E:A Vol 4 Ch 6—February 17, 2120

“How are you feeling?” Victoria asked Ja’val the following morning. He’d slept in the other private room next to Zy’nayth’s. Lutia stayed by his side, terrified he’d used too much of his energy. But he assured her that he was only tired, as anyone would be after something strenuous.

“I’m just fine,” he said to Victoria, keeping his voice low to allow Zy’nayth to continue to sleep.

“You saved his life,” she said as tears began to flow, “Ja’val, thank you so much.”

“He’s my best friend. I couldn’t let anything happen to him. Now no more tears, okay?”

She nodded and gave the Rayth a strong hug, “I love you, Ja’val. You have done so much for us.”

“As you have for me and Lutia.”

Victoria released him and sat back down, taking Zy’nayth’s hand back into her own. “Okay, so what do I need to know? How is what you did going to affect the serum?”

“I didn’t touch the serum. I dumped my energy into him just to fix his heart. I had to do it as one big push or the serum and his own energy would fight me. I’m not certain, yet, but I don’t think my energy affected anything else. If he stays stable throughout the day, I want to give him the antidote for the Gyhan virus. But I have to stress, I don’t want to do that until he’s stable.” Ja’val reached over and took her free hand, “Victoria, the dose that got into his system…he is going to be a very sick man for a very long time.”

She let out a long sigh, “Okay. We can do this. We got through this once, we can do it again.”

“We will have to monitor him more closely,” he said as he pulled Zy’nayth’s file and read over the reports left by Becket and the Second Science Commander, even though he had snuck in during the night and ran a few of his own scans without waking either Zy’nayth or Victoria. “Closely monitor. These numbers are not encouraging.”

Victoria nodded.

“And there could be another incident like yesterday,” he set the tablet down.

She nodded again.

“And I might not be able to pull him out of it.”

“I understand.”

“But I do have a theory for a solution.”

She grinned, “See, you get me all worried, and here you’ve got a way to help him.”

“It’s only a theory. It looks like the original results from the serum are still in place, meaning that his digestive system, all of that, is still working properly. The original dose of the serum has done its job and is out of his system. I confirmed that a week ago. The new dose doesn’t seem to be affecting the newly activated systems. His energy only seems to be fighting this new influx of the serum, much like fighting off a bad case of the flu. It’s not touching anything else. It’s not trying to switch his digestive system off, in other words. This is all good. Knowing that his restored systems aren’t being altered in anyway, I believe that if we can get that extra serum out of his body, he’ll recover quickly and not have to go through months of recovery.”

Ja’val sat beside her and let out a sigh, “The downside is that he was weakened to begin with. The attack he had back on Kiva when we first administered the serum wasn’t just because we were reactivating his digestive system, it was a reaction to the serum itself. Our energy sees it as an invading disease. The worse the disease or injury, the more of our energy it takes to eradicate it. And because the serum affects all vital organs except the brain and lungs, Zy’nayth is in a considerable amount of danger of having his own energy killing him in the process of trying to rid the body of this second dose. We have to get the serum out of him.”

“Okay, but how do we do that?”

“The Rayk homeworld.”

“The energy planet?”

Ja’val nodded. “We go and orbit it for a little bit, that energy gives his innate energy enough of a boost to eradicate the serum from his body. Then we’re set.”

“But…”

“But,” he sighed, “it may reverse everything we’ve achieved thus far; it may shut down the newly activated digestive system. I honestly don’t know what will happen. I can’t even try to think of a way to simulate it. My theory is that the pure energy from that planet will act like my energy did to save his heart. Go in and blast the serum out of his system.”

“How certain are you that it’ll get rid of the new dose of serum?”

“Ninety-five percent certain. The serum is such that any added Rayth energy to it only makes the problem worse…which I think is due to his enhanced abilities, or, should I say, his Rayk energy. It’s different from mine and it’s as if…as if when he’s this sick, the Rayk energy comes to the forefront and attacks even the Rayth energy I try to help him with.”

“Ja’val, it’s the same energy, his is just stronger, isn’t that what your tests concluded?”

Ja’val sighed. “In theory, yes, it’s the same energy. But…perhaps it’s due to him being a fullblood, second generation, and thus his energy isn’t as diluted as mine. In any case, there is a difference, one that, in his condition, his energy notices and attacks. I simply don’t have the energy reservoir to stop it.”

