E:A Vol 6 Ch 4—October 16, 2120

Chapter 4: October 16, 2120

The tent was small, but Victoria and the twins fit inside. They were tired, so even though it was just turning night on whatever planet the First Warrior Commander had brought them to, the three of them curled up inside the tent and was fast asleep. Three hours later, the First Warrior reached in and tapped Victoria’s leg. It took a couple of tries, but she finally woke and crawled out of the tent. “Something wrong?” she whispered.

“Nothing. I received the recall message from the First Commander. It is safe to return you to Earth.”

Victoria looked at her watch. It was nearly midnight at her estate. She smiled. “Thank you,” she said and ducked into the tent and gently woke the twins.

The kids crawled out, yawning and stretching. The bridge portal wasn’t far, and while Victoria pulled along the two suitcases and carried the one bag of fruits and vegetables, the First Warrior carried the sleeping twins.

“Remain here,” he said when they reached the portal. “I will go across to make sure it is safe, then return to get you.”

The kids were set gently on the ground, curling up, going right back to sleep under the stars, not bothered about being on the tall grass in the middle of an open field. The First Warrior entered a code into the portal and when it began to glow, he walked over with his stunner raised. It only took a minute and he was back. “It is safe,” he said as he picked up Ky’nayth, and grabbed the two suitcases with one hand. Victoria picked up Mik’kenna and the bag of groceries and followed him across.

The bright lights of the barn woke the slumbering kids. “We home?” Mik’kenna yawned.

“Yes. Daddy and his men must have worked hard and fast,” Victoria said. “Can you two get to the master bedroom or you want us to carry you?”

“I fine,” she yawned and when set down, both she and her brother padded down the tunnel in their footie pajamas to the house. Victoria looked at the First Warrior, “I owe you yet again. Thank you.”

“My honor,” he said with a slight bow. “I must return to decamp. Sleep well.”

She gave him a proper bow then headed to the house after a quick greeting to Ian Walsh who was overseeing the bridge portal transfers overnight.

October 17, 2120

It was just after one in the morning when John, Chris, Kaven, Simon, and Vince bridged to Victoria’s Montana estate from the Terra 2 city-ship in orbit around Earth. All five men were exhausted and famished. Word of their arrival quickly spread from the barn to the house. Victoria had just fallen back to sleep when Chef Alan, who’d taken the late shift after a long, late afternoon nap, knocked on the master bedroom door. Lutia, closest to the door, got up.

“Yeah? What’s wrong?” she yawned as she peeked through the door, not wanting to let the light in.

“Nothing. Thought you’d like to know that the team from the city-ship is here,” Alan smiled. “They’re in the kitchen.”

Victoria heard but was going to try to sleep on; she was exhausted. She would see the men in the morning.

“Thank you,” Lutia said then went over to the bed and nudged Alessa. “Chris is here. Wake up. I don’t think Ja’val or Kol’non are back,” she said, “but if the others are here, it shouldn’t be long now!”

The ladies quickly dressed, the babies were gathered, and the twins, hearing the news, hopped out of the recliner they were sharing with their mother. Victoria sighed at having to get up, but inwardly, she was smiling. Their family was almost all together again. She threw on a robe and followed everyone downstairs, and in turn was followed by seven boisterous Jack Russell Terriers.

When Alessa saw her husband she ran to him, smothered him with kisses, then nearly fainted in his arms.

“Daddy home soon?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I think so,” Vince said, “he has command of three of those rebel battlecruisers. It shouldn’t be long before he has the other two.”

“I tode Daddy he’d win,” Ky’nayth said proudly, “we has best warriors. And all uncles are warriors, and Daddy says dey best and we pwayed and we win!”

“And Mommy thinks you probably need to go back to bed,” Victoria smiled, “we can sleep better knowing things are going so well. It’s been a very, very long day.”

Mik’kenna had climbed up on John’s lap when he sat to eat. She was now sound asleep, quite content her uncles were safely home.

“You wouldn’t happen to have any more milk?” Chris asked, “I know your struggling with food supplies…oh, thanks, Alan. Milk’s never tasted so good. Eggs and bacon hitting the spot, too.”

“Try not to eat so fast,” Becket said, word having gotten up to him about their return, “don’t want you getting sick.”

“How are our husbands holding up?” Lutia asked.

“Exhausted, but well. You know them,” Kaven said, “they can run on fumes for a week if they have to. So, I don’t mean to be a bother, but there wouldn’t happen to be an open bed around here?”

“We have one room open. I wanted it in case there was an emergency,” Becket said. “One bed and a pullout, so you’ll have to double and triple up.”

“Dad okay?” Chris asked.

“He’d better be sleeping,” Victoria said. “He wouldn’t stop working. Jacob and Becket both had to order him to bed.”

“That’s Dad,” Chris smiled. “Okay. I need sleep now more than food,” he said as he wiped the milk mustache from his face. “Alessa, honey, I am going to miss sleeping in your arms tonight.” He gave her a tender kiss, then kissed his baby girl. “Which room?”

“Upstairs guestroom,” Becket said, “and I want all of you to stop by at some point tomorrow for a checkup.”

“Sure thing, Doc. Guys, I’ll take the pullout,” Chris said to the other men, “Simon, you’re with me. Let the three tall ones take the bed.”

“No problem. I’d be happy sleeping on the floor at this point,” Simon said.

Suddenly the others began to feel the exhaustion hitting them now that their stomachs had something in them. They quickly finished their food and the entire group headed upstairs. Victoria told them to come by the master bedroom and she’d give them some of Zy’nayth’s pajamas or lounge clothes to sleep in…they’d be large, but it was all they had at the moment. John carried Mik’kenna up and set her in the recliner. Ky’nayth crawled up next to his sister and then was joined by Baxter and Celeste. Mik’kenna’s arm immediately wrapped around her dog, even as she slept. Victoria dug through the dresser and handed each man a pair of pajama or lounge pants and tee shirts.

