E:A Vol 3 Ch 15—December 11, 2119

“The good news,” Ja’val said as the Alpha Team, plus Victoria, Kol’non, and Kaven sat in the conference room, “is that the serum will work at a mega-dosage. “The bad news is that it will be a substantial shock to his system. And by substantial I mean a possible heart attack, shock, and perhaps even coma.”

“What about giving him smaller doses over time?” Vince asked.

“So far the simulations for that scenario aren’t going well,” Becket said. “We can’t isolate a dosage that will kick in and continue working until it’s time for the next dose. The reason is that his self-healing abilities try to destroy the serum which it sees as a disease. We’ve trying bumping the dosage in smaller stages, if, for example, 10 milligrams doesn’t work, we go to 20 and so on. But his system is so advanced, even for a Rayth, that it kicks in and eradicates the serum before it can work. So far, the only thing that does seem to work is one large mega-dose.”

Zy’nayth looked at the group, his closest of friends, “I am going to go ahead with the procedure.”

Victoria looked at him, shocked. This was the first time she was hearing of his decision. “I don’t think so,” she said. “They still have tests to run and several more avenues to explore.”

“I have discussed this at length with Ja’val and Becket,” Zy’nayth said. “To help minimize the risk, and since Ja’val will be administering the serum and watching for any type of reaction, Kol’non and the Vice Chancellor will be with me. Should I start going into cardiac arrest, they will tend to me.”

“However,” Ja’val said, “that may cause other issues, as I’ve tried to tell you. Your own self-healing ability will be trying to stop the serum and we’re not completely sure if they’re added energy to your system, though only trying to stop a heart attack or something like that, would not try to rid your body of the serum as well. Or worse, make your condition more volatile.”

“Shouldn’t you run simulations on that?” Chris said. “I mean, what’s the rush?”

Zy’nayth sighed, “You sound like my wife. We have run a few simulations that were inconclusive. I have looked at the options and I have prayed about it. I am confident that this will work. But, in the unlikely event that it does not, I want you to know that Kol’non will take over the role of Supreme Commander, and the Vice Chancellor will assume the role of High Chancellor. The paperwork has been done and is in the hands of the High Council. It will take effect when Victoria, Becket, and Ja’val have signed my, as your people call it, death certificate.”

“No!” Victoria nearly shouted as she stood. “It’s not time.”

“It is, and will be done in the morning.”

“No,” Chris said, “that’s way too soon.”

“It is not soon enough,” Zy’nayth said. “Those of you sitting around this table are not only my friends, but my family. I want all of you to know that I appreciate the friendship and love that you have shown me. Though I did not appreciate being apprehended on my first trip here,” he grinned at Vince and John. “Know that I love all of you. I have waited ten thousand years for this. I want…”

“What have you told the kids?” Be’atta interrupted.

“I have told them nothing. I have made a video to explain what I did and why I did it. I pray it will not have to be used. If it does, I ask that all of you support Victoria and help her tell the children, and of course, help Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna through the ordeal.”

“Are you sure about this?” Chris asked again, “Because if it doesn’t work on you, then what will they do for your kids?”

“They have more time to help my children.”

“Time, technically,” John said, “you have as well. Listen, big guy, I know how badly you want this, but you can wait until Ja’val’s run a few more tests. Besides…”

Zy’nayth cut John off. “All of you are assuming this will not work, that there will be complications. I believe things will go smoothly. And as Christopher is so often pointing out, I tend to get what I want.”

“I could’ve been wrong when I said that,” Chris said.

“I am settled in my heart about this,” Zy’nayth said. “I have peace. I believe that this will work.”

Victoria was still standing, furious. “Christmas is in just a couple of weeks. Now is not the time. I won’t have my husband, the father of two adorable little kids, in a hospital, or worse, at Christmas. I want us to have a proper Christmas with a tree and presents and…” she sank into her chair, crying, “not yet, Zy. Wait, please.”

“Let us do this after the first of the year,” Becket said, “that gives us two more weeks of simulations and trying other ideas. Then we can spend the holidays together as a family. Plus, it gives us, as a family, more time to pray about it.”

“Come on, big guy,” Chris said, “a nice family Christmas with the kids. The puppies running around ripping apart all of the wrapping paper. Victoria making a big turkey and all the trimmings. The kids have never had a real Christmas experience, at least let them have one with their daddy.”

Zy’nayth bowed his head. “I do not understand the tradition,” he said quietly, “but it seems to mean something to all of you and would, apparently, mean something to my children.” He looked up, “Very well. I will hold off on the procedure until after January 1. Victoria, I will need for you to explain this tradition to me.”

Victoria smiled as she wiped away her tears. “I’d love to. Probably Pastor and Julia would help in that regard.”

December 23, 2119

Zy’nayth and his family bridged into the control room on Terra 2. Vince was waiting for them. “John, Kaven, Amelia, Alessa, and Be’atta bridged out already. Becket’s finishing a few things then will bridge over.” He looked over his shoulder as Chris came up with his duffel and a pull-along suitcase. “I’m ready.”

“Your flagship?” Vince asked.

“It will be there an hour after we arrive,” Zy’nayth said. “The Second Ship is still in orbit here should Terra 2 need help with anything.”

