E:A Vol 2 Ch 8—November 1, 2118

“You have been off-world for months,” one of the High Council Members said, “and you come back here with four of our most trusted Rayth Commanders as prisoners. You are not judge, jury, and executioner.”

“They are traitors to the Empire,” Zy’nayth stated as he strode from the council chambers to his office with the council members following.

“How do we know these documents haven’t been tampered with?” another Councilman asked.

Zy’nayth turned, looming over the shorter, scrawnier Rayth, “You do not. You have only my word that these files contain evidence of their treason. It used to be that my word was sufficient.”

“Before you killed your brother,” another member spoke up.

“You were there. You saw what he did. Under our laws, I was well within my rights to do so. Do you wish to challenge me?”

“No, sir.”

“Gentlemen, I have work to tend to,” he said as he opened his office door, “you have all of the information you need in the files I have given you. The four traitors will be executed tomorrow. Is there anything else you wish to detain me over?”

“We need more time to look over these files to make sure these men are truly guilty.”

“You were sent the files when I arrived in the system last week. I have spent the entire morning answering your questions. You have had more than enough time to study the material.”

“You can’t do this, High Chancellor!”

Zy’nayth, always imposing, seemed to grow even more so. “I will not allow traitors to subvert this Empire any longer. They have aligned with the Gyhan and they will be punished for it. Are you part of this treasonous plot, is that it why you oppose my decision to have them executed?”

“No, but they deserve…”

“As High Chancellor,” he said, not allowing the Councilman to finish, “despite what you believe, I am judge, jury, and executioner. Check the laws, Councilman. You are dismissed.”

“I am not one of your crew members to be ordered around,” the Rayth replied, “I am a member of the High Council…”

Zy’nayth’s hand shoved the man not only against the wall but lifted him until his feet didn’t touch the ground. “You answer to me, Councilman. I am High Chancellor. You are here at my discretion. Is this a challenge to my authority? Because I have no qualms about taking your life here and now if it is.”

“No, sir.”

Zy’nayth released his grip. The Councilman slid down the wall the few inches back to his feet, visibly shaken. “As I said, you are dismissed. Vice Chancellor, not you, I wish to talk.”

“Of course, sir,” he said and entered the office behind his superior and shut the door. “That went well.”

“I expected as much,” Zy’nayth replied.

“The members of the traitors’ crews,” Ny’van asked, “what was done with them?”

“Those that were traitors were killed. The others were reassigned to loyal outposts where an eye can be kept on them.”

“And the ships?”

Zy’nayth smiled, “They’ve been in orbit around Terra 2 for several weeks.”

“They haven’t noticed?”

“Ja’val is quite talented and ingenious.”

Ny’van chuckled.

“So, what do you expect to happen tomorrow?” Zy’nayth asked as he ran his fingers through his white hair.

“Hard to predict. However, the public has always been on your side,” Ny’van said. “The High Council had no idea what you were up to, let alone that you were not going allow them to sit as a jury for the traitors. There was no time for them to try and turn anyone against you. I think we should be more concerned about what will happen after tomorrow.”

“It will take the rebels some time to garner favor among the population. And I think that by taking out four of the top twenty-five, they may think twice about making a move.”

“But if what intel you’ve received from Vaan is correct, and if there are other bases of that size that we have yet to uncover, they may think they have enough firepower to come after you. Or your family.”

“I am more worried about my wife and children than myself.”

“I know you are. And I have a suggestion. One I know you won’t like, and one I know Victoria will hate.”

“Earth,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Yes,” Ny’van answered. “Only your flagship crew knows its location. You and Kol’non have thoroughly investigated your crew and you know all are loyal to you. Sir, it’s the safest place for her and your children.”

“I have thought very long and hard about it. But I cannot allow my children to be that far away, especially after Mik’kenna’s sickness. A Rayth needs to be near them to heal them.”

“Ja’val. He and Lutia can go as well. You’ve said that Victoria’s home is somewhat secluded. Perhaps there is someplace even more isolated so that Ja’val isn’t discovered. He’s nearly got an entire satellite network set up between our galaxies so he could keep in contact with us.”

“He would need to feed and the only bridge is where they held Victoria when they kidnapped her—their Central Command. Neither she, nor Lutia would want him feeding on the neighbors. I could not allow it. I gave her my word that Earth would be safe.”

“What if there was another bridge? Our technology may be able to find one. Every habitable planet in this galaxy has multiple bridges. Why only one on Earth? There has to be more, they just haven’t found them.”

“Ja’val would be the only one I trust to search for them,” Zy’nayth said, “and he already has too much work.”

“What about one of those ships that’s just floating around Terra 2?”

“What about them?”

“I assume they have a standard sensor array.”

“Of course.”

“That could be modified.”

“Yes.”

