E:A Vol 5 Ch 3—May 26, 2120

May 26, 2120

Ny’van was at Zy’nayth’s island home helping him with the two speeches he was going to make the following week. Breakfast had been served and while Victoria and the twins were cleaning up, the two men went into Zy’nayth’s study.

“What did Ja’val find?” Ny’van asked.

“The drone was to wait until there had been no movement for four hours. Then it was to fly to the shuttle area and detonate,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Then there are yet more rebels out there?”

“So it would seem.” Zy’nayth sat back in his large, comfortable leather chair and let out a sigh. “Ja’val is good at interrogation, but if Di’vash and Ca’vak have been trained in blocking telepathic probes, he might not get through to pull any information out about the remaining rebels.”

“The High Council won’t want you to telepathically interrogate them. You know that. And it’s best if you don’t. At least wait until the serum distribution has begun.”

“If I wait, people may die.”

“If you don’t wait, our people may think you are taking the humans’ side of things, not the Raythian. They may think that you were, in fact, trying to destroy your brother’s family. Let Ja’val do his work. Perhaps we can change things up with how the two men are handled. Comfortable quarters, and such. If they relax a little, if their minds are capable of blocking a probe, we might catch them unaware.”

Zy’nayth let out a sigh. “I would rather be Supreme Commander. This would have been dealt with long ago. I do not like sitting and doing nothing when I know I can get the answers I seek. I do not like playing politics.”

Ny’van laughed, “I know you don’t. We can discuss matters with the Council tomorrow. Let’s look at other options. Right now, we have to finish these two speeches. You have a very busy week next week.”

***

The assistant opened the door and walked into the Leader’s office. “Sir, we have a visitor.”

“A visitor? Here? How’d he get through security? Don’t we have guards? What do you mean bringing him to me? Dispose of him.”

“Sir, he says he can help us build the ships we need and supply the fuel.”

“A traitor of the Empire?”

“No, sir. An Alandrovian.”

“Alandrovian? Never heard of them.”

“Nor have I, but he brought some interesting trinkets, and he did find us despite the fact that we’re completely shielded.”

“They have a ship in orbit?”

“None that we can detect.”

The Leader stood and paced the office in the underground facility. Of all of the technology he had been able to steal, most was used to keep this location secret. Not even Di’vash and Ca’vak knew of it since he knew Zy’nayth would eventually telepathically interrogate them. The less they knew, the better.

“How’d they find us?”

“Might be best to ask him, sir.”

The Leader straightened his jacket then motioned to his assistant, “Send him in.”

The newcomer, nearly as tall and as muscular as Zy’nayth walked in and gave the Leader a bow. “I am Captain Algo of the Alandrovian Army. And you are?”

“You may call me Leader. Have a seat and tell me how you found us.”

“We have a common enemy, you and I. One you refer to as the High Chancellor.”

“I refer to him as the Supreme Commander. He stole the chancellorship and is undeserving of the title,” the Leader said.

“Forgive me. In any case, he’s our enemy and we monitor him very closely. We also monitor his enemies closely. We know about planting Di’vash and Ca’vak in the Empire’s custody in order to gain warships. We know you are out of building materials and energy ore. We also know that you are planning to attack a planet called Earth in another galaxy.”

“So one of my men has betrayed me and given you this information?”

“No. We simply have the technology to monitor communications,” Algo said. “Leader, if I may be so bold, I can offer you three ships. Ships that we believe capable of withstanding anything the Supreme Commander can throw at them. I can also offer you energy for your current engines.”

“I need more than three ships.”

“As I stated, these can withstand anything in the Raythian fleet. Our shield technology is far more advanced than yours. We also have some interesting weapons. If you would like to go top-side, I could demonstrate one of them.”

The Leader was intrigued and so the two men, along with the Leader’s assistant, made their wait to the planet’s surface and there, selecting a tree, Algo pulled out what he called a blaster, aimed it at the tree and fired. A blue energy erupted from the blaster, looking like lightning, but more fluid. It hit the tree with a loud crackling sound and in less than a second, the tree was left a burning, smoldering pile of ash.

“I believe Raythian blasters are just as deadly,” the Leader said.

