E:A Vol 3 Ch 12—November 25, 2119

Chapter 12: November 25, 2119

After tending to other matters during the wee hours of the morning, and once Alessa returned from Terra 2, she, Victoria, and Lutia went up to the attic to see how it could be arranged to accommodate the most guests.

“Six double beds will work better than six queens,” Lutia said as the three women measured out the attic. “It’ll be kinda tight if you want to add in a couple of dressers and then nightstands for each bed if we go with queens. No room to move.”

“I’d rather have kings,” Victoria said. “That way when we get the other construction work done, I don’t have to buy bigger beds.”

“Queen size is a good size, though,” Alessa said.

“Yeah, for non-Rayth,” Victoria said. “I want everyone to feel comfortable here.”

“Oh, sorry, I should have thought of that.”

Lutia messed around on her tablet. “Okay, here’s an idea…would we really need to put a couple of dressers up here? Most of the guys just live out of their duffles. If someone like Be’atta or Amelia are up here, there are shelves down the sides of each closet where they can put their folded clothes. We have to keep in mind that this is just temporary. We could get six little end tables. Just large enough for a lamp and clock. I don’t think we need anything else.”

Victoria thought about it. “I suppose then that I’d have the six kings I want for the new addition ready, at least that’ll be purchased and taken care of. I’d still need dressers for the new addition.”

“Which won’t be built until next spring, at the earliest,” Lutia said. “Don’t worry about those now.”

“All right,” Victoria nodded, “good idea. Onto the bathroom. I don’t really think I need to do anything in there other than get towels and stuff.”

They walked across the open attic and into the full bath. “Oh, nice linen closet. This is huge,” Lutia said.

“Huge and never used,” Victoria said as she added towels, washcloths, and hand towels to her list, as well as bed linens. “Do you think we should paint in here?”

“Nah. It’s a nice blue,” Alessa said as she checked the shower curtain. “This looks like new.”

“Like I said, never used.”

“I’d go with white towels and stuff,” Lutia said, “easier to wash up since we don’t have those fancy Mythican or Raythian washing systems. Less to sort, especially if we have a full house.”

***

John, Chris, and Kaven finished their morning work and headed into the house, going directly down to the basement to talk to Zy’nayth, Kol’non, and Ja’val. “I just wanted to let you know that the heating system in the barn is working, but I think you might need to get a larger unit. It was pretty hot in there yesterday as we worked, but not as much today and it was windier yesterday.”

“Temps are colder today,” Chris said. “By about fifteen degrees. Historic lows. Doubt this happens again, but we thought we’d mention it. We’re working hard and keeping warm, but if we have guards stationed there just standing around, they’d be cold. And…well, this isn’t an active military base where we’d just tell them to deal with it. Anyway, just mentioning it.”

“I’ll take a look,” Ja’val said, “and if we need a larger unit, I’ll install it on our next trip out.”

“This cold is a once in a century event,” Chris said, “so not sure if you want to bother with a different unit, anyway, just letting you know. Okay, guys, I’m headed for the shower.”

“Where is Be’atta?” Kol’non asked.

“Already taking her shower,” Kaven said. “The girls about ready to go?”

“I am not sure,” Zy’nayth said, “we have not heard from them, I would hope they are sticking to the plan.” He slapped his hands together and brushed off the dirt. “Let us see if we are still on schedule.”

“You okay with watching the kids?” Victoria asked her husband once they were all in the living room.”

“Of course.”

“I don’t want Ky out walking the puppies; it’s too cold.”

“Neither do I. I already mentioned it to him this morning. Ja’val and I can take them as we check on the barn’s heating and cooling unit.”

Chris walked in, “Feeling much better. I’m clean!”

“Did you make arrangements for a transport vehicle?” Victoria asked.

“Yup. John has all the info. Lessa, you set?” he asked his wife as she walked into the living room.

“Feels weird to bundle up just to walk to the barn where we’ll take the bundles off before we bridge over,” she said.

“Can’t give them a hint as to where we’re at,” Chris said. “I’ve got the grocery list. Ready?”

“Yup.”

“We’ll be back before dinner. Have fun!”

Ky’nayth came running into the living room, “Daddy, time to walk puppies. Help peez?”

“Don’t be out there too long,” Victoria said as she went to get two fresh bowls of water for the dogs, per her son’s instructions.

“Yes, dear,” Zy’nayth said and kissed her cheek.

