E:A Vol 4 Ch 7—February 19, 2120

The next morning, the flagship, carrying a healed High Chancellor, was orbiting Terra 2. Zy’nayth and the team that went with him teleported down to the control room in the city-ship.

“Good to see you up and around again,” Chris said. “Dad’s walking the dogs. He’ll bring them to your chambers when he’s done. Vince is in some big meeting. Kaven’s off-world. Alessa’s not feeling too well, so Doc, I’m gonna put you right to work. Sorry for rattling all that off.”

Becket smiled, “Let me dump my things in my room and I’ll be right there.”

“Mind if I tag along?” Victoria asked.

“The more doctors the better,” Chris said.

Victoria turned to her husband, “Can you get along without me for a couple of minutes?”

“Probably not, but I will try my best,” Zy’nayth smiled then urged his kids to head to their chambers while Victoria went off with Chris.

“Victoria,” Alessa said trying to get up out of the oversized chair and deciding it wasn’t worth the effort. “I’m so glad Zy’s okay.” She pointed at her ankles, “Feels like my skin is being stretched. They’re huge now.”

“Becket will be here in a minute, he’s dropping his things off first.” She knelt down and examined Alessa’s swollen ankles. “Got a little edema going on.”

“Yeah along with everything else. I’ve been miserable with morning sickness.”

“I’m so sorry,” Victoria said as she gently massaged Alessa’s ankles and feet. “I’m not going to have you go through your symptoms, you’ll just have to do it again when Becket gets here. He’ll have his med kit to check your stats, too.”

“Teach Chris how to do that massage,” Alessa smiled, “that feels so good.”

“Zy did this for me. It’s amazing how something so simple can make a person feel so much better.”

Chris knelt down beside her, “Okay, Doc, I get the hint. How do I do this?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Victoria smiled, “I’m sure you’re doting on her. This is just something that I particularly appreciated when I was pregnant. Actually, I appreciate it at any time.”

Chris was just getting the hang of it when the door chime sounded. Becket came in and laughed. “Looks like you have them working hard, Alessa,” he said.

“Girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do,” Alessa grinned.

“Okay, sweetheart,” he said in his smooth Scottish accent, “tell me what’s going on?”

She listed her symptoms as he checked her blood pressure, listened to her heart and lungs, then used his handheld scanner to check on the baby. He took out a small item and a test strip, asked her when she last ate, then did a quick check of her blood sugars. “Did you see one of the other doctors?” he asked.

“Last night,” Chris said, “Doc Danielson. He said the baby looked fine and that she just needed to rest. She hasn’t been doing anything. I even asked Dad keep Storm for a while so she wouldn’t bother Lessa.”

“Unless Storm is being unruly, I don’t think there’s a need to kick her out,” Becket said. “Besides, pets are usually calming. But, if you’re worried, let David keep her. And Danielson was right. You just need to keep resting. I’m sorry, dear, there’s not much I can do for you. The baby looks perfectly healthy, and though I know you don’t feel like it, you’re in pretty good shape too.”

“Is there anything I can do to help her?” Chris asked.

“Seems like the foot massage is helping her,” Becket smiled. “I’m sure you’re doing all you can. Make sure she’s getting plenty of fluids. Limit caffeine and salt. BP is slightly elevated, nothing I’d be concerned about at this point.”

Chris nodded. “Okay, no more tea, Lessa.”

“There’s decaf tea,” Victoria said. “Do you have any?”

“No. I tend to need the caffeine,” she smiled.

“I’ll get you some. What about juice?”

“We’re set there. Janice has been helping with groceries.”

“She’s good that way,” Becket said. “Chris, you also need to get some rest.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m just a little overly worried.”

“I understand, but you know that the med team can be here in just a minute. So rest easy.”

“I’ll try.”

“Anything else I can do for you?”

Alessa shook her head, “Thanks for coming by.”

“Doc, maybe she shouldn’t be working,” Chris said.

Becket smiled as he shook his head, “Overly worried. Danielson ran sugars last night, I see,” as he entered his visit and stats into Alessa’s file, “and they’re fine. Like I said, BP’s a little high, just need to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get any higher. Sorry, but Alessa’s just the bad side of pregnancy. I don’t think we need to put you on bed rest, but if you’re not feeling up to going into work, call in. I know this can get pretty bad and I’ll make sure Dr. Castor knows that you’re under supervision. But at this point, it’s still safe for her to work if she’s up to it.”

