E:A Vol 2 Ch 9—November 13, 2118

Victoria was thrilled when John, Chris, Be’atta, Simon, Kaven, Lutia, Becket, Ja’val, and Kol’non all showed up for their beach excursion before they all boarded the flagship for the second Vaan mission. The kids were also happy and wanted attention from everyone.

“It’s kinda weird when you guys aren’t in uniform,” John said referring to the three Rayth. “However, I still plan on a little sparring action. We have Kaven this time, so you guys are gonna be hurtin’.”

Victoria sighed, “Only one round, guys. We’re here to relax and have fun.”

“Sparring is relaxing and fun,” Kaven said.

“Personally, I’d like to see Kaven and the First Commander go at it,” Chris said. “Anyone wanna take some bets as to who’d win?”

“I assure you,” Ja’val spoke up, “that though the First Commander does not look as intimidating as Kaven, he would win.”

“No betting, guys,” Victoria said.

“Okay, how about you and Kaven?” Chris smiled at the First Science Commander.

“I would win.”

“See, you Rayth need to be taught a little lesson in humility,” Chris continued to grin.

“Physiologically speaking,” Becket said, “Rayth are stronger and faster than humans.”

“Yes, but we’re talking about Kaven.”

The imposing human smiled, “I would love a little one-on-one sparring action with you guys, but I know I would lose. I’d love to learn a few techniques that would help me in the future.”

Lutia, Victoria, and Be’atta tended to the kids, while Becket and Simon spread out blankets on the beach and set up the water coolers that were full of drinks and sandwiches.

“Very well, who would you like to spar with first?” Kol’non asked Kaven.

“The High Chancellor.”

Ja’val smiled, “You do realize…”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all kinds of stories about him from his wife. I want to see for myself.”

Zy’nayth found a soft spot of sand that would provide adequate cushioning for the humans. “Would you prefer a true test of your abilities, or would you like me to allow you to learn first?”

Kaven gave him a smile, “True test. I want to know if I’m as good as Chris and John think I am.”

“I am sure you are. You need not do this,” Zy’nayth said, “you will not last long.”

“I like to think I’m good, and I’ve been told you’re the best. I want to see how I stack up,” Kaven said with a shrug of his shoulders.

Becket shook his head, “I should have brought a medical kit.”

“We will heal them if they get injured,” Kol’non replied.

Zy’nayth stood, hands behind his back and gave Kaven a nod, “True test. You may begin whenever you are ready.”

Victoria held Mik’kenna and watched as Kaven circled around the High Chancellor. She shook her head then went back to trying to teach her daughter how to swim.

Kaven stopped just to the right of Zy’nayth, turned away then spun and kicked. A quick sidestep from Zy’nayth and Kaven’s kick hit only air, followed by a hand on Kaven’s chest that lifted him in an arc then thrust him to the ground.

“If I were to use my life extraction, you would be dead,” the High Chancellor said calmly. Instead he let his energy flow through the warrior’s body to make sure he was not harmed.

“I told you,” Ja’val said. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna clapped, thinking it was a game or a show.

Zy’nayth helped Kaven to his feet. “You should always try to attack a Rayth from behind. It will give you only a fraction of a second’s advantage, but it is better than coming from where he can see you.”

Kaven nodded, “Don’t think it would have made that much of a difference.”

“Any advantage, no matter how slight, is always an advantage.”

“My turn,” Ja’val said. “I haven’t had a good sparring match in ages. John, Chris, Kaven, all three of you. Let’s go! Simon, come on, you too.”

“No. Scientists don’t fight,” Simon said.

“In my culture, they do,” Ja’val replied with his hands on his hips.

“The thought of hearing one of my bones breaking is enough to keep me right here. You warriors do your thing,” Simon waved them off.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen you fight,” John said to the First Science Commander.

“Usually never have the opportunity to do so.”

“Can I join you guys?” Be’atta asked, “I need a workout too.”

Becket and Simon got in the water and showered attention on the babies while John and his team, one by one, went down. Kaven, however, remained on his feet a few seconds longer than the others. Soon the little group was surrounded by others who were at the beach on their day off. Though Kaven got in several solid kicks and punches, he too ended up failing to score a point for the human team.

Kol’non made sure he was uninjured, then after a little break, the four human warriors went up against him. Kaven had quickly picked up a few things and was enjoying the challenges these new opponents brought, though he and his teammates were easily and quickly put down.

Zy’nayth only watched, examining each man’s abilities very carefully.

