E:A Vol 4 Ch 3—February 10, 2120

While Zy’nayth and his family, along with John, Kaven, Kol’non, and Be’atta were packing for their trip to Montana, David was having dinner with Ja’val and Lutia.

“I appreciate the help with dinner,” Lutia said. “I’m an okay cook, but with a little one on the way and my husband going to take the serum soon, I need to learn a lot.”

“Glad to help. I’m by no means a chef, but I can make some tasty dishes,” David said. “At least I think so.”

“I’ve eaten your cooking, it is very tasty,” Lutia smiled as she took a bite of the sauce he’d made. “Delicious.”

“Thanks. It’ll be better on the spaghetti, though,” he chuckled as he carried the dishes to the table. Ja’val was just sitting down at the table, always willing to try the food, though he’d eat very little of what was offered.

A while into the conversation, David cleared his throat, “Ja’val, I…I need a little help.”

“Anything,” Ja’val said, having finished his tiny portion of the meal.

“Well, this is just sort of between us, okay?”

“Certainly.”

“Do you wish me to leave?” Lutia asked.

“No, no,” David said, “you haven’t even finished your dinner. I…” he sighed. “Here’s the thing. That explosion on the mainland. The report I got from you and Zy’nayth as well as the Second Science Commander…I know that I asked for known Rayth weapons. I said known and I said weapons.”

He shook his head and backed up a step. “We haven’t found any trace residue at the explosion site. Anything combustible like that would leave something. Anything from Earth, that is. I need to know if there’s something you guys have that caused this. I know you need to keep certain things top secret, or whatever, but…with the High Chancellor…the serum…” Again he paused. This time he put down his fork. “Ja’val, could there be more rebel Rayth, some with weapons you don’t know about? That’s my first question. My second is could you know of elements that Earth doesn’t, that you might be seeing that we wouldn’t because we haven’t discovered them yet. Does that even make sense? Anyway, your Second…well, he’s being quite polite, but I feel like…maybe I’m asking too much. Too much that he’s unwilling or perhaps, more likely, is unable to reveal to me.”

Ja’val smiled, “I understand. You still need to know what caused the explosion and thus far, there’s nothing indicating anything from Earth causing it.” He let out a sigh. “Yes, there are things of which I’m sure you’re unaware. Benachti, for example. However, neither I nor Zy’nayth saw anything that indicated Rayth technology having been used.”

David managed his most charming grin, “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”

Ja’val laughed, “No. At the least, I would tell you that it was Rayth technology but I couldn’t tell you what it was.”

“Is it possible, then, that it could be something you don’t even know about? Or a combination of chemicals that are highly explosive that you haven’t yet thrown together? Something like that?”

“I saw nothing that would indicate a combustible material.” He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest, “But a combination…old technology, very old. Lutia, my dearest, sweetest, loveliest…”

“Go ahead,” she smiled before he finished.

“Thank you. And David, I apologize for getting out my computer at the dinner table. My most beautiful wife has informed me that it is bad manners,” he said and pulled the credit card sized piece of “glass” from his pocket and set it on the table. He touched a couple of buttons and a virtual keyboard and a single monitor appeared. “I’m calling up the report,” he said, “give me a few minutes to refresh my memory.”

By the time Ja’val had gone over the report in detail, David was helping Lutia clear the table. Ja’val washed the dishes, talking while he did so. “There are a couple of chemicals that I’m guessing your people don’t know about yet. For us…well, we stopped using them as explosives before I was even born. We found new and better methods. But looking at the report, there was enough of the chemicals found to indicate a small explosive. Very small, but, all it would have to do is make it through your pipe and ignite the fumes.”

“Would it be planted or shot down to the pipe?” David asked.

“Either’s possible. If planted, it would have to have a timer, obviously, or some sort of remote trigger. I doubt it was shot down given that your city-ship scanners would have detected a ship or shuttle in the area.”

“Even a cloaked Rayth ship?” David asked.

“Depends. Something like our warships, no, you’d not see them. I haven’t put in new sensors in your ship yet. I should move that up on my list. Anyway, if rebels did have a ship in the area, our warships that patrol this sector would have detected them. I checked the logs after the explosion. There were no reports of any sort of ship in the area, at least none not already assigned on a flight path around this system.”

“Could someone from one of those assigned ships have a traitor on board?”

“Possible, but they were on the outer rims of the system. They’d have to use a jet or shuttle to get here, or the ship would have to come into orbit in order for the teleporter to be used.”

David sighed, “Then, in essence, we still have no idea who was behind this. No one came through the portals and there were no shuttles or ships in the area.”

“May I ask you a question?” Ja’val said as he began to scrub up one of the pots.

“Sure,” David replied.

“If you suspect a Rayth traitor, why hasn’t Kol’non been informed?”

“I suspect everyone at this point, not just Rayth. The only reason Rayth are brought into it is because I could find no residue, which, as I told you, leaves out anything that could have come from Earth.” David said, “In any case, Vince couldn’t very well go to Kol’non and accuse Rayth without proof…or something more than what we currently have. So, I thought I’d do a little more digging on my end. And I didn’t want to make things awkward for Vince since he’s more comfortable talking to Zy’nayth who he doesn’t wish to bother at the moment. However, we’re not discounting the fact that it very well could have been a human. Given this info about this explosive material that we don’t know about, you think that’s enough to warrant Vince going to Kol’non?”

“I can talk to Kol’non,” Ja’val said. “Probably best to have a meeting. Alpha Team, you, Vince, me, and Kol’non.”

“Zy’nayth?”

“He’s up and around and doing some day to day work, but…as much as I’d like him to not stress over something, I’ll invite him along but I’ll have to insist that Kol’non be the point person. He won’t be happy, but he would probably know more about these explosive devices than I do. They were around when he first started in the army.”

“True,” Ja’val said and drained the water from the sink. “Beautiful wife, is there anything else you need your most beholden slave to do?”

Lutia smiled and kissed his cheek. “A foot massage. Later, perhaps.”

“I think on that note, I’ll make myself scarce,” David smiled. “Thank you for dinner, Lutia; and the info, Ja’val. I’ll set up a meeting. Good night.”

***

John took his belongings to a room then returned down to let the dogs run out quick to do their business. “For the record, it’s far too cold to let the twins play outside. Montana in February is beautiful but brutal.”

“But puppies like out,” Ky’nayth said then hugged Baxter who was chilled to the bone. “Oh! Cold!”

“I know they like being outside, but they’ll freeze their little tails off out there,” John smiled, “and they’d look silly without their little tails, wouldn’t they?”

“I no want Suhwest freezed and no have tail,” Mik’kenna said and hugged her cold dog. “We go by fire,” she said, trying to lift the dog that was already nearly as big as her. John told her just to walk and he was certain her dog would follow.

Victoria went about making lunch, still trying to get her time change straight. On Terra 2 they’d be getting ready for dinner. She shook her head and went to find something quick and easy. In the rest of the house, though the house was large, it seemed to become much smaller when two almost two-and-a-half year olds as well as five, five-and-a-half month old puppies were running all over the place. But the giggles from the kids made her smile. Each giggle wiped away at least a few minutes of horror from her past life.

Back in the foyer, John, Kol’non, Kaven, and Zy’nayth stood talking. Be’atta decided to relax on a sofa, if only for a few minutes. She didn’t like the cold any more than the dogs did. When Victoria had the sandwich fixings ready, they gathered in the study to eat, and as John took a seat in a recliner, his comlink buzzed. He answered and listened for just a moment then said, “Turning it on now. I’ll call you back. Thanks, Mark.”