“You sure, Doc?” Chris frowned.

“I’m sure. But let’s keep a closer eye on her. I want her in for a checkup, let’s see, weekly should help calm the new daddy’s nerves. If anything, we’ll just keep an eye on that edema and her BP. Play it safe, okay?”

“All right,” Chris sighed. “Thanks Doc.”

“My pleasure,” Becket said. “If you need me at any time, though, you contact me. Victoria, good work on the foot massage.”

She grinned, “Thank you, Doctor McKenna. Go get some rest. You’ve had a pretty rough few days.”

“Planning on it,” he said as he kissed the top of Victoria’s head. “Chris, Alessa, I mean it, call if you need anything.”

“Now I need to talk to you two,” Victoria said as Becket left. “Chris, rumor has it that you’re thinking of leaving Terra 2. I won’t have this.”

Chris chuckled. “Thanks, Doc.”

“I mean it. I know how hard this is for Alessa and her parents. But you don’t have to leave. After the baby’s born, take a long weekend and visit them. Try to plan out a visit schedule. Compromise. You give a little, they give a little.”

“They don’t want to give anything,” Chris sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “And I don’t want Lessa to have to choose between Terra 2 and her parents.”

“Alessa, what do you want to do?” Victoria asked as she got up and sat on the sofa after finishing with Alessa’s foot rub.

“I want them to see the baby, and I’ve been trying to tell Chris that there is no choice. I wanted to come to Terra 2. I want to live here. My parents will just have to understand. They won’t like it, but I’ve been praying about it and you know, God brought us together and I’m happy here. I want my parents to know their grandbaby, but I can’t let them run my life. Chris, let’s just try to make it to Earth every few months. I don’t want you to quit. You love your job and I love my job. I don’t want to leave.”

“Honest?” he asked.

Alessa began to cry, “Honest. I just want to be here with you and our baby. I love it here. I love the fresh air and the openness and the green grass. Everything. And we have the best friends here. I’ve never been happier in my life.”

“Really?”

This time Alessa chuckled, “Really. I’ve been trying to tell you this for weeks.”

Chris hugged and kissed her. “I love you, Alessa Chapman. And we’ll make it work with your parents.”

“I know we will. And I love you very much, Christopher Chapman.”

“So you’re staying?” Victoria asked to make sure she was getting the correct message.

“We’re staying,” Chris answered.

“Good. Then my work here is done,” Victoria said as she stood. “I’ll get some of that decaf tea and bring it by. Anything else you need or want before I head out?”

“I think we’re fine,” Alessa said. “And thank you for talking sense into my husband.”

“Any time. I’ll be back in a minute.”

When Victoria finished up with her little errand for Alessa, she returned to her chambers and settled on the sofa. “Chris is staying.”

“Good, but that was more than a couple of minutes,” Zy’nayth said. “You said I would only have to make due for a couple of minutes while you were gone. Many horrible and tragic things could have happened while I waited. If the children had been hungry, for example, I would have had to resort to feeding them ice cubes.”

Victoria laughed. “You can make scrambled eggs. Where are the kids? It’s too quiet.”

“I put them down for a nap after David returned with Baxter and Celeste.”

“It’s ten in the morning.”

“They did not sleep much on the flagship. They were too excited. You did not notice because you slept the entire time.”

“I did and I’m proud of it,” she grinned.

Zy’nayth stood and pulled her up to her feet. “I am feeling better than I have in months.”

“You seem more like your old self.”

“It has been weeks since I have been able, or allowed, to enjoy my wife.”

“I know,” she smiled.

“I am not waiting any longer.”

“Did Ja’val say this was okay?”

Zy’nayth let out a growling groan, “I do not need to check with him. I feel fine. He said the scans were normal.”

“But that was his handheld scanner, not his elaborate set up on Kiva. He hasn’t tested you properly. There might be something…”

Zy’nayth sighed and tapped his comlink. “Sorry to bother you, First Science,” he said, “but my wife wants your approval before I take her into the bedroom.” Zy’nayth quieted while he listened to Ja’val’s answer. He groaned then clicked off his comlink. “Ja’val said that you are old enough to go to the bedroom on your own and should not need my assistance,” he said.