“Well, if you guys are ready, we can go,” Chris said. “Becket knows the way. Lots to do, lots to do.”

“Is your father joining us?” Zy’nayth said.

“He’ll be bridging over with Doc,” Chris said. “Lots to do, people, let’s go!”

Zy’nayth nodded as Victoria chuckled then looked back at Vince, “Thank you for allowing me to steal your Alpha Team. I had said I would not do this again.”

“Don’t worry about it. Have a good holiday.”

Zy’nayth and his family then bridged over to Victoria’s home on Earth. It had been about a month since Victoria and the twins had been there, and she was excited to share a traditional Christmas with her family and friends.

“Wait, children,” Zy’nayth said as the kids bounded towards the barn door to head to the house, “we need to put your winter gear on.”

“Winter gear? I no know what dat is,” Ky’nayth said.

Chris pulled his own jacket out of is pack as Victoria got out the coats for herself and her little ones. Since they had not encountered any villages that seemed to be in colder climates in Andromeda, winter jackets were not something seen on any team leaving Terra 2. And since this bridge’s location was a secret, they didn’t want to raise suspicion by leaving bundled up with huge winter coats, so the coats were stashed in the suitcases.

Mik’kenna was helped into her winter boots, then zipped and snapped into the coat that fell to the tops of her boots. The ear muffs and big hat were put on, followed by mittens. The little girl could barely move. “Dis winter gear?”

“Yes. It will keep you warm,” Zy’nayth said.

Chris was laughing as Mik’kenna examined the strange little outfit her mother had just stuffed her in. All was strange to her and her brother. Then Mik’kenna looked up at Chris and sighed, “Dis is compeekated.”

“Oh, can you grab her scarf?” Victoria instructed Chris as she went about bundling up her son.

“Yeah,” he said, still cackling.

“Why so much dis clothes?” Ky’nayth asked as he was being wrapped in his large coat. Mik’kenna was stomping around in her boots, and waving her arms, getting the scarf tangled in them. She had never had so many clothes wrapped around her.

“It’s quite cold outside,” Victoria said.

“And there is snow,” Zy’nayth said as he peeked through the door.

“Snow?”

“You will see.”

“Daddy no need all dis clothes?” Mik’kenna asked raising her arms up to him so he could untangle her scarf. “I tangled. Dis all over place.”

“Daddy’s outfit is very warm,” he said. “If you did not flop your arms about, your scarf would not get tangled. There. Okay, we can let Baxter and Celeste out of their kennels.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Chris said, “we’re thinking of putting something there by the door to store the kennels. We can bridge over, take the pups out, and just leave them there until we’re ready to bridge back. That way we don’t have to haul them to and from the house.”

“Good idea,” Victoria said as she leashed up the puppies and handed the leashes to the kids who fumbled with them not being used to wearing mittens. She put on her own coat, mittens, and scarf then went to the door. “Okay, Daddy, lead the way.”

Zy’nayth opened the door and the puppies lunged forward, nearly pulling the kids down onto their faces.

“Oh!” the kids exclaimed. There was about seven inches on the ground, but John and Kaven had created a path from the barn to the house. The puppies were curious and investigated the white surroundings as they made their way to the house. Chris, Victoria, and Zy’nayth carried their packs and pulled their luggage, following the children and dogs, enjoying watching them trying to figure out this new white, flaky wonder.

“We can make a snowman, and build a fort, and have a snowball fight,” Chris said, “lots of stuff.”

Mik’kenna dropped her leash and tugged at her scarf. “Help! Nose stuck!” she exclaimed in a near panic, then, “I no breeve.” Her eyebrows furrowed, “I see bref.”

“Honey, please put the scarf back,” Victoria said as she bent down and picked up Celeste’s leash. “Your nose just feels like it’s stuck together because it’s so frigid and dry out here, and your breath is hotter than the air, so you can see it when you exhale.”

Ky’nayth handed the leash for Baxter to his mother then did the same thing as his sister, wanting to see his breath too. But then he quickly put the scarf back in place. “Cold.”

The patio had been shoveled off and Zy’nayth went forward and opened the sliding glass doors. “Stay just inside the door,” he instructed.

Amelia came walking over to them, smiling. “Well kids, like the snow?”

“It pretty,” Mik’kenna said.

“Hey there, big guy,” John said walking in just as Mik’kenna was relieved of her winter attire. “Looks like we need to get you a hat and gloves.”

“So I have been informed by my wife.”

Scout came bounding in with Hero, Storm, and Shadow. They greeted everyone and licked the snow off of the boots. The kids began wrestling with the puppies as soon as they were out of their winter clothes.

“Well, come on, we have a surprise for you,” John said to Zy’nayth.

“Can I take our things up to our room first?”

“Oh I suppose,” John sighed. “Kids, let’s go in to the living room where it’s nice and warm by the fire.”

“Fire?” Ky’nayth asked. Another new experience: fire inside the house. Though it had been cold outside when they had been at the house a month ago, the fireplace hadn’t been lit. John led them in and explained how they needed to stay away from the grill in the front, and that, obviously, it was hot and dangerous. “And Miss Alessa picked out this nice big rug for the puppies to lay on in front of the fire. Scout seems to like it.”