“And the computer guidance system could be programmed to alter orbits. It could pretty much be left alone for a while.”

Zy’nayth thought about it. “Earth’s tracking systems would see it.”

“Ja’val has blocked all four from Terra 2’s view. I suspect he could just as easily do it around Earth.”

“Only because he has access to Terra 2’s system. Earth has many governments, many organizations, hundreds, if not thousands, who are constantly scanning the skies; plus, Victoria has said that there are many hobbyists who have their own telescopes and equipment. The ship would be seen.”

“Seen, yes, but could Earth damage her?”

“Unlikely.”

“Could they get to the ship and break in?”

“Possibly, but unlikely.”

“So, High Chancellor, they find a ship orbiting their planet. A ship with no hostile intentions, it’s just floating around, occasionally changing orbits, minding its own business. They might send some shuttles to investigate, but with shields activated, they couldn’t hurt her, and perhaps they might just be ingenious enough to get into her, but that’s unlikely. I say we risk it. Figure out how long it will take to retrofit the scanner and to scan the entire planet. It can’t be long. A day or two?”

“In that case, I may as well take my flagship.”

“Which would be noticeably absent from this galaxy. As would your presence and you’ve just had to deal with a dress down from your High Council about being away. No. You have to stay here, at least for the time being.”

Zy’nayth paused and thought about it. “Having a private bridge to Earth would be helpful, especially for Victoria and her close friends. All right. I will have my Second Science Commander start working on the scanner array. I will work on the navigational programming.” He stopped and smiled at Ny’van, “You can tell my wife that you are sending her to Earth.”

“Not in a million years, my friend.”

“If we find a second bridge, I will be much relieved.”

“Another idea, sir, put her on the ship. Lutia and Ja’val, too. They could float around the Milky Way for as long as needed. We could fill up the food pods for him.”

“No. Victoria and Lutia would go crazy stuck on a ship for months. And my children need other people around them.” He stopped and sighed, “I cannot send her to Earth, she would need to be isolated in order to keep Ja’val safe. She needs to be with her friends on Terra 2. I will come up with another plan. However, I will still send an empty ship to scan for bridge portals. That would be good knowledge to have.”

“At least something good has come out of this discussion.” The Vice Chancellor tilted his head, “What about prepared escape addresses? Create a bracelet for her that’ll trigger a safe haven spot for her to travel to if Terra 2 falls under attack.”

“I could not be sure she would use it. She would want to stay and help patients.”

“Her motherly instinct might kick in and she might rather save her children first.”

“I will discuss this idea with her.”

“Anything else you wish to discuss?” Ny’van asked.

“In a hurry to leave?”

“No, but I am in a hurry to show you something.”

Zy’nayth stood, “After you.”

The two men bridged to the island where Zy’nayth’s private home was located. The home that Victoria loved. “It has been too long since I have been here,” Zy’nayth said. “I wish it was safe enough for my wife and children.”

“Come,” Ny’van said, motioning into his own home. Zy’nayth followed him through the secret passages under his home into a small room, a study of sorts, and on the desk, was the oddest looking head piece Zy’nayth had ever seen.

“I think this is the mind controlling device we were looking for.”

“Where did you find it?”

“When I was certain that it wasn’t in the Chancellery, I remembered your brother had a house off-world. I couldn’t remember where, so it took me a while to dig up the information. On my days off, I’d don a bit of a disguise and go searching. Found this in a lab in the basement. It’s not quite what Ja’val told me to look for, but I’m pretty sure this is it.”

“Well, there is one guy who would know for sure,” he tapped his private comlink channel and after a few beeps, Ja’val answered.

“Yes, sir?”

“I hate to break up your lovely afternoon, but I need you to bridge to the island,” Zy’nayth said.

“Five minutes, sir.”

“See you then. My apologies to Lutia.”

He clicked off his earpiece, “I will wait for him at the bridge.”

Ja’val had on his leather uniform pants and a black silk tee shirt, “Sorry I’m not in full uniform, sir, I wanted to get here as soon as I could.”

Zy’nayth gave him a sly smile. “I pulled you from a day off with your wife. Come, my friend, I have something that you may find interesting.”

He led him down to the Vice Chancellor’s private study. Ja’val’s eyes grew wide when he saw the “helmet.” He ran to the machine, looked it over, turned it over, and studied it more.

“This is it! You found it. Was there a control box?”

“Ah this thing,” the Vice Chancellor said and pulled it off of a bookshelf.

“Yes, perfect. Sir, may I take this back to Terra 2 to study?”

“Of course. Keep it hidden, however.”

“Will do. I need something to put it in.”

“Ah, yes, I’ll be right back,” the Vice Chancellor said.

“This is no longer a high priority, but I am interested in what you find out.”

“Understood, sir.”