“What is it?” Victoria asked, as John took a bite of his sandwich then set his tablet so everyone could watch. “Oh no…” he said after finding the internet channel Mark West, Victoria’s lawyer from the McGuire trial, had mentioned.

The reporter on the screen was talking about one of the former members of the Expedition: Andromeda Oversight Committee. He had told the reporter everything from the secret government expedition in another galaxy, to the location of Central Command in Colorado. The reporter then went on to insinuate that it was Victoria Carson’s fault that her Jason McGuire’s family was murdered, a devastating plague was unleashed on the world, and that Rayth were planning an invasion of the planet. With each accusation, Victoria’s blood pressure rose. Zy’nayth reached over and rubbed her back, hoping it would calm her.

“And this reporter,” the man pointed to himself, “has uncovered even more damning information. Dr. Becket McKenna, who was praised for finding the cure for that horrible plague that took over a half a million lives, is part of the Expedition: Andromeda mission. The questions I want answered are numerous. Was this plague an accident? Were we playing around with bioweapons from another galaxy and let things get out of hand? Was it Dr. McKenna who truly unleashed this plague and not Dr. Carson’s former sister-in-law? Was Candice McGuire framed?

“Yes, I’m sure everyone watching is thinking that this is all a little too unbelievable. But I have even more information. This is an image of the estate Dr. Carson owns in Montana,” the image also had her address listed causing Zy’nayth to groan. “It looks rather desolate, right? But my sources tell me that people have been coming and going to that location for the last several months.”

“Wait, there’s no way,” John said, “we removed Victoria’s tracking device and Ja’val said if someone tried to take a picture of this place, they’d only show a desolate house…well, I guess it does, but…”

“And these creatures, these Rayth, these abominations are with them,” the reporter continued.

Victoria reached over and squeezed her husband’s hand as the reporter and the man from the Oversight Committee explained how they were taken to a Rayth ship and nearly had the life literally sucked out of them.

Victoria wanted to turn it off but Zy’nayth held her back.

“Here’s one last thing I think you need to be aware of,” the reporter said, “the man in charge of the Expedition is one of our finest. A four-star general. Vince Cavanaugh. This man also happens to be good friends with one very important person: the President of the United States, Michael Stewart. These Rayth have telepathic abilities. I’ve posted every report given to me to my website. Check them over for yourselves. But if these Rayth are controlling the leader of this Expedition, they might also be controlling the mind of the most powerful man on our own planet.”

“Enough!” Victoria shouted as she bolted to her feet. “Guys, I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Be’atta said as the reporter finished his interview. “Sit down. Come on. We’ll handle it.”

Zy’nayth looked at Kol’non, “Have the Second Ship remain in orbit around Terra 2. Alert status. I want two Rayth at each bridge portal around the clock. If Earthlings try to bridge over without Vince’s permission, they will stand as guards and make sure the people do not get past the control rooms. They are not to harm them, simply turn them around and send them back.”

“Will do,” Kol’non said. “Do you want me to put the perimeter around this place on full lockdown?”

“Not yet.”

“What’s that full lockdown thing do?” Victoria asked.

“Solid dome around the estate.”

“Uh yeah, best to wait before we do that,” John said. “If suddenly there’s this big solid dome around the estate, it might give credence to that reporter’s story,” he said. “Kol’non, can you get me communications linkup to Terra 2?”

Kol’non contacted the flagship up in orbit and sent his order to the Second Ship before having John’s comlink connected with the satellite system.

“Vince,” John said, “we have a major problem.” He explained what they’d just seen. “I think we need to go into lockdown. Call in all the off-world teams. Don’t let anyone in or out. They published the address of Central Command; you know there’ll be some crazies who’ll try to get through.”

“Roger that,” Vince said. “Looks like the president is ringing my line now. Call you after.”

“Roger. Out.”

“Abominations!” Victoria steamed. “How dare he…”

“Victoria, do not get upset,” Zy’nayth said.

“What’s a momma nation?” Mik’kenna asked.

Victoria sighed and drew her daughter into her arms as Ky’nayth went over to make himself another sandwich. “Abomination a mean word said by someone who has no idea what he’s talking about.”

“So he call all Rayth mean name?”

“Yes, honey, he did. He doesn’t even know you or your brother or your daddy.” She groaned, “Of course, if he were see Daddy, Daddy might show a side I don’t like, but I might make an exception this time.” She shook her head, “No, that’s wrong. That is not how Jesus would want us to act. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry, Victoria,” John said, “I didn’t know what to expect. Mark just told me to turn it on. If I’d known…”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I told Mark I’d call him back. Anything you want me to pass along?” John said, looking at Zy’nayth.

“Tell him I saw the broadcast. I am pondering what, if anything, we should do from our end,” the High Chancellor replied. “But we will wait to hear from Vince or the president if I decide we need to take some sort of action.”

“Will do,” John said and left the room to make the call to Mark.

Ten minutes later, Vince contacted Zy’nayth directly. “The president doesn’t want us to say anything,” he said. “But he did ask a favor of you.”

“What is it?” Zy’nayth asked.

“His plan is disavow any existence of this program, standard operating procedure. Right now, the only people off-Terra 2 are those with you, we’ve got two teams out, due back in thirty, everyone else is in, so there isn’t anyone unaccounted for here. But, obviously, there’s the issue with Central Command in Colorado. Here’s what he’d like you to do, if you can.” Vince paused for a moment. “He wants you to steal the bridge portal. If there’s no bridge there, that reporter has no evidence. I’m hoping you can just teleport it up.”

Victoria watched as her husband let his sly grin pass his lips. “I can,” he said.

“Along those lines, it might be a good idea to hide the other one as well. And any Rayth tech you have lying around the estate. That also means dropping that security barrier.” Vince sighed, “Reporters are insidious. They will probably have drones in the air any minute, if not already, trying to peek in your windows and such.”

Zy’nayth groaned. “I am not happy with bringing down the barrier, but I agree. And I will take care of the president’s request.”

“One last question. After you steal the bridge, how will I be able to contact the president, and vice versa?”

“You can reroute through the satellite system. Ja’val is on Terra 2, I believe, with Lutia. He can make the arrangements. Kol’non has already filled him in on the situation. He will also give you information for the president so that he may contact you.”

“Great. Thanks. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“I will,” Zy’nayth said then looked at Kol’non, “I need you to shut down the perimeter system. Entirely. John, I will need you to join me on the flagship. We need to go steal something.”

“Teal?” Mik’kenna asked, her bright blue eyes looked up into her father’s silver eyes, tears brimming at the thought of her father doing something like stealing. “Dats wong, Daddy. Bible berry clear ‘bout ‘tealing. It right there. I find for you. You has to read. It…” she said trying to get down off of her mother’s lap to get her Bible but Zy’nayth stopped her.

“Perhaps I used the wrong phrase,” Zy’nayth said. “The leader of this country wants me to take his bridge portal and hide it until those…mean…people go away. Once the bad guys go away, I will put his bridge portal back in place. I will simply be removing it from the sight of the mean people for a short time.”

“Kay,” she replied and went back to her lunch.

“He wants you to take it?” John asked.

“His plan is to deny everything,” Zy’nayth said and repeated the conversation he’d had with Vince.

Kol’non looked up from his tablet, “Perimeter is down. Sensors are still online, we’ll know when someone is approaching. Or would you like me to turn that off as well?”

