E:A Vol 5 Ch 5—June 19, 2120

June 19, 2120

“Good morning, sir,” Dre’han said as Zy’nayth walked into the chancellery. As usual, his assistant met him at the side door of the immense palace and office. The entrance Zy’nayth used, as did those who worked there was the one near the bridge portal. “The Vice Chancellor would like to meet with you first thing. He said it was urgent.”

“Good morning,” Zy’nayth smiled, “How are the numbers for Tarnia?”

“A few people have withdrawn their names, no more than 100 out of the 14,789 that had originally signed up. I have not yet counted them, but just took a quick glance.”

Zy’nayth nodded as he neared his office. “Any word on the broadcast interception?”

“All but one are from planets near Tarnia. First Science has not yet isolated the origin point of that last interception. It, he says, appears to have been routed through many points. Scrambled, was the term he used.”

“Then that is the one we need to know about, thank you. I will call Vice.”

“You have a meeting scheduled in an hour. Would you like me to postpone?”

“Let me see what Vice has to discuss. I will let you know.”

“Yes, sir,” he said and pulled the door shut and went to his desk outside of the office.

A couple of minutes later Ny’van walked up, gave him a nod then knocked on Zy’nayth’s door, letting himself in as he did so. Dre’han went back to his long list of work which he thoroughly enjoyed. He hadd worked with Zy’nayth when he was still only the Supreme Commander. Though the Supreme Commander position held an office in the chancellery, Zy’nayth was seldom in it, preferring to stay on his flagship. But Dre’han worked in his office planet-side, himself seldom on the flagship.

He admired his boss and the Vice Chancellor. When the previous High Chancellor, Koh’vash, was killed by Zy’nayth, he often wondered if it had been intentional. Off on a vacation, one of the few Dre’han had taken over his long life, he received a call late one evening from the Vice Chancellor. The Supreme Commander had killed the High Chancellor. Victoria had been stabbed in the neck by Koh’vash, nearly severing an artery. Zy’nayth attacked the High Chancellor, who also happened to be his older brother.

Koh’vash was not what one would call a tyrant. He didn’t rule with an iron fist. People didn’t openly oppose him, but that was out of fear of what might happen if they did so. He was, Dre’han thought, a kid on the edge of a tantrum who had access to the most lethal and destructive powers in the Empire. His wife, Chan’dala, however, was a tyrant. Thankfully, the High Council kept her in her place. She dared not oppose them. They weren’t fond of Koh’vash’s rule, but if they could control her through him, Koh’vash would remain in power until someone was powerful enough to depose of them both, which was the Raythian way.

Dre’han wondered why Ny’van, who served as Vice Chancellor for most of Koh’vash’s reign, never attempted to kill Koh’vash. He knew Ny’van’s loyalty was with the people, not Koh’vash, and certainly not Chan’dala. He also knew that Ny’van and Zy’nayth were the closest of friends. So when word reached him that Koh’vash had been killed, naturally, he thought it had been planned. But there was no coup to take over. Zy’nayth truly loved Victoria and did what was his right: his spouse had been threatened with rape, and murder had been attempted. Zy’nayth fought his brother, warning Koh’vash that he would lose and that he should back off, but the elder brother didn’t and paid the ultimate price.

As was Rayth custom, you gained the title or position of the person you killed. It was how Zy’nayth became Supreme Commander, and it was how he ended up becoming High Chancellor as well.

It was not something of which he was proud.

Dre’han’s comlink buzzed, bringing him out of his thoughts. “Sir?” he answered.

“Cancel all appointments today. Be ready to leave in thirty minutes. We are going to Tarnia.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thirty minutes later, they were on the flagship in the main conference room just off the ship’s bridge. Kol’non and Ja’val had joined them.

“We’ve been able to uncover some undocumented travel to Tarnia after the High Chancellor’s speech,” Ny’van explained. “Only three individuals that we are aware of. They’ve been going from village to village in an attempt to stir up trouble.”

“Trying to change their minds about the serum?” Ja’val asked.

“Worse,” Ny’van said, “trying to start a civil war. Those who take the serum versus those who don’t. My contact happened to have a conversation with one of them. He played his part well, convincing the rebel that he wasn’t interested in the serum and thought it was a bad idea. The rebel, posing as a man from another village, said he wanted to, in his words, ‘show the High Chancellor that Rayth couldn’t be forced into submission by him’ and that ‘he was going to round up every last one of them and fight for the right to be Rayth.’”

“Your contact lives on Tarnia?” Kol’non asked.

Ny’van let a sly smile pass his lips. “I have many contacts in many places who know how to fit in wherever needed.”

“Of course,” Kol’non said, realizing he was broaching on a topic that Ny’van wouldn’t discuss further. “So what is the plan of action?”

