E:A Vol 5 Ch 9—July 20, 2120

 July 20, 2120

Victoria got a call just after midnight. Becket wasn’t going to risk waiting a few more hours. The new meds weren’t working on Alessa the way he hoped, so after checking her stats at midnight and not finding any improvement, he called Victoria. She got out of bed, and threw on her exercise clothes. “Zy, Becket’s going to do a C-section on Lessa.”

“Call me when the baby is born. I will come down and heal Alessa from the surgery,” Zy’nayth replied, getting out of bed and getting dressed. “I do not wish to wake the children, so I will wait here. However, if there are complications, contact me, I will run down.”

Victoria kissed his cheek, “I will. Love you,” she said then hurried down to the infirmary where Chris was holding his wife’s hand, nearly in tears from worry about her and the baby.

“Now Chris, she’s going to be just fine,” Victoria said as she walked over to them, “you know Becket’s going to take good care of her and the baby.” She gave David a hug, “Don’t you worry either.” She checked the readouts on the monitors, reassured them again, then headed to scrub up for surgery.

“Morning,” Jacob said as he and Julia entered with Amelia. Jacob immediately saw how nervous Chris was and went over putting an arm around his shoulder. “Let’s pray, son. You are a bundle of nerves. Alessa, dear, you’ve got some pretty talented doctors to help your little one come into this world. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. David, come on, you too. Big prayer ring around Alessa.”

***

At 1:17 a.m. on July 20, 2120, Baby Chapman was born. As soon as the nurse had the baby to start the weighing and cleanup, Victoria tapped her comlink and told her husband that they were done. Three minutes later, Zy’nayth walked past Chris and David in the waiting area, where Becket, just seconds before, told them that Baby Chapman was a little girl, and went right into the operating room. Zy’nayth’s large hand settled over Alessa’s heart and his healing ability took care of the incision and completely healed anything that had to be cut in order to get the baby our. Becket, Victoria, and the nurses looked on watching the incision seemingly close on itself and disappear. When that was complete, he put his hand on the baby to ensure she was healthy, then he gave Becket a nod indicating that both mother and daughter were fine as he left the operating room.

“Christopher, congratulations,” he said as shook his hand. “Your wife and baby are healthy. Victoria and I will come by in the morning after the children have had breakfast. I know they will be quite interested in seeing your little girl.”

“Thanks, big guy. Thanks. Thank you. Dad, I have a little girl,” Chris was grinning.

“So what’s her name?” David asked.

“Can’t tell. Alessa made me promise not to say anything until she was awake.”

Zy’nayth returned to his chambers and got back into his pajamas then said a prayer for the new baby. Victoria returned thirty minutes later, changed clothes, curled up next to her husband, and fell into a deep sleep.

***

After a few hours of sleep and a big breakfast, the Victoria and her family went to the infirmary to visit the Chapmans. Alessa had just woken up and Janice was bringing in the baby girl.

“Good morning!” Chris beamed with pride as he took the baby from Janice’s arms. “Aren’t you the most beautiful thing in the world?”

“Thank you,” Janice smiled, teasing Chris who didn’t seem to hear her.

Chris cradled his daughter in his arms and went over to the bed. “Mommy, we did a good job, didn’t we?”

“I think so,” Alessa replied as Becket walked in followed by Victoria and her family.

“I’m just here to make sure Mommy and Baby are doing fine. David, you look like you could use some sleep,” he said as he picked up the computer tablet chart at the end of the bed.

“I’m fine, just sore. Slept in that chair all night. Not the most comfortable.”

“Dad, I told you to go home,” Chris said as he gave the baby to his wife.

“I wanted to be here in case Alessa woke up and needed something.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

“You were up and going in to check on the baby every ten minutes.”

“Well, she did come a bit early, and she’s so tiny, and Dad, isn’t she the most beautiful thing in the world?”