“I don’t want the puppies getting sick,” she grinned.

Baxter gave a sudden jerk on the leash, wanting to head out. Zy’nayth smiled, “I guess we should get going.”

As soon as he opened the patio door, a wave of freezing, dry air surrounded them. Victoria sighed, “This was the wrong week to come here,” she said as Zy’nayth, Ja’val, and Kol’non stepped outside with the dogs.

“No kidding,” John said, “but at least we’re working inside. Will you be ready to head to town when they’re done with the pups?”

“Yup. I have a nice long list. Be’atta, did you decide whether you want to come with us or stay here?”

“I’d like to stay. I don’t see Kol’non as much as I’d like to and well, the big guy might need help with the little ones. Besides, what if the kids need food? None of our Rayth guests are very versed in the kitchen.” She grinned, “But then neither am I.”

“Zy did manage a week on his flagship as a cook for the kids. And there’s plenty of soup that just needs to be warmed up. Plus, he really couldn’t mess up a sandwich,” John said.

“Or we could take the kids with us,” Kaven said. “Kol’non and Be’atta can have a little quiet time together, all romantic and stuff. Zy and Ja’val can figure out what’s wrong with the heater in the barn.” He elbowed Be’atta gently in her ribs, “You’d like that, right?”

“I go shoppy too,” Mik’kenna said.

Victoria sighed, “I don’t think…”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Lutia said. “We can take the kids with us, that’ll leave our hubbies to do whatever they want. I know they’d probably rather work longer, but also wish to accommodate us with family time. Besides, Kaven’s right, let Be’atta and Kol’non have a little time alone while the other two are dealing with the barn thing.”

“Okay. Ky, Kenna, let’s get you washed up. I hope Daddy says it’s okay for you to go,” Victoria said.

“Mommy,” Ky’nayth said, “I no go. I watch puppies. I pommised.”

“I will tell David that I needed you to come with me. He will understand.”

“But Daddy said no to break pommises.”

“Hmm…” she walked over to the little desk and pulled out a little notepad. “Okay, how soon will the puppies need to be walked again.”

Ky’nayth tilted his head and thought about it. “I wait ‘til dey tart heading to door. Baxter does dat when he needs to go.”

Victoria wrote down what he said. “When will they need fresh water?”

“If bow empty. Or affer walk. They wike fwesh water affer walk.”

“And food?”

“Wunchtime.”

“Okay. Anything else?”

“Dey need to be payed wif. Throw balls for dem and stuff. It exercise dem.”

“Okay,” Victoria said as she finished writing. “When Daddy gets back, you ask him if he can watch the puppies for you. Then hand him this list of what he needs to do. You won’t be breaking your promise because you’ll be asking someone to watch over them while I take you with me. And you’ve got all the instructions for what Daddy needs to do while you’re away.”

Ky’nayth took the piece of paper and nodded. “If Daddy says no. I stay. I no break pommise to Uncle Dabid.”

“All right,” Victoria said just as Ja’val and Zy’nayth entered with the puppies.

Ky’nayth dropped the paper then went and began to unleash the dogs, then he grabbed the paper and went up to his father and tried to explain what was going on. Victoria chimed in and clarified the situation.

“I think in this instance,” Zy’nayth said, “you are not breaking your promise to David. I will watch over the puppies for you. This list is very helpful. Thank you.”

“Tanks Daddy,” he said and lifted his arms so he could get a hug.

“I’m not sure how long we’ll be gone,” Victoria said. “Lutia has fruit already cut up and in the fridge. Soup just needs to be thrown into a pan and warmed up. Sandwiches are easy enough.”

“The only one who will be eating will be Be’atta,” he smiled.

“Oh, right. Sorry,” she smiled and kissed his cheek. “Okay, now, kids, let’s get you cleaned up. John, we should only be a couple of minutes.”

“I’ll get your cruiser warmed up,” John said.

“John, Kaven,” Zy’nayth said, “I know the former Committee members are in prison, but I still want you armed.”

“Already am,” John said and Kaven nodded.

“And I’ll get the tracking bracelet,” Victoria said.

“And your comlink,” Zy’nayth said.

***

Though much smaller than the tower mall they had visited in Washington DC, there were still two dozen floors filled with stores. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna were once again enjoying all of the new sights and sounds. There were many people buzzing and bustling about, being so close to Christmas, the kids were just fascinated by it all.