Ny’van returned with a box and after Ja’val had it safely packaged, the three men went to the bridge portal. Ja’val bridged to Terra 2, while Zy’nayth and Ny’van returned to the High Chancellor’s estate.

 November 2, 2118

The four commanders were brought out in shackles to the front of the High Chancellor’s estate. A member of the High Council read off the accusations and gave a summary of proof provided. Then the Vice Chancellor stood, “According to our laws, the families of these men will be banished to the outer planets of the galaxy. Their estates will become property of the government. Their sentence is death.”

Zy’nayth walked over to the first man and ordered that his shackles and those of the other three be removed then he turned to the guards and the High Council. “If they are able to best me, they may live but they shall be banished with their families. Do not harm them unless they attempt to subvert the power and rulers of this Empire. Should I be bested by these traitors, my judgment will not fall upon any of them. Proof of treason to the Empire outweighs their right to succeed to my position. If I fall, the High Chancellorship will go to the Vice Chancellor. Does the High Council agree to this?”

The answer was unanimously in favor of Zy’nayth’s choice. Then he turned to those he had accused, “You are fighting for your life. I do not intend to lose mine.”

The four commanders were well-trained warriors, but even attacking Zy’nayth all at once, they stood no chance. Within two minutes all were lying dead on the platform. Then Zy’nayth turned to face the audience that had gathered for the execution, “This is a warning to anyone who betrays the Raythian Empire. You will suffer the same fate.” He went back in the building and to his office. A few minutes later, the Vice Chancellor entered.

“The Council?” Zy’nayth asked after the door shut.

“Quietly left. I’ll get a better read on them tomorrow. The offer of freedom, good call. Risky.”

Zy’nayth tilted his head, “You doubt my abilities as a fighter?”

“No. But if they had supporters in the audience, it could have turned ugly.”

“I do not think they would have tried anything. I would hope that those loyal to the Empire outnumber those who are treasonous.”

“Still, it could have been dangerous if they had weapons.”

“It was worth the risk.”

“Next move?”

“I will remain here for a week. The First Commander should have left a few moments ago. He will be monitoring the next few traitors on our list. I wanted him to personally keep an eye on them. I will rejoin my ship in a week and we will assess the situation then.”

“Will you be returning to Terra 2 for one of their barbeques?” The Vice Chancellor smiled, enjoying the little code for the Alpha Team operations.

“I am still working on that. The First Science Commander is working on a new recipe. But I know Victoria’s friends are a bit…full…after the last feast and could use a little break.”

“Sir, if things remain quiet the rest of the day,” Ny’van said, “it might be safe to bring Victoria and the children over for the night. I don’t think anything would happen, not this early after the execution. I’m sure she probably misses the island home.”

“As do I.”

“And I can see that it is more easily guarded than this place since it is personal property and not where the High Council also works.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Go ahead, make the arrangements. Nothing…noticeable. I do not wish to make the villagers uneasy. It will just be one evening. I will not risk anything longer.” He adjusted a setting on his comlink and a moment later his wife answered.

“If you are willing,” he said after greeting her, “I would like you and the children to bridge to the island in two hours, exactly 3:00 p.m. and spend the rest of the day with me.”

“I can be there in two minutes,” Victoria replied causing Zy’nayth’s smile to widen.

“I would enjoy that, however, I have things to tend to. It will just be for the afternoon and overnight. It will be unsafe afterwards.”

“Three p.m.” she looked up at the clock, “I’ll be there.”

“Do not forget the children,” he said noting she had used “I” and not “we.”

Victoria laughed, “I won’t. I love you.”

He turned off the comlink, “Thank you, Ny’van. Stay alert. If anything comes up regarding any treasonous acts after I head to the island, anything at all, I want to be informed immediately.”

“Of course, sir,” he replied then left the High Chancellor to his work.

***

Victoria was pacing the control room, watching the clock. “You could just bridge over early,” Vince said, “ten minutes can’t make that much of a difference.”

“No. Normally, I don’t think he’d care. But the situation has changed a lot in two years. If he specifies a time, he means it. He said something was going to happen today. No idea what it was, but I don’t want to jeopardize anything by showing up ten minutes early just because I miss my husband.”

“Eight minutes,” Vince corrected. “Give him my regards. I need to get back to these reports. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Victoria smiled, “Unless I can talk him into letting me stay longer.”

“Good luck with that,” he winked and walked to his office.

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna began to fuss, not wanting to be confined to their stroller, so Victoria spent the last eight minutes keeping them occupied with their toys. When the control room tech told her it was time, she was more than ready to head across the bridge portal. She touched her wrist guard, the bridge address was automatically input, and an amber glow encased the bridge.

“See you tomorrow, Doc,” the tech said as she pushed the stroller over the bridge and onto a different planet.