“Leave it on, it should not cause a problem. Kaven, I will need you, Be’atta, and Kol’non to get the fake wall installed in the basement. Be’atta, if the men do not need your help perhaps you should watch over Victoria and the children while we are gone.”

“Don’t worry, she and the kids will be our top priority.

Victoria nodded as Zy’nayth went on with his instructions. “When you are done, I would like you to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary here. Any large Rayth or Mythican technology must be teleported to the ship, smaller items should be put out of sight. Victoria, Be’atta, hide any evidence of children. Their coats and boots by the back patio, toys and such over there on the floor, get them out of sight. People who followed the trial are unaware that Victoria remarried and has children.”

“Consider it done,” Be’atta replied.

“Speaking of tech that shouldn’t be here, what about that bridge in the barn?” Victoria asked.

“I will be teleporting that up to my ship when John and I leave. Though I do not think their drones can see into the barn. I would prefer to be certain.”

“Of course there’s also you and Kol’non, oddly enough, you’re very Rayth-like.”

Zy’nayth sighed. “If someone approaches the house, we will hide or teleport out, though I do not wish to leave you here without protection.”

“We’ll be armed,” John said. “But I know, I know, you want to be here. Okay, so what do you need me to do with the Central Command adventure?”

“If, when I teleport the bridge up, there is someone brought up with it, I think it best if you are the person they see. They will be immediately teleported back down, but I do not wish for them to see any Rayth.”

“So I just stand there and smile?”

“Yes,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Do you think you can handle it?”

“Might be my toughest assignment, but I think I’ll be able to pull it off.”

“Victoria, we should not be more than twenty minutes. Kol’non, Be’atta, and Kaven will take care of you and the children if anyone shows up.”

Kaven and Be’atta made sure their guns were loaded and that they had extra ammunition, then headed to the basement with Kol’non to put up the fake wall that had been built for something just like this. Though it was assembled, they hadn’t yet installed it. The three of them worked quickly. It was an easy install, just a lot of parts to put into place.

***

John stood in the empty room by himself. It was a small storage hold on the flagship, currently unused with nothing to identify it as being aboard a Rayth ship.

“Ready?” Zy’nayth asked from a control room down the hall.

“I’m smiling!” John said. “This is as ready as I get.”

“Here it comes,” Zy’nayth replied.

There were a dozen people in the Central Command control room in Colorado. They were talking about the interview they’d just seen and were figuring out what protocol to follow. There was a slight hum heard, very faint, drawing their attention to the bridge portal. The air around the portal seemed to warp and bend. Then the portal was gone.

“What in the…” General Price started then stopped and turned to his communications officer. “Connect me with General Cavanaugh.”

The tech tried, “Can’t sir, without the portal open to send a signal, we can’t contact Terra 2.”

Ken Price sighed, “All right. If asked, this little project doesn’t exist and has never existed. Got it? We are monitoring flight around the base and communications. Let’s get a conference table in here. Pull in a big tv or two. Make it look like a conference room. You’ve got ten. Go!”

Zy’nayth and John appeared in the barn then made their way down the tunnel to the house.

“Everything go okay?” Victoria asked.

“Smooth as butter,” John said. “Didn’t even get to smile at anyone. Disappointed really. Put on my best smile, too.”

“No large items needed to be taken to the ship,” Kol’non said, “other than the bridge portal. Be’atta has a small box of items,” he said as Be’atta walked over with the kids and dogs following her.

“John, how much does Central Command know about Kaven and Be’atta?” Zy’nayth asked as he looked in the box and pulled out two bracelets that were actually tracking devices. He put one on each of the twins as John replied.

“They know he leads the Beta Team on Terra 2, and that Be’atta’s on my team, but there’s nothing in writing, as far as I know, and they’re paid under the table, if that helps.”

“Images of them?” he asked, “Children, do not take those off, please.”

“None have been submitted, but I’m sure if they dug around in the video recordings of the Central Command control room, they’d get a shot of them from the few times they’ve bridged over with us.”

Zy’nayth sighed. “Too much of a risk to have them be friends from out of town. They’d eventually figure out who they were. Kaven, Be’atta I’m afraid you’ll have to remain hidden if someone approaches. We will need to stick with the story of Victoria being a recluse.”

“I’d feel better if someone would be beside me if I have to open that door,” Victoria sighed.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be here,” Be’atta said.

“Someone’s just entered the perimeter,” Kol’non said.

“Kids come with me, we’re going to hide in the tunnel,” Be’atta said as the kids hurriedly put on the bracelets and followed her.

“Baxter and Suhwest?” Mik’kenna asked, going for the dogs.

“They need to stay and protect your Mommy,” Be’atta said and picked up the girl.

Be’atta took the kids down to the basement behind the fake wall all the way to the end under the barn. She set the box of Rayth tech in a corner and pulled out her gun as she instructed the kids where to sit. Meanwhile, John and Kaven had their guns at the ready, hidden but able to see the doorway. Zy’nayth and Kol’non seemed to disappear altogether.

Though she expected the knock on the door, it still startled her. Victoria took a few deep breaths then went and opened it.

“Dr. Victoria Carson?” the man asked. Victoria recognized him as the reporter who broke the story.

“Yes,” she said.

“Hello, ma’am. I’m Douglas Howard. I’m a reporter for Tri-Net News. I was wondering if I might have a few words with you.”

“Me? Why?”

“I’ve been told some very interesting things about you and your husband.”

“My husband is dead. Has been for several years.”

“I mean your current husband.”

“Sorry?”

“May I come in? It’s freezing out here.”

“Oh yes, of course, forgive me. Would you like some hot tea? Sorry, I don’t do coffee.”

“Tea would be lovely,” he said as he took off his coat and hung it on the hook next to the door.

“Have a seat, make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

Douglas looked around the living room, mentally noting items in the room, the layout. The lack of photos. But five dogs who sniffed around him but moved to the fireplace, all sitting, almost in formation, staring at him.

Victoria returned with a tray. Kettle of steaming hot water, two cups, tea bags, sugar, honey, milk. She was the perfect hostess. She saw the dogs and laughed, “They’re very protective. It’s okay guys. You can play.” She sat down and poured the steaming hot water into their cups. “So what do you want to know about Jason? If you’re a reporter, you should have uncovered the trial notes. Jason was a horrible, vicious man.”

“Yes, I was actually at the trial, you were a key witness against a very powerful family. Your first husband’s family.”

“I’ve only had one husband.” Hero trotted over to Douglas and sat at his feet, looking up at him, as if challenging the man. Again, Victoria smiled to herself. The dog was so much like his owner. “I hope you weren’t injured during the firefight. That’s Hero, there. I hope you like dogs.”

“Just a scrape and a couple of bumps, nothing serious. And the dogs don’t bother me.”

“Good,” Victoria replied, whether to the fact that he wasn’t seriously injured or the fact that dogs didn’t bother him, she didn’t elaborate.

“Well, ma’am…”

“Victoria, please.”

“Victoria,” he started again, “I’m pretty observant and there were some strange things that happened when the gunshots started ringing out. You see, I just couldn’t figure out why there were armed civilians in the courtroom. Sure, this was a pretty high-profile case, so it could have been undercover protection for the McGuires. They have a lot of cash and a lot of connections, and probably quite a few enemies. But then I noticed that those men with the guns weren’t protecting the McGuires, they were protecting you.”

“As you said, I was a witness against a pretty powerful family.”