“Okay,” Chris said as he got back to his feet, “you guys fight it out,” he said, pointing to the three Rayth. “I’ve seen the High Chancellor and First Commander go at it. I want to see how he handles two Rayth.”

“This excursion was not to be about my prowess as a warrior,” Zy’nayth said.

“All right, listen,” Chris said with his hands on his hips, “I know you don’t go full out when sparring. I know why. I want to know how fast you can take down two of your own.”

“Take what I did to Kaven and multiply it by two.”

“Seriously, High Chancellor…”

“I am serious. I am here to be with my friends and family. A demonstration can be arranged for a later time if you wish. You may continue sparring if you would like, but I wish to spend time with my children and friends.”

“Chicken!” Chris teased.

Victoria had explained the term “chicken” to him a long time ago when she had used it. He was looking at her now and she simply shrugged her shoulders. “Your call,” she said then looked at the others. “For the record, I’ve seen him fight several of his own without breaking a sweat. You guys don’t stand a chance.”

Zy’nayth turned back to the now larger group of nearly fifty people. “One demonstration, but one that will quiet your interest in the topic. My two Firsts, John, Christopher, Kaven, Be’atta, and anyone else in the crowd who wishes to fight me. All of you against me. Here. Now. After the fight, my two Firsts and I will make sure all of your injuries are healed. That will be the end of any discussion about our fighting abilities. Mine, in particular.”

“The Firsts will be fighting you, not us, right?” a Marine asked.

“That is correct.”

“Well, I guess I want to see if the legend is true. Anyone else with me?”

Out of the fifty people gathered on the beach, all thirty-five men joined in, plus four female Marines. It would be 45 against one.

Becket made his way back to the beach. “Simon run to MedBase 2 and grab the emergency kit for me. Just in case.”

“Be right back.”

“I will be quite fine, Doctor,” Zy’nayth said.

Becket shook his head, “Not you I’m worried about.”

“Can we go all out?” someone shouted from the group.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth answered.

“Is this a good idea?” Lutia asked Victoria.

“Probably not. Let’s get ready to help Becket if something happens.” Simon returned with the emergency medical kit and was told he may have to watch the kids if someone got seriously injured.

Zy’nayth found himself encircled. He slowly turned and assessed each threat. “I am waiting,” he said. “Or do you wish to forfeit?”

Victoria watch, shocked. He easily dodged the first attacks and dove into the crowd. One woman went down. A few feet to her left, a man went down. As the group tried to encircle the Rayth, he easily rolled, spun, and dodged his way to the next weakest opponent, sending them easily to the ground.

“He’s fast,” Becket said, “I can’t even see him.”

“I’ve never seen him do this. I mean, not this fast,” Victoria said. “It’s just a blur.”

In less than five minutes, the only ones left standing were two Marines, John, Chris, Be’atta, and Kaven, as well as the other two Rayth. Ja’val and Kol’non had not rushed in to the fight, knowing it was strategically unwise. Letting the opponent wear himself out with the others was best in this situation, even though they also knew this little demonstration wouldn’t wear the High Chancellor out in the least. So it wasn’t until the last two marines went down that Kol’non and Ja’val began their fight in earnest. Be’atta was soon down, then, simultaneously, John and Chris were hefted into the air with two strong arms and brought crashing down onto the sand. Kaven was the last human to hit the sand. To everyone’s surprise, the two Firsts were as easily taken down as John and Chris had been. Both at once and both seemingly unable to stop any assault by the High Chancellor.

Zy’nayth pulled the two Rayth back to their feet. “Let us check for injuries.”

Becket and Victoria had already tended to nearly everyone, most only had the wind knocked out of them and their pride bruised, but everyone motioned off the doctors so they could watch the fight.

“Sir,” the first Marine to join the fight, walked up to Zy’nayth, “it was an honor. You definitely live up to your legend.” He gave the High Chancellor a formal salute, then a handshake. “Would love to learn how you do that.”

“Ten thousand years of practice, Major.”

“Don’t suppose there’s a condensed version, is there?”

“Afraid not. Just keep training.”

Every person in the fight, all of them military, lined up and gave the High Chancellor a formal salute and a handshake. All of them had a new respect for the Rayth. He could, on his own, very likely kill everyone on their base. Yet he chose not to. Respect grew, fear began to dissipate.

The crowd dispersed and Zy’nayth was able to relax in the water as he tried to teach Ky’nayth how to swim.

