E:A Vol 2 Ch 10—November 14, 2118

The floating city of Terra 2 landed gently on the dark blue waters of the enormous gulf. Above it, in orbit, was the flagship of the Raythian fleet, the Second Ship, plus four warships taken from the four commanders who had betrayed the Raythian Empire.

Ja’val used a little “trick” to hide the Raythian ships so that they wouldn’t be detected should the battlecruisers re-investigate the area. It was not only a cloak, but in a way it was a disguise. Camouflage for a space ship. “And this combinations of buttons,” Ja’val said to Vince, John, Simon, and the control room manager, “activates the cloaking device.”

“Wait, we can cloak this city? Why didn’t we do that to begin with?” John said.

“Wasn’t operational. Besides, they already saw the city, it wouldn’t have done any good to cloak after the fact. In any case, it’s not wise to keep both the shield and the cloak up at the same time. The power needed for either is immense. Technology has advanced since this ship was built but I have not been given the orders to bring it up to date. Plus there are things about the Mythican engine I, myself, need to refresh my memory about before I start making changes.

“In any case, the advantage of using the shield, is so that you can handle a few hits long enough to get into space and jump to faster than light travel. The advantage of the cloak, obviously, is remaining undetected.”

“Can we launch this thing while cloaked?” Vince asked.

“In theory. Again, power consumption. If you think you can get out without being detected, I’d give it a shot. But remember, this ship sits on top of a huge amount of water and when those engines kick in, the cloak won’t hide the waves they produce. I’d keep shields up, drop the cloak, launch, and hit FTL as soon as I could. Dropping the cloak automatically boosts power to the engines. Simon, I’ve dumped all of the details, translated into English, onto your tablet. So, General, right now, I’m going to drop your shields and put up the cloak, actually, John you do it, hands-on experience. If the rebels return, they won’t see you. Then I’m going to take a very long nap. The High Chancellor will be down shortly.”

“You gonna teach us how to fly this thing?” John asked.

“I’m not a pilot, well not one who’d be suited to teach,” Ja’val said with a smile. “The High Chancellor will show you. Any other questions before I fall asleep?”

“No, Commander,” Vince said with a chuckle, “thank you for everything. Go and have a nice long nap.”

He gave Vince a nod and headed to the infirmary to steal his wife away. He knew she was as tired, if not more so, than he was.

“Chris, Be’atta, you two go get some shut eye,” John said just as Zy’nayth and Kol’non appeared in the control room.

“All three of you,” Zy’nayth said, “and it looks like you need some rest as well, Dr. Harris. The city is safe, the traitors have been led on a, what did Christopher call it, a goose chase. It will be some time before they think of looking back here, so now is the time for everyone to rest.”

“That includes the two of you,” Vince said pointing to the two Rayth. “I’ve had more rest than all of you. I can pull a double. I want all of you to get some well-deserved down time.”

“There is much to be done, yet. The First Commander and I…” Zy’nayth started but Vince cut him off.

“You and the First Commander need downtime,” Vince finished. “I know you guys don’t require as much rest as we do, but as you said, the time to take a break is now. There’s nothing, that I’m aware of, that requires immediate attention. We have some broken pipes to fix and a lot of damage repair on the mainland, but nothing that can’t wait twelve hours or so.”

Zy’nayth looked at the clock over the conference room doors then turned to his First Commander. “Commander, skeleton crew on the flagship to stand watch. Everyone else, twelve-hour mandatory downtime. You included. General, the city is yours. I shall spend some my time with my family. Do not hesitate to contact me or the First if something should arise.”

“This means I can settle into a hot bath now, right?” Be’atta asked.

Vince smiled, “All of you, go. Do not report back to duty until noon tomorrow.”

“That’s more than twelve hours,” Chris said.

“I need you more rested,” Vince replied. “John, tell your men to get some rest to. I want four teams making rounds. I know the scans show we got all of the Rayth traitors, but I’d sleep better knowing our eyes told us the same.”

“You’ll have eight teams out there,” John said, “guys, keep your weapons with you at all times, just in case.”

Be’atta looked at Kol’non, “Headed my way?”