“Dump your dirty clothes outside the bathroom doors and I’ll grab them and get them washed up before you wake up,” Victoria said. “You can use this bathroom too,” she pointed to the one in the master bedroom.

“I’ll take this one and be quick,” Kaven ducked into the bathroom and shut the door.

The rest split up using the main shower on the floor plus the ones on the main floor and basement. It didn’t take them long to shower and were soon passed out in the guestroom. Their dirty laundry piled up outside of the bathrooms. Victoria tucked the kids under a blanket in the recliner, then grabbed a laundry basket and gathered the dirty clothes. She went right down and got a load started. She set her comlink to chime in thirty minutes so she could swap out loads, then she settled into a chair in the living room and dozed off. By 3:00 a.m., a neat pile of clothes sat in a laundry basket outside of the guestroom and Victoria was sound asleep in the other recliner in the master bedroom.

***

Two and a half hours later, Victoria’s comlink chimed to wake her up. It was time to start her day. Everything ached as she pulled herself out of the recliner and shuffled into the bathroom. At some point during the night’s interruptions, she had put her clothes in there so she wouldn’t have to rifle through the closet or dresser when she woke. She had just stepped out of the shower, toweling herself dry, part of her missing the Mythican or Rayth showers that in a blast of warm air could dry you in under a minute. She was exhausted but happy that things were now looking in their favor. Her comlink buzzed. She sighed. It was going to be another long day. She glanced at the clock, 5:42. “Yeah,” she said grabbing the earpiece from the countertop and put it on.

“I know you have things to do this morning, but I would very much like to see you and the children. Lutia and Be’atta are also wanted,” came the familiar deep, gravelly voice.

“Give me five or ten minutes, then I’ll buzz for a teleport. I love you!” Her exhaustion had left the moment she heard that voice. At least this day was starting out on the right foot.

She threw on her clothes, ran a comb through her wet hair, then woke Lutia, “Get ready to teleport,” she said in a voice that was a bit louder than intended and woke the others. “Sorry,” she said as Alessa stirred, “Our husbands are back on the flagship. I’ll go up to the attic and wake Be’atta. Alessa go back to sleep.”

Ten minutes later, after signaling Zy’nayth, the three women, the twins, and baby Kel’lan appeared in the living area of Zy’nayth’s chambers and after a round of hugs and kisses, Ja’val and Kol’non departed with their families.

“You look exhausted, High Chancellor,” Victoria said.

“I am exhausted. But we have control of all five ships,” he said as he went back into the kitchen to finish eating a cheese sandwich. “When you return to Earth, and when Vince awakens, have him contact the president to let him know that, God willing, there should not be any more destruction.”

“I will.”

“I have my second level commanders running things so that Kol’non and Ja’val may rest. And do not worry, that is my plan as well. I need you to do a couple of things for me first.” He looked at her bloodshot eyes. “Tired or crying?”

“Tired,” she said, “sleep kept being interrupted last night…what do you need?”

“Food. I do not wish to feed from our storage pods and this,” he held up his cheese sandwich, “Is not filling enough. Also, if you would also bring up food for Be’atta and Lutia, as well as whatever Kel’lan requires, it would keep them from having to return to Earth so soon. We have taken food when the chefs had something available, but only enough to get us through.” He held up his cheese sandwich as evidence. “They are running low.”

“Easy enough,” she smiled.

“And though I would rather you stay here with me once that is done, I need you to return to Earth. I know that you are the only one who can buy the food needed down there, and I am assuming that your first priority this morning is getting that food.”

“It’s okay, you’re going to be sleeping all day. One thing, sorry,” she said, “can you transfer money from my chip to the one you set up for Chris and David to use? I kept meaning to ask Ja’val to do it, but…”

“Yes. It will only take me a moment.”

“Can we stay, Daddy? We be quiet,” Mik’kenna asked.

“You may stay while your mother gathers the food I requested, but after that, you need to return to Earth with her. I am sorry. I want you with me, but I must rest. I am still recovering and quite weak. I would not have even sent for you, except that I wanted to see your precious faces, if only for a few minutes. Have I mentioned how much I have missed you?”

“We be really quiet,” Ky’nayth pleaded with his father, “promise. Sissy and I sleep, too. We just be here for you case need hug.”

“Major Kessler is going to need help again with keeping track of who is bridging over, and with Miss Lutia up here, Miss Alessa’s going to need all the help she can get,” Victoria said.

“Kay,” Ky’nayth sighed.

“I will set my alarm,” Zy’nayth said, “for 11:00 a.m. your time. That will give me between four and five hours of sleep. Could you pack a lunch? Then you and the children could come up here and enjoy a little more time together. Even Baxter and Celeste could join us.”

“We be here!” Mik’kenna nearly shouted. “Puppies will have fun. And we can play checkers!”

Zy’nayth smiled, “And just so that both of you are aware, you will just be here for lunch. I will need much more rest. But tonight, you two and your mother can teleport up here for dinner and to sleep. We can start to be a family again. I should be much better tomorrow.”

“With me, Lutia, and Be’atta gone, that’ll give the girls a little more room in our bed. That was going to get kinda squishy with six adults, four kids, and seven dogs,” Victoria smiled. “We’re trying to keep the females of our family together to help with the babies. Plus take up as little room from the rest of the house as possible. Things are going to start really cramping up in there.”

“Our next order of business,” Zy’nayth said, “will be to get the city-ship in some sort of working order again. She has taken a lot of damage.”

“What about the prisoners and those other ships?”

“When Kol’non has rested, he and Ny’van will lead them back to Andromeda in the Third Ship. I do not think the Lead Council is happy with me for recalling Ny’van for this assignment, but I need him here for the transfer. In any case, the rebel flagship and this one will remain here until the city-ship is ready to head back.”