“I hope I satisfied your curiosity,” he said as Chris came swimming up to help with Mik’kenna’s lesson.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing you take on a hundred or more,” Chris grinned.

“Hey, no more,” Victoria said. “He’s obviously quite skilled so let him be.”

“I appreciate you doing that,” Chris said to Zy’nayth, “I’ve always wanted to see you in action like that. Very cool.”

“I needed to do something to shut you up,” Zy’nayth said with a wink. “John, your team did quite well.”

“Yeah, lasted all of three minutes and that’s only because you took everyone else out first.”

“I took out the weakest first.”

“See, I’d think it would be of more benefit to take out the strongest first.”

“Situational,” Zy’nayth said. “In this instance, I needed to eliminate as many opponents as possible. Quicker and more efficient to take out the weakest first. In another instance, I may choose to take out those with weapons first; or those who pose the biggest threat to me. It is always most advantageous to assess what the goal is and what the opposition is to determine the best course of action. The goal was to take everyone down as quickly as possible.”

“I would have still gone for the two Commanders first. You could have used up all of your strength taking out the weaker rivals then be stuck facing the two strongest with little left.”

“That was taken into consideration. You must also know your own strength and abilities. I knew that they were the strongest fighters. But I knew how much it would take to eliminate the rest of crowd and I would have plenty to take on the Commanders.”

“Of course,” Chris said, “had this been a real fight, you could have used your feeding hands to build up any depleted strength.”

“Yes.”

Ky’nayth didn’t want to learn how to swim and kept trying to splash about. Zy’nayth gave up and simply held the boy on his palm and let him pretend he was swimming, which delighted the toddler to no end. He wanted to venture out on his own and though Zy’nayth would remove his hand just for a moment to see if the baby would start to swim on his own, he’d sink but flap his arms until he felt the protective hand of his father on him, pulling him up to safety. But he never cried out, instead he attempted it again.

Mik’kenna was much more hesitant. She didn’t like being on her stomach. She had to be treading water or floating on her back. Chris and John both tried to get her onto her stomach but she wanted nothing to do with it and her screams were heard.

“Perhaps in shallower water,” Zy’nayth suggested.

Victoria shook her head, “I think if maybe Daddy tries, she’ll be more receptive to the idea. Trade with John and Chris.”

Ky’nayth readily accepted the transfer and splashed the two Marines and giggled and splashed again. Mik’kenna, on her back, reached up to be held by her father. Becket came wading up just as Zy’nayth picked her up to hug and encourage her.

“You do realize she can’t learn to swim unless she’s actually in the water, right?” Becket teased.

“She is frightened,” Zy’nayth said. “I am only trying to calm her fears before attempting to put her back into the water.”

But even with her father’s reassurances, Mik’kenna did not want to go back into the water. Not even to splash.

“Guys,” Victoria said, pointing to the west, “that’s one big storm cloud. We should probably get everyone back to the city.”

Lightning and thunder roared to life.

“Uh, that’s moving way faster than a storm cloud,” John said as he made his way back to shore with Ky’nayth. “Everyone to shelter!” he shouted, “Go! Now!”

Many were already making their way to MedBase 2. Lutia, Simon, and Ja’val were hurriedly packing up their things. Victoria, Be’atta, and Kol’non helped and carried everything to the mainland’s medical facility. The teams from botany and agriculture soon joined them after John signaled them to evacuate to the facility. MedBase 2 was the strongest of the structures, and, if there were any injuries, they had the equipment there to take care of them.

“I’ve got two people out in the field,” Hank Wells said, “Got them on the comlink, not sure they’ll make in here in time.”

“Who?” John asked, “And where?”

“Elsa and Tamara, east of here, about a mile.”

“Kaven, with me,” John said.

“No,” the First Commander said, “Science, come. We can carry them faster than they can run.”

The two Rayth ran out into the windstorm that was already bending trees. Zy’nayth found the most secure spot in the MedBase and made sure Victoria and the children were protected then he went outside, John, Chris, and Kaven with him.

“That is not a natural phenomenon,” Zy’nayth said looking at the incoming cloud. Then he tapped his comlink, “Second, do you see the cloud approaching the mainland north of the city?” He waited, “Impossible. Teleport me directly to the bridge. Now!”

John looked at Chris and Kaven. “Okay, suddenly I’m worried. You two head east, relieve the Commanders. A mile carrying someone in this has to wear even them out. Stay in contact.” He tapped his own comlink, “Vince, no, I don’t know what it is but the High Chancellor just teleported out in a hurry. We’re gonna need to evacuate. Everyone that was on the mainland, except four of us are in the MedBase. Send seven shuttles over. They should withstand this wind. Holy…” John ran inside the MedBase, “Everyone to the back. Docs, get ready. We’re gonna take a hit.”

