E:A Vol 2 Ch 18—July 29, 2119

“Pavel mentioned what happened to your wife yesterday,” Vince said as Zy’nayth walked into the general’s office and sat down, “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault, General,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Perhaps not, but I’m afraid what I’m about to tell you may make things for her much worse. I was going to tell her myself, but after I ran into Pavel yesterday and heard about her reaction to being near the astrophysics lab, I thought it best to talk to you first.”

“What is wrong?”

“I received word from Central Command that Victoria is wanted back on Earth.”

“No.” Zy’nayth said firmly, standing again.

Vince held up a hand, “Hear me out. You know how we suspected Jason’s family being the ones behind getting her taken back there, basically kidnapped?”

“Yes.”

“Well, the President…the President of the United States, my friend, kept his word and has continued to push the investigation into the matter. His team believes they have a pretty solid case against Jason’s brothers and parents. A good enough case that they’ve been arrested. However, the lawyers would like to question Victoria. So would the McGuire’s attorneys. That means a trip to Earth.”

“When do they need her back on Earth? I would like to pray about this, it cannot be a coincidence that her reaction and this request came at the same time. I need to know it is the right thing for her to go back.”

“They have set a date, three weeks. August 21. The President’s team would like to have a couple of days with her prior to that.”

“This president knows about Terra 2, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And this team of his?”

“No. At least not that I’m aware of. I will give him a call to find out for sure.”

“Am I correct in assuming that your Expedition is still a secret mission?”

“It is.”

“What story was given for Jason’s death?”

“Lab experiment gone wrong. Laboratory fire. Dangerous chemicals and radiation. Becket gave us the best alternative to explain why the body was shriveled up and old. We did our best.”

“So no one on Earth knows the truth?”

“A handful of people. My superiors.”

“What about the Oversight Committee?”

“They know the death occurred here. They do not know it was due to Rayth life extraction. Though, I’m sure they suspect it since you gave them a little demonstration. But those people are no longer on the Committee.”

“But they could be questioned, correct? After all, it happened while they were in charge. They could suggest that it was a Rayth kill.”

“If they did, it would bring up questions about a secret facility, something about which I think the government would urge them not to divulge. But if they did, the current staff can deny everything. Politics in my country, well the world, really, is a very big mess.”

“I would like to discuss matters with your president.”

“Listen, Chancellor, the new Oversight Committee hasn’t interfered in anything, but I’m not sure having a Rayth bridge over to the Central Command on Earth is a wise idea.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of teleporting down from my ship. I would just need coordinates.”

Vince sighed, “The president…is difficult to get to. He has a massive team of special protection. He’s the most protected man on the planet. What you’d have to go through to get into the White House.”

“I can teleport into this house of his. I want a one on one meeting with him. You may join us. Actually, that would be best since he is your friend. I need to understand everything. Please, General, I can be there any time he wants, but I need a week to travel there.”

“I’ll call him today. Are you going to tell Victoria? I’m willing to, and it is my job, but if she’s already distressed, I think you’re better equipped to talk to her.”

“I will tell her. She will need to pray.”

“Unless you think it will upset her further, I’d like to be there when you tell her.”

“In that case, could you call the president first? I would like have that much set up before I tell her.”

“I’ll try. I often have to wait a day or so to hear back from him.” He pushed a button on his comlink, “Chuck, open a bridge to Earth, I need to make a call.”

“Yes, sir,” came the reply and a moment later, “bridge open, communication connection established.”

Vince pulled a credit card sized piece of glass from his desk drawer and began tapping on it. He set it aside and ran his hands across his bald head. “Yes, hello, this is General Vince Cavanaugh. I would like to speak with the president at his earliest convenience.”

After a couple of seconds he shrugged, “Our lucky day. I’m being connected.

“Never underestimate the power of prayer,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“Michael, this a secure line?” Vince asked after the president answered the phone.

“Yes,” Michael replied, “Is this about the victim we spoke of yesterday?”

“It is. I’m talking with her husband right now. Sir, you know we’re pretty apprehensive about her returning to Earth. Her husband, the High Chancellor, wants to have a private discussion with you.”

“Bringing a Rayth to Earth?”

“Yes, sir, and I’ll be with him.”

“How much time will he need?”

Vince asked Zy’nayth the question and was given the answer. “I know you’re quite busy, but he says several hours.”

“Okay, let me check.” Vince heard him cross the room and open a door asking for someone named Betty to bring him his schedule. “Thanks,” he said then began thumbing through the calendar, “Ah, this might work, wife is out with our daughter all day. I was going golfing with the guys, but I can cancel. Will next Saturday work, August 5?”

Vince slid a calendar across the table and pointed to the date. Zy’nayth nodded.

“Yes, sir that will work. Now all I need are exact coordinates to teleport down to.”

“And how do I do that?”

“Good question,” Vince said and looked at Zy’nayth, “how do we get those coordinates?”

“He must go to the room where he wishes to meet with us. The area must be clear enough for the two of us to stand there. Then I can do the rest from here.”

“Did you catch that?”

