E:A Vol 5 Ch 12—October 12, 2120

October 12, 2120

Zy’nayth, sitting in the command chair of the Raythian flagship orbiting Kiva, fired on a rebel warship. He didn’t wait to see the damage done, instead he gave the order to come about and head towards the next ship.

“Jet pilots,” Zy’nayth said over the ship-wide communications system, “ready for deployment. I will not send you unless they send jets.” His eyes flashed to the screen displaying the configurations of ships near Kiva and Jarstal, the main military outpost of the Raythian Empire. Zy’nayth’s hands flew over the virtual keyboard, adjusting his communications link. “Warship 94, scanners indicate three rebel ships closing in behind you.”

“As planned,” the warship’s Commander replied. Zy’nayth rechecked his screen of his fleet’s location, adjusted to detect cloaked warships, then smiled. Warship 94 was leading the three rebel ships into an ambush. He let them be.

Koh’vash, Zy’nayth’s brother, laughed as another of his decoy ships was destroyed. “Brother, you only have two hundred warships. I have five hundred. You are outnumbered.”

“That’s impossible,” Kol’non said, having been linked into Zy’nayth’s conversations from the beginning. He turned to his Science Commander, “Get someone to find out how many ships he has!”

“And five battlecruisers,” Koh’vash continued. “One that will make your flagship, the one you stole from me, look like a toy. And as soon as my ships triangulate your wife’s location, we’re going to pick her and your two precious little children up.”

Ja’val, back on Earth, said a single Raythian word then quickly shut down his tablet. “We’re on our own. They may have picked up the link from my tablet to the satellite system. I should have seen that coming. Come on, we have to get out.”

“What did you just say?” Amelia asked.

“It’s a code to severe communications until a safer time.”

“Can Koh’vash have that many battlecruisers?” Victoria asked, having heard Koh’vash’s statement since Ja’val had his tablet speakers on, leaving his comlink to talk directly with his team and the High Chancellor.

“I can’t believe he has 500 warships, let alone five battlecruisers, not ones more advanced than what we confiscated in the rebels’ first attack. I can deal with that later. What he had wrong was the number of our ships,” Ja’val said with a sly smile. “Zy’nayth has always kept the number of ships a secret. Okay, I need to pack up a few things that’ll help us. Chris, you good with your project?”

“Don’t worry about us. Get your bag of tricks,” Chris replied, hauling out two bags of dog food to Victoria’s personal cruiser. “Rest of you hurry it up, I want us out of here in ten or fifteen at the latest.”

The twins were packing up their small suitcases while Alessa, down the hall from them, was frantically making sure she had what she needed for her baby. Ny’van was running up and down from the basement, transferring some perishable food from the refrigerator down to the freezer then returning with weapons or ammunition.

“I think that’s all we can handle. Stunners for everyone, a couple of handguns. Two big guns,” Chris grinned, “maybe a bazooka.”

Ny’van shook his head at Chris, “If you need that kind of firepower, we will be in over our heads and it won’t help us much. Stunners are our best bet. We’re running and hiding, not setting up a fortress.”

Chris nodded, “Yeah, yeah. Okay, weapons are done. Ammo is done. Do whatever you need to for Lutia.” He turned to look for his father to see what he needed help with since his project was now complete.

Victoria ran upstairs behind Ja’val to check on the twins and pack her own things when her comlink buzzed, “Yes?”

“Dr. Carson?” came the male voice.

“Yes?” she answered tugging on the back of Ja’val’s shirt, getting him to stop.

“This is President Michael Stewart.”

“Mr. President, glad to hear your voice. I take it you weren’t caught in the attack,” Victoria said, pointing to the comlink then to Ja’val who nodded as they reached the top of the stairs.

“Correct, but we’re in need of assistance. Would your husband be available? Or General Cavanaugh? I haven’t been able to reach him on Terra 2.”

“Sorry, sir, there’s more going on than you know. Here, I’m giving you over to the First Science Commander, he can give you the details.” She went to hand Ja’val her comlink but he shook his head and easily tapped into her line as he went to the room he and Lutia were using.

“I believe I am refer to you as Mr. President, is that correct?” Ja’val asked as he gathered his things.

“Michael is fine. Listen, our communication systems are about to go completely down, satellites have apparently been hit. How bad is this?”

“Earth, Terra 2, my homeworld, and various planets in our system are all under attack.”

“Could you work with my people to…”

“Michael, I cannot do much for you. My responsibility is to my own people and the High Chancellor. I report to him and am currently carrying out his orders which leave me very little time to help you out. Either I or Lt. Col. Chris Chapman will pass along any information. I’m sorry I can’t do more, but I’ll do what I can as long as it doesn’t interfere with my current orders.”

“I understand. Take care. And any help would be appreciated, thank you.”

“One of us will contact you when we find out more,” Ja’val said as he ended the call.