“What about the Vice Chancellor? He’s a fullblood, second generation, same generation as Zy. Couldn’t he try to get rid of the serum?”

“We could try, but without running simulations which could take days, it’s not worth it. My instinct tells me that it’ll make him worse. Even Ny’van’s energy reservoir might be too small to eradicate the serum before Zy’s own energy kills him. I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

“And if we do nothing, let the serum run its course, how long will he be sick?”

“Extrapolating out what he went through, and the increase in the dosage…a year or more. Provided it doesn’t kill him first. And this time around, Victoria, that is a very real possibility. There’s a war going on in that man’s body and we have to stop it, and stop it now.”

“Worst case? Either scenario,” she asked.

“Death if the serum and his energy continue to fight for dominance and I can’t help him.” He thought for a moment. “As for going to the Rayk planet, worst case, back to square one, and he’d have to retake the therapy. And probably it would be some time before I’d trust him to be strong enough to do it. And you know he wanted this done long before he should have taken it. I say we go to the planet, no later than tomorrow afternoon.”

“But the planet’s energy would harm any other Rayth,” she said, “if I understood your reports about that planet correctly. That much energy isn’t good for you.”

“Kol’non and I are willing to risk it. Our exposure wouldn’t be long. We’d take the flagship to the outer rim of the energy exposure, then Kol’non and I would fly Zy’nayth’s personal cruiser into orbit. Our exposure would be limited. Remember, the Rayth who were on that satellite had been there for some time. The constant dose of that energy is what deteriorated their minds. And they weren’t the strongest of Rayth to begin with. We have strength and time with us.”

“That’s what you assume. You haven’t proven that yet, right?”

“I’m certain enough that it must be a prolonged exposure to cause harm.”

“Or it may have something to do with how diluted your own energy is compared to a second generation fullblood,” she said, tossing back at him the one thing of Ja’val’s that hurts Zy’nayth when he tries to help.

Ja’val sighed, “Perhaps.”

“Does it affect humans?” Victoria asked.

“I’ve only run a handful of simulations, but I’d venture to say no. You don’t have Rayk energy in you for it to attack.”

“Then I could get John to pilot the cruiser. I’d go along to monitor Zy. You guys stay at a safe distance, walk us through whatever we need.”

“If something were to go wrong…”

“You said the worst thing that could happen is that it would reverse what we’ve already accomplished.”

“There are always unforeseen risks. And my theory could be completely and utterly wrong and the moment he’s in range of that planet, it’ll kill him.”

“You said you were almost ninety-five percent certain it would work. We can cut down on the risks by not sending you and Kol’non in. If you two suffered any damage, I’d have no Rayth I’d trust to help Zy…except Ny’van. And you’re the scientist, not him. No. Zy would agree with me. You and Kol’non need to be safe in case something happens to him. If all three of you got severely injured from that energy…things wouldn’t go well for your people. Right?”

Ja’val nodded with a growling groan that would have made Zy’nayth proud. “Very well, I’ll talk it over with Kol’non. You contact John and see if he’s willing to pilot the cruiser. Let’s give this guy a day to wake up first. If he does, we’ll pose the options to him. If he’s still out cold at this time tomorrow, we make a decision.”

“No. We can’t wait. Like you said, if he has another attack, you might not be able to help. We have to do this today.”

Ja’val sighed and closed his eyes, “He shouldn’t be alive. You didn’t see him when this started. The arrest was the end of the ordeal, not the beginning.”

Victoria straightened her shoulders, “Ask Kol’non to get our little family together in here. I’ll contact Kaven on Earth and have him bring everyone back. We’ll all pray together. If this is as bad as you think it is or is going to be, I say we head to the Rayk homeworld today. But we’ll pray first to make certain.”

Ja’val nodded. “I’ll try to get everyone here within thirty minutes. I’ll talk to them out in the waiting area, then we’ll come in and pray with you.”

It wasn’t long before visitors began showing up, all of them dropped what they were doing and immediately began gathering in the tiny waiting area outside of the two private rooms. Once they were all assembled, Ja’val explained things to the group. Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth sat and listened intently, scared because Mommy didn’t return to Earth the night before and no one would tell them what was wrong. And now they didn’t fully understand anything other than Daddy was in serious danger and could die. They clung to each other, though Becket had offered to let them go in and sit with Victoria, but they insisted on staying, trying to understand, and certainly to help pray.