“A visit to Tarnia,” Zy’nayth answered. “I will visit a few of the villages and towns. Vice and First Science will join me. We know the towns these three rebels visited, so we will begin there, then add a few others for good measure.” Zy’nayth handed Kol’non a sheet of paper, “Those are the villages. I will take a team of warriors with us and we will use my personal shuttle for transportation. If our destinations change, my assistant will contact you. He will be coming with us as well.”

“Just one team of warriors?” Kol’non asked. “Sir, you are High Chancellor now and I have to advise you…”

“One team,” Zy’nayth said. “I do not want this to appear as if I am invading the planet. They expect me to have guards, and guards I will have. One team will be sufficient. Besides, you know I am quite capable…”

“I know, sir, but if there are rebels on the planet, more than the three uncovered, then…”

“Then we will let them be. I do not want to alert this batch of rebels that we are aware of their existence. That is also why we are not just visiting the three villages where we know the rebels have been.”

“But this surprise visit right after we’ve uncovered these rebels, won’t that alert them to the fact that we know they’ve been there,” Ja’val said.

“Not necessarily,” Ny’van said. “With the demonstration to take place in less than a week, the High Chancellor wants to ensure people that he is with them in this process. Besides, we had talked about such a meeting with the village leaders, we just never came to a conclusion. So it is not entirely a surprise.”

“If I may,” Dre’han said, “if this is a more informal visit, or so you want it to appear, perhaps bringing Victoria along would help. Even the children and their dogs. If you were there to check on rebels, you’d never take your kids. And thus, adding the kids into the mix would allow for more than a set of six guards since everyone knows how protective you are of your family.”

Zy’nayth thought about it and nodded. “Science, I want trackers on them, just in case. Even for the dogs, something to slip on their collars. The children would not be happy if their dogs were not given as much protection as they themselves are.” He managed a smile, “I would not hear the last of it from Mik’kenna. First Commander, I will take two warrior teams with me instead of one. That should be sufficient. Anything else that you can think of that I should cover before heading down?”

When there was nothing else, Zy’nayth contacted Victoria and said he would be bridging to the island to pick them up. Ny’van went to ready the cruiser which was on board the flagship that was still in orbit around Tarnia.

“It’s good to see you,” Ny’van said as Be’atta met him in one of the lesser used hangars where Zy’nayth’s personal cruiser was parked. “How is married life treating you?”

Be’atta smiled, “Very well. Anything I can do?”

“No. I’m just getting her prepped,” he said, doing a visual examination of the exterior. “Any luck with bartering for food?”

“A little but still not the numbers needed. It was great to hear that you found some cattle and such already on Tarnia.”

“It eases the burden a little, though not much,” he said coming around the side hatch and tapping the control panel to disable the shield and lock. The hatch opened and a ramp descended.

“Well, if you don’t need anything, I’m headed to Terra 2. We have a couple more hopefuls to check out. Kaven said he’d cover them but since my husband is working on making sure we get everything on board for the demonstration, the greenhouse and shed supplies, not to mention the plants, I may as well work.”

Ny’van smiled and gave her a nod. “Get us a good deal. I don’t want to entirely wipe out our treasury.”

She chuckled, waved, and went to the bridge portal control area.

Several minutes later, Zy’nayth, with his family, came across the bridge and went directly to the hangar. The two teams of warriors, dressed in black leather from head to toe, were already there.

“Bracelets for everyone,” Ja’val said. “Sorry, Mik’kenna, I didn’t have time to make anything pretty. This is just standard.”

“That’s ‘kay,” she said as Ja’val knelt to clip a transmitter to each of the dogs’ collars. He made sure his team was picking up all of the signals, then Zy’nayth motioned for them to get on board. He looked at the twelve warriors and gave them a nod. They all boarded the cruiser, six in the cargo hold and six in the main cabin.

“Ky’nayth, would you like to join me in the flight cabin?” Zy’nayth asked his son. “Mik’kenna, you may as well, if you like.” Both kids ran behind their father. “I can only have one of you sit on my lap.”

“Bubby, you go. I just look at stars,” Mik’kenna said.

Ja’val was in the co-pilot seat and helped the girl up onto his lap while Ky’nayth climbed up with his father. Zy’nayth explained protocol when disembarking the ship. Ky’nayth’s little eyebrows furrowed in concentration, taking everything in. Mik’kenna was entertained by Ja’val who showed her how to use the scanner to look at stars. She frowned and said she’d rather see them with her own eyes.

Before long, the cruiser exited the hanger and made its descent down to the planet. In minutes, they were landing in one of the medium-sized towns in their central park’s landing zone.

