E:A Vol 5 Ch 10—August 7, 2120

August 7, 2120

The first week of the actual serum distribution went without problems. Ja’val’s teams in each village had, during the previous weeks, calculated all of the registrants’ dosages and had again gone over issues that might arise during the first few weeks. The make-shift infirmaries in each village were busy with people coming and going, sometimes with appointments to have baseline tests run on their strength and abilities, others just wanting to talk to someone because they were getting nervous.

While each of the temporary infirmaries had about twenty Rayth scientists that worked directly for the First Science Commander, Zy’nayth, Becket, and Ja’val made trips to each village throughout the weeks leading up to the actual distribution. While Ja’val and Becket made sure all the preparations and tests were being carried out to specifications, Zy’nayth talked to those who volunteered to undergo the treatment. Most generally wanted his assurance that all would be well. They had talked to the scientists, but they wanted to hear from their leader.

Zy’nayth also checked on the gardens and greenhouses, and asked if anyone needed help with their cooking endeavors, even though Alan and a couple of his crew, along with a couple of Rayth, had been visiting each village regularly since the demonstrations. Victoria and the twins were with him on most of the trips, until Lutia, due to her pregnancy, was moved from Terra 2 to the flagship the week prior to the distribution.

By Saturday, the end of the first week of treatments, Becket was concerned about Lutia’s baby. It hadn’t arrived yet. But after a thorough exam, he confirmed that the baby was healthy and that he saw no issues. Lutia was uncomfortable, the first time in her pregnancy she got to that point, but she wanted to give it a few more days before they resorted to a C-section. There was no concern about her health or that of the baby, so she wanted to wait a few more days. She did agree, that if something did develop to endanger her, or especially the child she was carrying, the C-section should be done.

On Wednesday, August 7, three weeks past her due date, Lutia was making her way from her chambers on the flagship to Victoria’s to spend another day while her husband continued with the serum distribution. Ja’val was with her, helping her along when she bent over and let out something between a groan and a scream.

“Oh!” Ja’val said, dropping the bag he was carrying for her. In one swift movement, he lifted her in his arms and carried her back to their chambers. “Hold on! Hold on!” he said as he hurried down the two winding corridors to their chambers.

As he passed a warrior he shouted for him to call Becket and to get the bag he’d left down the hallway. When Becket got the message, he contacted Victoria.

“I will stay with the children,” Zy’nayth said to his wife as she grabbed her medical kit. “Call me if I am needed.”

“I go!” Mik’kenna said, and hurrying after her mother. “I help be nurse!”

“No, honey, I think you should stay here,” Victoria said, kissed the top of her head and ran to Ja’val’s chambers. Becket arrived just as she did. Victoria let him tend to Lutia while she went about getting things ready for the delivery. The baby, however, wasn’t up to waiting much longer, and within 30 minutes, the little boy had been delivered.

Ja’val was trembling as he held the boy. “Five thousand years I’ve waited for you, little one,” he said as tears rolled down his cheeks. You…you are long overdue.”

“Heal your wife,” Becket said, holding out his hands after taking care of the umbilical cord. “Victoria and I can get him cleaned up.”

“Oh yes, yes. Lutia, my love, forgive me, I was so…” Ja’val sighed and handed the baby to Becket. With a portable device, Becket weighed the baby, then measured his length before allowing Victoria to take him and get him cleaned up. When she returned to the bedroom with the tiny bundle, Lutia had been healed and moved to a comfortable chair.

“I’ll clean up the linens,” Victoria said. “Just be a moment and you can climb back in.” Be’atta came in, having been summoned by Becket. She helped Victoria with the linens then Zy’nayth, Kol’non, and the twins arrived.

“It’s a boy,” Victoria told the newcomers.

“Have you two decided on a name?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Kel’lan,” Ja’val said, “Kel’lan. First Marvel. He’s perfect. Perfect. Like his mother,” he smiled.

“His mother would like to hold him,” Lutia said.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Ja’val said, almost a nervous wreck. “I…I…” finally he handed the baby to Lutia. “I just never held my own son before. Never. Five thousand years. First Marvel. Kel’lan.”

“Most amazing Science Commander in the fleet and he’s a walking bundle of nerves,” Becket laughed. “Victoria can handle things here. I should get down to the serum distribution.”

