E:A Vol 2 Ch 2—June 22, 2118

“The High Chancellor healed all of the damaged tissue, now it’s just a matter of getting her to eat,” Becket said as the Alpha Team met the following afternoon. “She’s back to pulling out the IV, but at lunch he was hand feeding her and she ate some of what he gave her. Not as much as she should be eating, but it’s a start.”

“Doc, will she ever be our Victoria again?” Chris asked.

“I believe so. I consulted with Jennifer Maison, and she’s confident Victoria will recover, though it may take a while. Her decline was pretty rapid, so I would guess it would be a slow climb back up. I just had her moved back to her chambers, and I think having her husband and children around her will help a great deal. And when the High Chancellor permits, I think we should all try and stop in and…well, be there for her.”

“Do you think he’ll want to take her back to his ship?” Kaven asked. “Since the ball has been set in motion with the rebels, I’m sure this isn’t the best of times for him to be out of the command chair.”

“He hasn’t said anything. I think his only concern right now has been healing her physically. If he does want to return to the ship, and take her with him, I may have a fight on my hands. I don’t think that’s the environment for her. Not now,” Becket replied.

“We’ll back you, Doc,” John said, “But considering how hard this hit him, I don’t think you’d have a fight.”

“I hope not.”

When the meeting broke up, Chris and Be’atta decided they’d see if the High Chancellor was allowing visitors so they went up to Victoria’s quarters. He greeted them wearing white cotton pants and a white tee shirt, not his usual uniform.

“She is at the window,” he said pointing to his chair, “she has not yet acknowledged the children.”

“She will, she just needs time,” Be’atta said then walked over to her friend, scooping up Mik’kenna in her arms on the way. “So, Doc, Miss Mik’kenna here seems to be wanting a hug from her mother.”

Victoria startled at the sound of Be’atta’s voice and immediately began looking for the braid. Zy’nayth had been tired and had given her the one he had cut from his hair so that he could try and rest without having to sit at her feet so she could feel the one in his hair.

“Zy! Zy! Zy!”

He pointed to the braid on the windowsill and Be’atta handed it to her. “I have Mik’kenna right here,” she said again. “Want to give her a hug and a kiss?”

“Not my Kenna. He took her. He took my babies and left. This is all I have left of him.”

“Doc,” Chris said, holding baby Ky’nayth, “why don’t you sit down here on the floor with us? Ky’s become quite the little explorer.”

“Not my Ky!”

“Come on, Doc, it’ll be fun. Look, we have all kinds of toys,” Chris said.

“It is of no use,” Zy’nayth sighed.

“Don’t know unless you try. Get down here big guy. We all can play.”

Be’atta handed Mik’kenna to her father then went over and gave Victoria’s hand a gentle tug, “Come. You know how Chris loves to play with the babies.”

“My babies. He took them.”

“Honey, look,” Be’atta gently turned Victoria’s head, “See? There are your babies. And there’s Chris. And Zy’nayth. Look, honey.”

Victoria only blinked, however she didn’t turn back to the window. Be’atta waited a few seconds and gave her hand another tug, “Come on, let’s play. The babies want to play with you.”

“Not my babies.”

“Victoria, they are your babies, and they want to play. Come on, sit down here with me.”

Though she was apprehensive, Victoria scooted out of the chair and sat on the floor. Mik’kenna, directly across from her, tried to dive out of Zy’nayth’s hands into Victoria’s lap. Zy’nayth released her at the last moment when he saw that Victoria had dropped the braid and was reaching out to keep the baby from falling.

Mik’kenna was safely caught then drawn close and cried over. “Don’t jump,” Victoria cried, “don’t jump. Don’t jump. Don’t jump.”

Be’atta moved to the side and motioned for Zy’nayth to move next to his wife. Ky’nayth, always observant of his father, crawled over and climbed up into his lap, then he reached out and grabbed his mother’s bony arm. “Ma!” he exclaimed.

For the first time in weeks, Victoria’s eyes cleared. “Ky?”

The boy, supported by his father’s hand was attempting to stand and work his way into his mother’s arms. “Ma!”

Victoria looked at the baby in her arms whose blue eyes were smiling up at her, then she looked at the boy trying to take his sister’s place.

“Victoria?” Chris asked quietly.

She turned to him then back to Ky and finally to Zy’nayth. But her eyes dimmed and she let Mik’kenna crawl down onto the floor.

“She knew,” Be’atta said quietly. “It may have only been a moment, but that was our Victoria and she knew you guys.”

Chris and Be’atta were soon joined by John and Kaven. Be’atta let the men play on the floor with the toddlers while she watched Victoria’s reactions. Though Victoria didn’t interact with anyone, she did watch the babies as they crawled around and were played with. She also picked the dropped braid back up and clutched it.

After an hour, Be’atta told everyone that they should leave so that Victoria and the High Chancellor could rest. She tended to feeding and changing the diapers then saw herself out. Zy’nayth sat on the sofa and was asleep before Be’atta had finished with one baby. Victoria moved back up into his chair and stared out of the window.

When the door chime sounded, it was dark outside and Zy’nayth began to panic when Victoria wasn’t in his chair. He opened the door to find Becket standing there with a tray for Victoria.

“I just woke up, I do not know where she went,” he said, then went to the kitchen and bedroom to find them empty, then he darted into the babies’ room and found her sitting in the rocking chair watching the babies sleep. “She is with them,” he said coming back into the main room, visibly relieved.

“That’s good,” Becket said, “and you look like you should go to your ship to…refresh yourself. Babies probably need changed, and I can tend to that.”