“Lots of work to do,” Victoria said then kissed his cheek. “Give me about thirty minutes or so to get the food and baby supplies.”

Victoria took her time to allow the kids a little more time with their father. They were regaling him with all they’d been doing since he left for Kiva to take command of the war. Zy’nayth listened thoughtfully and praised them for being so helpful and brave. Then, despite being utterly exhausted, he pulled them into his arms and began wrestling with them much to their delight. This was done just as they were getting to the part where they had been kidnapped.

He did not want them to relive that traumatic time, but would, in a day or two, discuss it with them. He had given Ny’van permission to put them in a very desperate and terrifying position in order to save everyone. The children needed to know he allowed it, why he allowed it, and how he never would have done it had there been any other option. He wanted their forgiveness for what he put them through. When Victoria returned they were in the small kitchen drinking glasses of ice water and laughing.

“I already stopped at Kol’non and Ja’val’s chambers and dropped off enough food for the day,” she said. “Alan said he’d make sure the chefs up here knew that Be’atta and Lutia could raid their supplies. And after my food run this morning, they should have plenty to share with them. For you,” she dug through her shopping bags, “I have a couple of sandwiches, piled as high as I could with meat and cheeses. I got you some chips and fruit.” She handed him the items then put two small containers in the refrigerator. “If you wake up and need a snack, carrots, broccoli, baby tomatoes, and dip. Juice or milk?” she asked as she pulled jugs of each out of the second bag. Zy’nayth opted for milk. “I’ll have a better lunch for us. Something hot.” She poured his glass of milk and put the two jugs in the refrigerator then turned back to him. “Now, High Chancellor, are you okay?”

“I am tired but quite all right, and this food is very much appreciated. For lunch, please do not think of anything fancy, others need food more than I,” he said unwrapping the sandwiches, “thank you for getting this for me. I am not fond of plain cheese sandwiches.”

“You are quite welcome,” she said and kissed his cheek. “I hope you sleep well, and we’ll see you in about five hours.” Her hand caressed his cheek, “I love you. Oh how I love you.” She leaned in and gave him a more tender kiss on his lips. “Sleep soundly and have sweet dreams.”

The kids put their empty glasses on the counter then held hands with their parents. Ky’nayth said a little prayer for them, then they kissed their father before being teleported back to Earth with their mother. Apparently Zy’nayth had ordered a small area cordoned off near the “event” tent on the driveway, as well as one near the barn. These would be areas to which people could be teleported to and from without worrying about other people in the area.

When they walked into the house, David was nearly shouting at Becket. “You didn’t wake me? I’ve been worried sick about my son, he gets back here safely, and you don’t wake me?”

“David, he was exhausted,” Becket said, “and so were you. You nearly collapsed from exhaustion. He asked about you, I told him I wanted you to rest because you were doing far too much. I’m sorry, but as your doctor, I thought it more important for you to sleep than to wake you for a five-minute discussion with your son before he passed out.”

David let out a sigh. Then another longer, deeper one. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m tired and worried. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“It’s all right. But listen, I want you to rest today. The men you have working on the suite over the garage aren’t going to need a lot of supervision or help. Maybe help Alessa with distributing items since Lutia’s going to be on the flagship all day. Now that the ships are all under our control, I have to assume that bridging people down here will pick up. Alessa, even with Kenna and Ky’s help, could probably use another hand.”

“Yeah,” Mik’kenna said, “lots to do. You help us. We has watch baby Mari and puppies and fill tolly-tee bags, and give sleepy bags and mark off list, and give pillows and mark of list, and give blankies and mark off list, and tell ‘bout fruit box, but I sure they see it, course, but we has to tell it ‘kay for dem to take fruit to eat and…” she sighed and shrugged her shoulders, “lots to do. We need help with Miss Lutia no here.”

David looked at Victoria, “You okay with doing the food supply runs?”

“I’m hoping Becket would let you come with us for that, but the same team is going, so no big deal if the doctor won’t let you.”

“David can go on that. I know it’ll ease your mind,” Becket smiled. “But after that, sit and take it easy for once. Though if you help Alessa, it sounds like Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth will keep you pretty busy.”

“Becket,” Victoria said, “if Vince wakes up before we’re back, the High Chancellor would like him to contact the president and let him know that there shouldn’t be any more destruction.”

“Got it,” he replied as Alan set bowls of oatmeal on the counter.

“It’s kinda thin, but it’s edible,” he said.

Victoria thanked him as the kids each took a bowl and went to the living room to eat. “When you two finish that, will you please go back upstairs and sleep a little longer? Uncle Becket can get you when Alessa and Steve are ready to get back to work.” She poured two glasses of juice and took them in for them. “I love you two, thank you for working so hard and understanding about your Daddy needing rest.”

“Love you too,” Mik’kenna set her bowl on the coffee table as the seven dogs all came running up to see what was going on and if they could have a bite of whatever smelled good.

“Or would you two rather come with me?” Victoria asked as she set the glasses on the coffee table. “I’m sorry, I assumed you’d want to help make up the bags and things. If you’d feel better coming with me, you can. I don’t mind at all.”

“I think I stay and help. It lot of work for Aunt Alessa by self,” Mik’kenna said. “And I no as scared now dat Daddy and uncles back.”

“Ky? If you want to come, you can,” Victoria said.

“I stay with Sissy,” he said. “If Uncle Becket right and people come in faster, we has to get all bags done. Dat’s lot of work.”

“Hopefully Major Walsh had people working last night on that,” Victoria said. She gave them each kisses and told them that she loved them. “Remember, back to sleep and when Steve’s ready to take over the morning shift, Uncle Becket will wake you.”