Ja’val looked up, “Oh…I…”

“No,” Zy’nayth said, “stay. I will let everyone know. Stay and relax with your wife and Baby Kel’lan. Victoria, I, however, do need to go with Becket. Can you handle the children and help with the baby?”

“I’ll be here to help,” Be’atta said, “and the twins are never a problem. Go on.”

Victoria simply smiled and nodded at her husband. “See you at lunch.”

***

“I’m so sick,” the man said when Zy’nayth visited one of the infirmaries set up by his Science Team. “How long will it be?”

“By the end of week two, things should subside,” Becket said, travelling with him, “at least that seems to be the average.”

“For me it was much longer, but that may be because I am a fullblooded Rayth,” Zy’nayth said.

“My wife?” the man asked. “How is she doing?”

“Sleeping,” Becket said. “She seems to be handling things well and the Science Commander may allow her to go home tomorrow. I’m surprised they let both of you go through the trials at the same time.”

“I wouldn’t be much used to her when she went through it, so we talked with the Commander there,” he pointed, “and told him we wanted to go through it together. He gave us permission. I am glad she is fairing much better than I am.”

“If I may ask, is there more human DNA in her line than yours?” Becket asked.

The Rayth nodded. “Two generations with human mothers.”

“Thank you. We are trying to ascertain how much the side effects are impacted by the amount of human DNA in the lineage. As the High Chancellor said, his sickness lasted longer and was quite a bit worse than what I’m seeing on your chart. The First Science Commander and I believe it’s due to his fulbloodedness, but now that we have more Rayth to analyze, we’ll have a better idea and can, perhaps, improve the formula so that the side effects aren’t as bad.”

“I appreciate you being open with Dr. McKenna,” Zy’nayth said to the Rayth. “And I am sorry that you are so sick.”

“I hope you’re right and that this will be worth it,” the man replied.

“If you wish to end the war with humans, this will be worth it. Besides, I have become quite fond of ribeye steak and my wife’s lasagna. Many delicious flavors to enjoy.”

The man smiled. “Perhaps I’ll be able to have something soon. Right now I can barely handle the juice and soup they are giving me.”

“You will and I think you will be quite pleased. May I pray for you?”

“I do not believe in this God you…” the man stopped then nodded, “but go ahead. It can’t hurt.”

There were approximately 300 people in each village undergoing the serum treatment. Fifty could be accommodated in the infirmary. Usually by the evening of the second day, many could return to their own homes, and when they left, those next on the list were given the serum and a bed in the infirmary to be watched over.

When people started returning to their homes, two of the scientists then departed from the main infirmary team and made house calls throughout the day to check on those who were recovering at home. If both a husband and wife were taking the serum, only one would be treated, usually on the first day of distribution, the other was treated at the end of week two so that there was always one “healthy” person at home. But sometimes, that wasn’t always the case. If there were plenty of beds available, spouses could undergo the treatment together. Ja’val and his team had worked on even that detail, making sure no one was left alone until the scientists were sure the worst was over. Zy’nayth was quite pleased to find out the team had considered things that he failed to think of. But then that’s why they were on his payroll.

August 17, 2120

Becket and Zy’nayth returned to the flagship. It was the end of the second week of the serum treatments. Becket was tired, but thrilled that things were going so smoothly. Ja’val had come down to one of the villages with them, but once finished there, he returned to his wife and baby.

As Zy’nayth and Becket stopped off to check in on the mother and baby, as well as Ja’val, they found the parents fussing over ten-day-old Kel’lan who was asleep in the middle of the large bed, with all kinds of pillows and blankets around him. Daddy sitting on the edge, quietly reading a story to the boy who was sound asleep.

The door hissed shut behind the two men, and as if he knew he had guests, Kel’lan woke up. Lutia was right there and caressed his cheek, then kissed him.

“Well, Ja’val, everyone we talked to was more than willing to offer info on their lineage,” Becket said as he got out his scanner to check Kel’lan.

“Baby’s fine,” Victoria said, coming out of the kitchen. “Just likes to sleep and cuddle with Mommy and Daddy. And that’s great news about the lineage.”

“It is. A lot more data for us to sort through. And Ja’val will want me to scan Kel’lan because as much as he hates to admit it, he’s like his boss in this regard,” Becket smiled.

