E:A Vol 2 Ch 15—February 21, 2119

Because all of the treasonous men were high ranking officials either in the military or the civilian population, they were brought before the public two weeks after their arrest. The evidence against them was presented and just as with the four commanders Zy’nayth dealt with months earlier, he pronounced banishment for the families of the traitors and death for the traitors themselves. Again, he offered them the chance to best him in a fight, all of them at once against him, in order to gain their freedom. And just as before, all of them lost the fight and their lives.

Meanwhile, all but one of the High Council members were cleared of any traitorous acts. The one implicated by one of the high ranking officials, confessed when confronted. He, too, was put to death. The others willingly subjected themselves to telepathic questioning and were definitively cleared, though a couple were still not on board with the idea of the serum. Zy’nayth couldn’t hold that against them and said he welcomed them to question anything since it would help him and Ja’val to better handle any questions or concerns the public may have, or anything, on a scientific level, they had not yet thought about.

“It will take several months to tow the manufacturing facility here,” Zy’nayth told the High Council. “The traitors on it are in transport and will join the other prisoners. Have there been any incidents with the prisoners kept here?”

“A few,” the Vice Chancellor replied, “a dozen deaths. I am quite surprised that they haven’t been killing each other off.”

“Too many of them,” a Councilman said, “they don’t know who is on what side, at least not for sure. If fights break out, you won’t know who will be on your side or who will fight against you. I believe they are looking for an option, such as the serum trials, to get out.”

“And with this information about the mind control device,” another said, “perhaps it was used on them, not just the Gyhan, and their minds are clearing. Is there any way we can check to see if their minds have been altered?”

“I can have my First Science Commander look into it. Thank you for the suggestion,” Zy’nayth said. “However, he has other priorities.”

“Regarding the prisoners,” a third Councilman spoke up, “it has been brought to my attention that keeping nearly 5,000 fed is quite cumbersome. With another 1,000 on the way from the recently captured manufacturing facility, it’s only going to get worse. Perhaps we should start administering the serum to all of them.”

“That was my original intention,” Zy’nayth said, then repeated the conversation and concerns brought up by the Terra 2 staff regarding such a measure. “Therefore, I decided that it would be a voluntary option for everyone, including the prisoners. Until my First Science Commander is sure that there are no repercussions from the serum, I do not want to allow mass distribution. Should we find out six months from now that it causes our healing abilities to diminish, I do not want to have a million Rayth suddenly dying off because we did not properly test the serum.”

“But surely the prisoners, who would normally be put to death, shouldn’t be extended such a merciful option.”

“Normally I would agree with you, Councilman, but I believe this course of action is the best and wisest.” Zy’nayth folded his hands on his desk and continued. “I want our people to trust me. And if, as was suggested, the traitors were being telepathically controlled, then we cannot hold them responsible for their actions. Therefore, we need to find another solution. Does anyone have any suggestions for easing the feeding of these prisoners until we are able to distribute the serum to those who wish it?”

“I would suggest sending them to various colonies,” one replied, “however, until we are sure that the rebellion is truly quelled, that might be a dangerous option. I wouldn’t want them freed only to start the rebellion up again.”

“Perhaps there are some that could be moved,” another said, “ones that held no position of influence.”

“Would the two of you be willing to sort those men out?” Zy’nayth asked, “We could use them to start setting up small farms on the banishment colonies. A learning experience since Rayth have never had farms. But again, I would like it to be on a voluntary basis, and only those who would not be prone to plan an escape.”

Both Councilmen agreed to the task so Zy’nayth asked that a report and a plan be submitted in two weeks’ time for his approval.

“Are there any other items that you wish to discuss?” he asked and when no one had anything else to bring up, Zy’nayth dismissed them.

“Sir,” a Councilman said as they stood to leave, “we have been talking among ourselves and we wish to apologize to your wife. Is she here in the palace?”

“She is.”

“Then may we go with you so that we can properly apologize to her?”

Zy’nayth gave them a nod and tapped his comlink. “The High Council members would like to meet with you. Please be in the study, and yes, the children can join you.”

The eleven remaining members of the Council along with the Vice Chancellor went through the palace to Zy’nayth’s private chambers and to his personal study. Victoria was there, standing by the window, the children toddling around the room chasing after and, occasionally, kicking a ball. Zy’nayth walked over and slipped his arm around Victoria’s waist, sensing her nervousness.