***

“It’s just tuna salad,” Victoria said as she and the kids walked into Zy’nayth’s chambers, “more chips and fruit. I did manage to get a quart of strawberries. I know they’re everyone’s favorite. I have some English muffins, so I’ll make a hot tuna melt with cheese.”

“It is appreciated, especially the strawberries,” Zy’nayth grinned then kissed her cheek.

“Vince contacted the president, he sends his thanks on behalf of the world,” she said after asking her husband to chop up some of the vegetables for the tuna salad. “The guys were still asleep when I left.”

“Good. I want them to rest the entire day. I know they are eager to work on getting the city-ship in order, but they need rest. The entire Expedition: Andromeda crew needs rest.”

“Are you going to teleport people down now that the rebels are dealt with? I mean in addition to bridging them down.” She dumped the chopped celery and onion into her tuna and mayonnaise mixture, gave it a stir then tasted it. She added more pepper. “You got extra money transferred to Chris and David’s chip, right?”

“I did. Roughly five million dollars. And no, we are not going to teleport. We will, however, be sending larger groups down as soon as we receive word from Major Kessler that they are ready on their end. He said that Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna have been very helpful, especially making up those toiletry bags.”

“They did lots on night shift,” Ky’nayth said, “but there still lots to do. Five thousand is lots. Aunt Janice came by and helped and Pastor Jacob and Miss Julia and Aunt Lia. But when people bridge in, Pastor Jacob and Miss Julia go with them when Uncle Becket give tour. They tell people they there to talk if trauma.”

Victoria smiled to herself as the kids told Zy’nayth how they filled the bags. She got out the muffins, toasted them, then put them on a baking sheet. A couple pieces of lettuce, a slice of tomato, then a huge scoop of tuna, topped with a couple slices of cheese, then they were put into the oven. “Okay, it’ll only take a couple of minutes, can you guys set the table, please?”

After the table was set, they joined hands and gave thanks for the meal. Victoria served up the tuna melts, letting them know she had some extra and warned them about it being hot. “I know you just said you wanted everyone to rest, but what about allowing Vince and Simon to go to the city-ship to see what needs to be done?”

“If there is debris in the way, I do not want them to try and move it. It may do more harm than good to the integrity of the ship, not to mention that it could cause serious injury to the two of them.”

“I’m sure they could get a couple other people to go with them. I think Kaven’s off-world team is all on Earth, they could go.”

“Uncle David might should go too,” Ky’nayth said, “he good at stuff like that.”

“He is restless,” Victoria said and explained how he overworked himself the day before. “And he knows what to look for. Maybe along with Kaven’s men, get a couple of the engineers to go with them.”

“I think we are getting ahead of ourselves,” Zy’nayth smiled. “They will rest today. Tomorrow, they may select a group to go. But they are only to assess the control room and infirmary. Becket may need supplies, make sure he gives them a list. Before you return to Earth after lunch, I will make a detailed list for them. They are not to deviate from it. I do not want them injured after they worked so hard to keep that ship afloat and themselves alive.”

“I’ll make sure they understand that,” she smiled. “So, how long do you think it’ll be before we can start transferring people back up to the city-ship?”

“It depends on the amount of damage.”

“You have to have an idea.”

“A month, perhaps two. She is flyable, that much I know, but I do not think she is habitable. Before we can send people up to live there, we will need to make sure there is a working mess hall and a place to sleep, which, at this point, would be a place like the sanctuary, not individual chambers.”

“Well, High Chancellor, will your bank account be enough to feed 5,000 people for two months?”

“I am sure that I have more than enough,” he smiled. “There is not much that I have spent my money on in my 10,000 years of life. I have accumulated much wealth.”

She grinned, “Rich, powerful, smart, and handsome. I got myself the full package.”

“Of course, I have no idea how to exchange my gold for your currency,” he said, “not in such a large quantity.”

“I’ll ask Vince,” Victoria said, “If he doesn’t know, the president should. Wait…” she paused and looked into his silver eyes, “How’d you get the money into the account I have now? And what you put on that chip for Chris and David?”

“Ah, well, that was not quite…” he cleared his throat when he saw that his son was interested in the answer, “I changed the coding.”

“Zy’nayth!”

“For me to put that amount of money through some sort of gold exchange would raise suspicion.”

“And millions showing up in my account wouldn’t?”

“I added to it weekly over the last few years. It was not a single transfer of a large sum. The emergency account I set up under the false names for Christopher and David was one lump sum. Though not a significant sum.”

“Zy, $500,000 is significant, even in this day and age. Let alone the $5 million you just transferred. We need to actually fix that. The bank will realize they don’t actually have the money…”

“I also took care of that.”

Victoria gave him a wary eye. “You changed the numbers, the accounting files, of the bank, didn’t you?”

“Something of that sort.” He sighed. “It was the only way. In a day or two, I will contact the president myself and ask him how I may rectify the situation. I will also offer to pay for the reconstruction of Central Command.”

“Uh, that could get into the billions of dollars.”

“Not if we supply materials,” Zy’nayth said. “Benachti is fairly inexpensive, and far more durable than anything Earth has.”

“That might be a bad idea,” she replied.

“How so?”

“Well, considering Earth was just invaded by Rayth, the idea of having Rayth supply money and materials for one of our biggest military projects, one that’s supposed to be classified, could be seen as a different kind of invasion.”

“Ahh. I shall still offer, then I will voice your concern to him. This is quite tasty,” he said after a few bites of his tuna melt.

“Thank you,” she smiled. “I added a special ingredient that makes it better than what the chef’s make.”

“And what is that?”

“Love. I love making food for my two brave children and for my husband.”

The family finished eating and while Victoria cleaned up the few dishes, Zy’nayth played a game of checkers with his son and gave Baxter and Celeste attention, which pleased both children. When she rejoined them, Zy’nayth asked her to take a list down for him. It was the list of the areas he wanted Vince to check, things to specifically look for, and that whatever group was chosen, Simon should be in it until he could spare someone from his Science team to help them.