Zy’nayth shook his head. “I do not think that was meant as a compliment. In any case, I have been thinking that perhaps, in a few weeks, we should consider a trip to Earth. Christopher and Alessa would have a chance to visit her parents and perhaps the new mothers would like to get things for the babies while we finish up the suite over the garage. And with all of us together, Lutia and Alessa would have others available to watch over the babies if they wish to do something.” Zy’nayth smiled, “If either mother is willing to let go of their precious bundles for an hour or so.”

“And we play in playhouse,” Ky’nayth said, following with his sister, behind Victoria. “We prolly has clean it. We no there to dust and thing like Mommy does.”

“Flowers prolly not good no more,” Mik’kenna said. “We has get new ones.”

“We can do that,” Victoria said. “Zy, you want me to start asking our family if they’re up for the idea?”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Becket said. “This has been a big operation for all of us, some downtime would probably be appreciated by everyone.”

Zy’nayth nodded at his wife. “Please, Victoria. Check with Vince, invite him, of course. I would like at least six weeks before we go. I want to make sure people here are settled and that rebels do not rear their heads now that the serum has had its first mass distribution.”

“So late September or early October?” Victoria asked.

“Yes. I think that would work well,” Zy’nayth said. “It will give me time to wrap things up here and catch up on my normal work. And it would allow Vince time to juggle schedules as needed.”

***

“Do you think they have a chance against Zy’nayth?” the man asked Algo.

Algo walked around the room. “It is our best chance. Zy’nayth must die. He’s been a bane to our existence for far too long. I want him dead.”

“They’re just a small band of rebels and they have to travel all the way to Earth in the Milky Way galaxy to carry out their plan. They can’t even determine if Zy’nayth will be there or will go there if Earth is attacked. The rebels also tried once to defeat him and lost.”

“That is where we will help. I will go talk to the rebel leader. He can take his ships to Earth and we can attack here in Andromeda.”

“Attack Rayth? Sir, that’s dangerous.”

“We’ve fought them before. They won’t be expecting us. Besides, we will use the rebels as our front. If need be, we’ll come out of hiding, but let the rebels take the fall. If Zy’nayth survives, he will go after them, not us.”

Algo’s associate paced the room. “I’m still not convinced it’s worth the risk. We’ve remained hidden all these years, perhaps it is best if we stay hidden. Zy’nayth…”

“If the Rayth rebels fail, we simply go back into hiding. We should not have to hide in order to survive. We reigned supreme in this galaxy and we need to reclaim our place as rulers.”

“Sir, I mean no disrespect, but I fear us coming out of hiding. We’re safe. Though I want to see Zy’nayth dead as much as you do, I’m not sure this band of rebels can accomplish that task. We’ve followed them for some time and even with the technology we give them, I’m not sure their leader could win against Zy’nayth…the leader may even divulge where he got the technology. He may reveal us.”

“Reveal what? Alandrovians? A race we made up for this endeavor? The rebels have nothing in their possession or knowledge that can lead back to us. Only if we have to reveal ourselves to fight the Rayth will Zy’nayth know of us. I believe we can succeed without that happening.”

“We must also dispose of his offspring. They carry his abilities.”

“The rebels will see to it.” Algo gave a questioning look to his associate, “You don’t think they will?”

“Rayth are fierce warriors, but they generally leave children alone. We know Di’vash and Ca’vak wish to use Zy’nayth’s offspring to help them regain the throne.”

“They too will be dead when this is over,” Algo said. “If Zy’nayth dies, we will destroy all Rayth. Every last one of them.”

“Again, sir, I mean no disrespect, but the Rayth are no longer isolated to a few planets. We will have to stretch our forces across the galaxy. Hundreds of worlds—and those are the worlds of which we are aware. There could be more.”

“Their blood grows thin. There are only a handful of fullbloods, none which have Zy’nayth’s abilities. Once he and his offspring are dead, we will have no trouble ridding this galaxy, or any other, of the Rayth menace.”

August 18, 2120

Victoria woke with a scream. Zy’nayth bolted up and wrapped his arms around her. “I am here. What is wrong?” he asked then gave the command for the lights to come on but dimmed.

She shook off the nightmare and clutched her husband. “Just a bad dream,” she said, nearly out of breath. Fast, little thumps pounded their way towards their bedroom along with the click, click of the dogs’ tiny toenails on the floor.

“Mommy! Mommy! You ‘kay?” Ky’nayth said running down the hall into the main living room/bedroom area, but stopping short of entering. “Mommy!”

“Come on over,” Zy’nayth said, “Mommy had a bad dream.”