“Yeah. Might as well meet here in the Oval Office. Okay, I’m standing in the middle of the room, six or seven people could stand here comfortably. Now what?”

“One second, sir, he’s working on his computer.”

Zy’nayth’s computer signal piggy backed on the signal from Vince’s comlink and found its way to Earth and sent back coordinates. “I have it,” he said.

“Okay, sir, we have what we need.”

“Good, good. I’ll expect you at 9:00 a.m. local time. I’ll have some snacks in here, and lunch brought in.”

“Sir, no one can see him.”

“Oh, yes, of course. I’ll have things set up in the alcove. Anything else?”

“I will need to go over some etiquette with you, but you can call me back when you have a few minutes. I hear your other phone ringing.”

“I’ll try to get back to you later today.”

“Thanks, Michael, we appreciate you taking time out for this.”

“Nothing to worry about, I’ll just be missing golf with some senators, and I’m a horrible golfer. This sounds more interesting. Talk to you later.”

“Next Saturday, 9:00 a.m.,” Vince said to Zy’nayth as the connection was discontinued.

“Good. If you have time now, we should talk to Victoria. I would like Becket to be there as well. Actually, since Christopher, John, Kaven, and Be’atta were witnesses, they may be called as well, correct?”

“Possibly. I honestly don’t know.”

“It is best that they are with us. Everyone needs to know what may be coming up. And Victoria could use the support.”

Vince agreed then tapped his comlink and sent for everyone, asking them to meet at Zy’nayth’s chambers.

***

Zy’nayth took off his long white leather jacket and threw it in the bedroom across a chair then returned and sat on the sofa, motioning for his wife to join him as everyone arrived. The kids were excited to have so many visitors and made sure they got their hugs and kisses. Chris and Kaven both sat on the floor to play with the kids. John was the last to arrive and joined them. Then Zy’nayth opened the impromptu meeting in prayer.

“Sorry to interrupt your day,” he said when he finished with the prayer, “but General Cavanaugh just informed me of something that may affect all of you. We will not know more for a couple of weeks, but, as you have come to know, I like to have every possible contingency planned for.”

“Dada, cooz me,” Ky’nayth said looking up at his father, and using his best manners, “dink peez.”

“I’ll get it,” Victoria said, “Mik’kenna would you like something to drink too?”

“Ess, peez.”

Zy’nayth looked at his son, “Thank you for saying ‘excuse me’ that was very polite of you.”

“Tank ooh,” he said and clapped.

Victoria quickly returned with drinks for their kids as well as a pitcher of tea and glasses for everyone else. “Sorry about that,” she said, “they should be fine now.”

“General,” Zy’nayth said, “would you like me to explain?”

“I’ll take care of it, your focus needs to be elsewhere.” The general shifted in his seat and took a deep breath. “Sorry, I just know this is going to be difficult, especially now. I received word yesterday from the President’s office that the team looking into the bribes and coercion used by the family of Jason McGuire has finally come up with enough evidence to have his brothers and his parents arrested.”

“That’s great news,” Be’atta said.

“Yes, it is. The difficult part is that the team needs to talk to Victoria. They need her to testify.”

“That’s not so great,” Chris said.

“I want them behind bars,” Victoria said, “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“There are a few problems that we need to address,” Vince said. “Your husband and I will be meeting with the President next Saturday.”

“What problems?” she asked as she curled closer to her husband as her tension rose.

“From what I understand, this is just going to be about Jason’s family and the bribery, not the hell he put you through. However, I’m pretty sure their defense team will bring up his death and use that as a reason for the family wanting you back on Earth and why they did what they did. We can’t reveal anything about Terra 2 or Expedition: Andromeda, let alone about Rayth. And as far as we know, the lawyers on our side don’t know anything about those little details.”

“Wait, if they’re investigating the bribery of the Oversight Committee, shouldn’t the lawyers have to know what that committee was overseeing?” John asked.

“That’s one of my questions,” Vince said. “In any case, I don’t think this will see a jury trial. There’s no way the government would release any information about this Expedition.”

“Does the family know how Jason died?” Kaven asked.

“No. At least I doubt it.”

“What were they told?” Be’atta asked.

“I came up with the best solution I could think of, that would explain the condition of his body. He was working on a lab experiment that involved radiation and various chemicals. Trying to recreate something like a supernova but on a small scale. The experiment went out of control, and the resulting fire, along with the chemical explosion and radiation killed him. Pavel helped with the physics of the ‘experiment’ while Becket backed the medical side of things.”

“We should probably have a copy of that,” John said, “because I’m guessing if this goes the way I think it will, we’re gonna be called to give our account of the story.”

“I’ll send it to you as soon as I get back to my office,” Vince said. “Other factors we need to consider is making sure that Victoria is protected at all times. If Jason’s family has that much power and influence, we need to make sure she’s safe.”

“To that end,” Zy’nayth said, “we will be traveling to Earth on my ship. I want her on my ship when she is not being questioned. I will, of course, have multiple tracking devices for her. However, whether you are drawn into this to give your accounts or not, I would like you to be her bodyguards. I want you with her at all times since it will, in all likelihood, be impossible for me to be there.”