“Stores open this early?” Victoria asked.

“It’s two days before Christmas, of course they are. But we actually picked it up a couple of weeks ago.”

“I am ready for this surprise of yours, John,” Zy’nayth said as he came down the stairs having put their bags in the master bedroom.

“Good, kids, you can stay here and help the puppies get warmed up,” John grinned. “It’s nothing exciting for you to enjoy.”

Victoria and Zy’nayth followed Chris and John down to the basement. Zy’nayth stood shocked. “You finished digging out the tunnel?”

“Yup. Kol’non and I worked up a little schedule and with Chris, Kaven, and David, we’ve been doing a little each night for the last few weeks. Just an hour or two, depending on schedules.”

“But what did you do with the dirt? The flagship was in Andromeda.”

“Was it?”

“Kol’non would not take the ship without permission, and he certainly would not have taken it out of the galaxy.”

“He didn’t. Don’t worry. It took us so long because we filled buckets then hauled them up to the driveway. Right now there’s a big pile of dirt out there ready to be teleported up to your flagship once it gets here.”

“John, Christopher, thank you. Where is Kaven?”

“Chopping wood,” John said, “for the fireplace and fire pit.”

“You want to cook out in the cold and snow?” Victoria asked.

“It’s not that bad out there. And steaks are always better on a grill.”

Victoria hugged him then Chris, “I love you guys! This is fantastic.”

John returned her hug, “I need to get out there and help the poor guy. You guys relax. Chris, Alessa has a list of things she needs from the store. The cruiser is out and ready to go when you are.”

“I gave them a pretty extensive grocery list,” Victoria said, “what did I forget?”

John shrugged, “I don’t know. You two get upstairs and enjoy yourselves.”

Zy’nayth decided that the kids and the puppies could go play in the snow until his flagship arrived. The dogs really didn’t need their leashes, all of them stayed around their guardians. Once the kids were bundled back up, they were let loose outside. They quickly figured out how to pack the snow and began piling it up in no logical way, just enjoying the new experience. It wasn’t long before Becket and David, with Montana bouncing through the snow, came up from the barn.

“This is a nice treat,” Becket said as Montie went to play with the other puppies. The two men greeted everyone then took their things into the house before rejoining them along with Amelia and Be’atta.

“John and Kaven are chopping wood,” Victoria said in answer to David’s question, “And Chris took Alessa to town.”

“The flagship should be here shortly,” Ky’nayth said.

“Full house.”

“Yeah. The kids might be a little disappointed to not have their own beds this time. But I think they can stay in the study on the pullout if they don’t want to share with me and Zy,” Victoria said.

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “You are early. David and Becket just got here.” He turned, “You can teleport to the parlor it is empty. We are on the patio just outside.”

Fifteen minutes later, Kol’non, Ja’val, and Lutia appeared in the parlor. Be’atta went up to Kol’non and gave him a tender kiss. He smiled and held her close for a moment. “I have missed you,” he said.

“It’s about time you guys got here,” John and Kaven said as they jumped off the tractor that was pulling a cart filled with freshly chopped wood. “Where should we pile this?”

David got up and pointed to the area under the stairs that led up to the attic, “I think that’s a good spot. Slightly sheltered. Is that okay, Victoria?”

“Fine by me.”

“Okay, children, I think we should head inside,” Zy’nayth said. “Can you gather up the dogs?”

As they settled in the living room, Amelia and Lutia treated everyone to homemade hot cocoa, which the kids loved. A couple of hours later, they heard the cruiser return. John and Kaven were summoned to help bring things in.

Chris, Kaven, and John walked into the house carrying in a gigantic Christmas tree. “Merry Christmas!” they shouted.

Victoria immediately burst into tears. “You guys had this planned, didn’t you?”

“We did. Like we said a couple of weeks ago, we’ve never celebrated Christmas together,” John said. “Thought it was about time we did it up right.”

“I don’t have any decorations…”

“Got that covered,” Chris said as they propped the tree against the wall. “We just need to finish unloading the cruiser.”

“Why tree in house?” Ky’nayth frowned. “I no know why it in house.”

“It’s a Christmas tree,” Victoria said.

“Kissmass twee?” Mik’kenna asked.

Victoria tried to explain the tradition so the both the kids and their non-Earth friends could understand. “So we decorate trees, bake cookies, have a big feast…it’s supposed to be in celebration of the birth of Christ.”

“Cookies?” Ky’nayth asked, latching onto that word immediately.

“He caught the major point, I see,” Becket said as he went to help bring in the rest of the items. Victoria had planned for the feast, but hadn’t come up with anything as for decorations. Alessa told her that she could probably get a few things from her parents, and left it at that.

John and Chris began fluffing out the branches of the tree after they finished unloading the cruiser while the puppies examined it until they were satisfied that it wasn’t going to interfere with their playing.

“I wasn’t really sure about decorations,” Alessa said, “I know you like very traditional things, so I just went with red, white, and silver. I got a plain wreath we can decorate too.”

“Oh honey,” Victoria said hugging her, “I appreciate everything. It’ll be beautiful.”

“We have tons of lights, too,” Chris said, “Indoor and outdoor. You’ll be able to see this place from the flagship.”

Victoria laughed, “To everyone who was in on this little surprise, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is wonderful.”