“Dr. Carson,” the Lead Councilman started, “on behalf of the eleven of us, I wish to apologize to you. We have stood against your husband, your marriage, and your efforts to help our people. We believed in lies that we’ve been told for centuries. We have only ourselves to blame for not investigating matters more thoroughly and developing a better understanding of what your husband wished to achieve.

“Though some of us still do not agree with your husband’s pursuit of finding alternate food, we will no longer block his efforts. We appreciate that this will be a voluntary measure and not dictated to those who are unwilling to take the serum, and we’ve just found out that is due to concerns that you and Dr. McKenna raised. Thank you for that.

“Finally, please accept our apology for the distress we have caused you. We’ve kept you apart from your husband due to his concerns of harm coming to you from one of us or our associates. You are quite welcome here.” He stopped and smiled down at the children who were sitting politely and listening, thanks to a little telepathic prompt from their father, “As are your children and your friends.”

Victoria returned his smile and looked at the faces of the Rayth before her. “I’m not sure what to say,” she said quietly. “I’m not a diplomat. But I accept your apology and thank you for welcoming me here. It means a lot to me. And…it’s probably not protocol or anything, but I would like to get to know each of you better. Your wives, too…if you’re married. And…” she sighed, “well, one step at a time. Thank you, not for just this, but for taking the time to learn and understand what my husband is trying to do.” Then she gave them a proper bow.

“I thank you as well,” Zy’nayth said. “This was not necessary, it is not our custom, but thank you.”

The Council members gave Zy’nayth a formal bow then returned to their duties.

Ny’van looked at the couple and smiled, “Well, that was unexpected.”

Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth resumed their playing as Victoria settled into a chair. “You didn’t know about it?” she asked.

“I did not,” Zy’nayth and Ny’van both replied.

“Do you think they were sincere?” she asked.

“Yes. I sensed no deception.”

“Neither did I,” Ny’van said.

Victoria smiled, “Things are looking up. I’m not sure how to handle this.”

***

“Really?” Becket asked after Victoria told him about the apology from the High Council. “Oh love, that’s amazing news. I bet Zy’nayth was thrilled.”

She smiled, “In his own way. And now that I can have my friends visit, I’m going to try and talk Zy into letting me have a little dinner party at our island home. You, the Alpha Team, Kaven, Simon, and Vince…and your significant others. And probably Janice. Of course, Lutia and Ja’val.”

“May as well invite all of Terra 2.”

Victoria’s smile widened. “He’s in talking with Vince now about letting some Rayth start to integrate in here.”

“He mentioned doing that several weeks ago. I didn’t think it was the right time then. But now that the rebellion has been put down, and we’re starting the second round of serum trials, I think maybe it could work. I just hope he doesn’t flood the city with Rayth. There are still some who fear them.”

“He wouldn’t do that. I think maybe just his flagship Command crew or maybe the entire crew. I know there’s over a thousand of them, but he’d probably rotate them in. This city can hold millions and there are only a couple thousand of us here. Becket, imagine human and Rayth living side by side here.”

“That would be something. We’ll get there. It’ll take time, but it will happen.”

Ky’nayth lifted his arms up and Becket picked the toddler up. “And what can I do for you young man?”

“Duv ooh.”

“I love you too, Ky’nayth,” he smiled and kissed the boy’s forehead, causing the toddler to clap his approval.

***

“I don’t have a problem with it,” John said as his team and Vince met with Zy’nayth and Kol’non. “How many Rayth would you want to integrate at a time?”

“I think we should start slowly,” Zy’nayth replied, “Five officers and five warriors. Let them stay here for a month and then we can assess things at that point. I would like you to get feedback from your people. If they are comfortable, then I could allow twenty or more to set up residences here, or continue to keep it to just a few. Or at least let them take shore leave here.”

“I like the idea,” Vince said. “I would like to have John’s Alpha Team be the official contact team. They’d meet and greet your people, and introduce them to our staff. We could arrange something like our orientation session for them, some way to introduce them to a larger part of our population at one time.”

“I’d be happy to help with that, sir,” Be’atta said.

“Then you’re in charge,” Vince smiled.

“We would like to reciprocate,” Kol’non said, “However, it is probably not best at this time. Though Rayth do not fear you, you are still considered a food source for the population. But we would like to start getting some of your senior staff familiar with our leaders. The High Chancellor is working on how we can best accomplish that.”

“We know the big guy,” Chris grinned as he pointed to Zy’nayth, “what other leaders do we need to know?”

“It would also help Victoria,” Zy’nayth said. “As she will be spending more time on my homeworld. Familiar faces would be quite welcome to her.”