Victoria zipped up her backpack where she stashed toiletries and a change of clothes. Then she checked each of the twins. “Good, you guys did a very good job. Let’s take these down to Uncle Chris,” she said, noticing that both kids were trembling. She drew them into a hug. “It’s okay. We’re going to be fine. Chris will get us some place safe.” She smiled at each of them. “I love you both so much. Daddy does too. And you know he’ll be back for us.”

“Okay, how long do you think we have before they find us?” Chris shouted up to Ja’val who was descending the stairs, bags in hand.

“They were trying to triangulate our position from our communications, so that tells me they have yet to get into Earth’s files to find the information about where this place is. My guess is that they’ll soon figure out to start scanning for Rayth technology. We’ve got maybe thirty minutes. I’d rather not wait that long.”

“Why didn’t they do that to begin with?” Amelia asked as she handed Chris another bag to be loaded.

“These aren’t the most highly trained Rayth. They were probably picked up from colonies and villages where we sent families of convicts to live. They will learn quickly, though.” He handed his bags to Chris to load them while he took out his tablet, “I’m shutting down the perimeter and the bridge portal. Then we have to leave.”

“Talk and walk,” Chris said as he hauled the bags out to the cruiser.

Victoria and the twins were coming down the stairs, she had her backpack on and was carrying each of the twins’ bags. Chris eyed them as he came back in. His heart sank. In their little blue eyes, he saw terror.

“We’ll need a place where you can live off the land if need be,” Ny’van said as carried a box of food past.

“What about you two?” Chris said, diverting his attention from the twins back to Ja’val and Ny’van.

“We fed this morning. We’ll be fine for a few days if we don’t over extend ourselves,” Ja’val said without looking away from his tablet.

“Then we need to stay close to this portal,” Chris said. “Here, I’ll take those.” He took the three packs from Victoria as Ja’val answered him.

“Preferably, yes. Or at least have a way to get here quickly. Perimeter is now completely offline,” he said looking at his tablet then once the last signal went out, he tapped a key and it shrunk to the size of a credit card which he slipped into a pocket. “I’m going to the barn to shut down the portal.”

“Saskatchewan, lots of fishing lodges. But probably kinda cold. We used to go there once a year. Dad, whatcha think?” Chris asked as he headed out into the garage to load up Victoria and the twins’ packs.

“Can get pricey with all of us.”

“Cost isn’t an issue,” Victoria said as the twins stood close to her, each with a hand on one of her legs. Baxter and Celeste each stood next to their guardian, tails down, picking up on the fear everyone was projecting.

“Your chip card can be tracked,” Ja’val yelled back as he descended the basement steps. “You tap in and they have our location.”

“Zy thought of that too,” Chris said, “got a chip under an assumed name. Plenty of cash on it too. Dad and I can both use it.”

“I think heading up to Canada will be fine. We can get back here for them to bridge, if need be, in 30, 45 minutes?” David asked.

“Yeah. Depending on patrols that may be put out.”

“I’m not worried about Earth patrols, I’m worried about Rayth patrols,” David said. “You flash those oak leaves of yours, we should be fine getting past any Earth patrols set up.”

“My name is probably associated with Victoria’s. If the Rayth are monitoring communications, and my name comes up, chances are we’ll be caught. I don’t want to run into any patrols, Earth or Raythian.”

“Okay, I think we’re pretty well packed up,” Amelia said, walking in after loading the last of the food into the cruiser. “It’s gonna be a really tight fit for all of us.”

David returned and began listing items he thought they needed and one of the ladies would reply yes or no as to whether or not it had been loaded. He and Amelia grabbed the few items they didn’t have then packed them into the very full cargo area of the cruiser. “So we head out now?” David asked.

“I think it’s wise,” Ja’val said, having returned from shutting the bridge portal down.

“I want to make sure the kids understand the stunners. When I discharge the weapons, can it be picked up if the rebels are scanning for Rayth tech?” Chris asked.

“No, they’re Rayth in design but the power they emit is just basic electricity, well, modified, but nothing Earth isn’t using in factories and homes. I’m hoping they don’t think to search for benachti in particular. That would give the barn away…and those stunners.”

Stunners were handed out to the women and to Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna. They were very easy to use, but he went over safety precautions, how to adjust the dispersal “beam” then he let everyone fire two shots at one of the unfortunate trees. “Remember, this won’t kill anyone, it’ll just knock them unconscious. So don’t hesitate to use them if you have to,” Chris said.

“And make sure target is bad guy,” Ky’nayth said as he clipped his stunner to his jacket’s pocket.

Mik’kenna couldn’t figure out how to clip hers on, her hands were trembling too much, but Ny’van knelt and helped the scared little girl. “Just clip this to your pocket, like this. Just a magnet, see? Okay, you try.”

Mik’kenna took the stunner off then was able to clip it back on by herself. Then she pulled it off without trouble, then clipped it back on. “Kay. I got now.”

