E:A Vol 1 Ch 14—February 27, 2117

Victoria was happy when the weekend arrived. Both she and Zy’nayth were exhausted. It was her first full week of duty back on Terra 2 after being taken to Earth against her will, then returning only to be attacked by Zy’nayth’s brother. Just getting back into the routine wore her out. Zy’nayth’s exhaustion was more mental and emotional than physical. Victoria, though emotionally upset over all that had happened to her, and to trying to help her husband through his own trauma, preferred to do something physical to get her mind off things. Saturday morning, she decided to tend to her garden while her husband slept. But that didn’t last long.

“Zy…” she nudged him with her foot, “wake up.”

“No.”

She chuckled. “Honey, I cut my hand, I need you to wrap it for me before I head to Terra 2. I’m shaking too much.”

He immediately sat up. “What happened?” he asked.

“Gardening. It’s kinda deep.” He looked at the bed that filled most of the round room. There was a trail of blood from the stairs to where his wife was kneeling beside him.

He reached out to put a hand on her chest but she shook her head. “No just wrap it. I’ll have Becket stitch me up.”

He ignored her and healed her wound.

“Zy, I really wish…”

“Healing that wound did not take much out of me, I will not have to feed any sooner than normal.” He kissed her forehead, looking at the clock as he did so. “Gardening at five in the morning?”

“I haven’t been out there in a week. Weeds are everywhere.”

“Five in the morning?”

“Actually, 4:00. Glad we have outdoor lights.”

“What is wrong, Victoria? You are the one who likes to sleep in.”

“I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. I guess I also wanted a little time alone.”

“If you wish for me to sleep in the guestroom, just say so.”

“Oh, no…it’s not you. After a week on Terra 2, all the people, all the questions about you, the emergencies…I just kinda missed the peace and quiet.”

“Ah. Are you sure that is all it is?”

She smiled and gave him a tender kiss. “It is. Go back to sleep. I have to exact my revenge on those weeds.”

“Be more careful this time,” he said as he stood and helped her to her feet. “I will take a look at those files you gave me.”

“You can go back to sleep.”

“I will be too worried about my wife being attacked by gardening tools to sleep.”

She chuckled, gave him another quick kiss then cleaned up her bloody trail before returning to her gardening project. By the time the sun came up, Victoria had moved from her vegetable garden to her flower garden.

“Victoria, contact Dr. McKenna, see if he can come out tomorrow,” Zy’nayth said as he walked out of the backdoor.

Victoria looked up from her flowers. “What did you find?”

Zy’nayth headed back inside, glass computer tablet in hand, “Enough to warrant calling him. I shall also have my First Science Commander come as well.”

“I can see if he can come out now,” she said, following after him, brushing the dirt off of her clothes.

“Tomorrow morning is fine. I would like to read more of these files.”

She went to her computer station and sent a subspace signal to Becket’s comlink. He answered almost immediately. She told him of her husband’s request and Becket said he’d be there.

“Any idea what he found?” he asked.

“No. He’s deep into it so I probably won’t know anything until you do. You know how he gets when he’s focused like that.”

***

The next morning, Becket crossed over the bridge from Terra 2 to the Rayth island. Victoria met him, told him that the First Science Commander had just arrived. “He’s on our side. Very nice, but stick to tradition unless he or my husband say otherwise.”

“I’ve worked with enough Rayth on this island, I know the drill,” Becket said.

They entered the house. Victoria gave the First Science Commander a slight bow, Becket did the same then turned to the High Chancellor, bowed again and thanked him for inviting him to his home.

“Have a seat,” the Zy’nayth said. “I just gave the research files to the First Science Commander. Are you ready to begin?”

“Yes, sir,” Becket said as both he and Victoria pulled out their own computer tablets.

“I have only been able to get through the first few hundred pages,” Zy’nayth said, “but it was enough to bring you two here. It would appear that Rayth are genetically altered humans. Mythicans to be exact. So, Dr. McKenna, your theory about us being human at one point is correct.