“I will be quick,” Zy’nayth said, then grabbed his comlink from a table and told his ship to teleport him to the food storage area. It took him less than two minutes and when he teleported back into their quarters, he heard his wife repeating “No, no, no, no.”

He went into the babies’ room and found her trying to keep Becket away from the cribs. She wasn’t screaming, but she was flailing at him and trying to push him away.

“Victoria, he is only going to change their diapers,” Zy’nayth said, “it is okay.”

“No, no, no, no!”

“Perhaps Janice could be of assistance?” Zy’nayth suggested as he tried to gently embrace his wife and pull her away from the doctor.

“No!” she screamed, “Don’t take my babies!”

Becket used his comlink to contact Janice, “I think a woman doing this wouldn’t upset her as much,” he said after explaining the situation. “Thanks, love.”

“No!” Victoria said, wiggling, trying to break free from Zy’nayth’s hold. “No!”

Becket answered the door as soon as it chimed and led Janice into the babies’ room. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”

“No problem,” she said and went over to Mik’kenna’s crib. “I’ve missed you little one,” she said sweetly. And with Becket out of the room, and only Janice at the crib, Zy’nayth felt his wife’s tension ease so he released her from his embrace. She went over and watched Janice and the baby intently.

Zy’nayth went back into the main room and sat back down on the sofa. “I am going to have to put Janice on my payroll,” he said.

“You know, it won’t kill you to change a diaper,” Becket said.

“You do not know that for certain,” Zy’nayth said, offering just a hint of a smile.

“Well, at least I know your weakness,” Becket allowed himself a chuckle then got serious again. “Victoria needs to eat. She doesn’t have to eat everything on the tray, but try to get her to eat at least a quarter of everything. Try to get her to drink all of the juice. She needs to be hydrated.”

“I will do my best.”

“Then you two get some sleep.”

“I just had a rather long nap. But I will see that she rests.”

“It’s a good sign that she didn’t attack you when I left the room. I thought maybe she’d go after you even if Janice was there.”

“I do not believe she really knows that I was there.”

“You were holding her.”

“But she…I do not think she wishes to see me.”

“She does, Zy’nayth, she does, more than anything. It will take time.”

“The babies have been duly tended to,” Janice said, walking into the living room.

“What was Victoria’s reaction?” Becket asked.

“She just stood next to me and watched. She’s back in the rocking chair. Would you like me to feed them?”

“I can tend to that,” Zy’nayth said, “but thank you.”

Janice walked over and sat beside him, “Listen, there’s room in there for a cot. If Doc here is okay with it, I can take a few days off and stay here, be a nanny for the twins. That way you can focus on your wife.”

“No, I will be fine, but thank you.”

“Zy’nayth, I think it would be a good idea,” Becket said. “Be’atta’s got to be out with the team, and Victoria’s reaction to Lutia was not a good one since she knows Lutia was with the twins and you. You don’t really trust anyone else, and this way Janice can see to meals and keep me up to date. As much as I love doting on Victoria, I do have other patients and duties. I’ll stop in regularly, but at least with Janice here, I wouldn’t feel like I have to be here all of the time.”

“You would not mind, Janice?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Sir, if it would have been a problem for me, I wouldn’t have offered. Let me help you.”

“Very well. Thank you.”

“Then I’m going to head out, find a cot, and pack up a few things,” Janice smiled.

“There is room for a small bed,” Zy’nayth said, “I do not want you sleeping on a cot. Tell General Cavanaugh that I request one be brought in.”

Becket nodded, “I will. Go on Janice, get your things, I’ll make sure the bed gets here. Zy’nayth, try and get your wife to eat something.”

“I will. Thank you both. I do not deserve such friends.”

“Well, you’re stuck with us,” Janice smiled and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you came back for her.”

“So am I.”

Zy’nayth took the tray of food into the babies’ room and set it on their dresser. He realized he could make a little more room by moving things around so he took care of that but the minute his hand touched Mik’kenna’s crib, Victoria shouted, “No!” and ran over to him and swatted at his hand.

“I am just moving the cribs over there.”

Victoria frowned and looked to where he pointed.

“I am just moving the furniture. You saw me move the other things, that is all I am doing.”

Victoria took a step back and Zy’nayth began to push the crib. She reached out again to try and stop him.

“I am just moving the crib over there. It is okay, Victoria.”

She brought her hands to her mouth and began to cry but she didn’t interfere. Once Mik’kenna’s crib was moved she made sure the baby was still in it then fretted while he moved Ky’nayth’s crib.

“See, they are still there and you can see both of them from your rocking chair.” He pulled up one of the other chairs in the room next to hers, “Now you need to eat.” The tall glass of juice had a straw and he offered it to her, trying not to block her view of the cribs. “Take a drink.”

Victoria obeyed. Zy’nayth held the glass and let her drink as much as she wanted. He smiled when she had downed almost half of the glass before stopping. “I will have Janice get more when she gets here,” he said, then took the lid off of the entrée and began to cut up the food. “I think you like this,” he said as he held the fork to her lips, “go on.”

Victoria turned her head away from the offered food. “If you want to watch the babies, you have to get your strength up, and in order to do that, you need to eat. Please, beloved, take a bite.”

Her eyes went from the cribs to him and after a couple of seconds she opened her mouth. It was a just a sliver of roasted meat. Becket didn’t want her to have anything heavy, but he knew how much she loved roast and so there was just a small portion of it on her tray. She took the first bite and closed her eyes. Suddenly her appetite came roaring back. Zy’nayth was thrilled.

