E:A Vol 5 Ch 4—May 31, 2120

May 31, 2120

Col. John Hagen was sitting at one of the main workstations in the control room of the Terra 2 city-ship. “So technically, I can control shields, weapons, and navigation from here? I don’t need to worry about the pilot’s seat?” he asked.

“The pilot’s chair allows more control for maneuvering, this only supplies the basics,” the Third Science Commander replied. “But if needed, this can suffice.”

“So what can happen that would take out the pilot’s chair?” Dr. Simon Harris, the Expedition: Andromeda Chief Technology Engineer asked. “It seems to be pretty well shielded and protected. I mean, that wall around it and everything. We didn’t even know it existed until the High Chancellor retracted that wall to reveal it. And from what I’ve been able to tell, even the wiring leading to it from the engine room has special shielding.”

“Everything can break down,” the Third Science Commander said. “And at some point, there is always some sort of interconnection.” He went over to the Science workstation and pulled up a schematic. John and Simon walked over and looked at it. “Here and here, these are secondary electrical systems, but see here, they tie into the main system.” He ran his finger along the schematic and it scrolled through layer after layer, “And here’s where it ties into the pilot chair. It must go through a lot of channels, but it can take down the seat. There are backup and redundancy systems in place, but never count on them.”

Simon pointed, “Would it be best for me to learn the route from the pilot seat out to other areas or continue learning where all the leads from the engines extend out to?”

“I would focus on learning the primary systems, which would include leading to these workstations.”

“I wish I had a photographic memory,” Simon said, “it would make this so much easier.”

“But you are doing well, Dr. Harris, for a non-Rayth,” the Third smiled.

“Okay. What’s next?”

“Do either of you have any questions about this workstation before we move on?” the Third asked.

“I just want to make sure that I’m correct in thinking that I can swap workstation panels,” John said, tapping the glass top of the station. “If I need this to be navigation, the full display from the station behind it will appear here and I can run it from here, right?”

“All workstations are interchangeable,” the Third said, “and can be moved to suit your needs. Security was obviously set up at the front two stations because of the bridge portal, but you may find that navigation and weapons are better suited there during battle. Then again, perhaps not. We do not keep our bridge portals near the command center of our ships.”

“I don’t think this was meant to be a battle ship, per se, with all of the houses out on the arms of this thing,” Simon said. “Or it was then was converted. I don’t know.”

“She is a battleship,” the Third said, “but that may have been her secondary purpose. With the war, Mythicans may have built it as a habitation that could also hold her own in a fight.”

“That’s probably it,” Simon nodded. “I’d love to learn more about the history of the Mythicans. All of this.”

The Third Science Commander turned back to John, “Any other questions?”

“Not yet.”

“Then we shall go deeper into what each workstation is designed for.” He tapped an illuminated area on the glass top, then swiped across a panel below it, bringing up what looked like a master list of controls. “We can start at the top and work our way down, or you may select which area you would like to explore first,” he said.

John looked at Simon, “I’m all for weapons and navigation, but I think maybe you should pick.”

“We have to go through them all, might as well start at the top and work our way through,” Simon said.

“Very well,” the Third Science Commander said, “Master control panel, it shall be.” Just as he went to tap the button, the bridge portal lit up with an amber glow.

“Identification confirmed,” one of the technicians said and dropped the shield. Out of the shimmering amber glow came two black noses, followed by the furry bodies of Baxter and Celeste. Then the twins and their parents appeared.

The Third Science Commander turned and gave Zy’nayth a formal bow.

“Training?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yes, sir,” the Third replied.

Ky’nayth looked up at his father, “Can I drive?”

“We are not going to launch, I am sorry to say,” the Third Science Commander smiled.

“Maybe I stay and train, too?” the boy inquired again, hopeful.

“We have to get groceries and you two have to help me,” Victoria said. “Daddy needs to focus on other things this afternoon.”

“Uncle John, if fly, please call. I want try,” Ky’nayth said.