“From what I can ascertain,” Zy’nayth continued, “these files are historical not medical. But they reveal things we were unaware of. There was an enemy of the Mythicans, I translate the name as Rayk. They were beings of energy.” He paused, “They were not a floating, glowing ball of light. They were humanoid in form, but they subsisted on energy. Their planet was dying and because they needed it to survive, to regenerate their own energy, they began travelling to other planets. None of the other planets in this galaxy, at least the ones they were able to travel to, supplied what they needed. However, they found that humans could.” He looked at his First Science Commander, “I will need you to isolate exactly what this is. It may be in the other files, but we need to know what that energy actually is, what their planet was able to produce that can be replicated in human lifeforms.”

The First Science Commander nodded as Zy’nayth continued. “The Mythicans, at that time, had cities on many worlds. Quite populous, and the most technologically advanced. As the Rayk found that the Mythicans, and other humans, could sustain them, war ensued.

“The notes jump several years, at least in the file I was reading, but the next entry is about the Mythicans finally finding a way to combat the Rayk. They figured out how to infuse Rayk DNA with Mythican DNA, specifically, the Rayk’s ability to drain energy from others. Once they were sure that these hybrid Mythican-Rayk were able to kill the Rayk, hundreds of thousands of Mythicans volunteered to be altered.

“Since there were no long-term tests and research trials, they were unprepared for the consequences. The Mythicans were able to defeat their enemy, but the hybrids…changed. It would appear that it took a century, but eventually, the hybrid’s digestive systems shut down forcing them to feed off the humans they were designed to defend and protect.

“The file stops there. I did take a quick look at the next file, but it does not seem to be related to this bit of history. I would surmise that over the centuries, things such as lack of pigment in our hair, the increase in vision, smell, hearing, the change in our skin tone, all came about as the hybrids reproduced. And when the Mythicans could not find a way to reverse the process, the hybrids, who were now called Rayth—a combination of Rayk and Mythican—grew resentful and…the war between humans and Rayth began.”

“So they created the Rayth to defeat the Rayk, only to end up at war with their own creation?” Becket asked.

“That is what I have deduced from what I have read,” Zy’nayth replied.

“But if the Mythicans couldn’t find a way to reverse the process in the course of a century,” Victoria said, “what chance do we have?”

“Do not give up so easily, Dr. Carson,” the First Science Commander said, “the Mythicans may have been an advanced race, but they were still only human. I believe that the four of us here have accomplished more in a year than they did in a century.”

“He is correct,” Zy’nayth said, “I also think that the Mythicans may have been focused on trying to reverse the process, not finding an alternate source of sustenance for their creation. I, of course, do not know this for certain, but we are researching both fronts, I believe that gives us an advantage.”

“So how do we proceed?” Becket asked. “Our translators can’t read those notes. I feel like we’re stuck on our end.”

“I believe,” the First Science Commander spoke up, “if the High Chancellor agrees, that you and Dr. Carson continue to research the energy connection between their planet and how it sustained the Rayk. Meanwhile, I can work on the translation and supply you with it as I go.”

“Agreed,” Zy’nayth said.

“It will also give Pavel something to do,” Becket replied, speaking of Expedition: Andromeda’s head astrophysicist.

The four of them spent the entire day discussing their plan of action, while the First Science Commander quickly scanned files and brought up things of interest. As the sun began to set, Zy’nayth and Victoria saw Becket to the bridge portal while the First Science Commander teleported up to the flagship.

“My mind is spinning with ideas,” Becket said, “not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

“Try to,” Victoria said, “I hate working with you when you’re grumpy from not sleeping.”

Becket smiled, “I’m never grumpy.” He looked at the High Chancellor, “Thank you for trusting us. We will end this war. I’m sure of it.”

Zy’nayth gave him a nod then the Scotsman walked across the bridge and ended up on Terra 2.

Victoria slipped her arm around her husband’s waist as they walked back to their home. “Maybe now that we have these history files, and the Rayk name, we can run a few more searches on the database to find medical research files.”

“They may not be of any use,” Zy’nayth said, “since they did not find a solution.”

“But we’d at least know what they tried. We wouldn’t have to waste time repeating the same mistakes.”

“Good point.”

“The house is that way,” she said stopping as he turned to the right instead of the left.

