E:A Vol 4 Ch 8—March 11, 2120

Victoria sighed when she saw the destruction in the study of their island home. They hadn’t been back since their kidnapping. At first, she was surprised that nothing had been stolen, then again, who’d dare attempt to take anything from the legendary warrior’s home? Besides, everyone on the island were friends of his, plus Ny’van lived just across the central courtyard. “At least the study’s the only room that was damaged. Are you sure it’s safe for us to be here?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t let the kids come,” she frowned.

“I do not want to worry about them while we are cleaning up. Plus, I do not want them to see this. I believe it would upset them.”

“Well then, let’s get this mess cleaned up so they can join us. I’m glad only the study was destroyed.”

“I will check upstairs then I need to make a short trip,” he said. “While I am gone, you will bridge to Ja’val’s lab so that you will be safe.”

“Zy, you just stood there not more than three seconds ago and told me we were safe here.”

“It is safe because I am here with you.”

“All right,” she sighed, knowing it was useless to protest, “but shouldn’t you be stopping in to see Ja’val too? He still wants to run those tests.”

“I will tend to that after my errand. You can get caught up on the trial results, though I should not be more than ten or twenty minutes.”

“What’s this little errand of yours?”

“It is something for the children.”

“Oh! What?”

“I want to surprise them.”

“You can tell me!”

Zy’nayth smiled at her eagerness to hear what he was up to. “I was hoping to surprise you, too. I am going to get uniforms for them. Mock uniforms, of course, since they are not truly part of the army. The have been finished, I must pick them up.”

“Oh, Zy, they’ll love it. Especially Ky.”

“Now may we go?”

She nodded and they walked back across the village to the bridge. He took her to the main science lab then teleported to a different part of the mainland.

“He was supposed to come for tests,” Ja’val sighed when she walked in alone.

“He’ll be here. He’s picking up a present for the kids. He promised he wouldn’t be more than twenty minutes.”

“Ah. Good. I should have made him come in before you went on your vacation. He can be so obstinate sometimes.”

Victoria laughed, “Yes he can. Now, I need to get caught up on the trial results.”

“Not much has changed,” he replied. “I think we can start mass producing the serum and offer it to the general public. There’s been no loss of abilities from any of our trial subjects. All are eating normal food. You can download the test results from that computer,” he pointed.

“In that case, what can I do to help out?”

“Get your husband to approve mass distribution,” Ja’val said.

“You’d have a better shot of that,” she smiled. “But I’ll help.”

Zy’nayth arrived fifteen minutes later carrying the Rayth equivalent of a garment bag. He hung it on a hook near the door. Victoria ran up and asked if she could see the little uniforms. “You had them made out of real leather?” she asked after he unzipped the garment bag.

“They wanted them to be like mine, so naturally they were made out of leather.”

Brown was worn by non-commanders, black for commanders, and Zy’nayth wore white as High Chancellor. He had the smaller uniforms made in tan. Mik’kenna’s interior was red, and Ky’nayth’s was a forest green. Usually the interiors were the same color as the exterior, but Victoria loved that he made the uniforms just a little more special by lining the jackets with each kid’s favorite color.

“These are absolutely adorable!” Victoria exclaimed, “And the cute little pants. And you got them little tan tee-shirts too. I love these, Zy. They’ll outgrow them in no time, though. But still, the kids will be so proud to wear them.”

“Sir, we need to start these tests so you can be done with them,” Ja’val said. “Then we need to discuss mass production of the serum.”

“Yes, I want these tests done,” Zy’nayth said and followed the First Science Commander. “I will discuss the distribution of the serum with the Vice Chancellor and the High Council. You can begin gearing up for mass production.”

“Well, that was easy,” Victoria said, still looking over the little uniforms, feeling the soft leather and the silk-like lining. “They’ll love them,” she said again then put everything back in place and zipped up the bag.

As Ja’val performed one test after another on the High Chancellor, each came back normal. His strength, his telepathic abilities, everything was back to what was normal for Zy’nayth.

“I told you that I was fine,” Zy’nayth said.

“I now have the tests to prove it,” Ja’val grinned. “I officially discharge you.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Thank you. And before you ask, I do not foresee a problem. The High Council should approve the mass production without an issue.” He looked at his wife, “Have you downloaded what you need?”

“Yeah. Not much for me to do since we’re going full tilt now, but I would like to really know the data. I understand when Ja’val and Becket explain things to me, but it helps if I can sit and analyze things for myself.”

“You know it all,” Ja’val said, “you’ve just been too involved with other priorities. And Zy’nayth, do you want me to continue to find a way to neutralize the Rayk homeworld? The Second Science Commander has continued to work on it, but since I am, for the most part, wrapping up these serum trials, I can refocus on that project.”

“With knowing that it can help overcome some of the side effects of the serum, perhaps…”

“No. It doesn’t work that way,” Ja’val said. “It worked only because your first dose had already taken affect and your digestive system was fully operational. The planet’s energy only worked on the second dose. It won’t work for anyone undergoing the treatment. If I took the treatment and went to the planet, the planet’s energy would rid my body of the serum and I’d be back to square one…provided it didn’t kill me in the process.”

“Any chance of us ever finding a way to utilize it in the way that it helped me?”

Ja’val sighed, “Sir, that planet is dangerous to Rayth. I’ve wanted this planet shut down since we discovered it. I’ve tried finding ways to use that energy to our benefit, granted I’ve been busy with other things, but sir, it’s dangerous. The only Rayth safe for any length of time near it is you. And I wouldn’t let you stay near it for long. There are too many unknowns and too many knowns that prove how harmful it is to us.”

“One last question. If we neutralize it, not destroy it, is there a possibility of reactivating it if needed?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I can’t imagine needing to,” Ja’val said, “but, in theory, yes, though it makes our task a little more difficult.”

“Very well. Find a way to neutralize it. If, in the process, you can also find a way to reactivate it, that would be helpful, but it is not required. Focus on neutralizing it.”

“Understood.”

“Let me know how I can help with the serum,” Victoria said as she and Zy’nayth left the lab.

“Just double check our results. Sometimes fresh eyes see something we may have missed,” Ja’val replied then waved them off.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning up the island home, picking up the mess made from the struggle before the kidnapping. Then Zy’nayth and Victoria returned to Terra 2. John was babysitter for the day and had spent most of the day on the beach training the dogs with their agility course. The kids had fun running on the beach, learning how to properly run the dogs through the course instead of trying to do the “tricks” first, making the dogs follow them.

“Well, I think all of the dogs can do the course,” John said as they sat in his living room. “How’d things go on your end?”

“The home has been cleaned,” Zy’nayth said, “but we need a couple of new pieces of furniture and a window.”