“Becket, Victoria, and I all think that taking him to the Rayk energy planet is our best course of action,” Ja’val said. “But we’re not going to do it without some prayer. So if you’d all go into the room, it’ll be crowded, but I think we should all pray together. Ky’nayth, Mik’kenna, would you two lead the way?”

Holding hands, the kids went into the room and were helped up onto the bed, next to their father. They each gave him a kiss and whispered that they loved him. Once everyone was in, Becket led them in prayer, asking for wisdom regarding their course of action. Others added their own prayers, then when they finished, the group went back to the waiting room and talked about the situation.

Once everyone was back in the waiting area, Amelia’s father, Jacob, who came to live on Terra 2 to be their pastor, spoke up. “I know I’d like more time to pray about this, as I’m sure all of you do, but it seems that time is of the essence. Our top doctors have recommended going to the Rayk planet. I know when I first heard the First Science Commander explain the options, taking the High Chancellor there was my immediate first choice. Now I’m not saying that’s a gut instinct is always right, nor is it how God works, but is there anyone here who thinks it’s the wrong move? Be honest.”

Mik’kenna raised her hand, “I haz question.”

“What is it, sweetheart?” Becket asked.

“Daddy said time ‘go dat he no want to blow up dis pannet. Wight?”

“Yes, honey, that’s right.”

“Den maybe dis why. Maybe God tode him not to cuz he need it now. Maybe?”

Ja’val grinned, “She has a point. Zy’nayth did alter his opinion on what to do with the planet. We went from blowing it up to having me look into other options.”

“I ‘gwee wif Kenna,” Ky’nayth said. “Daddy do for reason. I think dis why.”

“I, quite frankly, am amazed they even recalled that,” Chris said.

“Probably have their father’s photographic memory,” Becket said. “So, back to Pastor’s question, is there anyone here who feels taking him to the Rayk homeworld is wrong?”

“We go now, ‘kay?” Mik’kenna said, getting to her feet. “Get Daddy well. I weady. Let’s go. Daddy need us. Haz go now. No wait. Dis wight thing do. Get up, kay? Time go!”

“Don’t let her tug on your heart,” Becket said, drawing Mik’kenna into his arms, “Though I know it’s hard to resist her charms. Last call. Anyone against this idea or have a gut feeling it’s wrong? I can give you a hundred reasons to keep him here and a hundred to take him to this planet. After what happened yesterday, I believe the risk of going to the planet is lower than keeping him here.”

“Let’s do it,” John said and everyone concurred.

“John, will you pilot?” Ja’val asked.

“Be honored to.”

“And I’m going along,” Becket said. “Better to have both me and Victoria there to monitor him.”

“We take Baxter and Suhwest too,” Mik’kenna said.

“Honey, you and Ky can go on the flagship,” Becket said, “but you won’t be able to go on the cruiser with us. It won’t be safe for you.”

“Cuz we Rayth?” Ky’nayth asked.

“That’s right.”

“Den why it no hurted Daddy?”

“We will only be gone for a short time. If we were to keep your Daddy there a long time, it would hurt him. And since you guys aren’t fully developed Rayth yet, we don’t want to take any chances with you getting hurt,” Becket said.

“Kay,” Ky’nayth replied. “Uncle First Commander, can we take puppies?”

“I think the puppies should stay here,” David said, saving Kol’non the unpleasant duty of telling the children no. “I’ll watch over them and we’ll all pray for you.”

“Kay. Dey miss Montie.”

“She misses them too,” David smiled.

“Okay,” John said, “how long will this trip take?”

“A day to get to the outer limits for us to be safe, if we don’t push the engines. From there, a quick FTL on the cruiser, three or four minutes, for you to get into orbit,” Kol’non said.

“I’ll be going so I can watch over the kids,” Lutia said.

“I’m willing to go as well,” Amelia said, “if the First Commander doesn’t mind.”

“You are welcome on board,” Kol’non smiled.

“Me too,” Be’atta said.

“Your ship is about to be overrun with women,” Becket smiled. “Let’s get packed and get things loaded.

“I will tend to the High Chancellor,” Ja’val said.

“Everyone going with us, meet in the control room in thirty minutes,” Kol’non said.