Victoria laughed, “I am, at that.”

Zy’nayth lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom. Victoria didn’t put up an argument.

February 26, 2120

Zy’nayth returned to his normal duties the following week, feeling better than he had in several weeks. Kol’non continued the interrogation of their prisoners, especially that of Di’vash. Zy’nayth was concerned about how long it was taking to get information out of the prisoners. However, of course, they weren’t using telepathic interrogation. Ny’van told him to give it another week, and in the meantime perhaps go on a little vacation. The family had been through a lot and the kids were still a bit scared that their father was still under the weather.

After consulting with Ja’val and Becket, and talking with his family, Zy’nayth decided they would go to Earth. So on March 2, the family bridged over to Victoria’s Montana estate.

Victoria was looking forward to the rest but she worried that the kids would get bored with no one else joining them. At least on Kiva, or even Terra 2, there were things to do. At her home in Montana, the weather was still freezing, so they’d be stuck inside. But then she saw how much Zy’nayth enjoyed just sitting and playing games with the kids.

They were currently in the living room, all of them on the floor working on a new building project with their Legos. Baxter and Celeste were sprawled in front of the fireplace getting warm after a trip outside.

Zy’nayth moved up onto the sofa. “I want to discuss something with you,” he said to Victoria.

“Okay…should I be concerned?”

“I hope not. Shall we go to the kitchen and make some hot cocoa for the children?”

“Ess! Peez!” Mik’kenna exclaimed as she snapped a couple of bricks together for the chimney.

“You two stay here and continue working on your house project. Your mother and I will make the hot cocoa.”

“What is it?” Victoria asked as she gathered the ingredients.

“With all that happened, I would like your permission to start training the children.”

“Combat?” she asked.

“Yes. They are quite coordinated for their age, and even if they could not take down an adult Rayth, learning skills now would be quite advantageous. I really…

“Zy,” she said putting a finger to his lips, “I just wanted to make sure I understood what kind of training you were talking about. Go ahead. And I want in on the lessons. I need to learn more. A lot more.”

“You do not mind?”

“I want them to be as good as their father. I want to know my babies can defend themselves. I don’t mind at all.”

Zy’nayth drew her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I want this as much as you do.”

After another kiss, he got out the cups for the hot chocolate. “I hope the children want to learn.”

“Ky’nayth will. He wants to be just like you. Mik’kenna probably will too. If anything they both love to learn new things.”

The kids sat up on the sofa to drink their favorite hot cocoa while Zy’nayth explained his idea about teaching them some of his combat techniques.

“Do you like the idea?” he asked when he got done.

“I do,” Ky’nayth said. “I be warrior!”

“Me too,” Mik’kenna replied. “Can girls be warriors?”

“They are not allowed into our army because we have so few female Rayth, but yes, they can be just as good as boy warriors. Mommy is going to learn too,” Zy’nayth said. “But it will be a lot of work for all three of you.”

“We get uniforms?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I will see what I can do about a uniform,” Zy’nayth said.

Ky’nayth giggled. “Dis be fun.”

“Ky’nayth,” his father said, “this will be a lot of work. I will do my best to make it fun for you, but it is very important that you learn these skills.”

“Kay,” he said. “We tart now?”

Victoria shrugged her shoulders when her husband looked at her. “Finish your cocoa and let that settle first. Daddy needs to find a place where we can practice.”

“We will go up to the attic,” Zy’nayth said.

“Why the attic?” Victoria asked.

“I can move the beds together and throw one of the mattresses on the floor.” He left them to finish their treat and went up to get things ready.

Once the kids finished their cocoa and put away their building project so the dogs wouldn’t try to chew it up, they went up to the attic. Zy’nayth knelt down on the mattress and walked each kid through how to throw a simple punch.

Baxter and Celeste watched with interest for a minute or two then ran back down to get their own toys to play with.

“It is okay, Mik’kenna,” Zy’nayth said, trying to encourage his daughter to hit him, or rather the pillow he held against his chest. “Hit the pillow as hard as you can.”

“Bubby go first,” she said.

“I would like you to go first,” Zy’nayth said. “Do not worry, it will not hurt me. And the pillow is soft and thick so it will not hurt you either.”