Victoria led them to a furniture store which had good reviews online. When she told the saleswoman that she need six king-sized bed frames and mattresses, she got quite a look.

“Old farm house,” Victoria said, “adding some rooms for guests.”

“Ah. Not many of those around anymore.”

“That’s what I’ve been told,” Victoria smiled.

The woman led Victoria to their bedroom sets and it didn’t take long for Victoria to pick out a simple mahogany sleigh bed frame. She and Lutia then picked out five more frames.”

“Do you have this last one in cherry?” Victoria asked.

“Terry pie?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Cherry wood.”

“Oh. Pie better,” the boy sighed.

The saleswoman said they did, so Victoria added the last frame to her order. “Okay, show me your mattresses,” Victoria said.

John and Kaven tried out the different mattresses, the kids soon duplicating the men, flopping down on the bed, turning this way and that, pushing on the mattress with their hands, everything the others did, they did too. Two mattresses stood out so Victoria ordered three of each.

“Well that went much quicker than I expected,” Victoria said. “So where do we go to load them up?”

“I can arrange to have them delivered,” the saleswoman said.

“We have a transport shuttle. We were expecting to get them today.”

“You came prepared.”

“Yup,” Victoria smiled.

After the order was paid for, the saleswoman explained to John where to pick up the furniture.

“Can I do that now?” he asked.

“Ten minutes and the dock will have your new furniture.”

“Good, I’ll head on out. You,” he said to Kaven, “stay with them. Where do you want to meet up?”

Victoria called up the store map on her tablet. “Here,” she said, “can get the lamps and clocks there, I think.”

“And the end tables?”

“I hope so. They usually have all kinds of little things like that. After that we just need towels and linens.”

“We do have end tables here,” the saleswoman said.

“Everything’s being crammed into my attic,” Victoria said, “Temporary until the new addition is complete, so going cheap on the odds and ends. I’ll probably be back for the rest of the sets once I have rooms to put them in.”

“I don’t mean to be nosy, but why get the beds now?”

“Oh, the construction project is bringing in a lot of friends from out of town to work on it. I’d rather have them stay at my place than at a hotel.”

“She’s also a fantastic cook,” John said, “so we enjoy being able to raid her fridge in the middle of the night for leftovers.”

“Now I know where all of that food went,” Victoria grinned. She thanked the saleswoman then they headed out.

After getting the other needed, they went to one of the grocery stores, sending Lutia in alone to pick up some ice cream and cake mixes before they headed back to the house. The sweets would be a surprise for the kids.

“That did not take long,” Zy’nayth said noticing it had only been just over two hours.

“Found everything right away,” Victoria said. “It’s easier when you just want cheap little tables and lamps. We just grabbed the first things we saw that were the right size. I was a little more particular about the linens and towels, but still, that didn’t take long at all.”

Ky’nayth went over and checked on the puppies. “Did dey haf go out?”

“Not yet. They have been busy keeping us entertained,” his father answered.

“Kay.”

“Ky, honey, can you round them up and put them in the pen so that they’re not in the way when the guys bring in the furniture.”

“Daddy, I catch dem. Can you put in pen? I too sort.”

“I help,” Mik’kenna said as she picked up Celeste, hauling her over to where the pen was located.

“We’re going to clear the hall to the attic,” Victoria continued. “Then after you’re done with the puppies, would you, Ja’val, and Kol’non help John and Kaven bring in the furniture?”

“Of course,” Zy’nayth smiled as Celeste then Montie were put into the pen.

Ky’nayth walked over carrying Scout while Mik’kenna had Shadow. Zy’nayth chuckled to himself. Instead of trying to get the dogs to come, the kids had chased them down and were carrying them to the pen. He thought the kids saw it as much of a game as the dogs did. “Let me show you an easier way,” he said then gave a whistle. “Come.”

The three remaining puppies came bounding up, sliding on the wood floor to a stop. Zy’nayth picked them up and put them in the pen.

“Oh,” Ky’nayth said then giggled.

Chris, David, and Alessa arrived shortly before 6:00. David informed everyone that though he didn’t yet have any proof, he felt as though the burst gas line was due to sabotage. “I’ve seen enough of these over the years that I just know it when I see it. I’ll get the proof, I just need some time to work through the site.”

“It’s a mess,” Chris said, “the Ag facility is completely gone.”

“Oh no,” Victoria said.

“Yeah,” Alessa sighed, “but thankfully there were no serious injuries.”

“And none of the food storage areas were damaged,” Chris said.

