E:A Vol 1 Ch 20—December 13, 2117

Word of the Supreme Commander’s return spread throughout the galaxy as fast as communications would allow it. After the surprise visit to Jarstal, all of the other military outposts began scrambling to get their posts in order so as not to disappoint their leader. There was an unexpected event two weeks after the Jarstal visit. The flagship fell into orbit alongside what was considered the second best ship in the fleet, simply called the Second Ship. The High Chancellor wanted to make sure that it wasn’t just the outposts that would be facing his scrutiny.

“I hope you found my ship satisfactory,” the Commander of the Second Ship said as he sat behind his desk. The High Chancellor and his First Commander took the offered seats.

“Satisfactory, yes, but improvements could be made. Are your troops combat ready?”

“Yes, sir. And constantly training to hone their abilities.”

“That is good to hear. But to more pressing matters. Commander, I would like an explanation as to why you have not yet found the Gyhan basecamp.”

“Sir, I have submitted numerous reports…”

Zy’nayth slammed his fist on the table as he stood, “I have seen your reports; I want an explanation. Why have you not found them?”

“They move, sir. I don’t believe there’s one single base of command. I have other commanders searching for any locations that have been frequented. It’s our belief that they switch command centers on a routine basis, but we don’t yet have a pattern, nor do we know for certain, the locations…”

“Why was this information, your idea, not in your reports?”

“It is unsubstantiated. I didn’t want to waste your time.”

“I made it clear, to all of the commanders of this fleet, that I wanted—and expected—full disclosure. Any lead, any idea, any hint of where they were and what they were up to.”

“But…”

Zy’nayth’s fist sent the Commander flying out of his chair onto the floor. “But? There are no ‘buts’ when I give an order. Do not test me, Commander. When I state I want full disclosure, that is what I want and I expect nothing less. If I wish to, as you say, waste my time reading such things, that is my prerogative.” He straightened his jacket and headed towards the door. “My First will remain here to download all of your files on this situation and you will supply him with all of your ‘ideas.’ Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir,” the Commander replied, standing, holding his bloodied nose.

Zy’nayth left the office, which, as on all Rayth ships, was just off of the main bridge. He made contact with his own ship and was teleported back.

The bloodied Commander pulled an inch-long narrow piece of glass from his desk drawer and tossed it across the table to the First Commander. “The files,” he said then crossed to the other side of the desk and leaned against it as the First Commander began loading the files onto his tablet.

“Who does he think he is coming onto my ship and breaking my nose?”

“He is the High Chancellor of the Raythian Empire and the Supreme Commander of the Raythian Spacefleet and Army,” the First Commander said without looking up from his tablet as the files transferred. “I am ready to hear of your ideas.”

“If he wants to know what they are, he can come back here and apologize then take his own notes instead of leaving his lap dog to do it.”

The First Commander set his tablet aside, stood, and knowing he couldn’t land the punch his superior had, spun and landed a kick in the Commander’s stomach that set him toppling over his desk back onto the floor. “You are his subordinate, and I am his First. It is best if you do not forget the chain of command. Now,” he said, straightening his jacket and picking his tablet back up, “he gave you an order, and the sooner you comply and give me the information he wants, the sooner I will be off of your ship.”

***

“He is not to be trusted,” the First Commander said when he returned to the flagship crew and met with Zy’nayth. He explained what had happened after the High Chancellor left. “I know men say things out of fear or anger. It’s to be expected,” he said, “but there was something more behind what he said. And I believe there is more going on than what’s in those files or what he ‘thinks’ is happening.”

“Watch yourself,” Zy’nayth said. “It may not have been wise for you to physically discipline him. It is one thing for him to come after me, it is expected in my job. It is another for him to start seeking vengeance against my senior staff.”

“If I am to succeed as First Commander, and perhaps, should you choose to step down as Supreme Commander, I must have their respect, or as you pointed out, they must fear me.”

“So you want my job?”

The First Commander gave him a sly smile, “I did not rise up in the ranks to settle for being the First. But I have much to learn. And I will learn.”

“So you will. But take care to watch your back.”

***

Zy’nayth told Victoria of the day’s events and though she was worried about the Commander of the Second Ship, she was more worried about the First Commander’s remarks.