Zy’nayth went over and put his hand on the baby and let his energy course into her. “She is still healthy. Alessa, how are you feeling?”

“Worn out. But okay,” she replied as Zy’nayth also double-checked his work on her from the evening.

“So, do we get to know the name of this little one?” David asked. “Been dying to know what to call her.” Zy’nayth went over to him and put his hand on his chest to see if he could alleviate any discomfort he had from sleeping in the chair.

“Go ahead, Chris,” Alessa smiled at her husband, “tell them.”

“Maressa,” Chris said, then explained. “My mom was Mary, and Alessa’s mom is Vanessa, so Maressa.”

“That’s a lovely name,” Janice said.

David beamed. “Your mother would have loved to see her. And thank you, Zy’nayth. My neck feels a bit looser.”

The twins stood by their parents, trying to catch a glimpse of the tiny baby. Finally, Ky’nayth tugged on his father’s long white jacket. “We no see from here.”

“Alessa would you mind if I set the children on the bed?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Go ahead,” Alessa said.

“Did you call your parents?” Victoria asked as Becket went about checking Alessa’s monitors.

“Yeah, I woke up about an hour after the baby was born, at least that’s what Chris said, then we called them. They’re not happy that they can’t be here,” Alessa said.

“They have to know where you are…” David said, “with the news coverage of that reporter…Chris’ name was mentioned.”

“I don’t think so,” Alessa said. “At least they’ve never brought it up.”

“Love, sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt,” Becket smiled, “everything looks good. Vitals, especially your BP, are all normal. I suspect the Rayth healing helped with that. How about breakfast? I can order something from the mess.”

“I’m starving,” Alessa smiled.

“Chris, David, you too?” Becket asked.

The Chapmans put in their orders and when the food arrived, Victoria thought it best if she and her family left. The twins each gave the baby a kiss. Ky’nayth patted the top of her head. “You be good, Maressa. I love you and will ‘tect you.”

“Thanks, little big guy,” Chris said.

***

Victoria was planning out the next big grocery list. They’d be on the flagship during the first few days of the serum distribution, so she wanted to have things ready to go. While Mik’kenna brushed the dogs, Ky’nayth went into the kitchen and climbed up on a chair by his mother.

“Mommy, why Aunt Lutia baby no born yet? I thought she first?”

“Well, Aunt Alessa had some problems that could have been dangerous to her and the baby, so Uncle Becket had to perform surgery to get the baby out.”

“Why no Rayth healy? Daddy, I sure, fix problem. He good at dat.”

“I think your Daddy tried and because the problem was due to her being pregnant, it came back. So, until she had the baby, it would always be a problem.”

“Oh. Aunt Lutia no has problem?”

“No honey, at least not that I know of.”

“Dat weird. Why one get problem and no other?”

“Everyone’s different,” Victoria said. “Different blood types, different family history, different dietary habits, a lot of variables.”

“Oh,” he shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, “That still weird.”

“We’d be boring if we were all the same,” Victoria smiled.

“Den it hard to be doctor if everyone different?”

“Well, our technology has come a long way in diagnosing problems. But it’s probably a lot harder for me than it is for someone like your father who can heal without really knowing what’s wrong.”

“Dat very weird,” Ky’nayth nodded. “I has to ask him how he do dat.”

“I’d like to know, too,” she replied. “But in a few years, you’ll be able to heal too. And Daddy will teach you how he does it.”

“I think you good doctor. Daddy heal easy but you know all stuff ‘bout germs and things. Dat’s lot to know to help people. And you just no help me and Sissy and people here, you go help people way far way. You best doctor,” he said then climbed down and ran to his bedroom, obviously upset over something.

Victoria shocked at his mood swing, got up and followed him, Mik’kenna, the dogs, and, of course, Zy’nayth were not far behind.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Victoria asked as she sat on the edge of his little bed. Ky’nayth’s face was buried in his pillows and his little sobs escaped even as he tried to muffle them. Victoria stroked his Raythian white hair, “sweetheart, please tell me what’s wrong.”