“Kay,” she said then took her stance. Zy’nayth corrected it then had to encourage her yet again to throw her punch. Finally, she did.

“Mik’kenna, do not be so timid. Are you afraid of hurting yourself or me?” he said.

“I no know. I ‘pose you. You just got well. I no want you hurted.”

“My dearest little girl,” Zy’nayth smiled lovingly at her, “you would not harm me. Your Uncle Kaven could come down and throw that punch as hard as he could and I would be perfectly fine. Even without holding the pillow.”

“Sissy, Daddy be fine. He warrior. He bestest warrior. You no worry. Hit hard.”

Mik’kenna sighed. “I ‘pologize if I hurted you, but I try hard as can.”

Zy’nayth held the pillow up again as Mik’kenna took her stance, this time getting it perfect. Then she threw her little punch.

“Again, sweetheart,” Zy’nayth said. “As hard as you can, but make sure to keep your form.”

After a few good attempts, he had her switch to punching with her left hand. Then let Ky’nayth have his turn.

“All right, Victoria, your turn,” Zy’nayth smiled and stood. “I am only using the pillow so you do not hurt yourself. I will get some proper pads before our next session.” After a few punches, he turned to the twins. “I want both of you to watch very carefully. When your mother tries to hit me, I will stop her. Watch how I do that. You will need to learn to do the same.”

“Mommy is not very good at this,” Victoria said, “Daddy tried to teach me before you were born. I wasn’t a very good student. He can stop me easily.”

“Victoria, remember that I am a Rayth. What you have learned may not work as effectively on a Rayth, but it may help you if you have to fight a human. Now, go.” She threw her punch and Zy’nayth easily countered it.

Mik’kenna was already trying to move her arms like her father had done to block the punch. Her tongue was stuck out and her brows furrowed. “Arms no go wike dat.”

“You are trying to do all of the movements at once,” Zy’nayth said. “Victoria, throw the punch slowly so I can show them how and when each movement comes into play.”

As Victoria pretended to throw her punch in “slow motion,” Zy’nayth explained how to anticipate where the punch would land and thus how to turn his body and move his arms to block the punch. Then he told his wife to continue, but from different angles: high, low, right, left, and to keep mixing them up and gradually increasing the speed. He continued to described where he anticipated the punch to land, and each of his movements. And as Victoria began throwing punches every way she could think of, as fast as she could, Zy’nayth’s explanations came down to one or two words for each move.

Victoria finally stopped to get some water. She was putting everything she had into the last of the demonstration so that the twins could see more of the action and how quickly their father could anticipate her move, even when she tried to change it at the last moment. “This would be better with Uncle Kaven,” she smiled as she took a long drink from her water bottle.

“It is my opinion,” Zy’nayth said to his children, not even sweating, let alone out of breath, “that it is more advantageous to block an attack than to try and punch your opponent. This gives you a chance to find out their strong areas, but more importantly their weak or blind spot, especially if they are a superior fighter.”

“As if you’ve ever run into a superior fighter,” Victoria said and sat on the mattress.

“I have,” he said, “but by blocking his attack, I was able to find the best opening to land him in one punch. He also expended far more energy by continuing to try to punch me.”

“So, just one person was ever superior?”

“I used the singular for simplicity,” Zy’nayth said. “Fighting requires you to think, to process, to analyze. And to do it, literally, on your feet.”

“I no think I do all that if bad guy come and try to hurted me,” Mik’kenna said. “I just run.”

“Sometimes that is the best thing to do,” Zy’nayth said. “And at your age, if a bad guy were to come after you, I want both you and your brother to run as fast as you can away from him. Always get to a bridge portal and get out.”

“If we’re here,” Victoria said, “for example, and someone manages to get past security and get into their rooms, should the kids run to our room? It would be closer than trying to get to the bridge.”

“The children will not know if I have been stunned or taken. I would prefer if they screamed and ran to the bridge portal. I would hear the scream as long as I had not been taken or stunned, and would descend upon the bad guys with every ounce of my being. In any situation, always head for the bridge portal. You two know the codes to get to places we live.”

“Maybe we give them a special location,” Victoria said. “One that might not be anticipated. Or one that the bad guys wouldn’t be able to get to, at least not easily.”