He gave her a nod and fell in step beside her. “I would like to make sure you are unharmed.”

“Oh, I’m fine. The High Chancellor made sure when I went to help with the babies.”

“Ah. He said you fought well. He was quite impressed with your team.”

“We try our best,” she smiled and hit the control panel for her door. “You can come in for a minute,” she said, “it’ll take me a bit to get out of all of this gear.” He walked in and the door slid shut behind him. “By the way, what you did back on the mainland when this started, going after Elsa and Tamara, thank you for that. You and Ja’val probably saved their lives. I know we all got teleported up, but if you hadn’t been with them, well, they might not have made it. Their life signs might not have been picked up through that storm.”

“I’m sure the High Chancellor would…”

“I’m sure he could,” she said as she set the last of her weapons on the dresser, “but we didn’t know what was going on, we didn’t know what that storm was, and you and Ja’val ran out there in the middle of it to save two people you’ve never met, and that deserves a ‘thank you.’”

He gave her a slight bow, “I was glad to help.”

She sat on the bed and bent down to unlace her combat boots but groaned. “Been on my feet too long,” she said. Kol’non quickly knelt and began unlacing the boots for her, causing her to chuckle. “I would have gotten it,” she said.

“Your feet are swollen,” he replied as he slipped the first boot off.

“Like I said, been on ‘em too long.”

“May I just check and make sure there are no injuries? I cannot heal the inflammation, but if there is an underlying injury I can tend to that.”

“I’m sure I’m fine, but go ahead,” she said as she took off her bullet-proof flak jacket. His hand went to her upper chest and he let his energy touch hers. “Everything okay?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“See, just on my feet too long,” she smiled. “I hate to be rude after inviting you in, but I really just want to soak in a nice hot bath, so I must ask you to leave. I just wanted to tell you thank you for all you’ve done over the last twenty-four hours.”

“You are welcome, and I understand,” he said as he walked to the door.

Be’atta ran up to him and gave him a hug, “I’m very happy you were with us through this. Thank you, Commander.”

“Enjoy your bath and rest well.”

But she didn’t. After a hot bath, she crawled into her sumptuous bed and fell right to sleep, but nightmares about the Rayth attack on her village, the death of her fiancé, and what she’d just been through in the last day plagued her mind and only got worse until she woke up screaming.

“Be’atta!” she heard the voice, then the pounding on her door, “Be’atta, are you all right?”

She threw on her robe and stumbled to the door. Kol’non and John were both standing there. “Be, what’s wrong?” John asked. “The Commander called, said you’d been screaming for about five minutes. I was about to get Simon up here to break into your room.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Just nightmares.”

“Commander, stay with her. I’m gonna run and see if one of the Docs can give her something.”

“I’m fine, John. Just tired. Today brought up some bad memories.”

John gave her a strong hug, “Want me to stay for a while?”

“No, but thanks.”

“Okay. If you change your mind, you call. I mean it, Be’atta, you call me.”

“Thanks, John.”

He held her for a few more minutes to make sure she had settled, then he kissed her cheek, repeated his offer to stay and to come running if she needed him, then he went back to his own chambers.

“Is there anything I can do?” Kol’non asked.

“No, well, a hug. It’s good to get hugs from the strongest men around.”

Kol’non embraced her and held her as tightly as he dared. “I, too, am willing to stay with you.”

She smiled, “I know. But I’ll be fine. And sorry for waking you with my screams.”

“It’s no bother,” he said and released her from his embrace. She turned to head back to her bed then stopped.

“Actually,” she said, “could you stay, just for a little bit?”

“Of course,” he said, “or if you would be more comfortable having Colonel Hagen here, I will send for him.”

“Hold my hand until I fall asleep? No need to fetch John for that.” She crawled back into her bed, and Kol’non sat on the edge, taking her hand into his own.

“I was more concerned that since your nightmares are due to Rayth attacks, John’s presence might be more soothing than mine.”

“Good night, Commander,” she said ignoring his comment. She fell right back to sleep and Kol’non stayed for an hour to make sure the nightmares weren’t returning, then he went back to his own chambers.