“That may be difficult to arrange,” Vince said, “but that’s another reason why I think the High Chancellor wants to meet with the president.”

“Sir,” Kaven said speaking to Vince, “you do realize most of your senior staff will be off-site for this, right? You and John especially, and Doc Becket. Is that a good idea?”

“It’s not optimal, but it’s doable. Major Kessler can step in, and since the infirmary has been quieter than normal recently, the other doctors shouldn’t have a problem covering for Becket. And, if Zy’nayth approves, I’d like one of his trusted commanders onsite during this time. Perhaps Kol’non.”

“It will not be my First, I want him on the flagship should I need to leave it. But I believe it is past time for the Vice Chancellor to be known among your citizens.”

“I would like to have someone here that my people already know and trust, though. Ja’val, perhaps? We shouldn’t need him, at least I don’t think we should.”

“I will discuss it with Kol’non and the Vice Chancellor.”

“How long do you think we’ll be gone?” Chris asked.

“I’d say a month,” Vince replied, “but can’t say anything for sure until after we talk with the president and see what happens with Victoria and the lawyers. I want all of you to come up with questions we should ask. I’m pretty sure the High Chancellor’s list will be rather exhaustive, but you guys have come up with things that we haven’t considered before. So pass along anything you think of, no matter how insignificant you think it is.”

“It’s just Jason’s family that’s being prosecuted, not anyone else who may have been involved? I’m thinking mainly of the former Oversight Committee,” John said. “Because that could be a nightmare in and of itself.”

“I haven’t heard anything other than what I mentioned. But that’s on my list of questions.”

“Not that I mind spending time on the flagship,” Kaven said, “but couldn’t the rest of us bridge over when, or if, we’re needed. Wouldn’t that be expected? If we suddenly show up out of nowhere, won’t those who know about Terra 2 assume that we’re teleporting from a Rayth ship? That might cause panic if they figure out a Rayth ship is orbiting Earth. Plus, if we just bridge over, that would allow John and Becket to stay here until the last possible moment.”

“Good point,” Vince said.

“There is still the matter of Victoria’s protection.”

“Technically, Victoria should bridge over as well. Won’t they expect her to?” John asked.

“I do not like that scenario,” Zy’nayth said. “If Jason’s family has enlisted more people from the bridge facility on Earth, it would be more difficult to protect her.”

“But we’d bridge over with her,” Kaven said. “The four of us can handle it. And you’d have tracking devices on us, so if things got bad, you could teleport us up.”

“And Ja’val could fix us up with those signal burst things,” Chris said, “you know, that thing he gave us on our trip to Vaan, that would send out that burst if we were in trouble.”

Zy’nayth turned to his wife, “I would prefer to teleport you to the destination, but your team has a valid point. However, I will do whatever you feel most comfortable with.”

“I’d feel most comfortable being teleported,” she said, “but they’re right. They’re going to expect me to bridge over. I think it’s more important to keep your ship hidden, just in case. If they think you’re still in this galaxy, it might lure others to try something…sort of baiting more of the corrupt officials. Besides, I trust these guys with my life. The only drawback of bridging over is where the kids will be. They should be on the ship with you, but I’ll hate to be away from them for so long.”

“My trip to Earth will not take as long now. Just a few days with the new battlecruiser. And once you are on Earth, I will teleport you to the ship at the end of each day.”

“All right. I vote for bridging over. It’ll ease the time you guys need to be off-world and won’t raise any unwanted questions on Earth’s end.”

“What if the president wishes to meet with her?” Vince asked. “The bridge is in Colorado, and though a shuttle could get her to D.C. in an hour, it would mean that John and his team would need to be ready to go in case that comes up.”

“We will be,” John said. “I’m going to send around schematics of Central Command. If, and that’s a big ‘if,’ there is a plot to kidnap Victoria, we need to know that place inside and out and have a plan of escape. I’m sure Zy’nayth’s tracking devices and teleporters should be sufficient, but as he said, we need to plan for any contingency.”

“Thank you, Colonel,” Zy’nayth said.

“Victoria, is there anything we can do to help you through this?” Becket asked.

“Just pray,” she smiled, “having you guys with me during this will help so much, especially once this guy takes off on his ship.”

“I do not have anything else to discuss at this point,” Zy’nayth said, “much depends on the result of my talk with the president.”

“But as I said earlier,” Vince chimed in, “if you think of anything, you let us know.”

“If you need anything,” Becket said to Victoria, “anything at all, you let us know.”

“I already promised,” she smiled, “and I will. Thank you, guys. Having your support means so much to me.”

August 5, 2119

President Michael Stewart stood behind his desk in the Oval Office. The air before him seemed to bend and twist then his old friend Vince Cavanaugh and an extremely tall, imposing figure appeared in the room.

“Michael, good to see you,” Vince said as the president approached them. The two friends shook hands then Vince turned to Zy’nayth, “this is the High Chancellor of the Rayth.”

“An honor, sir,” Michael said, giving him a bow as Vince had instructed. “Please have a seat and let me know how I may be of help.”