Zy’nayth stood before her and immediately the children both reached out for him and called out for Dada. He took Mik’kenna out and held her in one arm, then Victoria held up Ky’nayth so that his father could wrap him in his other arm. As he carried them the short distance to his island home, they smothered him with kisses and hugs and chatted up a storm in their baby gibberish.

Once they entered the house, he set them gently on the floor then drew his wife into a passionate kiss. “I have missed you,” he said.

She smiled, “I’ve missed you too. I just have a few things to put in the fridge. You go ahead and enjoy your kids.”

“Do not tend to the garden, it is quite a mess. And I do not know when you will be able to return.”

“I know,” she sighed, “and I wasn’t planning on spending time out there. I just want to be with you. And the little ones are wanting more attention.”

“I desire one more kiss, then the little ones shall receive my attention.”

Victoria smiled and enjoyed a sweet kiss with her warrior husband. “Let’s take them to the village center. I think they’d like to play in the fountain. Then we could go to the beach after dinner and watch the sunset.”

The kids loved the water. The large fountain was ringed by different pool levels and the kids were allowed to play in the outermost, shallowest ring. They giggled and splashed, soaking their parents and anyone else who came near. After thirty minutes they were taken out and allowed to play in the little park area around the fountain while Victoria and Zy’nayth talked to several of the villagers who noticed that the High Chancellor was back on the island.

“Think there’ll be any backlash from the other ship commanders after the execution this afternoon?” one asked.

Victoria immediately tensed but tended to Mik’kenna who was scampering back towards the fountain.

“I will find out soon enough,” Zy’nayth replied, wishing nothing had been said. He was going to tell his wife, but wanted to do it his own way, knowing how sensitive she was to the topic.

“High Chancellor, your son…” Victoria said as the little boy was toddling his way, the long way around, to the fountain.

Zy’nayth called his son’s name and the little boy stopped and fell onto his bottom. Then he turned and looked at his father who used Raythian to call him back. Ky’nayth sat where he was and looked from his father to the fountain. After a couple of seconds and another, sterner command was said, the boy crawled back to his father. Zy’nayth pulled him up into his lap and hugged him, then set him down so he could continue to play. But the boy and his sister were trying to get back to the fountain just minutes later. Zy’nayth called to both of them and they returned, but not for long.

“Sir, they’re at that age,” Victoria said to her husband as she went after the toddlers, “I’ll get them. They’re also probably getting hungry, it’s almost their dinnertime.”

“Then I shall leave you,” the Rayth neighbor said to the High Chancellor, “it’s good to see you back here on the island, and you too, Victoria.”

She gave him a warm smile, “Thank you,” she said then turned back to grab Ky’nayth’s arm and scoop Mik’kenna into her other arm.

Zy’nayth talked a few more minutes with the man then helped his wife wrangle the kids. They returned to the house and while Zy’nayth took a quick shower and put on more casual clothes for the beach, Victoria prepared the kids’ dinner and had it ready so that her husband could feed them. Then she gathered clean clothes for them and made and ate her own dinner before taking her own shower and changing.

“What was this food that I just gave them? Those green things?” Zy’nayth asked when she came back downstairs.

“Green beans.”

“They seem to like them.”

“Only because they can use their hands to eat them. Did they eat the tuna salad? It was the first time I’ve tried to give it to them.”

“They ate everything,” he replied. “They worked up an appetite.”

“Good. I think they’re ready to be off on another adventure.”

“They take after their father,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“Hey, I’m a bit of an adventurer too, you know. I did travel to an entirely different galaxy.”

“And married a Rayth.”

“Best thing that ever happened to me,” she beamed. “Come on, High Chancellor, I don’t want to miss the sunset. No uniform?”

“Not this time,” he said as he loaded the kids into the stroller.

“So, what was this about an execution?” she asked.

He explained everything to her as they walked to the beach. “I was not hiding this information from you. I intended to tell you later tonight,” he said as he finished. “I did not want to ruin your afternoon.”

“The reaction from this is what you’re worried about?”

“It is. I worry more for you and our children. And I worry about the safety of Terra 2. I do not wish for your friends to suffer due to my actions.”

“No one knows where it is, I mean, other than your crew, right?”

“As far as I am aware, that is true.”

“Then we should be okay. Besides, you’d tell us if you found out that someone knew where we were. We could bridge out or shuttle to the mainland.”

“If there was time to bridge out. I must speak with General Cavanaugh regarding evacuations plans. And since we are on the topic, I am going to give you a second bracelet. If Terra 2 is in danger, you and the children can use it to bridge to a safe location. That means no doctoring if there is an attack. I do not care if there are patients.”

“Honey…”

“Victoria, you and our children must be kept safe. Until I think of an alternate idea or find a way to keep Terra 2 safe without having my fleet there, I need you to do as I wish. I know you would want to stay behind and help everyone, and I do not wish for them to go without help, but I cannot lose you and I cannot lose my children.”