“The warriors will exit first,” Zy’nayth told his family, “then my assistant, First Science, and Vice. I will then disembark with the rest of you behind me, okay?”

“Kay!” Ky’nayth said as he took Baxter’s leash from his mother. “We ready.”

“You are to stay near the Vice Chancellor if I am busy with people. Understand?”

“Dat easy,” Mik’kenna nodded.

“Very well, warriors, go ahead,” Zy’nayth said. The rear hatch opened and six warriors disembarked. The side hatch was opened after the first group said it was safe. The other six warriors walked down the ramp and fanned out, followed by the rest of the group.

Some women out on a walk as well as a couple of men who were on their way to or from one of the shops saw the cruiser land. They paid it no mind until the warriors began streaming out. Then when the man in the white leather that nearly draped to the ground stepped onto the ramp, they changed their course and headed towards the cruiser.

After they gave him, Ny’van, and Ja’val proper bows, Zy’nayth talked with them and said he was visiting some of the towns to see if there were any questions about the serum and to encourage people that might still be fearful.

“Yes, there are side effects,” he said, taking a seat on a park bench, being very casual about his visit. “It was a very unpleasant experience for me. Rayth do not typically get sick once we are adults, so this was quite uncomfortable.”

Ja’val spoke up, “He hated it. And to be honest, I don’t want to have to deal with that when I go through it, but it will be worth it.”

More and more people began gathering around. Zy’nayth motioned for them to sit on the grass. “I am just here for a short while to answer any questions,” he said, “very casual. No need to bow, please, go on, sit down and relax. It is quite a lovely day.”

After about thirty minutes, one of the younger men spoke up. “Sir, there was someone here a couple of days ago. An out-of-towner. He uh…he says you’re going to force us to take the serum and that we should fight. Fight you and fight those here who want to take it. He said it’s wrong to take it.”

At this, Zy’nayth stood. “I have made it clear that this is not going to be forced on anyone,” his voice was stern. “I know that people need time to think about the ramifications this will have in their lives. It is a major lifestyle change. I know that until people start seeing that it does not reduce our abilities and that we are still Rayth, most will not want to take the serum. That is fine with me. But it will be my hope that all Rayth will eventually see the benefits and take the serum.”

There was some mumbling then Ny’van stood. “Let me assure you, the High Council will not allow the High Chancellor to force anyone to take the serum. Only two of the Council members will be taking the serum at the time it will be distributed here. The others, such as, perhaps, some of you sitting here, do not yet want to take it.”

“What if we don’t want to take the serum, but want to start a farm? I mean, I haven’t decided yet what I want to do, but I love working the ground. I have the florist shop over there,” the man pointed, “I think I could handle growing food just as easily.”

“That is your prerogative,” Zy’nayth said. “I have no issue with you expanding your skill set. It would be welcome, as a matter of fact. And yes, you may do so even if you do not choose to take the serum.”

“The man that brought this up, you said he was from out of town,” Ny’van spoke up. “How long did he stay?”

“He was just in and out, as far as I know. Talked to me and a friend,” the man replied. “Maybe one or two others. Didn’t see him land or take off, could have been here more than a few hours. I honestly don’t know.”

“Don’t you find it odd that his only purpose in being here was, seemingly, to cause dissention?”

“That’s what I said to my friend. I mean, I haven’t decided yet, but I wouldn’t go and hurt anyone who chose to take the serum. These people are my friends.”

“I have been searching for this solution for most of my life,” Zy’nayth said. “I want to end the war between humans and Rayth, as I stated in my speech. The last thing I want is for Rayth to fight Rayth over the serum. So I am begging you, if you do not wish to take the serum, I am quite all right with that, but please, do not fight other Rayth who do decide to take it. I do not want more blood shed. There have been too many lives lost as it is.”

“I say something,” two-and-a-half-year-old Mik’kenna climbed up on the bench beside her father. She put her little hand on his arm to stabilize herself. He was still standing and remained so, putting an arm around her shoulders, unsure of what she was going to do. “I no think fight good,” she said, using her free arm very liberally to stress her words. Sometimes it was almost flailing about, sometimes it was on her hip, sometimes it was lifted in a shrug of perplexity. Victoria watched, somewhat horrified that her little girl was so outspoken. But then, she was standing next to the most powerful Rayth in the galaxy. Who wouldn’t have the courage to speak their minds if he was on their side? Mik’kenna continued her little speech, “People get hurted. Dat bad. We turn other cheek. Dat’s what Jesus say. And I no like blood. Bubby cutted finger and it got blood and I no like. I no know how Mommy be doctor and see blood all time. But Daddy heal Bubby and Uncle Becket put on bandy aid so it all better but it no fun see blood. I know from ‘sperience. So no fight please. I beg like Daddy.”