“Sorry for screaming,” Victoria said as the kids climbed up into the bed to offer hugs.

“I no like bad dreams,” Mik’kenna said. “Can Suhwest and Baxter come up? They help keep bad dreams away.” Victoria nodded and Mik’kenna patted the bed, signaling the dogs to jump up on it.

“Maybe we stay with you,” Ky’nayth said. “It help.”

“I’d like that,” Victoria said then looked at her husband, “Do you sense anything wrong?”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “No,” he replied then tapped his comlink, “Second Commander, status?”

“Sir, nothing out of the ordinary. All scans are clear, no signs of any trouble. All decks show normal status. Do you sense something, sir?”

“No. Just checking. Scan more frequently, all available options.”

“Shall I raise an alert?”

“I do not think that will be necessary, I simply wish to be cautious.”

“Understood,” the Second Commander, on the bridge of the flagship, replied. “Shall I disturb the First?”

“No. He will be on duty in two hours, I will inform him them. However, please contact the Vice Chancellor and tell him that I wish him to be on the flagship at 6:30 our time. I need him involved in the discussion.”

“Understood.”

“Out,” Zy’nayth said and disconnected the call as the twins settled between their parents after giving their mother hugs and kisses. He reached over them and put his hand on Victoria’s chest to see if she had a cold or something that might trigger a nightmare, but he found nothing wrong.

***

“But you said you didn’t sense anything,” Kol’non said after Zy’nayth told them about Victoria’s nightmare. The two of them, along with Ny’van and Ja’val met in Zy’nayth’s office just off the bridge of the flagship.

Ny’van looked across the table at his best friend. “You don’t sense anything, yet you have a feeling something is going to happen. Correct?”

“Not even that. My wife does not usually suffer from nightmares. I suppose it unsettled me and has me overreacting.” Zy’nayth replied.

“Well it won’t hurt to increase security around Tarnia and Kiva if something’s up,” Ny’van replied, “but may I state that it’s not like you to overreact.”

Zy’nayth nodded, “I agree. It could be the emotional tie to her that has caused it and nothing more. But I do wish to heighten security and patrols.”

“I’ll talk to Vince and send a warship to patrol around Terra 2,” Kol’non said.

“Did Victoria tell you what the nightmare was about?” Ja’val asked.

“A combination of things but primarily death. Much death. She did not say who or where, only that it was bloody. She could not recall anything specific. It was all vague after she woke up, but she did say it was the worst nightmare she has ever had.”

“You do need to consider that it was only a nightmare,” Ja’val said. “Not to demean her or anything, but unlike you, she is human, not Rayth, and certainly not a Rayth with your abilities to know when there is trouble afoot. How would she know if something was wrong…wait,” he stopped and sat up straighter, “you’re assuming the death will be to Rayth, not human…that’s why you’re increasing our patrols. You do sense something!”

“I do not sense anything. I would not lie about that. I suppose, as I have said, that this was unsettling for me, and because we have not yet found out who intercepted my speech to Tarnia and the fact that we know rebels are still out there after finding that miniature drone on Terra 2…I have assumed that Rayth would be the victims of the rebels we have not yet located.”

“We’ll increase security measures,” Ny’van said. “I’ll talk to the Lead Councilman.”

“Besides Kiva, Tarnia, and Terra 2, where else would you like me to send warships?” Kol’non asked.

“Keep them in range of Kiva. One at Terra 2 should be more than sufficient. Vince can keep his team on alert and ready. Their city-ship is armed and John’s team knows how to fly her.”

“If you are going to be on the flagship, I can head to Terra 2 and personally talk to them,” Kol’non said.

“I’ll go,” Ny’van said. “You need to oversee the security increase and adjust the flight plans of the fleet, while Zy’nayth visits one or two villages today. I can talk to Vince. One question, though, do you think Victoria, Lutia, and the children should be moved to Terra 2?”

“No. I would rather have them on this ship. I do not think anything is going to happen, but if I am wrong…”

Ny’van raised his hand and nodded, “No need to explain. If there’s nothing else, I’ll bridge to Terra 2.”

“I do not have anything more.”

“You sure you’re not having one of those feelings?” Ny’van again asked.

Zy’nayth shook his head. “I am more concerned that Victoria asked me if I felt something wrong. She has had one or two nightmares before, nothing like this that made her scream out in her sleep, and neither time did she ask me if I felt something was wrong. She was expecting me to say I did, but I do not sense anything.”