“I packed up a couple of hooded sweatshirts for Ja’val and Ny’van,” Victoria said. “If we need to be out in the open, it’s best to try and keep them hidden. Glad the weather is cooperating so the sweatshirts won’t be questioned.”

“Do not worry about us,” Ny’van said, “we are quite adept at being unseen if we must.”

“When we get to this fishing place,” Alessa asked, “how are we…I mean, won’t it be a bit odd for eight of us to show up all squished in a vehicle meant to hold only six? Plus the dogs!”

“The place is a big fishing resort. There are cabins dedicated to large groups of who go up each year to fish. And they’re not going to be looking inside of the cruiser. They may think we have two vehicles.”

“We don’t have any gear,” Alessa said.

“Babe, they won’t be checking for gear when I ask for a cabin,” Chris said, “We’re going to be fine. Come on, let’s load up.”

Alessa slipped her arm around her husband, “Are you sure we won’t be safe here? I would feel safer here. And what about Mom and Dad? I have to call them. Please?”

“We have to move,” Ny’van said. “Remember the estate is in Victoria’s name, the rebels will come here regardless of whether or not they pick up Rayth tech. They’ll find the address in Earth’s directories. And as your husband said, his name is associated with Victoria’s. Your name is associated with his and I’m betting your…I believe you call it, your maiden name is still on file which would lead Rayth to your parents. I think it would be safer for your parents if you didn’t try to contact them. At least not yet.”

“But the perimeter could keep them out,” Amelia said, “If they know we’re here anyway…”

“They didn’t know for sure we’re here,” Ja’val said. “They may think we’re on Terra 2. And, against the ten warships in orbit, the perimeter wouldn’t hold if they attack it. It’s strong, but not that strong,” Ja’val replied. “We’ll get someplace out of the way and safe. Zy’nayth and Kol’non will return with the flagship. Believe me, getting back here and rescuing us is probably foremost on Zy’nayth’s mind.”

“We should be going,” Ny’van said. “Now.”

Lutia trying not to panic looked at her husband, “Lia and I circled through the house and shut everything off. We did our best to make sure it looked like we haven’t been here for a while. We didn’t have breakfast, so no dishes to deal with…we tried.”

Ja’val kissed her nose. “I’m sure it’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“Ny’van and Ja’val, get in the backseat,” David said, “Alessa, honey, you’re going to have to sit on the Vice Chancellor’s lap. Lutia, I’ll let you sit on your husband’s,” he smiled. “Victoria, once they’re in, you hand them the babies. Might be room to set their carriers on the floor, then you and Amelia in the seats in front of them with the twins on your laps.”

“Sorry it’s so cramped,” Victoria said as she picked up the carrier with Maressa in it. Once Alessa and Lutia were seated, Victoria handed the new mothers the carriers with their babies.

“This wasn’t exactly what you were thinking of when you bought the thing,” Lutia replied. “We fit, that’s all that matters.”

“Puppies?” Mik’kenna asked.

“They’ll have to squeeze in where they can. Don’t worry, they’ll fit,” David said as he helped the twins up into the cruiser. Then he called for the dogs who leapt in and tried to find a place to sit. He shut the sliding door behind them. Lastly, he and Chris got in the front seat.

“Do we have all the pups?” David asked as he shut his door.

“Baxter, Suhwest,” Mik’kenna looked for each dog as her brother called out the names, counting them off on his fingers so he got all seven of them, “Scout, Storm, Hero, Shadow, Montie.”

“I no see Shadow and Montie,” Mik’kenna said.

“They’re up here with us,” Chris said.

“Kay, dat all puppies,” Ky’nayth said.

“All right, we’re outta here,” Chris said as he started up the cruiser. “First stop, food, I’m just going to go through a fly through. We need to eat. Ja’val, Ny’van, is it worth it for me to get you guys anything?”

“We’re fine, but thank you,” Ny’van said.

As they neared the first city north of Victoria’s estate, it was crawling with vehicles, some on the roads and some in the hover and flying lanes. People were in a panic. “Well, maybe we’ll get something. Forgot that an alien invasion would disrupt everyone’s lives,” Chris said, keeping an eye out for a place to get some food. He found the first fast food fly through and was thankful it was still operating despite the panic of the rest of the world. “Just ordering the same for everyone, sorry.”

“No problem,” Amelia said.

“Hi…yeah,” Chris said at the window, “I need um 12 of your uh…number fours. All with medium orange juices, please.” The total was given and Chris pulled up to the next window to await his food. “I got extra in case anyone’s extra hungry.”

“Ky, honey, did the puppies get fed this morning?” Victoria asked.

“Yes. After Sissy and I let them out.”

“Oh good. I’m glad you two know what to do.”

Mik’kenna, who was sitting on Amelia’s lap moved over and crowded onto her mother’s lap with Ky’nayth. “Daddy be ‘kay, right?”

“That’s what we’re praying for, honey. He’s got the best ships and the best crews, so I think he’ll be just fine.”

“I worry he no be fine.”