Be’atta ran up to Victoria, as did Alessa, “We’ll watch the kids. You help Dr. McKenna.”

“John, what is it?” Victoria asked.

“It’s not a storm,” he said as the first blast hit the agriculture building. “Marines, got any weapons on you?”

“Wasn’t expecting an attack, sir,” Major Steve Kessler replied. He was the first Marine to volunteer for the fight with Zy’nayth. “Got the armory stash west of here.”

John nodded. “Quarter mile. I need five volunteers.” He got forty. He called out five, motioned them to himself then five more and sent them over to the major. “Kessler, you’re in charge of team two. Soon as I return with my five, you lead the other five out. The rest of you, get ready to fight.” He motioned to his five volunteers, “Let’s do this!”

By the time the first five returned to the MedBase, the storm cloud was focusing its attacks on the city.

“All Marines!” John shouted, “We need to get back to the city and we’re gonna need all the ammo we can get.”

John, Steve Kessler, and the four men closest to them disappeared.

“Sir,” he said as soon as they appeared on the bridge of the Raythian flagship, “what the heck is that thing?”

“A Rayth battlecruiser; it should not exist,” he said, “I’m teleporting you directly to your armory. The others will be there shortly.”

“We’re ready.”

***

“Do not be alarmed,” the First Commander said to the people as they appeared on the flagship. “This is a cargo bay of the High Chancellor’s flagship. You are safe here. Unfortunately, I need to send the military down to fight. What you saw is a Rayth battlecruiser and they are, as of this moment, deploying warriors to your city.”

“You getting us any backup?” a Marine shouted.

“If I send my men down, I believe you would have a hard time determining which are friends are which are foes. We will support you from up here.” He pointed to his right, “Military personnel, please stand over there. You will be teleported directly to your armory.”

Becket, Lutia, Victoria, and Simon all began to head over with the others.

“Dr. Carson, you must remain,” Kol’non said.

“I tried,” she looked at Becket. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. You take care of those kids. I’ll see you soon.”

The Marines appeared in the armory where John was already suited up. “Glad you could make it. Kaven, pick nine and get Doc and Lutia to the infirmary. Then get Simon to wherever he needs to be. Lab or control room?”

“Lab,” Simon said.

“After that, head south then east. Kill any Rayth in your path. Well, unless it’s one of our friendlies.”

“The First Commander said they weren’t sending any down,” Becket said, “we wouldn’t know whether they’re friend or foe. They’re going to do what they can from up there.”

“Okay people, let’s consider us being on our own. We need to secure the control room and main electrical. You all know the plans,” he said, thankful he and his team, plus Kaven and Simon, had worked it out months ago. Going against Rayth was a dire situation, but they knew a bullet to the head would do the trick. The key was keeping the city’s main areas secure, that at least provided them with the ability to lock down other areas. As for those assigned to take out Rayth, the team members would take turns, some shooting the chest to knock them down, others getting up close and using a kill shot to the head and/or chest. He called out the plan’s codename over the comlink to all staff then looked at Kaven. “Once Doc, Lutia, and Simon are secure, work your way through the upper floors, private quarters. Civilians should be taken to the shuttle bay or any other securable areas, we’ve drilled, you guys do your jobs.

“Kessler, grab nine men plus your off-world team. Head north then west, check the mess hall, then take the five floors below us, private quarters, same drill. Higgs and Sanders, split up the rest. Higgs, your team work your way down to the electrical room. Keep that room secure. Sanders your team needs to get to tower two and help civilians get to the shuttle bay. Alpha Team, we’re securing the control room.” He paused and tapped his comlink after it buzzed, “High Chancellor, what’cha got for me?”

“Is the control room secure?”

“Don’t think so. I haven’t been able to raise anyone on the comlink.”

“Do not evacuate the city. If anyone tries to bridge out or use a shuttle, they will be destroyed immediately.”

“Copy that,” John said then sent another message to all team leaders. No shuttles were to leave, reroute to the designated areas. Then he clicked back into the call from Zy’nayth.

“Have your team start sweeping the city,” Zy’nayth said, “and eliminating the threat. Your Alpha Team will accompany me.”

Five seconds later, the High Chancellor appeared in the armory. John amended his orders then Chris took point and they began making their way to the control room.

