E:A Vol 1 Ch 17—April 28, 2117

“That’s impossible,” Victoria said, “I can’t…he can’t!”

“My dear,” Becket said, “you’re pregnant.”

“Becket look at me, Jason beat me so badly, I lost my baby…it…the beatings damaged everything. They told me I could never get pregnant. And Zy’nayth said Rayth can only father two children. His oldest died in the war, the youngest was stillborn. Neither of us can have children.”

Becket shook his head and turned the scanner’s monitor so she could see it. “That,” he pointed, “is not the flu.”

Victoria’s hands went to her mouth, “Twins? Becket do you see that?”

“I do, love. You’re going to be a mother.”

She threw her arms around his neck, “I’m going to be a mother!”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you for the last ten minutes.”

“Twins. I’m going to have twins!” She gave him kiss then jumped off of the exam table, “I have to tell him, sorry, I need to go…”

Becket laughed and watched her practically run out of the infirmary towards the bridge portal control room.

Zy’nayth was in his office when his assistant alerted him to his wife’s arrival and insistence on seeing him immediately. He gave permission and she practically burst through the doors.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as he stood, concern in his eyes.

She ran up to him and pushed him back down in his seat, “I don’t have the flu.”

“What is it?” he asked, “Let me heal you. I am quite sure that whatever it is, I will be able to heal it.”

She took his hand and put it on her stomach, “We’re going to have a baby. Two. Twins. We’re pregnant.”

Zy’nayth pulled his hand away, “I cannot father any more children,” he said, giving her a stern look, “You know I cannot.”

“And I was told I couldn’t have children,” she said grabbing his hand again, “but I’m definitely pregnant and I haven’t been with anyone other than you.”

“Victoria, do not…”

“Zy, I saw the scan…Zy?”

“I cannot have any more children! It is impossible!” he stood again, almost in a state of fury.

“Well the only other option is that I’ve slept with someone else, and I haven’t. Zy…I’m pregnant and you are the father. I don’t know how.”

Zy’nayth shook his head but tentatively placed his hand on her stomach, “I will be a father again?” the prospect of having a child, no, two, placed hope in his heart, though a tentative hope.

Tears rolled down Victoria’s cheeks as she put her hand over her husband’s, “Yeah, you’re going to be a daddy again.”

His silver eyes looked from her stomach into her eyes, “Victoria, you have no idea…I never dreamed…”

She drew him into her arms, “Me either. I thought Jason ruined that part of me too.”

***

“So how do you explain it?” Be’atta asked after hearing the news.

“I have all of the ‘equipment’ as such, but because of the beatings, everything was damaged. When Zy’nayth healed me, one of those times he saved my life, he healed that as well. I never even thought about it.”

“That makes sense, but I thought you said that he couldn’t have any more children.”

“Yeah, we haven’t figured that part out. Science, uh, Ja’val, seems to think that perhaps because he’s one of the oldest living Rayth that maybe it’s cyclical or something. Every ten thousand years you can have another child or something. Doesn’t make sense but I don’t care. I’m going to have a baby. Two babies.”

“I’m so happy for you and the High Chancellor.”

“I’m going to burst,” she replied, “I’m so happy. And to see him this happy, oh Be’atta, he’s so happy. After two years of hell, he’s beaming.”

May 1, 2117

“And we need to cut back on your work schedule. I cannot have you overdoing it,” Zy’nayth said as he paced in what would become the babies’ room.

“I’ll be fine.”

“And Dr. McKenna will have to be ready to bridge over…unless you want one of the Raythian doctors…no, you would not, so it must be Dr. McKenna.”

“Zy, I’m not due for months.”

“We must be prepared.”

“I’m a doctor.”

“Yes. Do you think we should set up a nursery in the island home? I know we are not there often, but it will make a nice retreat as you get used to mothering.”

“That’s a good idea. What about your house in town, which, by the way, I’ve never seen.”

“I sold it months ago. I thought I told you.”

“No.”

“I did not see the need for it any longer. We will need a nursery on Terra 2 as well. You will have to request larger quarters, of course. And we will need to decide when, or if, you will return to work after the children are born. I am not sure I want you to work after they arrive.”

Victoria walked over and stopped him mid stride. “Zy, slow down. We have plenty of time.”