***

“No, sweetie” Victoria said to her son, “Daddy needs to rest.”

Mik’kenna was soon at her brother’s side, both of them trying to figure out how to get past the door into their parents’ bedroom. Finally, Victoria gave in and opened the door, the toddlers making their way to the bed.

“One more round of hugs and kisses,” she said, “and I’ll leave the door open. Maybe as long as they know they have access to you, they won’t be as obstinate about getting in here.”

Ky’nayth was already at his father’s side of the bed. Zy’nayth reached down with one hand and pulled him up beside him, then grabbed Mik’kenna. Victoria fetched some of their quieter toys and let them play on the bed. Zy’nayth was fast asleep. Victoria gave them all kisses then went back to cleaning up their breakfast dishes and tending to other things around the chambers, things that had broken during the attack, the few articles of laundry, scrubbing the tub, and other chores. She kept peeking in on her husband and kids, and was happy that the kids were playing quietly, completely content just to be near their father who was sleeping soundly.

She had planned on waking him four hours later when it was time to give the kids their lunch, but she let him sleep. The twins were fed and changed and put back in the bed with Zy’nayth then she finished up with her chores just when it was time to start dinner.

When she walked into the bedroom, Zy’nayth was propped up on one arm, looking at his sleeping children, his free hand gently caressing one child then the other. “They’ve been absolute angels,” she said, “did you sleep well?”

“I did. You did not wake me for their lunch.”

“You needed the rest,” she said as she handed him their tray of food while setting her own on the bed before she crawled up next to her husband.

“I did. Thank you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “I love you, you know.”

He smiled as he gently woke his children. “I love you with all of my being, Victoria.”

November 15, 2118

“Our plans are somewhat revised,” Zy’nayth said as he met with the strike team the following afternoon. “My First Commander and I learned where the battlecruisers are being manufactured, this facility, above all, needs to be destroyed.” He paused before he continued. He hated revealing tactical information, but he had grown to trust Vince and the Alpha Team. So far, they had helped him in many ways.

He knew, however, that they didn’t know how to fly the ship they were living on and so, even if they were to turn against him, they were not a threat. Their guns were as the rebels found out. But that was an issue easily remedied. He needed more information, they could get it, but they, in turn, needed his help.

“My flagship,” he said, deciding to let them know the direness of the situation, even though it revealed weakness in his fleet, “even with the support of the dozen ships that I can confirm as being loyal to me, cannot fight off two of those cruisers. We also learned that the base on Vaan is their primary base of operations. This means that it is vital that we get in, download their database, which should contain the layout and security measures for the battlecruiser manufacturing facility, and any modifications they made to the design, defenses, weapons, and such of the ship itself.”

“Can you handle that, Simon?” Vince asked.

“Knowing that it is their primary base,” Zy’nayth replied instead, “there will be levels of security encryption that I do not believe Dr. Harris would be able to break through. At least not without detection. Therefore, I will be going with you.”

Victoria looked across the table, but didn’t say anything. He hadn’t told her he was going.

“Only my First or Second Science Commanders, or myself, would be able to break the code,” Zy’nayth said. “I am sure there are others, but I trust only the First and Second Science Commanders. And since you are not familiar with my Second, nor he with you, sending him with you would not be my first choice.” He tilted his head towards Ja’val, “He will be needed elsewhere. There is also the fact that I can go much longer without having to feed. I am the logical choice to accompany you. But we will be doing things differently.”

Kol’non took over the conversation. “We now have even more reason to check on the three ships currently in that solar system. Colonel, your teams will be on board the flagship and will travel with us to Vaan. Once there, we will approach the outermost ship and teleport the entire crew to our Second Ship which will also be accompanying us. It’s cargo areas are empty, so we can put all three ships’ crews in them. At that point, we will determine who is loyal and who is not. Those who are not loyal will be given the test serum to reactivate their digestive systems. This will eliminate the need for finding volunteers.”

“No!” Becket and Victoria said simultaneously, Becket standing as he slammed his hand on the table.

“Explain,” Kol’non said.