“She is quite the diplomat,” a woman from the crowd said with a smile.

“She is very passionate,” Zy’nayth smiled and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “Thank you, Mik’kenna, for speaking from your heart. Are there any other questions? I do wish to visit as many villages as I can today but if you have any more concerns, I wish to waylay any fears.”

There were a couple more questions which were directed to Ja’val, then Zy’nayth and his group returned to his cruiser and moved to the next village on his list. Word of his arrival on Tarnia had already spread and when the cruiser landed, there were already numerous people outside waiting for him.

“I, perhaps, should let the villages we plan to visit know we are coming so that other villages won’t have people outside in the middle of the night awaiting an arrival that will not happen,” Dre’han said.

“Go ahead,” Zy’nayth said. “I was expecting to have to do that. I just wanted to see what happened first.”

After visiting ten villages, including the capital, Zy’nayth and his group headed back to the flagship. “The kids are starving,” Victoria said. “Are you coming home soon or should I go ahead and make them dinner?”

“I will be home in thirty minutes. I wish to inform the First of what transpired.”

“I can handle that,” Ny’van said. “Go home with your family.”

“Thank you,” Zy’nayth said, then escorted his family to the bridge portal.

“Burgers okay? I was going to make meatloaf, but I think the kids are too hungry to wait. Well, I’m too hungry to wait,” Victoria smiled.

“That will be fine. How do you think things went today?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I thought it was a good sign when people, like the gentleman in the first village we visited, brought up the strangers and what they were trying to do. That means, I think, they knew what was going on and that they weren’t going for their idea of rebellion or civil war. But you’re the telepath what did you find?”

“I was not searching minds. We do not go into minds unless…”

“I know, I mean…you’re also very empathic, you had to have sensed something.”

“It was a mix of emotions. Some fear, some relief, some simply excited.”

“I no pick up ‘motions,” Mik’kenna said. “I try. I no has skill yet.”

“Me neither,” Ky’nayth said as he pulled his highchair up to the table and climbed up into his seat. “I so hungry!”

“I’m sorry, honey, it’ll be a few minutes. I’m going as fast as I can. Zy, grab them a banana and split it in half. That should tide them over a few minutes.”

“I should have warned you that we would be gone most of the day. You could have fixed sandwiches.”

“I took carrots and juice, I should have thought to ask. Not your fault,” she said as she got the burgers going then began cutting up potatoes to make fries. Zy’nayth gave the twins their halves of the banana then took over cutting up the potatoes, being much faster than his wife’s already nimble speed.

“I tink I go bed affer dinner,” Mik’kenna said. “I wored out.”

“It was a lot of walking and talking and listening,” Victoria said. “I’m pretty tired too.”

“Puppies like it lot,” Ky’nayth said. “They got to ‘splore lots.”

“They did and they were very well behaved,” Zy’nayth said.

***

“As I stated, we should have waited until he began distribution on a larger scale,” the Leader said to his underling. “I knew such small communities, where everyone knows everyone else, wouldn’t go for the idea of a rebellion, let alone a civil war.” He sighed, “Pull our men all out. I need all hands working on shipbuilding. That’s the only way we can defeat the Supreme Commander.”

“We can still send out some to what we think will be the next planet of distribution,” the Rayth replied.

“No. I want those ships built. Get the men on the mining machines, get them to that location that Algo gave us and get that ore! I want those ships! Do I make myself clear?”

The man gave the Leader a bow then left. The Leader shook his head. “The Supreme Commander probably doesn’t have to give orders twice. Why must I?” He sighed and went back to his planning. This had to work. The Supreme Commander had to be dethroned. Even it was the last thing he ever did, he vowed to bring Zy’nayth to his knees.

June 21, 2120

“I have the Governor of Tarnia wishing to speak with you, sir,” Dre’han said over his comlink to Zy’nayth.

“Send it through,” Zy’nayth said, telepathically telling Ny’van and Kol’non who were meeting with him about the caller. A moment later, his comlink buzzed. “This is the High Chancellor.”

“The Governor of Tarnia, sir,” he said. “I have been thinking about what you said regarding the outsiders being sent to stir us in to rebellion. My wife and I have both been discussing it.” He let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, sir, the points he made seemed to make sense in an odd sort of way. But as we thought about what you said, well, we’ve decided to go ahead with the serum. I just wanted to personally tell you.”

“I appreciate that, Governor, but I do wish to stress that this is voluntary. If you are apprehensive about taking the serum, you do not have to take it. As a matter of fact, given that you and your wife had changed your mind, perhaps it would be best if you wait and see how it affects your population.”