Throughout the day, Zy’nayth and Vince posed their questions and concerns. The presidented answered affirmatively to most of Zy’nayth’s concerns. Yes, the lawyers knew of Expedition: Andromeda. Yes, he would allow Victoria to have personal protection. Yes, they were hoping to bring in others involved in the bribery scandal, but not at this time. Yes, most likely, Jason’s treatment of Victoria would be brought up. However, the mention of Terra 2, the Expedition itself, the bridge portal, Rayth, and the truth of Jason’s death, would not be revealed. And there was still debate as to if this could be done without going to a jury trial.

“You do come prepared,” Michael said as they wrapped up their day-long meeting.

“I try to,” Zy’nayth replied. “Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to address my concerns.”

“Happy to. Now, sir, I have a request. I understand, from Vince, that you are quite a scientist. I know your wife and Dr. McKenna are two of Earth’s best. Well,” he said as he went to his desk and pulled out a glass computer chip, “our scientists haven’t been able to figure out what this is. It’s killed over one hundred thousand people in three months. If you and the doctors would be willing to look at it, the people of this planet would appreciate it.”

Zy’nayth reached into his pocket and pulled out his glass tablet. He connected the chip to it and began scanning the data. After hitting a couple of buttons on the tablet, the second screen expanded from the first and the virtual keyboard appeared. “You said this started three months ago?”

“I’m actually not sure when the first patient was infected, but we believe it was three months ago. No more than four. They say it kills too quickly to have gone on longer and not have been detected.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “First Commander, cloak the ship, change orbits, evasive maneuvers. Scan for another Rayth ship within this system. Send for the Second Ship, she is to proceed FTL speed all the way. Contact the Vice Chancellor, I suspect there are Rayth here. I will contact him at first opportunity.”

“Understood,” Kol’non replied already in between shouting out commands. “Orders, sir, if we encounter another ship?”

“Hail them, find out who they are and why they are in this system. No response, destroy them.”

“Understood.”

“First Science Commander, I am sending you a file, confirm this is the same as the Gyhan virus.”

“Got it,” Ja’val said seconds later, “checking.”

“I don’t understand,” Michael said.

“I do and it’s not good,” Vince replied.

“Confirmed, sir,” Ja’val said, “this is on Earth?”

Zy’nayth let out a frustrated growl as he stood and set his tablet on his chair. “Prepare inoculations I need to discuss matters with President Stewart. Get word to Doctor McKenna and Colonel Hagen. First Commander, keep my children and my ship safe at all costs, I will make due down here if need be. I will signal you when we are ready to teleport back on board. Contact me if anything arises.”

“Understood.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink again to turn it off. “Mr. President, we do have a treatment for this disease. However, the fact that this disease appeared on your planet is disturbing.”

“I’m listening.”

“It is a manufactured biological weapon. It is not something that would appear out of natural circumstances. It was created specifically to infect humans so that when my kind feed, we will be killed. Unfortunately, this disease also kills approximately fifty percent of the humans it infects.”

“Why here? There aren’t any Rayth on this planet. At least, none that I’ve been made aware of.”

“There shouldn’t be,” Vince said, “we’ve gone to great lengths to keep the location of Earth out of enemy hands.”

Zy’nayth put his tablet, now back to its condensed size, into his pocket. “No one knew the location. I can guarantee that.” He sat down, his silver gaze on the president. “My brother wanted to gather the planet. He could have sent out ships to look for Earth, just shooting blindly further and further out from Andromeda. That would explain why this only just appeared. They finally found their destination.”

“Doesn’t make sense, though,” Vince said, “If your brother wanted to use this as a food source, why infect the population?”

“He may not have been involved. It was most likely done as revenge against me. There could be no other logical reason.”

“Even if your brother was involved, he and anyone who was betraying your people, knew we found a cure. They would have known that before setting out to find this planet. What would be the point of using a biological weapon knowing we could bridge over and start distributing the cure?”

“I do not know. Unless they did not know of Terra 2’s involvement in finding the cure. I kept my involvement with your Expedition quiet when this outbreak occurred. In which case, they would not expect me to come to deliver a cure, and they would not know you had the cure in your possession to deliver it yourselves.”

“But they would have heard by now,” Vince said, “unless their communications systems are offline.”

“That would be highly unlikely.”

“Michael, where did this outbreak start? How many countries has it hit?” Vince asked.

“Just the U.S. so far,” he replied, “and it seems to have started in Chicago. It’s quickly moved east and south, heading from the Chicago River and tributaries to the Mississippi.”

“That makes sense,” Vince said, “since it seems to generally spread through water supplies.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Yes, Commander?…One moment.” He turned to Vince, “Doctor McKenna believes it would be best if he bridged over, but you should send word to Central Command to let them know he is coming to help with this epidemic.”

“They’ll wonder how I knew about it.”

“You have been talking to me the last two weeks,” Michael said, “drop my name.”

“Have him wait an hour, then bridge over,” Zy’nayth said, “we can teleport the serum to him as the First Science Commander gets the batches ready.”

“Understood.”

“Connect the General’s comlink into Central Command, he will need to make them aware of the doctor’s arrival.”

