E:A Vol 6 Ch 9—October 30, 2120

Chapter 9: October 30, 2120

“Mostly in your favor. Ninety-five percent,” Dre’han said as he and Ny’van entered Zy’nayth’s office. “The others are mostly ‘concerned’ but do not want you to step down as either High Chancellor or Supreme Commander.”

“Pretty much what we expected,” Ny’van said, taking a seat. “As for the Councilman who threatened you, the Lead is calling for his dismissal.”

“No.” Zy’nayth pushed his tablet away from him and put his elbows on his desk, resting his head in his hands a second before running his fingers through his hair. “No, that would only cause more dissention. I want members on the Council to question me. I do not want a Council filled with those who will bend to my every whim.”

“If that’s what you want, you’d better get to the Council Chambers. They’re going through the dismissal process now.”

“And you are not there?” Zy’nayth looked at Ny’van.

“I recused myself due to our friendship.”

With a nod, Zy’nayth got up and crossed the massive estate, arriving at the Council Chambers and letting himself in. The Lean Councilman informed him of the proceedings taking place.

“So I have just been told,” Zy’nayth strode to the center of the half-circle. “Gentlemen, I request that you do not dismiss the Councilman. As I just told the Vice Chancellor, I want members of this Council to question my decisions. In some cases, your questions make me rethink things, or you bring to light things I had not considered.

“That being said, I do not want any Councilmember to threaten me or anyone else. I am trying to change how things are done in the Empire. I do not want people killing off those in the position they desire. That is barbaric. We are above that. In order for the people to see that these are the types of changes I wish them to follow, I will not have the Councilman removed at this time.

“We will discuss all matters of concern in regard to this situation and all Empire-wide situations. I have sought your counsel and we have had effective and productive discussions.” Zy’nayth turned to the Councilman who had accused him of treason and threatened him. Though his words were directed at the Councilman he faced, they were meant for all in the room. “I want us to be able to work together for the benefit of the Empire. I do not want to have to deal with those willing to stab me in the back. You represent the people of the Empire. Under my brother you were told what opinions to have and to do as he directed. I am asking for your opinions to help me seek the answer that is indeed best for the Empire.”

He turned back to the rest of the Council. “But know that my word, my decision, is final and that I do not need your approval to carry out what I believe is best. I am aware of my tendency to act without consulting the Council. In most cases, your advice is not needed as the choice is clear. But when there is a crisis or concern, do not hesitate to bring it to my attention. If I am unavailable, talk to the Vice Chancellor.”

“And you’d change your mind?” the rebellious Councilman asked.

Zy’nayth turned to him. “Not necessarily. But as I stated, it may cause me to rethink the situation.”

“If you’d contacted us before heading to Earth, and we pointed out that it was unwise to do so, would you have listened?” he pushed.

“I would have listened, but I would not have changed my mind,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Then what good is our counsel if you don’t take our advice?”

Zy’nayth paced in front of the twelve members. “In the situation you are talking about, as the reports show, I was in complete command of the fleet. The rebels were being neutralized. Terra 2, the Expedition: Andromeda team, has provided us with help. They helped develop the serum to allow us to eat and gain energy from food instead of having to gather humans. They found the cause that kills most females and provided us with a cure. They have gone on missions where their lives were put at stake in order to find the Gyhan and rebel Rayth bases. They have gone about the galaxy to find food supplies for us and have taught us how to farm and raise livestock. Name one other human planet that would be willing to help Rayth.” He paused and looked at each member. “None. Even now, the First Commander and his wife are offering Rayth assistance to those planets struck by the rebels. Offers to rebuild their villages or cities. They want nothing to do with our help. Not one village that we have offer help has taken it. No humans in this galaxy would think of helping the Raythian Empire. The Expedition: Andromeda team has helped and deserves our help in return.”

“And Earth?” the Councilman asked.

Zy’nayth sighed. “That was personal. My wife, my children, the Vice Chancellor, the First Science Commander, and his son were there. I gave my word that I would return for them.”

“With the flagship?”

“No. You saw the reports, you know I took the Terra 2 city-ship due to its speed. The First Commander followed, on his own accord, with the flagship. Again, things were under control here. He, as we all heard, knew there were 500 enemy ships. Not all were accounted for here in Andromeda. He believed that we needed more than the Terra 2 city-ship and the Third Ship to handle the rest in the Milky Way.”

“Knowing what you know now,” the Lead Councilman spoke, “would you have handled things differently?”

“No. The war in this galaxy was won. It was only a matter of finding the remaining decoy ships. My family was in danger. I went to help them.”

“You could have bridged there.”