He sat up and threw his arms around her neck.

“I miss you so much when gone. I worry you never come home; and me and Sissy be wif no Mommy, and I so scared.”

Mik’kenna, partially from her telepathic tie to her brother, but mostly because she felt the same, climbed up and also began to cry on her mother’s shoulder.

Victoria held them tight and let her own tears roll down her cheeks. “I missed you two so much, too. But you know that Daddy had a ship looking over me, plus your uncles and Be’atta. I was fine. And I called you every night.”

“It no same. I miss kiss at night when tuck in bed. Even wif Baxter, I no sleep good wif no kiss.”

“Me too,” Mik’kenna said and wiped her tears away. “You no there to hold hand when pray den no kiss. I no like. I no like when you and Daddy no here to tuck in. It not normal.”

Victoria squeezed them both tighter and let out a little chuckle. “That’s so sweet. I love you guys so much. And I’m sorry I was gone so long. But I thought this was an important thing for me to do.”

“To help get cow for Rayth,” Ky’nayth nodded and wiped more tears away.

“Yeah. And…” she sighed, “I was the better person to go with Uncle Becket being so busy. Besides, I could sort of speak on behalf of your father if I had to. Or send for him.” With another hug then a kiss on their noses, she apologized again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think this would be so upsetting. I promise that I’ll do my best to not do it again.”

Mik’kenna nodded, “Only for special reason like getting cow.”

“It was a lot of cows and pigs and many other farm animals,” Zy’nayth said. “We went down and saw some of them when they were bridged over. That was a lot of animals. It will help the Rayth on Tarnia a considerable amount. I am proud of her going to do this, even though we all missed her terribly. After all, I am not a very good cook.”

“Dat true,” Mik’kenna said in a serious voice with a nod of her head, causing Victoria to laugh. Soon they were all laughing or giggling.

When emotions calmed Victoria told them that her grocery list was done and asked if they wanted to help her get everything. The twins did, so Zy’nayth escorted them, knowing there’d be a lot and his help in carrying items back would be needed. Just as they got to the elevator, Victoria’s comlink buzzed. She answered it then smiled. “Actually headed there,” she said, “we’ll stop by and get your list. Is she okay? Good. One baby per day is enough. Be right there.”

She turned to her husband after the call ended. “First Science would like us to pick up groceries for them. Lutia’s staying on the flagship during this next week before the distribution in case she goes into labor.”

“I am aware of that,” he smiled. “And Becket will be there, plus we will make frequent trips to check on progress. She will be well-taken care of.”

“Do you want me to stay on the ship with her?” she asked as the elevator arrived and they descended the few floors to Ja’val and Lutia’s chambers.

“I was considering rotating between you and Becket, but I think I would prefer having Becket with Ja’val planet-side will help if people still have questions of, do not take offense, the human.”

“That makes sense,” Victoria said and smiled, “and no offense taken.”

As they walked into the chambers, Lutia waddled over with her list. Victoria told her about the conversation she and Zy’nayth had on the way down.

“Oh I’ll be fine,” she waved off the comment, “Be’atta will be with me to keep me company and my husband assures me that he and Becket will have transmitters on so that they can be immediately teleported up if I go into labor.” She grinned, “I’m not worried about it. It doesn’t feel like this one’s ready yet.”

“You feel the baby?” Mik’kenna asked, “He tell you he ready?”

“It may be a she,” Lutia said, “but no, he or she isn’t telling me anything. It’s just a feeling I have.”

“She’s overdue,” Ja’val frowned.

Victoria put a hand on his arm and smiled, “Some babies just need a little more time. I’m sure Becket’s keeping a close eye on everything.”

Lutia waved off the remark, “I’m fine. And I’m glad Alessa had her little girl. I was worried about those BP numbers. She was miserable. But this one,” she rubbed the large protrusion from her stomach, “this one is not a problem at all. Except when he…or she…starts to kick, like now.”