“So here’s the plan for the day, lunch first, then we start decorating. Tomorrow, we’re going to decorate the outside with the lights while the ladies bake us some cookies,” John said.

“I help wif cookies,” Ky’nayth said. “I lub cookies!”

“Me too!” Mik’kenna said.

“I think you’ll have more fun decorating outside,” Victoria said.

Then there was a knock on the patio door. Victoria looked at her husband. They weren’t expecting anyone else, and the security alarm hadn’t gone off. “Come on in,” John yelled as the dogs all ran to see who the guest was.

“John?” Zy’nayth said, concerned it was a threat.

“It’s just me,” Vince said as he walked in, “and Janice.”

“Vince! Janice!” Victoria ran up and hugged them. “Now my whole family is here.”

“Thank you for welcoming me,” Vince smiled, “now, which bunk is mine and what can I do to help out?”

“We’re throwing you in the attic,” John said. “First bed on the left is open.”

“Got it.”

“I’ll show you how to get up there,” Victoria said.

“No need. Been here helping with the tunnel off and on.”

“Janice…I think we’re out of beds,” Victoria said, “let me see, five bedrooms: me and Zy, Chris and Alessa, Ja’val and Lutia, Amelia, Becket; six beds in the attic: John, David, Be’atta, Kol’non, Vince, Kaven…Oh, we have a pullout in the study.”

“I’ll take the pullout,” David said, “Janice can take my bed in the attic and that way Be’atta doesn’t have to be the only lady stuck up with those boys. Come dear, I’ll take your things and give you the grand tour.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “You have all been keeping secrets from us.”

“Pretty much,” John said. “Okay, lunch. Victoria, we’re all here to help. Put us to work.”

“I was just planning on sandwiches, veggie tray and dip. Alessa and Amelia both make great dips, we got chips from the mess hall. So it’s really just a matter of making the dips and chopping veggies. Nothing fancy. Why don’t you guys find the TV trays and make some spots in here for everyone to sit and eat; that would be a big help.”

“Mommy, can peez has more hot chocolate?” Mik’kenna asked.

“You can have more with your lunch.”

“Is lunch now?”

“About a half hour, okay?”

“But tummy want more dis,” the girl said holding up her cup.

“Tummy can wait a few minutes,” Victoria kissed the top of her head then went into the kitchen. Janice, who loved to cook, joined her after the tour of the house, and with Alessa and Amelia, got the food ready. Once done, everything was set in on the dining room table then the group fixed their plates and went to the living room to eat.

“Ham and turkey,” Victoria said as she handed Zy’nayth a small plate with just a sampling of food. He would be, if all went well, eating regularly in just a couple of weeks. “Mayo and mustard. I tried Amelia and Lessa’s dips, they’re really good. I just gave you just a little to try, but if you want more, I’ll get it for you.”

“Mommy, I want same as Daddy,” Ky’nayth said, sitting on the floor, playing with the dogs.

“Me too,” Mik’kenna said, “But no ham or kurkey. I want tuna wif pickles and wettuce and maters. No mussard. No mayo. I change mind. Wittle mussard.”

John laughed, “So you want a tuna sandwich, not a ham and turkey?”

Mik’kenna nodded.

“I hate to tell you this, sweetie, but that’s not the same as your father’s sandwich.”

“Ess it is. Same bwead and mussard.”

“Ah, yes. Sorry. My mistake.”

“I want pickles too!” Ky’nayth said.

“Okay, honey,” Victoria said as she fixed the sandwiches for the kids while they got their own vegetables and dip. “Try not to spill anything,” she said as they climbed up and sat together in an oversized chair, sharing one of the TV trays. “I’ll be right back with your hot cocoa.”

“Tank ooh,” they said.

Mik’kenna stuck her finger in one of the dips then tasted it. “Mommy!” she exclaimed. Victoria turned around, “What, honey?”

“How eat dis thick soup? No spoon.”

“I got this,” Janice said, “go get their cocoa.”

Everyone finally settled around the living room. The dogs played by the fireplace, occasionally walking over to their guardian to try and get some little bite of their food, which was denied them, so they ended up back at the fireplace, soaking in the warmth.

“Victoria, this house, this property is simply gorgeous,” Janice said, “I can’t believe you’re turning it into a private retreat for us.”

“If we have time to,” Victoria smiled, “Which I hope we do because how many times over the last six years have we wished we could get away without having to go through all the proper channels? Me? I’m always bouncing around from Terra 2 to the island, sometimes to his official estate, or on the flagship. But nearly all of you are just kinda stuck on Terra 2. Now that Jason and his family and the Oversight Committee are out of the way, and because my husband found a couple of bridges we could snag, I think this is the perfect time to start using this old place.”

“I like the idea. Now everyone here knows this is my first trip here, so just tell me where you need me. I’m a good cook. I can clean. I’m up for anything,” Janice said.

“Since we have a packed house, and I don’t want Alessa or Lutia overdoing it, I could use an extra pair of hands with the cooking and cleaning,” Victoria said, “Sadly we don’t have the nice washers on Terra 2…” Victoria turned to her husband, “Any way of getting one of those installed here?”

“I will make a note of it.”