“It shall pass quickly. We should be able to get everything taken care of inside of a month. I want Dr. McKenna to check on the babies every time you are on Terra 2.”

“Zy, that’s a little obsessive.”

He gazed into her emerald eyes. “If something is wrong with my children…Gal’lara…the baby had the umbilical cord around his neck. No one knew. I have to take every precaution.”

Victoria sighed but she understood. For ten thousand years he thought that he had lost the only children he could ever have. He wouldn’t risk losing the babies she was carrying. “Okay. We’ll take extra special care of these two little ones.”

“No more combat training!” he suddenly exclaimed.

“Of course,” she chuckled.

“What if they have been injured already? We should…”

Victoria took his hand, “Let’s go to the bridge portal. I’m quite sure they’re fine. It’s not like you ever hurt me and it’s not like I do anything but try and duck out of the way.” She stopped and looked into his silver eyes, “Can you heal them inside of me?”

“Yes.”

“Then can’t you just check yourself?”

“I could, but I would feel much better if I had a second opinion, and honestly, I have never had to heal a child inside of a womb before.”

“All right. Becket will confirm what I already know. These babies are perfect.”

May 10, 2117

Zy’nayth leaned down and kissed his wife’s stomach. “Getting a little bump now.”

Victoria laughed, “How can you tell the difference from less than two weeks ago when we found out?”

“I have studied your body very thoroughly. I know every bump, every curve, every spot on this body,” he said then smiled. “I, of course, thought that perhaps you had been eating too much of that ice cream that you enjoy. I could have never guessed that my children would be the cause of such a beautiful little bump.”

“Well, as much as I am enjoying your attention, I need to get ready for work. So do you. Go.”

She walked into the infirmary only a few minutes late. “I’m so sorry,” she said to Becket and Janice, “Blame my husband.” Then she handed Becket her tablet. “Best get the scan done, he’ll ask for it first thing when I walk in the door tonight.”

“He really wants one every time you’re here?” Janice asked.

Victoria explained how Rayth could only have two children and how his second had been stillborn. “So after ten millennia, you can imagine his concern about these two.”

“Looking at it from that perspective, yeah, I can’t blame him.”

Becket readied the handheld scanner as Victoria laid back on one of the infirmary beds. Janice connected Victoria’s tablet to the computer then Becket started the scan. The wand was waved over her abdomen and the picture rendered on both the computer screen and her tablet.

“Everything is looking good,” Janice said. When the scan was finished and Becket examined the render, he agreed that the babies were fine.

“Now I’d like to go over some things,” Becket said, “in my office, please.”

“Okay,” Victoria said, somewhat worried by his sudden change in demeanor. She followed him to his office and shut the door after they entered. “What’s wrong? Are the babies okay? What aren’t you telling me?”

“Oh love, no, sorry. The babies are fine, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“I think Zy’s fears are rubbing off on me. So what’s going on?”

“I’m returning to Earth. Permanently.”

Victoria’s face fell. “What? Why?”

“My mother passed last night and I’ve been thinking about my brother and sister. They don’t know where I am or what I’m doing and they’re all I have left.” His Scottish accent thickened, “I can continue my research there. Plus I could see my nieces and nephews. Maybe find someone myself.”

“Oh Becket, I don’t want you to go. Zy will have a fit if Neville has to deliver these babies.”

Becket managed a chuckle, “I think he could manage it.”

Victoria leaned against his desk, holding his hands. “I’m so sorry about your mother. Would you let me return with you, pay my respects and such, and be there for you?”

“I sincerely doubt the High Chancellor would allow you to return to Earth, and once you show up in the bridge control room down there, the Oversight Committee won’t let you return back here.”

“I could bring him with us,” she said with a sly grin, “I’m sure…”

Becket smiled, “I don’t think that will happen either. Thank you, though. I know you want to be there, but it’s not in your best interest.”

“Have you talked to Vince yet?”

“No. I will after this.”

Victoria embraced him again, “I will miss you so much,” she said as she began to cry. “So very much. Oh, I hope you change your mind. I really, really hope you’ll change your mind.”

Becket held her close, “I will miss you more than anything,” he said and kissed her ear before parting from her. “I will keep in contact and make a few trips.”

“What if the Oversight Committee seeks revenge on you for helping me to escape?”