Mik’kenna walked over and put her hand on the belly then giggled. “Dat funny. Bubby, feel.”

Ky’nayth was a little more hesitant but then was giggling as he too felt the little kick. “Maybe he say he ready when he kick?” he suggested. “Or she.”

“Then he’s been ready for a long time,” Lutia smiled.

“Lutia, if everything on your list is for the flagship, we can take it there for you so your husband does not have to leave you in order to take it up,” Zy’nayth said.

“It is, and I’d appreciate it. And that would give us a chance to stop by and see Lessa and Chris,” Lutia said. “Thank you.”

“I’ll let you know when we’re back,” Victoria said, “Come on kids, we’ve got a lot to do now!”

July 21, 2120

“Hello,” said the Rayth. Unlike the others on the flagship, or those in the military, the man wasn’t dressed in a head to toe leather uniform. Instead, he was in a finely tailored, deep gray suit with a high collared navy shirt.

“Who are you?” Ca’vak asked.

“I have been assigned to you and your brother for telepathic interrogation,” the Rayth said.

“Not a warrior?”

“No, sir; civilian. May I?” he motioned to a chair in the rather sparse holding cell.

“Might as well. I’m not hiding anything,” Ca’vak said. “If I had been, I’m sure my uncle’s First Science Commander would have found it.”

The man nodded as he sat and placed his leather briefcase on his lap. “Most likely. I was sent here by a different group. One that has your interests in mind.” At that moment, the cell door seemed to disintegrate, this time to allow Di’vash to enter. “Both of your interests. Guards, that will be all, thank you. You may address me as Lawyer, if you wish, though my concern for you is not calling upon my talents as a lawyer since you have been duly convicted upon physical and telepathic evidence. I will see that you are properly treated but I will have to perform my own telepathic interrogation.”

“You’re going to telepathically interrogate us, but you have our interests in mind?” Ca’vak asked.

“That is correct. You see, gentlemen, there are people who feel as though the death of your father caused some mental trauma in the both of you. They wish to see that you are well-cared for. Though, admittedly, you still must undergo a sentence of punishment for your crimes, the party which sent me wishes to make sure that you are afforded some…courtesies. For one, I could arrange for more comfortable quarters.”

“Cell. This is a prison cell, not quarters,” Di’vash said.

“Of course, forgive me. In either case, I can see that things are more in line with, what I think, the sons of the former High Chancellor are used to.”

“I want off this ship,” Di’vash said. “I don’t trust anyone who works for my uncle. They’re far too loyal to him and they could come into my cell in the middle of the night and snap my neck.”

“It’s impossible to rest thinking thoughts like that,” Ca’vak added. “I don’t care where we go, just someplace where my uncle is not.”

The man took out the credit card sized item from a pocket in his suit jacket and with the tapping of the screen, it expanded into a small computer tablet which sat on top of the case on his lap. “Different location. Noted. I assume better surroundings?”

“Of course,” Di’vash said and leaned back in his chair, hands folded across his stomach, “this is how we should have been treated to begin with. What exactly do Raythian lawyers do? I never figured that out.”

“There are disputes that are handled without combat. A manufacturer who steals technology from another. Such things do not require a fight to the death to the matter as that does not always prove who was in the right. After all, we are a civilized race. I leave the combat to the warriors and government officials who prefer to fight for their positions. The average Rayth simply wishes to settle a disagreement. Therefore, lawyers. I also happen to be somewhat of a diplomat.”

“But you’re an interrogator, too, right?”

The man looked up from his tablet and nodded. “I am.”

“Who hired you? If they have our best interests in mind, I’d like to know who they are,” Di’vash said.

“That is privileged information,” the lawyer said. “They were willing to pay rather handsomely to see that you are treated well, even if I must telepathically interrogate you.”