“That was our lowest setting. On our ships, that could rip through the shield of the Supreme Commander’s flagship.”

The Leader looked at him in disbelief.

“I assure you, Leader, that I am speaking the truth. With the exception, of course, that things have not changed in the last couple of years with his technology.”

“If so, you have the means to destroy him, why give it to us?”

“I have the means but not the men. While our ships can travel vast distances, across galaxies, we cannot. My people have a…shall we say, symbiotic relationship with our homeworld. We cannot venture far for too long. We’ve tried to replicate this relationship by various means and chemicals, but have been unable. Therefore, by destroying the Supreme Commander, you will be doing us a great favor.”

The Leader began thinking about the offer as they returned to his Leader’s office, “What did he do to you?”

“He has killed many of my people. Thousands. I want him dead.”

“If he was close enough to kill your people, why not kill him then? Focus your army on him? You have this technology…”

Algo waved off the remark with his hand. “As I’m sure you’re aware, he’s not that easy to kill and my people are not warriors. We are simple people who only want peace. We want a peaceful galaxy, Leader. This man brought war to us.”

The Leader’s eyes fell on the blaster, “That’s not exactly an instrument of peace.”

“We must defend ourselves. If he and his men come for us again, we will be prepared this time. We have been able to remain hidden for many years now, but as he expands his search of the galaxy, he will find us again. And I dare say, in much the same way that I found this base of yours.”

“I thought you were stuck on your homeworld.”

“Stuck no. There are planets which can sustain us, however they are few. We had to leave our first homeworld. This is our second. We have others located, but we prefer to stay together on one.”

“So you’re going to give me three ships, fully loaded with weapons and shields that will hold up against the Supreme Commander’s fleet. We destroy him. Then what? What’s in this for you, really?”

“The ability to rest knowing he is dead. Our people have been terrorized by the thought of his return for years. We cannot endure it. As I said, we are simple, benevolent people. The thought of his return is very distressing to us. It must end, and it can only end with his death. Leader, I only want peace for my people. If you aid us in this, we will be in your debt. We can supply you with more ore, better technology, more ships, or at least the materials to build them.”

The Leader stood, adjusted his jacket and bowed. “I believe we can make a deal. When can I have the ships?”

“Tomorrow if you wish. The fuel, however…” Algo sighed, “your engines will all need to be modified to accommodate it.”

“Give our scientists what they need to know and we can handle that. Any chance you can supply us with benachti ore? I would still feel better showing up with 500 ships.”

“I know where it can be found, on unpatrolled planets, but you will have to mine it. We do not have the equipment to do so.”

The Leader smiled. “Good enough. Shall we get to work?”

Algo returned his smile and gave him a bow. “I foresee this being a very good alliance.”

***

“Governor, good to see you,” Zy’nayth said as the man bowed before him.

“My honor, sir.”

“The Vice Chancellor,” Zy’nayth motioned, “and my assistant.” The Governor gave the Vice Chancellor a formal bow, but the assistant received only a slight bow. Then Zy’nayth motioned his wife and children forward. “My son, Ky’nayth, my daughter, Mik’kenna, and my wife, Victoria. And this is Chef Alan Reed.” As per Rayth tradition, should the man have a human wife, the children, beginning with the oldest male, were introduced before the wife.

Also, as per tradition, Victoria and Alan were not given bows, but both children received formal bows since they were the children of the High Chancellor.

“Dis Baxter,” Ky’nayth said, introducing his beloved dog, “and dat Suhwest.”

“I like stars,” Mik’kenna said, explaining the name she had chosen for her dog.

“Baxter and Celeste can be returned to the flagship if their presence will be an issue,” Zy’nayth said.

“It should not be a problem,” the Governor said, “I am quite fond of dogs. May I pet them?”

“They no bite,” Mik’kenna said. “They very sweet.”

“They run lots!” Ky’nayth said. “It their nature.”

The Governor bent down and gave each dog a scratch behind their ears. “Beautiful markings on both,” he said then stood back up, looking at the High Chancellor. “Sir, shall we begin at the Meeting Hall?”