“But we’ll be able to take the kids and dogs there tomorrow,” Victoria said.

“I have tomorrow off too, so if you need me to keep them for another day so you can get the furniture or install a window, I can,” John said. “Kind of a fun day for me.”

“We should be fine,” Victoria said. She looked at Mik’kenna, who was starting to nod off while giving Celeste a tummy rub. “What did you have for lunch today?”

“Eggs with stuff in dem. And hashy taytoes!” she brightened.

“Stuff in them? Omelets?”

“Ess. With taytoes!”

Victoria chuckled. “I take it you liked your lunch.”

“It was nummy,” Ky’nayth said. “I has two egg ommy let.”

“Both of you did,” John smiled. “I know Kenna just said one, but she looked hungry.”

Mik’kenna nodded. “And extra taytoes.”

“Sorry,” John said to Victoria, “I was helpless against her pleas for more potatoes.”

“It’s okay, Victoria smiled. “And I think we need to go home so Mommy can fix dinner. John, you’re welcome to join us.”

“Depends, whatcha making?”

“Just meatloaf. Nothing fancy.”

“Good enough for me,” John said, “let’s go.”

“You’re easy to please.”

“Usually. Just wanted to make sure it wasn’t all green stuff. A growing boy needs lots of protein. Right Ky?”

The boy nodded, not sure what it meant but decided it was best to agree with his uncle.

March 12, 2120

The next morning, the family bridged over to the High Chancellor’s estate. Zy’nayth met with the High Council and discussed the distribution of the serum to the public. The discussion was short and they gave their approval. Once his duties were finished, he teleported his family to the flagship in orbit.

“Dis not island,” Mik’kenna said when they appeared in his private chambers.

“I thought we could practice your combat skills in the sparring arena,” Zy’nayth said. “A better experience for you.”

“Where warriors pactice?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Yes. But first we need to get you into some appropriate attire.”

Victoria went over to the hidden closet, tapped a panel to open the door, and pulled out the mini-uniforms for the kids. “Daddy had these made special,” she said and handed each out. “Daddy, will you help Ky get into his uniform? I’ll help Kenna.”

Once the twins were in their uniforms, Zy’nayth led them to the sparring arena. Both kids followed him proudly in their uniforms, trying to walk as imposingly as their father. Kol’non had agreed to help with the day’s training and when the kids walked in, he had to work hard to stifle his laughter.

“Daddy got us uniforms,” Ky’nayth said. “They real leather.” He ran over so Kol’non could see for himself. “But not real uniform; we no warriors yet.”

Kol’non knelt down and examined the two kids and their new uniforms. “Very nice.”

“Tank you,” Mik’kenna said. She held up the edge of her jacket to show him the lining, “Mine’s wed. Ky’s gween.”

“Great idea. That way you can tell them apart.”

Mik’kenna nodded.

“Shall we get started with your lessons?” Zy’nayth asked.

The kids practiced their punches, kicks, and blocks. They were used to punching and kicking pillows and padded equipment, but they thought it was much better to practice against Kol’non and their father. It was more “real.”

“You are getting much better,” Zy’nayth said. “Now we will try a scenario. I would like you to pretend that Kol’non is trying to kidnap you. Come into this next room.” They did as they were instructed. “Commander, I ask that you do not harm them, but do your best to hold onto them, as if you were indeed trying to kidnap them. Children, try to break free and make it to this doorway. You will have only five minutes.” Zy’nayth looked at his children, “Remember the tricks that I taught you. Do not worry about hurting the Commander. He can self-heal, or if you do serious injury,” he smiled to himself, “I can heal him.”

“Can Mommy help us?” Mik’kenna asked.

“No.” He looked at Kol’non, “Begin.”

Kol’non grabbed Ky’nayth around the waist with his right arm. Mik’kenna kicked him in the leg before she was caught up into his left. They bit, kicked, wriggled, and squirmed. They tugged on his clothes and hair. Then Ky’nayth used all of his little bit of body weight and lunged towards the floor. Mik’kenna jerked on the belt of the Commander’s jacket. She was now almost upside down but she managed to open the jacket enough and loosen the belt. With the loosening of the belt timed with Ky’nayth’s lunge, the jacket shifted just enough to let Mik’kenna fall forward a little, but it wasn’t enough to allow her to break free. With a quick jerk that Victoria didn’t even see, Mik’kenna was upright, nearly propped on Kol’non’s hip. Ky’nayth grabbed the Commander’s belt when Zy’nayth called time.

“You did very well,” Zy’nayth said.

“But we no break free,” Ky’nayth said, downhearted at their failure.

“You were up against a real warrior. We have not done this type of training before, so I did not expect you to break free. Did both of you try your hardest?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Mik’kenna said, pulling her hair out of her face. “I twied really hard.”

“Me too,” Ky’nayth said.

“Good. And you both remembered what I taught you, and that is what is important. You did not hesitate, you fought your hardest, and you did not give up. I am very proud of you. A couple of things you missed, however,” he said. “Mik’kenna you could have pulled back one of the Commander’s fingers. You know how it hurts when your finger is bent back too far. Ky’nayth, that is something that would have also served you well as you lunged forward, however, the momentum of thrusting your arms ahead of you was probably best for that moment.

“Keep in mind, a real kidnapper does not have orders from me not to hurt you, so you must push, pull, poke, bite, kick, everything you can.”

“I thought poke him in cheek or eye,” Mik’kenna said, “but he Uncle Commander, and I no want to.”

“I understand,” Zy’nayth said. “What else could you have done?”

“Bite ear,” she said.

“Very good. Ky’nayth?”

“I no know. I was on side most of time, Sissy was up normal. I only think to lunge. Then pull belt when Sissy got moved back up.”

“You did have the more difficult position to work. Think more about the belt. Instead of just pulling it, what else could you have done with it.”

“Oh! It has poky thing. I could take poky thing and poke in tummy.”

“Very good. Shall we try it again? This time, Commander, I would like you to hold them in different positions.”

Once again, the kids fought as best as they could, Ky’nayth momentarily making the First Commander stumble and almost lose his grip. But he hefted the boy, sending him flying over his head and caught him in a different position and held him fast. Mik’kenna, held on her side, head to Kol’non’s back couldn’t find anything to grip onto and pull. But taking inspiration from her brother’s move last time, she curled up in a ball then thrust herself, arms out, as if trying to dive to the floor. Kol’non shifted his weight and held firm.

“Time,” Zy’nayth called.

“There no way to do nothing from dis ‘sition,” Mik’kenna said with a little groan. “Nothing hold to.”

“Which is why there is no belts on our uniforms,” Zy’nayth said.