“How about if I call your Dad?” John said. “Let him decide. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Well, kay,” he sighed.

Zy’nayth took Baxter’s leash from his son, then lifted the boy up and kissed his cheek. “We will teach you how to fly and you will fly this ship some day.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“I just ride ‘long,” Mik’kenna nodded. “Bye bye.”

That afternoon, Becket and Amelia, along with her parents, Pastor Jacob and Julia, joined Victoria and her family for dinner.

“Smells like lasagna,” Becket said as they entered the chambers.

“It is and sorry for the crowded room,” Victoria said. “I need to start looking for bigger chambers.”

“This is cozy, though,” Becket smiled.

“Well, it’s not very formal sitting and eating in my living room/bedroom, but the kitchen is far too small for all of us.”

“I think it’s fine, dear,” Julia said. “The kids can sit on the bed easily enough and the TV trays are perfect.”

“I was going to put the bed up and move the kitchen table in here, but it wouldn’t help much, the table’s so small. The trays seemed to work better.”

Julia put her arm around Victoria, “It’s fine, dear. Now, what can I do to help?”

“The food should be ready to be brought in. Pastor, would you say grace first?”

After the prayer was said, the kitchen table, which had been pulled into the living/bedroom off to the side, was soon covered with the pan of lasagna, an enormous salad, and a basket of fresh breadsticks. Victoria fixed plates for the twins who were seated on the bed, on top of a sheet to keep any spilled food from ruining the quilt. She had wood trays that she put their plates on for more protection. She really wished she had a formal dining room. Though the kids still sat in high chairs, it wouldn’t be long before they started protesting and wanted to sit like Mommy and Daddy in real chairs.

Jacob took his first bite of the food and smiled, “Sweetheart, with food like this, I’d eat it sitting on the floor.”

Becket laughed, “I told you, her lasagna’s the best.”

Ky’nayth began to clap, his mouth smeared with tomato sauce. “Num!” he finally got out after swallowing his bite.

“It is delicious,” Zy’nayth praised his wife. “I am quite blessed to have you as my wife and my chef.”

Victoria laughed, “Don’t go overstating things, but thank you.”

“Uh oh,” Mik’kenna said as both dogs began to whimper and bark. “Puppies no like be by self.” She looked at the door to the room she shared with her brother and the dogs and started to get out of the bed. “They be good. I open door.”

“We will after everyone has finished eating,” Zy’nayth said. “Please leave the dogs where they are.”

“But they ‘lone.”

“They just want to be sociable. They are quite all right where they are for the moment.”

“Maybe we no feed ‘nough. I go check.”

“Mik’kenna, dearest, the dogs are fine. Please eat your dinner.”

June 5, 2120

“Beautiful, just beautiful,” Hank said, taking off his cap and wiping his forehead as he looked out over the ocean. “I remember seeing photos of Earth when you could look out over a beach and see the ocean like this. Now it’s all skyscrapers and packed with boats all along the shoreline.” He turned back to his team, “That being said, other than fishing, I don’t think we’ve got much here we can use.” He checked off the square on his digital map. “We’re done with this section.”

One of his team members pointed to the south after tapping Hank’s arm. “Looks like coconut trees.”

Hank looked up, “Well, shall we head south then back east. Go up and down instead of side to side this time?” He looked at his Rayth escort who nodded.

Hank, Nelson, and Ben had split into three groups. Each group had at least two Rayth scientists with them and six Rayth warriors. They also had other scientists from Expedition: Andromeda with them. Chemists, mostly, but each team had at least one agriculture specialist, one zoologist, and one botanist. On their first day on Tarnia, they stuck together, but after a discussion that evening, and with the Rayth scientists’ approval, they split into groups of three.

They traveled on hover platforms, which reminded Hank of something like an aircraft carrier. Just one big floating platform with steerage at one end. Not as big, obviously, but large enough for 15-20 men and all the gear they needed. They’d crisscross the assigned quadrant, looking for anything related to their mission: edible flora, types of fauna, good locations for farms or ranches, or areas where soil could be transported, if needed, to enrich the community gardens.