When lunch was finished, dishes were cleaned up, food was put back in the fridge, and refreshments were refilled. The kids disappointed that they were given tea instead of hot cocoa, but Victoria knew that they’d forget about it when they started to decorate the tree.

“First order of business,” John said when everyone was once again together in the living room, “we just threw the tree there in the corner. Where do you want it?”

“I think that wall is perfect,” Victoria said, “but move tree so that it’s in front of the window. That way we can see it from outside. I hope you got a stand for it.”

“We did,” Chris said, “in the shopping bags somewhere.”

“Easy enough. Kaven, let’s get that done, keep it out from the wall so we can decorate the back easier. Chris, find the stand please. Second order of business, lights and decorations.”

“Victoria, it’s your house,” Vince said, “take a look at the decorations. If you don’t like them, we can make another run.”

“Guys, this is our tree and as far as I’m concerned, it’s our house…not “my” tree and not “my” house.” Chris handed her a couple of shopping bags and Victoria looked at the decorations. “These are beautiful.”

“Lights first,” John said. “Ky, Kenna, can you help us test the lights?”

“I no know what do,” Mik’kenna shrugged. “I help, but you has show me.”

“Come over here,” Vince said. “I’m gonna need help getting the lights out of these boxes. Alessa, were we doing red or white lights on the tree?”

“I like the red, personally, but we could do both.”

“Hmm, Ky, Kenna, do you want red or white lights on the tree, or both?” Vince asked.

Mik’kenna looked at her mother. “I no know. I no know what do. This new. I only two!”

“Me no know eeber.” Ky’nayth said.

“There’s no wrong answer,” Victoria said. “Vince, unbox a strand of each and plug them in to check them. Let the kids see what you’re talking about. Kids, the lights will go on the tree and we just need to figure out which lights we want on it then you’ll help Uncle Vince make sure all the lights are out of the boxes and all of them work.”

“Sorry, haven’t had to explain this before,” Vince said, “Mik’kenna, can you open this box of red lights, since I know you like red. And Ky’nayth, this box of white lights?”

The kids opened the boxes then Vince and Becket each plugged a strand in to make sure all the lights lit up.

“Oh!” Mik’kenna clapped. “Tars! Put all on twee!”

“Ess!” Ky’nayth said then clapped.

“Well, not all of those boxes are for the tree. We need some to decorate other things,” Becket said. “So do you want one color on the tree or both?”

“What we do wif lights not on twee?” Ky’nayth asked, concerned. “What else decorate?”

“We can put some on the banister by the stairs, around the fireplace, lots of things,” Chris said as he finally found the tree stand and helped John and Kaven get the tree into place.

Ky’nayth thought about it then looked at his sister, “We put wed on twee cuz Sissy wikes wed.”

“We can do both,” Becket said.

“No. Wed on twee for Sissy.”

Mik’kenna walked over and hugged her brother, “Tank you, Bubby.”

“Okay,” Chris said, “now I went behind my wife’s back and bought something not on the list. Your favorite color is green, right, Ky?”

“Ess.”

“Well,” he dug into one of the huge shopping bags and pulled out several boxes of green lights, “I think you and I can use these to decorate the fireplace and that special wreath for the door.”

Ky’nayth giggled and clapped, “Tank ooh, Uncle Cwis.”

“Yes, thank you, Christopher,” Zy’nayth said. “That was very considerate of you.”

“Well, this is more for the kids than us. I didn’t want to disappoint the little guy without having lights that were his favorite color.”

Once the lights on the tree were put in place, boxes of ornaments and garland were opened up and everyone participated in trimming the tree and keeping the dogs from getting tangled in the mess.

“The handy thing about having our Rayth friends here,” Chris said, “is that they can decorate the top of the tree none of us can reach.”

Victoria handed out the last few ornaments for the tree then Zy’nayth was told he got the honor of putting the star on the top.

“Okay, Becket, you get to light it up,” John said.

Becket rubbed his hands together. “The best part,” he grinned. “Kids, ready?”

Both kids nodded, eager to see what would happen. Becket plugged in the lights and Mik’kenna let out a screech of excitement at the sight. “Wed tars! It boo-tee-ful!”

Ky’nayth clapped. “We do twees outside! Less go! I get on winter gear!”

“Hold on there little big guy, the fireplace is next,” Chris said.

Ky’nayth already in the parlor to put on his winter “gear” yelled back, “Baxter needs outside potty time.”

“I’ll take them all for a walk,” John said. “No need for everyone to get out in the cold since they won’t run off.”

John went to the parlor, threw on his coat then let out a whistle. All seven dogs were soon at his feet. He opened the door and they darted out into the snow. When he returned, the dogs scampered in and went right to the fireplace.

“We should put lights around the sliding glass doors and the railing along the stairs up to the attic, too,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty,” Chris said.

The wreath was decorated and hung, then they decorated the fireplace, hung lights around some of the windows and on the banister. “Alessa, you picked out some beautiful decorations,” Be’atta said.

“Thanks,” she smiled. “It was fun.”

“I think we need to start dinner,” Victoria said looking at the clock. “John, if you want to grill the steaks, you better start the fire.”