Victoria kissed the top of her head, “I know, me too, but we’ll keep praying that God will protect him and the rest of our family that went back to fight the bad guys.” Her arms wrapped around her two treasures and hugged them close. “I love you two so very much. We have to try to not be afraid. I’m not doing a very good job. I’m scared. Are you?”

Mik’kenna nodded and burst into tears. A moment later, her brother did the same.

“We’re going to be all right. Daddy will find us.”

The drinks were passed back and somehow Victoria managed to eat her breakfast even with both kids on her lap. She then looked over at Amelia who looked terrified, then she remembered that her parents were on the city-ship back on Terra 2, as was her fiancé.

“I’m sure Pastor and Julia will be fine. They’re probably in with Becket helping anyone who gets injured. Besides, you know Vince and John will make sure they’re safe,” she said.

Amelia wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “My parents and Becket all there. I should be with them.”

“We are all going to get through this,” Ny’van said. “All of us.”

***

Back on the city-ship on Terra 2, John was in the newly formed situation room across the hall from the armory. “West sector is full of Rayth,” he said. “Why there?”

He and Major Steve Kessler were at the planning table. Vince and leaders of the off-world teams were also there, as was Dr. Simon Harris. The rest of the military were gearing up or were headed off to assigned locations to help defend the civilians against the Rayth, or to move them to designated areas they could keep secure. “Part of the power grid, but it’s only for secondary systems,” Simon said. “Doesn’t make sense. I’d go for the primary.”

“But secondary systems are the backup,” Steve said, “cut them, then go for the main. We’d be in the dark without any backup.”

Kaven came in, moving others aside. With him were ten Rayth, “Found more of our friends. Two are in the infirmary with pretty serious injuries. Another volunteered to help them. These ten are ready to fight. Science got communications up. Fisher’s team on the mainland has seven Rayth with them, helping with search and rescue. Thought it best to leave them there to help. Their strength is needed to move debris. Science says he should have the shield adjusted to let the shuttles through in about ten or fifteen minutes.”

“Good. That leaves thirteen unaccounted for Rayth, right?” Vince asked.

“Yeah. With comm back up, Science is trying to find them.”

“Any idea on human counts?”

“Be’atta’s doing the numbers and working with the Med Team. Besides the thirteen missing Rayth, best estimate is over 300 missing,” Kaven said. “Confirmed 23 dead.”

Vince sighed, “Okay, we need to get into action and get rid of these rebels. We have to stop them from cutting off secondary systems,” he said as Zy’nayth’s Third Commander, who had quarters on Terra 2, and happened have just started his three-day leave, looked over John’s shoulder at the digital map.

“They are not going for the power systems,” the Third Commander said. “They want this as a ship, they need the power as much as you do.”

“Then why are they all gathered there?”

Third Commander studied the schematics, then looked at Vince, “May I?”

Vince nodded and stood aside while the Third took over the controls of the three-dimensional digital display, moving it this way and that, seemingly turning the city-ship upside down. “There,” he pointed, “they’re headed underneath the city, not for the secondary electrical systems.”

“Into the water?” Steve asked.

“No. Under-city tunnels,” the Third replied, “They can get access to nearly every section of the city from there and because it’s outside of the shield, your scanners won’t pick up their movements until they come back up into the main structure. However, it is all walking and stairs, no elevators. That will slow them down, though not much.”

“Entry points?” John asked, “Where do we need to cover?”

The Third began pointing out where he’d send teams and why. Vince agreed and ordered his teams to the most sensitive areas. “Kaven, I want your team on the mainland to help search for survivors as soon as we can get a shuttle out. And if we get cornered, you can come to our rescue.” Vince said then addressed the Rayth, “Third, where will your men best be utilized?”

“Seven can go to these locations,” he pointed to the digital map. “Myself and three others will help to keep the control room secure. That will be their ultimate target. However,” his eye caught something on the display, causing him to manipulate the digital schematics again, “Dr. Harris, has your team been to this location before?”

“Early on, shortly after we came here. Thought it was some sort of science lab or something,” Simon replied.

The Third called up files on his tablet, then moved the 3-D schematics around, and checked his tablet again. “What I thought. That is a secondary control room. If the rebels cannot take the bridge portal control room, they will try to gain access to this area and cut your access. I will send my Rayth there instead.” He pointed to three of the Rayth Kaven had escorted in. “You three to the control room, the rest of you to this location,” he sent them a copy of the schematics which would be available on their wrist scanners. “There should be a barrier for the room, just as there is for the main control room. Get in, keep the barrier up, but prepare to fight. The barrier may not be operational.”

“Should I move the teams I just sent out?” Vince asked. “Because it looks like this is the entry point they’d want to get to. Closest to the second command room.”

The Third Commander shook his head, “If they are smart, they will send men to the other locations. They will expect a full force at that primary entry point. If I were them, I would not, as I have heard you say, put all of my eggs into one basket.”