“I take that to mean that the person who did this really didn’t want to hurt anyone, probably lives on Terra 2, and didn’t want to risk losing the food supply,” David said.

Zy’nayth looked at David, “Interesting.”

“Well, that’s just my guess. Like I said, no proof. And having never done this type of thing on Terra 2, I could be completely wrong. I know the teams can bridge back here to Earth to get food, and trade with villages in Andromeda, so perhaps whoever did this may not have cared one way or another and may not be from the Expedition.”

“But it’s good to keep in mind,” Kol’non said. “Is there anything we can do to help with the investigation? I can have our Second Ship en route to Terra 2, if you would like to use our science staff.”

“I think that might be a good idea,” Chris said to his father, “if it is sabotage, and if it is someone from the Expedition, the Rayth could run tests on their ship instead of you ordering tests done on the city-ship. There’s really not any other planet that has the tech to help us out.”

“If it’s not an inconvenience,” David said, “I’d appreciate the help.”

“Does General Cavanaugh know everything?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Filled him in,” Chris said. “He’s keeping to the story that it was an accident, faulty pipes or something. Dad’s just investigating as part of becoming familiar with Terra 2 and Mythican tech, and he’s putting on the ‘let’s all feel sorry for the old guy’ routine, “Give old man David something to do”…stuff like that.”

“Vince is quite devious,” John grinned.

“Well, I’ll let you boys talk. I’m going to start dinner,” Victoria said.

“I’ll help,” Alessa said.

“I’m making dessert,” Lutia said as she stood. “I can do that on the side while you two make a mess.”

“Mommy, can I help?” Mik’kenna asked.

“I’m gonna make a cake,” Lutia said, “want to help me with that? Mommy has Alessa to help her, so I could use a little extra help.”

Mik’kenna nodded. “Cake!”

“Yup, a little surprise for you and Ky’nayth: cake and ice cream for dessert.”

***

The group gathered for the evening feast, everyone looking worn out from the extreme cold. The steaks, sliced potatoes smothered in onions and butter, the enormous garden salad, and Alessa’s homemade ranch dressing, and steaming fresh corn from Terra 2, perked everyone up.

“So the temp is gonna rise up to something a bit more moderate tonight,” Chris said. “We’ll be able to get back to work on the barn and the tunnel full swing.”

“Oh, by the way, we made up new sleeping arrangements,” John said, “now that we’ve got the new beds. David, me, and Kaven are all moving to the attic. Be’atta will stay in the room she’s in. Chris and Alessa will move to David’s room. Ja’val and Lutia can have the last bedroom if they don’t want to stay on the ship. Kol’non can take a bed in the attic, if he wishes to stay down here too. And you and Zy can move back to your own master bedroom.”

“There’s no need to move everyone around,” Victoria said. “We’re quite content in the study…”

“We’ve already moved our stuff,” David said. “And put fresh linens on all the beds. Done deal.”

“Mommy, we get own beds?” Ky’nayth asked.

Victoria looked at her husband, deferring to him. “There is still the pullout in the study,” he said. “Or if you behave yourselves, and if the others do not mind, there should be two empty beds up in the attic. You could each have your own.”

“I be good,” Ky’nayth said.

“Me too,” Mik’kenna added.

John, David, and Kaven all agreed to allow the kids to have their own beds in the attic.

“Then we’re all set,” Victoria said.

“David, with the investigation,” John asked as the group dove into their dessert, “are you going to stay here or just go back to Terra 2?”

“I think I’m going to have to return to Terra 2,” David said.

Ky’nayth looked up, “Montie?”

“You know what, I’m going to be so busy all day, I think Montie should stay here where you can make sure she gets plenty of attention.”

“She’ll miss you,” Victoria said. “You could stay here. I know your hours will be off, but it’s pretty quiet up in the attic so when you go to bed, you probably won’t hear us down here. And we’ll at least get to see you and keep up on how the investigation’s going.”

“Okay, I’m not going to put up a fight,” David smiled. “Besides, better food here. And with that being said, I’m going to head up and go to bed. Victoria, don’t get up and make breakfast. I’ll just grab something at the mess. It’ll give me a chance to get to know some of the others better, you know, strike up a conversation and such.”

“All right, but if you change your mind, just let me know.”

“Dad, I’m worried about you being on Terra 2,” Chris said. “The more I think about this, the more I’m getting worried about your safety.”