“Yes, of course. I thought that at first. But then the strangest thing happened. One of those men dove head-first into those terrorists. I saw him, with my own eyes, get shot numerous times. I also saw him carried to the deliberating room, and walk out on his own as if nothing happened. Even if he had a vest on, he couldn’t have survived that onslaught. Can you explain that to me?”

“No,” she answered.

“I couldn’t figure it out either. I thought maybe, due to the trauma of the situation, my mind was playing tricks on me. Then a few months ago, I hear about six people being arrested. Six people with connections to the McGuire family. I managed to get an interview with a Brian Stratford. Do you know him?”

Victoria shook her head, “Sorry, I don’t really follow the news, and as you should have learned at the trial, I never mixed with Jason’s family.”

“He seems to know you quite well. And told me about a little Expedition you’ve been involved with?”

“Expedition?”

“Victoria, I know all about Terra 2. I know about Rayth. I know about your husband and your children. I know about Becket McKenna, Vince Cavanaugh, and John Hagen. I know about Chris Chapman who was the one I saw shot. I know about the High Chancellor of the Rayth. I know he is your husband.”

“Mr. Howard, the only thing I recognize in what you just said is Becket McKenna. I met him shortly before my husband’s death. Brilliant doctor. But everything else…I’m a little lost.”

“How long have you lived here?” Douglas asked.

“The estate’s been in my family a couple of centuries. After Jason died, I moved in here. I wanted to be away from everything that reminded me of him.”

“So you’ve been living here for the last few years?”

“Of and on, yes.”

“And yet no one in town recalls seeing you at the grocery store or…”

“In a town of three million people, who’d recall seeing me?” she asked. “As for grocery stores, there are quite a few around. There’s not one I prefer. I just go to wherever the best sales are.”

“And your neighbors?”

“Never met them. Don’t really have a need or desire to.”

“For three years this place was abandoned, according to your neighbors. Then about several months ago, they see a U.S. military shuttlecraft in your driveway. And over the months, the yard has gone from a jungle to a nicely trimmed landscaped lawn.”

“My husband nearly killed me,” she said. “His family tried to kill me after he died. I was hiding here. I was scared to go out. I have only a few good friends and it took them a while to pull me out of my shell. When I finally started getting my act together, I asked one of them, who happens to be in the military, if they could round up some guys to help me get the yard in shape. I have ten acres and there’s no way I could do it on my own. They came out and helped. I can’t control what type of shuttle they came in.”

“Who was this friend?”

Victoria sighed, “It was John Hagen. We became friends during the trial.”

“During the trial? Not before it?”

“Now how would I have possibly met the man before the trial?”

“On Terra 2.”

“What’s Terra 2? Mr. Howard, I don’t know what this is all about. I’m a doctor who’s trying to get her life back together after the horror that was Jason McGuire. I know nothing of Terra 2.”

“Terra 2 is home of Expedition: Andromeda—a government funded operation in the Andromeda galaxy.”

“That’s nice,” she replied, then sighed, “I think it’s time for you to leave.”

“You’re part of that Expedition. You’ve been to the Andromeda galaxy.”

“Right. We can’t even reliably send a ship to the moon let alone to another galaxy.”

“Not by ship, by bridge portal. A technology from a race called the Mythicans. You dial a location, you walk across the bridge, and you’re on another planet in another galaxy.”

Victoria stood, “Okay, please leave. You’re scaring me.”

“You were part of the original team that went across the bridge and found Terra 2.”

“Mr. Howard, please leave before I call the police.”

“You, Lt. Col. Hagen, Major Chapman, Dr. McKenna, General Cavanaugh…I have the files, Victoria. Brian Stratford was part of the committee that oversaw the operations of Expedition: Andromeda. He knows you and knows you’re part of that team.”

“This Brian who was arrested for something to do with the McGuire family?”

“Is it just a coincidence then that the people Brian mentioned also happen to be the men who protected you during the courtroom shootout?”

“I ask you the same question. This Brian gets arrested, uses the names of these people who were trying to protect me against the McGuires and concocts this wild story…probably to save his own skin. Is that just a coincidence?”

“We will find out soon enough. I’m heading up a team who’ll enter Central Command in Colorado in an hour. We have the layout of the facility and the exact location of the bridge portal. We will broadcast the entire thing live.”

“Fine, I’ll watch along. Now please, leave.”

“I will be back, Victoria.”

“I doubt it,” she said, as she opened the door. “Don’t bother me again or I will call the police.”

Once the men heard the shuttle startup and Kol’non sent the message that it had left the premises, they all gathered together back in the living room.

“You handled that very well,” Zy’nayth said.

“Only because you were sending me what to say,” she said. “I think you gave me a headache though. I don’t handle telepathy well.”

“Sorry, my beloved,” he said then used his power to rid her of the headache from his telepathic link with her.

“So you are using telepathy to control us!” Kaven grinned as Hero jumped up on his lap.

“She was panicking. I simply helped her.”

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna came running into the room.

“It cold down there,” Ky’nayth said.

“I’m sorry, sweetie,” Victoria said, “Sit in front of the fire, I’ll get you some hot cocoa. Anyone else want some, or hot tea?” They gave her their preference and she went to the kitchen.

“What do we do now?” Kaven asked.

“Watch his broadcast,” John said. “and watch him ruin his career.”

“Will these reporters want to question Victoria after he fails in uncovering the bridge portal?” Be’atta asked.

“Probably,” John said.

“I hope not,” Victoria replied as she returned with the serving tray, this time loaded with cups of hot cocoa and one cup of hot tea for her husband.

“We better plan on this place being descended upon in an hour,” John said. “Maybe we should send the little ones back to Terra 2. I’m sure Becket or Lutia or Janice would watch over them for a couple of days. And the poor things are kinda stuck inside since it’s frigid outside.”

“Children, I think Uncle John is correct,” Zy’nayth said. “I think you should return to Terra 2.”

“Kay,” Mik’kenna said. “We tay wif Uncle Becket?”

“I will ask him. But he may be busy and you may have to stay with someone else.”

“Kay,” she nodded, “Tell Uncle Becket we tay wif him. I tell him if he say no.”

Zy’nayth chuckled, “We must be considerate of his time, sweetheart, but I will ask him first.” He tapped his comlink and was routed through the Rayth satellite system to Dr. McKenna’s comlink.

“You’re not sick are you?” Becket said as soon as he heard Zy’nayth’s voice.

“No. I am still well. Not as strong as I would like, but well. Has General Cavanaugh filled you in on the situation going on here?”

“Yeah. What can I do?”

“I would like the children to return to Terra 2 and Miss Mik’kenna specifically asked if you would watch them. Though, if you are busy, I can ask someone else.”

“I would love to have them,” Becket said. “I’ll need to switch shifts around but shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I will bring them over when they finish their hot cocoa.” Zy’nayth disconnected the call and looked at the twins, “Uncle Becket said he would love to have you two stay with him.”

Mik’kenna nodded as if she knew all along that her uncle would say yes, or that her father would convince him to say yes.

“Honey, he has the code for our chambers, right?” Victoria asked.

“Yes.”

“Then I won’t pack up their clothes. He can just go and get things from there,” she said as she ran up the stairs and made sure their little Bibles, toothbrushes, and their favorite pajamas were in their backpacks.

“Let him know they just had lunch. The schedule’s a bit off with the time difference. And the sleeping bags are in the main linen closet at the bottom if the kids want to camp out. Or he can just stay in our apartment. Or…”

“Yes, dear,” Zy’nayth said, “I am sure the doctor is quite capable of figuring things out.”