“Kessler, you and your team cover the main corridor that gives us access to the infirmary, sanctuary, and mess,” Vince said then pointed five men and two women, “Cover the cross halls from this side.” Then he picked out seven others, “You’re with John. Position yourselves outside of the control room, here and here.” He looked at the map again. “Once we’re able to get shuttles in and out, I’ll take a team to the shuttle bay; we need to keep this corridor clear to get injured through. With Third in the control room, I won’t need to be there.”

“It might be more advantageous to have Rayth on the outside,” the Third said.

“No. If they break through us, I’d rather have our strongest team on the inside to stop them. Grab weapons if you need them,” he pointed to the armory across the hall, “there are stunners in there as well. Your bosses have given us a nice little supply.”

“There is one other thing,” the Third said as he motioned to his men to get armed. “If I’m not mistaken, the city’s armed now. We could launch and take out the warships.”

“We don’t know how many ships the rebels are sending our way. With your warship up there, I’d rather sit it out and not risk a hull breach. If we have to launch, we will, but for now, I’d rather your warship up there handle things. If they tell us to launch, we launch.”

“Understood.”

***

“Sir, preliminary reports show that your brother, if indeed he is your brother, does have 500 warships, or at least close to that number,” Kol’non said as he met with Zy’nayth and the Second Commander later that morning. “They do not seem to have one individual target in mind. They’re striking one area on one planet, then making an FTL jump and striking somewhere else, and repeating the process. They are all over the galaxy.”

“Diversion most likely. Put the strikes on the screen, let us see if there is a pattern in case I am mistaken,” Zy’nayth said.

“They are definitely after Terra 2,” the Second said.

“Yes, but that only gains them another ship. Their fleet is already substantial. Why risk everything for just one more ship? Do you have confirmation on their supposed five battlecruisers?” Zy’nayth said.

“No sign of them. They could, however, be in the Milky Way. Earth could be their ultimate target,” the Second Commander replied.

“That city-ship is special,” Kol’non said. “It takes a lot of firepower to destroy a Mythican ship, even with our tech that’s advanced over the 10,000 years that thing sat dormant before the Expedition: Andromeda team found it. Not only does it take a lot of firepower to destroy it, she’s faster than even the battlecruisers we confiscated from the rebels the last time they attacked. But, as the Second said, Earth may still be the ultimate target.”

Zy’nayth shook his head, “It would only take one of those decoy ships to bring that planet into submission. As for the city-ship, I see your point, but if he has five new battlecruisers that have been upgraded from the last ones we confiscated…and supposedly ones which can hurt our flagship, why the city-ship? Yes, it may have better shielding and faster engines, but if his battlecruisers are…” he waved off the remark with his hand. “Let me think on this. Any word on Di’vash and Ca’vak?”

“Teleported out,” the Second Commander replied. “One of the guards saw them disappear before the place was hit. Someone knew where they were, someone other than you, Vice, and the Lead Councilman. The prisoners we captured from the rebellion…they were also teleported out. But as far as Science has been able to ascertain, there were no rebel ships in Kivan space when the men were teleported. They were taken, then, a few minutes later, the rebel warships appeared and attacked the facilities they were in. In my opinion, there’s either another group involved, or the rebels have cloaking and teleporting technology that we don’t know about and that we can’t see or detect.”

“If they do have that kind of tech, that would explain why the satellites in Earth’s system didn’t pick up any ships,” Kol’non said.

“Second Science, have a team working on that, I know First Science is probably checking the satellites he has access to from Earth, but I need someone here looking into it. With those prisoners, that does not even give them enough for a skeleton crew for their 500 ships,” Zy’nayth said. “There is no possible way those ships are carrying a full complement. I want to know the possible number of men each of those ships can carry, and I want intel on that cloaking device and how we can detect it.”

The Second Commander spoke up, “With as easily as we’re taking them out, I agree, there can’t be a full crew on the ships and I’d even venture to guess that there is no one coordinating attacks. No signs of a jet crew. Nothing. From my station I did a quick scan for life signs, I saw nothing on the last two ships we disabled.”

“I also ran a few scans run,” the Second Science Commander said. “They’re just shells. These things were mass produced: a hull, an engine, and a small weapons array. In numbers they’re causing a lot of havoc, but they can’t match even our smallest fighters. I have my team running back over the scans, but I’m pretty sure those ships are being controlled remotely. I didn’t detect any life signs either, but noticed a rather large antenna array just behind the bridge. It looked like they tried to disguise it as some sort of…well, I’m not sure, but it is an antenna array. And yes, sir, we’re trying to triangulate where the controller is that is running these ships.”