“He trew me up!” Ky’nayth said.

“A kidnapper would not hesitate to get you into a firmer grasp,” Zy’nayth said. “However, may I point out something that would assist both of you well in a situation such as this.” He spoke very formally, as if they were his own warriors from the flagship.

“Course,” Ky’nayth said.

“You were each focused on getting yourself released. Learn to work together. Mik’kenna, when Ky’nayth was being tossed in the air, that would have been the perfect time for you to lunge. At that point the First Commander would have had to make a decision, let you go or let your brother fall. One of you could have made an escape.”

“It be Sissy cause you told Uncle Commander not let us get hurt,” Ky’nayth said, “so he catch me and Sissy lunge and run.”

“Precisely.”

“But then Bubby still kidnapped,” Mik’kenna frowned.

“True. It is a difficult scenario, however, if you were able to get away, and make it to safety, you would be able to tell me who took your brother. You would have information about the ship or any small detail that might help me find him.”

“I no think of all that. I mean, I run, I not look at ship or details. I just run.”

“Which I would prefer you did,” Zy’nayth said. “In time you will begin to automatically pick up on such things. Even so, I can reach into your minds and read your memories. Even if you are not consciously taking note of your surroundings, everything you see, I can when I get into your memories.”

“Oh. Do it hurt?” Mik’kenna asked.

“It gives your mother a headache. I do not think it would hurt you because you inherited it from me. And Rayth do not go into other minds unless given permission to. There are other exceptions, but for now, I want you to understand that you are never to try and read someone’s thoughts or memories without following Raythian rules.”

“Kay. Bubby, we try when get home.”

“Yeah!”

“I will need to teach you both a few things,” Zy’nayth said. “Even then, neither of you may ever be able to read anyone’s memories. Very few Rayth have that ability.”

“We ‘herit it,” Ky’nayth nodded, “I sure.”

Victoria smiled, “I sort of believe they did. Now, you two have never seen your father fight. Not really. Just sort of playing with you two, never a full fight. Would you like to see him and Uncle First Commander fight?”

“It will be a real fight,” Zy’nayth said, “not like when I demonstrate moves with your mother. There may be blood.”

Mik’kenna shook her head. “I no want you hurted. Both of you, no hurted!”

“Do not worry, this is how we practice. Because of our self-healing abilities, it only hurts for a moment, and we do heal each other afterwards.”

“I think it will help you to see what a fully trained Rayth warrior can do,” Victoria said, “and what we hope to be able to do to defend ourselves.”

The kids decided it was for the best. Zy’nayth gave Kol’non a nod. “I will remain on defense,” he said to the twins, “so you can see how to block various attacks. First, throw everything you have at me.”

“Sir, would having another warrior in the mix help?” a Rayth from behind Victoria, who was standing in the doorway, asked.

“Warrior Commander, please, join us.”

“I am just now training my son, myself. Though he is a bit older than your children.”

“Please, Warrior Commander,” Mik’kenna said, “please, no hurted my Daddy. He just got all better.”

“Miss Mik’kenna, I don’t think anyone on this ship is capable of hurting your father in a fair fight.”

“Though they do try during practice,” Kol’non smiled and as Zy’nayth’s attention was fixed on the Warrior Commander, Kol’non let a right hook fly. Mik’kenna let out a screech then clamped her hands over her mouth as her father’s arm came up and blocked the attack.

“Watch their moves,” Zy’nayth said. “Always watch. Anticipate,” he said as each punch or kick was thrown. The Warrior Commander landed a kick to Zy’nayth’s chest as he turned to face Kol’non who was attempting to kick him in his side. Zy’nayth fell back hard but rolled in a somersault backwards and came up, further away, ready for the next attack. “Good move,” he nodded to the Warrior.

“Thank you, sir,” he replied and, dove, rolled and spun, his legs intending on knocking Zy’nayth’s out from under him. Zy’nayth jumped, flipped, grabbing Kol’non’s right arm as he came to a landing, spinning the First Commander into the Warrior Commander.

“Dat cool!” Ky’nayth said.

After several minutes, Zy’nayth told his colleagues that he was going on the offensive. The men prepared themselves, but as Victoria had seen so many times before, they were easily subdued by her husband.

Mik’kenna clapped then ran over and knelt by the two felled men. “Here, I help,” she said taking the Warrior Commander’s hand.

“Thank you,” he said, chuckling to himself about her attempt to help him to his feet.

“Is you hurted? Daddy, heal you. Uncle First Commander, you ‘kay?”

“I’m fine, honey,” he said. “I’m used to this.”

Zy’nayth made sure both men were injury free and thanked them for their assistance, then he and his family returned to the High Chancellor’s estate.

“Why no island?” Mik’kenna asked.

“We still need to do a little repair work,” Zy’nayth said. “I also need to make it safer for you and Mommy when I am not able to be there.”

“Can you guys go and take your baths and put on your jammies while I fix dinner?” Victoria asked. “And, take special care of your uniforms. Put them on hangers, please.”

“Jammies? It early!”

“It is, but I think after today’s lesson, you’re going to want to go to bed early.”

“We has take puppies for walk first,” Ky’nayth said.

Zy’nayth nodded. “Let us take of that, then do as your mother says.”

March 25, 2120

“Di’vash isn’t giving up his brother,” Kol’non said as he met with Zy’nayth and Ny’van. It was the last week in March and after a month and a half of interrogating the prisoners, they were no further along in their questioning than when they started. After consulting with Ny’van and the High Council, Zy’nayth stayed out of the interrogations. It was one thing for him, as Supreme Commander, to question prisoners, quite another as High Chancellor. Though technically still the Supreme Commander, he wished to project more of a balanced image. But now, he was past being frustrated. He was used to getting results and he wasn’t getting them.

“We’re going through the communications database of ship we captured, so far no good leads. We have been following up on everything and we’re still working on trying to recover the cruiser’s computer system, it was pretty badly damaged in the crash,” Kol’non continued. “We’ve managed to get a few things off of it, but again, nothing promising. And so far, there’s nothing that we haven’t already gotten from their main ship.”

Zy’nayth paced his office. “Any link with the Elgolians?”

“No. And none with the Gyhan rebellion. Nor any link with Jason McGuire. Di’vash and Ca’vak seemed to be acting on their own with their own group of rebels.” Kol’non was pacing as well. “What I don’t understand was why kidnap you knowing you’d probably break free? They know you. But then, why say they didn’t want to kill you, yet they overdosed you with that altered serum, then fired on the cruiser you escaped in? Why do that if they didn’t want to kill you? None of this makes sense.”

“Perhaps I should attempt to talk to Di’vash myself,” Zy’nayth said.