“I have been trying to decide which location would be best. Right now, I am leaning towards the flagship, but that is a bit obvious. In any case, head to one of the other locations until I decide on a better one.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent with the kids practicing both throwing punches, then trying to block each other’s punches. They had fun learning and Victoria was surprised at how quickly they picked up the basics.

“After our little vacation,” she said, “you and Kol’non should give them a little demonstration. I don’t think they’ve ever seen you spar. Of course, that happens so quickly they wouldn’t see anything. Or maybe grab Kaven at least to go through blocking techniques. I don’t want him getting hurt, he can’t self-heal.”

“Mommy, I tirsty,” Mik’kenna said, “water bottle empty.”

“I think we’re done for the day,” she replied, “let’s go back down and I’ll get you some juice. I need to start dinner, and I think Baxter and Celeste need to go outside.”

“Did we do ‘kay?” Mik’kenna asked her father.

“Both of you did extremely well. I am very proud of you.”

“It was fun,” she replied.

“We do more ‘morrow?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth answered. “But we need to do your studies, even though this is a vacation. But we will not spend all of our time working.”

The kids walked into the kitchen and sat at the table where Victoria poured them each a glass of juice. “Let Daddy take care of the dogs,” she said. “You two worked really hard, and I don’t want you getting dehydrated.”

Mik’kenna sipped her grape juice. “What for dinner?”

“What are you two hungry for?”

“Mac and cheese,” Ky’nayth said. “And chicky.”

“Ess,” Mik’kenna said, “mac cheese and taytoes.”

“You only need one starch. How about mac and cheese? We haven’t had that in a while.”

“Fwy chicky?” Mik’kenna asked, wanting at least one of her favorites on the menu, though pretty much everything was on her favorite list.

“Baked or grilled is better for you.”

“Peez? Ky get mac and cheese.”

“We are on vacation,” Zy’nayth said as he walked in with two cold dogs shaking off the snow from their bodies. “Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy sounds really good.”

“You are not helping, High Chancellor,” she frowned.

Zy’nayth grinned, “I know. But I am quite fond your fried chicken and that gravy you make with it. I have only been able to enjoy it a couple of times.”

“Daddy, you are not setting a good example for our children,” Victoria smiled.

“One meal is not going to hurt,” he walked over and drew her into a tender kiss. “For me?” he asked softly.

“How is it you can still make me weak in the knees?”

“It is the uniform,” he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I hear it is very sexy.”

Victoria erupted in laughter. “You’re not wearing your uniform. Okay. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and mac and cheese. We’re also going to have a salad which all of you are going to eat first.”

The first day on Earth was always a jolt to the system. When they had bridged over, it was 9:00 a.m. on Terra 2, but only 4:00 a.m. in Montana. So by the time dinner was eaten, and the family got ready for their evening studies, devotionals, and prayers, their bodies thought it was 7:00 p.m., though it was only 2:00 in the afternoon in Montana.

The kids, worn out from their little training session, fell right to sleep when tucked into their beds. Victoria cleaned up a few dishes then went to take a shower. Zy’nayth was already in bed.

“I think that tomorrow I will give them a scenario and see how they work their way out of it,” he said as he set his tablet aside.

“I don’t think they’ve learned enough to do that.”

“You are correct. However, it will demonstrate to me how they think and how they work together. I think at their age, this may be more beneficial. Their punches really are not going to save them, but if they can think strategically, their size and speed will work to their advantage.”

“And I think that will be more of a game for them,” she said as she nuzzled next to him. “You could do a day of technique then a day of scenarios.”

“I like your suggestion,” he said as he turned out the light, though the sun was still bright outside.

March 7, 2120

On Thursday afternoon, Zy’nayth received a message from Chris asking if he and Alessa might spend the weekend with them. “We’re going to visit her parents,” he explained, “and I really don’t want to stay with them. I don’t want to be an imposition, but I also don’t want Lessa in a hotel room since she’s been having trouble with the baby…I want to be able to bridge back immediately or have Becket able to find us easily or…”

Zy’nayth chuckled, “Christopher, you are quite welcome here at any time. The children would not mind the company.”

“We’ll probably just be there to sleep since I want her to have as much time with her parents as she wants. You sure it’s no problem?”

“Christopher, we are happy to have you here. Storm is welcome to join you. The children will like that.”

“I have one last request,” he said, “can we use Victoria’s cruiser?”