“Definitely diversions then,” Zy’nayth said as he looked at the map on the screen. “These are random. And if the ships are being controlled remotely, that means none of these hits were the ultimate targets. They simply want to destroy as much as possible without losing men in the process. The remote-controlled ships would not have the prisoners they teleported out. If, indeed, my brother or his imposter has some battlecruisers, fully built and weaponized battlecruisers, that is where we will find the prisoners. And wherever those cruisers are located, that is where their main target will be found. Science Commander, have your team work with Communications, find any chatter, find those ships. Figure out that cloaking device. Those are your two main priorities. The fight is easy, at least it will be until we see one of these battlecruisers. Focus on those two things until then.”

“Yes, sir.”

“First Commander, take command of this ship. Second Commander, I think we have done enough fine-tuning on our third battlecruiser. We will teleport over to the Second Ship and make our way to the manufacturing facility. Summon up our pre-selected crew for it. You will have command of that ship. Head towards Vaan and the Milky Way. Disable anything not ours, destroy if you must, but I’d rather disable. If you find that the battlecruiser is not yet battle ready, take her back to dock. I will pick you up. Meanwhile, I will take command of the Second Ship and make my way to Terra 2. All ships and outposts and worlds need to be scanning, not just the flagship team; Science get that message out. We must find those battlecruisers.”

“Second Ship, sir?” Kol’non asked. “The flagship is yours.”

“She is and I expect you to take care of her. She is needed to protect Kiva. That is your mission. I will see to Terra 2, then take their city-ship to Earth. The Second Ship will return to help you with Kiva or anywhere you see fit. The Third Ship is headed to Earth, correct?”

“Yes, sir. Fourth Commander in the seat since Third was supposed to be on leave.”

“Good. Gentlemen, find those battlecruisers. Keep our people, our planets safe. Go.”

“Sir, a thought just occurred to me,” the Second Commander said, frozen in a half-standing position. He righted himself then looked at the High Chancellor, “Science said they found nearly all 500 ships.”

“Yes?” Zy’nayth asked.

“That means they’re not cloaked.”

Second Science spoke up already out of his seat, “A few were cloaked…but…we detected them…no unknown tech there.” He turned to Zy’nayth, “That means there is indeed a second entity involved. One with cloaking technology we can’t detect, or haven’t figured out how to detect yet.”

“That is now added to your list,” Zy’nayth said. “Gentlemen, God speed. First Commander, take care of this ship.”

“I intend to, sir,” Kol’non said as Zy’nayth and the Second Commander went to the Second Ship.

***

“Yeah, was already headed up here when we heard the news,” Chris said, leaning on the counter, giving his name as Terry to the desk clerk at the fishing resort office. “Kinda glad we were. Get away from that whole mess. Get a chance to figure out what to do. Got any cabins way off the grid, so to speak?”

“You said eight people, right?” Harold, the manager of the fishing resort asked.

“Yeah, and two three-year-olds, and two babies, if that makes a difference.”

“Ouch, all yours? That’s a lot of little ones.”

“Nah. Just one of the babies is mine. Friend has twins. Another friend has the other baby.”

“Twins still have to be rough. So, here are three locations, out of the way. All accommodate up to twelve adults.”

“Harold, what do you suggest? I want something the ladies won’t mind staying in while we’re out fishing.”

Harold flipped through the tablet, “This is the most remote cabin, but this one is the most luxurious. The third is half and half. Not as luxurious, not as remote. Chris looked at the computer display then looked at his father, “Dad, your thoughts? These two have hot tubs that my lovely wife would enjoy.”

“She’s supposed to be learning how to fish,” David winked. “Might as well, though. Keep her mind off everything happening in the world. If only for a little while.”

“Let’s do this middle one,” Chris said. “A little luxury, a little solitude, a huge lake.”

“How long will you be staying with us?”

“Was just planning on a week, but given the current state of affairs, I think the remoteness will be nice. Would it be available for two weeks?”

“I can give you twelve nights. Or you can move to the luxury cabin for the full two weeks. It’s open, the guy who wanted to rent it cancelled when this hit. Thought it safer to stay in the city.”

“He’s an idiot,” Chris said. “I’ll stick with the middle one. If we need to stay longer, and that luxury one is still available, I’ll hit you up.” Chris gave him his fake information and paid with the account set up in the false name. “Nearest grocery store? Probably gonna need to get formula and bait.”

“From here, head east about five miles. One of the few small towns left in the world, but has all of the necessities, and a little diner called Ma’s. Best chicken fried steak in Canada. Not that we’re known for it, but boy is it good. And their chops with the black pepper gravy is worth dying for. End of the season, so nothing’s busy; won’t have any trouble getting a couple of tables.” He handed Chris four key cards that would get him into the cabin.

“Might just have to hit that place up for lunch or dinner,” David said, “thanks.”

The men finished up then returned to the cruiser where everyone was now thoroughly uncomfortable, ready to use a washroom, and worried about their friends and loved ones in another galaxy.

Chris flew them to their cabin as quickly as he dared, backing up to the front door and opening the side door then helped the cramped passengers. The dogs leapt over everyone and set about their business of exploring and marking their new territory.

“Not bad,” Alessa said, “I was expecting some run down shack.”