“Sir, even if they are traitors to the Raythian Empire, it is ethically wrong to force an experiment on them,” Becket said. “On Earth, especially during our second and third world wars, there were doctors that did unspeakable things to people in the name of science. I know the First Science Commander has confirmed that the serum will work as intended, at least it has thus far in simulations, but you cannot force this on anyone.”

“They would be banished, likely to starve to death, or executed in any case,” Kol’non replied.

“At least give them a choice with the serum,” Victoria said. “I don’t like your laws and punishment, but I have no control over that. We helped develop this serum, so I think we should have a say in the matter. At least offer them a choice. If they choose death, if they choose banishment, fine. If they choose to test this serum, that’s great but let it be their choice.”

“They do not deserve a choice,” Kol’non replied, “and even if they chose to take the serum, they would ultimately still have to be banished for their crimes.”

“There is also the possibility,” Ja’val spoke up, “that if we force them to take the serum, and if the results are what we want, when we go to present it to the entire Rayth population, they may reject it thinking it is the High Chancellor wresting control from the High Council. It might be best to not only ask for volunteers from the traitorous population, but from the loyal population as well and simultaneously. Just a few from each, to start. Imprison the rest of the traitors. If live trials work, there shouldn’t be any backlash from the public, as we’ll openly ask for volunteers from throughout the Empire. If the trials don’t work out the way we hope, fewer lives will be lost, and again it will be equal among the loyalists and the traitors. And we’ll still have the other traitors imprisoned for the next round of trials.”

Zy’nayth looked at Becket, “Would this be acceptable to settle your ethical dilemma?”

“They must be volunteers, not forced volunteers,” Becket said sternly, “and with full disclosure. Everyone needs to be informed about exactly what the serum is designed to do, the results of our simulations, but most of all, that it may not do what we want it to. Possible issues. It may cause them to render their feeding hands unusable. It may slow the regenerative ability. Everything.”

Zy’nayth looked at Vince, “He is under your command. Currently you have the serum. It is my people we are dealing with. What is your stand, General?”

“I support my Chief Medical Officer. If you want the serum, you have to meet his requirements,” Vince said. “Besides, I know you have the formula or whatever it is, you could make it yourselves. But if you want our cooperation in the future, I highly suggest you do what Becket says.”

“I can accept Becket’s terms. First Commander, Vice Chancellor?”

The First Commander nodded, but the Vice Chancellor, still on the homeworld, spoke through the digital video connection. “The selection of the volunteers will need to be done here,” he said, “in public for obvious reasons and as Dr. McKenna said, for full disclosure. I am referring to selection from both the loyalists and the traitors. It will take some planning. If the First Science Commander would send me a detailed copy of the disclosure, with Dr. McKenna and Dr. Carson’s approval, of course, I can begin preparations to get that information disseminated.”

“I think we can have something to you within an hour after this meeting ends,” Becket said.

“Since that appears to be settled,” Vince said, “Once you’ve captured the crews of the three ships, then what?”

Kol’non again took the lead. “We will head to Vaan and teleport John’s team and the High Chancellor twenty miles outside of the barrier. We believe that to be a safe distance if they were to intercept the teleportation signal. It is our belief that losing contact with the three ships in the area will be their focus and they won’t detect one small teleportation signal. If they do, however, pick up the signal, you should be able to easily evade the Gyhan rebels sent to scout the area.”

“What if there are Rayth with them?” Victoria asked.

“Shouldn’t be an issue,” Chris said, “remember, this is the same team that took back control of this facility. We’re pretty good.”

“Sorry, I’m just a little worried,” Victoria said.

“Outside of the barrier, there should be no issues. Just remain unseen. We don’t wish to raise any unnecessary alarms.” Kol’non continued, “Once inside, Colonel, your team’s responsibility is to get the High Chancellor safely in and out. We’re hoping that he can use any computer station to get into the system to download the intel we need. If not, he will direct you as to where you need to go. But stealth is of the utmost importance. Even with your team’s abilities, and that of the High Chancellor, dealing with over 3,000 hostiles may prove overwhelming. Once you have retrieved the information, you will signal for pickup, just as before.”