“Very good move, son,” Zy’nayth said, as he scratched Celeste behind her ears. “Mik’kenna, I think I need your help with this one.”

Mik’kenna studied the board then pointed, “Dat one.”

“Are you sure?”

She frowned, then studied the board again. “If you go here, he jump you; if you go over there…bad, double jump; dat just leave dat one to move here.”

“Very well,” he replied and moved his checker. Ky’nayth squealed with delight as he was then able to perform the awesome triple jump and win the game.

Mik’kenna stared in disbelief, “I sorry, Daddy. I no see dat one.”

“To be honest, there was no way for me to win this round,” Zy’nayth reassured his daughter, “I just wanted to see how you would handle the situation.”

“I fail. I never be good tratty gist.”

“No, you did not fail. A good strategist learns from their errors. You learned something, did you not? You clearly saw that either of the other two checkers would have been jumped. So you assumed that the third checker was the only viable move. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“But you did not analyze the third checker’s move, correct?”

“No. I no think ‘bout it.”

“So you assumed, because the other two could be jumped, that the third was a safe move. Now you have learned why it is important to think about all options before committing to a decision.” He picked up the checkers and arranged the board just has it had been before Mik’kenna made her choice. “Now look at the positions again and think through the moves of the third checker.”

“Kay.” She studied the board intently. Victoria was always amazed at how her husband got them to sit and think and reason. Yes, they were Rayth, but they were only three. But here they were, having a lesson in strategic thinking using a game of checkers. Mik’kenna asked if she could move the checkers to see better. Zy’nayth nodded. “If move here, jump, dat leave Bubby here, and den you has move here, or here…” she moved things around, moved them back, then after a few minutes she looked up at her father. “I think you right. There no way you win dat game. Moving other checkers make game longer but you still lose. How you see so fast?”

“Years of strategic thinking,” he smiled and kissed her. “You did very well figuring that out. Now what have you learned from all of this?”

Mik’kenna wrinkled up her nose as she grinned, “I learn Bubby better at checkers than Daddy.” She then snickered and giggled.

Victoria laughed. “She gotcha on that one, Daddy.”

“Then I guess it is time to see how good Daddy is against Mik’kenna,” Zy’nayth smiled. “I will be red.”

“No Daddy! I’m red. It my favorite color!”

“But I wish to be red this time.”

“Stop teasy,” she said and reached for the red checkers but his hand settled over them.

“I believe that I am going to be red,” he said again.

Mik’kenna put her little hands on her hips. “Daddy, no. I always red. You know dis.”

“I think you should be black this time. It will be a learning experience.”

“But Daddy! I no play black. I red. It no different in color for learning ‘sperience.”

“If there is no difference, then being black instead of red should not matter to you.”

“Daddy, you being diffy cult. You know I always red. It rules.”

“It is not the rules, but perhaps if you give me a kiss, I will let you be red.”

Mik’kenna walked over and kissed her father’s cheek. “Love you! Me red now?”

“Okay,” he winked, “I will be nice and let you be red.”

“Thank you,” she said as she began putting the pieces on the checkerboard.

As she set up all of the pieces, Zy’nayth looked at his wife, “Changes of clothing.”

“Steve’s working on that for the military staff, but what do I do for the civilians?”

“Get a list started of everyone’s sizes,” Zy’nayth said, “purchase basic clothing. Jeans, tee shirts, sweatshirts, no fancy colors or patterns. Two each per individual, as well as two sets of pajamas, two sets of undergarments, a robe, a winter jacket, gloves, and a scarf.” He moved his piece then Mik’kenna made her next move. “Perhaps not a pullover sweatshirt, instead one that zips so that on warmer days it can be a jacket.”

“That’s a lot of clothes, but I can pick up cheaper undergarments, the ones that come in packages. Even the sweats and tee shirts. I don’t want to skimp on winter wear, though. It might get brutal out there.”

“Victoria, the money is there, do what is needed. Do not worry about the cost.”

“I’m just trying to be a good steward,” she smiled. “I’ll do what’s best, don’t worry.”

“No Sissy, no there,” Ky’nayth said.

“I no see it,” she frowned.

Ky’nayth hopped down, reached over, and showed her the error in her strategy. Then she nodded, “Thank you, Bubby.”

“That is not fair. Two against one,” Zy’nayth smiled. He made his move then turned back to his wife. “Perhaps some of these games to keep people occupied would be of assistance,” he said. “We will not be able to have all 5,000 on the city-ship at once to clear things out and work on repairs. Some will have to remain on Earth.”

“Good idea.”

“Bubbles,” Mik’kenna added, “for baths.”

“I think they can live without bubbles in their baths,” Victoria smiled.

“I can’t,” Mik’kenna replied as she moved her next checker.

Zy’nayth looked at his wife and shook his head. “Bubbles in their baths. This is not very Raythian.”

Victoria smiled, “Maybe you should take a bubble bath to relax your muscles.”

“Perhaps another time. Good game, Mik’kenna. Come, give me hugs and kisses, then you need to return to Earth.”

“We come back for dinner?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Yes,” he smiled, “and then you will be spending the night here. Remember?”

“I think I’ll wait until 6:00 or 6:30 to come up,” Victoria said, “need to focus on this clothing issue. Hopefully I can fix you something more than a sandwich.”

“If you cannot,” Zy’nayth smiled, “it is not a problem. I enjoy having my family with me no matter what we eat.”

By the time Victoria and the kids returned to Earth, John and his team, including Simon, were awake. They’d all stopped in to see the doctors for a quick scan and checkup, and were now just getting something to eat.

“Hey Doc,” Chris said as the trio walked in, “how’s hubby?”

Victoria grinned, “Very tired, but has lots of plans for you guys.”