“Do you trust him? He’s not going to try and kill you for your job is he?”

“He is not stupid,” Zy’nayth said.

“Do you trust him?” she asked again. “Should I be worried for myself and our kids if you’re not here?”

“I do not think he would attempt to harm you or the children or me. As I said, he is not stupid; he knows he cannot best me and he knows if he harms my family I would seek vengeance. Do not worry about him, Victoria.”

“All right,” she sighed, “I’ll try.”

The door chime sounded and Zy’nayth left the kitchen where Victoria was eating her dinner. “Come,” he shouted as he entered the main room.

“Sorry to bother you, sir,” the First Commander said, “but I found something I thought you’d like to see right away.” He handed over his glass computer tablet, “I noticed that some files had been altered, so I did a little un-altering. It’s a little hobby of mine. And found this.”

Zy’nayth’s eyes quickly took in the page. “Who else knows?”

“Just you, sir.”

“Keep it that way.”

“Are we going to keep this quiet?”

“Until I find out how far this has spread, yes. Is this the only file you found?”

“I see several others, but I haven’t had an opportunity yet to recover them.”

“When you do…”

“I will make a copy for you. I just thought you needed to see this right away.”

“Good work, Commander.”

“I can have the files transmitted to the First Science Commander on Terra 2 if you wish.”

“No. That won’t be necessary. Not yet, anyway. However, should you be unable to break into a hidden file, you may ask for his assistance, no one else’s. Just keep me informed.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

“And First Commander…you may get some rest. You have been pushing yourself to make up for…”

“I’m quite all right, sir.”

“I need you well rested and thinking clearly. Things are going to get more difficult. You have proven you can run this ship. If you had not, I would not have left you behind, alone, with the Commander of the Second Ship.”

“Thank you, sir,” he said with a bow then left.

Once Victoria was sure the First Commander had left, she walked out of the kitchen. “I take it that other commander is up to no good.”

“It would seem that he may be a traitor, and that there may be more than I care to realize.”

“Why would they align themselves with the Gyhan?”

“That has yet to be determined.”

“But you have to have some ideas?”

“I do now.”

“So…?”

“I need to think them through.”

***

Over the course of the next few months, Victoria’s contact with Terra 2 was limited only to the research of finding a way for Rayth to subsist on normal food, there was barely any personal contact with her friends. Zy’nayth continued to visit his main ships, a few simple transports, as well as all of the major Raythian military outposts, and a few of the more isolated planets.

Vince and the crew back on Terra 2 worried that they might not ever see Victoria again. Her sudden and seemingly permanent departure had them worried. When they asked Ja’val about it, he told them what he’d been told to tell them: the High Chancellor is making sure things are staying up to his standards, which requires lengthy journeys, and which he refuses to do without his newborns with him. Victoria had to go.

“But he didn’t have to cut off her ties to us,” John said after a discussion two months after Victoria’s departure.

“That’s something you will have to discuss with the High Chancellor,” Ja’val shrugged. “Please believe me when I say that Victoria is not being held against her will. She is aware of certain facts that I cannot divulge to you, and therefore she is making this sacrifice. She is safe and unharmed.”

April 8, 2118

“How long will you be staying?” General Cavanaugh asked when Victoria, Zy’nayth, and their babies appeared in the control room. It had been over three months since Victoria had step foot in the main glass tower on Terra 2.

“Not long,” Zy’nayth answered then turned to his First Science Commander, “We have a lot to cover, we should get started. Victoria, do you need help with the children?”

She shook her head, “Nope, here comes Becket.”

“Keep me informed of their progress,” he said then handed Ky’nayth to the doctor and strode off with the First Science Commander, giving Becket and Vince only a nod.

“Wow,” Vince said, “he’s in full-on Supreme Commander mode isn’t he? And sorry, the Alpha Team is out for a few days though they sent well wishes when I told them you were arriving this morning.”

“Well tell them I miss them. And sorry about the High Chancellor, I wish I could have warned you.”

“The First Science Commander mentioned it, but still, I kind of got used to the other side of him. Anyway, how are you holding up?”