Zy’nayth was teleported directly to his bedroom on board his personal cruiser which was parked on the flagship that had finally arrived in Andromeda. Ja’val had monitors brought in and set about hooking him up with Becket and Victoria’s help.

Lutia, Amelia, and Be’atta tended to getting the children settled into the High Chancellor’s chambers on the flagship. They’d all stay there, out of the way of the rest of the crew. Becket and Victoria would stay in the cruiser, as would John. Humans weren’t allowed to roam freely on a Rayth ship, especially the flagship, regardless of their connection with the commanding officers. The three women would stay in the High Chancellor’s chambers, and would be escorted by Kol’non or Ja’val to the cruiser if needed.

“Can we stay wif Daddy?” Ky’nayth asked just moments after entering the Zy’nayth’s personal chambers on the flagship. “We be good.”

“Let me ask Uncle Ja’val,” Lutia said and contacted her husband. A minute later, “Okay, but you will have to play quietly and probably in your own room. Show us what toys and books you want to take and we’ll help you carry them.”

“We be quiet,” Mik’kenna said and darted into their room. “Uncle Becket can read us more ‘obbit story. We no done yet.”

“I don’t think all of us were needed,” Be’atta smiled.

“It’s good to keep each other company. I get lonely when Ja’val’s working,” Lutia said. “And Lia’s never really been on the flagship.”

“I feel a little intimidated,” Amelia replied.

“I should tell you about my first trip on a Rayth ship. Or Victoria. I cried a lot,” Lutia said.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Things weren’t like they are now. It’s still pretty strict, but back then…I couldn’t even look my own husband in the eye if there was someone else around. It was really scary.”

Ky’nayth came out with his arms full of toys, Mik’kenna behind him with just as many.

“I think we should narrow this down,” Be’atta said, kneeling down. “Let’s see. This might be too noisy. You don’t want to wake Daddy. I think this is a good toy.” She picked through the rest and put back most of the items. “We can always come back and switch out toys if you get bored. Is that okay?”

Both kids nodded. Then, with Kol’non as an escort, they headed to the hangar and Zy’nayth’s personal cruiser.

“Did he make the transition okay?” Amelia asked as Becket met them at the door. Kol’non left and returned to the ship’s bridge.

“Yeah. Still sound asleep. Heart rate is a little elevated, though.” He looked down at the two kids, standing politely, waiting to be told where they were allowed to go. “You two go give your Daddy a kiss then we can settle into the living area.”

The kids started to run but Becket quickly grabbed them, “Walk please,” he said.

“Did you happen to pack your copy of The Hobbit?” Amelia asked. “They’re hoping you can read to them.”

“I did,” he smiled, “but you may have to do some of the reading. I’m beat.”

“I don’t understand why,” Amelia said, “you only pulled a triple shift.” She kissed his cheek. “Go into the kids’ room, they have one in here, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then go in there and take a nap. Victoria and Ja’val will be watching over the High Chancellor and I can read to the kids, though I’m sure I’ll not do as well as you.”

“Let me check with Ja’val first,” he said.

“We’re set,” Ja’val said just as Becket walked into the main bedroom, “I’ll let them know. Out. Kol’non’s already getting ready to leave orbit.”

“Need me to do anything?” Becket asked.

“Sleep,” Ja’val said. “Victoria will be here.”

“I’ll be in the kids’ room. You need anything, get me.”

“Will do.”

“Okay kids, go to the living room and play, please,” Ja’val said.

The kids gave their mother hugs and kisses then went and played quietly in the living room. Ja’val joined them moments later and ended up falling asleep in Zy’nayth’s oversized chair. When John came in after several minutes of checking over all of the controls, everyone was asleep except for Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna. “You two are doing a good job watching everyone,” he whispered.

“Dey sweepy,” Mik’kenna said.

“It’s been a long couple of days,” he said and sat on the floor. “What are we building?”

“I no know. Bubby say spaceship,” Mik’kenna said with a shrug of her shoulders.

Ky’nayth nodded and pointed, “Need trusters.”

“I put trusters on,” Mik’kenna said, pointing to the top of the box-like structure.

“Doze not trusters. Dey is puppy rooms.”

“Oh,” Mik’kenna said and began putting more pieces together.