“Does my uncle know about you?” Ca’vak asked.

“I don’t have an answer for you on that point. I can say that the Lead Councilman does know that I am here. In which case, I would assume that the High Chancellor will know soon enough if he doesn’t already.”

***

Zy’nayth was in the bedroom working at his desk when the Lead Councilman placed a video call to him. “Go ahead,” Zy’nayth said as he opened the feed to one of his screens.

The Rayth who had been with Di’vash and Ca’vak was introduced by the Lead Councilman, then the lawyer gave Zy’nayth the report of his first interview with the two men and the changes they’d like made.

“To be expected,” Zy’nayth said upon hearing their list of demands. He held up a finger to stop them from speaking then turned towards the door, “Yes?”

Victoria opened the door, eyed the screen, then softly asked, “Lunch in ten?”

“I will try not to be late,” he said, “thank you.” She backed out, quietly closing the door as Zy’nayth turned his attention back to the Lead Councilman and the lawyer. “Lead, work with the First Commander to find new ships on which they can stay. I want them on separate ships. Having them together did not yield what I had hoped. Perhaps being apart might.”

The Lead looked at the lawyer, “Your thoughts?”

“I agree. They fuel each other when together. If one stands up against me, the other will soon follow. Keeping them separate may put a stop to that. One may be weaker if left to his own devices.”

The Lead nodded, “And the other items?”

Zy’nayth groaned in his gruff way before speaking. “They deserve none of it, but go ahead. Lead, with the serum distribution beginning in just over a week, I am entrusting this to you. I want reports, obviously.”

“Of course.”

“One last reminder,” he said, looking at the lawyer, “It is only because I hope to see them change their ways that they are still alive. I hope they can do what my brother could not. That being said, they are criminals of the Empire. I am only allowing this leniency in order to glean more information from them. They should have the same amount of security in place around them as they do on my flagship. I will not allow anything less. They may have a soft chair to sit in but the guards, the security protocols, nothing of that nature will not be relaxed. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, High Chancellor,” the lawyer said.

“Is there anything else?”

The Lead mentioned a couple small details then the call was ended. Zy’nayth immediately called Kol’non and Ny’van to let them know what was going on, then he asked Ny’van if he knew the lawyer.

“I do,” Ny’van replied.

“Can he be trusted?”

“I have used him a number of times. I can refresh my intel on him, but unless something has changed, he’s been loyal to me and had no love of your brother. I would trust him. But I will check in on things to make sure.”

“Thank you. First, expect the Lead and the lawyer to contact you.”

“Understood.”

Zy’nayth then went out to join his family for lunch. “I hope everything’s okay,” Victoria said as she handed the silverware to the kids to put on the table.

“Yes. The Lead Councilman will handle things in my stead. Ny’van will watch over the Lead,” he grinned, “and thankfully, I do not have to watch over Ny’van.”

“Daddy, you pray. I hungry and ready to shove food in mouth,” Ky’nayth grinned.

“You will eat like a young gentleman,” Zy’nayth said and lifted him into his highchair while Victoria lifted Mik’kenna into hers. “However, the food smells delicious, so I could not fault you if you did shove it in your mouth,” he smiled. Victoria nodded that she was ready, so they joined hands and Zy’nayth gave thanks for the food. Then Victoria fixed each of the twins their fajitas according to what they wanted on them.

“When we make our next trip to Earth, I need to look into booster seats,” she said.

“Could you have David pick them up if you ordered them?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Actually, now that I think about it, I’ll just place an order to come in with the next shipment of personal items. No rush. Had I thought about it sooner, I could have had the boosters already and given the highchairs to Alessa and Lutia.”

“What a boosty seat?” Mik’kenna asked then meticulously refolded her fajita the way she wanted it.

“Just a little wood or plastic thing about this big,” Victoria motioned with her hands, “that sits on top of the kitchen chair so you can sit at the table.”