Janice arrived just as the bed was being brought in for her. She walked over and saw that Victoria had a strawberry in one hand while Zy’nayth was giving her a spoonful of soup. “She was starving,” he said with a smile.

“She was, but we couldn’t get her to eat. You have that magic touch. Thank you, gentlemen,” she said, “Sheets?”

“Right behind you,” a man said, walking in with a set of sheets and a blanket. He set them on the bed then the men left.

Janice turned back to Zy’nayth, “I see you redecorated while I was gone.”

“It will give you more room.”

“I would have been fine with a cot, but thank you. Is there anything you need before I start feeding the kids?”

“Victoria drank all of her juice, she could use more.”

“I think water would be best. I’ll be right back,” she said taking the glass. She returned with ice water and food for the babies then set about tending to their dinner while Zy’nayth continued helping his wife.

When Janice picked up Ky’nayth out of his crib, Victoria jolted to her feet, spilling the spoonful of soup she was about to eat. She ignored it and ran to Janice. “No!”

“I’m just going to feed him,” she said. “I’ll sit right there on the edge of the bed, you can watch the whole time.”

Victoria tentatively reached out, wanting to touch the baby to make sure he was real but she pulled back.

“You can sit with me and help.”

Victoria shook her head and went back to her rocking chair. Her eyes never left Janice. Zy’nayth got her to finish her soup and half of her vegetables. She drank all of her water and ate only some of the fruit. He was pleased.

He took the tray to the kitchen and washed it up. As he set the cleaned and dried tray on the counter he heard the pounding of feet running down the hallway. Then a second.

Janice rushed after Victoria, Mik’kenna in her arms, “Take her. I’ll tend to Victoria,” she said, shoving Mik’kenna into Zy’nayth’s arms as she ran into the bathroom. Zy’nayth’s heart sank as he heard his wife retching. He took Mik’kenna back to the babies’ room and finished feeding her then put her back into the crib and returned to the main room.

“She’s going to need a change of clothes,” Janice called out.

Zy’nayth grabbed underclothes and a pair of pajamas for his wife and headed to the bathroom.

“She’ll be fine, it was just too much food too fast.”

“I should have been more attentive to that.”

“It’s not your fault. Besides, you’d have no idea since you don’t eat food. Now, I’m going to draw a bath for her, it’ll help her relax after that vomiting. I may need help getting her in and out of the tub, she’s really weak.” Victoria was curled on the floor, silently crying, “She’s going to be fine. I’m going to let her rest for a few minutes.”

Zy’nayth let his tears flow. “I did this to her. I…I hurt her.”

“This wasn’t your fault.”

“If I had not left, she would not be in this condition.”

“I’m not going to argue that point,” Janice said more angrily than intended. “I’m sorry, but I’ve watched her deteriorate…” she closed her mouth, “We can discuss this later. Set her clothes there,” she pointed then started running the bathwater. When she was sure she had a good temperature, she asked for Zy’nayth’s help getting Victoria to her feet so that she could help her brush her teeth.

Victoria did the task on her own, but she needed Zy’nayth’s help to stay upright. Janice had the bath ready and was going to help Victoria but she shook her head.

“A bath will do you good,” Janice said.

Victoria sat on the edge of the tub and looked at Zy’nayth.

“Does she want me to stay or leave?” he asked.

“Go to her, we’ll find out.”

He walked over and she reached out for him. He closed his eyes and let the tears roll down his cheeks again. “I will tend to her bath,” he said, “thank you, Janice.”

“Yell if you need anything.”

Zy’nayth helped his wife bathe and dress then he carried her to the bedroom. She fell right to sleep. He walked back to the main room and sank down onto the sofa.

“I’m sorry,” Janice said, “for snapping at you.”

“You were not wrong it what you said. There is nothing to be sorry for.”

Janice walked over and sat beside him, taking his large hand into hers. “Zy’nayth, when I found out that you left her, I was filled with rage. I get mad, I’ve lost my temper, but I’ve never felt such rage. Victoria has been such a good friend to me. You were becoming just as close to me as she is. I love both of you so much, and when I heard what you did…I just couldn’t believe it. I had to pray a lot to get over the anger I felt. Obviously, not all of it went away. When I heard you came back…I don’t know if I wanted to kill you or kiss you. Then I saw you look at her. I saw the pain and sorrow in your eyes. I knew then that you didn’t leave her to be mean or malicious. I knew you still loved her very much. Becket has told me a little, and I don’t require an explanation, I just want you to know that I’m sorry that I let my anger get the best of me back there in the bathroom. I shouldn’t have said anything. I know you love her and I want you to know that I love you, too…not, you know, romantically or anything,” she grinned, “no matter how sexy you are in your uniform. I am your friend, and I want to help you and Victoria through this. Please accept my apology.”

Zy’nayth embraced her and held her close, “There is nothing to forgive, and if there was, I forgive you. Thank you for being my friend, and especially being Victoria’s friend.”

“Now,” she said after a few minutes, “it’s been a long day and you need to rest. Go in there and curl up next to your wife. I’ll make sure Ky and Kenna are tended to and if someone comes to the door, I’ll take care of it.”

Zy’nayth kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Janice,” he said then went to the bedroom and did as instructed.

June 23, 2118

When Zy’nayth woke the next morning, Victoria had curled herself into a ball and was as close to him as she could get. He wrapped his arms around her and held her, giving her tender kisses and whispering his love to her. After a while, he got out of the bed without disturbing her and went to shower and change.