“Please,” Zy’nayth said. “Victoria, will you take the leashes please?” She nodded and took the leashes from the twins. Ny’van, as planned, picked up Mik’kenna, while Zy’nayth picked up Ky’nayth. It was not a long walk to the building, but their little two-year-old legs wouldn’t be able to keep up with the long strides of the adult Rayth. Zy’nayth wanted them to see some of “diplomatic” side of his work, which generally involved some traditional customs, just as introductions. He knew they were young yet, but he also knew they were far more intelligent for their age than normal.

Zy’nayth walked beside the Governor with Ny’van to his right. Dre’han followed, and Victoria walked behind Dre’han followed by a handful of warriors. Zy’nayth preferred to follow protocol when visiting planets on official business, and once again, this was something he wanted his children to see. So Victoria was to walk a step behind him, and she was not to look into the eyes of any Rayth unless stated that it was all right to do so. In this case, she had to stay behind the last Rayth in the group, other than the warriors provided for the family’s protection. She didn’t mind. She knew her husband thought things should be done differently, but she supported him and wanted to defer to their traditions. Zy’nayth, though liking many of the customs, wished to change many others. He saw no reason for Victoria to be so far back in the procession. She was his wife.

He knew that he may not be able to change things during his reign, but his children, when they replaced him, would know his values, know what he would have liked, and would, hopefully, follow his plans. But he also wanted them to think for themselves. To weigh and analyze ideas and traditions; to see what was right and what was wrong, or what could make things better.

The Governor’s entourage was waiting for the group at the large Meeting Hall. They were introduced, all formally bowing to Zy’nayth, Ny’van, and the twins, before the group was taken inside. The area was immense. Large enough to hold 15,000 people, half of the planet’s population.

The glass walls let in the sunlight around the oval auditorium’s seating area. Above them, modern cylindrical chandeliers were sparkling. Mik’kenna saw them and pointed, “Pretty!” Her head turned this way and that as she took in all of the sights. “Dis big!”

“I assume the walls can be turned opaque,” Dre’han said.

“Yes,” the Governor replied. “And upon checking our calendar, we do not have any events being held here either June 23 or 24. So you can set up your equipment on the 23rd if you need to.”

Zy’nayth and his team walked up on the stage. He turned to his wife and Alan, “Do you believe this will be sufficient for the cooking demonstration?” he asked.

“Size is more than sufficient,” Alan said, “but outlets. I doubt you use what we do.”

“We already have converters,” Dre’han said. “Once our manufacturers got a look at your equipment, I told them that we’d need converters for these demonstrations. They were quick about their work.”

“Great, thank you. Plumbing? I’ll need a sink.”

“We can create a countertop area,” Zy’nayth said, “with a sink, per your specifications. There should be plumbing under the floor into which we can link.”

“There is,” the Governor said.

“Then all I need are some tables. We’ll bring the rest of the equipment.”

“I was thinking we could design an entire work area,” Dre’han suggested. “Make it look like a kitchen. That would allow our people to see how a typical human kitchen would be set up. It would also give you an opportunity to explain the advantages of designing layouts in a particular way.”

Alan nodded. “Good idea.”

“Perhaps, Alan, we should stop at my estate before you return home. If the kitchen we set up for Victoria in my private chambers is sufficient, I can easily have that replicated for the demonstration.”

“But you will probably need different counter space for the mixers and such,” Victoria said. “I keep most of mine in cabinets.”

“We’ll take a look. I think it would be easier to modify that than having me draw something up,” Alan said. “I’m a bit stretched at the moment,” he smiled.

After looking at the stage, and Dre’han making sure he understood their broadcast capabilities, they returned outside. By shuttle they were taken to an undeveloped area of town. A park was being planned to replace an old building that was recently torn down, but now, this seemed to be the prime location for a greenhouse and community garden.

At that point, Zy’nayth contacted the flagship in orbit overhead and two warriors appeared with Drs. Wells, Castor, and Nichols, as well as Jack Burgeon. Zy’nayth introduced them after setting Ky’nayth down who went over to his mother and the dogs. Mik’kenna did the same.

“Well, gentlemen, will this area work for the garden and greenhouse?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I believe you said that the greenhouse would require plumbing. The pipes are underground from the previous building, so that shouldn’t be an issue,” the Governor said.

“And electricity?” Jack asked.