John helped the kids with the building project but would prompt them with questions to help them figure out how to make their project look a little more like their father’s flagship.

Amelia woke twenty minutes after the remodeling began. She stretched and sat on the floor to help the kids. “Sorry. I came on to help watch them and end up sleeping.”

“It’s been a long couple of days. Besides, I’m having fun. Ky’nayth is our chief engineer, Mik’kenna is our chief designer.”

She smiled and took her orders from the two chiefs. She had just started putting pieces together when an alarm went off. Ja’val, startled from his sleep, jumped up and ran to the bedroom. Amelia ran to the kids’ room to wake Becket who was already up and headed to the next room.

“Daddy?” Mik’kenna asked as she began to walk towards the bedroom.

“Honey, come here,” John said, “let the doctors do their work.”

Ky’nayth walked over to his sister and held her hand. “Uncle John, Daddy be ‘kay, right?”

“I hope so, Ky. He’s got the best doctors helping him. Why don’t you two come over here and we’ll pray, okay?”

Be’atta, Lutia, and Amelia, all now wide awake, prayed with them. Becket came out several minutes later. “He’s stable again. The serum is really attacking him. Ja’val’s asking Kol’non to push the engines.”

“Anything we can do?” Be’atta asked.

“Just keep him in your prayers. We still have a long way to go.” Becket said and knelt down, drawing Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth in his arms. “You guys can go in and give him another kiss. He needs it. So does your Mommy.”

He sent them off and looked at John and the others, “Get sleep while you can. John, you especially. You may have some tricky flying to do. We aren’t completely sure how his body’s going to react.

Several minutes later, Kol’non walked in. “How’s he doing?”

“Stable,” John said. “Becket’s out cold. Ja’val and Victoria are in with Zy.”

Kol’non knelt down, “How are you two doing?”

“Kay,” Ky’nayth said.

“Scared,” said Mik’kenna.

“I have an idea,” Kol’non said, “How would you two like to come up to the bridge with me? Just while the ladies fix your lunch.”

“We no get in twouble?” Mik’kenna asked. “Daddy say we no ‘posed go to bwidge ‘cause ‘portant work.”

“As long as you do as I say, you won’t get in trouble.”

“I pilot?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I’m afraid you can’t. We need to get your father to the Rayk planet and I need my best pilot to get me there as fast and as safely as we can.”

“Oh. I pilot next time.”

Kol’non smiled. “I have no doubt of that. Come on, let’s go.”

The ladies stood to walk with them. They’d fix lunch then bring the kids back to the cruiser. John also stood after moving their building project out of the way. “Mind if I come?” John asked.

“Ah, yes. I heard there was something we needed to talk about.”

“We can cover that on the way back. I thought I’d just explain the controls to the kids so you could focus on whatever you need to.”

February 18, 2120

“Flight plan is programmed,” Ja’val said to John early the next morning, “but I’ve put all of the navigation charts right here.” He pushed a button on the console. “No need to search for them. Becket will know when Zy’nayth has had enough and will signal you to leave orbit. There shouldn’t be any problems. Go in, orbit a few times, come back.”

“I got it. The only thing I’m worried about is if this has a negative effect on our patient. Do I FTL it right back?”

“Yes, but I don’t expect that to happen. I pray it won’t happen.”

“The way that alarm’s been going off every few hours, I hope you’re right. Okay. Let’s get this done before he goes into his next attack.”

“Communications will remain open,” Ja’val said. “Start her up, John.”

Once Ja’val left and was safely out of range, John piloted the cruiser out of the flagship’s main hangar bay.

“This is your captain speaking,” John said, “we’re about to jump to FTL. I hope this bucket gives us a smooth ride.” He grinned knowing that Zy’nayth’s cruiser was nothing less than perfect and that they probably wouldn’t even notice any difference between the jump and the stop.

“Zy, we’re almost there,” Victoria said to her unconscious husband. “You’re going to be okay. Just hold on a few more minutes. You’re doing great. Just hold on a little longer.”

“Dropping out of FTL,” John’s voice came over the intercom. “First Science Commander, you still read me?”

“Loud and clear.”

“Out of FTL. Heading to the planet. Doc, how’s our patient?”

“Stable,” Becket said.

“Orbit in thirty seconds,” John said.

“He should be feeling the energy by now,” Ja’val said, “any change?”