Vince heard a click in his earpiece.

“Done, sir.”

Vince tapped his comlink and let the team at Central Command know that Becket would be bridging over at the request of the president. He was to be given full cooperation.

“The chip I gave you contains the contact information for the lead scientist on the case. I will make sure he knows that Dr. McKenna will provide him with the antibiotic. What else can I do to help?” Michael Stewart asked.

“I do not believe there is anything you can do at this point,” Zy’nayth said. “We need to return to my ship and figure out how this started and who is behind it. General Cavanaugh will be in touch.”

“I appreciate your help on this. Vince, I’ll make sure you have access to me at any time. Do not hesitate to contact me for anything you need whether regarding this epidemic or Dr. Carson’s situation.”

“Appreciate that.”

The president shook Vince’s hand and gave Zy’nayth a bow, then returned behind his desk so that the two men could teleport out. With a sigh, he settled in his chair and began to think about everything he’d just learned and how best to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

***

Zy’nayth went to his chambers and asked Kol’non and Vince to join him. The twins were playing but hurried to their father when he entered.

Zy’nayth gave each of them hugs and kisses then took off his long leather jacket. “Thank you for watching them, Lutia.”

“Happy to.” She looked at Kol’non and Vince, “I have their dinner ready, and I can stay and feed them if you guys need to tend to business.”

“No, I will take care of that,” Zy’nayth said, “thank you. And I apologize, I have had to call your husband to do some extra work this evening.”

Lutia waved off the remark, “He already told me. I’m glad he can help. Good night.” She gave the kids hugs and kisses, then she returned to her husband’s lab to see if she could be of any assistance.

Zy’nayth led them to the kitchen where the plates were already prepared for his children. Vince and Kol’non each picked up a child and put them in their highchairs, then Zy’nayth told the general to help himself to any of the food still in the pots and pans on the stove.

“Don’t mind if I do,” he said, but sat and waited as Zy’nayth prayed over the meal.

While Zy’nayth went about helping his children eat their food, he explained the situation to his First Commander.

“So far we have not found any signs of another Rayth ship,” Kol’non replied after hearing what had happened. “We’re using increasing radial scans. Coming up on our next leap outward.”

“Have we reached the edge of the solar system?”

“We will with this next pass.”

“After that, just work towards our own system. Contact the Second Ship and have them make regular drops out of FTL to scan for Rayth ships.”

“Sir, is it wise to have both ships here?” Kol’non asked. “If this was a plan to lure you out, it leaves our homeworld at a bit of a disadvantage.”

“Our other ships can protect her. If was meant to lure me out, we would have most likely been attacked when entering this solar system or at some point during the eight hours I was planet-side.”

“Are you thinking this might not be a revenge attack after all?” Vince asked.

“I do not know. None of this makes sense. Have you been monitoring subspace signals?”

“Yes, sir,” Kol’non replied. “Only your communication with us and Vince’s with Central Command have been detected. We’ve been on continuous scan since entering the galaxy. I reviewed the logs myself.”

Zy’nayth sighed and helped his daughter with her spoon. “There is something wrong. Rayth would not poison such a huge food source. Gyhan would not be able to get here without Rayth tech. There would have been some sort of communications signal detected when we arrived in the galaxy and certainly when we hit this solar system. What am I missing?”

Vince set his fork down as his eyes lit up, “Can you tap me back into Central Command? I need to ask the president a question.”

Kol’non nodded as Vince pressed the button to call Central Command. A moment later, he heard the click then asked to be patched through to the White House. He was put right through to the president.

“Didn’t expect to hear from you so soon,” Michael said.

“Just had a question as we’re trying to figure this out. When was Jason’s family arrested?” He heard the president ask his assistant to find the answer.

“You think they may be behind this?” he asked as he waited for the answer.

“Just a hunch.”

“Thank you,” Michael said, then to Vince, “Three months ago. Early May.”

“Can you send me a list of all of their known associates? Especially anyone who might have access to Central Command. It’s a long shot, but the dates are too coincidental.”

“You’ll have them by morning,” Michael said. “Keep me posted.”

“I will, thanks.”

Vince clicked his comlink off and sat back down. “Three months. When Jason’s family was arrested, that’s when this outbreak began, or is thought to have begun.”

“But how could they have gotten their hands on the virus?” Kol’non asked. “It had been eradicated before Jason was even on Terra 2.”

“We kept samples on hand. Standard protocol,” Vince said, “but it was in a secure location.”

“He worked with Pavel who has access codes to everything,” Zy’nayth said, “it is possible he was able to steal the security codes.”

“Pavel’s not usually that reckless. But it could happen,” Vince said.

“If Jason did get a sample, and was able to take it back to Earth, why would he hold on to it?” Zy’nayth asked. “Why would his family hold on to it until now?”

“Maybe his family didn’t,” Vince said. “What if he was asked to get it? What if someone on the Oversight Committee, or higher up, wanted it?”

“To kill off their own people?” Kol’non asked.