“I’ll put the fear of your husband into them.”

Victoria smiled, “I’m serious, Becket. I know Vince covered for you and said you weren’t involved in any way, but they have to have their suspicions.”

“I don’t think any of the six that held you are still there. Your husband shook things up quite a bit and Vince has made sure they’ve stayed pretty shaken. I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll talk to Ja’val and see if we can’t get you a subspace communicator that’ll work from Earth to here.”

“I don’t think that’s possible, but if he could, that would be great.”

Victoria wiped away her tears, “How soon before you let everyone know? I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep from bursting into tears every time I see you.”

“I’ll go talk to Vince now. I’ll let the staff know this afternoon.”

“When are you heading down?”

“In the morning.”

“Too soon.”

“I have a wake and a funeral…”

“I know, I’m just being selfish.” She gave him another hug, “Okay. Go and talk to Vince. I need to let Zy know. He’ll want to come and…probably kill you for not being here for his babies.”

Becket laughed, “I’m glad he thinks so highly of me.”

She smiled, “He does. Go…before I start crying again.”

When he left the office, Victoria braced herself then used her subspace communicator to contact her husband.

“He is what?” Zy’nayth asked after she told him the news, “I have a pregnant wife, he cannot possibly leave until the babies are born.”

“I told him you’d say that,” she smiled, “honey, you have to see it from his point of view.”

She heard him sigh. “I do. I understand. I need to take care of a few important items then I will bridge over in a few hours. Thank you for telling me.”

“I love you, Zy.”

She tended to the morning rounds then went and talked to Ja’val. Though he told her that a subspace communicator wasn’t currently a possibility between Earth and Terra 2, he said he’d try to find a solution.

Zy’nayth arrived just as the senior staff, the Alpha Team, and the medical staff were being assembled in the mess hall for the news. When the High Chancellor walked in, most of the people thought the news was about Victoria, all were shocked and stunned when Becket told them of his plans.

Hugs and tears were shared and when the High Chancellor approached the doctor, the room went quiet.

“You do realize the trouble this is going to cause?” he said to the doctor.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“I have two babies on the way and now no one to deliver them. I cannot have this. Victoria will be hysterical without you around. Have you seen her when she is hysterical? You may as well take me with you. I do not think I will survive it.”

Chris was the first to burst into laughter, followed by John and Kaven. Victoria smiled when Becket erupted into his own fit of laughter. The High Chancellor reached out and shook the doctor’s hand, “My friend, you will be sorely missed. I will have a subspace locator beacon ready for you in the morning before your departure. Should you ever need my assistance, I will come for you.”

“And if they take it from me?”

“If it is removed and not turned off, the alarm will sound and I will come. I fixed that little mistake when I got my wife back. Now is there anything I can do for you before you leave?”

“No, but thank you for the offer.”

“Do you need help packing?” Victoria asked.

“Did most of it last night when I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t have much to pack.

“Anything at all?” Victoria asked. “I want to help with something.”

“Sorry, love. Nothing.”

“You’re welcome to join Victoria for dinner if you wish to talk privately,” Zy’nayth said as they walked Becket to his chambers. “I, obviously, would be willing to join in the discussion, though dinner would be out of the question for me.”

“Thank you, but no. I want a little quiet time. Alone.”

Victoria gave him a kiss on his cheek before he went into his quarters. Be’atta waited until the door was shut then she darted across the hall to Victoria and Zy’nayth. “Did you talk him into staying?” she asked.

Victoria shook her head.

“Command…err…High Chancellor, can’t you talk him into staying?” Be’atta asked.

“He needs to pay his respects to his mother. That is important. But he will return.”

“What?” Victoria asked, “Has he said something to you that he hasn’t to me?”

“His brother lives in New York, his sister in England. He will not see his nieces and nephews as much as he thinks. He will tire of it and return.”

“How do you know where is family lives?”

“His contact list and a map of your world.”

“His contact list from his personal computer?” Victoria asked.

“It was sitting on his desk and I knew you two would be full of tears and not thinking straight, so I pulled up his information. I now have his home address and other information so that you can contact him.”

“The First Science Commander said a subspace communicator wouldn’t work from here,” Victoria said as someone walked past.

“It will not. But within the Milky Way, it will. We just have to take a little trip.”