“Pulse slowly rising. Everything else normal,” Becket replied.

“Honey, let the energy do its thing,” Victoria whispered in his ear. “Don’t fight it. Ja’val and Becket say this will work. Think about being home and playing with the kids on the beach. And laying under the stars. And teaching Ky how to pilot this ship, and teaching Kenna all of the stars’ names. And think about getting to hold Chris and Alessa’s little baby, and Ja’val and Lutia’s baby.”

“Pulse normal,” Becket said, “but tremors starting.”

“Remember the little two-day vacation we took on this ship and you showed me the stars? Honey, think about that. How happy we were. How much we both missed the kids,” she chuckled. “We finally get a little romantic weekend and we both end up missing the kids. I love you for that. We’re quite a pair. Remember the braid. How happy we were. How happy we still are. We’ve had it pretty rough, but I’m so happy with you I could burst.”

Zy’nayth gasped for air, gripped the sheets and opened his eyes. He let out a short, deep growl then relaxed. “Victoria? Becket?” he asked.

Victoria wrapped her arms around his neck, “Zy!”

“Let me check him,” Becket said and ran one of Ja’val’s scanners over Zy’nayth’s body. Ja’val received the readings on board the flagship.

“It worked!” Ja’val exclaimed, “It worked! John head back.”

“What worked?” Zy’nayth asked. “Last thing I remember is being in the infirmary telling you to take the kids to Earth.”

“Oh honey, have I got a story for you. Just rest for now.”

Zy’nayth gave a command in Raythian and the walls of his cruiser seemed to disappear. He looked at the stars, not able to see the Rayk planet because it was now behind them, but he guessed where they were.

“Ja’val, talk to me,” he said.

“Gladly,” the First Science Commander said. “Don’t leave your room. As soon as you’re done docking, I’ll be right there.”

Becket smiled, “I’ll let him explain. I’m too tired to think.”

“Docking,” John said five minutes later, “Glad to have you back, High Chancellor.”

“Zy, once we dock, I’m going to my room and sleeping the rest of the way back to Earth. Try not to need me until I wake up,” Becket said. “I’m glad you’re back with us.”

“I guess I owe you a thank you, but for what, I do not yet know.”

“Don’t worry about it. Good night, my friend.” Becket walked to the hatch and waited for John to let him know it was okay to disembark.

The hatch opened and Ja’val, flanked by two little Rayth walked up the ramp. “He’s all yours,” Becket said. “Wake me in a week.”

Ja’val laughed, “You deserve the rest.”

“I just want to say a quick ‘hi’ then I’ll be right behind you,” Amelia said, walking up behind Ja’val, Ky’nayth, and Mik’kenna.

Be’atta, Lutia, and Kol’non were right behind her.

Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth ran to the bedroom. “Daddy!” Ky’nayth shouted, “You ‘kay now?”

“I believe I am fine,” Zy’nayth answered as the kids climbed up on the bed. He hugged each of them fiercely. “I hope I did not scare you.”

“I was scared,” Mik’kenna said, “I cwied. I cwied and cwied and cwied. Daddy, I so scared.”

“Me too,” her brother said. “But you ‘kay now. And we built spaceship. Uncle John helped. And we got to help on bwidge with Uncle First Commander. And we pwayed lots for you.”

“Guys, curl up with him, but watch out for the wires. Uncle Ja’val, I’ll let you explain,” Victoria said as she climbed up on the enormous bed and curled around Mik’kenna. She closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep.

“We’re just here to say we’re happy to see you awake and feeling better,” Lutia said. “And that you did give us all quite a scare. We love you, Zy’nayth. Don’t scare us like that again.”

“I love all of you as well, and I will try not to, though I am not sure what I did to scare you.” His hand gently caressed his wife’s curls. “I take it there has not been much sleep going on.”

“Not a lot. She refused to leave your side.” Lutia walked over and kissed his cheek. “I do love you. Now listen to my husband and don’t give him a hard time.”

Be’atta and Amelia also gave him a hug and kiss. Kol’non and John simply gave him a nod and a smile then headed out with the others.

Ja’val sat on the edge of the bed by Ky’nayth and explained everything that happened from the moment of the first seizure after Victoria and the kids had gone to Earth, up to the moment he woke just a few minutes earlier.