She gave him a wide smile, “I’m fine. A little stir crazy, but otherwise fine.”

“I hate to break up the party,” Becket said, “but I’m guessing that the High Chancellor is going to want a report on these six-month-olds as soon as possible.”

She nodded, “Lead the way, Doc.”

***

“So,” Becket said as he began his check-up of the twins, “the First Science Commander finally got permission to tell us that your husband is out reestablishing his authority. He said he’s got everyone on their toes. Can you tell us why he’s keeping you away from us? Why can’t you even contact us?”

She shook her head, “Sworn to secrecy. But I’ve missed you guys. And,” she reached into her large bag and pulled out a small glass chip, “I have tons of photos for you.”

“Bless you,” Becket said taking the chip and slipping it into his lab coat pocket, “I’ve missed these little guys.”

“From the way they’re responding to you, they’ve missed you too.”

“I’m doubt they could possibly remember me.”

“I don’t think they could forget that sweet Scottish accent.” She held Mik’Kenna as he examined Ky’nayth. “You still glad you decided to come back to Terra 2?”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry I haven’t been able to help as much with the research, at least not being able to participate in brain-storming sessions and stuff. I put all of my latest ideas on the same chip with the babies’ pictures. My husband has been forwarding some things directly to the First Science Commander.”

“Has the First Science Commander been keeping you updated on our end of the work?”

“The High Chancellor hasn’t been in contact with him as frequently, so I think the latest batch I received was from two weeks ago.”

“Go on into the office and download the latest info. I can handle the little guy.”

Victoria pulled out her tablet out of her bag while shifting Mik’kenna in her arm. “Be right back,” she said.

A couple of minutes later she returned. “I think I got everything. Hi Janice.”

“Hi Doc,” she smiled, “here let me take that little girl from you. Time for the little guy to have a some blood drawn, he’ll probably want Mommy to hold him for that.”

Victoria handed her daughter to Janice then hopped up on the exam table. Becket handed baby Ky’nayth to her and she smothered him with affection. “Okay, Doc,” she said, “I think we’re ready.”

The tiny needle went in, then Ky’nayth’s eyes welled up with tears as he burst into sobs. Victoria stroked his hair and kissed his cheek, trying to comfort him.

“Sorry, little guy,” Becket said, offering his own comforting touch to the baby, “almost done.”

A moment later, Zy’nayth came storming into the infirmary. “What happened?” he bellowed. “Where is my son?”

“Right here, sir,” Janice said, pointing behind the curtain, “he’s all right. Just getting some blood drawn.”

Becket just finished and Zy’nayth reached out and took his son from Victoria. She watched him quizzically. “You couldn’t have heard him cry…”

“Of course I heard him.”

“Telepathy,” Becket replied, “Makes sense that your husband’s abilities, all of them, would be passed along to his children. I’m amazed, however, that he was able to communicate at such a young age.”

“What?” Victoria asked, shocked, “I didn’t even know…”

“I only sensed his sudden fear,” Zy’nayth said, “he cannot yet communicate.” Ky’nayth calmed, his father’s presence and telepathic reassurances settling him, so the High Chancellor handed him back to Victoria. “I will hold Mik’kenna for her draw, she is already startled by her brother’s reaction.”

Janice gently turned over the girl to her father. She reached up wanting to tug on his chin then gurgled when she couldn’t reach it.

“Ready?” Becket asked.

“Go ahead,” the High Chancellor said as he stroked his baby’s cheeks. Becket drew the blood and though Mik’kenna startled, she didn’t cry out. There were a few tears, but she was enchanted by her father’s attention. “Good girl,” he said softly to her, “you are very brave.”

“I still have to do her check-up,” Becket said, “but your son’s went well. Healthy as can be. Are you sure you don’t want me to give them vaccinations?”

Zy’nayth handed Mik’kenna back to Janice, “No vaccinations. Period. Victoria, when he is finished, please let me know how their check-ups went. I will be in our chambers with the First Science Commander.”

“Of course,” she replied.

He gave them a nod then returned to his work.

“Are you sure you’re handling this okay?” Becket asked, “He just seems so…dictatorial.”

“I wish he weren’t so while we’re here, but he has to be. When we’re alone, he’s his normal loving self.”