“When your wife goes into labor, she’ll be on board that ship headed for Earth, won’t she?” Be’atta said.

“Of course.”

“Do you think he’ll really get bored and want to come back?” Victoria asked.

“I think so. Perhaps not right away, but this research is too addictive. He has made more leaps and bounds with it than my own Science Commander has. Something will spark, either the lack of seeing the children or an idea for the solution, and he will be back.

“Even if we have to go dragging him back tooth and nail.” Be’atta gave both of them hugs then left.

“Did he at least run the scan?” Zy’nayth asked with a smile.

“Yes dear, everything is still perfect,” she said as she handed him her tablet. He studied the images every night.

May 11, 2117

The next morning, the High Chancellor handed Becket a subspace communicator. “It will only work when I have a ship close to Earth, within your solar system. I will try to rotate my more trustworthy crews there. I do not want to find out they have gone off and decided to start culling food from your planet. I also have asked the First Science Commander to work on getting a satellite system set up in your galaxy so that I can avoid sending ships your direction.”

“Thank you, sir,” he said.

Zy’nayth shook his hand, “I am sorry for your loss, my friend. You have my condolences.”

Victoria and the others followed with hugs and offers of well wishes, then Becket walked over the bridge portal and found himself in the control room of Expedition: Andromeda’s Central Command center in Colorado on Earth.

“Are you going to be all right?” Zy’nayth asked his wife as people began dispersing. “I am sure General Cavanaugh can have Dr. Danielson take over this first shift for you.”

“It’ll keep my mind off of things. I hope. Anyway, Vince said Central Command would be sending over another doctor this afternoon.”

“Very well, I shall return home.” He pressed a button on his wrist guard that automatically dialed the island bridge without the people of Terra 2 able to detect the address. “Contact me if you are going to be late. And do not forget the scan.”

Victoria smiled, “I won’t forget,” she said and headed towards the infirmary.

***

“For what it’s worth,” Chris said as he met with Vince, Kaven, and the rest of the Alpha Team, “Becket didn’t know of anything that was a polar opposite of whatever it is they’re researching for the Rayth. Meaning, so far, we still don’t have a weapon to use against them.”

“Did he pick up on your questions?” Kaven asked.

“Nah. I was actually straight up with him.”

“Chris!” John exclaimed, “We said we…”

“I know, I know, hear me out. I told him exactly what we said. We can trust Zy’nayth, at least we’re pretty sure we can, but he did have traitors on his flagship, and he can’t control all Rayth. We need to be able to defend ourselves if he can’t come to our aid. Especially when we’re out in the field. If we had a stunner or something like that which could repel Rayth, not actually kill them, we could protect our own a lot better than we can now. Unless we shoot one in the head, we have no way to stop them. Even as a sharpshooter, unless I’m in position and waiting for them, I can’t even guarantee I can make the shot in a surprise attack. He got that.”

“But you did tell him not to say a word to Ja’val and Victoria, right?” John asked.

“I did,” Chris said. “I told him that Ja’val would probably take it the wrong way. We haven’t known him long enough to know anything about him, really. And Victoria, though she may understand, it would be hard to explain to other Rayth why the High Chancellor’s wife was knowledgeable of us trying to build a weapon to use against Rayth. Becket agreed, but he did say that if he was asked outright, he wouldn’t lie.”

“That’s Becket’s way,” Vince said.

“Puts us in a bit of bind if he’s asked,” John said.

“Not really,” Vince replied. “Chris spoke the truth. If Zy’nayth takes issue with what we’re doing, we tell him what Chris just stated: we trust him, we can’t trust every Rayth we encounter. As a matter of fact, can he trust all Rayth? I doubt his answer would be yes. Anyway, John, do you have the evacuation plans ready?”

John nodded, “Printed copies only. Don’t want it on our computers in case they’re being monitored.” He passed around the sheets of paper and went over the plan. Should they come under attack, he, with Simon’s help, determined the safest places in the city for those who wouldn’t be able to bridge off-world. The second part of the plan was dealing with Rayth if they were to get into the city. That required a lot more thought, and as the group went over the plans, they refined them. Get the civvies, to designated areas; each military team, like John’s Alpha Team, would have an area they were to cover. It wasn’t the best solution, but at this point, it was all they had.

 

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