“Sorry.”

When the kids finished their hot cocoa, they were teleported with their father to his flagship. They were disappointed when he said they wouldn’t be taking the dogs. But the excitement of staying with their uncle made up for it, at least a little.

Zy’nayth then contacted Vince to let him know that he would be bridging over so that they’d lower the protective shield around the bridge. When they crossed over, Janice was there to meet them. “Hey kids,” she said, “Uncle Becket is finishing up some work, but we can hang out in his office until he gets done.”

“Janice, they have just eaten, and Becket can get anything he needs from our chambers, or, if he wishes, they may stay there,” Zy’nayth said. “He knows the entry code.”

“Got it,” she said as she led the kids down the corridor to the infirmary.

Zy’nayth returned to Victoria’s house where everyone had gathered in the parlor. They were streaming the lead up to Douglas Howard’s live broadcast.

“He’s quite pompous,” Be’atta said.

“I need popcorn,” John replied as Douglas Howard appeared on the screen.

“I have just come from the home of Dr. Victoria Carson who is at the center of this Terra 2 and McGuire mystery. As expected, she denied any knowledge of Terra 2 and Expedition: Andromeda. But here we are in Colorado at Central Command. Just as Brian Stratford told us, this top secret base really exists. Now we just have to get inside.”

The two cameramen followed him as he went to the main gate and tried to gain entrance. They were told to leave. But Douglas warned them that over a billion people were watching and this only made it look like they were hiding something. The guards didn’t care and, in fact, raised their weapons.

Then General Ken Price pulled up in a jeep. He walked over to the gate. “Douglas Howard. You’ve stirred up quite a few people this afternoon. You’d be better served doing your research before showing up at this installation.”

“Can we see the bridge portal?”

“There is no portal. This is a research facility.”

Douglas waved a roll of papers in the air, “I have the schematics right here. They show exactly where the bridge is located. The people deserve to know that we’ve made contact with other worlds and other people. They also deserve to know that one of those races is an evil, murderous species that feeds off of humans.”

“I suppose they do,” Ken said. “But if we have made contact with other worlds, it wasn’t from this facility.”

“You can’t keep us out.”

“Technically, I can. As a matter of fact, I can order these men to shoot you here and now for trespassing on government property which, all along that road, has 37 ‘No Trespassing’ signs posted. I know because I count them every day. Now, Mr. Howard, leave.”

“So then there is a bridge to another galaxy and there is a Rayth threat to Earth? Why else would you have such security?”

“A bridge to another galaxy would be nice to have, wouldn’t it? And Rayth? No idea what that is, let alone whether it’s a threat or not. And as I said before, this is a research facility. A military research facility. You don’t want our enemies to know what we’ve got here, do you?”

“Like a portal to another galaxy?”

Ken shook his head, “I think that would be located at one of NASA’s facilities. I need to get back to work. Goodbye Mr. Howard.”

“Let us in, General. Let the world see for itself that you’re not hiding anything.”

“I am hiding something,” Ken replied, “that’s the whole point of this facility.” Douglas and his team didn’t move. Ken sighed, “Very well. Sergeant, arrest them.”

“You can’t do…” Douglas began but Ken cut him off.

“I can and I have,” Ken said and looked at the other man who’d accompanied him to the gate, “Confiscate the cameras.”

“Billions are watching!” Douglas shouted.

“Let them.”

“They’ll descend on this place…what will you do? Shoot them all?”

Ken let out a long sigh. “The last thing I need is for your viewers to interrupt our work schedule. So, Mr. Howard, show me where this portal’s supposed to be.”

Douglas held up the blueprint. Ken saw the circled area on the map. It was the control room. Ken had no doubt that Douglas’ information was correct. Brian Stratford was a jerk to work for and would do anything to save his own neck. “Very well, it it’ll make you and your viewers leave us alone, I’m due to make some rounds, we can go to this location. One camera. It remains off until we get to that room. You may give the driver instructions as to where you want to go. I don’t want to be accused of taking you to the wrong area.”

“I get to keep audio on so my viewers know I’m the one calling the shots. Once we’re in the control room, I’m turning the camera on.”

“Calling the shots?” Ken thought to himself, “No, Vince Cavanaugh seems to be calling the shots. The portal’s gone. It was teleported out. That meant Rayth. That meant Vince had to know about the broadcast and contacted the Rayth. No, Douglas Howard wasn’t calling any shots.” Though Ken didn’t like having his command usurped, this was the best course. He climbed up in the jeep and turned to Douglas and pointed to one of the cameramen, “Audio only, but if you reveal anything that shouldn’t be, you’ll spend the rest of your natural lives in prison. There’s no bridge portal, Mr. Howard. You’re only going to embarrass yourself.”

“Let me worry about that.”

“As you wish,” Ken said and motioned him and his cameraman to the jeep. He made sure the camera was off, then Douglas told the driver where to go.

“I think he gave in too early,” John said.

“Timing is an issue,” Zy’nayth said. “Douglas Howard could accuse them of moving the bridge if the argument went any longer.”

“That would be the fastest the government has moved in…ever.” John paused, “Ken covered well, though. Technically, he could have shot them, but yeah, I can just see truckloads of people descending on that base. Probably best to take Dougie to the room.”

They listened as Douglas talked with the general all the way to the facility where his files said the bridge portal was located. “Okay, it looks like we have three corridors then we’re there,” Douglas said. “General, can I turn on the camera?”

“Go for it,” Ken replied.

The camera came on, lighting the corridor with brilliant white light. Ken motioned down the hallway, “After you,” he said.

And just a couple of minutes later, the camera captured the scene of people at workstations in the control room, but they were monitoring air traffic around the base. The center of the room, where the bridge portal had been, now contained a conference table and chairs. There were also several big television screens around the room.

“This isn’t right,” Douglas said.

“Mr. Howard,” General Price said, “I can guarantee you there is nothing on this base, whether a bridge or device of any kind, that will get you to another galaxy. Would you like to try another room? I can take you anywhere that isn’t classified.”

After several minutes of grilling the unmovable general, Douglas wanted to be taken to other areas. The camera had to be shut off, but he kept the audio live. Nothing was found. Just over an hour later, Douglas and his cameraman, escorted by two MPs, left the base in disgrace.

“Be prepared for him or someone else to show up. People may want to know Victoria’s response to this,” John said.

“They apparently do, perimeter alert just went off,” Kol’non said.

Be’atta quickly drew her gun and she ducked into the garage. Kaven went to the hallway that led to the basement, John behind the stairs that went up to the second floor. As usual, Zy’nayth and Kol’non vanished into the background.

To Victoria’s dismay, there were a number of reporters. She opened the door and the camera lights lit up her and the foyer with blinding light. After commanding the dogs to stay, she said, “Yes, I saw the broadcast. As I told Mr. Howard, I have no idea what he’s talking about. I have no further comment other than to say that I just want to be left alone.” She shut the door then went and sat in front of the fireplace. The five dogs sat in place then Victoria realized they were still obeying her command. “Come on,” she said and they all ran and jumped up on the sofa with her. “Okay,” she said softly, “now what do I do?”

“There are more coming,” Zy’nayth said over the comlink, not wanting to use his telepathy and cause her another headache. “Go and turn on your old home security system; turn out the lights, and go up to the attic. Grab what you need on the way. We will spend the night in the attic. There are no windows.”