“Beach is this way.”

She smiled. “Oh, if you insist.”

March 1, 2117

“I’ve already got Pavel working on the energy correlation, and I’ve talked to Simon about doing a few more searches of the database,” Becket said when Victoria arrived for work the next morning.

“And you probably already talked to Vince and the senior staff.”

He grinned. “I wanted to save you the trouble.”

“We’ve got so much to do. I’d like to start going back over our previous work and see if this new information changes anything. Plus you’re better at coming up with new ideas. You can stay focused on that.”

“Sounds good. How’s your husband doing?”

“Better. I think finding this information has perked him up,” she smiled, “if a Rayth can be perky.”

He handed her a clipboard with the current infirmary patients’ information. “I’m headed off-world, you have full run of the place today. Only a couple minor injuries over the weekend.”

“Okay. Be safe out there.”

***

Victoria had finished her afternoon rounds and was pouring over her research when her comlink buzzed. Vince told her to gear up, she was needed off-world. The Alpha Team and villagers they were visiting had come under attack by Gyhan rebels. Dr. McKenna had been injured and was not able to tend to the medical needs.

She let Janice, the head nurse, know what was going on, then sent for two other medical personnel to join her. Kaven’s team would be going with her. They were all quickly geared up and in a shuttle, ready to bridge to the village.

Kaven landed the shuttle just inside the village which was still under attack. His team disembarked first and covered Victoria and her team as they headed for the building where the injured were being taken.

“Worst?” she asked as she ran in.

Be’atta, tending to one of the several injured pointed to a person across from her where Geoffrey Tanner, a member of the Expedition: Andromeda medical team was working on a patient. Victoria hurried over and nearly cried out when she saw Becket’s bloodied body. She gave orders to the other medical members that had come in with her as she got her equipment ready.

“Bullet to the abdomen,” Becket said, choking.

“I see that.” She looked at Geoffrey, “Vitals?”

He read them off, “We haven’t been able to stop the bleeding.”

“Scan?”

He handed her the device showing her exactly where the bullet had gone and the damage it had done. “Oh Becket, you had to make this challenging.”

“Sorry, love.”

She had her surgical gloves on and was ready to go in. The bleeding had to be stopped before even attempting to move him back to Terra 2 where she could perform surgery.

“Everyone else is stable, Dr. Carson,” Lutia Glasson said.

“If anyone needs to be moved to our infirmary, let Col. Hagen or Kaven know,” Victoria said, to which she got a negative reply. “Good work. Be’atta, you’d best report back to John, things seemed to be kinda bad out there.”

“Will do.”

“Okay, Dr. McKenna,” Victoria said, “this is gonna hurt. Sorry, no anesthetic.”

“I know the drill,” he coughed and choked again.

“Hold on, Becket, hold on,” she said softly as she began her work.

As she worked to clamp off the bleeding, her team kept her updated on his vitals. “Come on,” she said under her breath, “come on, where are… Geoffrey, rescan, highest resolution.”

He did as instructed, Victoria’s eyes glancing at the tablet as she continued her work. His vital signs were dropping rapidly.

“It’s okay, love,” Becket weakly said, “let me go.”

“Not gonna happen. Hold on,” she said, then gave her team orders.

John Hagen came running in, “We can get a shuttle out if we need to,” he said, “can we move him?”

“Not sure he’d survive bridging, he’s too week,” she replied, still working quickly and precisely to clamp off any bleeders she found.

“What can I do?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nothing…Wait. Dig in my pack and get my subspace communicator, ask the Commander to come then make sure he gets through the village safely.”

“Consider it done,” he said with the comlink already in hand as he headed out of the building.

“The Commander?” one of the village nurses asked.

“He’s a Rayth.”

“It’s okay,” Lutia said, “he’s healed many of our people. He’s a friend of Dr. Carson’s.”

“They can heal?”

“Yes.”

“How many holes did this thing…” Victoria sighed, as she looked back at the scan. “Some sort of internal explosion after the shot. The rebels have that?”

“He’s going flat line,” Lutia said.