“Yes.”

Jack shrugged his shoulders, “That’s really all I needed to know. We don’t need a special foundation or anything like that. If this is a particularly windy area, supports perhaps, but I think the Rayth designers have taken those types of issues into consideration.”

“I’ll follow up on that to make sure,” Dre’han said.

Nelson Castor knelt and ran his fingers through the soil. “I don’t think this will work. Soil is too…dry. Too many particles in it from the former building, I think.”

“Might just be surface debris,” Benjamin Nichols said. “Could we take a core reading, see how deep we have to go to get fertile soil?”

“Anything you need to do,” the Governor said.

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “First, we would like a core sample or two of the soil here. Could you accommodate us?”

Ja’val answered, “On our way.”

“As I mentioned, “Governor, these men, minus Dr. Burgeon, will be starting here next week to inventory the planet’s animals and plants as well as, I assume, the soil. We have supplied them with typical weather patterns and basic geological information. A few other scientists will join them along with members of my Science Team.”

“Yes, and I’ll be here to greet them. Sir, will they need housing accommodations?”

“No. They will bridge in and out each day. No bridge codes have been given to them. They will be with my warriors and the warriors will see to their transportation.”

“Of course,” the Governor replied as Ja’val and two of his Science Officers appeared near them.

“Where would you like the samples to be taken?” Ja’val asked.

Nelson Castor asked the boundaries of the area they were being allowed to transform and two of the men accompanying the Governor walked it off. Nelson then pointed to a few areas and Ja’val’s team began to scan the areas.

Baxter, sniffing around, began to dig. “No, boy,” Ky’nayth said, but the dog kept at it. “Baxter, be good. No dig.”

“Dey natural diggers,” Mik’kenna tried to explain to the officials. “Sorry.” Then Celeste went over to her brother and began to help him. Victoria suddenly jumped back as Baxter came up with a mouse. Mik’kenna screeched.

“Baxter, drop it,” Zy’nayth said in his commanding voice with a slight telepathic nudge. The mouse fell to the ground and a warrior scooped it up and took it away, not wanting to blast it in front of the twins. “Forgive us,” Zy’nayth said. “The dogs…”

“Don’t worry about it,” the Governor smiled. “Dogs will be dogs.”

“He need gargle,” Ky’nayth said. “I no want lick from mouse mouth.”

The Governor turned to his assistant and soon a bowl of water was brought out for the dogs.

“Thank you,” Zy’nayth said as Ja’val and his men walked over with the results of the scans. Nelson, Ben, and Hank all looked them over.

“Only three inches of this dry coarse soil. If we can bring in some good soil from our planet or elsewhere from this one, and mix it in with the rest of the soil, I’d feel a lot better about the chances of a good garden growing here,” Ben said. “Our tillers will go down about a foot, but let’s not take any chances.”

“I can have the scientists who’ll be with you next week help locate the soil you require,” Ja’val said. “Transferring some here shouldn’t be an issue.”

The men discussed how things should be set up, what would go where. The need of a tool shed, and items for gardening.

“Where shall we set up the tent for the lunch items?” Dre’han asked the Governor as the others planned where the toolshed would go in relation to the greenhouse.

“Wherever you think is best,” the Governor replied. Alan suggested a spot and the others agreed. It was shady so if people needed to get out of the sun, they’d have s spot to go.

After a while, Mik’kenna went over to her father and lifted up her arms. He dutifully picked her up and she whispered in his ear that she had to go potty. He smiled at her, checked his watch, then turned to the Governor. “Gentlemen, it is time for our lunch break. Shall we meet in an hour at the Meeting Hall?”

“Of course,” the Governor said.

“Assistant,” Zy’nayth said to Dre’han, “will you please see to the arrangements for my speech. I believe we are finished with our discussions. Our friends from Terra 2 just need to finish their measurements. Vice, will you see to anything they need and teleport them to the ship when they are finished?”

Ny’van nodded and Dre’han bowed then went about his second major task of the day. He returned to the Meeting Hall and contacted his setup crew from the flagship. Plants, a backdrop, and a podium were set up on the left side of the stage for the High Chancellor’s speech. Cameras were put into place and tested. On the right side of the stage, mats were put down. Those were for the last part of the High Chancellor’s speech. He would invite anyone to a fight in order to test his abilities. He would do the same when addressing the entire Empire later in the week.