Though it was only coming up on 4:00 in the afternoon, it was overcast and dark. Victoria went to the master bedroom, grabbed her pajamas, and headed up to the attic.

Be’atta sat on a bed and yawned, being the last one up. “We haven’t done much today, but I’m exhausted.” Shadow jumped up on the bed with her and licked her cheek. “And we forgot to let them out and feed them.”

“I can let them out over here,” Victoria said walking over to the door that led to the external stairs, “anyone got a jacket I can put on?”

Kaven tossed his over to her. She threw it on then made sure no one could be seen when she opened the door. The dogs ran out and down the stairs. A couple of reporters were shocked when, seemingly out of nowhere, they had five growling and barking puppies running towards them. Victoria waited until the reporters were around the corner of the house before commanding the dogs back to her. “Good job,” she said and gave each one a scratch behind their ears. “Now go do your business. I’m freezing.”

Victoria then went and got their food and water bowls, “Sorry I forgot to take care of you,” she said as she set their food bowls down. “Ky’nayth would have remembered.” Baxter looked up from the bowl and let out a little bark upon hearing Ky’nayth’s name. Victoria smiled, “I’m sure he misses you too. And I’m sure Kenna misses you, Celeste.”

“I did not want to burden Becket with the dogs as well as the children,” Zy’nayth said.

“Oh, I know,” she said, “I just want all of those reporters to leave so we can get back to what we came here to do.”

“If it gets cold enough out, those reporters will leave,” John said. “Dougie’s been discredited, and you’ve slammed the door in the other reporters’ faces. I doubt if it’s worth it to them to hang out here in the freezing cold.”

An hour and a half later, he was proven right. Kol’non told them that most of the intruders had left. There were still a handful roaming around, but the wind had picked up, making it even colder. Then it started snowing. Thirty minutes later, everyone was gone.

“Well, I can spaghetti for dinner,” Victoria said. “At least that’s what I was planning on. But if you don’t want me near a window where a drone might see me making a huge pot of spaghetti, that’s fine. I think Chris put some frozen pizzas in the freezer.”

“I think the pizza is fine,” Be’atta said. “It’s been a stressful afternoon. Just keep it simple.”

“No drones in the area,” Kol’non said. “I have the flagship monitoring the area. I think it’s safe for you to do whatever you want.”

“Pizza,” John said. “Like Be’atta said, keep it simple tonight.”

After throwing a couple of pizzas in the oven, she grabbed the filled ice bucket and followed Be’atta upstairs who was carrying to large pitchers of tea.

“Got two in, will put another two in when we start eating. You can snack all night,” Victoria said.

“What a sweetheart,” John said. “We’ve been talking. We’re gonna head to the basement after we eat and get at least one or two of those ceiling squares installed.”

Baxter trotted over and jumped up on the bed then made himself comfortable on Zy’nayth’s lap. Celeste followed him but just nestled at the Rayth’s side.

“Just like the kids,” Victoria grinned, “all happy when cuddled with Daddy.”

“They miss the children,” Zy’nayth said, “and assume that I will wrestle with them in the twins’ stead.”

Kol’non rubbed Be’atta’s back as he watched the monitor on his tablet. “Looks like there’s a blizzard coming in.”

“Good,” Victoria said, “keep those reporters at bay.”

“I agree,” Zy’nayth said. “But we need to decide what we are going to do when the weekend is over.”

“Fish off of the east dock,” John said.

“I mean,” Zy’nayth frowned, “if reporters show up during the week and Victoria is not here.”

“Put up a sign that says ‘gone fishing’ on the door?”

“I do not think that would work.”

“How long do you think they’ll pursue her?” Kaven asked. “We could probably stay for a bit longer if we need to.”

“John, I defer to you,” Zy’nayth said, “I do not know about this part of your culture.”

“To be honest, I don’t know. It’ll probably blow over in a couple of days. Week tops. I think everyone will be more focused on Douglas.”

“We can reactivate the perimeter,” Kol’non said, “and make the ‘No Trespassing’ signs more prominent. You should check with Mark to see what he thinks.”

“Ah, yeah, good point. I’ll do that now before the pizzas are ready.”

“I think the pizzas should be done,” Victoria said checking her watch.

“No one in the area,” Kol’non said checking his tablet.

“I’ll help you carry them up,” Kaven said, “since Be’atta’s getting a nice backrub.”

Be’atta smiled, “And I’m loving every minute of it.”

When Kaven and Victoria returned to the attic, Zy’nayth was pacing the area while talking on his comlink and John was just finishing his call with Mark.

“Vince,” Kol’non explained with a point to Zy’nayth when they entered.

“It is up to you,” Zy’nayth said, “but I can return it at any time. We would need to make sure there is no one or nothing in the area. They had moved some things there from what we saw on the broadcast.”

“I’ll give Ken a call and arrange a time for the return,” Vince said. “I need to smooth things over with him anyway. He doesn’t like little surprises like that.”

Zy’nayth said, “Let me know when we need to be there.”

“Will do. Now I have two little ones that want to say hello.”

Victoria watched Zy’nayth smile as she put a slice of plain cheese pizza on a plate for him, “Hello Ky’nayth.”

“Hi Daddy! Uncle Becket say hi. I lub you!”

“I love you too, Ky’nayth. Mommy is waving and blowing you a kiss.” He listened and nodded, “I will tell her.”

“Daddy, we has hot dogs,” Mik’kenna said getting the comlink next, “I put mussard and wellish on mine. I lub you and Mommy. And we has fries! I lub taytoes!”

“I know you love potatoes,” Zy’nayth chuckled, “And your mother and I love you, too.”

Suddenly Ky’nayth was back on the comlink, “Daddy, no forget Baxter and Suhwest walk and food.”

“We have walked and fed them,” he said, “and the puppies miss both of you very much.”

“We back on Earf ‘morrow?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I do not think it is safe yet. Do not forget to say your prayers tonight.”

“Night, Daddy.”

“I must teach them how to talk on the comlinks,” Zy’nayth said after the connection ended, “they were both shouting. And they send their love, Victoria.” He sat on the bed with her and took a piece of the pizza. “They also had…hot dogs. What are hot dogs?”

“Remember bratwurst?” she asked.

“I remember not liking it.”

“It’s sort of the same.”

“I would like to try one to see what it is. The children seemed to like them.”

***

Three hours later, the other two pizzas were served. They had put in two ceiling squares, stocked the areas behind their adjoining walls with some guns, the rest Victoria was unsure about, and moved the walls back into position. It was heavy work and Victoria worried about her husband’s health. He was still under orders not to over-extend himself.

“I am tired, but I am not sick,” Zy’nayth told his wife as they headed upstairs. “I did not do any of the heavy work. You saw me.”

“You did a lot of moving around to do the wiring and move those crates and put stuff in the walls.”

“Victoria, I am tired, that is all. You know my energy does not replenish as quickly as it used to. My body is still adjusting.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just get worried when Ja’val or Becket isn’t here to make sure.”

“Either can be here in two minutes.”

She sighed, “I know. Sorry. I’m tired and worried about everything. Guys, I’m going to put the other two pizzas in. You get washed up. Would one of you let out the dogs. I don’t want to get out in that blizzard.”

“I’ll get the dogs,” Kaven said as Victoria headed to the kitchen. A few minutes later she heard the scampering of tiny paws on the hardwood floor.

“It’s nasty out there,” Kaven said as he walked into the kitchen. “Sleet, ice. I doubt any reporters want to trek through that.”