Kol’non shook his head. “You’ve been advised against it. I also don’t think you should go near him.”

“Why?”

“I can’t really explain it, but I think he wants you to. I think he’s expecting you to.”

“What harm would it do?” Ny’van asked. “If there’s some sort of plot, they had him in their grasp and could have killed him then and there. So what could Di’vash possibly be stirring up from inside a prison cell?”

“Like I said, none of this makes sense. The serum dose, adding in the Gyhan virus which wouldn’t do any harm to him, saying they wanted the twins, not outright killing them, then shooting them out of the sky. It’s all too illogical. It’s like they’re just toying with us.”

“What about John?” Zy’nayth asked.

“John?” Kol’non asked. “You think John’s involved with this?”

“No. Sorry. I am still considering the interrogation,” Zy’nayth continued. “If these Rayth are somehow involved with the sabotage of Terra 2, and if they were able to get the serum formula from the city, perhaps sending the colonel in to question the prisoners could be used to our advantage.”

“What about Major Kessler?” Kol’non countered. “He’s already established himself among the Elgolians as being a bit upset with the status quo on Terra 2? We might get a lead on two fronts if he goes in.”

Ny’van interjected, “You would not send in, and I mean no offence against either the colonel or major, but you would not send in a secondary unit to interrogate someone about the kidnapping of the High Chancellor. And the High Chancellor would not rely on humans to interrogate Rayth. We’re getting by with you doing the interrogation due to the Chancellor’s wish to shed the tyrant image his brother held in this position. But to send in a human, even someone such as Col. Hagen, wouldn’t help us in any way.”

Zy’nayth ran his fingers through his scraggly white hair and sat down in his chair. “For a group we consider incompetent, we are at a loss to figure out what they are up to.” He let out a long sigh, “First, have you had someone check Ca’vak’s records on file here? Where his home was, family members, other information that we can follow up on.”

“One of the first things I had the Vice Chancellor pull for me. Both Ca’vak’s and Di’vash’s information.” He stopped and tilted his head, “As a matter of fact both disappeared from the records within a couple of months of each other, and that, just over a year ago. Which begs the question, why didn’t they go off of the radar, so to speak, when you became High Chancellor? Why wait until recently? They could have disappeared right after Koh’vash died.”

“Perhaps they were part of the Gyhan rebellion,” Ny’van suggested, “and thought they didn’t need to go underground. Once we disrupted that rebellion, they kept up appearances so that if you were ousted as High Chancellor, they could claim leadership.”

“Possible,” Zy’nayth said, “but on the other hand, if they want leadership, why not just kill me when they had the chance?”

“More questions,” Ny’van sighed.

“Well, there is the fact that the High Chancellor is very popular with the public. To kill him and try to take his position would be a bad move on their part,” Kol’non said. “The public would fight them. They’d probably be assassinated. They wouldn’t go after Koh’vash because he’d been in power for so long and had extensive security, something I doubt either of them had. If anything, the public’s hatred of their parents would work against Di’vash and Ca’vak, especially if they did anything to their legendary warrior,” he nodded to Zy’nayth.

“Yet they did try to kill him with an overdose of the serum,” Ny’van said.

“Ja’val and Becket would be blamed. It was their serum,” Kol’non said. “The public would just think that the serum didn’t work and that it did the damage, not Koh’vash’s sons.”

“So what’s their motivation?” Ny’van asked.

Kol’non stopped his pacing, “The kids. If they got the kids and raised them…perhaps even brainwashed them…”

“Future leaders, descendants of the beloved High Chancellor, but under their control,” Ny’van finished.

“And keeping them away from me, under constant threat,” Zy’nayth said, “I would do whatever it took to keep my children safe. But they could not carry this out with the few people we have caught. There were not many men on that ship. Ca’vak must have more people with more power with him.”

“This is a good supposition,” Ny’van said, “but why try to destroy the cruiser when he escaped? If they destroyed the cruiser, we’d be able to prove that, eventually, so they couldn’t lay claim to the leadership due to the public dislike of the family. They couldn’t get to the twins because of your orders to have them taken someplace safe if anything happens to you. They’d have no bargaining chips and no backup plan. We’re back to square one.”

“Perhaps,” Kol’non said, “but I still favor the idea that they’re after the kids. And the crash could have been made to look like an accident and might stall our investigation long enough for them to find the kids and take control of things.”

“I agree, there are more options open to them had I died in that crash,” Zy’nayth said, “but the public would not necessarily welcome them as rulers. Vice and the Council would step in and stop them. And as you said earlier, there would most likely be an assassination attempt.”

“They could push for your children to take leadership,” Kol’non said, “and rule by proxy.”

“Not to sit here and poke holes in everything,” Ny’van said, “but they could have done that by killing him outright.”

“In which case, they’d have to get rid of Victoria as well, and by extension, the two of us, First Science, and the command staff of Terra 2. We’d all rally around and protect those kids. Di’vash and Ca’vak would need serious resources if they attempted that.”

Zy’nayth sighed and raised a hand to stop Ny’van’s rebuttal. “This is only going in circles. Vice Chancellor, I am going to have a perimeter put up around my island home. I also want everyone entering this estate to have been thoroughly screened before stepping foot on the grounds.”

“Sir, even with these measures in place,” Kol’non said, “we should look at keeping your wife and children on the move.”

“I agree,” Ny’van said, “and if you’ll excuse me, there is something that I need to tend to immediately. Forgive me,” he said and bowed formally to Zy’nayth then left.

“Earth?” Zy’nayth asked Kol’non in regards to keeping Victoria and the twins on the move.

“Yes, and the flagship.”

“The flagship for short stays, perhaps. Remember, I do have two dogs that will need tending to.”

“Given the sabotage on Terra 2, you will want to limit their time there as well,” Kol’non said. “We don’t have the infrastructure there to look for rebels. Of course, I could arrange for the Second or myself to be with Victoria and the kids when you have to tend to duties.”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “No. I need you focused on Ca’vak and Di’vash. And we still need to help the Expedition figure out who is supplying the Elgolians with technology. Not to mention finding out who is behind the sabotage. I will see to the safety of my family, though I may call on you from time to time.”

They finished their discussion then Zy’nayth walked up to his private floor to have lunch with his family.

He walked into the kitchen where Victoria was checking her sauce. “Mmm, perfect. You’re early. Just another ten minutes,” she said then kissed him. “Kids are in their room. They should be working on their vocabulary words.”

“I have a meeting in two hours,” he said, “and probably will not be back until late tonight. Keep your comlink on at all times and keep the children near you.”

“Have been since we returned. Why the reminder? Are we in danger?” she asked.