“You may return to Terra 2 if you wish,” Zy’nayth said to Chris, “it is understandable.”

“I appreciate that, but I did make a commitment to help out here, and I intend on following through on that. So, I was thinking about Major Kessler. I’ve gotten to know him pretty well and I trust him to watch over Dad. He did help us uncover the gun problem on Elgolia. John, what do you think?”

“I agree. He’s a good man. I trust him. Zy, do you have any issues with him? I know you haven’t talked with him much, but I also know you pick up on things that we don’t.”

“I have not noticed anything in Major Kessler that would cause me to think him untrustworthy. Can he watch over David without it looking suspicious?”

“Yeah. He spends a lot of his down time on the mainland. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

“What about when he’s on duty?” Kol’non asked.

“I think you’re all worrying too much,” David said. “I’ve only been at this a few hours today. That’s certainly not long enough to start raising suspicion. You guys are only going to be here a week, and I’m going to be back each evening. If I feel that I’m being watched or whatever, I’ll let you know. But, there are a lot of people helping with the cleanup. Perhaps Major Kessler could be assigned to that detail for the week, or just a couple of days.”

“I like that idea,” Chris said. “I’ll head over with you in the morning and talk to Vince about it.”

“I can talk to Vince,” David said. “You don’t need to babysit me.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

“I’m glad you care so much. But I’m not a feeble old man.”

Ky’nayth walked over to David and climbed up on his lap and gave him a hug. “I love you, Uncle Dabid.”

“Oh, Ky’nayth, I love you too. Thank you for the hug.”

After dessert was finished, the group planned out the next day of work, but after an hour, David retired for the evening. The kids were also put down for the night and instructed to be quiet so Uncle David could sleep. They were excited about getting to sleep in the attic but were quiet and as their dogs curled up next to them, they each fell asleep.

November 26, 2119

“Barn is completely down,” John said as the group gathered for lunch the next day. “We’ll get everything cleaned up this afternoon then we should be able to start phase two.”

“What’s phase two?” Lutia asked.

“We start digging from the barn to meet up with their end of the tunnel,” Chris said.

“Well at least it’s warmed up a little,” she said.

“Quite a bit,” Kaven said. “Huge difference from the last couple of days.”

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Victoria asked. “All we’re doing is cooking and playing with the kids and the dogs.”

“I think you should have a girls’ day out,” Chris said. “Go get the kids some new toys and get yourselves some new pretty clothes. Whatever. You don’t get to go out and shop and do things girls normally do.”

“I was never one to shop,” Lutia frowned.

“Me either,” Victoria said, “but it would be fun for the kids. In any case, there has to be something we can do to help you guys.”

“Listen,” John said, “you three,” he pointed to Victoria, Lutia, and Alessa, “rarely get back here to Earth. This is only the fourth or fifth time Victoria’s been back in years where she wasn’t dealing with the OC or Jason. And this is all new for Be’atta. So take the afternoon off and go shopping.”

“If we do,” Lutia said, “is there anything you guys would like us to pick up for you?”

“Deep dish pizza,” Chris grinned. “Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, extra cheese. That way you don’t have to cook dinner.”

“I knew that was coming,” Alessa said as she smiled at her husband.

“Other than food, anything?” Lutia said.

“Nope, just enjoy the day,” John said.

“Pizza it is then,” Victoria said. “We told David 6:00 p.m. for dinner so don’t expect us until then. We need to keep the pizza nice and hot for you.”

“Let me know what you want. I’ll find a place and put in an order that you can pick up on your way back.”

Victoria looked at her husband, “Are you okay with me going out without a full security detail?”

“No. I will worry too much. But, go. I know Be’atta is armed and will take care of you. I, too, want you to enjoy yourselves.”

“Mommy? We go shoppy for more beds?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Not beds, just browsing. Maybe new clothes for you and your sister, some toys or books. I need to find a bookstore. I hate reading on my tablet. Hard to find those these days, though.”

“There’s usually at least one per tower mall,” Alessa said. “My parents are like you: rather have a physical book, not read from their computers.”

***

Vince walked over to where Major Steve Kessler and David Chapman were standing. He’d taken care of some routine business then went out to the site to see how the investigation was progressing.

Steve gave Vince a salute and was told to carry on. “Got quite a little kit there, David,” the general said as he knelt down beside the toolbox.

“Yeah. Been in the closet for a while. Kinda glad I can put it to use again.”