“All right. I’ll fill Vince in, then I will return and check in on her since you need to be planet-side.”

“Thank you,” Zy’nayth said.

***

“So…because Victoria had a bad dream, you’re sending a warship here and putting us on alert?” John asked Ny’van as the two of them met with Vince in his office.

“Yes.”

“And the big guy doesn’t have that bad feeling?” John asked the same questions the Rayth had posed to Zy’nayth.

“He says he doesn’t. If he did, his fleet would be on full alert,” Ny’van replied, “and he would not be planet-side on Tarnia.”

Vince sat back in his chair and ran a hand over his bald head. “John, I want you, Chris, Kaven, and Be’atta, at least two of you on-site at all times. Not necessarily on duty, just here in case this thing needs to fly.”

“Be’atta doesn’t really fly it, but she can handle weapons and navigation readily enough. I haven’t had a chance to get her in the chair yet,” John replied.

“That’s fine.”

“I can talk to Zy’nayth if you would like him to station more Rayth here. I believe we have a few helping in the infirmary as well as a couple of scientists helping John and Simon learn the ins and outs of the ship,” Ny’van said. “Of course we have numerous scientists here learning more from your agricultural area. They can help out if needed.”

“How serious do you think this is?” Vince asked. “I don’t want Zy’nayth to adjust his warriors’ schedules if this is just a reaction to Victoria having a nightmare. We can stay on high alert, that’s not a problem, but I want to have a better idea of how much danger, if any, we’re in.”

With a shake of his head, Ny’van sighed. “I don’t have any other information. If he sensed something or had that gut feeling he gets, then I’d say recall everyone and shield this place. Perhaps even move it to another planet. But all we have is Victoria’s nightmare.”

“You’ve known him longer than either of us. If you were in my shoes, what would you do?” Vince asked.

“If he says to go to alert, I go to alert. He may unconsciously be sensing something. To be honest, not even Ja’val knows the extent of his abilities and I’ve learned to do as he suggests. Get your people prepared that there might, and stress ‘might’ be danger. Simon or one of his crew needs to be ready to activate shields and whoever can fly this ship should remain here in case you need to launch.”

“And it’s better to be safe than sorry,” John said. “We’ll kick up the security here, don’t worry. Besides, we’re due for a drill or two.”

“Do you want me to see about having more Rayth around here?” Ny’van asked again.

“If Zy’nayth thinks it’s prudent,” Vince said. “I don’t want to impose, especially if this just turns out to be only a bad dream and nothing more. I would appreciate if you talk with the Rayth here to let them know what’s going on and that we may need their help if this turns out to be more than just a bad dream.”

“I will take care of everything. Is there anything else I can do for you while I’m here?”

“I don’t think so,” Vince said. “Just keep us informed. Oh, will this change plans for a getaway on Earth?”

“I don’t think so. I’ll double check and let you know. If I don’t get back to you, I’m sure Zy’nayth or Kol’non will. Be’atta, obviously will have information and now that Kel’lan has arrived, she’s more available to come here every day, since she doesn’t have to watch over Lutia. Correct?”

“Yes, though sometimes I don’t think she knows everything going on in the upper ranks,” John smiled.

“Raythian habits,” Ny’van smiled. “I’m sure it is not meant to be disrespectful to Be’atta. Kol’non loves her very much, and perhaps if he doesn’t tell her everything, it’s to protect her. The getaway, however, I don’t think he would keep a secret.” Ny’van smiled and stood. “Do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything.”

August 19, 2120

“I’m afraid that moving you to a different ship at this moment is out of the question,” the lawyer said to Di’vash and Ca’vak. “The High Chancellor has approved the transfer, however, he wishes to make sure that wherever you are transferred to is up to his standards. I have arranged for you to be taken to a secure facility on Kiva. It will be more comfortable for you and you should not feel as…under your uncle’s rule as much as you do here. Will this be acceptable?”

Both men nodded, but it was Di’vash who spoke. “Why the delay? I thought all of these warships were loyal to him? Is there an issue?”

“He is being overly cautious,” the lawyer replied. “It was also a point which the Lead Councilman insisted upon. They have told me that it should only be two months before you can be moved to a different ship.”

“What if we like this facility on Kiva better than the idea of being on a warship?” Ca’vak asked.