Dinner was served in the dining room, a card table and chairs were set up to give them a little more room, though everyone was still squeezed together. “Tomorrow we’ll start putting the floors in,” Kol’non said as the dinner discussion turned to the construction project.

“I thought this was a vacation,” Amelia said.

“They have been premade,” Kol’non answered. “John, Vince, and I leveled out the dirt and laid the foundation the last time we were here. All we have to do is teleport down the sections, run the cable that we need, connect the sections together, then secure them to the foundation.”

“But we do ouside wites ‘morrow,” Ky’nayth said.

“We’re going to get up early,” the Ja’val replied, “and have some of it done before it’s time to put up the Christmas lights outside.”

“I help,” Ky’nayth said with a nod then stuck a piece of steak in his mouth.

“You will need to sleep in,” Zy’nayth said, “so that you have plenty of energy to help with the lights and other decorating projects.”

Ky’nayth frowned, “I help, pweez. I take nap.”

“You know what,” Victoria said, “If Kol’non doesn’t mind, I need to be up to start breakfast anyway. I can make you guys breakfast, then throw in a breakfast casserole for everyone else that can cook while we go to work. That’ll work out perfectly. Ky, if you help, you have to do what they say. We can let Daddy sleep in.”

“I stay wif Daddy,” Mik’kenna said, “Sweep in, too.”

“I was going to suggest that,” Victoria smiled. “Daddy, are you okay with this plan?”

“Ky’nayth, it can be dangerous, so if Commander Kol’non asks you to leave, you need to do so. I do not want you getting hurt before the big Christmas party,” Zy’nayth said.

“Kay.”

“Promise me, my son.”

“I pommise do what Uncle say.”

“All right. You may help.”

“I no take Baxter. Too dangery.”

“That is a good idea. I do, however, plan to sleep in a bit. I do not often get to.”

“Will there be access panels in the floor in case we need to make repairs to cables?” David asked.

“Yes. I’ll demonstrate how they work; they’re retractable and will require a passcode to move. I think you’ll like them,” Ja’val said.

“Do you think you’ll get the entire floor in?” Chris asked.

“Not tomorrow. We would like this trip to be more about family than work. So just a few hours in the morning,” Kol’non said.

“Will more hands help?” Becket asked. “Not to rush things, but I can help thread cables or something.”

“I think we could utilize a good pair of surgeon’s hands,” Kol’non said.

“Good. I always feel like an oddball down here. The ladies cook, you guys are working on some big project, Be’atta does whatever she wants because no one crosses her,” he winked, “and I just feel like I’m not contributing anything to this endeavor.”

“We will put you to work tomorrow,” Ja’val said. “All that electrical we did weeks ago, you’re good and familiar with it, so you’re perfect to help getting that in place.”

“If you need muscle,” Kaven said, “I can talk Be’atta into helping you.”

“She already volunteered,” Kol’non smiled, “but I think she should rest in as well. So in her place, you could come, unless you don’t think you could handle the work I had planned for her.”

Kaven grinned, “What time, boss?”

“Five a.m. is our planned starting time.”

“Wake me when you get up,” he said.

“I’d volunteer, but I cooked the steaks. I’m sure I’ll need to sleep in,” John said.

“I watched him cook,” Chris said, “so count me out. But I will help Victoria with breakfast since Alessa should rest when the baby allows her to.”

“Both of you are already on the work list,” Kol’non said. “Don’t make me send Be’atta after you.”

December 24, 2119

Early the next morning, Victoria got up, took a quick shower then woke her son. Since the kids had been disappointed by not having their own beds, Zy’nayth suggested getting out their little sleeping bags and letting them “camp” on the floor. They, and the puppies, loved it.

“I put your clothes in the bathroom,” Victoria whispered, “do you need help getting dressed?” The boy rubbed his eyes as he shook his head. “Okay. I’m going to let Baxter and Celeste out, you just come down to the kitchen when you’re done. Try not to wake Daddy and Kenna.”

While her son went into the bathroom, Victoria headed downstairs, the dogs obediently following. She grabbed her coat and stepped out into the cold morning. The two puppies went bouncing through the snow and returned once they were done.

“Wait,” she commanded quietly as they entered the house. She took off her coat then brushed the snow off of the dogs’ feet. “Okay. You can go,” she said. Celeste bounded back up the stairs and settled onto Mik’kenna’s sleeping bag. Baxter ran to the fireplace and curled up until he heard Ky’nayth coming down the stairs with Becket.

“Good morning,” Victoria smiled as they walked in. “Oh, Becket, can you help him straighten out his shirt?”

“Hadn’t even noticed,” the doctor replied with a yawn then tended to Ky’nayth’s shirt. “There you go, Ky.”

“Tank ooh,” he said then climbed up into a chair as his mother set his bowl of oatmeal down.

“You ready for a hard day of work?” Becket asked after they prayed over the meal.

“Ess. We do tunnel den wites. Den make fort.”

A moment later Kol’non and Ja’val walked into the kitchen, Baxter circling them, sniffing, then he went back to sitting in front of the fireplace.

Kol’non asked, “Will Baxter stay here? I don’t want him to get hurt while we’re working.”

“He be good,” Ky’nayth said, “I send him to Sissy so no get hurd.”