Victoria gave more instructions as she clamped off another bleeder. “Becket, hold on. Don’t you dare leave me.”

They were able to get his heart started again, and Victoria went back to finding the internal damage that was causing him to bleed out. A few minutes later she heard the doors open and the sound of heavy boots crossing the room. Then she was nudged aside and saw the gray-blue hand come down on Becket’s chest. The locals watched in shock as the enormous Rayth healed the man lying on the table instead of killing him. When he gave Victoria a nod, she began removing her instruments from Becket’s body so that he could close the cavity and heal it.

Victoria said softly, “I…I couldn’t stop the bleeding. His heart stopped. I didn’t know what else to do. Thank you for coming. I know how busy you are…”

The High Chancellor let out a growling huff then finished healing the doctor. “He will need blood, but he will be fine.”

Victoria sighed with relief. “Thank you.”

“I must go and tend to my own work.”

John made sure Zy’nayth wasn’t attacked as they returned to the bridge. Victoria gave Geoffrey orders to get Becket back to Terra 2 and what to do when they got him there. “I want to check on everyone, then I’ll return as well. He should be fine, just needs a few pints of blood.”

She stayed and made sure that everyone else was properly taken care of, then she and Kaven’s team returned to Terra 2 with the patients while the Alpha Team stayed to make sure no more Gyhan rebels would cause problems.

When she arrived in the main tower of Terra 2, she took a quick shower then went to check on Becket. “He’s stable,” Janice said, “and will probably sleep until morning.”

Victoria nodded but still checked him herself then went to his office where she could contact her husband privately.

“Hey,” she said when Zy’nayth answered his subspace communicator letting her know, immediately, that he was quite busy. “I know you’re mad that I sent for you to heal him,” Victoria said. “I know you don’t like being called to help every time one of my friends is injured…but…can we talk about it later? I’m going to stay here tonight. I want Becket to know I’m here…and I just wanted to say I’m sorry and that I love you. Would you come here tonight?”

“That is fine,” he said. “I must go.”

“I love you,” she said again, but her reply was cut off as he shut off his comlink. She let out a sigh and steadied herself before going back into the infirmary. She tended to the patients they brought over, then pulled a chair up to Becket’s bedside and held his hand. As John’s team returned, they were all checked over, scrapes and cuts were tended to. She returned to Becket’s bedside, after a final evening check of her patients. The stress of the day, both Becket’s injuries and knowing her husband was upset with her, wore on her. She fell asleep holding Becket’s hand. Two hours later a hand on her shoulder woke her.

She looked up into Zy’nayth’s silver eyes, “I’m sorry,” she said, already in tears.

“I am as well. Have you had dinner? Janice does not believe you have.”

She shook her head.

“Go get something then meet me in your quarters. I will instruct Janice to alert you should he wake up or if others need your assistance.”

“Okay,” she replied. She gave the monitors a quick glance, and gave Becket a kiss on his forehead then headed to the mess hall. She grabbed a salad, a sandwich, and a drink, then headed up to her chambers.

“I know you don’t want me sending for you every time one of my friends is hurt, and having John contact you instead of doing it myself…but I couldn’t stop the bleeding…I’m so sorry. I couldn’t lose him. Oh, Zy, please don’t be mad.”

Zy’nayth reached over and covered her shaking hand with his own. “I am sorry, Victoria. I let my jealousy get the best of me and acted horribly towards you.”

“Jealousy? Becket? Oh, Zy, you know I love only you.”

“But I know you also care very deeply for Dr. McKenna. I sometimes think you would be better off with him, especially since being with me has only caused you pain and nearly gotten you killed on more than one occasion.”

Victoria shook her head, “I love you. I love you so much. I am very, very happy being your wife.”

He stood and walked over to her, drawing her up into his arms, “And that makes me very happy to hear.” He gave her a passionate kiss then released her. “Finish your dinner. Is there anything I can do for you while I am here?”

“Going back home?”

“I assumed you would spend the night in that chair by Becket’s bed, and I do have several things I wish to finish up before morning.”

“Yeah, I’ll probably stay in the infirmary.” She gave him another kiss, “Thank you for coming and talking.”