“How long will this go on?” Janice asked, helping Becket with Mik’kenna’s exam.

“Hopefully not much longer. Being cooped up in his quarters on the ship is driving me crazy. At least I can look out at the stars. Make sure,” she said as Becket began the scan, “everything’s okay, I mean, you know, about the problems with female Rayth.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” he said.

“So how are things between Lutia and the First Science Commander?” Victoria smiled.

“Things have cooled a bit since the High Chancellor went back to commanding the fleet,” Janice said.

“His decision or hers? Or both?”

“His, apparently,” she replied. “Doesn’t want to involve her in anything in case something comes up.”

“Oh, that’s heartbreaking…I hope my husband didn’t tell him to do this.”

“However,” Janice said as she nudged Becket, “someone has finally started seeing someone.”

“Becket? Who is she?” Victoria grinned. “Tell me.”

“Her name is Brynna and she’s a Major that came on board when Doc decided to return to us. Very pretty brunette,” Janice said, full of smiles.

“And how long have you two been dating?” Victoria said.

“Just a couple of weeks,” Becket said.

“Do you like her? Is it going to get serious? Come on fill me in!”

Becket chuckled, “We’ve only had dinner a few times. I don’t know where things are headed. Now may I return to the exam so that your husband doesn’t storm in here wondering why it’s taking so long?”

“Oh I wish I could stay a while,” Victoria sighed, “I’d like to meet her. I feel so isolated from everyone now. And I’m missing out on all the good gossip.”

Becket avoided any further questions about his current dating status. He finished his exam and downloaded all of the data and scans onto Victoria’s tablet. She bundled her kids into the stroller and headed to her quarters, knowing her husband was probably already wondering where they were.

She entered, both her husband and the First Science Commander falling silent. “Both kids are perfectly healthy,” she said, “and probably close to wanting some food.”

“When you finish feeding them,” Zy’nayth said, “you could spend some time visiting your friends.”

“They’re wondering how long we’ll be staying. Do you have any idea yet?”

“We will leave in two hours.”

Victoria sighed, “All right. I’ll meet you in the control room.” She gave Ja’val a smile, “Good to see you. I miss having you on the ship.”

He gave her a simple nod, and she went to the nursery to tend to her babies. As soon as she shut the door she began to cry. And when, after twenty minutes, she hadn’t left the chambers to visit her friends, the High Chancellor went to check on her. She was curled up in the oversized chair, staring out of the window at the waves surrounding the sea city.

“Have the babies been fed?” he asked, perplexed.

She nodded.

“And you do not wish to visit your friends?”

“Most are off-world,” she said, unable to hide the crack in her voice.

Zy’nayth walked over and saw the tears. “I am sorry, Victoria.”

“Can’t we stay a couple of days? John and the team will be back then and…”

“We cannot.”

“Zy, I’m trying my best, but I’m going crazy being stuck in those little rooms on your ship. I have no one to talk to. I feel like a prisoner.”

“I do not have time to discuss this now. You have an opportunity now to visit friends, please take advantage of it.”

Victoria wiped away her tears and quickly packed up the babies into the stroller and headed out. Since the Alpha Team was off-world, she returned to the infirmary, not knowing where she wanted to go or who she wanted to see.

“Something wrong?” Janice asked when Victoria entered.

“They’re talking. I was bored. Is Becket busy?”

“He’s in his office. Rounds are done so you two can take your time and catch up,” she said, noticing the unmistakable red splotches left from crying.

“Thanks, Janice.”

Becket motioned for her to enter when she knocked on his door. “Don’t tell me he wants more scans done.”

“No,” she said as he pulled the stroller into the office. She shut the door, leaned against it and burst into tears.

“Oh love, what’s wrong?” he asked pulling her into his embrace.

“I think it would have been better if I hadn’t come here,” she said, wiping at her tears. “It makes me feel more isolated and alone. I should have stayed on the ship. We’re leaving in an hour and a half and I won’t get to see Be’atta and Chris and the rest of the guys. I don’t want to go. He doesn’t have time to talk about it. I just want to scream and cry and I don’t want to go back on that ship.”