“Good,” Victoria said, “can you carry the pitchers upstairs for me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kaven said and took the four pitchers and headed up, calling the dogs who were stretched in front of the fireplace, after him.

The pizza was eaten and then the plates and glasses were taken down to the kitchen. Zy’nayth led the group in prayer then everyone climbed into their beds, Victoria cuddling up with her husband, Celeste and Baxter at their feet.

“No fooling around tonight, High Chancellor,” John said from the other side of the room. “Don’t want to hear that all night.

Victoria chuckled, “Don’t worry, Ja’val still hasn’t given him the clear for that.”

Zy’nayth groaned.

“And he’s not happy about that,” Victoria finished with a grin. She nuzzled herself into his arms and gave him a tender kiss. “I love you. Good night.”

Zy’nayth wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “I love you, too, my heart.”

She smiled and closed her eyes. A moment later she was asleep.

February 11, 2120

At 5:00 the next morning, Zy’nayth kissed his wife until she woke up. “Time to make breakfast,” he said softly.

She smiled, “You feeling okay this morning?”

“Yes. I will let the dogs out before I wake the others,” he whispered.

“The others,” John said, “are already awake.”

“I hope I did not wake you,” he replied.

“Nah. Scout did. Needed to go out.”

“And she apparently had to pounce on all of our beds to wake John up to let him know,” Be’atta smiled as she tied her shoes.

“All of them went out,” John said, “and I doubt if we have any reporters show up today. We got at least a foot of snow last night and it’s still coming down.”

“Any more ice or sleet?” Victoria asked as she yawned.

“I think just what we got around dinnertime last night. I think the kids would love to play in it. It’s not as cold as yesterday.”

“It’s only 10:00 a.m. there, we could put off breakfast for another hour, then you could snatch them and we could eat—it would be our breakfast and their lunch,” Be’atta suggested.

“As much as I want my children near me,” Zy’nayth said, “Becket does not get to spend much time with them, and he was truly excited to take them off of our hands for a couple of days. Victoria, do you mind if they stay on Terra 2 another day or two with him?”

“Yup. Can I go back to sleep? My back hurts.”

“Did you injure it?” Zy’nayth asked as he put his hand on her chest.

“Nah, I must have slept in a weird position.” She sat up and yawned again, “Oh, you’re on the wrong side. I usually sleep on that side of the bed. That’s what happened.”

“Is this helping?” Zy’nayth asked as his energy flowed into her.

“Yeah but a massage would be better,” she grinned and kissed his cheek. “Pancakes okay for everyone?”

“Perfect,” Kaven said.

“I’m gonna take a quick shower, brush my teeth, all that fun stuff, then I’ll get started.”

“I’ll head down and get the table set. I don’t trust myself cooking without you there,” Be’atta said.

“You do just fine. I have some fresh strawberries, if you could start cleaning those for me.”

“I can do that.”

“The children would love this breakfast,” Zy’nayth sighed.

“That’s what I had in mind,” Victoria said, “when I brought the items here.”

“Perhaps I will invite Becket and the children to join us. And Amelia, of course.”

Victoria smiled, “I think that’s a good plan. Then you can send them back…unless they want to play in the snow. Which they probably will want to do.”

“I will go and talk to him. Victoria, how much time do I have before breakfast will be served?”

“I’ll time it to be done in an hour, like Be’atta suggested, so that it can be their lunch.”

“Very well,” he said as he tapped his comlink and was teleported to his ship.

“Come on in,” came Becket’s voice when his door chimed.

Zy’nayth walked in and found him on the sofa, a kids to either side, reading to the kids.

“Daddy!” Mik’kenna exclaimed, “We weed ‘bout obbits.”

“Obbits?” Zy’nayth asked.

“The book is called The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien,” Becket said, “one of my favorite stories. You have to read it. It’s fantastic.”

“I will see if Victoria has a copy.”

“So, something wrong? Or are you here to take my audience away from me?”

“I am here to invite you and Amelia to join us for lunch. Our breakfast, but your lunch. Victoria is making a family favorite and since we are in the middle of a blizzard, I do not think reporters will be breaking down the doors.”

“Lia’s tied up in the lab today, but I can see if she can break away for lunch. Give me a few minutes to check with her then I’ll pack their stuff up.”

“I do not wish to break up their stay here, this is just for lunch. However, with the snowfall last night, the children may want to play in it for a little bit before returning here. I would them to stay with you until we are sure no more reporters will be bothering us.”

Becket smiled, “I’d like that. We might get through a good chunk of the book. Long story.”

Ky’nayth said. “Dey go on venture and dey have hairy feet.”

“Well, tell me more about it while Uncle Becket talks to Miss Amelia,” Zy’nayth said as the kids climbed up on his lap and began to tell them the story in their own little way.

“Would it be possible for Victoria to hold lunch for about an hour?” Becket asked after a minute.

“She was planning on 11:00 Terra 2 time.”

“Perfect,” Becket said then communicated it to Amelia. A minute later he ended the call. “She can make it, but just for an hour. Pavel has some big experiment going on.”

Zy’nayth stood, “I need to touch base with Vince, I will return for you in an hour. You can continue your story. It sounds very interesting.”

“Oh, we can just bridge over; no need to wait for us.”

“The bridge is no longer on Earth,” Zy’nayth said, “I will need to bridge you to my ship.” He kissed the top of his children’s heads. “Enjoy your story. I will be back soon.”

Zy’nayth went back to the control room and up to Vince’s office. “I would like to wait a few more days before I put the bridge portal back in Victoria’s barn. John is waiting to hear from Mark about our security system and if we should re-engage it now.”

“You can do whatever you want,” Vince said, “that only affects our little family team. As for the Central Command portal, I just got off of the phone with the Michael Stewart. He’ll make a call after he sees the fallout from the debacle yesterday. If people start calling Howard a loon, he’ll probably have the bridge put back asap. But if it actually stirs up more interest, and people try to get inside the base, he may hold off. I’ve already talked with General Price and filled him in, though no mention of the president was said. As far as Ken believes, I’ve made the call regarding the portal and when to put it back. Thankfully, he agrees. He doesn’t want the thing there if some loons start hovering around the base. He’s already doubled security detail.”

“Is there a possibility that he is the one working with the old committee? How have they known that Victoria’s been on Earth, after we removed the tracking device, that is?”

“No. I trust him. But money can cause even the most honorable people to make stupid decisions. I’m pretty certain that it has to be someone who works in the control room. As I’ve gone over and over the files of the base, most people don’t have access to that room. They may know what’s going on in there, but they don’t have access to the bridge room. But, I’ve studied these files for months and everyone’s clean. Or has an uncanny knack to cover their tracks.”

“Have you had anyone else look over the files?”

Vince sighed, “No. Especially now with this sabotage going on here. We had a small fire in the west section of the city. The area’s uninhabited; there were no injuries, but the fire was started three rooms down from one of the main power rooms.”

“David looking into it?”

“Yeah. Chris and Steve are with him. I may need to have your Second Science Commander run more tests for us.”

“If you need something before the flagship returns from Earth, feel free to contact Ja’val. He is probably bored with only having one major project on his desk.”

“He’s busy moving.”

“Moving?”

“Oh, he and Lutia requested larger quarters because of the baby. So Ja’val works on the new place when he gets home each night. I hear he’s going to take the serum soon.”

“As long as I keep improving, yes. And the trial participants show no negative effects, of course.”