“I am sure it will be fine. She is out walking the dogs, but I do not foresee an issue.”

“Good. It’ll be good for Lessa to have Victoria to talk to if things kinda go sour.”

“When can we expect you?”

“If you wouldn’t mind, we’re ready to head over now. I’d like to get a good night of sleep before dealing with the in-laws. Especially with the time difference. Sorry it’s such short notice.”

“Come on over. I will let Victoria know.”

***

“So he’s got the kids doing combat training?” Chris asked when told they’d be staying in Ky’nayth’s room since the attic was set up for the kids’ training.

“And strategy,” Victoria replied. “Knowing they’re a target of Ca’vak…well, we want them to have a little knowledge.”

“Yeah, but it’s not like they could get away from a Rayth,” Alessa said.

“Not by force, certainly, but believe me in just these couple of days, those two little ones can really think things through. They managed to get out of a couple of Zy’s traps. Granted, they weren’t very difficult, but for a couple of two-and-a-half-year-olds, they shouldn’t have been able to get out.”

Zy’nayth walked over to them as they came down into the living area. “Good to see both of you. Alessa, how are you feeling?”

“So much better,” she smiled. “I was getting stressed about staying with my parents. Not that I mind, it’s just…they’re putting so much pressure on us and…well, I’m trying to do the right thing and visit more frequently, but I know that isn’t the best thing for Chris and…”

“Babe, I told you, don’t worry about me,” Chris said. “I’ll deal with it. I don’t want things between you and your parents to be strained. I’ll just sit in a corner with my mouth shut and let you guys talk and whatever.”

“If you guys don’t mind, it’s our bedtime,” Alessa said. “I just want to try and sleep. Get plenty of rest before dealing with Mom and Dad tomorrow.”

“Anything you need?” Victoria asked.

“Just your house and your cruiser,” Chris smiled.

Victoria smiled. “Passcode hasn’t changed for the cruiser. It’s all yours.”

By the end of the weekend, Chris and Alessa were wiped out. Her parents were demanding that they move into their estate so that the baby, when born, could be “properly” looked after and raised. Alessa told them that she and Chris would properly look after their son or daughter and had no intention of leaving their jobs.

“Don’t make me force my hand,” Alessa’s father said. “I have friends in high places. They can make sure your husband is transferred out of Antarctica.”

It was Sunday night and Chris was exhausted from just keeping his mouth shut. “You can try,” he blurted out.

“And I will succeed,” Roland Howard said. “That is no place to raise a child. We have the best of everything here. I don’t know why you insist on living in such an unforgiving place, doing a job that can get you killed every time you go out.”

“I like what I do, and my team has my back,” Chris retorted. “We’re fine.”

“Well, I have yours. I’m going to call a general I know. He’ll get you transferred,” Roland insisted.

“Dad, don’t,” Alessa said.

“You will thank me,” he replied.

“Your general friend won’t do you any good,” Chris said as he stood.

“He’s a four-star general and has the president’s ear.”

“Good for him. See these leaves?” Chris pointed to his collar, “Put on by the President Stewart himself. So I have pretty high connections too.”

“Alessa, you will not return with him. He’s obviously…”

“Dad, Mom, I love both of you, but Chris and I are very happy where we are. We will raise our child to the best of our ability. We’ll visit when we can. That’s all I can promise. I’m sorry you can’t see things our way, but this is what I want. It’s what we want.”

“You’re choosing this…soldier,” Roland spit it out like a curse word, “over your own family?”

“Dad, don’t do this. I know you want the best for us. But that doesn’t mean that we should live here with you. Chris is a wonderful husband and will be a great father. We love our jobs. We love where we’re living and it’s not as bad as you think. You’re trying to force me into a decision, but there’s no decision to be made. You gave your consent for me to marry him. I love him. I’m his wife and need to be with him and support him. If you didn’t like the fact that he was a Marine, you should have said something before we married.”

“Sir,” Chris said, attempting to calm himself, “I love your daughter with all of my heart. I will do anything and everything within my power to provide for her and the baby as they deserve. I don’t want to cut them off from you, but, as Alessa said, we love our jobs and we don’t want to leave. We will visit when we’re able. Please, understand. I don’t want this to divide our family. There’s no need.”