“I hope not, but a new line of thought came up. If there is danger, Kol’non will teleport you and the children directly to the flagship.”

“Okay,” she said. “Can you set the table please?”

***

“I don’t want to feel like a prisoner in my own house,” Victoria said later that night as the couple settled in bed.

“I know. I am doing my best so that it will not come to that. But can you see why it is important that I put these measures into place?

“Yes. And I’m all for it.”

“Right now, there are only two spots that I consider completely safe for you and the children. Earth and my flagship.”

“Terra 2 is still safe,” Victoria said, “John, Kaven…the entire Alpha Team will watch over us.”

“Yes, but it is not their job, and we still have not uncovered the saboteur. I will split our time between Terra 2, this estate, and our island home. Earth will also be in the mix.”

“What about Ja’val’s lab?”

Zy’nayth nodded, “I think that would work. The dogs would have to stay with David or one of the others. If you are on the flagship or in Ja’val’s lab, those are not good places for the dogs to be.”

Victoria sighed and rested her head on his chest, “I want this to be over.”

There was a quiet knock on the door. “Mommy? Daddy?” came Mik’kenna’s voice.

“Come in,” Zy’nayth said as he sat up.

The little girl walked in with Celeste following her. “I no sleep,” she said. “I close eyes but no sleep. No feel right.”

“Do you have a headache? Is your tummy upset?” Victoria asked as she got out of the bed and knelt by her daughter.

“No. I fine. Place no feel right. Not home.”

“You’ve slept here before,” Victoria said, “I know we don’t stay here often, but this is one of our homes.”

“It no feel right. Can I sweep wif you?”

“Me too,” came Ky’nayth’s little voice from the doorway. “Feel weird here.”

“Zy, do you sense anything?” Victoria asked. The kids were scared of something, and knowing them, they’d inherited their father’s “gut feelings” when bad things were about to happen.

“No,” he replied and motioned for the children to join them in the bed. “Perhaps we should switch their room with your bedroom,” he said speaking of the adjacent room that was sometimes used as the mate’s boudoir. “Do you two think that would help instead of being down the hall?”

“Ess,” Ky’nayth said. “I scared. I no know why. Just happen.”

“Can Suhwest and Baxter come up?” Mik’kenna asked looking down at the puppies from the high bed.

Victoria went into the adjacent bedroom and got a little tapestry-covered stepstool. She set it at the foot of the bed. “Okay, there you go,” she said to the dogs. She climbed in on the other side of the bed as the dogs jumped up on the stool then onto the bed. They each curled up, closed their eyes and seemed to fall right to sleep. The twins just got settled in between their parents when Baxter suddenly stood up, faced the door, teeth bared, and started growling. Celeste was up, beside her brother, doing the same.

Zy’nayth quickly got up and went over to the door, and waited beside it, listening intently. Then he went back to the bed, pulling a dog into each arm as he whispered to the others to stand beside him. He handed Celeste to Victoria then tapped his comlink, “Fly,” he said. A code to the flagship that they were to teleport him and those around him immediately to the bridge of the flagship. It also meant that those on the bridge would be ready to capture anyone who shouldn’t be there.

The family disappeared from the High Chancellor’s estate, and in an instant, appeared on the bridge of the Raythian flagship.

“Sir, are you okay?” the Second Commander asked.

“Yes,” he said, “scan the palace. Anyone not on the Council, teleport them directly to the brig.” He led his family to their private chambers and changed into a uniform. “Go ahead and go to sleep. It may be late when I return.”

Victoria wanted to ask a thousand questions, but nodded instead.

Zy’nayth looked at the dogs, “Good dogs,” he said, “Very proud of you.” He kissed his wife and children. “Do not worry. I am glad you could not sleep. I love you very much.”

“Be careful, Daddy,” Mik’kenna said.

“I will sweetheart.”

“We pray!” Ky’nayth said.

“Thank you,” he replied then headed back to the bridge where Kol’non had just arrived. The Second Commander contacted him the minute Zy’nayth and his family were safely aboard the ship.

“What was it?” Kol’non asked.

“Intruders. They were headed towards the children’s room. Second, find anyone?”

“Several, but we’re unable to lock on them to teleport.”

“Personal shields?” Kol’non asked, going over to a console.

“I am going down,” Zy’nayth said. “First, try to break that code to their shields; call Science if needed. Second, you are with me.”

“Yes, sir,” the Second Commander said and was teleported to the High Chancellor’s personal chambers on his estate.

March 26, 2120

By the time Zy’nayth returned to his chambers on the flagship, his family was sound asleep. The kids were in the bed with Victoria, not in their own rooms. The dogs woke when he entered and ran up to greet him.

Victoria had felt the dogs jump off of the bed and reached over to caress her husband’s cheek when he settled into the bed. “Glad you’re okay,” she whispered.

“As am I. Go back to sleep.”

After a quick glance at the clock, she fell right back to sleep. Instead of getting up at 5:00 as she often did, she waited another hour, hoping for two, but the dogs needed to go out.

Zy’nayth got out of the bed and stretched. “I will take them,” he said, “stay here. Sleep.”

“Don’t be long,” she whispered.

He nodded and yawned then he threw on his long jacket, “Second, teleport me and the dogs to my island home please.”

A moment later they were gone. Victoria snuggled back under the blankets and waited. A few minutes later, Celeste and Baxter were leaping up onto the bed after appearing by the door. They walked in circles a few times then curled up, nice and comfy.

“They are getting too used to sleeping on our bed,” Zy’nayth said as he threw his jacket across a chair. He slid in, closed his eyes and was fast asleep.

Victoria managed another hour and of sleep then got up. She dressed then reluctantly woke her husband. “Sorry,” she whispered, “no food up here. I can go to the estate or bridge to Terra 2. Not sure what you want me to do, though.”

“Estate,” he said groggily, then slowly got out of the bed.

“I’m sorry. I know you wanted to sleep.”

He waved off her remark, “I have a lot to do. I need to be up anyway.” He leaned over and kissed Ky’nayth’s forehead, “Time to get up.” Then he did the same to Mik’kenna.

“Daddy, what happen?” Ky’nayth asked as he rubbed his eyes.

“Just some bad people trying to get into our house. We caught them.”

“Can we has paycakes?” Mik’kenna asked. “Wif strawberries?”

“Not this morning, honey,” Victoria said, “But when we get back to Terra 2, I’ll make them.”

Mik’kenna lifted up her arms towards her father. “Bad guys no hurted you did dey?”

“No, sweetheart.”

She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Kay.” She rested her head on his broad shoulder and fell back to sleep.

Victoria chuckled. “I guess we’ll just teleport them down as is. I felt them moving around last night and quietly praying for you.”