“I was going to get her breakfast,” Janice said when he walked into the main room, “but I think I’ll wait until she actually wakes up. She needs the rest. Did you sleep okay?”

He nodded. “I have missed having her at my side.”

“I’m pretty sure she missed it too. Your comlink has been buzzing all morning. I would have answered it but I don’t seem to be able to.”

“DNA encoded,” he said and picked it up, placing it on his ear. “Yes, First Commander?” he said and walked into the babies’ room. A few minutes later he returned just as he heard Victoria stumbling around in the bedroom. Janice reached out a hand to keep him from running to her.

“Wait. She knows how to walk.”

Victoria stumbled into the bathroom, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Janice smiled, “See, she’s okay. I’m going to go get her breakfast.”

“After that,” Zy’nayth said, “if the children have been tended to, you are free to go and do whatever you please. The First Commander will be here to talk about work which will be pretty boring for you. I would just ask that you return for lunch.”

“I’ll do that,” she said. “Be right back with breakfast.”

The First Commander had arrived by the time Janice returned with a light breakfast for Victoria who had made herself comfortable in her rocking chair.

“First Commander,” Janice said with a smile, “good to see you again.”

“Janice,” he said giving her a slight bow, “the pleasure is mine.”

She grinned, “See if humans knew how charming Rayth were, this war would be over. High Chancellor, I can try to get Victoria to eat, though I’m not sure I’ll have much luck.”

He shook his head, “I will tend to it, thank you.”

Janice looked at her watch after handing the tray to him, “I’ll be back at noon. If you need anything before then, call.” Then she smiled at the First Commander and left.

Zy’nayth apologized that the First Commander had to sit on a bed while he fed his wife. As he went to give his wife a spoonful of fruit, he noticed that the braid she’d been clinging to long before he returned to Terra 2 was on the dresser and had probably been there since the afternoon before. He smiled and held up the spoon but she shook her head.

“It is okay, Victoria. I allowed you to eat too much yesterday and you were not ready for that much food. There is only a little here. You need your strength to watch the babies.”

She frowned and turned her head away from the spoon.

“I will not let you overdo it again. You will not get sick. Please, Victoria, just this little bit of food.”

She turned back to him then reached up and stroked the braid in his hair. Then she put her hand in her lap and opened her mouth.

“So, Commander, what do we need to go over?” Zy’nayth asked as he fed his wife.

“We have some new intel on the second Gyhan base we were planning on attacking. It would seem as if they have already abandoned it.”

“In two days?”

“Could be their routine.”

“Too coincidental. Any idea where they went?”

“If my source is correct, and that, sir, is a big if because he’s not always reliable, he thinks they’re headed towards Gahash.”

“I did not think they had a base there. Though they did attack it; perhaps they set one up.”

“That is why I said this might not be reliable information. I’d like permission to send a scouting party there.”

“Granted.”

Victoria shook her head at the offered spoon and picked up the glass of juice then handed it to her husband. “If you can pick it up,” he smiled, “I believe you can drink from it without having me hold it.” She frowned at him and he laughed, “Very well,” he said and adjusted the straw, then held it as she took her drink. “Go on, Commander.”

“I never really noticed before,” he replied, “she really is quite lovely.”

“That she is.”

“And has you wrapped around her finger.”

“That she does.”

The First Commander smiled, “You do not deny it.”

“It would do me no good to deny it to you.”

Kol’non gave him a nod, “Should we hold off our surprise visit to Va’nok’s ship? I know you wanted to confront him as soon as we could after the first Gyhan attack, but I’m not so sure it’s a good idea given that the second base was able to evacuate so quickly.”

“They had help.”

“That’s my guess and Va’nok’s ship is in that solar system. But so are a couple of others. We don’t have any proof that members of those two crews are traitors. Yet.”

“What is your recommendation?”

“Hold off. See where Va’nok heads and follow him. I’d also like to have a couple of small scouting ships monitor the other two. Find out a little more. If need be, pursue them.”

“Do it.”

“There is one other topic, sir.”

“Having the flagship over Terra 2 with the Supreme Commander not on board for perhaps an extended duration.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I am weighing my options, Commander. I do not wish to relinquish the fleet just yet, but I know that I am of limited use while tending to my wife. I need you ready to step into my role if it comes to that. Until then, I need you to keep me updated and I will keep my comlink with me. Things yesterday…were…tiring.”

“I would appreciate any advice, sir.”

“I am not sure how long Victoria’s condition will last, nor how long we can keep it quiet among the Rayth. If word gets out, and I am perceived as weak, many will try to wrest command from me. I will turn it over to you before that happens, to save Victoria from such a battle, but you must be prepared to fight for the position. You are respected among the fleet, but you do not yet intimidate them enough to keep them in line.”

“Is there anything I can do to bolster my position?”

“Run things as if you were the Supreme Commander. Do not use me as a shield; if you need me to step in, I will. But, Commander, do not cross that line into betrayal.”

“I have no intentions to.”

Victoria once again handed the glass to her husband and he dutifully held it as she drank. “And find yourself someone to love,” he said, “it changes your perspective on everything.”

“Sir, how much freedom do I have regarding operations?”

Zy’nayth sighed, “Let me think about it. I will give you an answer tomorrow.”

Kol’non gave him a nod and stood to leave. “Do you prefer being High Chancellor or Supreme Commander?”

Zy’nayth grinned, “You know the answer to that.”

“Sir, I want to control the fleet, but I don’t honestly believe I could ever command the respect you do. The Rayth need you in that chair. You were always more powerful as the Supreme Commander than the High Chancellor, though, yes, I know you’ve only been in the position a little over a year. Couldn’t you turn the Chancellorship over to the Vice Chancellor?”

