E:A Vol 3 Ch 2—September 4, 2119

It had been a week since Victoria had left Earth. The battlecruiser flagship could make the journey in five days if it pushed its engines. But Victoria told her husband to not do that. Look for bridge portals for a few days then return to Terra 2. Of course, she’d prefer to have the twins with her, but bridging out from Central Command with them, when she hadn’t arrived with them, would raise questions. It wouldn’t take long before people figured out that there was a Rayth battlecruiser in orbit around Earth. That would cause panic. It wasn’t worth it. So after lots of hugs and kisses, and making sure there was plenty of food on board, Victoria said goodbye to her husband and twins, leaving Lutia to tend after Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna while Zy’nayth worked.

Victoria was sitting in the main room of her quarters, reading. She had worked a couple of hours that morning, just to pass the time, now she was relaxing a bit before she started lunch. She heard the swish of the door as it slid open, then heard the tiny feet thumping across the room.

“Ma!” both kids shouted when they saw Victoria’s head pop up to see who was entering.

She wasn’t expecting her family for another day, but when she saw them, she was filled with joy, then a burst of laughter erupted from her throat. The twins had on the brightest, mismatched outfits from the new clothes she’d picked up on Earth, along with their little baseball caps, and their shoes that lit up with each step they took. “You two look amazing!”

“They were quite the spectacle when we teleported in,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be here today?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Ma! Look!” Mik’kenna said as she pointed to her shoes and displayed how they lit up every time she put her foot down.

“Hat!” Ky’nayth said and pulled it off, then tried to put it back on. He ended up needing Daddy’s help to get it on straight.

“Very cute,” she replied. “Come on, I need hugs and kisses. Mommy’s missed you so much.”

Zy’nayth contacted his ship while Victoria was smothering her children with affection, then their little basketball set appeared in the room as well as two boxes that were filled with their new clothes and toys.

“Ball!” Ky’nayth exclaimed when the red, blue, and green toy appeared. “Ma! Play ball!”

“Yes, honey, I see it. That was a present from Uncle John.”

“I did not wish to pack your things,” Zy’nayth said, “I did not know if you wanted them here or on the island.”

“I’ll get them later,” she said, “now can I have a hug and kiss?”

“You may have as many as you like,” he smiled, “after we get find the ball for the hoop so they can play,” he said as the kids were trying to open the large boxes and having a difficult time of it.

She got a quick hug and kiss then set up the little plastic hoop in a safe area, away from anything breakable.

“I will need John and Christopher to show them the proper way to play this game. The adult version. They have fun enough with this, but I assume there are actual rules.”

“Well they did bring back regulation hoops for their court on the mainland. And Chris spends a lot of his downtime out there.”

“To play basketball or spend time with Alessa?”

“I would imagine the latter,” she smiled as Mik’kenna brought her the ball so she could play too. “Zy, I love you so much. Thank you for everything you did to get me through this, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“I am always here for you. I am also very proud of you. I know how difficult that was for you, but it was the right thing to do, and you did not give up. However, you do need more practice with this basketball game,” he said as the foam ball bounced off of the wall instead of the backboard.

“No Ma!” Ky’nayth said and fetched the ball then showed her that you had to put the ball through the hoop. “Dis how do it.”

“Oh, you’re really good at this,” she said and applauded him.

“Ma! See me!” Mik’kenna said and shoved the ball through the hoop, then clapped.

“You’re good too! You know what, do you want Mommy to see if Uncle John, Uncle Kaven, and Uncle Chris can come play? I bet they’d be better at this than I am.

Both kids erupted with enthusiastic claps and shrieks of excitement.

“Do you mind, Daddy?”

“Daddy approves,” Zy’nayth said then Victoria called John.

A few minutes later John and Chris arrived, apologizing for Kaven who had only just returned from an off-world meet and greet and was sleeping. The two men sat on the floor and began rough housing with the kids. Tickling them, snatching the ball, shooting hoops, tickling them more.

“I can make up some sandwiches,” Victoria said, “and we could all go to the mainland so they can see a real…well, sort of real, basketball game.”

“Can’t today,” John said, “we have to head off-world in about an hour.”

“Could do it tomorrow, though,” Chris said. “Get the First Commander down here, the whole gang, make a day of it. We all need a break and a little fun.”

“Well, High Chancellor?” Victoria asked.

“I have no objections.”

“Guys, I’m gonna pop the question Friday night,” Chris said out of the blue, as John tried to teach the twins how to pass the ball.

“Did you manage to get to talk to her parents? Oh Chris, I should have asked sooner, I’m sorry. All this stuff just…I was so caught up. I’m so sorry…” Victoria said.

Chris chuckled and caught the pass John threw to him. He pushed the ball backwards through the hoop, then let it fall back through. Ky’nayth took the ball and imitated the move. “It’s okay, Victoria. Yeah, the little trial interrupted things, but it was good. Nice move, Ky’nayth, though that’s not really legal, but who cares? Right? Anyway, the time on Earth gave me more time to pray and settle my heart that she’s the one for me and this is right. Besides, you had enough on your mind.”