“Don’t worry, big guy, we’ll get you in and out, no problem,” Chris said. “Even though you pretty much single handedly cleared out a couple hundred Rayth in those corridors and in this room. So why exactly are we even needed?”

“With as many Gyhan in there as we believe there are, they are probably not familiar with every single individual. Therefore, you could pass for one if needed. I could not,” Zy’nayth said. “That is an advantage I would like to have.”

“Are you staying in the solar system this time?” John asked.

“No, but we will only be an hour away by FTL. Should the Gyhan get a signal out to alert the battlecruisers that they’ve lost contact with three ships, we don’t want to be in the area any longer than we have to. Make sure all of you activate your transmitters in case we have to retrieve you while taking fire. It will be much quicker and safer.”

“If you are under attack,” Vince asked, “can your ship outrun those battlecruisers?”

“No. Once we receive the pickup signals, we will jump to FTL and stop only long enough to activate the teleporters, then immediately jump back in to FTL. The goal is to be fast enough that they don’t see us coming or trace our jump out.”

“From what I’ve picked up,” Simon spoke up, “that’s not going to be easy on your ship, I mean a sudden stop out of FTL then bolt right back into FTL and trying to snatch us up at the very moment you stop. The timing for that alone…”

Ja’val spoke up, “I can safely retrieve your team in the allotted time. I have adjusted the ship’s systems to improve the inertia negation. But it will still be bumpy.”

“What about this Second Ship?” John asked.

“Once the traitors are in the hangar bays and cargo areas, it will leave the system. I will deal with the prisoners later,” Zy’nayth said.

“Okay, so, with this new plan, how much, in terms of supplies, should we plan for? We’ve packed enough for a month, just in case things go awry.”

“Keep what food supplies you have,” Zy’nayth said. “I do not think we would need a tent or things of that sort. We can make do without if we need to. But food will be essential, should something go amiss with the flagship, we want to be able to make it back to a bridge portal.”

Victoria tentatively raised her hand and Zy’nayth gave her a nod to speak. “Maybe it’s just because it’s me, and I worry too much, but you do stand out among other Rayth. If this is to be stealthy, shouldn’t we try to change up your appearance? If they see this giant Rayth in white, with scraggly hair and silver eyes, they’re gonna throw everything at you.”

“I intend on wearing my old black warrior uniform,” he replied.

“We could provide contacts,” Becket said, “change your eyes to blue.”

“Contacts?”

Vince took out his own, “They correct vision for those of us who can’t have our vision corrected by lasers. But they do have colored contacts that only change the color of your eyes.”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “I will keep a very low profile. I do not wish to put anything in my eyes.”

“I can trim up your hair,” Victoria said, “make it more even. I think I could grab something from Venetia to smooth it out and…”

“That will not be necessary. I will simply pull it back into a tail. That should suffice.”

“You know what’s funny,” Chris said, “she’s worried about the toughest, strongest guy in the room. If anyone can get in and out of there in one piece, it’s gonna be him.”

“I’m worried about all of you too,” Victoria said with a frown. “But I’m right. He does stand out among Rayth. You guys could steal uniforms and blend in with the Gyhan. But his eyes are a dead giveaway as to who he is.”

“I will be fine and we will remain unseen.”

“So,” John said, “when do we leave? My team was prepped before this little issue with the battlecruisers.”

“General Cavanaugh,” Kol’non spoke up, “I know you still have a lot of repairs to tend to, do you need this team on site, or may we proceed to leave tomorrow morning?”

“I want this place safe,” Vince said, “and to do that, we need those cruisers destroyed asap. My team is yours.”

“Then be in the control room promptly at 6:00 a.m.,” Kol’non replied. “We will be using FTL to get to Vaan, so we will be there in four days. Two days on the ground, at maximum. Four days back.”

The group was dismissed and Victoria immediately went up to her husband and clung to his hand. “You coming back to the chambers? The kids are probably in a tizzy with both of us being gone.”

“Yes. You are shaking.”

“Nervous. I wish you would have said something to me before the meeting.”

“We only just decided that I would go before we entered the meeting,” he said as they turned down the corridor. “I am the best candidate to go.”