“He does not want it.”

“Neither do you.”

“As I said, I am weighing my options. I must do what is right for my wife and children, and what is right for my people. This is not an easy task that I have been given. That is why I will be relying on you more heavily. Do not sell yourself short. You are respected, First Commander. If you were not, you would not be my First. I do not settle for anything but the best.”

Kol’non gave him a formal bow, “I am honored to be your First. Thank you, sir.” He left and Zy’nayth gave his wife a kiss on her cheek. “You finished everything.”

Victoria held up her empty glass.

“I will get you some water. I do not know if I should give you more juice.” He took the empty tray with him as he went to fill her glass. On his way back, he put the glass of water on a table in the main room.

“Victoria, please move into the main room. I will bring in the children and put them on the floor so they can play.”

He went to the first crib and reached in to get Mik’kenna but Victoria screamed and ran over and started beating on his arms. “No! No!”

“I am not taking them away,” he said softly as he picked up his daughter causing Victoria to shriek in terror. She wouldn’t attack him for fear of hurting the baby so she followed, crying and sobbing and pleading, “No! No! No!”

He gently put Mik’kenna on the floor and Victoria fell to her knees watching the baby. He quickly went and fetched Ky’nayth and set him next to his sister. Then he sat on the floor beside his wife.

“See, they just want to play.”

Victoria wiped at her tears. “No take.”

“Never again.”

She was trembling and crying so Zy’nayth moved to embrace her but she pulled away. Mik’kenna crawled around then made her way towards her mother. Victoria backed away.

“It is all right, Victoria, hold her.”

Victoria shook her head and backed up again.

“She wants her mother.”

“Not my Kenna.”

“If she is not your daughter why are you so protective of her?” he asked causing Victoria to frown.

The door chimed and Zy’nayth simply said, “Enter.”

“Hey big guy,” Chris said as he walked in, “hey Doc. Oh! Playtime!” he said, rubbing his hands together. “Perfect!”

Zy’nayth smiled as the Major sat on the floor and began helping Ky’nayth with the blocks. “Major, Victoria will not touch her own children. Mik’kenna just tried to crawl into her lap but she would not let her. Any suggestions?”

“Why not just put the kid in her lap, make her deal with it? She held Kenna yesterday.”

“Only because she thought she was going to fall. I do not wish to force the children on her.”

“Well, then I’d say just keep doing things like this. Get her down on the floor with them. They’re smart kids, they’re warriors, they’ll corner her eventually.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “They will. I just…I just believe that if she held them, she would know they are her children.”

“I think she knows, sir. I think she’s just scared of getting reattached. I think she’s scared that if she does, they might be taken away again.”

“I will not do that to her again. Ever.”

“I know. But she doesn’t. Not yet.”

Zy’nayth thought about what Chris said as he tickled his daughter. Then he redirected his attention, “Did my First pass along the new intel about the second Gyhan base?”

“No, but he was in talking with Vince when I passed by. Good for us or bad?”

“They evacuated. They had help. Probably from a Rayth warship.”

“So…bad then?”

“Perhaps not. It may lead us to discover more information about the traitors,” Zy’nayth said as Ky’nayth knocked over the little tower he and Chris had just made.

“How many bases do you think the Gyhan have?”

“At first, I would have thought only a handful. But the deeper I dig, the larger the number.”

“The Gyhan homeworld isn’t that big,” Chris said, “how did they amass such a huge army? There are only like 50,000 on the homeworld, but there were at least 500, probably close to seven or eight hundred, in that first base. Multiply that by a dozen possible bases, that’s 6,000 men at the least.”

“There are more than a dozen bases.”

“What if they’re not all Gyhan? What if other human settlements are aligning with them?”

“Then our problem has gotten much worse.”

“Sir…” Chris set down the toy block he had in his hand, “we know there are some powerful Rayth helping them, right? We’re sure of this, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, when you were first here, we had a dozen guards on you. You were able to use your telepathy to get them to ignore you while you fixed that computer virus. What if these Rayth are using telepathy to capture and convert these people to work with the Gyhan? How many Rayth would it take to control say, 100 men?”

“Depends on the ability of the Rayth. Each is different.”

“Average skill, rough estimate.”

“Ten, maybe twelve Rayth for every one hundred, and that would be for a limited time. It could not go on indefinitely.”

“Can you change a person’s mind? I mean, if I hated you, could you get into my head and change it so that I became your most trusted, loyal friend and would do anything for you?”

Zy’nayth thought about it. “In theory, I suppose, it could be done, but not easily. Most Rayth do not have strong telepathic powers, not in that regard.”

“Okay, but once converted to think you’re my best friend, would I always think that? Would you have to keep ‘reminding’ me?”

“I am not sure. But I am intrigued with this idea. If I turned someone like you, then perhaps Be’atta, Kaven, and John would follow, not by having their minds altered, but because they trust you. Perhaps not John,” he smiled.

“John’s weak,” Chris grinned. “Anyway, poison one mind, get five to follow him, and your numbers start adding up pretty fast. Sir, this may be worth investigating.”

“Believe me, I already have a thousand ideas. Christopher, I am glad you stopped by this morning.”

“Hey, what are friends for?” he said and watched as Victoria scooted away from her son. “Could you touch her mind?” he asked, “Guide her out of this mess she’s in?”

“Telepathy has been used on her twice. Once was when Jason…”

Victoria screamed and put her hands over her ears. “No, no, no, please no, no. Make him go away. No, no, no. Jason no! No! No!”