“So will we finally get to see this big palace of yours?” Chris asked.

“Yes. And our island home. I will begin to allow visitors to the island since the villagers are used to having humans around.”

“Victoria loves that place,” Be’atta said, “I can’t wait to see it.”

“If you would like,” Zy’nayth said, “and if the General has no objection, I would love for you to join us when we return there this afternoon. It would be a nice surprise for Victoria.”

“General?” Be’atta glanced at her boss.

“Feel free. How long?”

“A week,” Zy’nayth said. “If that is agreeable to everyone.”

“John, anything on your schedule that might interfere with Be’atta being out a week?” Vince asked.

“Nothing.”

“Be’atta, it’s all up to you then.”

She smiled, “I just need to pack up some food and clothes and I’m ready. But I promise to put in some time in arranging a meet and greet for our first Rayth guests. Which I suppose means I need to know how soon you plan on sending them down?”

“The flagship is undergoing some changes,” Kol’non said, “I’d say one month from today. That will give me time to request volunteers and make a selection. I am also wondering if I might be supplied with what areas, chambers, are available for my men to take up residence in. I know there are areas that are still off the grid, so to speak, but if there were chambers they could choose from, instead of being dictated to them, they would appreciate that little extra effort.”

“I will have Simon pull a list together. His team is the one that is getting everything online. Can I get that to you by the end of the week?” Vince asked.

“That will be fine.”

***

Victoria, pushing the stroller, and Becket carrying two boxes of groceries and supplies, walked into the control room. Zy’nayth and Kol’non were talking with John and Chris.

“I still think we need to teach you guys how to play volleyball. Have tournaments or whatever,” Chris said.

“Football is more fun,” John said.

“Do you want to be tackled by one of those guys?” Chris said poking his thumb towards Zy’nayth, “No thank you.”

“Ah, good point. Maybe baseball.”

“They’d still have an advantage. Better coordination. More strength.”

“I am not playing volleyball,” Zy’nayth said then looked at Becket who told him the scans were clear, the children were healthy, and everything was on Victoria’s tablet.

“I can carry these to your house if you’d like,” Becket continued.

“No, but thank you, I can tend to them,” Zy’nayth replied taking the two boxes from him. “Victoria, whenever you are ready.”

John, Chris, and Becket gave the kids hugs and kisses, then she and Zy’nayth bridged to the island.

“So Becket said you want to start integrating Rayth into Terra 2…and you didn’t tell me. Again.” She flashed him a smile. “Did Vince go for it?”

“He did. We will send ten men down in a month.”

“That’s fantastic. I hope things go well. I’m sure it will, but it just takes one idiot to mess things up. I’m so happy, this is wonderful news.”

Victoria was just putting the last of the food away when there was a knock on their door. She heard the toddlers’ little footfalls as they scampered to the door, then she heard her husband’s heavy stride.

She finished up then walked to the main room and stood in shock. “Be! What are you doing here?”

“Surprise! Part of the exchange program. I get to spend a week with you here on this beautiful island.”

Victoria smiled at her husband, “You’re keeping an awful lot of secrets from me.” Then she looked at Kol’non who was carrying a box, “Food?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Just put it in the kitchen. Come on,” Victoria said, “I’ll show you to the guestroom so you can put your things away. Zy, thank you!”

“You are most welcome,” he said and sat on the sofa as Kol’non returned to the room. “You are welcome to stay as well.”

“I should not.”

“A nice change of scenery for you and Be’atta to enjoy. I think you should stay. You have not had much time to visit her.”

“Are you sure it would not be an imposition?”

“Stay.”

“Thank you, sir. I should, however, check in on the ship and gather a few things. I will return shortly.” He tapped his comlink and had the ship teleport him up.

“Kol’non will also be staying the week,” Zy’nayth said when his wife and Be’atta emerged from the guestroom.

“Then I should get the bed ready in the study,” Victoria said. “I hope you two don’t plan on spending the entire time working. Both of you could use a vacation.”

“I will be working, he, however, should relax.”

“Oh, better put your food away!”

Be’atta laughed, “You’re overly excited about me being here.”

“There’s good reason for that. Aside from Lutia, and that’s only because she’s married to Ja’val, you’re the first person from Terra 2 to stay here.”

“Dr. McKenna has often stayed here,” Zy’nayth said as he looked over the doctor’s scans of his children.

“That was for work…most of the time, anyway. He’s never been able to just drop in and say ‘hi’.”