Once back at the estate, Victoria went to fix breakfast. “So what happened last night?” she asked her husband.

“The dogs heard the intruders. They were headed to the children’s room. I heard them whisper about who would carry whom.”

“Carry the kids? So they were sent to kidnap them?”

“Yes.”

Victoria sat, nearly collapsed, at the kitchen table and ran her fingers through her hair. “Thank God Mik’kenna couldn’t sleep.”

“Indeed.”

“You caught them all?”

“All that were on the estate, yes.”

“Di’vash and Ca’vak’s men?”

“I believe so.”

“How’d they get in?”

“Chances are they were here most of the day. The new security measures will not go into place until tomorrow. They probably came in on other business.”

“Probably?”

“We are looking into it.”

Victoria let out another long sigh and stood. “They’re getting far too close to my babies.”

“Yes they are. But they will never get to them.”

“Maybe we should stay at my house on Earth. Limited access, and very few know about it.”

“I am considering it. I want to see what Kol’non finds out from those we captured last night.”

“Do you think they’ll give up Ca’vak’s location?”

“I hope they do. If not, they may provide us with how many there are in this little gang of theirs.” He looked at his wife was again making their breakfast. “Victoria, there is an opportunity. I need…we need to pray about it. We could use the children as bait to lure them out into the open.”

Victoria stopped and turned to him, “If we go this route, you better make sure you have every possible scenario planned out and every possible security measure in place.”

“You know I would. You would not object?”

She sighed and turned back to the cooking. “I don’t like the idea. I don’t want my kids in harm’s way. You had better have the best security in place. Everything. The entire army. I don’t want to do this, but if you think it’s the only way…”

“I will contact Kol’non and John after breakfast. I want our family praying about it. They may also have alternate ideas.”

She stopped her cooking and went over to him. She gave him a hug and a kiss. “We’d better be completely positive before we do this. Completely, one hundred percent. I really, really want all of these conspiracies, threats, horrible things to stop. I want us to enjoy our lives without having to look over our shoulders.”

“So would I. This is all I have ever known.”

She gave him another tender kiss, “I know and I’m so sorry about that. You know, if you weren’t so strong and smart and such a great leader, you wouldn’t have to live like this.”

He gave her a warm smile. “I should have kept that in mind ten thousand years ago.”

Victoria went back to her stove and soon the kids and the dogs walked in. “What we having?” Ky’nayth asked as he climbed up into his chair.

“Scrambled eggs and ham.”

“I want taytoes with mine,” Mik’kenna said getting up on her chair.

“You want potatoes with everything,” Zy’nayth winked at her.

“Taytoes good,” she nodded.

***

“I am not yet planning anything,” Zy’nayth told John after breakfast over a video call, “I wish for you and our family to pray about this. I do not want to put my children in this type of danger, but I believe it could be done without them being harmed in any way. I just need to make sure that it is what I should do.”

“Gotcha,” John said. “I’ll get everyone on their knees. Victoria holding up okay?”

“Yes. Unnerved of course, but she is handling it well.”

“Anything we can do on this end?”

“Keep working on any leads connecting Jason with my nephews.”

“We’re trying. Whoever this saboteur is, they’ve covered their tracks pretty well.”

“Indeed. Ja’val and Kol’non are usually quite good and uncovering things like this, but both are stumped.”

“Yeah. That bothers me. We’ll figure it out, though. So when are you headed back this way?”

“I had intended on staying here another week, but given what happened last night, I am not sure. I may send Victoria and the children back tomorrow.”

“Might be for the best. I’m heading off-world tomorrow, but Chris, Kaven, and Be’atta will be here to watch over them.”

Zy’nayth thanked him then the call was ended. Victoria walked into the study just as Zy’nayth was making sure he had what he needed for the day. “We’re all bathed and dressed,” she said. “What’s the plan for the day?”

“I am meeting with the High Council in ten minutes. Go on about your normal day. Kol’non is sending down two men to guard the chambers. Keep all doors open so that they can keep an eye on you.”

“Will you be in the meeting all day?”

“Different meetings, but yes. I will be back for lunch; noon.”

“Okay. And I have my comlink on,” she said pushing her hair behind her ear.

“I talked with John and told him that I may send you and the children back to Terra 2.”

Victoria nodded. “We can head back now if you think it’s best.”

“I wish to talk to the High Council first. I am going to push for the use of telepathic interrogation on the intruders. If the Council agrees, we may be able to put this to an end more quickly and without using the idea I had. However, if you would feel safer on Terra 2, you may return.”

“I feel safer with you around,” she smiled. “I’ll wait until lunch. We’ll have the guards and you’re just downstairs.”

“If you change your mind, go ahead and go.”

“Okay,” she said then kissed him. “I’ll be praying they let you use telepathy.”

Ky’nayth came running into the room. “Mommy, Baxter and Suhwest no eat food. They growl at it. We try to make them eat but they no want.”

Victoria looked at her husband. “Poisoned?”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “First, I have an odd request.” He heard Kol’non chuckle. “The dogs’ food might be poisoned. Could you have someone check it out? I have to get to a meeting.”

“Will do.”

“Thank you.”

“Ky, bring the puppies to the kitchen, I’ll get them a plate of food,” Victoria said.

“No,” Zy’nayth said as he headed to the door, “you are going to Terra 2. They could not have had time to poison the food last night, not between when the dogs sensed them and we apprehended them. I am not going to trust anything. Did you catch that, First?”

“Yes, sir. Want me to take the flagship to Terra 2?”

“Not yet.”

“Understood.”

Zy’nayth and Victoria rounded up the kids and the dogs and then he made sure they were safely bridged to Terra 2 before he went to talk to the meeting.

The Alpha Team was just gathering in the conference room when the family appeared in the control room. “Hey, so he decided to send you?” John asked when he saw them step across the bridge.

“Yeah. I feel safer already.”

“They twy to poison puppies,” Mik’kenna said, and knelt to hug Celeste as tears welled up in her eyes. “Poor puppies. But they too smart. They know food poisoned. They so smart. I lub dem so much.”

“What?” Chris asked.

“Poison not confirmed,” Victoria said. “But yeah, we think they did. He said they wouldn’t have had time to do it last night. I put the food out first thing this morning. Oh no!” She tapped her comlink, “First Commander?”

“Yes, Victoria?” Kol’non replied.

“There’s a bag of dog food in the kitchen, to the right as you enter. If they didn’t have time to poison them last night, maybe…”

“Understood. Are you safely on Terra 2?”

“We are. Thanks.”

“I’ll let you know what we find.”

Victoria looked at John, “If I’m right, they got to the food at some point after dinner and before we heard them. Okay, I need to get dogs fed. Do you need me to come to this meeting?”