“No, sir, that won’t be necessary. We had readily agreed to taking it, and usually my first choice has always been the best choice. When I start second guessing myself, that’s when I tend to make the mistakes. I will, however, let my wife know what you said and she can make her own decision.”

“Governor, thank you for taking the time to listen and to reconsider. It means a lot to me that people, especially those in positions of power, listen and, more importantly, think and analyze what is said. People who do not listen to both sides of an argument, who do not seek out the facts for themselves, tend to be quite unhappy with their decisions and with life in general, or so I believe.”

“I agree, sir. I will contact your assistant after I make sure my wife wishes to go through with the serum and let him know our decisions.”

The call was disconnected and Zy’nayth knew Ny’van and Kol’non had picked up on what was said. “Now, back to business. All of the soil has been transferred?”

“Yes. All materials for the sheds and greenhouses are on the flagship,” Kol’non said. “Plants and seeds are still being transferred to the ship. The Terra 2 team is working with Science in making sure the numbers for each town is correct. Garden implements are on board. Thankfully, since we do have people who grow large gardens of flowers, there wasn’t anything we needed to build especially for this project.”

“Plumbing and electrical lines checked?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yes. Second Science personally checked all of the locations where we will be installing the greenhouses. He signed off on all.”

“Good. Will the seedlings and such all be ready by Monday?”

“I believe so. We will have enough for the first towns we go to on Monday, that will not be an issue. The Terra 2 and Science team will continue to work until we have everything. Setting up an area on the flagship to accommodate that many plants was not fully anticipated, so that put us a day behind schedule on our end, though half of the teams continued to gather the plants while the other half got the flagship ready to receive them.”

“Have you talked with Alan?” Ny’van asked Zy’nayth.

“Victoria and I will be heading to stay on Terra 2 this evening. We have invited him for breakfast tomorrow. The demonstration kitchen has been built and should be installed on Sunday. My assistant is seeing to that.”

They finished up their meeting then Ny’van and Kol’non left and went about the rest of their day. Zy’nayth went in to talk to the Lead Councilman. He filled him in on what was happening on Tarnia with the rebels trying to get the people to start a civil war over the issue of the serum.

“And you waited three days to tell me about this?” the Lead frowned.

“I have been quite busy, as you must understand. Besides, I felt it best to go there as soon as possible. That disrupted my schedule for those three days as I had to rearrange countless meetings in order to go to Tarnia.”

“Your assistant could have contacted me.”

“He was with me and was quite busy the entire time. I do apologize, but this has been the first chance I have had to inform you.”

“High Chancellor, I know you’re used to handling things on your own. You’ve proven you’re quite adept at it, but when it comes to these rebels, I want to know the minute you find out things. Let me take some of the work off of your shoulders.”

“In this particular incident, you going to Tarnia would not have accomplished anything. You have said it yourself, the people want me, my word on this.”

The Lead Councilman nodded, “True, but while you were out handling the local population, I could have put things in motion on our end.”

“Vice, First Science, and the First Commander were already deploying what they could. I am not sure you would have contacts or informants above and beyond their people and my warriors.”

“Perhaps I might. Working with your brother for so many millennia forced me to have people in places that I could tap into for information.”

“I will concede that point if you will concede that thus far, they have produced nothing about this rebellion led by my nephews.”

The Lead let a grin pass his lips. “I am only trying to offer assistance, and just because my contacts haven’t turned up anything in the past, it doesn’t mean that they can’t pick up on a trail now.”

“True.” Zy’nayth gave him a nod then said, “Given this new approach by the rebels, and thus knowing that there is at least some remnant of them out there under the leadership of another, I want permission to telepathically interrogate my nephews.”

“No.”

“You must take my request to the entire Council.”

“Yes, but I still say no. Focus on the serum. I will send someone else to work on your nephews.”

“Lead, you know quite well that if my First Science Commander cannot get information from them, there are very few who can.”

“I know. But, if someone shows up under my authority and poses as someone willing to convert to the rebellion, especially if they are not part of your inner circle, perhaps your nephews will drop their defenses. If they don’t, and once this first mass serum distribution is complete, I will back you in going to the Council.”

“Lead, they tapped into my broadcast. That means they are monitoring my moves. That means that there is someone organizing the rebels. They saw my broadcast, they sent in people to cause dissention. We have to find out who was giving my nephews their orders.”

“We don’t know that there was. It could be someone with a hunger for power that took the reins when you apprehended your nephews.”

“Very possible, but it does not diminish the fact that there are still enough rebels to be organized even for this small event. We need to make sure. If they are willing to start civil wars on every planet where we offer the serum, they are much more dangerous than we thought.”

