ka’han looked from her up into the eyes of the taller man who had just walked up behind Victoria. “Thank you. Forgive me for assuming you…”

Zy’nayth gave him a nod, “You are welcome. I must return home.”

Is’a, now supported by Victoria, also apologized, “I’m sorry, too. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you…”

“Come on,” Victoria said, guiding the frightened mother over to the operating table where the team was cleaning up and getting Jo’han ready to move back to the recovery area. With one last “thank you” over her shoulder, Is’a ran to her son and drew him up into her arms.

Victoria stayed until the boy was moved, then she returned home. “Is’a and Ka’han are profusely sorry for their actions,” she said as she collapsed onto one of the sofas. “I am exhausted.”

“As am I,” he replied. “Go upstairs. I will be up shortly.”

She pulled herself up off of the sofa, “Thank you, Zy. That was really sweet of you to heal Jo’han.”

“I saw your reaction to the news. I could not just stand by and do nothing.”

She kissed his cheek. “I love you for that.”