“No need. Your husband filled me in. Go and try to enjoy your day. Ky, Kenna, sorry, I didn’t say hello to you.”

“It’s ‘kay,” Mik’kenna said, “need find puppy poisoner. No want puppies hurted.”

“We’ll find them.”

Victoria and the kids went to their chambers. Both kids ran to the kitchen to get their dogs some food. She followed them and checked what she had in the fridge. “Well, I think we need to get to the mess and get some groceries.”

“We ‘tay and watch puppies,” Ky’nayth said.

“No honey. Your father wouldn’t want me to leave you alone.”

“But we no leave puppies alone,” Mik’kenna said, “and puppies no go to the mess. Uncle Vince no like that.”

“I know, sweetie.”

“I no leaving puppies,” she said sternly with her arms folded across her chest.

“They will be fine for a few minutes.”

Mik’kenna shook her head then started to cry. “I no leave Suhwest and Baxter. Please, Mommy.”

Victoria sighed and knelt down, “Okay, honey. We’ll stay here. I’ll see if Uncle David or someone can run an errand for me.”

“I tell dem to,” the little girl said as she hugged her mother.

“It’s better to ask, not tell. Come here, Ky, I need a hug from you too.”

“Tank you for no leaving puppies,” he said.

After giving them both kisses she made out a list of things she’d need for lunch and dinner. Then she used her comlink to see if David was available.

“I didn’t know you guys were back,” he said, “what can I do for you?”

“We had a bit of an incident last night and another this morning. I can’t leave the kids alone and I can’t take the dogs to pick up groceries, so if you have a few minutes, I’d appreciate it if you could either sit with the kids or run to the mess for me.”

“I’ll be free in about ten, fifteen minutes.”

“Great. Thank you so much, David.” She clicked off her comlink and smiled at her kids, “Uncle David will be by in a few minutes.”

“I hope he bring Montie,” Ky’nayth said.

She made up a pitcher of homemade lemonade then they all went to the living area where the kids went over their studies. They were told by their father that he wanted them to learn two or three new words in Raythian, English, and Mythican each day. Victoria learned along with them. Their Raythian was as good as hers, if not better, so she started expanding her own vocabulary to keep up with them. She didn’t know any Mythican, so she was learning words, grammar, and everything from the ground up with them. It made their learning time much more fun for them when they got to quiz Mommy and Mommy messed up.

When David arrived, he had Montana with him, much to the delight of the twins. Victoria smiled, “They were hoping Montie would come. You want to stay with them and I’ll hit the mess or vice versa?”

“I’ll stay here, if you don’t mind. That way if you see something else you need, you can pick it up.”

She went over to the desk and pulled out her credit chip. “Thanks again, David. If you have time, when I get back, I can explain things. The kids should be working on their spelling,” she said looking at the two white-haired kids. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. And don’t let anyone in that you don’t know.”

“Not something I’m in the habit of doing.”

“David, Zy doesn’t trust anyone right now. It’s just been a bad night.” Suddenly she began shaking. “It’s…”

“Victoria…I can go get the food, give me the list and go sit down.”

Victoria waved off his remark. “I’ll be fine. It’ll keep my mind occupied.”

“We’ll talk when you get back.”

“Thanks,” she said then went to get the food. She was quick and was back at the chambers twenty minutes later with three big bags in hand.

“Chicken fajitas for lunch,” she said as David helped her put the food away, “and burgers for dinner. Quick and easy. I nearly forgot half of the ingredients she said, I’m glad I took a list.”

“Sit down and tell me what happened.”

She sat on one of the kitchen chairs and began explaining how Mik’kenna walked into the bedroom, unable to sleep, then everything that progressed from there. “And that’s how we ended up back here.”

“In the palace? They not only got into the palace, but his personal apartment? I bet he’s fit to be tied.”

“He is. He is not happy at all.”

“Listen, I don’t have to head back out to the explosion site today. I was just going over a few things for the hundredth time. Why don’t I hang out here until Zy returns for lunch?”

“I’d appreciate it. I was doing okay…then it just sort of hit me.”

“Totally understandable. Anything I can do?”

“Just having you here to talk to has been a big help. And stay for lunch. Well, if you like fajitas. I could switch it up and have the burgers for lunch instead.”

“Fajitas are good.”

“John or Chris would have probably covered this with you after their meeting, but since you’re here…Zy and I need you to pray. There’s something he wants to do, that he thinks will bring these kidnappers out into the open. Neither of us want to do it, but he might if the High Council won’t let him use telepathy on the intruders. Anyway, could you just pray that we’d know if we’re to do this?”

“I can. May I know what it is?”

“Oh, sorry…” she sighed, “I’m also sleepy and not thinking.” She got up and looked in the living room. The kids were happily engaged in playing with the dogs. A short break before they returned to their studies. She turned back and sat down as she told him about Zy’nayth’s idea.

“Yeah, that’s going to require a lot of prayer,” David said.

“He’d have them well-protected. But it still scares me. They’re still babies. Two and half. They’re babies. They shouldn’t…”

“I’m sure your husband will only use this course of action if there’s no other choice, and I seriously doubt if he’d go through with it. From the sounds of it, he was tired from lack of sleep last night, and desperate because they’re getting too close. He’ll find another way.”

“I hope so.” She put her head in her hands, “Those…creeps…not only went after my kids, they went after the dogs. What kind of messed up…”

“Mommy,” Mik’kenna said running into the kitchen, “more lemmy ade please?”

“How about a glass of ice water? It’s almost lunch time, you can have more lemonade then.”

“Kay. Need some for Bubby too,” she said as she handed her mother the two glasses.

“Did you get any sleep last night?” David asked after Mik’kenna left.

“Some. We stayed on the flagship, Zy didn’t come up until after 4:00 this morning.”

“Why don’t you go take a nap? I can wake you when it’s time to start lunch.”

“I’ll be fine, I’ll take a nap this afternoon. The kids will need one too.”

This time Ky’nayth came into the kitchen, “Puppies need walked.”

David stood, “I can take them. You guys go and take a nap.”

“Mommy, puppies be safe? Maybe we go. Sissy and I no want to leave them.”

“I think they’ll be safe with Uncle David,” she replied. “And I think he’s right. We didn’t sleep much last night. Let’s go take a little nap.” She looked at David, “Thank you.”

Mik’kenna ran over and hugged Celeste, Baxter, and Montana. “You be careful. I lub you,” she told them. Ky’nayth did the same thing, giving Baxter an extra hug.

While David took the dogs for a walk, Victoria curled up on her bed. A moment later, the kids were both asking to nap with her. They didn’t want to be in their own room. Despite being worried about their dogs, the kids fell right to sleep.