“We’re ready to head back to start the cleanup,” John said. “Thanks for washing our clothes. They were rather rancid.”

“Which is why I hurried to wash them,” she laughed. “As for the cleanup, not quite yet, come on, let’s go out by the basketball hoop so our chefs have room to work. Anyone know where Vince is?”

“Right behind you,” the general said with a smile.

“Oh. Okay, Ky, Kenna, do you two want to go back to your work in the barn or stay with me?”

“We go help Miss Alessa and Mr. Steve,” Ky’nayth said and Mik’kenna nodded in agreement.

“Would one of you send Uncle David to us?”

“Kay,” Mik’kenna said and darted off through the myriad of people going to and from the house. Baxter and Celeste ran after them.

They went outside, Victoria noticing that the air was crisper than the day before. They chatted until David joined them, then Victoria went over the need for clothing and then about the city-ship. “He really wants you guys to rest today, but I figured we could start thinking about how to get the clothes we need. Anyway,” she handed Vince a list, “these are the things he wants you to check out. I am to make it very clear that you are not to deviate from these areas. It’ll be too hazardous.” She smiled, “He means it. We don’t want you getting hurt or worse after all you’ve been through. Today you rest, tomorrow,” she pointed to the list, “you’ll be busy.”

Simon looked over Vince’s shoulder at the list. “Medical supplies?”

“Oh yeah. Get a list from Becket. I know the med crew was rushed out on short notice. And he wants you with the crew tomorrow. Anyone else is optional, but most of that list is for you, probably.”

“John, I want you to put a crew together. You and Simon both are going. Chris, Kaven, you’re optional depending on what we have to do down here. I’d rather stay here and see that people get settled,” Vince said. “If we’re going to be here a couple of months, I also want to set up a sort of HQ in the barn. I need to get caught up on what’s happened down here, then look after my entire crew. John, make sure you’ve got a couple of people from Jack Burgeon’s crew with you as well.”

“I think two from Jack’s crew, me, Simon, that’s enough for the first recon,” John said. “Go from there.”

***

Kol’non, Be’atta, Ja’val, Lutia, and baby Kel’lan joined Zy’nayth and his family for dinner. Victoria brought up supplies to make fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a salad. Lutia helped with the cooking while Be’atta watched over the baby.

“So John went up to the city-ship after I said not to, and after saying the infirmary was blocked off?” Zy’nayth asked Victoria when she and Lutia joined them after getting the food started. The twins sat up in the recliner with their father, content to snuggle next to him as he talked with the others.

“Partially blocked. He knew that after you had them park in orbit. Since they didn’t have to worry about fighting the rebels, they looked around a bit. He said he didn’t think they’d have to move much to get into the infirmary from what he remembered. So, he grabbed Chris, Simon, and two guys from Jack Burgeon’s team. They went up and moved things to get Becket his supplies. I told them not to. They promised not to do anymore until tomorrow.”

Zy’nayth frowned, “I wish he would have contacted me first.”

“You haven’t yet lifted comlink restrictions,” Kol’non chimed in.

The High Chancellor sighed, “Do you think it is safe to do so? Have we accounted for everyone who should have been aboard the rebel ships?”

“Last report came in right before Be’atta and I left our chambers. We have confirmed everyone on the manifests.”

“Even those shot down in the jets?”

“Yes, sir. I sent warriors down to retrieve anything they could find if the flagship was out of teleporter range.”

“Good. Very well, lift comlink restrictions.”

The door chimed and Kol’non, nearest, got up to answer it.

“He still looks tired,” Victoria whispered to Ja’val.

“I don’t think he rested after lunch, and his body has only just finished healing from all of that glass. He’s fine, though,” the First Science Commander said.

“Uncle Ny’van!” Ky’nayth exclaimed and hopped down from his father’s lap. He ran up for a hug. Mik’kenna was right on his heels.

“Sorry I’m late. I was making final preparations for the transfer of prisoners to the Third Ship. How are things progressing at your estate?”

“Seems to be getting busier as more people bridge down. And if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for me to finish up dinner.”

“The last of the Expedition: Andromeda team should be all down about this time tomorrow,” Kol’non said.

“Are you guys going to be leaving soon? Taking those battlecruisers back?” Lutia asked.

“Probably the day after tomorrow,” Kol’non said. “After we wrap up a few more details.”

After a few more minutes of discussion, Be’atta spoke up. “I’m surprised that people haven’t requested to go and stay with their families instead of staying out in the cold at your place.”

“From what David told me,” Lutia said, “once people found out their families were okay, those few that have families, since most who went to Andromeda don’t…anyway they wanted to stay in case they were needed. I guess Vince talked to the president and they agreed that they could leave the Expedition without any repercussions from breaking their contract.”

From the kitchen, Victoria added, “Vince made an announcement just before we teleported up, and apparently no one wants to leave. They want to see this through.”

“Good for them,” Ny’van said. “And I know Zy’nayth will agree with me when I say that we’ll do all we can to help rebuild the city-ship and the cities that were destroyed on Earth.”

“You have enough rebuilding to do,” Victoria said. “You need to tend to your own people. And the humans in Andromeda. Imagine how it could improve relations if you offer to help rebuild the towns and villages that were destroyed.”

“That is something that we hope to do,” Zy’nayth said, “and is already on Ny’van’s list to start on the minute he is back on Kiva. That is also why I have asked Be’atta to consider returning with her husband to Andromeda. She would be a valuable liaison between Rayth and humans during this time and would give the Second Commander a chance to sit in the Command Chair since Kol’non will be on the Third Ship and I will be back and forth between Earth and Kiva.”

“I’m still praying about it,” Be’atta said. “But my heart is leaning towards a yes. And not just because I’ll have more time with my husband,” she smiled.