“Well, we did pray for you…I just didn’t follow up, I’m sorry.”

“I did get to meet her parents, and her dad gave me permission to ask for her hand. She doesn’t know anything, so don’t say anything.”

“Did she get to meet your dad?”

“Yeah. Dad loved her. I wish Mom was still alive, she would have loved her too.”

“Duv ooh,” Mik’kenna said and kissed his cheek, making him chuckle. Ky’nayth attempted to pass his sister the ball, which went way over her head. John caught it and handed it to her.

“I love you too, Kenna,” Chris said as Mik’kenna, attempting to pass him the ball from mere inches from the man, ended up shoving the foam ball into his face.

“So do you have a big romantic evening all planned?” Victoria asked, trying to hold back the laughter.

“Yup. Gonna do a little picnic on the mainland,” Chris said, unfazed by the kids and the ball. “Got the perfect spot picked out. As we watch the sunset, I’m gonna ask her to marry me. It’s gonna be all romantic and stuff. Girls like that,” he grinned, and kept the ball out of reach of Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna’s hands. “I hope she says yes.”

“I’m pretty sure she will,” Victoria smiled.

“Oh yeah! Uncle John steals the ball from Uncle Chris!” John exclaimed, “He shoots!…Score!!”

Ky’nayth giggled and clapped. “Core!” he exclaimed then dove into his uncle’s lap head first. John caught him so he didn’t hurt himself and pretended to be knocked back from the blow.

“I’m down! Medic!” John said. “Help!”

Mik’kenna decided to tackle Uncle Chris and pounced on his stomach as if diving into a pool. “Medit!” she exclaimed then clapped.

“I am beginning to think allowing you to come and play with my children may have been an unwise decision,” Zy’nayth smiled.

Victoria grinned, “They’re having a blast. It’s so good to have you three home. You know what this base needs,” she said, “are more kids. They don’t have anyone their age to play with. Well, other than Chris and John.”

“Hey! Kaven too!” Chris said and threw the foam ball at her.

“Perhaps Christopher and Alessa will change that soon,” Zy’nayth said.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Chris replied. “Gotta get through the whole wedding first. That’s going to be a nightmare. Not my cup of tea.”

“I take it that Earth weddings are much more…complex…than Raythian weddings.”

“Could take months to plan,” Chris said. “She has to find the right dress, pick out a cake, plan the reception, pick out flowers, and colors, and make little gift bags. Then there’s the bridal shower and all that has to be done for that party…a waste if you ask me. But if Alessa wants it, she’ll have it.”

“What is the purpose?” Zy’nayth asked.

“It’s the bride’s big day,” Victoria said, “she wants to be a princess, she wants everything to be romantic and unforgettable.”

“But it does not seem practical. Do you wish you had such a wedding?”

“I had one with Jason. It was quite lovely. Very expensive, and look what it got me.” she said as she shrugged her shoulders. “Wouldn’t really want to go through that again. Too much stress for one day’s excitement. And poor Chris and Alessa, they have to deal with arranging a wedding in one galaxy with their family in another…and the family can’t know about Andromeda.”

“I’m talking with Vince about that,” Chris said, “My dad’s retired now. I’m hoping Vince will let him come live here.”

“If Vince could, he would,” John said as he made another shot. “What did your dad do for a living?”

“He was a fireman. Chief the last ten years.”

“So that’s who you get your bravery from,” Victoria smiled.

“I’d really like him to be here. Without his work, without Mom, he’s gotten really lonely and I can’t be there for him.” Chris sat up, “Sorry, didn’t think I’d get this worked up over it. Kenna, I need a hug.” Mik’kenna ran over and threw her arms around him, obliging him with a hug plus a kiss for good measure.

“Have you spoken with your Dad about moving?” Victoria asked.

“Can’t really. You know, since I can’t tell him about this place.”

“Does he have any hobbies? Anything to keep him busy?”

“He’s got his garden, and hangs out with the guys at the station, cooks for them from time to time, but not really anything other than that.”

“If you would like, Christopher,” Zy’nayth said, “I will speak with the General. I am not sure it would do much good as he is not the one to make the decision, but perhaps a request from me, should it reach the ears of the Oversight Committee, may move things in your favor.”

“If you would, I’d really appreciate it. You tend to get whatever you ask for.”

“Do not get your hopes up, Christopher. This is not a matter where I have much influence, but I will do what I can.”

“Thanks, big guy.”

“And we should get going and gear up,” John said, “Mik’kenna, Ky’nayth, hugs and kisses, please.”

After John and Chris left, Victoria went to make lunch for the kids while Zy’nayth went to talk to Vince, as promised.

“I’d love to say yes,” Vince said to the Rayth, “but you know this is out of my control.”

“Could you contact the president, ask for his assistance in the matter?” Zy’nayth asked as he walked over to the window and looked out at the glistening water that surrounded the floating city.