“No. The portal was taken offline. The one at Central Command was buried under debris from the attack.”

“You didn’t know the portal was offline until you got there,” the Lead said.

“True. But had I bridged there, even if the portal were operational, I would have been on a planet under attack by rebel Rayth with no way to fight back.”

“Stealth. Go in, get your family, bridge back.”

“And leave Earth to be destroyed?”

“Why not? They’re nothing to us,” another Councilman said. “I will grant you Terra 2. I agree that they have been useful to us. Earth has not.”

“Without Earth, we would not have Dr. McKenna. We would not have the serum. We would not…”

“Enough,” the Lead Councilman said with a wave of his hand. He turned to the Rayth who they were about to dismiss from the Council. “You’ve heard him. We’ve read his reports and listened to his reasons. Are you willing to abide by his rules?”

The man looked at Zy’nayth, staring into his silver eyes. “Why?” he asked. “Why keep me on?”

“As I stated, I want the Council to question me. I want to do what is best. In this issue, I believe I did. Next time, your advice may change my course of action.”

“But you will still do what you want.”

“I will do whatever is best for the Empire, yes. If that means I continue on with the course of action I had devised, then so be it. But as I stated, if the counsel of this group shows something I did not consider, I will change my plan.” He walked over to the man. “Keep in mind, you are merely 2,000 years old. I have five times your experience, I am quite good at seeing all angles of a situation, but not always. I am open to fresh ideas. If I were not, I would not have sought out Dr. McKenna’s help on the serum. I like to be challenged. As long as it is not a threat against my person or position, you may challenge my ideas and decisions all you want. It will help me. In return, I hope my experience and reasoning will help you and members of this Council grow in their understanding of how to handle certain situations and circumstances.”

The man tilted his head to Ny’van, “He agrees with you on everything. I thought you said you didn’t want someone like that on the Council.”

Zy’nayth smiled. “You do not see what happens behind closed doors. He has challenged my decisions more than anyone over the years. I need that. And has often kept me from making the wrong decision. Both of us have learned from each other over the ten thousand years we have been alive. We do not have as many disagreements now, but we do tend to add to each other’s thought process through our different experiences and viewpoints.”

“Very well. If you are willing to listen, I would be honored to stay on the Council.”

“Even if I choose not to follow your advice?”

“Yes. As you said, I’m young.”

Zy’nayth turned to the Lead Councilman, “I am satisfied. He stays.”

“Yes, sir,” the Lead replied. “Gentlemen, we are finished here.”

***

“Well, this isn’t good,” John said. He was on top of a pile of debris looking into the mess hall. “I don’t think anything is going to be salvageable. Science, everything’s okay for us to head in, right?”

The Science Officer nodded. “Yes. Outer walls have all be repaired. However, proceed with caution. Many of the support beams are either damaged or have been completely destroyed. We can’t repair them until we can get to them.”

John carefully lowered himself back down to the ground. “Okay, side rooms first, you think? Make sure those are solid, then come back here to the main entrance.”

“Looks like the storage room might be our best bet,” Simon said, looking at the Science Officer’s tablet. “I mean, it’ll need the least amount of work. I think a couple of us could start there, the rest go further down the hall and shore that up.”

John looked at the scans then at the Science Officer and Jack Burgeon who had just come up. “Up to you two, you’re our experts.”

“I can take a team and go to the far area,” the Science Officer said. “It will be more dangerous. Best if I was with that team. Dr. Burgeon can take a team into the storage area. We could get another team of two or three to start clearing the debris from this entrance.”

“But the frame is weak here,” Jack pointed out. “I’ll get a couple more of my engineers up for that. I say we get all of the equipment we’ll need up here first. There’s a lot of shoring up we’ll need to do. This is going to be tricky.”

John took off his hardhat and wiped his forehead. “Jack get what you need. On your way out, let Becket know that he might have to put his new equipment to work. Science, any chance of us getting another Rayth here?”

“There are two in the shuttle bay checking the shuttles. They can be here in seconds if needed. I will call the Second Commander to see if anyone else is available.”

John shook his head. “No. You guys have enough of your own work. Jack, let the Rayth in the shuttle bay know we may have to call them in if there’s an emergency.”

“Will do,” Jack said, pulling two of his men to go with him to get the supplies.

Justin Wakefield came up over a pile of debris in the corridor behind John. “Not gonna get far that way. Maybe twenty feet, after that, it’s floor to ceiling with wreckage.”

“All right, let’s set up a smaller debris box right here. When Jack returns, Simon, Amanda, you two help his team clear out and shore up the store. Justin and I will stay here with Science. The rest of you, see if Becket needs help getting things set up. If not go back to,” he checked his tablet, “195-12 and start clearing that out. Shouldn’t need any shoring, but always check as you move further in. When we get more room here, I’ll call you back.”