“I also made an announcement to the Raythian Empire, letting them know that there were still 37 rebel ships unaccounted for and to alert my assistant if they have seen any. There will still be some random destruction, I assume. Our ships will find them.” Ny’van sat on the edge of the bed and smiled as Baxter and Celeste vied for attention. He gave them both scratches behind their ears and told them that they were brave dogs, much to the delight of the twins who both affirmed his statement with nods.

After dinner, the group talked for another hour or so before they all went back to their own chambers. Victoria and the kids took the dogs back to Earth for the evening. They had neglected to get any “puppy pads” and so it was thought best for the dogs to stay on Earth overnight. The kids made sure the dogs had fresh water in their bowls, gave their dogs extra hugs and pets, then the family was teleported back up to the flagship. They prayed together, then the parents tucked their kids into their beds. Both were asleep before Zy’nayth and Victoria left the room.

“They’ve really been working hard,” she said as she snuggled up with her husband in their own bed. “They were so happy to have little jobs and they love handing things out as everyone comes through.” She let out a soft sigh, “It feels good to be next to you again.”

“I am glad I was missed.”

“Very much so.”

“Tomorrow, I want to meet with Vince and the team, including Becket and Simon…and Major Kessler. We need a plan of action. I will bring Kol’non, Ny’van, and Ja’val. Is there a place to meet privately?

“Our bedroom or attic is about it. Things are pretty busy in the house with only four bathrooms.”

“The attic will be fine. I know you will need to get a food run in first, so will 10:00 work?”

“Yeah. With Dan and Glenda ordering things in advance, things go much quicker. We just pull up, pay, load up, and come home. Once everyone’s on Earth, it’ll be even easier since we won’t have to divide shipments for you the group up here and those down there. Alan suggested maybe the serum Rayth should bridge down for meals once all of our team is planet-side.”

“They could if they wished to, but I would like our food supplies stocked in case we must be out of range for any length of time.”

“And before I let you go to sleep, there’s one more thing…you wouldn’t happen to have any laundry machines we could use? Five thousand people with only one washing machine is going to kill my poor machine. Be’atta asked Kol’non about it, but in the middle of everything, it was probably shoved to the bottom of his priority list.”

Zy’nayth grabbed his comlink and contacted one of his engineers. When he finished, Victoria was already sound asleep. He smiled, held her close, relishing the feel of her breath against his neck as he fell into a deep sleep.

October 18, 2120

Once Victoria was back on Earth the next morning, she told Vince and the others about the meeting that Zy’nayth wanted. At 10:00, the group assembled in the attic and discussed steps for the cleanup and repairs that needed to take place, as well as the situation of feeding and housing 5,000 people on Victoria’s estate during the winter.

By 5:00 p.m. all humans had transferred from the Raythian flagship to the estate. After confirming all were planet-side, and that no chefs were lingering about helping their Rayth counterparts, Vince stood outside of the barn to address everyone. The chefs had a continuous serving line going, 24/7, and were just bringing out barbeque sandwiches, coleslaw, and French fries for the “end of first shift” meal. Ja’val had connected the comlinks to a single code so that when Vince used that code and spoke through his comlink, everyone could hear him through their own unit while continuing about their work or grabbing food, whatever they were doing.

“We have a lot to cover, so I’m going to dive right in,” he said. “First of all, I want to thank you all for choosing to stay with us and help us rebuild the city-ship and Terra 2 once we return. However, the option will remain open for a few more weeks, should you change your mind. Having said that, know that we will be here on this estate for a minimum of a month, more than likely it will be two. I’ll have a better estimate on that after we ascertain the damage up there. I’d also like to point out, and I know they don’t want recognition for this, but everything you’re being supplied with: food, tents, sleeping bags, clothes, even the napkins you’re using, is being paid for from the High Chancellor and Victoria’s own personal funds. This isn’t being paid for by the military or government.

“A couple of big announcements. You’ve probably seen some Rayth around the back of the house today. They’ve just finished installing twenty-five individual laundry and showering stalls taken from the flagship—those really nice laundry machines where you just run your clothes through the coil and in seconds they’re clean. Something, quite frankly, I am very happy to have. In any case, the stalls are private so that you can go in, shower, run your clothes through the laundry, and be done.
Unfortunately, the stalls aren’t heated, but there is hot water for the showers.

“On the other side of the house, next to the garage, a small building is also being erected by the Rayth. It will serve as our infirmary. It should be completed shortly, then Dr. McKenna’s staff will set it up tomorrow. There will be at least one doctor and nurse in there at all times; if there are no patients, the area can be used to get out of the cold.”

He paused for a moment and checked his list. “There’s a lot that needs to be done on the city-ship, but we can’t all bridge up and work. We only know about the damage on one-nine-five” Vince said speaking of the 195th floor of Tower One where the control room, bridge portal, shuttle bay, infirmary, and mess hall were located. “Some of that damage is fairly extensive. There’s also a lot of work that needs to be done on the mainland. We were just able to confirm a little over an hour ago that the bridge in the Terra 2 mainland facility was not damaged.

“Last big announcement, the suite over the garage has been completely framed in. Dr. McKenna should have assigned people to sleep there. The bathroom is not quite done, Jack Burgeon’s team will get to that first thing in the morning.

“As for sleeping arrangements, Dr. McKenna is handling all of that. Women and our older population are given priority to the house and tunnel. However, if anyone isn’t feeling well or is having trouble handling the trauma of everything that has happened, he’ll get you a spot inside as well. Pastor Jacob and Dr. Maison are here to help you deal with the trauma, as is Pastor’s wife, Julia. I believe Amelia, their daughter, is also helping. If you need to talk, yell, scream, cry, feel free to talk to one of them, a member the medical staff, or grab me. I’m here to help as much as I can.”