“I would make sure the children are safe. I could send them…”

“No. Victoria, you are my heart. If anything were to happen to you, if I could not save you…please, my beloved, promise me that you will do as I ask. You and our children, I need all three of you. To lose one of you would tear me apart. I love you all so very much.”

Victoria stopped pushing the stroller and turned to her husband and embraced him. “I promise.”

He held her tight until the kids started fussing, then he released her after a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

November 3, 2118

“Welcome back,” Vince said as he greeted her in the control room, “I take it you weren’t able to talk the High Chancellor into letting you stay any longer.”

“I tried my best,” she smiled. “I do have a message for you from my husband, got a minute? And do you mind if the little warriors join us? Should be done before they start to fuss.”

“Sure come on up.”

Victoria explained what had happened the day before on the Raythian homeworld and Zy’nayth’s concern over Terra 2 having an evacuation plan ready should the city’s location be divulged.

“He will explain in more detail, but he said that Rayth, most likely, would not want to destroy the city but that they would teleport their troops down. They might take out our facilities on the mainland, and maybe non-essential areas of the city, but he said that they would want it kept intact.”

“Did he mention why?”

“No.”

“It would be nice to know why this city would be of use to the Rayth.”

“Mythican tech,” she said, “they understand the language, we’re still working on the basics. There’s probably something in there they could use to conquer the universe.”

“Didn’t work so well for the Mythicans,” Vince replied. “Will your husband be here to see the Alpha Team off?”

“Depends on what happens between now and then. And Ja’val still has to figure out a way past those DNA detectors.”

“He and Simon are working around the clock. They’ll figure it out,” Vince said.

“Dada!” Ky’nayth said and began looking around trying to find his father.

Victoria sighed, “As much as I love seeing my husband, I have to go through days of them asking for him after he leaves. It’s gonna be a long day. I’ll let you know if I hear anything else.”

“Da!” Mik’kenna said, following her brother’s lead. “Dada!”

“Good luck with those two,” Vince said as he opened the door for her.

November 13, 2118

“Going in under the barrier, via the waterfall, or attempting a drop inside from above is not worth the risk,” Ja’val said as he, the High Chancellor, and First Commander met with Vince and the strike team. “Neither the High Chancellor nor I could confirm whether or not the DNA detectors would be alerted to your presence. There is also the possibility that the detection system is used elsewhere in the facility.”

“But you found a way around it, right?” John asked.

“Yes. Dr. Harris has the program ready to go as well as adjustments to his scanner so that he should be able to pick up any other such devices in the base.”

After covering a few other details and taking questions, John took over the discussion. “Kaven and his team have been keeping in touch with their Vaan village,” he started, “and have gained access to two others. This one has a bridge portal,” he pointed it out on the large screen, “and this one here doesn’t. Nothing that can really help out my team if we need an easy in or out to the base, but we weren’t expecting that to happen in a couple of months anyway. They’re going to continue their efforts. My team will follow the same plan as last time, and the same route to the base. Goal is the same, I assume,” he looked at the High Chancellor, “just gather intel, do not engage, correct?”

“That is correct, Colonel.”

“Extraction plan the same?”

“No,” he replied. “You will use your signals just as before, but this time my flagship will be the one to pick you up.”

“No more of those pods then?” Chris asked.

“No.”

“Good. Creepiest things ever.”

“May I ask why the change?” Vince asked.

“As Victoria explained on my behalf ten days ago, I made it rather clear to my Empire that I would be actively pursuing any traitors to the Empire. That gives me more latitude when travelling around the galaxy to places my flagship would not, under normal circumstances, have a need to visit.”

“Are those three ships still orbiting Vaan?”

“They are. As soon as you bridge to Vaan, my ship will head to that solar system. Not directly, of course. There are a few other stops I wish to make along the way. But with those stops, a few jumps into FTL travel, we will be investigating the three ships in orbit around Vaan by the time you reach the outer barrier of the base.”

“And if they’re traitors?”

“They will be dealt with quickly and decisively.”

“Sir,” Be’atta spoke, “I know you brought Victoria and Lutia on board last time for our return trip to help us get accustomed to being on a Rayth ship, but this time you’re heading out for Vaan the same time we depart, so I take it that you won’t be swinging back to pick them up.”

“The First Commander and I are still discussing this matter. I would, of course, like to have my wife with me, as I know my First Science Commander would, but I also know that the four of you were quite comfortable on the ship by the end of the last journey.”

“The return trip,” Kol’non spoke, “won’t take as long this time. We will be using FTL speeds, though we may stop a few places along the way. This trip will be significantly shorter.”