“Not necessarily,” Vince said and took another bite of the mashed potatoes. “We know all of the members of the Oversight Committee wanted complete control over Terra 2. They all sold out to Jason’s family. But in the interim, they knew about this virus. They hated our alliance with you,” he pointed his fork at Zy’nayth, “and they knew that with modifications, they could probably modify the virus so that it didn’t kill humans, only Rayth. Modify it, dump it in Earth’s various water supplies. Have Jason start dumping it in water supplies of villages we visited.”

“But wouldn’t the cure still work?” Kol’non asked, “We’d find out what it was soon enough.”

“It might be modified enough that the cure would not work,” Zy’nayth said, “and would take us months to work up a new antidote.”

Vince shook his head, “But they didn’t. If this is what happened, why didn’t they modify it? They’ve had it in hand four years.”

“Jason died. They were kicked off of the Committee,” Zy’nayth said. “Perhaps they no longer had the resources to embark on such an endeavor. Or they were being watched too closely to do so.”

“Yeah, either of those are plausible explanations,” Vince said. “Now we need to figure out why they held onto it until now. Until Jason’s family was arrested.”

“Taytoes peez,” Mik’kenna said then shoved a piece of her meat into her mouth with her fingers.

“Finish the rest of your food,” Zy’nayth said, “and I will give you more potatoes.”

She nodded and continued to chew her meat. Ky’nayth held his glass up and asked for more juice and grapes.

Zy’nayth tended to his children while the three men continued to work through the question in their minds.

“Blackmail,” Vince finally said. “If it was someone on the Oversight Committee, and they were being paid off by Jason’s family, when the McGuire’s were arrested, the committee member, or members, could have decided to take action. Release the family and their money and we’ll give you the cure.”

“The president did not mention anything like that.”

“Maybe they’re waiting for the death toll to rise and the scientists to say that there’s no hope, or at least nothing in the immediate future. The death toll probably wouldn’t have been too high that first month. And, knowing the government, we probably didn’t put our best scientists on the case until after that. If they had, I think I would have been contacted sooner to get Becket involved, and secretly, perhaps even Ja’val.”

“Say they do make this request,” Kol’non said, “and they get Jason’s family released. Surely your people have a way to find out who is making that request, or certainly has a good idea of who would, given the reason for the arrest. Where would they be able to hide?”

“Not all countries are friendly to the U.S.,” Vince said, “and given the information a Committee member has about Central Command and the bridge portal, they could probably find sanctuary somewhere.”

“I don’t think this is enough of an incentive for them,” Kol’non said, “the risk-reward ratio is not favorable enough.”

“It is still worth keeping in mind,” Zy’nayth said. “Now, what if it was not the Oversight Committee that requested the sample? What if Jason did give it to his family? What scenarios might we have there?”

“Cooz me,” Mik’kenna said again, “taytoes peez.”

Zy’nayth made sure she had eaten everything else. “Good, Mik’kenna. Thank you for eating your other food. Ky’nayth do you want anything else?”

“Dis,” Ky’nayth said, holding up a piece of his chicken.

Zy’nayth served his children more food then sat back down.

“To use Vince’s idea, they may be trying to buy their way out. Assuming, as he mentioned, they are waiting for the right time to say they know there’s a cure,” Kol’non said.

“They might also be waiting for Victoria to be planet-side. They’d have to guess she’d be called to testify. I’m sure they want revenge for their son’s death.”

Zy’nayth sighed, “Spreading this virus would not guarantee her return to the planet. As you said, the president would request Becket’s help, not necessarily Victoria’s.”

“Uh oh,” Mik’kenna said as her spoon flipped out of her hand and landed on the floor. “Sowwy.”

Vince chuckled and picked up the spoon and washed it off for her. She thanked him and went back to shoveling mashed potatoes into her mouth.

“I believe that the family connection is correct,” Kol’non said, “we just don’t know why they waited until now to release the virus.”

The door chime sounded and Zy’nayth went to answer it. “Ja’val, come in,” he said, then smiled at Lutia, “the children are enjoying their food. Mik’kenna is quite happy about the potatoes.”

“Becket is on Earth,” Ja’val said. “As soon as he gets to a secure location, I will send down the first batch of the antidote. Second batch is being mixed up. He had a good supply from their storage that he brought along with him. And the Vice Chancellor was able to get a tracking device to him before he left.”

“Good work.”

“Wasn’t my idea, it was his,” he said pointing to Kol’non. “Now, can I find out how this thing got to this planet?”

“I can finish up with the kids,” Lutia said, “and clean my mess up. You guys go talk.”

“Thank you, Lutia. And no more potatoes for Mik’kenna, that is her second helping and I know Victoria does not like her to have so many…carbs, is that correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“They may have other vegetables and fruit.”

“The chicken was delicious, Lutia,” Vince said. “I’m glad you made extra.”

“I may steal a little myself, I’m suddenly hungry. And thanks. I don’t often get to cook for others. Glad I still remember how.”

“Dada! Kiss!” Ky’nayth said as his father headed for the door.

“I am just going into the main room,” he said but returned and gave each child kisses on the tops of their heads.