The Rayth warrior piloting the hover platform drove Hank’s group to the trees that had been pointed out. He let anyone off who didn’t want to go higher up, then he raised the craft, maneuvering it precisely so that picking a couple of coconuts could be done by hand. Hank was duly impressed.

“These are edible?” one of the Science Officers asked.

“If it’s what I think it is, yup,” Hank said, as the platform lowered to the ground. He tossed one to the botanist in his group while he set his in a stainless steel tub. While the botanist ran scans, Hank took out his laser knife and opened his up. He took samples of the liquid and the white interior, and ran them through his own scanner. It was identical to a species of coconut found in Hawaii back on Earth.

He took out his pocket knife and scraped off some of the meat and popped it in his mouth. “Want a bite?” he asked his Rayth companions. “It’s a bit sweet. A personal favorite of mine.”

All of the men tried it and were surprised at the flavor. Hank went on to tell them about the water or “milk” and went on to describe what coconut was generally used for on Earth. The botanist then went over the typical climate in which the tree grew and made a note to add files on growing and harvesting to the Tarnia catalog for the inhabitants.

At the end of the day, as they would throughout their survey, met back in Tarnia’s capital to go over their findings. A team from Tarnia, which the Governor had put together, was included in the meetings. There was at least one representative from each of the 47 Tarnian towns and villages. The Expedition: Andromeda team would list their findings for the day and answer any questions that came up.

“We had a pretty big find,” Nelson, who was the next to speak, said. “We were here in this quadrant,” he used his pointer to identify the area on the map so the entire group would know the area he was referring to. “Very much like the Midwest with rolling hills. Lots of great farmland. Even better, we found some cattle and sheep. Perhaps even enough to start a ranch in a couple of villages, at least.”

“We’ll want to take an inventory and see who owns the land,” a Rayth scientist spoke up.

“Yes, Second Science Officer mentioned that and has sent a message to the First Science Commander to that effect.”

June 17, 2120

Zy’nayth sat in the main conference room of Tarnia’s capital Meeting Hall. “This is a lot more than I expected. First Science, is there a plan in place for transplanting what we need?”

“Working on it, sir,” Ja’val said. “We’re mapping out everything involved. We’re making sure we understand the process. The Terra 2 team has been quite patient with our questions. However, we have determined the locations for all of the community gardens; soils have been tested, and if richer soil was needed, that has been taken care of. During the coming week, we will continue to extract the seeds or plants we will need to start in the gardens. General Cavanaugh has been given a list of other foods that are not available here, at least not in great quantity, to barter for from other planets. Col. Hagen replied that the items on the list should be fairly easy to obtain.”

“So we will have everything on hand for the demonstrations next week?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I believe so.”

“Those who own the land from which we are taking plants, has there been any issues with them?”

“Some,” the Governor replied, “but where they found most of the plants and animals, that was unclaimed property. I have, since then, claimed the property on behalf of the Empire.”

Zy’nayth sat back in his chair. “And what do you intend to do with it?” he asked, hiding the annoyance in his voice.

“Sell it to those who wish to farm it.”

Zy’nayth turned to Ny’van, “We will need to discuss this with the High Council. I do not want the government to appear as though we are making money from this. I agree with the decision to claim the property, but we must find a way to distribute it to those who wish to farm it.”

Ny’van made a note as Zy’nayth turned to the Governor, “I wish all records of government ownership to be turned over to the High Council by the end of day tomorrow. We will take control and handle things from there.”

“Sir, this is Tarnian land,” the Governor protested.

“And it will remain so. But I will not have it sold off at exorbitant prices now that the land is seen as profitable. I do not want the government involved in this way, but this was a contingency that I did not account for. Myself and the High Council will find a solution and until we do, I prefer to have control of this in our hands.”

“Of course you do,” the Governor muttered under his breath.