“Uncle First Science Commander can I get down to get spaceship?” Ky’nayth asked, so Ja’val lifted him down to the floor from the high bed.

Victoria stirred slightly, “He saved you,” she said.

“So it would seem,” Zy’nayth said.

“No. He left out that part. Your heart stopped. Becket was going to call your ToD…uh, time of death. Ja’val saved you.”

Zy’nayth raised an eyebrow, “You did leave out a rather large detail.”

Victoria patted her husband’s chest and yawned, “Sorry, so sleepy.”

“Go ahead and sleep, my beloved.”

“Thank you…” she mumbled.

“Ja’val, I want to know every detail.”

Ja’val gave him the rest of the story. “I didn’t want to receive praise, or condemnation. It was a risky move. I had to do it, though. For you, for Victoria, and for the kids.” Ky’nayth came bounding in with their Lego spaceship in hand. Ja’val set it on the bed then lifted the boy back up.

“It’s da flagship. Uncle John helped.”

“I chief designer and Bubby chief engineer,” Mik’kenna explained.

“This is beautiful,” Zy’nayth said, admiring their attempt at creating a curved ship out of rectangles and squares. “You did a fine job. What are these two boxes at the top? I recognize everything else.”

“Puppy houses,” Ky’nayth beamed, “We added those as special.”

“You did very well. I am proud of your work. May I keep this on the dresser to look at?” The kids both nodded, happily. Ja’val took the item and put it where Zy’nayth could see it, then the High Chancellor turned to him, “So I will not have to go through all of that nausea again?”

“It looks as if the digestive system is working, but we’ll know for sure in the next twenty-four hours. I’ve asked Becket to keep you on a nutrient IV until then. Now that you’ve been awake a few minutes, how are you feeling? Mention anything at all; it might be significant.”

“I feel fine. Alert. I do not feel tired. No nausea.”

“Good. Scan was perfect. But I want you under my main scanner at the lab; it picks up more information than this handheld device.”

“If this worked for me, will it work for others—cut out the side effects of the serum?”

“No. Your system had already adapted to the serum. This simply got rid of what Di’vash added.”

“Was Di’vash caught?”

“Yes. Ca’vak, not yet.”

“What else do I need to know?”

“Kol’non’s interrogation of Di’vash was cut short. You were our priority. The Second Commander is tending to questioning the subordinates. Kol’non will take care of Di’vash personally. John has a couple of theories he’s probably talking to him now about.”

“A link with the sabotage on Terra 2?”

“Yes. But also with Jason,” Ja’val replied.

“Victoria’s former husband?”

“The same.”

“She does not need this creeping back up.”

“No I do not,” she grumbled from her half-sleep.

“They don’t think it’s a direct link, as such. But maybe one influencing the other. Our question right now, since you should be back on your feet soon, is what should we do with the children? Should you return to Earth?”

“I will need to meet with everyone and hear what John came up with. I will make that decision then.”

“Ca’vak and any Expedition: Andromeda traitors he may have with him are still out there. I highly suggest you go straight to Earth. Though Victoria keeps saying that she needs to have a talk with Chris and Alessa first.”

“Victoria probably also needs to gather more food and supplies. And we will have to get the dogs if we go to Earth.”

“Baxter and Suhwest been pwaying too, Daddy,” Mik’kenna said. “Dey wif Uncle David. I sure they pway hard. They good puppies.”

“I am very thankful for that, thank you, sweetheart.” He turned his attention back to Ja’val, “Why does Victoria wish to talk to Christopher and Alessa? Is Alessa having difficulties with the baby?”

“No. Well, yes, but it’s nothing to do with that, though I think she’s ready to have the baby with all the trouble it seems to be causing.”

“Victoria was ready when these two kept wrestling at night and not letting her sleep,” Zy’nayth said as he tousled Ky’nayth’s hair.

“You be silly, Daddy,” Mik’kenna said, “We no wessle wif Mommy at night.”

Zy’nayth chucked, “You did before you were born.”

“I no unnersand.”

“You know how Aunt Lutia and Aunt Alessa are expecting babies? The babies are inside of them waiting to come out?”

“Ess.”

“When Mommy was expecting you two, and you were still inside of her, you two wrestled with each other and kept Mommy up all night.”

“I no memmer dat,” Mik’kenna said.

“I do not think children remember anything from being in their mother’s womb,” Zy’nayth grinned.