Zy’nayth drew her into his arms, “Jason is not here. He cannot hurt you anymore.” He took one of her hands and put it on his braid, “Remember, remember that I made sure he could not hurt you anymore.” Victoria’s fingers stroked the braid then she curled up into her husband’s lap and silently wept. He moved to a little more comfortable position and held her close.

“I should have known that his name would have triggered such painful thoughts.”

“Hey, not your fault. So you used telepathy on her then. What happened?”

“I tried to tell her that we were going to get her out.”

“You tried? Meaning she didn’t hear you or what?”

“She did not. She was…well…you saw her. It was most likely interference from the pain and horror.”

“The second time?” Chris asked noticing that Victoria had already calmed and had her attention back on the babies but that she remained in Zy’nayth’s lap.

“She requested to have her mind searched to prove she was not lying about something. My First did it. Her body did not handle it well. She became ill.”

“But nothing serious, right?”

“No. I can confirm with him.”

“Well, if he thinks it was just giving her a headache or nausea, could you go in and clear things up for her?”

“I will most certainly try, but I have never done anything like that.”

“Maybe not try to straighten out thoughts, but just encourage her. Try to break through the clutter.”

“I will talk with my First as well as Ja’val and Becket before I attempt to do something. And thank you again.”

“Got any other problems? I’m on a roll.”

“Should I turn command of the fleet over to my First, or should I turn the Chancellorship over to the Vice Chancellor, or both?”

“Okay, yeah, I’m tapped out. Sorry. You really thinking of doing one of those?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ll let you give up being High Chancellor because it’s so much harder to say ‘Hello High Chancellor,’ than it is to say “hey Commander,’” Chris said.

“Or hey big guy.”

“I only do that around friends. You’re not offended are you?”

“I am not. It is refreshing.”

“No, no, no, no, no,” Victoria reached out with trembling hands, crawling quickly after her son who was already halfway to the bathroom.

“I got him,” Chris said, jumping up and then plopping down on his stomach facing the littler crawler. “Where do you think you’re going, buddy?”

Ky’nayth giggled and pushed on Chris’ nose. Chris gave Ky a little push on his own tiny nose causing more giggles. “And that’s uncle Chris’ comlink buzzing,” he gave it a tap, “Chris here, what’s up? All right. Be there in five.” He disconnected the call and looked at Zy’nayth. “I think your First is about to tell us what you just told me.”

“Ask the team, as well as my Firsts to join me after the meeting. I would like to work through this idea of yours.”

“Will do, and as my parting gift, good sir, I shall present the beautiful Doctor Victoria Carson, with a baby.” He set the toddler in his mother’s lap, kissed his head, her cheek, winked at Zy’nayth, kissed Mik’kenna then headed to the conference room.

Victoria was staring at the baby in her lap. Her arms were up in the air, over her head in an attempt not to touch the child.

“You are doing it all wrong,” Zy’nayth said as he gently brought her arms down but she resisted putting them around the baby.

“No, no, no, please, no, please, no,” she said.

“He is your son.”

“No, no, no, no. Oh no! Oh no!”

Ky’nayth was attempting to stand, his arms spread for a hug. Victoria looked at Zy’nayth, terrified.

“Hug him,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders. “You do not want him to fall.”

“No fall,” she said and quickly wrapped her arms around the boy. Though it started as a protective measure, as Ky’nayth nuzzled close to her, her tension and fear drained and she held him close.

By the time Janice arrived with lunch, Victoria was curled up on her bed, taking a nap. Both babies were next to her.

“I see things have progressed well,” Janice smiled.

“Unfortunately, you may now have trouble getting her to let go of them.”

“Then I’ll grab them while she’s asleep and get them fed. I’ll get her lunch afterwards.”

“I will help you feed them. And Janice, I do not want her trying to carry them,” Zy’nayth said, “I do not believe she is strong enough yet.”

“I agree. I’ll make sure they’re on the bed or floor, or safe in a chair. I think she knows her limitations.”

She quietly retrieved Ky’nayth while his father grabbed Mik’kenna. Once they were fed, Janice took care of changing them, then let them loose in the main room on the floor. Victoria was now up from her nap and made her way down to the floor with the kids.

“Did she handle breakfast well?” she asked.

“I fed her much more slowly. She ate everything and did not get sick.”

“See, even more progress. I still want to keep things light. Be right back.”

She returned with a tray of food which Zy’nayth took and settled on the floor where his wife was taking turns holding and cuddling each baby. Janice smiled, “That is good to see.”

“Indeed.”

The door chime sounded and Janice answered it. “General, oh wow, the whole gang is here.”

“We were told the High Chancellor wanted to see us,” Vince said.

“I did, please come in and make yourselves comfortable. Forgive me, I am also trying to get my wife to eat her lunch.”

“Looks like the ‘plop the baby in the lap’ mission went well,” Chris said.

“She was quite terrified at first, but yes, it turned out well. I do not see Dr. McKenna.”

“He wasn’t in our meeting, should I get him?” John asked.

“Yes, please,” Zy’nayth answered and John contacted the doctor with his comlink.

“Sir, would you like me to leave?” Janice asked.

“If you would like, but it is not necessary. Just do not say anything to anyone regarding what we will be discussing.”

“I understand. I’ll stay and keep the babies occupied.”

“I think my wife seems to have that covered,” he smiled as Victoria snuggled with Mik’kenna, but dutifully took a bite of the sandwich offered to her.