“They were willing to start wars between Rayth when they had allied themselves with the Gyhan,” the Lead said and held up a hand before Zy’nayth could speak. “Yes, they are dangerous. But I ask you this, do you want to go after the rebels or see that this serum distribution goes off smoothly? You are only one man, you cannot do both at the same time. You have the Council and your entire army at your disposal. Perhaps it’s best not to stick to your inner circle for the time being. Send out more people to search for the rebels.”

Zy’nayth stood and began to pace, hands clasped behind his back. “The serum takes precedence, but I need to put pressure on my nephews and the remaining rebels.” He tapped his comlink, “Gentlemen, sorry to disturb you. I need you in the Lead Councilman’s chambers.”

A few minutes later, Ny’van, followed by Kol’non, Ja’val, the Second Commander, and Second Science Commander were gathered into the office. He explained the dilemma.

“Second Commander, you will take the helm of the flagship and oversee what is being done for the demonstrations on Monday. First Commander, I want you and Second Science to find out where this broadcast interception came from. Does the Second have all he needs to step into your shoes for these demonstrations?

“Fully prepared, sir,” the Second Commander said. “The First Commander has kept me informed every step of the way.”

Kol’non nodded, “Easy transition.”

“Good, thank you. First Science, does Second Science have all the intel needed to keep going on this interception tracking?”

“Yes, sir,” Ja’val replied. “He’s been doing most of the legwork. I’ve just been going over his findings.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Seconds, this is why these two are my Firsts, they know what to share and when. First Commander, I am going to concentrate on Tarnia, but I am available to look over any information or can step in if something needs higher authority to complete, though I am basically giving you complete authority to do whatever you need—you know the limitations I have placed on you before, those remain.”

“I can help as well,” the Lead Councilman said to Kol’non. “I want the High Chancellor to focus on the serum as that will affect the entire Empire. The rebellion can, but I would like to think that they are limited in their power with Di’vash and Ca’vak in prison.”

“Lead, have your people work on interrogating my nephews,” Zy’nayth said. “First Science, I need you, obviously, focused on the serum distribution. If the Lead needs something in regards to my nephews’ interrogations thus far, provide him the information.”

“He’s been copied on all I’ve given you and Vice,” Ja’val said. “He should be up to date on everything.”

“Is there anything else that I need to cover?”

“Would you like me to set up elsewhere or remain on the flagship?” Kol’non asked.

“The flagship is quite fine unless you believe you would benefit from a different location,” Zy’nayth replied.

“The flagship is perfect,” Kol’non said, “I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have something else in mind.”

By the end of the day, Zy’nayth was ready to head home, though he knew it only meant that he would be picking up his family and heading to Terra 2. If Victoria had a busy day, she might not be ready to leave when he got home. He wanted down time to rest, to think, to pray. On Terra 2, in their confined chambers, it was difficult. But he didn’t want to closet himself away from his family. His wife and children brought him joy, and right now, he needed that.

“Daddy!” both kids squealed as they ran after the dogs who were the first to the door to greet him as he walked in. Their excitement at seeing him always lifted his heart. He scooped both up into his arms and gave them kisses.

Victoria walked down the hallway with two bags. “We’re ready to go,” she smiled. “Lights are off, backdoor is locked.”

“We spend whole day with neighbors. We play and play and play,” Ky’nayth said. “I tired.”

“I take it the young ones are more fun now that they can play instead of just crawl around,” he smiled.

Both kids nodded as he set them back down. “Grab the pups’ leashes. I am ready to head out,” he said then gave his wife a kiss before taking the bags she was carrying. “I see you have been gardening.”

“Yeah. The mothers and I gardened while the kids played. Lots of ripe veggies. We had the other ladies come and help themselves, and I still managed to have two big bags full just for us.”

“Puppies help garden,” Mik’kenna said.

“I am sure they enjoy the digging,” Zy’nayth said as they headed outside. The door shut then he entered a code into the control panel, shielding the premises except the backyard where neighbors would go to get vegetables when they wanted.

Those in the control room on Terra 2 greeted them with nods, busy with their shift change protocols. “I thought I’d just grab something from the mess hall for dinner,” Victoria said, “if that’s okay. I’m beat.”

“That is fine. Do you wish us to accompany you?”

“Maybe we could leave the dogs and we could all go eat there. The kids enjoy it.”

“Please!” Ky’nayth said. “Please, Daddy!”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Very well.”

The twins enjoyed the novelty of standing in line, then going down the service line and picking what food they wanted. Neither could see over the rail, so Zy’nayth and Victoria each propped a kid on a hip and pushed two trays down the line.

Once they had their food and drinks and were seated, Zy’nayth prayed over the meal. Vince saw them as he entered. He got his food and sat with the family.

“Don’t often see you here,” he said as he took his seat.