“Told you this place was a pretty high-class fishing community,” Chris said. “Okay, everyone get familiar with where everything is. Know where every window and door is located.”

“I patrol,” Ky’nayth said, putting his hand on his stunner.

“We’ll set up patrols after everyone knows where everything is,” Chris said. “We must do things in a certain order. Okay?”

“Yes, colonel,” Ky’nayth said.

Chris smiled, “It’s still just Uncle Chris. Go on, get used to the place.”

“I’ll start unloading…”

“No, Dad, same goes for you. We memorize this layout. Let’s go, inside, top floor and work our way down. Kids memorize everything.”

Once the dogs had taken care of business, Chris called them over, then everyone made their way inside. The first order of business was use of the bathrooms. Then they went through the six-bedroom, two-story luxury cabin. The twins were put in charge of finding a place for the dogs’ food and water, and keeping them occupied while the adults unloaded their personal bags, then piled the other boxes inside the doorway so they could be properly sorted and inventoried.

“Make sure every box is marked. Lessa, honey, I’m putting you in charge of inventory. We’ll need to know what we have at all times, okay?” Chris kissed her cheek, then gently ran the back of his fingers down it. “We’re going to be fine,” he said softly, “I won’t let anything happen to you or Mari.” Then he turned to Amelia, “Can you help my wife sort and inventory?” She gave him a nod then he asked his father to get them an inventory of all weapons and ammo. “Ny’van, Ja’val, let’s check the perimeter and see where our best vantage points are. Keep your comlinks on your ears at all times, even in the shower. Victoria, kids, keep them on, but don’t use them. That concerns me. Ja’val your opinion?”

“There’s not much in the way of security,” Ja’val said as he came around the corner. “And Victoria, he’s right, you guys don’t use your comlinks unless it’s an emergency. They will be seeking out your signal specifically.”

“As for the lack of security, it’s a fishing hole,” Chris replied, “not really expected to have security other than an alarm on the cabin.”

The four men went outside and walked around the cabin, assessing strategic locations. “That looks like the highest spot,” Ny’van pointed. They were on the west side of the house. To the southwest was the lake, the north was wooded, and southeast of the cabin was the road that led them towards civilization. “Good place for a look out. Good tree cover. I’m not too fond of the lake. Too open.”

“Fishing cabin. Need a lake to fish in. Besides, anyone coming to get us from across that lake will be out in the open. Plenty of warning time for us to load up and bug out,” Chris said. “Yeah, that hill will be our best vantage point.” They continued around and walked up on the porch, Chris taking a seat on the steps. David began sorting out their few weapons and ammo as he listened to the conversation.

“I know you have a lot of tricks up your sleeve, Ja’val. Can we scan the area constantly to know if anyone’s near?”

“Already working on it. I’m tapping in to the satellite system, shouldn’t take long. I have to make sure Rayth tech is used as little as possible, and cover my tracks when I do so.”

“Okay. Watch rotation. I want two men on, two men off. Six hours each shift. Or should we do four?”

“Four,” Ny’van said. “That will give each team night hours to sleep and day hours to be with your families when not on duty.”

Lutia came running out just as Ny’van finished his sentence, “May have a problem,” she said, “that reporter that tried to expose the bridge portal and Victoria, uh, Doug, yeah, Douglas Howard, is back on the air. Victoria’s name, your name,” she looked at Chris, “…all over the news. And your faces. Will that guy back at the office recognize you?”

Chris sighed, removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “Yeah. And that also means they’re probably going to be swarming Victoria’s estate soon. Reporters, locals, everyone.”

“And Rayth. Her estate is now being broadcast,” Ny’van said, “and undoubtedly those in the warships are watching.”

“Good thing we left when we did,” Ja’val said still working. “Anyone else see you in the lobby back there?”

“Don’t think so. Probably caught on video, though.”

“Should we pack the cruiser back up?” David asked.

“Uh, Ja’val…scans?”

“Just got it set up,” he said, “okay, starting the scan. Need a minute.”

“Dad, how fast do you think we can load up the cruiser?” Chris asked.

“Less than five minutes,” David said. “If everyone keeps everything in their bags and doesn’t unpack.”

“Good. God willing, as long as that manager doesn’t open his mouth, we should be safe here. Okay, once inventory is done…”

Ja’val stopped him. “Someone’s coming up the road.”

“You and Ny’van inside. Dad, armed?”

“Yup,” David said and put the weapons back into the cargo area of the cruiser and shut the door.

Chris checked his handgun then pulled his jacket over it. The two men remained on the steps, acting like nothing was going on as the cruiser came to a stop next to Victoria’s.

“Harold!” Chris waved as the manager came strolling up. “Something up?”

“Just saw your face on the news,” Harold said. “What’s going on?”

Chris nodded at Harold’s cruiser, “You alone?” he asked as Harold walked up and sat beside him.