“All right, stay. Tell him you have to. He’ll have to understand.”

“I can’t. The way he’s got things going, if I stay, it’ll cause problems.”

“Surely a short stay, a week, wouldn’t do much damage.”

“I don’t know. I just…I need to stick by him. This was all my idea. I told him to go back to being the Supreme Commander. I can’t back out.”

“You wouldn’t be. You’d just be taking a few days to let some normalcy back into your life. Listen, I can talk to him and tell him…honey, have the children been around anyone other than you and Zy’nayth?”

“No. And don’t bother him. I’ll be fine. I just needed to vent. Let it out. I don’t want him worrying about me, he has enough on his mind.”

“Victoria, you need to talk to him about how you feel. If you don’t, you know you’ll blow up at some point and that would be worse. And you need to talk to him before you get back on that ship.”

“I can’t. He doesn’t have time.”

“He will have to make time.”

“Becket…”

“Doctor’s orders,” he said.

Victoria and Becket talked until he insisted that they return to her quarters and confront the High Chancellor. He wasn’t about to let her get back on that ship until she had done so. He walked with her to her chambers, and as before, when the door opened, the two Rayth fell silent.

“I hate to interrupt,” Becket said after pushing in the stroller, “but it’s important, sir, that you and Victoria talk before you return to your ship. She is need of a little reprieve.”

“There is no time.”

“I must insist,” Becket said.

Victoria put a hand on her husband’s arm, “It’s okay,” she said, “we can talk later.”

“High Chancellor,” Becket continued, undeterred, “it’s unhealthy for your wife and your children to be kept isolated in your quarters for months on end. Victoria needs to have some interaction with people, and your children most definitely need it.”

“You will not tell me how to raise my children!”

“You’ve told me that you respect my medical opinion and I’m telling you that those kids need to explore and play and be around other people.”

“You mean other humans.”

“No. I mean anyone. They never leave your quarters. Victoria said this is the first time they’ve been out since they embarked on the ship four months ago. I refuse to let you…”

Zy’nayth stood, immediately towering over the Scotsman, “You refuse…? Do you have any idea who you are talking to?”

“Zy…” Victoria said softly, “honey, it’s okay. We’ll make it work.”

“High Chancellor,” Becket said, “I understand that you need to maintain your authority, but from what little I’ve seen and heard today, you are out of control. This…this outburst is proof of that. Sir, your wife is emotionally spent, and I know that’s something you’d normally do anything to prevent. Talk to her. You need to work something out.”

The High Chancellor looked at his First Science Commander, “Do you agree with the Doctor? Am I, as he claims, out of control?”

“As a member of your crew, my answer is no. As your friend, my answer is yes.”

Zy’nayth let out a frustrated growl. He turned to Becket and gave him a slight bow. “Thank you, Doctor. I will talk with my wife.”

“And I shall excuse myself,” Ja’val said.

“Contact the First and let him know I may be delayed,” Zy’nayth said.

“Yes, sir,” Ja’val said as he left with Becket.

Victoria pushed the stroller to the nursery and Zy’nayth tenderly put his children into their cribs. “I cannot leave them behind,” he said.

“Just a week, Zy. Please. You know they’d be safe here. You know Becket…everyone here would protect them. I can’t stay cooped up much longer. I’m sorry, I should have said something earlier. I just…it didn’t really hit me until I was here and saw Janice and Becket and…”

“How long have I been…”

“Oh honey, it’s not that. You’re fine when we’re alone. But I guess I didn’t expect you to be the Supreme Commander around your friends…all the time…like today.”

“This is not what I wanted. Forgive me, Victoria.”

She slipped her arms around his waist, “Forgiven. How about we both spend a week here. You’ve got a lot on your shoulders right now. I know you haven’t told me everything, but I know it’s huge. A little rest and relaxation would be good for both of us.”

“I should return to the ship.”

“You can make it look like you’re trying to smooth things over with Terra 2 since you abruptly cut off all ties and kidnapped your wife. Contact the Vice Chancellor, he can do his thing and…”

“All right.”

“Really?”

Zy’nayth bent down and gave her a tender kiss, “Yes. I need to return to the ship. I will return as soon as I can.”