Once Becket joined the group, and after he congratulated Zy’nayth on Victoria’s progress, the High Chancellor had Chris explain his theory.

“First Science Commander, do you think that the traitorous Rayth could be doing such a thing? Let me rephrase that, given who we know are traitors, are they capable of doing this, of converting, if you will, the numbers we are seeing?” Zy’nayth asked after Chris finished.

“Three, maybe four of the most powerful traitors could be capable of conversion, if that’s even possible, but I don’t think any of the others can do anything more than read emotions, maybe thoughts, or communicate telepathically,” Ja’val replied. “And that wouldn’t be enough to get the numbers we suspect. I think our numbers are proving to be far lower than what’s actually the case.

“The strongest telepathic powers belong to the seven remaining fullbloods, the First Commander and myself,” he continued. “I believe each member of the High Council ranks high in telepathy, a few other commanders in the fleet, but outside of the government and military, I couldn’t tell you how many there are. And aside from you, High Chancellor, none of us could control more than maybe ten or twelve men. Perhaps the Vice Chancellor could, but to convert or to control, no, I do not think that the three or four capable of doing so could account for the thousands of rebels.”

“Not even with the idea of convert one and their friends just follow along because they trust you?” Chris asked.

“I’m sure that would account for some of their numbers, but the odds would be that after a while, those who were not telepathically converted would start murmuring. One or two out of a couple hundred could radically alter the submissiveness of the rest. For example, if General Cavanaugh were converted to the Gyhan, it’s possible that due to the respect you and your team have for him, you would also align with the Gyhan. However, at some point, knowing human nature, one of you, say John, would start to question whether what you were doing was right; you’d start to question why you were doing what you’re doing. John and Be’atta start talking about it, more questions are raised. Kaven is brought into the discussions, more questions. Before long, dissention. I don’t think the Rayth could contain something like that. In smaller numbers, yes. But hundreds at a single base, or the thousands across the galaxy, no.”

“What about fear?” the First Commander spoke up. “The followers, such as John, Be’atta, Kaven, and Chris, join up because they trust the General. But when they start to raise questions, one of them may be used to set an example. Kill Major Chapman, the rest fall in line. If they didn’t, kill off another.”

“We’d all be dead,” John said, “we wouldn’t stop fighting.”

“Perhaps,” Zy’nayth said giving his wife the last of the fruit, “but you are trained military. Be’atta and Kaven led their villages. An average human is more readily intimidated and easily ruled by fear.”

“I believe the High Chancellor’s correct,” Be’atta said. “However, given that the followers are sent out on various missions away from their bases, wouldn’t they try to escape? My people would, and I’m sure Kaven’s would as well. Surely with all of your sources you would have picked up word by now of someone seeking refuge or spreading information about the Gyhan operation.”

“Valid point,” Zy’nayth said.

Chris shook his head, “I thought I was on to something.”

“We’re not disqualifying your theory, Major Chapman,” Kol’non said, “merely extrapolating it out. Though unlikely, there may still be some validity to your idea.”

“Okay, I know this is stretching things a bit,” John said, “but what if there was a way to sort of, I don’t know, amplify your ability to control people. Some sort of mechanical mind control device like in the movies.”

“Movies?” the First Commander asked.

John waved off the question, “I’ll tell you later.”

“It would still take a very powerful Rayth to use such a device effectively,” Ja’val said.

“You said there were three or four,” John said.

“Is the technology available?” Zy’nayth asked before Ja’val responded to John.

“It has been theorized for millennia and I’ve dabbled with it a bit myself, but like I said, it would have to be an extremely powerful mind to control such a device and subsequently convert or control mass groups.”

“Were you ever to make a working device?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I don’t know,” he replied, “without a mind to control it, I’m not sure if it works. My attempts to use it were failures. I believe my theories and equations and programming are correct, but…”

“You attempted to use a mind controlling device without informing me?” Zy’nayth said, his tone suddenly changing to one of authority.

Victoria grew suddenly still, “No. No. No.” she said quietly and drew her knees to her chest.

Zy’nayth slipped an arm around her and she nuzzled close to him, trembling. “Ja’val?” Zy’nayth asked again.

“I was not trying to use it to my own personal gain, sir,” he replied, “my experiment was to send a single image into people’s minds. I then planned on bringing up such an image in conversation and record how many had seen the image in their minds. My attempts, only a few, were tried on my staff alone. Obviously to no avail. I assure you, sir, if I had been successful, I would have informed you about the device and requested permission to do further experiments. Considering that I wasn’t able to control the device, and I am a powerful telepath, I abandoned my research on it. I have occasionally looked over my notes as research advances and new technology becomes available, though I never refined the device itself. I still think it’s a solid design.”

“Do you have it on the ship now?”

“No, sir. My private lab at home.”

“After this meeting, I want to you to retrieve it, start looking into the possibilities again.”

“Sir, if you would agree to it, I’d like you to try it. If you can make it work, I’d know the design is indeed correct. I would then have to figure out how someone with lesser abilities could use it.”

“Is there any possibility of the High Chancellor being harmed if he is able to activate the device?” Becket asked, noticing that Victoria had calmed and was once again focused on her children.

“No, the device is more of a projector and amplifier. It doesn’t go into the telepath’s mind. You focus on a thought, message, or an image, the device picks it up and then projects it to those you want to receive it.”

“How does it know who you want to receive the thought? If there’s more than one person in an area but you only want one specific person to receive the message, how does that work?”

“The Rayth control that. I can send you an image right now and only you would receive it because that is part of my thought.”