***

Victoria threw a bunch of pillows on the floor and held her children close. She wasn’t in the High Chancellor’s chambers, she’d been ordered to sit it out on his private cruiser. Ja’val was with her in case they needed to launch.

“I can’t believe he didn’t let you go down. He may need your help,” she said.

“I can be more help up here, for the moment,” he said as his fingers flew over control panels at the workstation behind the pilot’s seat. “High Chancellor, First Commander, this is First Science, I’m in. Ready when you are.”

***

A Rayth looked up, he’d just finished taking the energy from a human. He was not expecting to see the High Chancellor. Chris shot him point blank in the head then looked around the corner and fired another shot. “Down, not dead,” he motioned to the team and they moved across the hall as Chris continued his methodical search. John took care of killing off the enemy Rayth that Chris had brought to the ground.

Rayth began pouring into the hallway, alerted by the gunshots. “Get back, sir,” John said, “we got this.” He, Chris, and Be’atta were excellent shots, but more Rayth kept coming. “Okay, maybe not. Fall back.”

The High Chancellor strode past them, his appearance shocking many of the Rayth. One by one, his hands or feet made contact with the enemy and each went down. Stun guns were brought out with the next set of Rayth warriors.

“Take them out first,” John shouted to his team, “Don’t let them get to the High Chancellor.”

Chris settled down into his sniper position in the hallway. His aim was true and as soon as he saw a stunner come out, the Rayth went down. He aimed for the waist, knowing that the High Chancellor would need to feed to keep his strength up, so he didn’t want to kill all of the enemies, just disarm and bring them to the ground.

Be’atta and John each made their way down the corridor, helping to clear the path, and just as they got to the control room entrance, the blast proof doors slammed shut and went into lockdown.

Zy’nayth looked through the glass walls at the hundred or so Rayth that filled the room. “Any Rayth left alive back there?” he asked.

“About seven or eight,” Chris said watching the corridor behind them. “Tried to leave a few, I hope that’s enough.”

“It will be.”

“What’s the plan?” John asked.

“Open the door, shoot to kill. I will do my best to help.”

“Sir, you just wiped out over 50 down this corridor. If that’s not your best…”

“Enemy ship is firing,” the First Commander said over the comlink to Zy’nayth. “Returning fire.”

“Just keep their attention. Our ship cannot win against that.”

“Understood.”

“Chris, take the right,” John said, “Be’atta, the left. I’ll go down the middle.”

Zy’nayth finished feeding and returned to the door. “Science Commander, I am ready. Link link into the Alpha Team’s comm units.”

“Already done, sir. Doors opening in three…two…one…”

John was the first to fire; Chris and Be’atta weren’t far behind. “In,” Zy’nayth said.

“Sir,” Kol’non’s voice came over the link to Zy’nayth and the Alpha Team, “there’s a second battlecruiser on our scanner. Headed right for us.”

“What the…” Chris began but finished taking his shot. “Okay big guy, we’re needin’ some backup. I heard you say your ship can’t fight them.”

John saw Vince and the control room staff in the conference room guns ready, but the shielded door was holding thus far. John took aim and began shooting his way towards them. Be’atta covered him while Chris covered Zy’nayth who was going through the Rayth as if they were paper dolls. Vince opened the door when it was clear. John tossed in two guns. Chris tossed in two more.

“Status?” Vince asked.

With four added guns thinning the Rayth numbers, John told Vince what he knew. “Don’t know what he’s planning on doing with those two ships. No, don’t shoot to kill, he’ll need to feed.” And just as John said it, the High Chancellor slammed a traitor to the ground with one hand, and with the other, jammed it onto a second, already downed Rayth. They both shriveled up until nothing more that ashen flesh stretched over a skeleton.

“One minute, First Science Commander. First Commander, two minutes, jump to FTL,” he said.

“Acknowledged,” Kol’non said, followed by an acknowledgement from a voice they didn’t recognize.

The last Rayth went down with Be’atta’s bullet. The High Chancellor walked over to the northern most control station. Lights the Expedition: Andromeda team had never seen before began to glow. Ja’val appeared in the room along with Victoria and the two babies.

She looked around at all of the dead Rayth and held back a scream. Be’atta ran over and took Ky’nayth from Ja’val. “Victoria, go to the conference room with the children,” Zy’nayth said. “Science, got it?”

“Ready, sir,” Ja’val answered, sitting at the station the High Chancellor had been using.