“I will see if something can be arranged. I don’t think the High Chancellor would approve of it, so don’t plan on being there longer than it will take him to find a warship that suits his purposes and meets my approval.”

“So when do we get to leave this place?” Di’vash asked.

“Day after tomorrow,” the lawyer said. “Are there any other questions before I leave?”

“No questions, just do your best to keep us out of his line of sight,” Di’vash said.

“I will do what I can,” the lawyer replied as he stood then gave them a bow. The security door dematerialized and Ca’vak was led across the hall to his cell as the lawyer left. He returned to Kiva and informed the Lead Councilman of all that transpired.

“After a week in the Kivan secure facility, I will begin the telepathic interrogation,” the lawyer said. “They seem more at ease with me now.”

“Hopefully you can find something out. And just so that you’re aware, we’re tightening security around the planet.”

“May I ask why?”

The Lead shrugged his shoulders, “By the command of the High Chancellor. You know he gets those senses when things are about to go wrong. That’s all I know. He says do it, and we do it.”

“I’ll arrange for more security around the facility where we’ll be taking Di’vash and Ca’vak. Anything else?”

“No. Just keep an eye on those two. I think I’m beginning to regret moving them. On the flagship, even if they were together, they couldn’t make a move. Down here…who knows?”

“Agreed. But if we can extract more information from them by doing this, it will be worth it.”

“I hope so.”

September 6, 2120

Zy’nayth stared out of the window from the tower overlooking the gulf on which the Terra 2 city-ship sat. The sun was just coming up, it was a glorious sight as the pink and gold flashed off the blue water. He heard the twins rousing in their room, the taping of the dogs’ little toenails as they hopped from the bed to the floor, the rattle of their collars as they shook themselves awake, then the patter of Mik’kenna’s feet as she padded to the bathroom.

Rubbing her eyes, she walked right past her father and into the bathroom while Ky’nayth yawned and walked out of their room, his white hair plated to his face in some areas, sticking straight up in others. “Daddy, is Mommy ‘kay?”

Zy’nayth knelt down and attempted to subdue his son’s hair. “She will be fine. It was just another nightmare.”

“She scream really loud dis time. It scary.”

“She did. She is sorry for waking and scaring you and your sister.”

Mik’kenna came stumbling back a couple of minutes later, Celeste on her heels. “We has take puppies for walk. I be ready in minute. We past normal time. I sorry.”

“That will not be necessary,” Zy’nayth said just as the door chimed. Ky’nayth ran over and answered it to find David there with Montana. “I have asked David to walk the dogs this morning,” Zy’nayth finished.

“Daddy, I just be minute,” Mik’kenna protested.

“I think it best if you stay here with me and your mother,” Zy’nayth replied, “and David, thank you.”

“Not a problem. We’ll be quick. Come on you two rascals. Let’s go outside.”

Both dogs followed after him, obedient without a leash. Ky’nayth ran to the bathroom and was back in the living room a minute later where Zy’nayth sat them down. “I am going to have Uncle Becket run a scan on your mother today to see if there is something causing these nightmares.”

“You no see wif Rayth healy?” Mik’kenna asked.

“I do not see anything wrong. Perhaps she has been too busy, too overworked with the trip to Gren or something of that sort. Uncle Becket may see something on a scan.”

“I don’t need a scan,” Victoria said then yawned as she walked in. “They’re just nightmares. And sorry for waking you two again. Did you sleep okay after we tucked you back in?”

“Bubby and I pray more then I fell sleep,” Mik’kenna said.

“I will worry until you have a scan done,” Zy’nayth said.

“Fine,” she replied and sank onto the sofa beside him.

“Did you get back sleep?” Ky’nayth asked as he crawled up onto his mother’s lap.

“I did. Daddy held me tight and I fell right back to sleep.”

“Sissy and I can stay if want, we no mind.”

“I know, honey. Last night, I just wanted Daddy. But I appreciate you two coming to check on me and make sure nothing was wrong. I love you guys so much.” She kissed his little nose. “How about French toast for breakfast?”

“Yum!” he said and clapped.

“All right. I need a quick shower then I’ll start cooking. Zy, can you brush their hair, it looks like they slept on their heads in the middle of a tornado.”