“I’d love to know how you can do that,” Becket smiled, “there’s still a lot I need to learn from you.”

“If your device works,” Vince said, “that still doesn’t mean that it’s something being used by the traitors. If it takes the High Chancellor to activate it, and you don’t think any other Rayth have such capabilities, then isn’t this a moot point?”

“We would know if it’s viable,” the First Commander said. “There may be someone within our ranks with abilities we don’t yet know about.”

“Abilities like this,” Ja’val said, “would not go unnoticed. Not this long, anyway.”

“Okay, say it does work and that there is, however unlikely, some Rayth out there with abilities similar to the High Chancellor’s,” John said, “what does this mean? Are they doing mass conversions? Are they just able to control minds; force people to side with them for a limited time? If it’s the latter, the Rayth would have to be hopping all over the galaxy to keep people in line to do their bidding. Right?”

“Or one mass conversion,” Kaven said, “then use the fear tactic or let the lesser Rayth, so to speak, use telepathy to control the followers.”

Kol’non stood and began to pace the room, “We thought we had neutralized the Gyhan when the High Chancellor was still only the Supreme Commander. A single mass conversion would account for the rapid rise in numbers over such a short period after that event. Convert a town, then they convince those who trade with them to join them. Use fear and telepathy to control the followers. I think, High Chancellor, that we’re assuming the number of telepathically converted rebels is small. Perhaps, it isn’t. If you could convert entire villages in one shot…”

“I agree,” Ja’val said, “if they do have a device and someone able to use it, that would account for the numbers we’re seeing.”

“But the number, though increasing, does not seem to be increasing as rapidly as it was a year, even two years ago. Why stop?” Zy’nayth asked.

“If there was only one guy who could do this,” Chris said, “maybe he got burned out, you know, mental fatigue or something. Or his device worked differently than the First Science Commander’s and it killed him.”

Ja’val shook his head, “I think that would be unlikely. The last part of your statement. The burn out, however, would be a possibility since I don’t think there’s really anyone alive with that kind of natural ability, so it would be more of a strain on whoever was able to do it.”

“Natural ability?” Becket said. “Are any of the seven remaining fullbloods on your list of traitors?”

“No,” Zy’nayth replied, “I have had them watched for some time.”

“None of them, have that much ability,” Ja’val said, “as I stated earlier, except the Vice Chancellor, and we are certain of his loyalty.”

“Brother,” Victoria said as she picked up Ky’nayth and pointed to Mik’kenna. “Sister.” She looked at Zy’nayth and pointed to the kids in turn again, “Brother. Sister.”

“Yes,” Zy’nayth smiled at her then looked at Ja’val, “Try and isolate when the rebel numbers stopped increasing so rapidly.”

“I’ll dig into it a little more, but off the top of my head, I think it was about two years ago. Why? What are you thinking?”

“My brother’s telepathic ability was almost as strong as mine.” He put his head in his hands, “And he would have access to your research. He could have had a device built. It has to be him. It fits.”

“Sir, I’d like permission to send someone to the Chancellery and have them search the estate for the device,” the First Commander said.

“No. The High Council would become suspicious. I will have to do it.”

“You can’t leave Victoria,” Becket said, “not now.”

“I will take her with me.”

“Dangerous, sir. The Council would see her condition,” Kol’non said.

“The Vice Chancellor could search for it,” Ja’val said. “He works there, probably knows all of the secret rooms, and he’s loyal to us. I think it would be safe.”

“I agree,” the First Commander said.

“Very well. Let him know what to look for.”

After finalizing their next actions, Zy’nayth requested that Ja’val, Kol’non, and Becket stay. He wanted to discuss using telepathy on Victoria to help her.

“Though I am not sure how to do it, I believe that once I get into her mind, I can help her,” he said. “My concern, however, is that I do not know if she can handle it. I would like the two of you to compare notes. Becket, obviously, knows human physiology, Ja’val knows how our telepathy works. First, you know how she reacted when you telepathically interrogated her.”

“To be clear, sir,” Ja’val said, “this would require me giving Becket access to information that, up to now, we have considered too dangerous for them to have. And by ‘them’ I mean humans in general, not Dr. McKenna specifically.”

Zy’nayth sighed, “I do not wish to divulge this information.”

“It might be easier if I just give Ja’val our information,” Becket said, “and he can assess whether or not Victoria could handle it.”

“I would appreciate that, Doctor. And please, do not take offence, I trust you with the information. I do not trust your system’s security measures. The two of you are dismissed; the First Commander will talk to you once I am finished with him.” Zy’nayth looked at Becket, “I did not mean for that to be an order.”

“It’s quite all right,” Becket smiled and left with Ja’val.

“What may I do for you?” Kol’non asked as the High Chancellor motioned for him to follow. They went into the babies’ room and shut the door.

“Unofficially,” Zy’nayth said, “I am putting you in charge of further operations against the Gyhan. As I stated earlier, I want you to start running things as if you were Supreme Commander. You need not request permission for use of the fleet, but I do wish to be informed of your intentions.”

“Sir, I thought you wanted to think about this further. I don’t need a decision today.”

“It is what is best. My attention must be on Victoria and I need you in top form to step in at a moment’s notice. It is best that you start handling things now in preparation.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Officially, I am still Supreme Commander, so I do not want to have to undo any mess you create in order to save my reputation.”

“There will be no messes, sir.”

“I know there will not. One last thing.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When we start going after the Raythian traitors, I want the twenty-five most powerful Rayth taken alive. Imprison them. I want to deal with them personally.”

“Understood.”