“I had to. I do not want us to fight.”

She smiled, “Me either.”

He gave her one last kiss before heading to the door, “I suppose I will not see you until tomorrow night,” he said.

“With Becket down for a bit, I’ll have to cover his shift. If you can, could you stay here at nights until he’s back on duty?”

“Perhaps not every night, but I will see what I can do. I love you, Victoria.”

“I love you, too.”

She finished her dinner, returned to the infirmary, checked on the other patients, then contacted Lutia who had just returned from the village. She’d stayed behind to keep an eye on the patients who remained. After John’s team returned and gave Vince their report, John and Chris returned to make sure Lutia wasn’t left alone in case the Gyhan rebels returned.

“Nothing serious,” Lutia Glasson told to Victoria. “But they’re scared. They’ve never seen weapons like that. The doctor is in over his head. I talked with John; I’m going to grab a few more supplies and head back. Stay there overnight. He’ll stay too in case something comes up.”

“I should really be doing that,” Victoria said.

“Nah. Gen. Cavanaugh sent Dr. Danielson. He knew you’d probably want to stay here with Doc. Besides Neville needs the off-world experience. I swear that he’s more jumpy than I was the first time I went into the field. If the rebels return, you know John will send for backup, including medical backup. Don’t worry about Neville.”

“He’s only been here a month, he’ll eventually get used to being off-world, but it’s not the best situation for him to be in until he gets used to meeting and treating people outside of our little city here.”

Lutia smiled, “I hope so. Jumpy doctors make me nervous. You did great today, by the way.”

“So great I had to call in the High Chancellor.”

“Hey, I saw that injury. The fact that you got as much clamped as you did is amazing. You didn’t flinch, and I know how hard it was for you to see Doc in that condition.”

“Thanks, Lutia. Now grab your things, and some food. And feel free to contact me if you need to.”

March 2, 2117

Victoria was stiff and sore after a night in the chair. She woke around 5:00 a.m. just as Becket was coming out of his sleep.

“Well if it isn’t my favorite Scotsman waking up,” she said softly.

“I think I’d rather not. My head…”

“Give me a minute, I’ll grab something for that.” He nodded, and closed his eyes. She grabbed a couple of pills and returned to his bedside. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, love.”

“Vitals all look good. Other than your head, how are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly okay. I didn’t think I was going to make it.”

Victoria sat on the edge of the bed, taking his hand into her own. “We almost lost you.”

Becket gave her a puzzled looked then shook his head, “You called your husband.”

“I had to. You know I can’t lose you. Other than the Commander, you’re the only family I have.”

“Family? I’m honored.”

She caressed his cheek. “No, I’m the one who’s honored to have such an understanding, caring, and loving friend. Becket, I was so scared. Don’t do that to me ever again.”

“I’ll try my best not to.” He winced.

“Head? Or something else?”

“Right side,” he said putting his hand where the pain shot through him.

Victoria gently pushed on the area and Becket let out a groan. She went and grabbed a handheld scanner and checked the area. “I think it’s just inflammation,” she said, “there’s nothing showing up on the scan, and I doubt if the Commander missed anything.” She went back and did more of a physical exam. “Yeah, you’re kinda poofy.”

Becket chuckled, “Poofy. Thanks, Doc.”

Victoria sat back down in her chair, and again took his hand, “Try and go back to sleep.”

“I think I will, but I want a full report when I wake back up,” he replied and as soon as his eyes shut, he was asleep. Victoria stayed with him for several more minutes, then went to shower and grab some breakfast but got stopped from going to the mess when word came that the medical team was returning with a couple of patients from the village who had been too injured to attempt to move over the bridge portal the night before, so she helped Dr. Neville Danielson get them all settled in.

“Did you get any rest last night?” she asked Neville. “I can check on the villagers if you need some downtime.”

“I got a few hours of sleep, and no, I’ll check on them. I need to get used to this.”

“All right, but my offer stands.”

“Thanks, Dr. Carson.”

She gave him a nod then went to check on Becket who had just awakened again. “How’s the head and side?”

“Better.”

“Hungry?”

“A little.”