“It would still be nice to have them on board,” Be’atta said, “after being with these three guys for such an extended period of time, having a couple of women to talk to would be refreshing.”

“My concern,” Zy’nayth said, “would be their safety. We may encounter some resistance and I do not wish to put them in harm’s way. But as I stated, the First Commander and I are still in discussion.”

“I’m surprised Victoria isn’t in this meeting,” Chris said.

“Ah, blame my children. As we went to leave to come here, they became rather upset and Lutia could not calm them. Victoria stayed behind so that they would not be quite as upset.”

“I don’t think they like being away from you,” John said. “When Victoria came back ten days ago, everywhere she went with them, all you could hear was the two of them calling out “Dada!” and looking everywhere for you.”

“I do not like being away from them either. I hope I do not have to be for much longer.”

“On a similar note,” Chris asked, “is that serum working?”

“I am still running simulations,” Ja’val said, “I was caught up in this DNA detection problem. However, I have been able to complete a few simulations, all of which have been positive. But those were the easy ones, ones I was sure would pass the test. The hard part is next. I am hoping that, barring any unforeseen circumstance, by the time we return to Terra 2 from Vaan, I’ll have conclusive studies done and we can begin the next phase of tests.”

“On live Rayth?” Be’atta asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you have any volunteers for that?” Chris asked, “I mean, from what I understand, you might get your digestive systems back online, but you could lose your regenerative abilities.”

“That is what these next set of simulations should determine.”

“I have already volunteered,” Zy’nayth said.

“To which I have said no,” Kol’non replied. “Until this war is ended, until these traitors are captured, you cannot lose any power or authority you currently have. If there’s even the slightest chance of your abilities to regenerate, to fight, to use your telepathy, anything being altered, you cannot take the risk.”

Zy’nayth waved off his remark.

Kol’non looked at Ja’val, “He is not to take the therapy. Period.”

“I do outrank you, First Commander,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Sir, if your power diminishes, there are Rayth who would take that rank of yours away in a heartbeat. I cannot allow that to happen until this rebellion is put down. If anything, you need that power in case they come after your children,” Kol’non said.

Zy’nayth gave him a quick glare but returned the discussion to the Vaan mission and finalized all of the plans. “Last order of business,” he said after wrapping things up, “is to have the four of you to take your personal belongings and food supplies up to the ship. Will you be ready to leave on time, Colonel?”

“Other than taking things up to your ship, we’re ready to go now. So the day after tomorrow, we’ll be more than ready.”

“Good.”

“When you have everything gathered, contact me,” Kol’non said, “and I will escort you to the ship. First Science Commander, you may, of course, return at your convenience any time.”

“If there’s nothing else,” Vince said, “you’re dismissed.”

The High Chancellor stood and looked at his First Commander, “I will be in my chambers. We still have a few things we need to finalize. Stop by at 1:00 local time.”

“Yes, sir.”

The conference room cleared out then the First Commander approached Be’atta, “Is there anything you need help with?”

“Not really. I already had a box of things prepared to have taken up. I just need to get more food supplies. However,” she smiled, “if you would like to keep me company while I do a final check, I’d appreciate having someone to talk to.”

***

“Dada!” exclaimed both kids when Zy’nayth entered his chambers.

“You two,” he said to Lutia and Victoria, “look exhausted.”

“They fussed and cried the entire time you were gone. We’d set them down and they’d head for the door and when they couldn’t reach the panel to get it to open, they just cried and screamed.” Victoria sighed, “We tried holding them, rocking them, playing with them, anything, but nothing comforted them. They wanted you and there was nothing that would sway them otherwise.”

“Sir,” Lutia said, “I know Victoria teases you about using telepathy on the kids but, sir, I mean no disrespect, but if you are, that is probably only making matters worse when you can’t reach them when you’re halfway across the galaxy.”

“I do not use telepathy on my children,” he said, as he sat on the sofa, a kid taking up residence on each side of him. “However, because we are telepathic beings, we do share a closer bond than they ever will with Victoria. It is not that I am communicating with them telepathically, it is simply how Rayth are. It is an extremely close bond that humans cannot experience. It is one thing I wish Victoria could share with them.” He gave his wife a loving smile, “But you must believe me when I say that when you are away, they do miss you just as much. They are just not old enough yet to understand why their mother ‘feels,’ for lack of a better word, so different from their father. And it does not help matters when I am away so much.”

Victoria settled on the sofa next to Mik’kenna, who was now content that her father was where she could see him. The baby girl crawled up into her mother’s lap and fell right to sleep. Seconds later, Ky’nayth crawled into his father’s lap and did the same.

“I could use a nap myself,” Victoria said, “they wore me out.”

“Me too,” Lutia replied, “and I want to see Ja’val, so I’m saying goodbye. Send for me if you need me to help wrangle them later.”

“I will, thanks Lutia, and sorry they were so cranky.”