Vanessa Howard gripped her husband’s arm, “They’re right. We need to let them lead their lives. When we had our little girl we lived half a world away from our parents. We had to juggle schedules, but we managed to get around to visiting them each a couple of times a year.”

“I wasn’t a soldier. I wasn’t out there trying to get myself killed,” Roland said.

“With all due respect, sir, I’m not out there trying to get myself killed.”

“Besides, he’s one of the best,” Alessa said. “His superiors have all said that he’s one of the best sharpshooters they’ve ever seen.”

“I just don’t understand why you need a sharpshooter in Antarctica,” Roland said.

“Classified info,” Chris replied. “Please sir, let’s not fight over this. I don’t want it. I know Alessa doesn’t want it. And I’m pretty sure you don’t want it.”

Roland let out a sigh. “Perhaps I’ve been too…controlling. I’m sorry. Alessa, Chris, you both are welcome here any time. And I do hope you’re able to visit more frequently than you’ve been able to so far. I’ll probably get upset from time to time, but I’ll try not to. But if I don’t think my grandchild is being reared properly, you will have a fight on your hands.”

Alessa hugged her parents. “That’s not gonna happen. I promise, we’ll try to get back more often.”

Chris shook Roland’s hand, “Thank you, sir. Let’s set up a weekly time to video chat. We may not be able to be here, but at least you’ll get to see Alessa as she progresses in the pregnancy even if it is only by a video call.”

Roland nodded, “I’d like that.”

“We’ll video in more often if we’re able, but let’s make sure we have at least one specified time each week,” Alessa said. “

When the young couple returned to Victoria’s estate, Chris helped his wife to settle in a chair then he collapsed on the sofa.

“That bad?” Zy’nayth asked.

“We got things smoothed out,” Chris said, “but it was a pretty tense afternoon. I was about to lose my temper. I hate when I get that way.”

“I’m glad you worked things out,” Victoria said.

“Me too. I felt so bad for Alessa being stuck in the middle. My lovely bride stood by me, though.”

“That’s what I’m supposed to do, isn’t it?” she smiled.

“So are you two heading back in the morning?” Victoria asked, “Or tonight?”

“Are you guys going back tomorrow?” Chris asked.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth answered, “But we will be returning to Kiva, not Terra 2.”

“Is it safe?”

“Now that I am at full strength again, yes.”

“Ja’val hasn’t signed off of that yet,” Victoria said.

“I know when I am at full strength. I do not need him to tell me.”

Victoria grinned. “Ja’val still needs to run more of his tests.”

Zy’nayth sighed, “I am tired of being tested.”

“I know you are,” she said and kissed his cheek. Then she turned back to Chris and Alessa, “You’re welcome to stay as long as you need,” she said. “I assume you had dinner with your parents.”

“We did,” Alessa answered. “And though I’d love to stay, I really want to be home. I feel awkward being away from my doctor, no offense, Victoria. Just used to Becket dealing with this. I think that’s Chris’ fault for making me think I need to go and have every sneeze checked out.”

Victoria cleared her throat and looked at her husband, “I know the feeling all too well,” she smiled.

“Ky’nayth, Mik’kenna,” Chris said, “I want to thank both of you for watching over Storm for us while we were away. I hope she was a good girl for you.”

“She was,” Ky’nayth said. “She very good girl. Baxter and Suhwest enjoy having their Sissy to pway wif.”

“Well, because you helped out so much, Alessa and I got each of you new hats,” he said and pulled out two little cowboy hats from one of the shopping bags they brought in. A red one for Mik’kenna and a black one for Ky’nayth. “Sorry, buddy, I tried to find a green one for you.”

Ky’nayth was grinning from ear to ear as he put on the hat. “I wike dis. Tank you Uncle Cwis and Aunt Wessa.”

“Honey, it’s backwards,” Victoria said and helped Mik’kenna put hers on correctly. “There you go.”

“Tank you, for da hat,” she said. “It no bayball hat?”

“It’s called a cowboy hat,” Chris said.

“Oh. Tank you.” She walked over and gave him and Alessa hugs and kisses.

“Thank you,” Victoria said. “It wasn’t necessary.”

“We were shopping for some baby clothes and saw these,” Alessa said, “we had to get them.” She stood and stretched, “Come on, Chris, let’s get our stuff together. I want to go home.”