“Oh! I want red one, please,” Mik’kenna said then blew on the fajita before taking a bite.

“If that is all it is,” Zy’nayth said, “I could make something. I assumed there was more to it.”

“Well, they have little belts so the kids don’t slide out, but that’s pretty much it.”

“I will make them,” Zy’nayth said.

“We need several sets,” Victoria reminded him, “for here, your island home, the chancellery, and Earth.”

“I know. It should not take long.”

“You have a lot of other things going on. I’m just trying to make sure you don’t overdo it,” she said and handed him the platter of sizzling steak and chicken. He selected the meat and finished making his wrap.

“Woodworking relaxes me,” he said, putting a dollop of sour cream on his fajita. “And perhaps the children would like to help.”

“Honey, you have a big—huge—project starting in a week.”

“Yes. And?” he replied after folding his wrap and taking a bite.

“Just trying to be helpful,” she smiled back.

Ky’nayth grabbed his glass of milk and downed half of it. “Hot!” he said after he swallowed. “Hot!”

“You has blow on it first, Bubby,” Mik’kenna said.

“I just so hungry!”

Victoria got up and refilled his glass. “At least I hope you were able to taste it.”

The boy nodded, “It so good!”

“Victoria, after church tomorrow, would you be all right with a little shopping?” Zy’nayth asked.

“What kind of shopping?”

“Wood to make booster seats,” Zy’nayth chuckled. “Then we can settle into the island house and I can begin work on them.”

“We go!” Mik’kenna said.

“That’s fine. But I thought we were going to the flagship?”

“Not until Monday. Even then we may not sleep on board. With Becket sleeping on the ship, I need not worry as much about Lutia going into labor. You can be there once Becket begins going planet-side for the distribution since that will happen at different hours in different zones.”

“Is she hazzing a girl or boy?” Ky’nayth asked his mother.

“I haven’t been told. Uncle Becket knows, and I think your Daddy knows because he’s been checking on her,” Victoria answered.

“Daddy, it boy or girl?” Mik’kenna asked.

“I promised not to tell. I do not like breaking promises,” he said.

“Honey, if we’re going shopping, I know I got a few things for both Lutia and Alessa, but maybe I could find a few little girl things for Maressa now that we know she’s a girl,” Victoria said.

“Me too!” Mik’kenna said. “I no have little Sissy ‘fore.”

“I hope Uncle First Science Commander and Aunt Lutia has boy. Just so we has both,” Ky’nayth said.

***

On Sunday evening, after a day of shopping and the beginning of Zy’nayth’s woodworking project, they went to see the Chapman family.

“I’ll start going through Kenna’s old clothes. They grow so fast, it doesn’t make sense to buy new if you don’t have to,” Victoria said, “but we did pick up this little thing for Maressa.”

“Chris, you open it,” Alessa said, holding her baby girl who was napping contently.

Chris took the box and unwrapped it to find a little white dress with white felt-like polka dots, a red hair ribbon, and a pair of little red shoes. Chris chuckled and looked at the twins, “This doesn’t look like a baseball outfit.”

“It no bay ball, silly,” Mik’kenna said, “it for Sunday when she go church.”

Chris held everything up for his wife to see, “It’s very cute,” he said, “thank you.”

“We’re not going to stay, you both look tired,” Victoria said. “I just wanted to drop that off and let you know that I should have at least one box of clothes for Maressa.” Her eyes flicked to the monitor, then, out of habit, she picked up the tablet at the foot of the bed to check the readings.

“If Lutia has a girl, we can share,” Alessa said.

“Whatever you guys want to do is fine with me. I’ll go through Ky’s stuff while I’m at it. Maybe they’ll have a little boy. It’s all kind of exciting to have new little ones here. BP’s been doing great all day. All your vitals are good. Sorry,” she said putting the tablet back in its holder. “Habit.”

“May I?” Zy’nayth asked standing and moving towards the bed. “I trust their instruments, but I wish to see for myself that mother and daughter are healthy.