“I am sure you all have been wondering why this giant pillar was in the middle of this room,” Zy’nayth said looking at a four-foot diameter dull red metal pillar that went from floor to ceiling with no discernable reason for its being there. “Activate shields.”

A moment later, “Shields responding…twenty percent…fifty percent…seventy percent…full power. Battlecruisers locking weapons,” Ja’val said.

“Our ships out?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yes, sir,” Kol’non replied.

The red pillar retracted top to bottom revealing something that looked like an amber colored glass barber’s chair. Zy’nayth sat in it, and it immediately began to glow with an amber aura, just like the bridge portals did when activated. His hands settled on the control panels, moved across the controls, and the city began to shake.

“What’s he doing?” Vince asked.

Ja’val still working at his station and monitoring various signals being fed into it spoke. “The reason this city is not on land…there are engines underneath it. It’s a spaceship.”

“I hope it has weapons,” Chris said.

“Unfortunately, they were disabled before the Mythicans left. I tried to reactivate them, but wasn’t expecting to take her into battle so soon. Safe, sir, to jump to FTL,” he said to the High Chancellor. Then he looked at the Alpha Team. “She may not have weapons, but this ship is faster than anything in the galaxy.”

“That’s why you said they wouldn’t destroy it,” Vince said. “I bet they thought she was armed.”

“Most likely they did. But the speed alone was worth stealing her for.”

“Was there anyone on the mainland?” Vince asked.

“No, got them all up to the flagship,” Ja’val answered. “He’s going to be focused on flying for a few minutes. Colonel, your team should start helping clear out any other intruders. Perhaps let everyone know what’s going on.”

Vince made an announcement telling the crew that the city was now in flight but that there were still intruders in the city so people should remain in their quarters until given the “all clear.” Military personnel were to follow protocol.

John was already in touch with the various teams getting status updates. Then the High Chancellor focused on him. “Wounded?”

“Dr. McKenna, report,” John said and listened then turned to Zy’nayth, “infirmary is overflowing. They could use Victoria’s help, sir.”

Zy’nayth sighed. “Very well. Be’atta, I wish for you to stay with my children. Science Commander, go with John and Christopher to make sure Victoria gets to the infirmary safely then report back here. Colonel, Major, I think we can keep this room secure. Clear out the rest of the intruders.”

***

After a couple of hours, the High Chancellor escorted Be’atta first to the infirmary to get his wife, then to his chambers so that the children could be fed, changed, and put down for a nap.

Victoria didn’t question or argue with her husband when he summoned her, she was too worried about her kids and him.

“Be’atta, thank you so much for watching over them,” he said.

“Not a problem,” she replied handing Mik’kenna over to her mother. “I’ll keep watch, sir,” she said as they entered the private chambers.

“No need. Come in, get some rest.”

“Thank you, sir, but no. I’ll return to the control room and help out there.”

“Very well. Thank you, Be’atta.”

Victoria set her daughter on the floor then hurried into the kitchen to whip up something quick. When Zy’nayth entered, he found her crying. He drew her into his arms and held her tight. They stood silent for several moments then Victoria went back to her cooking. “There are some grapes,” she said as she wiped away her tears, “you can give them some of those while I finish up.”

He looked in the refrigerator and pulled out the container of grapes as well as the milk and fixed the cups for his children. He asked if he could help with anything else, but she shook her head. It was then that he realized his long white leather jacket was covered in blood. He went to the bedroom and changed clothes then set about feeding his children.

“I am very proud of both you,” he said as they munched on their grapes, “my brave little warriors. I do so wish you did not have to see the things you saw today, even though I know you will most likely not remember it.”

Victoria came in with a tray and sat on the floor beside her husband. “How are you holding up?” she asked quietly.

“Much better after being able to hug you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his ear. “I was so worried about you. Oh, Zy. I was so scared.”

“I am safe, and so is your city. How many casualties were there?”

“We won’t know for certain, but so far we have eight dead, about 200 injured, though, thankfully, nothing serious, and about thirty missing. We were pretty lucky.”

“And how are you doing?”

“Well enough to continue to help Becket in the infirmary. I just needed to make sure you were okay and that the kids were tended to. They could stay in Becket’s office while I help out.”

“Very well.”

“Are the kids, I know you can sense their emotions, how are they?”

“Shaken but seeing both of us together has calmed them tremendously. I have been sending them reassuring thoughts since they came on board.”

She kissed his ear again then climbed up on the sofa as he fed his children, “This started out to be such a nice day. We never seem to catch a break.”