“I know. I don’t suppose I’ll get to travel on the ship this time.”

“No. It is not safe.”

The chamber doors opened and the toddlers, being tended to by Lutia, began their little toddle towards their parents. Zy’nayth bent down and scooped one child up in each arm. “I am afraid that your husband has some work left,” he said to Lutia, “then he is all yours the rest of the day. We will be departing first thing in the morning.”

“Oh! I need to figure out where he and Becket went,” Victoria said. “I want in on this disclosure statement.”

“Have them come here,” Zy’nayth replied. “Lutia can help with the children while you work with them on the documentation.”

Victoria tapped her comlink and moments later, Becket and Ja’val arrived. Since all of them had kept meticulous records, it only took twenty minutes to pull together all of the information as to what the serum was to do, the results of the simulations, and the possible “side effects.” Zy’nayth worked up some wording in which to frame the disclosure and the call for volunteers. Then it was sent to the Vice Chancellor.

“Anything else I can do?” Becket asked as Ja’val and Lutia left to spend the rest of the day together.

“Just keep my wife busy in my absence,” Zy’nayth said, “otherwise she will worry too much.”

“We have a lot of patients that need attention. I’m sure that won’t be a problem. You take care of yourself out there.”

“I intend to.”

November 16, 2118

“It has to come out,” Victoria said as she attempted to undo the braid in her husband’s hair, “you said it yourself, it’s a trademark.”

“It stays, Victoria. Just tie my hair back and be done with it.”

“I’ll put it back in when you get back. It’ll be just like when you’re away for a long time and it comes out and…”

“It stays.”

“Zy, I really wish you’d try the contacts and…”

“You worry too much. Please just finish whatever it is you are doing to my hair. I cannot be late for our departure.”

She groaned but finished brushing through his hair then tying it up into a tail. She’d seen other Rayth wear them, but when she looked at her husband she shook her head. “Maybe if I just pull the sides back,” she said and began to reach out to change his hairdo, but his hand caught her arm, “It is fine,” he said, “I will have to redo it before we get to Vaan anyway.”

“But you don’t look like yourself. If I just…”

“The point is for me to not look like myself. So you have done your job well.”

She frowned but set the brush down and handed him his long black leather jacket. He put it on and she helped with the buttons. She stepped back and gave him another look and frowned.

“I know,” he smiled, “it is not as sexy as the white.”

Victoria burst into laughter and gave him a kiss. “It’s not. Grab your things, I’ll get the kids in the stroller.”

Zy’nayth took what looked almost like a hand-held scanner, but was much thinner and transparent. There were two other smaller devices that he slipped into different pockets and then he helped her get the kids into the stroller. They made their way to the control room where everyone but John had already assembled. But John came running up right behind the High Chancellor and set his pack on the ground. Ja’val attached the transmitter’s self-destruct mechanism to John’s thumb and pinky, then the colonel hefted his pack on.

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna got hugs and kisses from their father; Lutia smothered her husband with kisses; then Victoria got her own kiss from her husband, one that was quite passionate. “I love you, Victoria,” he said as he parted from her. “And do not worry.”

“I love you, too. Please be very, very careful.”

“I will. Commander, whenever you are ready.”

***

“These are your chambers,” Kol’non said, pointing to two doors on their right and two on their left. “They are identical, choose whichever you prefer.”

Zy’nayth was behind them talking with Ja’val about final preparations when Kol’non turned to him, “With your permission, sir, I would like to give them free access to the ship. Our men know they are allies, and I don’t think there would be any security issues.”

“Declined,” Zy’nayth said. “This is a Rayth ship, full of Rayth. Though our men have orders not to harm our guests, I do not want to have to worry about my orders being disobeyed. And, should we come under attack, we know where they are, and we can easily move them to another area if need be. However, under other conditions, I would approve of your decision. I just want to keep things as safe as possible until this mission is complete.”

“Understood, sir. I should have thought of that.”

“It was a good call, just a bad time,” Zy’nayth said.

“Doesn’t really matter to us,” John said, “Appreciate the trust, though. Dibs on this room.”