Alessa smiled, “Thanks.”

Zy’nayth took Maressa in his massive arms and checked her with his energy. A wide smile passed his face, “She is quite well,” he said and handed her to Victoria so she could kneel down with the baby for the twins to see her. Then he checked Alessa and found her to be healthy as well.

Ky’nayth giggled and nodded. He was excited to have new little friends to play with. “I hope you get big fast so we can play!” he said.

Both twins gave Maressa little kisses, then the family left and returned to the island home where Zy’nayth continued his work on the booster seats. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna helped with little projects he gave them, like measuring the wood. Victoria enjoyed sitting and watching the three of them build the little seats. They had completed two before their trip to see the Chapmans. Now the kids were painting those while Zy’nayth began constructing the next two. Mik’kenna’s seat was going to be fire engine red, Ky’nayth’s a forest green, their favorite colors.

“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Victoria asked.

“I need to check on things in the office,” Zy’nayth said. “After dinner, I would like to bridge to the flagship and then check on Ja’val’s team.”

“I’ve been thinking, if Lutia is transferring to the flagship tomorrow morning, I think the kids and I should be there. Becket and Ja’val are going to be busy.”

“You have not been home, I do not wish to keep you from…”

“If I’m with my family, I’m home,” Victoria said. “I know Be’atta will be there, but I’ve been thinking it might ease Ja’val’s mind if a doctor was with his wife. Yes, Becket will be on the flagship, but he’s going to be up and down checking the make-shift infirmaries and such. I really think Ja’val would be more comfortable if I was with Lutia.”

“I think morning good idea,” Mik’kenna said. “Just case.”

Zy’nayth laughed, “He would. If you do not mind, I think he and Lutia would both appreciate it.”

“Since that’s settled, I’m going to repack the groceries and have those ready to go. Might as well check the garden and see if anything’s ripe to take.”

“I help,” Mik’kenna said putting her paint brush where her father instructed her. “I think boosty is done with paint.”

“Mine too, but I stay and help Daddy,” Ky’nayth said.

At the end of the night, after the kids were washed up, they all went up to the master bedroom and had their Bible study and devotional time.

“Do you two wish to sleep with us tonight?” Zy’nayth asked, knowing both kids were still a little emotional about their mother having been gone for two weeks.

“Can we? Please?” Ky’nayth pleaded. “I miss Mommy so much and she back and I just want to snuggle.”

“I can’t refuse that,” Victoria smiled.

“I snuggle too, please,” Mik’kenna said.

“Mommy has two arms to snuggle with,” Victoria said, “one for each of you. Come on, let’s have our prayer time then we can snuggle.”

July 22, 2120

The following morning, Victoria just had to put a few of the refrigerated items in a bag, the rest were ready to go. Zy’nayth escorted them to his chambers on the flagship where Ja’val met them with his wife to settle in for the day.

As Zy’nayth made his way to the bridge portal to return to the chancellery, he diverted his route and went to the prison cells to see his nephews—not necessarily to talk, but to see what kind of mood they were in.

“We’re leaving,” Ca’vak said as Zy’nayth walked up to his cell.

“So I heard,” Zy’nayth replied.

“So he is reporting to you?” Ca’vak frowned.

Zy’nayth paused and looked directly at him. “This is my flagship and you find it odd that I would not know everything happening on it? You do not know me very well. And that lawyer does not work for me.”

“I’m sure you didn’t want us to move,” he replied. “You want us under your thumb.”

“So you believe. I hope you are happy on whatever ships they put you on.”

“Ships? Plural?” Di’vash asked from across the hall.

Zy’nayth turned to his other nephew. “Yes. Different ships. I must tend to other duties. You are always welcome back here,” he said and walked off.

Di’vash slumped down on his bed. “Not sure I like that idea.”

Ca’vak, across the hallway, agreed with him.