He looked out at what appeared to be a sea of people in the area south of the barn. “We are in Montana and things are going to get very cold, very fast. We’re trying to figure out more ways to squeeze more people into the house before the deep freeze hits us. If any of you notice someone coming down with a cold, it is imperative that you let Becket or any of the medical staff know. Don’t try to tough it out in your tent. We will have the infirmary up tomorrow and we can house a few people in there as needed. We can also rearrange who is sleeping in the house to accommodate anyone under the weather.”

“All right, we’ve got two big projects. Let’s start with the city-ship. Colonel Hagen will be in charge of that. We’re going to start by getting the control room fully functioning, clearing the way to the infirmary, and get it back up and running in case any emergencies arise down here. The little building the Rayth are putting up will not have a surgical area, or anything of that sort, so the control room and the infirmary are our top two priorities.

“In order to get this done, here’s what we’ll need as far as personnel go. At least to start.” He glanced at his list, made up while talking things through that morning in their meeting. “Per each of three shifts, Dr. Harris will need four volunteers from his department for this first leg of the mission; Dr. McKenna will need four from his staff to be ready to go when Hagen is ready for them; and Col. Hagen will need two volunteers from civil engineering, and a dozen able-bodied people to do a lot of heavy work. Again, that’s per each of three shifts. From those volunteers, shift supervisors will be selected for each group.”

He motioned for the thousands of hands to be lowered, “Thanks for being so eager, but please hold off until I’m finished. “As for the Terra 2 mainland, the report from the Rayth say our Ag and Botany facilities have been pretty much destroyed. Major Kessler will be overseeing the cleanup of the mainland. Dr. Wells from the Agriculture department and Dr. Castor from Botany will also be team leaders but will report to Kessler. Wells and Castor will each need four people from their respective departments, per each of three shifts. Major Kessler will need as many from civil engineering as he can get, yes, even for the first trip. I’m throwing more into this project at this moment since we can’t dump these resources into the city-ship due to all of the blocked corridors and such.

“Once Kessler and the engineers have a look at the place, they’re going to need a lot of muscle. We’ll need teams to clear debris, gather building materials and, of course, the help with the actual reconstruction process. As we gain access to more areas of the city-ship, we will need to switch priorities and have more people helping in the city-ship. Until then, that’s the plan.

“There is one other thing to mention, Be’atta will be heading back to Andromeda with her husband to help facilitate the rebuilding of human villages destroyed by the rebels. We hope that she’ll be able to convince the humans to accept the Rayth help. I think she’ll do a wonderful job, but as you know, overcoming centuries of fear and hatred will be difficult.

“Back here, I’ll be taking volunteers to help keep Victoria’s estate ship shape: from scrubbing bathrooms to picking up litter to making sure campfires have fuel. We are guests here, and we should help out as best as we can.

“So here’s the full breakdown. Col. Hagen is in charge of the city-ship project; Major Kessler, the mainland; David Chapman or Victoria, anything regarding supplies other than food. Also, because I have a feeling my comlink is going to be busy, as well as those of John, Steve, and David, you may utilize Ky’nayth or Mik’kenna to send messages to us or any of my command staff. Ky’nayth informed me that they’re headquarters would be their treehouse when it’s warm enough, and if you need someone to play Yahtzee or checkers with, they are available for that as well.”

There were chuckles throughout the crowd.

“As backups for each area we have Lt. Col. Chapman and Major Walsh will be my backup,” Vince said. “Kaven will be Col. Hagen’s backup; Major Fernandez will be Major Kessler’s backup; and Alessa Chapman will be David and Victoria’s backup. I will have a makeshift office in the barn right inside these doors behind me, hopefully I can get that set up tomorrow.

“After dinner or when you finish whatever you’re doing, I want those willing to sign up for one of our projects to head to the following areas. And please note, you don’t have to have any experience to help in any of these areas unless specified earlier.

“For those wanting to sign up for work down here on the estate, come and see me, Chapman, or Walsh. We’ll be in the barn,” he thumbed behind him. “Major Kessler and Major Fernandez for the mainland cleanup team will be around the back of the house where new stalls are. Col. Hagen, Kaven, and Dr. Harris, for the city-ship cleanup will be in the front yard along with the First Science Commander. David will be near the kids’ playhouse with the High Chancellor and Victoria if you have a question or suggestion regarding non-food supplies. And feel free to sign up for more than one team, we will rotate people around. I don’t want anyone getting overworked or bored with one particular task. That’s all. Enjoy your dinner and get a good night of rest.”

With a renewed sense of purpose, the chatter of the crowd grew louder. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna had been sitting on the top of their playhouse, the first time since the attack, eating their barbeque sandwiches and drinking their hot cocoa. They were thrilled to be a part of Vince’s announcement, and hoped they’d have lots of messages to deliver.

John and Steve Kessler soon joined them, their own sandwiches in hand. “The two of us are going to need help with names,” John said, “and Steve said that you two were very helpful with signing people in when they bridged over and handing out the sleeping bags, so I was wondering if you’d help us out until Mommy and Daddy think it’s too cold for you outside?” Both kids squealed with delight.

“Ky’nayth, since you and I have a pretty good working relationship, would you like to help me?” Steve asked.

“Yes, sir!”

“I guess that means you’re stuck with me, Mik’kenna,” John said.

“We be good team. But what if message needs send?”

“I don’t think that’ll be an issue tonight. People are going to be eating then hopefully signing up to help,” John replied.

After they finished their sandwiches, the leaders of the various groups went to their assigned areas, already set up with a card table and a couple of chairs. Lines of volunteers formed quickly.

It was nearly 10:00 p.m. when Zy’nayth and his family returned to the flagship. The kids took their baths, then were prayed over and tucked into bed. They were asleep before their parents left the room. Down on Earth, on Victoria’s estate, people went to their assigned sleeping areas: some in the house or tunnel, the rest in large six to eight person tents littered around the estate. It was a quiet night.