“My hearing was also not affected by the serum,” Zy’nayth said, raising an eyebrow but not looking in the Governor’s direction. “End of day tomorrow. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“The one thing I wish to make clear is that yes, though we are controlling most of what is happening here, this is the first planet to be offered the serum, the first planet on which we will establish gardens, farms, and ranches, and therefore, we want things to go as smoothly as possible. Though I heartily invite entrepreneurship, now is not the time…and certainly not by the government. My goal is to make sure that those who take the serum will have food to eat. The land will transfer back into Tarnian hands. How that will happen will be determined at a later date. For now, we must take care of the people.”

While one of the scientists began going over a few more details, Zy’nayth talked to Ny’van telepathically. “Something has changed. He was more receptive. Arrange to have things looked into.”

Ny’van gave him an affirmative reply.

The meeting came to an end then Zy’nayth asked Ny’van and Dre’han to rejoin him on the flagship. When there, he also invited Kol’non to the discussion.

“Something is going on,” Zy’nayth said as the men took their seats. “The Governor, who had been quite receptive to the idea of the serum being distributed on Tarnia is suddenly against it. I do not think it had anything to do with me taking control of the land. I sensed it the moment we gathered in the Meeting Hall.”

“Maybe it’s just a matter of him not wanting to give you control,” Kol’non suggested.

Zy’nayth shook his head. “He has known me long before I became High Chancellor. He knows that any operation I undertake, I tend to have direct and complete control over. This should not come as a surprise to him. First, when First Science and his team are finished answering questions down there, I want you to talk to all of them. See if they noticed anything unusual. I know they were generally in unpopulated areas for the most part, but when they were in villages, see if they picked up on anything.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you still want me to look around?” Ny’van asked.

“Yes. Something is amiss.”

“The Tarnia broadcast was intercepted,” Dre’han spoke up. “Nothing unusual in and of itself. Whenever you speak somewhere, the speeches are generally picked up by the curious.”

“Can you isolate where the interceptions occurred, or rather, where they originated from?”

“Personally, no, but I can share the data files with First Science. I only know how to check if there are outside sources tapping in.”

“Please check into it with First Science. We know there are still rebels out there. And if they want to stir up more trouble, a good place to do it would be on Tarnia where I want to start the first mass distribution of the serum.”

“However, going straight to the top is a little out of their normal mode of operations,” Ny’van said. “If the Governor is against it, that doesn’t mean the population will be. Besides, we have nearly a fifty percent sign up for the planet. That’s beyond our expectations. The Governor being opposed wouldn’t change many of their minds. At least, I don’t think it would.”

“Still, I want things to go well. Having the local leaders in favor helps,” Zy’nayth replied.

***

Victoria was sound asleep. She had a migraine coming on, so when she put the twins down for their afternoon nap, she took her own. Deep in a dream she heard a screech. It came again, followed by giggles. She bolted up, it wasn’t a dream, the kids were up. The instant she sat up, the migraine hit hard. She rubbed her temples and heard the little screech and giggles again then, “Stop, no. No, Baxter!”

She managed to get to her feet and walk downstairs. The kids were in the bathroom. The dogs were in the tub. Soap bubbles and water were everywhere: walls, floor, even the ceiling.

“What are you doing?” she nearly screamed.

“You say puppies need baff. We try do it so you no has to,” Ky’nayth said.

Victoria’s headache throbbed, she was angry at the mess. She tried to push her anger aside but her voice was still sterner than the kids had ever heard. “Dry off and put on clean clothes. Baxter, Celeste, stay!” she shouted. The dogs immediately stopped trying to get out of the tub.

“Mommy, we sorry,” Mik’kenna said.

“Just go dry off,” she replied and drained the tub. “Get some towels laid out by the fireplace. I’ll get them cleaned up then they can dry off there.”

“Kay,” both kids replied, knowing they’d upset her.

Victoria turned on the shower and pulled the showerhead down to rinse off the dogs. “You two made a mess,” she told the dogs as she got them cleaned up. Then she towel-dried Baxter and sent him out to the living room while she did the same to Celeste. She looked around the bathroom. Even the mirror had water and soap running down its face.