“I no mean to keep Mommy wake,” Ky’nayth said. “I sowwy.”

“We both know you did not mean to,” the proud father smiled. “You did not know what you were doing.”

“Sir, I think you should rest. I could use a little rest myself. Kids, I’m putting you guys in charge. Let me know if your Daddy needs anything.”

“Mommy too,” Ky’nayth said.

“Ky, I think your mother is going to sleep all the way back to Terra 2,” Ja’val smiled. He gave both kids kisses then went to his own chambers and curled up with his wife and told her about the twins’ response to wrestling in Victoria’s tummy. She laughed.

“They’re so cute. I can’t wait for our little one to be born. He, or she, will be even cuter.”

“I wish we were having twins,” Ja’val said, “or triplets.”

“No thank you,” she smiled and nuzzled next to him. “One at a time is fine.”

“I wish I could have more than two,” he sighed. “I hate that part of being Rayth.”

“Well, First Science Commander, why haven’t you solved this puzzle? You figured out how to fix it so Rayth could eat normal food. This should be a cakewalk for you.”

“Cakewalk?”

“Easy,” she explained.

“If I knew why we couldn’t have more than two, I’d at least have a place to start. I can’t even figure that out.”

“Have you talked to Becket about it? You two, when you two get your heads together, nothing can stop you.”

“I may just do that. But he needs to ask Amelia to marry him first.”

“Well, hopefully now that the drama is over with Zy, he can.”

“I keep hounding him about it,” Ja’val grinned.

***

Later that day, Kol’non and Be’atta returned to the High Chancellor’s personal cruiser to see how their friend was doing and to bring food by for them.

“I’m not a very good cook, but I figured I couldn’t mess up a salad too terribly much. There is chicken in there,” she smiled at Ky’nayth who loved his protein and wasn’t big on salads. Then she looked at Victoria, still sleeping soundly. “Should we wake her?”

“She needs to eat,” Zy’nayth said and gently stroked her hair, “Victoria. Wake up. Time to eat.”

She swatted at his hand.

“You can go back to sleep after you eat.” He gave her a little nudge and she finally opened her eyes.

“What?”

“Kol’non and Be’atta have brought lunch for us.”

“Lunch? I’ve slept all morning? I’m sorry.” She looked at her kids, “Did you two wash up for lunch?”

“No yet,” Mik’kenna said.

“Go on,” Victoria yawned, “while we get the food served.”

Kol’non helped the kids off of the bed and they ran to the bathroom. Victoria dished out the salad while Be’atta poured tea for all of them. When the kids returned, the meal was prayed over. Victoria took her first bite of the salad and realized just how hungry she was.

“Thank you so much,” she said, “I was starving.”

“You have been eating, have you not?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yeah, but not much. I was too worried about you.”

“Could you use a little more good news?” Kol’non asked.

“After the last couple of days, I need all you can give me,” Victoria replied. “Did you find the other brother?”

“Not yet, I’m afraid. However, I did ask this beautiful young lady to marry me and she said yes.”

“Oh!” Victoria set her lunch aside and ran over and hugged Be’atta then Kol’non, “I’m so happy for both of you!”

“He proposed a couple of weeks ago,” Be’atta said. “That’s why I’ve been spending so much time in my village. I was really hoping they’d come around.”

“I take it they didn’t,” Victoria sighed.

Be’atta shook her head. “But I’m making the right decision. And we both wanted you four to be the first to know.”

“I am very happy for you, as well,” Zy’nayth said, “and I know you two will be very happy together.”

“Have you set a date yet? Are you going to have a traditional ceremony like your villagers or…”

“Nothing set yet. I…we want to talk to Pastor Jacob when we get back, we want a Christian wedding. We’ll register, of course, with Kiva. We both just want our closest friends to attend. Less fuss.”

“You know I’ll help with anything you need,” Victoria said. “And we’ll keep praying that your friends from your village will come around.”

“Me too,” Ky’nayth said. “I help.”

“Me too,” Mik’kenna said.

“And you both know that if you need me to do anything, I am at your service,” Zy’nayth said.

Ky’nayth stabbed at the tiny tomato in his bowl and sent it flying. Zy’nayth snatched it before it hit the wall behind him.

“Well, looks like the reflexes are working,” Victoria smiled.