“So explain to me why you think this may have been deliberate,” Vince said in nearly a whisper so those working in the area wouldn’t overhear them. He brushed the dirt off of the knee of his uniform as he stood.

David knelt and picked up an item from his toolbox then stood and made it look like he was describing it’s use to the two men with him. “If you look over my shoulder into the explosion crater at the pipe, what do you notice?”

Vince glanced then looked back at the item David was turning over in his hand. “A lot of debris.”

“Yes, but if the explosion came from a gas leak in the pipeline…”

Vince glanced again then took the item from David’s hand, “Pipe looks like it imploded, not exploded. So an explosive set outside of the pipe?”

“Or blasted from the outside,” Steve added in a hush. “Rayth blasters.”

“The High Chancellor wouldn’t do that,” Vince said.

“Not him. Rebels,” Steve said. “And we don’t know if this other ship arriving is clean, if you get my meaning.”

“There’d have to be a Rayth ship in the area for a Rayth to get down here to blast this pipeline,” Vince said.

“Cloaked shuttle or something like that,” Steve said. “Still possible. We don’t know all of their capabilities, plus, we’re relying on computer programs they’ve tinkered with for our security. Sir, I’m fine with the High Chancellor, no problem there, but we have to consider all possibilities.”

“Agreed. Question is, as you’ve stated, the trustworthiness of those on the Second Ship.”

“We can have things tested both here and on the ship, see what comes up,” David suggested. “Rayth blasters leave a particular residue, so I’m led to believe. Something about the chemicals or energy used to create the blast, beam, or whatever.”

“And if there’s a discrepancy between reports from the ship and our team?” Vince asked. “Do we trust our own team, who may have sabotaged this? You did point out that it appears as if they didn’t want anyone hurt nor did they disrupt the food supplies. And do we trust the Second Ship’s team which may have rebels on board?”

“What about a third source?” Steve asked, “General Price’s team back on Earth.”

“I trust Ken, but can’t trust his team. Something came up with the old OC on Victoria’s last trip. Something they shouldn’t have known. Something that makes me think there’s a traitor inside of Central Command.”

“But we still have a third source available,” David said, “First Science. Or the High Chancellor himself. And, we don’t have to tell Earth the reason we want the test. We could say something about a suspected meteor strike but the residue isn’t consistent with what we have on file, so could they run some tests. Something like that.”

Vince handed the small tool back to David. “Four samples then. I’ll arrange things with Ken. You can deal with the Second Ship and the High Chancellor. Steve and David, you talk to our science team on my behalf. Use the angle of trying to help David feel useful if you have to. Shouldn’t be necessary, this is a formal investigation.”

“Yes, sir,” Steve replied.

Vince gave David a pat on his back as he stepped around him and moved on to the next group of engineers and scientists working on the problem. “Too many possibilities,” he thought to himself. The outcomes of any scenario didn’t bode well. A saboteur from their own ranks wasn’t something he enjoyed thinking about, but Rayth rebels were an entirely different matter especially with his Alpha Team and the High Chancellor off-world.

***

“Oh no,” Victoria sighed as the group stepped off of the elevator on the tenth floor of the shopping center.

Lutia followed her gaze then laughed.

“Puppies!” Mik’kenna exclaimed, pointing to the pet store window. “Puppies! Bubby!”

“Bubby?” Lutia asked.

“Ky’nayth my Bubby,” the girl explained.

“Brother,” Victoria explained getting understanding nods from the other women.

“We go?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I suppose so,” Victoria said, “but we’re not buying any pets. We can look for treats or toys.”

“Do you think Vince would be terribly upset if I brought one back?” Lutia asked.

“If you can find the same breed, he probably wouldn’t notice,” Be’atta smiled.

The kids looked at all of the animals, completely enchanted with each and every one of them, but neither asked their mother to buy them one and both said their puppies were the best. Then they went to the aisle with the dog toys and collars and such. Suddenly, the kids wanted everything.

“Mommy, can haz dis for Suhwest?” Mik’kenna asked holding up a red collar with rhinestones on it. “It has tarz on it and wed is her fay-borit color.”

Victoria checked the size, “They are about to outgrow their collars, so, okay. Ky, honey, pick a new one out for Baxter. We should probably get new ones for others too.” Alessa and Be’atta were already picking out new ones for their dogs and Victoria asked if any of them knew what colors the “boys” would want for their pups.

“Scout weash is gween,” Ky’nayth said.