“I suppose I could, but this is something that should really go through the proper channels.”

“This is for Christopher,” Zy’nayth said turning back to Vince, “a man who has risked his life for this expedition on numerous occasions, and do not forget what he did last week. I believe it would be worthwhile to politely ask the president for this.”

Vince let out a sigh. “I’ll make a call. Can’t promise anything, but I’ll make the call.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Thank you, General. And if it does not work out, I can always go and pick the man up myself.”

Vince laughed, “I’m surprised you haven’t readied your ship yet.”

“My ship is always ready. I must return to my beloved. We will need to debrief when the Alpha Team is available. I found more bridge portals on Earth.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and thank you for making the call.”

***

“Lunch is about ready,” Victoria said from the kitchen, “can you wrangle up the kids please? They’re busy running around the chambers, making sure everything is still here.” Zy’nayth came in a couple minutes later carrying Ky’nayth who was fussing with his hat, not able to get it back on correctly.

“Dada, cook-ed. Hat cook-ed. I no get on straight.”

“I will straighten it after I get you into your high chair.”

Mik’kenna came in on the heels of her father, “Mine too!”

“You know, I wasn’t going to buy the hats, I didn’t think they’d like them. Plus I’ve never seen a Rayth in a hat. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate. Anyway, I’m glad I did. They look adorable.”

“They always look adorable,” Zy’nayth said as he lifted Mik’kenna into her chair and helped her with her hat.

“That they do,” she smiled and took her seat. “Daddy, will you lead us in prayer?” The kids immediately held out their hands so they could all hold hands while their father prayed.

“What is that?” Zy’nayth asked as Victoria set bowls in front of her children.

“Vegetable soup,” she said, “made it yesterday. It actually came out pretty good. And fresh crunchy bread to sop it up with.”

Mik’kenna looked in her bowl and frowned, “Ma? I no want dis.”

“You like all of the vegetables, honey, and there’s meat in there too.”

“I no no,” she said, unsure of whether she should take a bite or not. Her brother, however, was already fishing for the larger vegetables with his fingers and shoving them into his mouth. Victoria was glad that she had ladled out their bowls to let the soup cool a little before she served them otherwise, Ky’nayth would have scalded his fingers.

“Do you like it, Ky’nayth?” Zy’nayth asked. He got a nod in reply as a lima bean was eaten. “Please try and use your spoon. You both know how to use them.”

“There are potatoes in it,” Victoria said to Mik’kenna as she readied a spoonful for her daughter.

“I no see taytoes. That bean. That no taytoe.”

Victoria dumped the spoon back into the soup and stirred it until she came up with a potato. “See?” Mik’kenna opened her mouth and when the savory soup hit her taste buds, she clapped.

“Mmm. Dis good,” Mik’kenna said after she finished with her spoonful of soup. “More, peez.”

“Mik’kenna,” her father said, “you must remember to try everything your mother prepares. You did not think you would like this, but it is good, is it not?”

She nodded as she chewed her next bite. Ky’nayth attempted the spoon, but they hadn’t really gotten used to using it for liquids, so he dropped the spoon and used his fingers to shove another carrot into his mouth.

Zy’nayth took Ky’nayth’s hands and wiped them clean, “Let me feed you. You are making a mess.”

“Sowwy,” he said with his mouthful of carrot.

“May I have a spoon of your soup?” Zy’nayth asked his son.

“Ess,” he said, still chewing his carrots.

Zy’nayth took a bite and tilted his head, “I like this,” he said to his wife, “it is very good.”

“Thanks,” she smiled. “I like adding things to your ‘yes’ list. I can’t wait until you take the serum. I have so many things I want to cook for you.”

“Dada, more peez,” Ky’nayth said then opened his mouth wide, eager for more.

Just as Zy’nayth gave his son a spoonful of soup, the door chimed. He simply called out “Enter.” He heard the door open then he told the guest that they were in the kitchen.

“Hi Vince,” Victoria said, “want a bowl of vegetable soup?”

He smiled, “Smells delicious, yes please.”

She got up and fixed him a bowl and pointed to the basket of bread on the table as she sat back down.

“Made that call,” Vince said, “all Chris has to do is talk his father into coming.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Thank you. I am sure Christopher will be happy.”

“He also informed me that he approved a promotion for both Chris and John. John will move up from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel; Chris from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.”

“Oh that’s wonderful!” Victoria said, “They deserve it.”

“I’m going to arrange a city-wide ceremony for them. How long will you be around?”

“We will stay a few more days, but we can bridge back at any time. I do not wish to miss this ceremony,” Zy’nayth said.

“Can I help with anything?” Victoria asked.

“Nah, it’s nothing fancy. I’ll let you know what day this will happen. It’ll just be a short ceremony, I’ll say a few things, then hand out their new insignia. Maybe cake and ice cream afterwards, if I can get some up here.”

“I’m sure you could get plenty of volunteers to bridge to Earth to get some.”

“True. The problem will be keeping it hidden and uneaten until the party.”