Be’atta had already entered one of the rooms and set down her box full of food and took her heavy pack off.

“Get settled,” Zy’nayth said, “we have four days of traveling to do. If you need anything the panels next to the doors will signal me or the First Commander.”

“We should be fine,” Chris said. “Feel free to stop by and visit, though.”

The three Rayth continued down the corridor while the humans unpacked their food then gathered to go over plans and just keep each other company.

November 20, 2118

As scheduled, the flagship arrived in the solar system which Vaan inhabited. The crews of the three ships, thanks to Ja’val’s unique scientific abilities, were teleported to the Second Ship of Zy’nayth’s warships. One entire ship-full of Rayth in one large teleportation array. The other two ships’ crews were transferred just as easily, then the Second Ship jumped to FTL and disappeared.

“Good luck,” Ja’val said as he then teleported the High Chancellor, Simon Harris, and the Alpha Team to the surface of Vaan.

“Would you like help with your pack?” Zy’nayth offered Be’atta as they hurried into the woods.

“No thanks. Need you unencumbered.”

“Can take mine, if you want,” Chris said as he took up position as point.

“Let’s pick up the pace,” John said, “I want to get as far away from that drop point as fast as possible.”

The team made good time and five miles from the barrier, John had them stop. “Break time. Should only take an hour to make the rest of the trip. We’ll head out at sunset. Be’atta, you have first watch, Chris second, I’ll take third. Two hours each. Simon, no watch for you. I need you and the High Chancellor as well rested as possible. And you,” he pointed to Zy’nayth, “will rest. No questions, no arguments. I don’t care if you do outrank me.”

Zy’nayth sat by a tree and closed his eyes. “You sound like my wife.”

***

John roused everyone then they made their way to the barrier. Zy’nayth and Simon approached it. Simon interfaced his tablet to the control panel, then used the program Ja’val had rewritten. The barrier came down.

The team hurried in and Simon turned the barrier back on, minus the DNA detection program. John led them to one of the entrances they had found on their first visit and then they were inside the massive underground complex.

“Okay, maybe not the best spot,” Chris whispered and turned back. “Room filled with Gyhan. At least a hundred. We should move to the second entrance.”

John gave them the all clear then they moved around the field to the second of the entrances they had found. “Corridor to the left,” Chris whispered and exchanged his gun for his bow. Wait for my signal.” He waited until he was sure the few Gyhan in the room were occupied then he silently ducked into the corridor and made sure there were no other Gyhan further down. “Clear,” he whispered.

John, with Simon, ducked in next, followed by Be’atta then Zy’nayth. Simon pointed to their left, then his scanner. “I think that’s where we need to go.”

Zy’nayth nodded as he looked at the readings on the scanner. Chris led the way. John, Simon, and Be’atta were gathering images and scans of everything they saw as they went.

“No life signs,” Chris said as they came up to the door. “Tons of electrical. Must just be a server room or something.”

Zy’nayth took out his small scanner and held it up to the control panel and began reading through the code as it scrolled on his screen. “This may take a few minutes. Keep scanning for life signs. We can go back into the corridor if needed. I do not want to attack anyone.”

The small scanner was placed against the wall, and from the bottom, a holographic keyboard appeared. Zy’nayth’s fingers began typing quickly, as a secondary screen slid out from the first. About ten minutes later, the door hissed open. Zy’nayth’s scanner quickly and neatly retracted as he entered first. The other four right behind him.

“Definitely not Gyhan tech,” Simon said as he gazed at all of the glass computer panels. “Anything I can do?”

“No,” Zy’nayth replied. The small scanner, which the team realized was actually a computer, was once again out, this time next to the main control station. A second and third piece of glass was removed from his pocket, one inserted into the top of his scanner/computer. “Sloppy,” he said after several minutes. “I need to make sure there are no hidden traps. Then I will start downloading. Estimated completion time, two hours.”

“We gonna be safe in here for that long?” Chris asked.

“Does not look like they visit this room often. Once every ten or twelve hours. Last log in, three hours ago,” Zy’nayth said.