“That’s right, you know all their colors, can you help us pick out their collars?”

He nodded and found a plain forest green collar for his puppy. For Scout, he picked out one that was a lime green, like her leash. For Hero, a brown one; and for Montie a white one. Since Mik’kenna had already selected her choice, she had moved on to the toys.

“Ma, need dis,” Mik’kenna said holding up a Frisbee. “And dis. And dis big bone. And this wittle coat. Suhwest need coat ‘cause cold. And dis banket. And, oh, dis baw has bell. And look dis! I no know what for, but prolly need. Mommy, can has dis too?” she asked, her arms overflowing with items.

Ky’nayth was following her, taking stuff into his arms asking if he could get it for Baxter. There wasn’t anything in the aisle that the kids didn’t want for their dogs. Victoria was trying to figure out what would be the best for the dogs, that wouldn’t be shredded in seconds upon receipt, and that would keep both the dogs and the kids entertained.

“Victoria,” Alessa said, “What about this?”

“Not you too?” Victoria chuckled. “Kids put this stuff in the cart, I’ll look at it in a minute.”

Victoria walked over and looked at the image on the front of a huge box. “Now this is a good idea. Bit cold out to use now, but we could take it with us.”

The kids ran over and asked what it was.

“It’s an agility training set,” Victoria said. “See, you teach the puppies to run up this teeter-totter, and through this tunnel, and zigzag through these poles, and jump through this hoop…”

“Ladies,” a salesman said, “we have one on display in our open area, if that will help explain it to your little ones.”

“Do you have anyone to demonstrate how it works?” Alessa asked.

“We certainly do,” he smiled, “follow me.”

The kids watched closely as an Australian Shepherd was brought out and run through the course. They clapped and giggled, then, of course, they begged for one for their puppies.

“There can’t be many people with yards to set one of these up,” Alessa said to the salesman.

“Not sure about that, but we do sell quite a few of the starter sets,” the man said.

“I have a pretty sizable yard,” Victoria said, “can you show me the biggest set?”

“What kind of dog do you have?”

“Jack Russell. We have seven of them.”

“Smart dogs. Hard to train, though. They can be a little stubborn.”

“They seem to do okay and we’re not looking to enter them into an agility contest. I think this is something that the kids can do that’s more than just tossing a ball or take them for a walk. Plus, it’ll give the other owners have something else to do with their pups as well.”

They stopped at the end of an aisle and he called the set up on the computer. “This is it,” he said and showed her all of the various components. She looked at her friends and asked their opinion.

“I think it’s great,” Alessa said and Be’atta agreed.

“I think I need to get a dog,” Lutia grinned.

“We have…” the salesman began but Lutia shook her head.

“No. I’m not getting one without my husband’s input.”

“How long does this take to set up and take down?” Victoria asked.

“Half hour, tops,” he said, “and you don’t have to set the entire course up. If you just want to work on jumps, you can do that, and so forth.”

“Okay, I’ll take it. Two, actually…might as well get one for my other home. We still have shopping to do today, can I pick them up later?”

“Of course.”

Each kid was allowed to pick out three toys, which Victoria checked to see if they were durable, then they paid for their purchases and moved on to the next store. At a little after 5:00, they finished their shopping spree and Victoria flew her cruiser to the pet store dock to have her big purchase loaded up. By the time she pulled into her garage with the hot pizza, it was just two minutes to 6:00.

“Pizza’s here!” she announced as the women entered the house carrying the boxes of food.

“Didn’t you buy anything?” John asked.

“Tons,” Lutia said, “we’ll bring the loot in after dinner.”

“And we got some surprises for you guys,” Alessa said.

“Ooh, what?” Chris asked.

“Can’t tell you, hence ‘surprise,’” she said.

After their pizza, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed, they all settled in the living room with what was left of the cake and ice cream. Victoria, Lutia, and Be’atta went out to the garage and brought in their shopping bags. Victoria didn’t want Alessa on her feet any more, even though Zy’nayth checked on the baby and said everything was fine.

Each woman had purchased a special gift for their significant other and they went in together to get winter coats, gloves, and scarves for David, Kaven, and John who didn’t have anyone to buy them gifts. “It’s not much, but they’re a bit warmer than what the three of you brought with you.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” John said as he held up the thick fleece-lined, brown leather jacket, “but this is really nice. Thank you.”

“I’m with him. Not necessary, but I appreciate it,” David said.