Zy’nayth stood, with Ky’nayth in his arms, “Come, you need a nap. They will sleep for at least an hour.” Victoria stood and followed him into the bedroom where they curled up around their children and had their own naps.

***

“I have arranged for the four of you to have separate quarters this time around,” Kol’non said after entering Be’atta’s chambers.

“Will we be able to visit each other?”

“Yes. Your chambers will be near each other.”

“Thanks,” she replied as she pulled out her tablet and called up her checklist. “But we’ll probably still spend most of our time together since we’re limited to where we can go on the ship.”

“I’m afraid I can’t really change that. If it helps, Victoria is limited as well and she is the High Chancellor’s wife.”

“I know. It’s for our own safety. I just hope that someday such rules won’t be necessary. Would you unpack the bag so I can go through the list, and I’ll grab my box of food to check?”

Kol’non stayed with Be’atta until noon. They talked about his past, which Be’atta found both horrifying and sad. She encouraged him by reminding him that he was now the First Commander of the Raythian Fleet and had the trust of the High Chancellor, which, even she knew, was something he didn’t share easily. “And,” she smiled, “you have friends here on Terra 2.”

“I feel as though it’s only because of the High Chancellor that I’m allowed to come here.”

“At first, yes, that was probably the case, but I know for a fact that John respects you, my entire team does. Believe me, they wouldn’t be so informal around you if they weren’t comfortable with you. When they do slip up, it’s not out of disrespect, it’s because you’re their friend and they’re just in their ‘friend’ mode of thinking and communicating.”

She put the last item into her enormous pack. “Okay. I just need to get some final food items and I’m all done. I also need some lunch. You’re welcome to join me down in the mess hall.”

“No, thank you. My presence there would probably be unsettling to others, besides, I need to check in on things on the ship.”

“Then I’ll see you later today. I think John and Chris would be up for a little sparring action.”

“After I meet with the High Chancellor, perhaps we shall have a little match.” Before she opened the door, he took her hand and gave it a tender kiss. “I have enjoyed our talk.”

She gave him a warm smile, “Me too. And I’m wondering when I will learn your name.”

“I must consider this longer.”

With her smile remaining, she opened the door and the two went separate ways.

***

“Ma!” Ky’nayth said as his little fingers pushed on her cheek, “Ma!”

Victoria didn’t open her eyes, but she wrapped her boy into her arms. “Ma is sleeping,” she said.

He giggled as he tried to get out of her embrace but she refused to let him go. “Ma!” he giggled again.

She opened her eyes and saw Zy’nayth smiling at her. Mik’kenna was snuggled next to him, still quite content to be asleep.

“Ma!”

“What do you want, little guy?”

He pointed out the door, “Dink.”

“Dink?” Zy’nayth frowned then smiled, “Drink.”

Zy’nayth went to get up but Victoria shook her head, “I got it. I’ll get their lunch ready too.” She kissed Ky’nayth’s head then went to fetch their lunches. By the time she returned, Mik’kenna was awake and shoving at her brother who wanted to play but she wasn’t ready to.

“All right you two, sit up straight so Daddy can feed you,” Victoria said as she handed her husband a tray filled with their food and their little cups of milk.

“Dink!” Ky’nayth clapped.

Zy’nayth handed his son his sippy cup and the boy took a big drink of his milk then let the cup fall onto the bed and reached for his lunch.

“No. You will sit still, young man,” Zy’nayth said. Mik’kenna crawled up onto her father’s lap and pointed to the tray.

“Go ahead and let them have the banana slices, they can’t make too much of a mess with those,” Victoria said.

Zy’nayth gave each child their own little dish of the fruit and each had their hands in them and worked hard to get the mushy fruit into their mouths.

“Has Becket been monitoring their growth? Are they within normal parameters?”

“He has, and I have, and they are very healthy little babies. Both by human and Rayth standards, at least the standards Ja’val gave us.”

“Victoria, this next trip, I told you want our plans were. Do you understand that there will be a risk of danger?”

“Yes.”

“I do not believe it is anything my ship could not handle, but there could be some bumps along the way. I believe it will be safe enough for you and the children to join us, if you would wish to.”

“I would,” she smiled. “And I know these two would.”

“You would not like to think about this?”

“I’ve come to learn that my husband would not have even suggested me joining him on this trip if he hadn’t thought we’d be safe. So, there’s nothing for me to think about other than packing. Will Lutia be coming too?”

“I will let Ja’val discuss it with her. Provided the First Commander does not have any objections with my decision.”

“You’re still the boss.”

“He may be aware of a danger I have not yet come across in the reports I have been reading.”

“Oh, all right,” she said then took a bite of her sandwich.

“What is this?” he asked as he picked up what he assumed was the protein dish.