“I’m glad they’re still going without a hitch. And I’m glad you’re feeling better. Any idea when you’ll be back to full strength?”

“Another month or two. Hopefully. Victoria is very strict. I think I need more exercise but she does not permit much.”

Vince grinned, “Best to follow the doctor’s orders.”

“Indeed. If you want another set of eyes on those personnel files, Christopher has a great eye for that kind of thing. If you can spare him from this little investigation.”

“I may toss it to him to work on and let Steve handle the investigation. Though it’s good to have Chris looking into that as well.”

Zy’nayth looked at the clock, “I am afraid it is time for me to pick up the crew for lunch. Amelia will return after we eat, however Becket may need to stay so that the children can play in the snow for a little bit. I do plan on sending them back this evening.”

“Whatever you need to do is fine, I’m sure Becket will have someone cover for him. I’ll let you know when I hear from the president.”

***

Mik’kenna screeched as the group appeared in the back foyer, “Snow! Bubby, snow!”

Becket laughed, “I think that answers the question as to if they’re going to want to play in it.”

Zy’nayth nodded then Celeste and Baxter came running in at top speed and skidded to a stop as they happily greeted Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth.

“Come on guys, breakfast is ready,” Victoria said, walking up to them.

“We has bekfast,” Ky’nayth said and pointed out of the sliding doors, “Snow!”

“I meant lunch for you. I made pancakes with strawberries. And you can play in the snow after you eat.”

Ky’nayth’s eyes went wide, “Paycakes!”

“Yup. Go wash your hands and face, get the doggy slobbers off.”

The kids ran to the bathroom and quickly cleaned up then darted for the dining room. After their lunch, the kids played in the snow with Becket while the others continued their work down in the tunnel. Finally, the doctor called the playing to a halt, the wind was picking up and making things too cold.

“Got the entire big area under the barn done, and as you can see, most of the tunnel,” John said as the kids and Becket came down to let Zy’nayth know that they were ready to head back to Terra 2. “You two have fun in the snow?”

“Made snowman,” Ky’nayth said.

“Bubby hit me wif ball,” Mik’kenna frowned, “on head.”

“It was aksee-dent,” Ky’nayth said, “I sorry.”

Mik’kenna pointed to her forehead, “Dis here. Daddy, fix.”

“Did Uncle Becket check it?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Ess. Say it ‘kay an kiss it. But no scan.”

Victoria grinned at her husband, “See what you started with scanning everything.”

Zy’nayth walked over and knelt in front of his daughter. “I am sure Uncle Becket can tell if it had caused any damage without you having a scan,” he said.

“Peez see,” she said.

Zy’nayth put his hand on her chest and let his energy flow into her. “There is no injury,” he said. “Uncle Becket was right.”

“Kay,” she said, “tank you, Daddy.”

“You are welcome. And thank you, Dr. McKenna.”

Becket was grinning, “No problem. I was going to stay a little bit longer but the wind’s picking up. So you’d best take us back to Terra 2.”

Kol’non took his tablet out as he sat on the floor. “The front isn’t quite done moving through. I think we just had a little respite for a few hours. The temperature will probably start dropping again.”

Mik’kenna knelt down and gave Celeste a hug and a kiss. Then she gave the same affection to the other dogs, her brother doing the same. Then they gave the adults hugs and kisses before telling their father they were ready to go.

Zy’nayth reappeared in the tunnel just a few minutes later and the group continued with their work.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat,” John said as they stopped for lunch. “Those last couple of panels weighed a lot more than the others.”

“They contained more equipment,” Zy’nayth said.

“No wonder,” he nodded at the window as they came up the stairs, “it’s really snowing. And we should check out the snowman.”

The dogs ran to the patio door and circled each other as the people put on their winter gear. When they were ready, Kaven opened the door and the dogs darted outside. Victoria walked up to the little snowman and smiled. “It’s their size,” she said. “It’s so cute. But I wish Ky hadn’t used his scarf and hat on it. Zy, can you take some pictures?”

Zy’nayth pulled his small, thin glass tablet out of his pocket. It opened up to twice its size. He took several images then put it back into his pocket. Victoria then removed the hat and scarf from the snowman and the group, already chilled to the bone, went back inside.

After lunch the group headed back down and finished up the tunnel. Victoria worried about her husband since he was doing much more physical work, helping to get the panels aligned. But he insisted since there were only a few of them, and John and Kaven had been stretched pretty thin trying to hold them upright while Kol’non and Be’atta pushed them into the locking position. His strength was needed. Victoria helped as well, but she knew her efforts were basically futile.

“I am fine,” Zy’nayth said, after she asked him a fourth time if he was okay. He sat at the kitchen table and sipped on his tea. “It felt good to be useful again.”

Be’atta soon came in, fresh from her shower, “I’m glad it’s winter. I’d hate to have done that this past summer. Okay, Victoria, what do you need help with?”

“Just set the table, please. Sauce needs to simmer a few more minutes,” she said as she put the noodles into boiling water.

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Yes, Vince?”

Victoria continued chopping up her vegetables as he talked with the general. The conversation only lasted a couple of minutes then Zy’nayth ended the call. “John, would you mind another trip after our meal?”

“Now what? Last time I was useless. Didn’t get to smile at anyone.”

“I will be putting the bridge back at Central Command. I will need you to test it which should only involve sending a couple of items back and forth with my flagship.”

“Oh, I suppose.”

When the bridge portal appeared in the control room, and John along with it, General Price walked in.

“It would have been nice if Cavanaugh had told me he was going to take my bridge,” General Price said.

“It was sort of a rush decision,” John said as he used a button on a wristband Zy’nayth had given him to trigger the bridge. “I’m sure he told you that,” he said as the bridge glowed. He rolled a metal canister and a glass ball across.

“He did,” Ken said, clearly upset. “Listen, John, I know that it was a Rayth ship that took this. But I’d like to know a little bit more about our relationship with these Rayth. Reports are pretty scarce in information.”

John sighed, “I know. All I can tell you is what’s in the reports. The Rayth we’re close with, and that’s really only a handful of them, are allies.”

“Allies because of Dr. Carson.”

“That’s how it started, yes. You know that.”

“You still believe they’re not brainwashing her…or you?”

“Come on, Ken. Howard’s little exposé didn’t get to you, did it?”

“No. I would just like to be a little more informed about things—to understand things better. I feel too much out of the loop.”

“I wish I could help you there,” John replied. “You know my hands are tied.”

“Yeah. Maybe I should just look into getting a transfer.”

“Surprised you haven’t yet.”

“Wouldn’t be able to take the wife. Well, probably not. And if I could, she probably would miss it here. All of her socializing.”

“Which is why they only send singles over.”

The bridge lit up again with a slight golden glow then a small metal cylinder came rolling across, followed by a ball. “Got them. Sending back,” John said over his comlink.

“Received,” came the reply from the flagship.

“Well, General, I’m off. I’ll see what I can do about maybe getting you a little more info. Can’t promise anything, though.”

“I know. Don’t worry about it. Just a bit upset about things today.”

John signaled the ship and was teleported up to the flagship.

“You could have bridged up,” Zy’nayth said.

“What? You think I trust that thing after it’s been atomized and reassembled?”

“It is perfectly safe.”

“Actually, I just didn’t think about it. Let’s get back, I’m ready for bed. And when are we going to put Victoria’s bridge back in?”

“Tomorrow since Mark believes there will not be any issues with turning the perimeter security system back on. And we will return to Terra 2 on Monday. I think we have had enough for one trip.”