Justin and Amanda went to get the black teleportation pads the Rayth were loaning them. They set a larger one up near the store/storage area for the mess hall, then a smaller one near the entrance. Jack and his team were back in ten minutes. Equipment and supplies were set along the wide corridor. He had two of his team stay with John while the other three worked with him on the storage area.

Shovels and buckets were used to clear out the areas until it was necessary to reinforce the frame or an overhead beam that kept the ceiling in place. The stench of rotten food wafted out of the storage area and John wished he had an oxygen mask. He felt sorry for those working in that area.

***

John’s team had just about got all of the debris at the entrance shoveled into the teleportation box when Ja’val bridged into the control room. The Second Commander was with him as was the Third Flight Commander of the flagship. The Second Commander looked at the four men at the workstations, “We will need to take over for a few minutes to run some tests.”

Ja’val tapped his comlink, “John, can you come to the control room?”

“On my way,” came the reply. A few minutes later, John, covered in dust walked in. “What’s up?”

“We need to run some engine tests. There might be some sudden movements,” Ja’val explained. “Now would be a good time for your teams to pull back and take lunch.”

John looked at his watch. “Okay. Give us a few to make sure things are as stable as we can get them. You got a couple people in the shuttle bay and Becket’s up here setting up equipment.”

“I’ll talk to Becket,” Ja’val said as the Second Commander sent the Third Flight Commander to alert the Rayth in the shuttle bay. Ten minutes later, everyone on the city-ship was either sitting in Vince’s office or off to the side in the control room eating their packed lunches.

“Bringing main engines online,” Third Flight said from the flight seat as Ja’val monitored the science station. The Second Commander was at navigation. Simon, sandwich in hand, looked over Ja’val’s shoulder.

“Flagship, report,” the Second Commander said to the team monitoring the situation.

“Energy readings are normal. One minute, checking thermal. Normal. Seeing a slight fluctuation on engine three.”

“I see it,” Ja’val said, pointing to the screen so Simon understood what they were talking about.

“Cold engine. Looks like she’s sorted herself out,” said the Fourth Science Commander from the flagship.

“Shouldn’t have happened, cold or not,” Ja’val said. “Flight, move her to an orbit around the moon.”

“Understood.” He fired the thrusters to adjust his heading. In seconds they were in orbit around the moon.

“Everything was stable,” said the flagship. “No energy fluctuations.”

“Something doesn’t feel right,” the Second Commander said. “Granted I haven’t spent much time flying this ship but I feel a tremor.”

“Then it’s not just me,” Ja’val said. “Science, keep an eye on engine three. Flight, take her back to her original orbit around Earth.”

As the city-ship made the quick trip, the flagship crew alerted the Second Commander and Ja’val about a loose mounting brace near engine three. “That’s your vibration,” said the Fourth Science Commander.

Ja’val checked the outer monitors, “I see it. Okay, we’re going to need a team to go in and check that out.”

“Orbit achieved,” Third Flight said. “Power down engines, sir?”

“Not yet,” Ja’val said. “Fourth, run a structural scan on that area. I was sure we had that covered.”

“We did,” the Second Commander said. “Must have been a weak area that got worse when we started the engines. I double checked Science’s scans.”

Ja’val was already looking at the scans and readouts from the moment the engine started, to the fluctuation in the third engine, and then the tremor they felt. Fourth Science called up the scans taken prior to the test. “I see a flaw but it’s well within normal parameters. Section 3 dash 12.”

Ja’val called up the file. “Here,” he said as John walked over, “look at the angle of the flaw, right here where it connects to the main frame. It was at the right spot. Enough jarring and she shook loose. Fourth, I want each engine mount rescanned and rechecked. We should have caught this…even if it was within parameters.”

“Yes, sir.”

“So what’s this mean?” John asked.

“We repair it and try again. Flight, you can shut off the engines now.”

“Engines powering down,” the Third Flight Commander said.

“No more we can do here,” Ja’val said. “John, make sure you rescan your area before heading back in there. The tremor was slight but it could have shaken something enough to cause a cave in.”

“We will.”

The Second Commander nodded at the two Rayth who had been working in the shuttle bay, “How are things in there?”

“Ready for engine tests on two shuttles. The other four are going to take a while to repair.”

“Flight, you up for another test?”

The Third Flight Commander smiled, “As long as it’s more challenging.”

The Second Commander nodded, “Then help these men out. Science, I’m headed back.”

“I am as well. I want to oversee the scans. Sorry, John, hopefully this is an easy fix.”