Ja’val was told about what happened and their current theories. Lutia had been listening from the kitchen and when she joined the men, she looked at Vince, “you said Jason’s brothers were arrested, right? Not his sister.”

“I didn’t realize he had a sister,” Vince said, “and yes, just the brothers.”

“If I remember correctly,” she said, “I think she was a microbiologist. Yeah, it was because I remember Victoria saying her specialty was virology but that…she wasn’t very good at it, or something like that. I don’t remember why the subject came up, but I remember that conversation, at least part of it. You’d have to ask Victoria to make sure I’m right.”

“Jason got the sample for her,” Vince said. “He had to. As you said, it’s manmade; it wouldn’t ever appear on Earth. But she could ‘discover’ it, then provide a cure. She’d get a lot of money and fame.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Link to Terra 2, please,” he said then was put through to his wife then smiled, “I am quite fine,” he said, “the children have been fed and are playing. I will need to call you later for our personal time, but I need a question answered.” He asked about Jason’s sister and the idea of her using the virus to make herself famous. Victoria said it was likely and that since Jason probably died before he could smuggle out the cure, she probably never went through with it, and didn’t have the talent to find the cure herself.

“That helps me tremendously, thank you,” he said, “I love you, Victoria, and I will call you after our discussion. It may be quite late.” He smiled, “I will. Goodbye.” He turned off his comlink and told his guests what she said.

“This is by far the most plausible answer,” Kol’non said. “She’s going to use it to get her family out of prison.”

“But she does not have the cure,” Zy’nayth said.

“She could lie about it,” Ja’val said. “Or, if she had any sense of honor, tell them to get the cure from Terra 2.”

“Can I ask a question?” Lutia said, “A little off topic.”

“Of course,” Zy’nayth said.

“I know we’re mixing up a lot of antidotes but, if this thing is in the rivers, people are still going to get infected, those who aren’t inoculated. Shouldn’t we be looking for a way to neutralize it in the source?”

“Already running simulations on that, my dear,” Ja’val smiled.

She returned his smile, “Sorry, I should have known.”

Mik’kenna walked up to her and held up one hand, “Baff oom.”

“Okay, sweetie,” she said as she stood and took the little girl’s hand.

“I agree that the sister is the most plausible culprit,” Zy’nayth said, “however, when you receive the file of names from the president, I want us to go through it thoroughly. Though we may not be of much help. Victoria, John, and Christopher would be much better suited for the task.”

“I’ll see to it,” Vince said. “So, considering we haven’t come across another Rayth ship, maybe we should just head back to Earth.”

“I would like to be sure,” Zy’nayth said. “It is too early to make assumptions. Kol’non, please alert the Second Ship to the changes I mentioned earlier. Ja’val, continue with your work as needed.”

“Perfect timing, Becket’s buzzing. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ja’val tapped his comlink and greeted Becket as he and Lutia left the chambers.

“Okay, you two,” Zy’nayth said to his children, “up on the bed and we will call Mommy.”

“Ma!” Ky’nayth said as he climbed on the little step his father had had made so that the kids could more easily get up on the mattress. Mik’kenna clamored up beside him as her father grabbed his tablet.

After a few seconds the kids waved at the image of their mother as she sat at her desk and blew kisses to them. “Ma!” they both exclaimed.

“That didn’t take long,” she said. “John and the Vice Chancellor have been asking if I know anything.”

“I will contact the Vice Chancellor after our call.”

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“The Gyhan virus has shown up on Earth. That is why I called about Jason’s sister. We believe she may use it to free her family.”

She frowned, “I’m sorry. You didn’t need this little wrinkle in the plans.”

“It is not your fault. How are you doing?”

“Well, I got a little nervous when you sent for Becket. But I got busy helping him get ready to bridge over and trying to keep Lia calm,” she laughed, “we’re both okay. Did Lutia take good care of my two precious little warriors?”

“Taytoes!” Mik’kenna exclaimed causing Victoria to laugh.

“I made sure she ate all of her other vegetables before she got a second helping of the potatoes.”

“Thank you,” she said. “What about you, Ky?”

“Kicken, gapes, taytoes. Pwayed. Book. Kiss Dada.”

“Pretty busy day for you.”

“Ess,” he nodded. “Izzy.”

“Kiss Dada.” Mik’kenna said. “Pway.” Her blue eyes lit up, “Taytoes!”

“You were busy too. I’m glad both of you kissed Dada. I know he likes that.”

After their conversation, Zy’nayth prayed for all of them, Victoria said goodnight, then he put the children to bed and called the Vice Chancellor to fill him in on everything. Finally, he retired for the evening.

***

“We’ve continued our scans,” Kol’non said, “still no Rayth ship. The Second ship is near the galaxy border, they have not detected anything either. General Cavanaugh received the file of names about an hour ago, a copy was sent to Colonel Hagen, and I sent one to your tablet. Ja’val has sent down several more batches of the antidote, Becket remains safe,” he grinned, “apparently the doctor in charge of finding this cure has been a bit rude to him for, I believe Becket said, ‘beating him to the punch.’ But they have already started distributing the injections in the Chicago area. They are bringing in more volunteers to expand the coverage as much as they can, obviously.