“Daddy!” the twins shouted causing Victoria to look at her watch. It was later than she realized. She’d slept for nearly three hours.

A few seconds later, Zy’nayth was looking at her in the bathroom. The twins hiding behind him, peering in from the sides.

“Ky, Kenna, I’m sorry I yelled,” Victoria said, sitting on the ledge of the bathtub. “But you should have waited for me to help you.” Then she looked up at her husband. “I have a migraine. Please get rid of it.”

Zy’nayth walked in and knelt in a puddle of water as he put his hand on her chest. “Your sinuses are quite inflamed. Do you want to run a scan before I heal this?”

“No. Just heal it before my head explodes.”

Zy’nayth’s energy reduced the inflammation and then he asked what else he could do to help. “It will take a couple of minutes to ease, I believe.”

“I haven’t fixed dinner. I slept all afternoon.”

“Were you going to make something I can cook?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I don’t remember,” she said, putting her head in her hands. “It’s still throbbing.”

“I am sorry, beloved. Come and rest on the sofa. The children and I will clean up this mess.”

“Yeah, we sorry, Mommy. We no think puppies be such mess,” Mik’kenna said.

Victoria got up and went over to her kids. She got down on her knees and hugged them tightly. “I know you were just trying to help. I’m so sorry for yelling. I just…my head really hurts.”

“We clean all up,” Ky’nayth said.

“Please get out,” she said and hurried over to the commode.

“Children, check on the dogs,” Zy’nayth said and knelt beside his wife who threw up her entire lunch. He gently rubbed her back, then got a clean washcloth for her to wipe her mouth. Remembering how she helped him when he was sick, he also wet a second one and put it on her neck. Then he used his energy to see if he missed anything of it this was just the after effects of the migraine.

“I will call the mess hall and have them ready something for us. I will go and get it once you have calmed. Is it easing at all?”

“No.”

“I see nothing else wrong,” he replied. He tapped his comlink three minutes later when Victoria said things still hadn’t eased. “Sorry to bother both of you, but Victoria has a migraine. She has thrown up twice. I saw sinus inflammation and healed it, but I cannot find anything else wrong. Would both of you come to the island home to check her? And Becket, if you could, we have not had dinner. Could I also bother you to pick something from the mess hall for us?”

“Will do,” Becket said.

“I’ll head right over. Becket, you know the bridge code, right?” Ja’val said.

“Unless he’s changed it, yes.”

“It is the same code,” Zy’nayth said.

“Be there as soon as I get the food.”

The call ended and when Ja’val came into the house, the twins were on the floor by the circular fireplace in the middle of the living room. “We sorry!” both cried out.

“We no mean to make Mommy sick,” Ky’nayth said.

“I doubt if this was your doing,” Ja’val smiled as Zy’nayth came around the corner. “Bathroom?”

Zy’nayth nodded. “Still no relief. Children come here, please.” He gave them both hugs. “This was not your doing. She said she had the migraine when she put you down for naps. So you did not cause this.”

“Maybe puppies?” Mik’kenna asked.

“It is not the puppies’ fault either.”

The door chime sounded a few minutes later and Zy’nayth went to answer it. Becket was there holding two bags. “Delivery!”

“Thank you, Becket. Victoria is in the bathroom. Children, come, you need your dinner. Ky’nayth, would you like to pray?”

Zy’nayth joined the twins in the kitchen and set out the meal after Ky’nayth prayed. He put both of them into their high chairs and gave them their food, then he went to check on his wife.

“Things are easing, finally,” Victoria said.

“I’m taking blood just to make sure there wasn’t anything overlooked,” Becket said.

“Scans are clean and I didn’t see anything with my hands-on check,” Ja’val said.

“If it’s been bothering her all afternoon, it probably just took a little extra time for it to subside,” Becket said. “And walking into this,” he looked around the wet room, “probably didn’t help matters.”

“Are you sure it is easing?” Zy’nayth asked his wife.