Lutia looked at the clock as the door to the High Chancellor’s chambers opened. “You’re a few minutes early. Lunch his almost ready.”

“Thank you, Lutia,” Zy’nayth said and set Mik’kenna down who went running for the bathroom. “We had a little emergency so we stopped early.”

Lutia smiled, “I understand.”

“I help finish up the meal,” Victoria said, “your hubby is helping with measurements and such.”

“I wasn’t expecting him to join us for lunch. He’s busy trying to back track that drone thing and see if he can figure out where it came from.”

Zy’nayth sat on the edge of the bed and checked his messages, finishing just as Victoria called everyone to lunch.

After their meal, only Zy’nayth and Victoria returned to the planet, meeting Ny’van and the Governor in the massive foyer of the Meeting Hall.

“The twins needed a nap and send their apologies for not saying a proper farewell,” Victoria said to the Governor.

“Please tell them that their apology was appreciated and accepted,” he replied and surprisingly, gave her a bow.

“Sir, everything is ready,” Dre’han said to his boss. “Do you see anything amiss?”

Zy’nayth looked around and shook his head, “Perfect as usual. Has the sound check been done?”

“Sound and video. Broadcast test done as well. We are ready to begin.”

“Then please have the First Science Commander meet us backstage. I wish to go over the speech one final time. Governor, whenever your people are ready, they may open the Hall. The speech will begin promptly at 2:00.”

“Yes, sir,” he said with a bow.

During his speech to the Tarnians, Zy’nayth told them about the difficulties that were in the path regarding food, namely the livestock shortages, and the plans they had in place to get things started. He talked about the Expedition: Andromeda teams role in the situation and what they would be doing while on the planet during this time.

“This will not be an easy task,” he said, wrapping up his speech, “but I believe this is the best route for Rayth to take. No more hunting down humans in order to survive. We can end this war—a war that has been raging for over 10,000 years. A war that we are tired of fighting. We now have a way out. We can save Rayth the hassle of fighting for our food. We no longer have to worry about our men who must put themselves in harm’s way every time they go to gather and fill our food supplies. No more! We will not have to leave our homes and travel to food storage units to replenish our energy. Instead, we can eat an apple,” he said holding up a shiny, red apple and taking a bite out of if. “Personally, I prefer strawberries,” he smiled, “but they do not have the dramatic crunch I was going for.” The crowd laughed and he continued.

“I know there are questions about whether or not this will limit our abilities. Our ability to self-heal, our extended lives, our strength and speed. My First Science Commander and his team have been testing this theory since he and Dr. Becket McKenna began working on a viable serum. I will state that though we are still early enough in the trials to not know every possible outcome, the simulations and the results from the test subjects show that there will be no degradation of abilities.

“I was so certain of this that I have taken the serum. And due to a rather unfortunate incident, I was injected a second time with a much higher dose. Many of you know about the first serum dose that I took, but now you know that I underwent it twice, albeit, not willingly the second time. And I assure you that my abilities are the same as they were prior to the first dose.”

At this point, Ja’val went forward to the podium. He discussed the various results of before and after the serum was taken. “But we have decided that perhaps a more visible means of showing you that he is still, very much, the warrior you know him to be,” he motioned to the matted area, “if anyone wishes to challenge him to a fight, hand-to-hand only, please raise your hand.”

Victoria stood off the side of the stage, worried about too many wanting to challenge him, though she knew full well it wouldn’t be an issue. Still, he was her husband and she didn’t want him fighting anyone. To her dismay, hands went up all over the auditorium. Zy’nayth, standing to the right of Ja’val, simply laughed.

“We should have done this outside where there is more room,” Zy’nayth smiled, once again making the crowd chuckle.

The Governor went up to the podium, “Perhaps it would be easier if we allow only our strongest fighters to participate. I know we have some men here were warriors under your command.”

“We’re not stupid enough to raise our hands,” one of the former warriors said. “We’ve seen him fight!”

This caused the auditorium to erupt with laughter. The warrior stood up, “But if you want to see a trained warrior fight him, I will.”