“I was tired,” Victoria said. “And since you’re here and since it’s on my mind, I’d like to put in a request for larger quarters. I love my little chambers, but I’d love a bedroom that didn’t open into the main hallway and that had a little more privacy than the screen I put up.”

“Mommy, you switch with us,” Ky’nayth said. “We has door.”

“Your father doesn’t want you that easily accessible to the main hall,” she said.

“Everything’s claimed right now and Simon’s team has other priorities,” Vince said, “but that apartment next to yours, the High Chancellor’s old chambers, is uninhabited. If you want to do the work, you have my permission to tear down that wall and expand your chambers. But I’ll add you to the list to get a larger area. I imagine the twins will want their own rooms eventually.”

Victoria looked at her husband, “Well?”

“I will take the general up on the offer,” Zy’nayth said. “Vince, I do not wish to bring up work related items at dinner, but we do need to talk before the weekend is up and we head out for the demonstrations on Tarnia.”

“First Science was here about an hour ago. This has to do with the rebels?”

“Yes.”

“He didn’t tell me much, just said we need to stay diligent and that you’d fill me in at some point.”

“Daddy, is puppies in danger?” Mik’kenna asked. “I no want puppies hurted.”

“I believe the pups are safe. We happened upon a signal we cannot trace and think that it might have something to do with some stray rebels,” he said, always trying, when possible, to be honest with his children.

“Oh,” she said and took a scoop of her mashed potatoes and shoved them in her mouth. Neither of the twins could quite sit at the table, so each was sitting on a parent’s lap. It was a little cumbersome when it came to cutting the food, but Victoria and Zy’nayth had done it often in her chambers that they were quite skilled at it.

“Hey there, mind if we join you?” Becket asked, arriving with Amelia.

“Please,” Zy’nayth smiled and motioned to the empty seats. “How are the two of you doing?”

“Pretty good,” Amelia said. “Victoria, have you had any more of those migraines? Becket told me about it.”

“None since that afternoon. I’m telling you, if we could harness how Rayth heal people, Becket and I would be out of a job.”

“No you would not,” Zy’nayth corrected. “Without the two of you, we would not have the serum and we would not have known what caused the disease, or rather how to cure the disease, that affected Rayth women.”

“Okay, maybe Becket would still have a job, but the rest of the doctors wouldn’t,” Victoria smiled. “Pass the pepper please.”

“Uncle Becket, when you and Miss Lia get marry?” Mik’kenna asked. “I wait long time for dis.”

“We’re still deciding on a date,” Becket said. “I know it seems like a long time, but Miss Lia and I have really only been dating for nine months. Though we’re sure about getting married, we’re still praying about the when. So far, Pastor Jacob and Miss Julia were thinking that perhaps late fall.”

“On your estate,” Amelia looked at Victoria. “It would be beautiful with all the trees turning colors and it wouldn’t be so hot.”

“Fine by me,” Victoria said.

The twins enjoyed their dinner, having everyone around to look at, trying different foods, feeling like they’re grown up. But they were also just as happy to get back to their chambers where they asked their father if they could start making the room bigger for the puppies.

Zy’nayth chuckled. “I am afraid I need to do some measuring and get equipment lined up. He pulled the bed down from the wall and they all climbed up on it. “Victoria, what would you like to see done?”

“Our own bedroom,” she smiled then got up and went to her little kitchenette. “The kitchen in your room backs up with this one right?”

“Yes,” he said. “Would you like to combine them?”

“Well, nothing fancy. The tiny fridges don’t hold much, but I think if I got a normal fridge and a regular stove, they wouldn’t fit…at least not without me losing counter space. I think just extending this area into your area is fine. More countertops, move the two half-stoves together, or maybe get one normal one, keep the two half-fridges. But I think the one small dishwasher is fine. Let me think on that. We could take out one of the pantries, either have more counter space or maybe a larger area for the table and chairs. I don’t know. I’d have to see what we could do once the wall’s down.”

She came out of the kitchen and turned left into the hallway. Down the hallway, on the right was the bathroom, on the left was the linen closet. At the far end of the wall was another closet. Behind that far wall was Zy’nayth’s old chambers. “This wall is what’s going. Do we combine bathrooms or keep separate ones?”

Mik’kenna’s hand shot up, “Seppy ate!”

“Separate baths would be helpful as the children get older that way we are not all clamoring to use it at the same time,” Zy’nayth said. “However, I can see if there is room to expand one a bit if you wish to keep just one.”

“No, I don’t want you to do a lot of work. I’m hoping that since Vince was willing to let you do the work, he might let you do the work on one of the places in the other tower. Simon’s team wouldn’t have to get involved, and we can come up with something we like better, or can design better…since you’d be doing all the work,” she walked back over to him with a smiled and kissed his nose. “You’re handy to have around.” She sat back on the bed, “But before you say anything, the serum distribution comes first. The new place or this construction project isn’t a priority at all.”