“I’m starving,” she smiled, “I’ll go get us something to eat. I want to keep your food light, no steak and eggs for you.”

“I know the drill, Doc. But I think just one strip of bacon would be okay.”

Victoria chuckled, “I’ll think about it.”

She returned with trays of food for both of them, including a single strip of bacon for him with his scrambled eggs and toast.

“Victoria, the Commander had to feed after he healed me, didn’t he?”

“You know he did,” she sighed. “I really hope we can find another way for them to sustain themselves. Imagine how helpful it would be to have a Rayth on the medical team. They could heal someone, eat some fruit and move on to the next person.”

“Someone had to die to save my life,” he said as he stared at his scrambled eggs.

Victoria gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I know it’s hard. But if it’s any consolation, it was probably someone that had already been gathered and in…storage. It’s not like he went out and fed off of one of the villagers.”

“But he did, in a way. Those in storage were once villagers.”

“I know. I guess I try to separate things…see this is why we have to find a solution for them. If you had died, it would take me three or four times longer to come up with an answer. I need you for this. All humans do.”

“It’s still disconcerting.”

“Believe me, I know.”

“I’m sorry, I know you do.”

***

The High Chancellor arrived after Victoria finished her dinner and early evening rounds. He found her, as expected, sitting with Becket.

“How are you feeling?” Zy’nayth asked as he walked up to his bedside and gave his wife a tender kiss on her cheek.

“Not too bad. Sore. Thank you for saving my life,” Becket said.

Zy’nayth gave him a nod. “You are quite welcome.”

“And you had better get some rest,” Victoria said to her patient, then leaned over and kissed his forehead, “sedatives should kick in soon. Send for me if you need anything.”

“Yes, doctor. Good night.”

Victoria and Zy’nayth went to her quarters. “Are you staying the night?” she asked as she began to undress while heading to the bathroom to shower.

“Yes. Unless you would prefer me to leave.”

“Nope. You’re staying, High Chancellor. I’ll just be a few minutes.”

Zy’nayth undressed and crawled into the bed. “I will not be able to come by tomorrow,” he said when she returned from her shower.

“What are you working on?”

“Since you are tied up here for a few more days, I thought I would start going through my brother’s things.”

“No,” she said, “don’t do that until I’m back home. I don’t want you going through that alone.”

“I will be fine.”

She propped herself up on her elbow and gazed down into his silver eyes, “No. Zy, you can’t do this alone. Becket should be up and around and ready for duty next week. Knowing him, he’ll want to start tomorrow. Honey, you can wait a few more days.”

“I cannot keep putting it off.”

“As soon as I’m back home, you can start going through all of that. It’s just going to be a few days. Meanwhile, if you’re bored at night, you can take care of my garden,” she smiled. “It’s very relaxing.”

“Says the surgeon who wakes me up at five in the morning with a gaping wound in her hand from working said garden.” He let out a chuckle, “I am glad that you are not my surgeon, the way you handled those gardening sheers is not very reassuring.”

When she didn’t give him a snappy reply, as she normally would, he rolled onto his side, “I am joking. I trust those gorgeous hands of yours with my life.”

“I couldn’t stop Becket’s bleeding. I couldn’t…”

“I saw his wounds, from the inside, and my beloved, I do not think any doctor could have stopped that bleeding. There was nothing you could have done. That is not a reflection on your skill or ability. His wound was a kill shot.” Victoria shook her head and nuzzled herself into his arms.

“Hold me tight,” she said, “and promise me you won’t go digging into your brother’s stuff until I get home. Promise me Zy. I’ll be worried sick if I can’t be there for you.”

Zy’nayth’s arms tightened around her, then he kissed the top of her head. “I promise. Get some sleep, my beloved.”

“If you’re not going to be going through your brother’s stuff, does that mean you’ll be able to come here every night?”

“All right, but that means your garden will be a mess when you get home.”

“I’d rather have you with me.”

She could feel him smile and it caused her to relax. “Good night, Zy. I love you very much.”

“I love you too. Oh, and can you set up Becket’s comlink so that the First Science Commander can contact him while working on the translation.”

“Already done.”

 

SaveSave