Victoria and Be’atta put the box of food away, then Be’atta was shown the rest of the house. After fixing tall glasses of iced tea for both of them, they sat out in the backyard and let the kids entertain them with their antics.

“I think your husband invited Kol’non for reasons other than a vacation,” Be’atta said.

Victoria, who wasn’t supposed to know about the situation, took a sip of her tea.

“He…he wants to court me,” Be’atta said. “I’ve wanted to talk to you about it, but things have been rather chaotic.”

“To be honest, Zy told me and made me promise not to bring it up.”

“What should I do?”

“Be’atta, do what you’re comfortable with. I like him, Zy trusts him, but it’s your heart that has to settle things. And most of all, be honest with him, and with yourself.”

“I think I have been.”

The back door opened and Zy’nayth walked out with Kol’non behind him. “Mind if we join you?”

“As long as you pull those weeds out of my garden,” Victoria smiled.

Zy’nayth looked at the garden which was now overgrown with weeds since Victoria had been away for so long.

“I thought this was your project,” he replied as he sat along the edge of the tangled mess.

“It is, I was just teasing. It’ll give me something to do while the kids play out here.”

Kol’non also sat on the ground along the back fence and rolled a ball to Ky’nayth who toddled after it and tried to toss it back to him. Mik’kenna, not wanting to be left out of the fun, made her way to the First Commander and plopped herself down in his lap and clapped.

“They’re quite comfortable with you,” Victoria said.

“They have always been very affectionate,” Kol’non replied.

“Not to everyone,” she said, “and sadly, not to most Rayth. Hopefully that changes now that we’ll be spending more time here and around more Rayth.”

“I’m sure it will,” he replied and nodded to the plot of weeds, “what do you plan on growing here?”

“Not sure yet. Probably mostly what the kids like. Tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, though those would be more for my husband, I think; onions, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, lettuce. I might try to grow an apple tree over there.”

“What about,” Kol’non tried to place the word but couldn’t, “I’m not sure I recall the name. They look like a berry, but that was not part of their name. I remember they were sweet and purple-black in color. Some were green.”

“Grapes?”

“Yes.”

“Too much work,” she waved, “I’ll just have to keep getting those from the Terra 2 farm.”

“Do you think that Dr. Nichols would be willing to come to the homeworld and teach us how to set up a farm? I’ve learned much from him, but if he could teach several of us, I’d appreciate it. We need to understand machinery, crop rotation, and so much more.”

“I’ll ask him,” Victoria said, “I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out. It might be more convenient to have your people visit the mainland facility. Either way, we’ll help you out.”

“Thank you.”

“So what’s going on with the flagship?” Be’atta asked, “Or is that a secret?”

“We have transferred many of the…modifications…that the High Chancellor has made to it over the years to one of the battlecruisers, which will be our new flagship. Now we are disabling those changes and returning the ship to standard specifications.”

“Must keep your tactical advantage,” Be’atta grinned.

“Always,” Zy’nayth said as he pulled more weeds out of the garden. Ky’nayth had his ball in his hands and decided he wanted his father to play with them. So hefting the little ball over his head he then proceeded to hurl it at his father. Zy’nayth caught it with one hand causing Ky’nayth to squeal with delight, more from actually seeing it fly through the air than by his father’s catching ability. “Perhaps John and Christopher should teach you this volleyball game.”

“Speaking of the beach,” Victoria said, “I can fix an early dinner then we could all go to the beach and watch the sunset. I’m sure Be’atta will love it.”

“A beach and a sunset, count me in,” Be’atta smiled. “Been a while since I’ve enjoyed such a relaxing evening.”

***

“What a beautiful view,” Be’atta said as they neared the crystal blue waters of the gulf. “Is that the mainland?” she asked, pointing to mountains across the gulf.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Oh here,” Kol’non said, taking the blanket from Be’atta, “allow me.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

“Ma!” Mik’kenna pointed to the water.

“Yes, we’ll let you guys play in the water.”

The toddler held up her hands, already wanting to be taken out of her stroller. Victoria parked the stroller along the walkway and Zy’nayth began to take them out of their seats. “Now wait until your mother and I are ready,” he said as he set Ky’nayth down who immediately tried to walk through the sand, but was too wobbly to do so. He plopped down and began to crawl.

“Ky, honey, not yet.”

The boy sat and pointed to the water, “Ma!”