The shower was hot and relaxing, and Victoria did her best not to cry. The nightmare, her third since early August, had been the worst. It was now September 6, and she was eagerly looking forward to their trip to Earth, hoping that the relaxation would rid her of the nightmares. Though no image of the nightmare was distinct, at least after she woke up, it was the overall feeling it gave her: fear, pain, sorrow…evil. She let the hot water roll down her back then she turned and let it splash on her face as she pulled herself together. She was beginning to dread nighttime.

When she stepped out of the shower, there was a soft knock on the door. “Do you need help?” Zy’nayth asked.

She smiled. She knew he sensed her sorrow, exhaustion, and fear. “I’m okay,” she replied as she gathered her towel around her then opened the door, letting the steam roll into the bedroom.

“I did my best with their hair,” he said, after giving her a kiss on her cheek. “Mik’kenna, of course, will fix what I have done to hers. Ky’nayth does not care much one way or another.”

“We can’t keep them locked inside. They like to go out and play with the dogs on their walks.”

“And we can after you have your scan. I want us together. You need us.”

“You could have walked the dogs, there wasn’t a need to call David.”

“I did not want you left alone,” he said as she threw on a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt.

She ran a comb through her hair then stood with her hands on her hips looking at her husband. “I don’t need a scan. They’re just nightmares.”

“So you have stated. I will call Becket while you are preparing breakfast.”

With a chuckle and a shake of her head, she went to the kitchen. A little over an hour later, they were in the infirmary.

“You’re not going to find anything,” Victoria said as she hopped up on the scanning bed. “I’m probably just tense from the demonstrations, the distribution, the trip to Gren, two baby deliveries; I haven’t been that busy in a long time. And I really wanted things to go perfectly for the distribution. That was the most important thing to happen in my husband’s life. It had to go right.”

“I believe the most important things in my life,” Zy’nayth said, “are my wife and children.”

“And puppies!” Mik’kenna said.

“And puppies,” Zy’nayth smiled.

Becket tapped through several screens on the scanner. “Just doing a cranial in highest resolution. I’ll do a full body scan but just a basic,” he looked at Zy’nayth, “unless you want the full deal.”

“Would something besides her brain cause the nightmares?”

“Acid in the stomach, things like that, sure. But you would have seen that with your healing ability.”

“Just the cranial,” Victoria said. “I want to go outside and enjoy the day. It looks so nice out there.”

“We take things to make sand castle,” Ky’nayth said then giggled, “then puppies tear it down! They love dig in sand.”

“Hey Doc, thought it was your day off,” Sarah said to Becket as she walked in, “oh, hi. Didn’t see you guys,” she nodded to Zy’nayth and the twins. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Just running a quick scan,” Becket said, “then I’m going to spend the day with Lia.”

“You make weddy ‘rangement?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Arrangements are done, we’re just finishing the invitations,” Becket answered then the scanner began to beep wildly.

“What is it?” Zy’nayth asked.

“I moved too much,” Victoria said. “Sorry. My back’s stiff and I wiggled to loosen it up.”

Sarah, still in the room, got a cylindrical pillow to put under Victoria’s knees to help with the back. “That better?”

“Yes, thanks, Sarah.”

The scan was restarted and fifteen minutes later, Becket was telling Zy’nayth that he saw nothing wrong in the brain then started the scan of the rest of her body which wouldn’t take as long since it was just a basic scan. “I’ll forward the results to First Science so he can double check, but the brain looks healthy. I see no anomalies. The computer picked up no differences from her last cranial scan.”

“What nommy lee?” Ky’nayth asked.

“It means that I don’t see anything that shouldn’t be there. Everything is just as it should be,” Becket said.

“Oh. That good. Mommy you be ‘kay. No nommy lee!”

Victoria smiled. “I told you guys, it’s just stress. I’ll be fine.”

“The trip to Earth will help. Get away from all of this tech and enjoy some fresh air and those mountains,” Becket said. “Hold still,” he said then was looking back over the results of the cranial scan. “I’ll go over these in more detail, but if there was anything the scanner would have alerted us; I’m just going through these quickly, I don’t see anything wrong, but I know you want me to make sure,” he smiled.

“It’ll be nice on Earth,” Victoria smiled when the scan was finished. She slid off the scanning bed. “So, should we get your sand toy things and spend the day on the beach?”

“Yes!” both kids exclaimed.

“I also want a copy of the scan,” Zy’nayth said.

“Of course,” Becket said and immediately sent the files to his personal computer as well as to Zy’nayth and Ja’val. “Have fun on the beach.”