“Don’t think I’ve ever owned a coat this heavy,” Kaven said. “But then, my village never had frigid winters; cold, but not frigid like the last couple of days here. This is great. Thanks.”

“We have one more little surprise for you,” Victoria said then had Ky’nayth hand out Montie, Hero, and Scout’s new collars.

“We all got new ones since they’re about to outgrow theirs,” Alessa said.

Mik’kenna dug hers out of the bag and held it up, “Suhwest’s has tars!”

“So it does,” Zy’nayth said. “And it is red. I think that is your favorite color…and Celeste’s, is it not?”

Mik’kenna nodded. “We put dem on puppies now?”

“Let’s do that then take them out to the garage to show them the last two surprises.”

“I go get dem,” Ky’nayth said running to the parlor to get the leashes and let the puppies out of their pen. Then he ran back to the living room, leashes in hand and puppies bouncing around him, knowing what the leashes meant.

Each guardian put their new collars on their charges then leashed them up.

“Let’s walk them first,” Alessa said, “they seem eager to get out. We can come back in through the garage.”

“Yes, ma’am,” John smiled.

Though it had warmed a bit, their trip around the house to the garage was still quick. The dogs were not any more fond of the cold than their guardians. Victoria went up to the cargo area and hit the switch. She climbed in and turned the first large item towards the gathered crowd.

“Oh yeah!” John and Chris both exclaimed. Victoria had purchased a basketball hoop for the house to keep the men entertained when they actually came to the house to relax.

“Thought you might like that,” she said, “I’ll let you guys figure out where to hang it.”

“Backetball!” Ky’nayth said and clapped. “We pay backetball!”

“We need to set it up first,” John said, “probably not until spring, though. And did Mommy remember to buy us a ball?”

“No, but Lutia did. We got you guys a regulation one, and then a smaller one for the kids, and their own little mini-hoop. We’ll probably have to buy a pole or something.”

Zy’nayth sighed, “I suppose this means I should learn this game so that I may play it with my children.”

John chuckled, “It’s a good workout. I’m sure your crew has told you that since you installed a couple of hoops on your ship.”

“They have,” he frowned.

“I bet you secretly play when no one’s around,” Chris said.

“I do not.”

“Next,” Victoria said, “Alessa saw this and it’s more for the puppies and the kids, but I think you might get a kick out of it.” She tried to turn the box then motioned for her husband, “Need your muscles.”

He ducked into the cruiser and looked at the face of the box and smiled. “I like this surprise,” he said then turned it so everyone could see.

“Forget the kids, I’ll have a blast with this,” David said.

“The salesman said it should only take 30 minutes to set up. I bought two sets, one for here and one for the mainland.”

“Great idea,” Kaven said. “Hero and I will have a blast.”

“We should put on a show for the base,” John said, “they’d love it. Something different.”

“I think you will need to train them first,” Ja’val said.

“Might be more entertaining not to,” Chris chuckled.

“Set up now?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Too cold, kiddo,” John said. “The pups don’t like the cold, but we can do it first thing when we get back to Terra 2.”

“We could put the little tunnel thing in the house,” Victoria said, pointing to the image on the box, “and start teaching them how to run through it.”

The boxes were carried inside and one opened, but only the collapsible tunnel was taken out. John set up it then walked over and stood at one end and had Scout come, sit, and stay by him. He walked over to the other end and called her.

Instead of going through the tunnel, Scout zipped around it and sat by John, looking up at him, tail wagging, waiting for her treat. Everyone laughed.

Kaven and Chris didn’t do much better. Mik’kenna, however, took Celeste to one end of the tunnel then got down on her own hands and knees and crawled through it. Celeste followed.

“That is so not fair,” Chris said. “Smart, but not fair.”

The kids were then put in charge of training while David, having only arrived a moment before Victoria showed up with dinner, finally had a chance to talk to the others about the explosion on Terra 2.

“So, we’re going to have four groups test this,” he held up the glass containers, “your Second Ship Science Team, our chemists, one of you guys, and the science group back at Central Command.” He then explained the story Vince gave Ken. “All we’re asking the Earth team to do is give us the chemical composition and possible causes of the transformation of the dirt into this stuff.”

“The Second Ship’s crew is loyal,” Zy’nayth said, “but it is best to be cautious. Kol’non, have the Second Commander, him alone, scan the area and the planet’s surface for Rayth technology. Anything we have not put there. Also for Rayth life signs. Report only to one of us.”