“Yeah. The throbbing is not as intense.”

“Good. I was quite worried. Do you think you could join us at the kitchen table? I know you probably do not feel like eating, but the children would probably want to see that you are better.”

“I brought soup,” Becket said, “creamy broccoli cheddar. Lia and I had some with our dinner. Very good. And you know you should try to eat.”

“I know. I will. Thank you both for coming. Sorry to interrupt your evening.”

“Nothing was interrupted. I just got home myself,” Ja’val said.

“And we just finished our own dinner and was taking a break before we start wedding planning again,” Becket smiled and kissed her forehead. “If this flares back up, call me.”

“I will. Thanks guys.” They left her to brush her teeth and gargle. Zy’nayth saw them to the door then returned to the kitchen where he set out the rest of the food.

“Did you try the soup? Uncle Becket said it was very good,” he asked his children.

“It really good!” Mik’kenna said as her mother walked in.

“Your color is returning,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“Yeah. Things are improving quickly now.” She kissed the top of the kids’ heads then took her seat.

After dinner, the kids helped their father clean up the bathroom mess while Victoria cleaned up what little mess was made from their dinner. Zy’nayth insisted that she then go upstairs and rest.

“I’ll just sit on the sofa and read,” she replied, “so if you need anything, I’m right there. And thank you for cleaning things up.”

Zy’nayth took care of things higher off the floor, namely the ceiling, as the kids got down on their hands and knees and cleaned the lower part of the walls, the cabinetry, and the floor. They worked hard and when Zy’nayth thought they were finished, he asked Victoria to come and inspect their work.

She knew he would have it sparkling, as was his way, and indeed, it was.

“You may go and play now,” Zy’nayth said.

“It’s starting to rain,” Victoria replied. “How about if we all go upstairs and read a story or play some games?”

“Can puppies come?” Mik’kenna asked.

“They’re nice and clean now, so it’s okay,” Victoria smiled. “Let’s get in our jammies.” She looked at her husband, “Maybe it would be okay if the kids stayed with Mommy and Daddy tonight? I feel bad after yelling at you, I’d like to have you near me tonight. Play games and snuggle,” she smiled, “I’ll make us some snacks. So Daddy, is it okay?”

“Please!” both kids pleaded. They loved to sleep upstairs with the iris in the roof open so they could look at the stars.

“I think that would be nice,” Zy’nayth said. “Victoria, go on up and change. I will get their pillows.”

She kissed his cheek and went up the wooden stairs to the massive room. The house was circular, curved architecture was a Rayth trademark. Zy’nayth had designed and built the house himself. It was one of two luxuries he ever afforded himself. This house and his personal cruiser.

The top floor of the house was one massive round room with a round mattress that took up most of the floor. Around the edges were a couple of dressers, and of course, enough room to walk around the mattress on the hardwood floor. On the north end of the room was the bathroom. And above it all, a large iris that, though it looked like wood, was probably metal, Victoria surmised, that could open and close. A shield enveloped it so that even if it was raining, and the iris was open, the shield kept the wind and rain out.

Soon the family was gathered and a couple of games were played. Zy’nayth had the iris open but clouds blocked the view of the stars as nighttime settled on the land. The kids didn’t care, they just wanted it open.

Victoria had fixed up a snack of grapes, strawberries, and cheeses, then returned upstairs. Zy’nayth prayed for the family, then they shared a time of Bible study and devotions before Zy’nayth selected one of their favorite stories and began to read it to them. Mik’kenna snuggled up to the right of Victoria, and Ky’nayth to her left. Beside each of the twins was their dog. The kids listened and munched on their snacks, clapping when the hero saved the day, or booing when the villain seemed to get the upper hand.

Victoria loved that Zy’nayth did all of the voices for them. He was quite good at it and seemed to enjoy it, or more likely, enjoyed the reaction it brought from his children.

After a busy day for him, the giggles, the smiles, the comfort of his family was relished by the High Chancellor and Supreme Commander of the Raythian Empire.