He gave her a loving smile. He knew she wanted larger chambers as much, if not more, than he did. “Taking out that wall should not be difficult. The one in the kitchen, perhaps. Depends on the electrical and plumbing. So will my old chambers be our bedroom with the kitchen accessible from either side?”

“I’d like the kitchen blocked from the bedroom, but only if it’s super easy. I don’t want you to put in a lot of work. As for the bedroom,” she looked around the room they were in since it was the same size as Zy’nayth’s old chambers, “There’d be room for a desk and chair in here for you to use as a work area. If you need to work, I can hang out with the kids or in the bedroom. Or, we don’t need the chairs, you could put your desk in there. You’d have privacy.”

Mik’kenna’s hand shot up again. “What ‘bout puppy room?”

“I think the pups like staying in with you two,” Zy’nayth said.

“Dat true,” Ky’nayth said to his sister. “I no sleep right if Baxter not by me.”

“Oh. I forgetted ‘bout dat. I need Suhwest by me too. Daddy, no worry ‘bout puppy room.”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he smiled. “I hate to do this, because I have missed all of you very much, but I do need to do some very deep thinking about a few things. Children, may I use your bedroom to sit and think and pray?”

“By self? We help!”

“I think this is work related, honey,” Victoria said. “Daddy has a lot to finalize before the demonstration on Monday. I think it’s best if maybe Mommy sets him up with some tea and snacks and lets him work by himself.”

Zy’nayth’s comlink buzzed. He closed his eyes and sighed inwardly before answering it.

“Sorry to bother you, sir,” Ja’val said, “I was working with Second Science and noted something interesting in that broadcast interception. Wouldn’t have shown up on our analysis, not standard analysis in any case. There was another interception.”

“There were several, yes, I am aware.”

“No, sir, this one wasn’t using typical Rayth methods, or tech, I assume. I’m not sure what it is. It showed up on an energy scan I did of the area. Standard protocol when you’re speaking, we scan the area at all times. The initial review was clean, but Second thought to run a detailed analysis and was showing me the data that just came through. It takes a while to process all of the variables, wavelengths, you get the idea. Anyway, I was going over it as he made sure he had everything else to continue work on the interception and I saw this…you at your computer?”

“Yes,” Zy’nayth said, already having taken out his credit card sized tablet and expanded it to the size of a laptop device.

“Check screen 54,” Ja’val said when Zy’nayth confirmed receipt of the data.

“Screen 54,” Zy’nayth said then tilted his head. “It looks like an energy beam of some sort. I do not recognize the wavelength, however.”

“Nor do I, not at first glance. I’ll have Second run it through the system. It might just be some weird solar flare, but thought I’d bring it to your attention.”

“Make sure First and Vice know about it.”

“I sent for the First, I’ll call Vice when he arrives. I assume my focus will still be on the serum and demonstrations.”

“Yes. Unless this shows us something that would force me to switch your priorities.”

“Either I or Second Science will keep you up to date,” Ja’val said. “First is here. I’ll get him and Vice up to speed.”

“And call the Lead Councilman as well, please. Thank you, and thank Second Science,” Zy’nayth said and disconnected the call.

“Okay, Daddy,” Victoria said, having watched his expression as he talked, “let’s get you set up in the twins’ room so you can work things out. Do you want hot tea or iced tea?”

“Hot, please. Thank you.” He pulled each of his children in his arms. “I love you two so much,” he gave them each kisses. “Thank you for being understanding. I hate being at work because I do not get to see your adorable little faces and now, here I have to work when I am home. I am so sorry.”

“Maybe if we play quiet, it be ‘kay if stay in room wif you,” Mik’kenna suggested. “We just read stories or something. Den you look up and see adorey faces.”

Zy’nayth’s eyes sparkled with love for his children. “All right, but I may ask you to leave. Do not be upset if I do, it simply means that I need to be alone.”

Both kids beamed. “Kay!” they both said and each ran into their shared room and readied their story books, coloring books, and their crayons. Zy’nayth sat in one of the two oversized chairs in the room, chairs he and Victoria would sit and hold the kids in when they were still babies. Now, though only two and a half years old, they seemed to know things beyond what they should. He pulled an end table over and set his computer on it. The kids sat up on Mik’kenna’s bed and began to color. A dog beside each of them, just as quiet as could be. Victoria brought in a TV tray and set it to the side of the chair then returned with a kettle, cup, a selection of teas, sugar, and some grapes, strawberries, and cubed cheese varieties. Then she cleaned up the kitchen, grabbed a book and curled up on her bed in the living room/bedroom and did her own reading.