“Egg salad. Here, have a bite of mine.”

He took a bite and shrugged his shoulders. “It is okay.” He gave Mik’kenna a spoonful of her egg salad and she ate it without fuss as did her brother.

“You are watching them rather intently,” Zy’nayth said. “Have you not given this to them before?”

“I have, but I put some green pepper in it. They’ve never had that.” Then Ky’nayth frowned. “Yup, he just tasted it.” She watched and waited, but both kids chewed and swallowed and didn’t refuse the next spoonful.

“Kenna likes spices better than Ky,” she said. “I made scrambled eggs for their dinner a couple of nights ago. I keep theirs really plain, just a little salt and pepper. But I added green pepper and onion to mine. I gave them each a little taste. Ky ate it but went back to his own, Kenna couldn’t get enough of it. I think I ended up eating hers and she ate mine. That’s why I was a little hesitant about putting the green pepper in this.”

“He does not seem to mind it.”

“Good. I need to start introducing more things to their diet before they get start getting picky.”

The door chime sounded and Victoria took another bite of her sandwich as she went to answer it.

“I am a few minutes early,” Kol’non said, “I will just stay here in the main room, if that is all right?”

“Come on in, First Commander,” Zy’nayth’s voice boomed through the bedroom, “Just feeding the little ones.”

Ky’nayth craned his neck around to see who was entering. He clapped, approving of the First Commander’s appearance then went back to his food. Mik’kenna also clapped and reached out for a hug.

“Here,” Victoria said, towel in hand, “let me wipe her face off.” She cleaned up the little mess then Kol’non took the girl into his arms and let her hug him. It was the first time he had held either of Zy’nayth’s children. He was taken aback when the little toddler kissed his cheek before wanting to return to her father and her food.

“That was a pleasant surprise,” he said. Victoria, always observant, saw that he was just a little teary eyed. She knew her husband saw it.

“If Ky wasn’t so entranced in his lunch, he would have probably wanted a hug too,” she said. “Do you need to talk about plans? Do you need me to go into the next room?”

Zy’nayth shook his head then told Kol’non about the decision to allow Victoria, Lutia, and the children on board the ship for the next trip to Vaan.

“Are there any dangers that I have not yet been informed of?” he asked.

“No, sir. I believe I have covered everything in the reports and with you personally.”

“Then do you agree with my assessment that my family would be safe on the ship?”

“We might get a few jolts, but yes, they’ll be safe.”

“Good. Would you inform Ja’val that Lutia may join us if she wishes?”

“I will, sir.”

“Now, First Commander, I would like to know your intentions towards Be’atta.”

Victoria nearly spit out her tea. “Be’atta? What have I missed? What has that girl been keeping from me?”

“It is not much, I assure you, Victoria,” Kol’non said. Then he explained what had happened a few weeks earlier, and his feelings for Be’atta, and hers, thus far, for him.

“So, sir, though I would very much enjoy being more than a friend to Be’atta, she does not wish for such a relationship because of what happened to her family. My intention is to be her friend and protector, and perhaps, some day her pain from what happened will ease and I will no longer remind her of such a horrific time in her life.”

“And should that never come to be?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I will still be her friend, if she would have me as such.”

“You are content with that?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the other women?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Other women?” Victoria asked.

“I have not entertained them for some time, and certainly not since first meeting Be’atta. I no longer wish to.”

“Good. I wish you the best, First Commander. Be’atta is a very strong and beautiful woman. But realize that she is a friend of mine and I would not want her to be hurt.”

“I fully understand, sir. I do not wish to harm her in any way. I’m leaving our relationship entirely up to her.”

“I will put in a good word for you,” Zy’nayth smiled. “You have changed much in the last couple of years. I believe you two are well suited for each other.”

“Thank you, sir, but no. I don’t want her to think you or Victoria are pressuring her into anything. I would rather allow things to progress naturally.”

“Very well. If you have nothing else to discuss, you are free to leave, or you can join us on the mainland. The children have become quite fond of water and we are attempting to teach them how to swim.”

“I was going to see if John and Chris wished to spar. Perhaps they, and Be’atta, would like to join this swimming adventure as well.”

“We will be on the north dock in twenty minutes if you wish to join us.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Kol’non left and Victoria gave her husband a slap on his arm, “She didn’t tell me anything. How’d you know?”

“You were not at the meeting and did not see how he looked at her. Nor did you know he went to her chambers afterwards. Be’atta has probably been quite busy preparing for this trip to Vaan, thus she has not had opportunity to talk to you.”

“Yeah, and she probably has a lot to think about regarding any relationship.”

“You heard the Commander, do not try and influence anything.”

“I heard and I will respect his wishes,” she smiled, “but I still have to ask her about it.”

“Perhaps later. Let her tell you when she is ready.”

“Oh all right.”