“That’s probably the best thing to do,” Ja’val said, then he looked at Victoria, “Well, we need to teleport up to get a few things in place but it should only take five or ten minutes. Give you time to finish your breakfast.”

“We’ll just head down to the basement when we’re done,” Becket said.

The breakfast was eaten, Victoria and Becket quickly washed up the few dishes, then Victoria got a cooler and cups for water ready. Becket carried them down for her while Ky’nayth led his puppy back up to the master bedroom and told him to stay with Mik’kenna.

“We’re actually going to start with the floor under the barn,” Kol’non said, “so follow me.”

As they walked down the tunnel, Victoria was surprised at just how wide and tall it was. “Why so big?” she asked.

“Easier to move large items, if needed,” Ja’val replied, “should we need them.”

They continued through into what would become the bridge portal room when finished. Victoria’s eyes went wide. It was massive. Much wider than the barn overhead. “I had no idea you were doing all of this.”

“Initially, we weren’t,” Kol’non said, “but as we talked about it, we thought, perhaps in the future, we could utilize this location for more than just the retreat.”

“I really don’t want to turn this into some sort of military base,” Victoria said, “if that’s what you were thinking.”

“That’s not what we had in mind,” Kol’non assured her. “John thought that since there are now 5,000 people on Terra 2, having a second Earth bridge portal location would help expedite an evacuation should one be necessary. He said that Central Command couldn’t handle such a massive influx of people, plus this would allow people to come to Earth and not descend on an unsuspecting village in Andromeda.”

“Oh, that makes sense. Okay, what do you want us to do?”

“There will be twenty-five large sections teleported down; five wide, five tall. Once the first section is down, we’ll need to move the power source,” he pointed to the far corner, “to that corner and start the wiring process. Since we have some cables already in place, I’m going to need Ky’nayth to hold them out of the way for us while we move the floor into position.”

“Kay,” the boy said and hurried over to the corner to pick up the cables. “Now?”

“Yup,” Ja’val said, “Here, let me show you where to stand.” Ja’val gathered the large cables together and pulled them back out of the way then knelt down and handed them to Ky’nayth. “Hold tight.”

“Kay, I hold,” he said as he gripped the cables to his chest. Victoria helped since she knew that they were probably too heavy for him.

Kol’non tapped his comlink, “Ready for one.”

A moment later, the foot-deep benachti floor tile appeared almost in place.

“Ky’nayth, you can let go of the cables now, please,” Ja’val said and the boy, not wanting to let them fly everywhere, walked forward a few steps before releasing them. Victoria smiled at how he’d figured that out on his own. Definitely his father’s son.

Kol’non, Ja’val, and Becket lifted the large Rayth power generator and carried it to the floor tile. Then Ja’val began reconnecting the cables to the top of generator while Becket began on the bottom. John, Chris, and Kaven, along with Vince, walked into the vast empty chamber.

“What do you want us to do?” John asked. “Sorry it took us a little longer to get the dishes cleaned up. We didn’t know where to put anything. Be’atta showed up and saved us, though.”

“Once we get a floor tile in position, you will see to the walls,” Kol’non said. “I will help you balance those while the power is being connected.”

“Ky’nayth, I have a little job for you,” Ja’val said while Kol’non went through the routine with the other men. “This section got a little closer to the wall than I wanted. Can you see the connections near that corner, under the top side of the floor?”

The boy fit between the edge of the floor and the wall perfectly. He bent down and looked where Ja’val pointed. “Ess,” he said.

“Good. Now come here and I’ll show you how to connect the cables.” The boy climbed back up and Ja’val showed him how they just plugged in. “The important part is that they need to be done in the correct order and into the correct plugs. I’ll hand them to you in order, you put them in from right to left,” he put his hand on the floor, “Here, then here, then here. My hands are too big to reach under and do it. Can you do this for me?”

The boy was almost ecstatic. He was getting to work on a big project, just like his Daddy. Not just hold cables, he was getting to hook up the power supply. He nodded. Kol’non walked over to Victoria when she motioned to him. “You sure this is okay?” she asked quietly.

Kol’non nodded, “The tiles on top are retractable. Ja’val could have just retracted them and done it himself. We thought this would be fun for him. There’s no power running through the cables, so it’s perfectly safe.”

She smiled, “Well, thank you, he’s thrilled to be able to help.”

“Perfect,” Ja’val said. “Okay. Take this scanner and attach this lead to the first wire. Press ‘test’ on the panel. It should say ‘circuit complete’ if everything is hooked up correctly. Do that for the four wires.”

“Kay,” Ky’nayth said as Kol’non moved everyone out of the way so the second panel could be sent down.

When Ky’nayth finished his task, the men and Victoria, with a little help from Ky’nayth, pushed the first panel into place. Then Ja’val and Ky’nayth moved onto the second panel while Kol’non signaled to the ship to send down the first wall panel. John, Chris, Kaven, and Kol’non held it in place at a tilt while Becket and Vince handled the wiring. Once the wiring was done and tested, the men walked it to an upright position then got the braces to hold it in place. The braces would be removed once the roof was locked on.

As people upstairs woke up, they came down to see how things were progressing. It was just after 7:00 when Zy’nayth came downstairs. His son was kneeling down, peering under the upper layer of the floor.

“Connecting cables,” Kol’non said. “Doing a fine job, too.”