Zy’nayth kept on smiling, as he motioned for people to come up on the stage and giving a nod to the man who had served on the flagship as one of his Warrior Commanders. “As many as can safely fit on the mat to fight,” he said. “Come, do not be shy.”

The first person to walk up was a teenager. Zy’nayth gave him a nod. The young man bowed, “I just wanted to say thank you,” he said. “And I wanted to be able to say to my friends that I personally talked to the legendary warrior. I don’t wish to fight.”

Zy’nayth gave him a bow. “The honor is mine.”

“I’m his father, an honor, sir,” he said with a bow. “And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to see for myself. My son wants to take the serum, but I’m not yet convinced.”

“Father!”

Zy’nayth put a hand on the younger man’s shoulders, “It is all right. I do not take offense. I do not want anyone taking the serum who is not sure that it will work as we have described.”

“See, son,” the father smiled. “Thank you, High Chancellor.”

In minutes there were a couple dozen people standing on the mat. Zy’nayth signaled them to attack and a couple of minutes later, they were down, being replaced by others waiting to try their hand.

Victoria turned to Ny’van, “He enjoys this, doesn’t he?”

“When it’s in the heat of battle and just a workout, yes. And you have to admit, he’s very, very good at it.”

Victoria had to smile, “Yeah, he is.”

Fifteen minutes later, the exhibition was ended, Zy’nayth the lone winner as he knew he would be. Ny’van again announced the network site with the registration form and the call number should they wish to register that way. Zy’nayth said a few parting words then the broadcast ended. He stayed to answer questions with Ja’val and members of his staff joining him.

At dinnertime, they said their farewells and teleported up to the flagship.

“Daddy!” Ky’nayth said and jumped up, his father catching him easily. “Uncle Kol’non let me and Sissy sit up on bridge. Puppies too! Just for wittle bit. He no let me drive.”

“That is probably for the best,” Zy’nayth kissed his cheek.

“Did ‘peech go good?” Mik’kenna asked.

“I hope so,” Zy’nayth said then gave her a kiss. “Let me get washed up for dinner then you can tell me about your afternoon.”

***

“Sir, we caught word on Tarnia’s broadcast channel, that the Supreme Commander is offering the serum to the planet,” the man said to the Leader. “We’re going to have to attack before then.”

The Leader sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. “It will take us weeks to get to Earth. When is he planning the distribution?”

“End of July. We still have time.”

“I need to think about it. We’re not ready. Not even half of what we need. Captain Algo won’t even have his ships to us until next week.”

“Sir, if we start now…”

The Leader slammed his hand on his desk, “I said that I need to think about it!”

“Yes, sir,” the man said with a bow. “If I may, sir, there is another opportunity open to us.”

“And that would be?”

“Stir up trouble on Tarnia. Find out who is taking the serum and start a little civil war.”

“We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. The Supreme Commander must believe that the rebellion has been shut down. If we…”

“That’s what will work for us. As far as he’ll know, this will just be between the Tarnians who wish to take the serum and those who don’t. Nothing from the outside. All isolated on that little planet.”

“It’s something he could shut down easily,” the Leader said. “Why waste time and effort on this?”

“Yes, he could shut it down but it would tarnish his image, would it not? Quelling the opposition like that when he wants to be seen as a benevolent ruler…this could work for us.”

“Perhaps. But I don’t wish to risk drawing attention to ourselves. We’d have to send someone there to stir things up. It’s a small planet and an off-worlder would be noticed in any community. It might be best to wait until he offers the serum to a larger world.”

“Which would, most likely, be after our window of opportunity to strike Earth. Besides, the Supreme Commander sending in his troops to such a small planet to strike at rebels who are against a supposedly voluntarily accepted serum…would be a bit much for even his stellar reputation to deal with.”

The Leader let out a sigh. “But his over-bearing attitude tends to win him supporters.” He slammed his fist on the desk again. “Why do people like him so much? No matter what we do, he’ll come out of it as a hero! He needs to have his legs swept out from under him!” He let out another long sigh and closed his eyes. “Very well. Work up some disinformation and a plan to send someone to Tarnia. I want to see it all before I approve.”

“Yes, sir.”