“We are due for one,” he replied.

“Long overdue. Is this helping?” she asked as she massaged his neck and shoulders.

“Very much so, thank you.”

“Least I can do since you saved my city and all. And because I know you’ll probably be up all night.”

“There is much to tend to.”

“I know. And I’m glad you’re tending to it. I love my Alpha Team guys, they’re very good at what they do, but you, my beloved husband, are the best.”

“John, Christopher, and Be’atta were of much help. Christopher, for all of his…jocularity…has remarkable aim. They all do, but he was exceptional.”

She smiled, “I’m pretty proud of my team.”

Once the babies were done eating, Victoria changed them, gathered food and other items together then she and Zy’nayth carried them to the infirmary. Zy’nayth blocked off an area in Becket’s office for them to play then he gave his wife a tender kiss and returned to the control room.

***

“We’ve moved everyone to this area,” Vince said pointing to a schematic of the city. “These ten floors are secure. It’s going to take us days to sweep the entire city.”

“The First Science Commander will be able to help,” Zy’nayth said, “he should be able to scan for Rayth DNA since I doubt they will be lingering around humans and thus making them harder to detect. Have you been able to determine a final casualty list?”

“Yes,” Vince said, “Eight. No one in the infirmary is in critical condition. Everyone else is accounted for. They didn’t seem intent on killing us.”

“They would need a food supply,” Zy’nayth said, “I am sorry for your losses. I am glad there were not more.”

“What do we do now?” John asked.

“My ships will be rendezvousing with us in a few minutes, then we will begin ridding your city of the dead Rayth. Once that is complete, we will return the city from whence she came.”

“You mean…the same planet? What if those battlecruisers are still there?”

“They are not. And I do not think they would suspect us to return there.”

“If you say so.”

“Meanwhile I suggest you start rotating shifts for rest. Once my ships arrive, I will have the First Science Commander isolate the remaining enemy Rayth.”

“You guys need rest too,” Chris said, “Our teams can keep the vital areas secure. You’ve had a pretty busy day. We need you and your commanders on top of your games.”

“And we know,” Be’atta said, “that you and the First Science Commander have wives that need some comforting. Just take a few hours and get some rest. Please, sir. Your chambers are not far from the control room, if anything comes up, you can be here in just a couple of minutes.”

“Rayth do not require as much rest as humans, but I will consider it for my wife.”

“Sir,” John said, “how did they find us?”

“I do not know, but I intend to find out.”

“What about Vaan? I’m assuming that’s on hold for now.”

“No. Delayed by a day or two. That is another reason why I want your team to rest. It is even more vital now to find out what they have there. Those battlecruisers…their design has only recently been completed. They were not even in the production stage and yet they have at least two of them. I need to know where they are being built, and how they came across the schematics.”

“Could they have gotten the specs from your brother?” Be’atta asked.

Zy’nayth sighed, “It is possible. But I am more concerned with how they were able to build them undetected.”

“Are you sure everyone on your flagship is clean?”

“Yes.”

“Then who else would be able to keep something like this hidden? Who has that kind of power?”

“Members of the High Council,” Zy’nayth said, “but my ships or satellites should have picked up a space dock large enough to build a battlecruiser.”

“Sir,” Chris spoke up, “when you told us about your brother’s death, you said he knew about Earth. What if…could they have built this in our galaxy?”

“He knew of Earth but I do not believe he knew of its location, and if he had, he would have sent gathering ships there. We would have heard something by now if that had happened.”

“True,” Chris said.

“But there is merit to the idea that the ships were built outside of our normal boundaries. Though I have been monitoring outside activity, perhaps I have not gone out far enough.” He tapped his comlink, “Yes, Commander, teleport to the control room. We are in the conference room.”

A few minutes later, the First Commander walked into the conference room. “Flagship took some heavy damage to the hull. Repair crews are tending to it. No casualties.”

“Did they detect the Second Ship in orbit?”

“No. Only one life sign on board her, and she’s at minimal power. The other three ships also went unnoticed, but they’re completely powered down, no life on them.”

“Good. Estimated repair time?”

“At least a week, sir.”

“Any word from the Vice Chancellor?”

“He said nothing was happening on the homeworld. He will contact us should that change. But we both agree that they would not attack out homeworld. They want to control it, they would not destroy it, especially since they now know you are not there.”

“Indeed.” Zy’nayth ran his hands through his hair and felt the braid as it slipped through his fingers. “First order of business, get the dead Rayth out of here. ID them then incinerate them. I want the First Science Commander to start scanning for Rayth DNA to help the teams here to rid the city of the traitors. Flagship repairs are the next priority.”