Zy’nayth smiled. “Of course he is.”

“Dare,” came the little voice, “all ‘kay.”

“Are you enjoying this?” Zy’nayth asked, his voice startling his son for a second.

“Daddy! I do cables!”

“Good thing we have his little hands,” Ja’val said. “He can reach right in there and plug them in.”

“Well, keep going. Do not let me hold you up.” He looked back to Kol’non, “Six blocks in, in what, two hours?”

“Yeah. That first block with the generator took a while to move. Heavier than it looks,” John said.

“Kol’non could have had it teleported to the ship, then teleported back down into position,” Zy’nayth said.

Kol’non let out a laugh, “Didn’t even cross my mind. Anyway, the rest have gone smoothly. We should have this entire area done on before 9:00, as planned.”

“Anything I can do?”

“If you want to take over for me, I can go start gathering things for lunch and make sure I have everything for the baking extravaganza this afternoon,” Victoria said.

“All right,” he said and gave her a tender kiss. “The dogs have been walked and fed. I have the fireplace going and Mik’kenna should be eating her breakfast. Most of the ladies are in the kitchen chatting.”

“You guys remember that this,” Victoria waved to the room around her, “doesn’t have to be done today. It’s Christmas Eve. We have decorating to finish, games to play, and will have lots of food to eat.”

“Don’t worry, we’re only scheduled to work until 9:00 or 10:00,” John said. “Then we decorate!”

“Yay!” Ky’nayth exclaimed.

By 10:00 the men had all of the floor panels in as well as the wall panels for the main chamber. It was more than they’d hoped to accomplish. They climbed back upstairs and rested for a few minutes, munching on some snacks Janice, Alessa, and Amelia had set out in the living room for them.

“I smell meat,” Chris said.

“Victoria has some roasts in the oven for lunch,” Janice said. “Big roast lunch. Then we’re going to make beef and noodles with the leftovers for dinner since we’ll be baking this afternoon.”

“Cookies!” Mik’kenna exclaimed. “We has choco-chip and nee-put budder, and shugee cookies.”

“Nee-put budder?” Vince asked.

“Peanut butter,” Alessa chuckled. “She’s just too excited.”

“Sounds good to me,” Vince said. “I hope Victoria doesn’t spend the entire holiday in the kitchen. She’s supposed to be having fun.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got it all planned. We got everything prepped, so all we have to do is turn on the burners at the right time and let it all cook,” Amelia said.

“Lia, are your parents coming down for any of the meals?” John asked.

“They’ll be here for lunch and dinner, but tomorrow, they’re staying on Terra 2 since Dad will have his Christmas service.”

“We go?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Dad’s going to have a little service just for us tonight,” Amelia said.

“Mommy!” Mik’kenna shouted, even though Victoria had walked into the room.

“What honey?”

“I no has Sunday dress for ‘night. I has go back.”

“It’s okay. I think Pastor Jacob is planning on it being informal,” Victoria said as she sat down.

“Oh. Dat good. We go decorate now?”

Decorations were finished, Jacob and Julia arrived in time for lunch, which prompted Victoria to tell her husband that whatever renovations he planned had to include a much larger dining area. Some ate in the dining room at the main table and a card table, others in the adjoining kitchen. The Rayth men took to walking around and talking to everyone since they didn’t eat. They did sample a little of everything, but that was all.

The kids had a blast making the cookies. Everyone got involved in the process and for the first time in a very long time, Victoria enjoyed the Christmas holiday.

Christmas morning Victoria and Zy’nayth woke the kids. Grumbling, the kids climbed out of bed and each took their turn in the bathroom. Zy’nayth had already let Baxter and Celeste out, both dogs now playing with their siblings down in the living room where all of the other adults were waiting to see the kids’ faces when they came down the stairs.

Still in their pajamas, the twins walked down the stairs, rubbing their eyes. It was dark outside and the lights on the banister and around the living room twinkled, lighting the path to the tree.

Mik’kenna let out a little screech, causing the playing pups to stop and run to her.

“I think we have some presents to open,” Chris said. “Come on, kids. Uncle David is going to pass out the gifts.”

“Where come from?” Ky’nayth asked.

“They’ve been hidden,” John said. “Come on. Aunt Janice made oatmeal and toast for you. We all ate already.”

The kids ran over and sat on the floor by the main coffee table. Ky’nayth said a little prayer for the food then David began passing around the gifts. The kids would take a bite or two then were allowed to open one gift. The kids, of course, ended up with the most gifts, primarily clothes, books, a few toys, and some things for their dogs.

Victoria had a big Christmas lunch instead of dinner so that the family could relax after the big meal and play with the kids and their new games and toys.

“You know,” Victoria whispered to her husband as they sat down in the living room after cleaning up the dishes, “I think I’ll take you up on the larger kitchen. Hard to fix both a turkey and ham at the same time in one oven.”

“You really love to cook, do you not?” he asked.

“Yup. It helped me get through some really tough times. Kept my mind off of…well, you know. Now I can use the skills I taught myself to feed those I love. And soon, it will nourish you and my other Rayth family members.”

“I have been looking forward to that day for a very long time,” he replied. “Merry Christmas, Victoria. I love you very much.”