“I see it. Just a minute, honey,” she replied as she headed for him. He immediately lifted his arms and she scooped him up and propped him on a hip. Mik’kenna, though loving the water, was still fearful of going in above her head unless her father was with her. Ky’nayth was fearless.

“Are you not going to swim?” Kol’non asked Be’atta.

“Nah. I just want to lay here and relax. The sky’s already turning colors. I can see why Victoria loves it here.”

“Would you mind if I sat with you?”

She gave him a warm smile, “I’d like that.”

“Be’atta,” he said as he sat down, “if it is uncomfortable for you to have me stay with the High Chancellor, I understand. I…” he sighed, “I just wanted to spend time with you. Time not related to work.”

“I think it’s a good idea.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to check up on you. Have you had any more nightmares since the Rayth attack on Terra 2?”

“A few, but none as bad as that first one.”

“I wish it were not so.”

She reached over and took his hand, “I know, and it’s not your fault.”

He bowed his head then looked back out over the gulf waters. “I hope these serum trials continue to work. Someday our two peoples will be able to live in harmony with each other.”

“Like they do here.”

“Yes. Except the Rayth here still have to feed. But soon, hopefully, they will all be eating out of gardens.”

Be’atta sighed, “I forget that you and the High Chancellor and Ja’val still need to feed on humans. You’ve done so much to try and change that, I forget that you still have to.”

“You have done much for us. Your people didn’t have to infiltrate those bases. It really changed my mind about you. It was so selfless. And you only went on the High Chancellor’s word. That you trusted him that much…I am sometimes still amazed.”

“Well, he did save a few of us and warned us of possible dangers as he was able. Regardless of his relationship with Victoria, he proved he could be trusted,” she chuckled, “the fact that he could have so easily gotten out of Terra 2 when he was held captive…he remained captive to prove a point. Now Vince and John, who were both so vehemently enemies of his, are now two of his closest friends.”

“I have learned more from him in the last five years than in the five thousand before,” Kol’non said. “He continues to surprise me. He gave me a second chance. He could have killed me for being such a sloppy commander. But he blamed himself for not teaching me well. It wasn’t his fault, of course, but he took the blame and gave me another chance.”

“I’m glad he did,” she replied and chuckled as the sound of the kids’ laughter filled the air. “Those kids are adorable. So smart and so expressive. You know exactly what they want or how they’re feeling. Is that a Rayth trait, are all Rayth children like that?”

“No, well, not any more than a human child, I would think.”

“Do you have any children?”

Kol’non shook his head, “No. Never married.”

“But you said you had many lovers.”

“I did not impregnate any of them…they were all…uh…”

“Services paid for?”

“Yes. Sorry. In any case, impregnating someone who is not your mate is highly frowned upon by my people.”

“Ah. So do you want children? I mean, if you were to ever marry.”

He turned and smiled down at her, “I hope to marry and I hope to have children with my wife. Do you desire to have children?”

“For a long time, no. Probably because I lost my betrothed. But being around Victoria and her kids, yeah, I think I’d like to have little ones around some day.”

Things grew quiet for a couple more minutes, then Kol’non pointed to his left. “Would you like to walk over to those boulders? The view of the sunset will be quite lovely from there.”

Be’atta nodded and stood with his help, then they walked together along the beach. Victoria watched them and smiled.

“I hope he kisses her,” she said to her husband.

“Victoria, you promised you would not interfere.”

“Me? Me? You’re the one who invited both of them to stay with us for a week.”

“I invited Be’atta because she is your friend and I wanted to surprise you. I invited my First Commander because he has been working non-stop for months and could use some downtime.”

“Right.”

“And they needed time together that was not work related.”

“You’re interfering.”

“I am only providing an opportunity.”

“Interfering.”

***

“And if you hear the kids crying,” Victoria said, “don’t get up and tend to them. I will. You’re here to relax. And you two can stay up and talk as long as you want, you won’t bother us.”

“Victoria,” Zy’nayth nudged her, “the children are asleep and I would like to retire now. As long as they shut their doors, they will not hear the children cry.”

“Yes, dear,” she said, “and feel free to sleep in. I’ll still try to keep the kids quiet. Good night.” She followed her husband up to their room. “I hope he kisses her goodnight.”

“Victoria…”

“What? Mr. Interferer.”

“Interferer? I do not believe that is a word.” He grabbed her around the waist kissed her then pushed her down onto the massive mattress. He quickly found that spot on her neck that melted her and she grinned.

“Trying to avoid the argument, aren’t you?” she giggled.

“Indeed.”