“May I suggest sending a skeleton crew to the Second Ship to prep her should we need to switch ships.”

“Do it. Colonel Hagen and his team will proceed to Vaan, though it will be delayed a day or two. Once we are sure there are no more Rayth traitors in this city, they will leave. I want our outposts and ships on the outer rim to scan deeper outside our boundaries and areas we do not normally patrol. I need to know where those battlecruisers were built.”

“Already ordered that, sir.”

“Good. I also want the Second Science Commander working on rearming this ship. Once First Science has scanned for Rayth DNA, he is to rest, then he can join the Second on the rearmament programming.”

“Are the weapons still on board?”

“Yes.”

“Have you uncovered anything regarding how they found Terra 2?”

“As a matter of fact,” Kol’non replied, “when we scanned for damage, we found a transmitter attached to the hull near the damaged section. It was neutralized before we jumped to FTL. The communication logs are being searched now to see if we picked up its transmitting signal, and if so, when it started transmitting. My guess it was attached at some point after the executions before we returned here. I don’t think it could have gone on much longer without our regular scans picking it up. And yes, I’ve already had the Second Ship scanned, she’s clean. Our regular scans will be happening much more frequently and thoroughly.”

Zy’nayth and the assembled team discussed a few more items then he stood. “Four hours, then we head back to Terra 2. I am going to tend to my wife and children. Contact me if needed.”

“Yes, sir.”

The High Chancellor went to the infirmary and checked on Becket, Janice, and Lutia. They were busy and tired, but holding up well. “Lutia, your husband has one task I need him to complete, then he is to rest. Please make sure that he does so for at least four hours. I will give him eight if you think he needs it.”

“Thank you, and I’ll make sure he gets plenty of rest.”

“Becket, Janice, both of you need rest as well. I was told no injuries were serious. I suggest you start rotating shifts.”

“We’ll be fine, and I’ve already sent some staff to do rest,” Becket said. “Make sure Victoria rests. I know she was pretty panicked for a bit. I’m thankful she was here to help, though.”

Zy’nayth gave him a nod then made his way over to where his wife was giving a patient a shot for his pain. She gave her husband a smile, finished up with her patient then joined her husband. “Kids are getting cranky.”

“We are taking them home. All of us need rest. I am taking four hours.”

“You probably need more,” she replied as she headed to Becket’s office to gather up her kids.

They returned to their chambers, the kids’ diapers were changed then they were put down for the night. Victoria undressed and crawled into the bed, utterly exhausted. Zy’nayth did the same and drew his wife into his arms after setting his comlink to rouse him in four hours.

Victoria snuggled close to him and gave him a kiss. “Rest in my arms,” she said softly, “I’m here for you.”

Zy’nayth released his typical “I’m the strong one” demeanor and rested his head against her chest, his arms around her waist, and fell asleep. Four hours later his comlink woke him. He showered and changed then woke his wife. “I am headed back to the control room. I thought you would want to know. I did not want you to worry.”

She smiled through her sleepiness then gave him a tender kiss. “I love you.”

He returned her kiss and sentiment then made his way to the control room where the First Commander was working.

“Status?”

“All three ships are ready to jump to FTL. First Science Commander has finished the Rayth DNA scan and Colonel Hagen has deployed teams to eliminate the remaining Rayth. However, I did venture out with him and subdued two of them for questioning.”

“Did you find out anything?”

“I haven’t had a chance to interrogate them. Now that you’re back, I can tend to the matter,” Kol’non said.

“No. I will. Are they on this ship or ours?”

“Flagship, sir.”

Zy’nayth turned and saw Vince walking into the control room. “The First Commander and I are returning to the flagship. Contact me if anything arises. I will return shortly.”

Vince nodded and went into his office but not before noticing that all of the dead Rayth which had been in the control room were now gone.

***

The two prisoners were each standing in their cells. Kol’non walked forward and opened the first cell. He was sneered and growled at. In return, he smiled. “We have some questions for you.”

“I think you’ll find my mind will be quite closed to your telepathic abilities, Commander.”

“Perhaps. But not to his.” He stepped aside and Zy’nayth walked into view.

“I do not suppose you will simply tell me what I want to know,” Zy’nayth said as his powerful hand settled on the warrior’s head and forced him to his knees. “Commander make sure this is recorded.”

“Neural transmitter activated, sir. Recording.”