“Yeah, I’m alone. Listen, I read people pretty well. You and your dad seem like good folk. I just want to know if this resort is gonna be invaded by those aliens. Or an army, or the media.”

“Here’s the truth, Harold. Yes, there is an Expedition in the Andromeda galaxy. Yes, there are beings, humans who were genetically changed, called Rayth. Yes, Dr. Victoria Carson is married to the leader of the Rayth. But, I promise you, Rayth are not evil people. There are evil humans among us, wouldn’t you agree? In the same way, there are evil Rayth, and just like here on Earth, evil is not the norm. Dr. Carson is here with her two children. The twins I mentioned. Our base in the Andromeda galaxy and the Rayth homeworld were attacked the same time as Earth. We’ve had to sever communications with Andromeda, and with the High Chancellor—the leader of the Rayth, Victoria’s husband—so that our location could be kept a secret. That’s why we’re here. About now, her estate is being overrun by reporters and probably enemy Rayth when they find it. We were out long before they had a chance to track us. I needed a place where we could hide out until they leave her estate. We’re hoping they’ll think she, and all of us, went back to Andromeda.”

“And what if they find you here?”

“We weren’t followed. And right now, you’re the only one who’s seen my face and can identify me as an associate of Dr. Carson’s. But should we be found, our first plan of action is to leave. We’ll fight if we have to, but we don’t want to endanger anyone. We are a family. There are four kids here, I wasn’t lying about that. My wife and baby are here. I’ll die to protect them, but I’d rather run and find another refuge than fight.”

The cabin door opened and Victoria walked out. “I’m Victoria Carson,” she said. “We don’t want to cause trouble, so if you don’t want us here, we’ll leave, I just beg you not to tell anyone we were here.”

“Victoria. I’m Harold,” he stood and shook her hand. “No. I don’t want you to leave. I think Terry here’s been truthful.”

“Uh, it’s Chris, actually. My dad, David.”

“Chris. Yes. I remember now from the broadcast. Stay. I won’t say a word. These Rayth though, your husband…why isn’t he here defending this planet? I mean, if they can get here, their tech has to be far more advanced, and we could use their help.”

“He’ll be here when he’s taken care of his homeworld and our base in Andromeda. He didn’t have any ships in this galaxy, and it takes a few days to get here. But I assure you, when he’s able, he’ll be here and rid the skies of those who are attacking.”

“You sure of that?”

“He wouldn’t leave his children here if he didn’t plan on returning,” she said. “He loves them more than anything.”

“Can I meet them?”

Victoria nodded, “Kids, could you join us, please?” The door opened and the twins, slowly came out and walked up to either side of their mother. Each had their long straight hair pulled back into a ponytail behind their baseball caps. “This is my son, Ky’nayth, and my daughter, Mik’kenna.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Harold said with a nod then looked back at Victoria. “They look completely human. I was expecting big heads, almond eyes, stuff like that.”

“As Chris said, they are human. Genetically modified to be stronger and have some other highly developed skills, but at the core, they’re human. And Harold, full disclosure, we do have two adult Rayth with us as well. To protect me and the kids.”

At that, Ny’van, followed by Ja’val, walked out onto the porch. “Harold, I am the Vice Chancellor of the Raythian Empire. It is an honor to meet you,” Ny’van said with a bow.

“I am the First Science Commander,” Ja’val said, also with a bow.

“No names?”

“It is a custom of theirs to not give out their names,” Victoria said, “please don’t be offended.”

“I’m not. Just curious. Big. Tall, I mean.”

“If you think they’re big,” Chris grinned, “you should see her hubby. So, we have your permission to stay here a bit?”

“Yeah,” Harold said, finally diverting his gaze back to Chris, “and if you need more than the dozen days you asked for, I’ll see what I can do. Like I said, it’s the end of the season, our luxury cabins don’t rent out as readily. Anyway, you ever come around this way again, I wouldn’t mind a trip to this place of yours in Andromeda…see what it’s all about.”

“We get through this,” Chris replied, “I’ll see that it happens. But Harold, I mean it, you can’t let anyone know about us. If you suspect someone’s on to us, let me know, asap. We’ll pack up and be gone. We don’t mind taking off if it’ll save others here. There’s been enough death on this planet today.”

“Mouth is sufficiently shut, Chris. No one will hear a peep from me, not even my wife. Enjoy the fishing,” Harold waved as he headed back to his cruiser, “this is a great spot for trout. If things start looking suspicious, I’ll buzz the comm unit in the cabin. Try to give you a heads up.”

“Appreciate it. Take care of yourself, Harold.”

Harold gave Chris a nod then boarded his cruiser and left.

“Think he meant it?” Victoria asked.

“Yeah,” Chris said, “but can we monitor him some how?”

“Not without placing a transmitter on him,” Ja’val said, “though I could tap into the office’s security system. We could pick up conversations.”

Chris shook his head, “No. No. We can’t be spying on everyone. Let’s trust him. We have enough to worry about.”