“The simulations on an airborne delivery system of the antidote are going well, albeit the dosage will need to be much stronger. However, neutralizing it in the water, the lakes and rivers, is proving a little more challenging for the First Science Commander. I am confident he will have a solution in the next day or two.”

“How soon for the airborne antidote?” Zy’nayth asked.

“He should have the dosage calculated and tested within the hour. But the delivery system will require a bit of help from you and General Cavanaugh. I’ve already explained the situation to him and he’ll take direction from you.”

“Very well, what do you need me to do?”

“Right now, there are only two ships large enough to carry the amount of the antidote needed. Even as a gas, the payload is quite large. Earth’s ships are not designed to carry this much of this kind of payload. Their cargo ships, though they may carry the load, don’t have the technology to distribute it. We could build something, but that would take another day, possibly two. Then there would be the issue of adding Rayth tech to an Earth ship.

“Sir, this flagship or your personal cruiser are both capable of carrying and distributing the payload. They’re ready to go once Ja’val has the antidote ready. But you know that taking either ship into Earth’s atmosphere will complicate matters.”

“Can the payload be delivered while my ship is cloaked?”

“A few modifications will need to be made to the code, according to Ja’val, but yes. However you won’t be able to cloak until you’ve entered their atmosphere. Which means the ship will be seen on their radar and other tracking systems, if only for a brief moment.”

“I will find an entry route that will not be as suspicious. Are maps of the infected areas on my tablet?”

“Yes, sir, everything has been updated for you as of thirty minutes ago.”

“Very well. I will adjust the cloak code and plan the delivery route. Continue scanning for Rayth ships. When the Second ship meets up with us, and if she has not found signs of a Rayth ship, have her head back home, but in small FTL jumps. I still want as much scanned as possible, just in case. I will talk to Vince. The President will need to know that a Rayth ship will be popping up on their scans, so he will need a cover story.”

“Once Ja’val has the airborne antidote ready, I will have it loaded onto your cruiser.”

“Thank you.” The door chimed and Zy’nayth looked at the clock. “Must be Lutia to make the children’s breakfast, right on time.”

“I’ll head out if there’s nothing else.”

“No. Thank you for overseeing everything.”

The door opened and Lutia smiled, “I see you two are already busy at work.”

Kol’non gave her a slight bow, “Always. I must now check in on your husband.”

She nodded as she entered the chambers. “Will you need me to spend the day here?” she asked.

“No. At least not until your husband has an airborne solution ready to go. I can take the children with me on my other little duties.”

“I don’t mind,” she said as she got out a pot and gathered items to make oatmeal for the kids, “gives me something to do. Ja’val doesn’t have that much I can do for him. At least with the kids I can be of help, and learn more Raythian words and…”

“Lutia, you may stay if you wish,” Zy’nayth said and kissed her cheek, “the children love having you around. And it does ease my mind knowing I do not have to tend to them while trying to focus on work. I simply did not wish to impose on your kindness.”

Lutia smiled, “No imposition, sir.”

August 7, 2119

Becket was already traveling through the Midwest, treating the most critical patients. Major Steve Kessler and his Terra 2 team accompanied him to keep his safe. Becket knew Ja’val would have an airborne version ready within a day, and with the volunteer battalion distributing inoculations in key locations up and down the Mississippi, he believed that they should be able to save nearly everyone currently infected, at least 90% of them, in any case. Though he didn’t win any points with Dr. Naiman, who had been in charge of things, he did make a huge impression on the medical community and the president.

“Thank you, sir,” he said, taking a call from the leader of the free world, “but I didn’t come up with this cure on my own and I certainly had nothing to do with the airborne version…yes sir, I will let them know how thankful you are…” he smiled, “No thank you. I like my work where I’m at. Thank you for the offer, though…you too, goodbye.”

With his bag in hand, his job done, he stepped across the bridge in Central Command on Earth and was instantly in the control room on Terra 2. Amelia went running up to him and gave him a hug and kiss. “You okay? Everything go okay?” she asked.

“I could use some sleep,” he said, “but other than that, I’m fine. And maybe a couple more hugs and kisses.” She smiled and indulged him.

“Welcome back, Doc,” John said as he came out of Vince’s office, “I just got the report from the First Science Commander. You two did an amazing job.”

“It was mostly him. I just coordinated things. He came up with the airborne solution.”

“I know Adam Naiman, and he’s not only a pain to work with, he couldn’t coordinate distribution of a cure to a single patient, let alone a good chunk of the Midwest,” Victoria said. “I’m glad you went. You probably saved thousands of lives.”

Becket shook his head, “Guys, it’s really the First Science Commander who deserves all of this praise, he came up with the airborne solution. Now if you don’t mind, I’m starving and really want to sleep. Victoria, I need a hug first.”

“Didn’t want to take them all from Lia,” she smiled and embraced him, “Glad to have you back. We’re all proud of you and your Rayth counterpart.”

“Thanks, love.”

Amelia took one of his bags and slipped an arm around him. “What do you want to eat?” she asked as she led him to his quarters.

“Anything.”