It felt as if she had just closed her eyes when David gently nudged her. “Time to start lunch,” he said softly, not wanting to wake the kids. She nodded and yawned as she made her way out of the bed.

“Sorry I haven’t been much company,” Victoria said, “I asked for one little favor, and you’ve given up your entire morning.”

“For a free lunch,” David smiled. “I’m here to help in any way I can, and if that’s just watching over the dogs, that’s fine with me.”

“Well, I appreciate it. And I’m so thankful you were here to listen to me.”

“We’re family. I’m here for you.”

They talked as they fixed lunch, then Zy’nayth came walking into the kitchen. “I thought that was Montana playing with Baxter and Celeste,” he said and shook David’s hand.

“I needed to get groceries and the kids didn’t want the dogs left alone, so I asked David to help out.”

“Where are the children?”

“In our room, sleeping. Go ahead and get them up. This will be ready in a couple minutes.”

“Did you get a little more sleep?” he asked.

“A little. You could probably use more.”

“Much to do,” he smiled then kissed her cheek. “Lunch smells wonderful.”

The kids were happy to see their father and smothered him with hugs and kisses before going to clean up for lunch. David prayed over the meal, thanking God for the safety of the family and the dogs.

“Mommy,” Ky’nayth said examining the tortilla shell and its filling, “what dis? Not taco.”

“It’s called a fajita. You like everything in it.”

Mik’kenna had already managed to grasp hers in her little hands and take a bite out of it. She had taken two or three bites before Ky’nayth dared to try his.

“I think Mik’kenna likes them,” David said, “do you, Ky’nayth?”

The boy nodded as he took another bite.

Mik’kenna set hers back on her plate and reached for her glass of milk. The kids didn’t even realize that they weren’t served lemonade. After her drink, she looked at her mother, “These really good.”

“Thank you. Uncle David helped make them.”

Mik’kenna looked at him, “Tank you, Uncle David.”

“All I did was chop some vegetables. But I’m glad you like them.”

“So, how did it go with the High Council?” Victoria asked her husband.

“It was a lively discussion,” Zy’nayth said, “they are discussing the matter over lunch. I should have an answer when I return.”

“Did Kol’non contact you?”

“No. Did he find anything out?”

“I haven’t heard. But I did remember something after we got here about the food. He sent someone to get the bag.”

“Maybe Uncle Ja’val need to help find poison,” Ky’nayth said. “He good at stuff like dat.”

“Uncle Kol’non probably has him working on it, but I will ask,” Zy’nayth said.

“Gotta find guys who tried to hurted puppies. Very ‘portant,” Mik’kenna stated then shoved the last bite of her fajita into her mouth.

“Yes it is,” Zy’nayth said, “I promise you that I will do all I can to find them.”

“John and the Alpha Team were just gathering to meet when we bridged in,” Victoria said, “but I haven’t heard from them yet.”

“I simply asked them to pray for us. Though I am sure they are preparing security measures.”

“Do you think we’ll need them here on Terra 2?”

“I hope not. But we still have a lot of questions regarding the sabotage and the Elgolians. We do not know if they are related to Di’vash and Ca’vak in any way.”

“Mommy, more taco please, and more milk,” Mik’kenna said.

“Me too,” Ky’nayth said. “Most done with taco.”

“They are fajitas,” Zy’nayth corrected them, “I know you can pronounce that.”

Both kids said the proper word as Victoria fixed them each another serving.

“If the High Council does not allow telepathy,” he continued, “I believe I will want you to go to Earth.”

“Will you need us to go?” David asked. “I’m sure we could rotate days or something. My schedule is probably freer than anyone else’s. I’d be happy to join them.”

“I hope I do not have to send them away, but if I do, I would appreciate it if some of our family could be with them. Not just for security, but to keep them company when I am not there. Or even if I am. I am sure they get quite bored when it is just the four of us.”

“Will there still be snow?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Hmm, it’s almost April, so maybe,” Victoria replied. “On the other hand, it should be warm enough for us to set up the agility course for the dogs.”

The door chimed and David went to answer it so the family could continue eating. “Hey Dad,” Chris said as he and Alessa entered the chambers. “Kitchen? I smell goodies.”

“Yes,” David said and let Alessa go first.

“Hey guys,” Chris said as he entered, “not gonna interrupt your lunch. Ooh, fajitas?”

Victoria nodded, “Help yourself, we have plenty.”

“Don’t mind if I do. Honey, you want one?” Chris asked his wife.

“No thank you, we just ate and I’m still rather stuffed.”

“Anyway, during our meeting we decided that whatever help you need, we’re here. Vince will adjust schedules if need be…in case you want to go to Earth.”

“I will make that decision this afternoon,” Zy’nayth said, “thank you for the offer.”

“These are fantastic,” Chris said then held his fajita for his wife to take a bite. Alessa complied and agreed that they were good.

“Kids, how are you two doing?” Chris asked.

“Kay,” Ky’nayth said. “Worry ‘bout puppies. No want them to get hurted.”

“I hate to be rude, but I was up all night with the baby kicking, so I’m going home to take a nap. Chris, stay out of trouble,” Alessa said and kissed his cheek.

“You sure you don’t want me to hang around in case…”

“Chris, I just want to sleep. You’ll be bored. Stay here and be the armed guard. I love you,” she kissed him again then left.

Zy’nayth liked the idea of having an armed guard and said he was welcome to stay. Victoria told him to help himself to another fajita which he did.

“I thought of something when Victoria was mentioning the dog food,” David said. “Have you considered that there might be someone on the inside either helping these guys or behind everything?”

“Though I have differences with the High Council, I sense no deception from them and we have been working together quite well as of late. I do not think it would be any of them. As for guards and others who work in the palace, they have all been thoroughly checked out. But I have instructed Ny’van and Kol’non to reinvestigate everyone.”

David wiped the sour cream from his mouth then sighed. “I was thinking about the Vice Chancellor.”

“Ny’van has been a close friend for ten thousand years. I do not question his loyalty to me.”

“I meant no disrespect to either you or him, but maybe you should take a closer look.”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “He is closer to me than my own brother was. I cannot even consider…”

“That may be why the intruders were able to get so close in an area so well protected,” David said.

Victoria reached over and put her hand on her husband’s. “He’s just trying to help. You would be the first to say that you should always check everyone out—even those closest to you.”

“He…” Zy’nayth stopped. He was not upset with David, he was upset with the idea that his closest friend might do something like this. “I will talk to him. Pray for me. I do not wish him to be involved in any way.”

“We will,” Victoria said.

“Let’s start now,” David said, “may I?”