“Okay. Let’s all sit and let the man do his work,” John said. “Simon, keep scanning for life signs headed this way. And try to scan more of the base if you can. Anything we can get will help later.”

“Already on it,” Simon replied.

Ten minutes later an alarm sounded, bringing the team to their feet. “Us?” John asked.

Zy’nayth was already scanning the logs on another station. “No. They just found out their ships are not responding. Took them much longer than I anticipated.”

“Well, as you said,” Be’atta replied, “sloppy.”

Zy’nayth let a sly grin pass his lips as he continued to work.

“Four signals just popped,” Simon said, “headed this way.”

“Colonel, Be’atta, here, take my two stunners. Quieter. Do not open the door. They may only be passing by.” He tossed each of them a stunner and went back to work.

“Twenty feet,” Simon whispered, backing up to allow Chris and John clear shots at the door. “They’ve stopped.”

“This room is soundproof,” Zy’nayth said, “there is no need to whisper.”

“Sorry, sir.”

“Nothing to be sorry about.”

“Okay, they’re moving on,” Simon let out an audible sigh of relief. “Yeah, they’re in the next corridor now.”

There were several other moments when people, some just by themselves, or in groups numbering ten or more, filtered in and out of the corridor, but none stopped at the server room.

Finally, Zy’nayth packed his few items back into his jacket. “We are finished. Is the corridor clear?”

“Yeah,” Simon replied.

Chris opened the door and headed out, Simon and Be’atta following. John turned and tossed the stunner back to its owner, “After you, Chris.”

“Gonna be tricky,” Chris whispered as they stopped at the end of the last corridor. “Place is swarming. Be, go first, on my signal. Simon second. Commander, third.” He waited then signaled Be’atta, who quickly ducked into the outer corridor and headed for the exit. One by one they made it through without being detected.

“Didn’t attempt to venture out,” Be’atta said as the High Chancellor came up to her, “light on the panel is a different color. Need you to make sure it’s safe.”

He pulled out his computer and checked the code. “Good call. They have initiated a new barrier protocol.”

“How long to break it?” John asked.

“Same as the original, they only changed two parameters. Sloppy,” he said again. The light clicked green and Chris moved to take point again.

“How can you tell, so fast, that only two were changed?” Simon asked as they waited for Chris’ signal.

“Photographic memory.”

“All Rayth have that? I know the Science Commander does.”

“Few do. I am fortunate he is on my side.”

“We all are,” Be’atta said then headed out.

They made it past the barrier then Zy’nayth had them all trigger their signal transmitters and made their way deeper into the forest.

“Be aware,” Zy’nayth said, “that battlecruisers were sent for when the Gyhan set off the alarm.”

John looked at his watch, “Thirty-eight minutes until pickup.”

“Dr. Harris, any life signs following us?” Zy’nayth asked.

“No, sir.”

“Head towards the river.”

It took them just over twenty minutes to make it to their destination. Zy’nayth waited until there was only five minutes left on the pickup timer before leading them out of the forest to the open riverside.

“Life signs, two miles off,” Chris said, “thank goodness there’s no fog today.”

“Coming from the base?” John asked.

“No, sir. Must be locals. Fishermen or hunters, most likely.”

“Time’s up,” John said. “Your boys are late.”

They appeared on the bridge of the flagship. Zy’nayth turned to the colonel, “You were saying?”

“Okay, I’ll give you guys credit for always being on time.” Then they all went flying back into a wall as the ship jolted into FTL speed.

Kol’non went up to Be’atta and helped her to her feet. “Glad to have you all aboard again,” he said, but his gaze was on her.

“Those cruisers following us?” Zy’nayth asked as he turned to his weapons commander.

“No, sir.”

“Good work, all of you,” then he turned to John and his team, “I will take you to your quarters. Commander, my office, fifteen minutes. Have the First Science Commander join us. Dr. Harris, I wish for you to stay here, the Commander will show you to my office.” Zy’nayth led the rest of the team through the winding corridors to their chambers. “I am afraid there is nothing left for you to do on this trip. Rest up. The next one will be much more difficult.”

“Sir,” Chris said, “why not just blow that place up?”

“Oh, I intend to. Just not today.”