“No problem. Appreciate the help.”

***

The family was crowded together in the living room of Victoria’s house. Ja’val had just given them the report about the engine mount. “We’re going to replace that section. I’m having it machined back on Kiva. Should take about a week to get it, another day to install, then a day to rescan, and then we can test it again.”

“And the shuttles?” Zy’nayth asked as he cut his pork chop.

“Two are now on the flagship,” Ja’val said. “Vince should have people ready to teleport up in about an hour. They’ve been getting the kitchen in order up there. Didn’t want to have a bunch of people and nothing to eat.”

“How many are staying down here?”

Amelia wiped her mouth with her napkin, “Six from the med staff, six from the mess hall, and twenty-three others who are still quite traumatized from everything. There will be a dozen military, but they’ll be sleeping on the flagship, and then whoever’s working on the new addition. Chris and Lessa are staying, as is David. Chris, obviously to run things since Vince will be on the flagship. David to help with anything and everything as he usually likes to do. Plus, we figure the dogs will be down here most of the time, and they like him more than Chris,” she grinned, “so he’ll keep an eye on them for everyone.”

“There will be guards patrolling as usual and in the portal area,” Vince said. “Plus those working on the new addition to the house. That’s why we’re keeping two med and two chefs per shift. Probably too much but I want to play it safe.”

“Everyone will then teleport up in an hour, correct?”

“That’s the plan,” Vince said. “Alan and Asuka apparently have things going in your kitchen up there. One thing I haven’t worked out yet is how we get people down here easily to then shuttle to Colorado to work at Central Command.”

“We can set it up so that the flagship is over the estate at designated times,” Zy’nayth said. “Has General Price’s team reached the bridge portal yet?”

“No. With all of the reinforced concrete between each level, it’s taking a lot longer than anticipated,” Chris said. “They don’t exactly have backhoes that can reach that deep. I can talk to Ken. Offer Rayth assistance if you want.”

“No. If Michael Stewart does not get permission from his advisors, I will not interfere,” Zy’nayth replied.

“Could be done secretly,” Chris grinned. “Third shift, fewer people around…just teleport out the debris.”

“And how would Ken explain it?”

“A miracle!” Chris dramatically exclaimed, raising both hands to the sky.

Ky’nayth giggled. “Teleport not miracle, silly.”

“I see your point,” Chris said. “About the teleporter, not the miracle. Anyway, they’ll get there. They could get there a whole lot faster with your help, but they’ll get there.”

“I’ll call Michael after dinner,” Vince said. “Just in case there’s been any developments.”

Mik’kenna raised her hand when she saw that no other “grown up” questions were asked.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Daddy, I thinky that if we be on flagship all time now, we has to know ‘bout puppies and potty time. I know puppies be down here with Uncle David but Celeste and Baxter has trauma and prolly stay with me and Bubby. So when it their potty time, we take shuttle or bridge or teleport?”

“Good question. Most likely you will use the bridge portal.”

“Though the dogs could stay down here,” Chris said. “I know they were really hurt and were traumatized, but down here they’d be with their brothers and sisters. Just a suggestion.”

“If puppies stay here they no can be morale on flagship,” Mik’kenna said.

“We can figure something out. Montie and Storm will be down here with us. Maybe the others could stay on the ship during the day but be down here at night so that they can go potty without having to wake you and have you get dressed to bring them down.”

“That will probably be best for the other dogs, but we will discuss Baxter and Celeste,” Zy’nayth replied to Chris, knowing that the twins would worry about their dogs being out of reach during the night.

“I wish Shadow here,” Ky’nayth said. “He probably miss his brothers and sisters.”

As if on cue, Shadow came bounding into the room, pouncing on one dog after another, tail wagging furiously. Kol’non and Be’atta walked up from the basement.

“Looks like we’re in time for dinner,” Be’atta said, getting a hug from Lutia and Janice.

“Did you plan this?” Chris asked. “I mean, telling Ky to say he missed Shadow so you could dramatically appear?”

Be’atta laughed, “No. We were actually planning on being here an hour ago. Discussion went long.”

“Any good news?” John asked.

Be’atta shook her head. “Making good contacts, but no one wants Rayth help. It’s a start. If they’re willing to keep dialogue open; who knows where it could lead.”

“Did your husband tell you we went to Gren?” Kaven asked.

“He said you were going. How’d things go?” Be’atta sat on the floor while Kol’non went to get her a plate of food.

“The elders were shocked to see the Big Guy, but I think they got along well enough. They’re collecting everything we need and will continue to help us and the Rayth. They love good trade,” he smiled.

“And we go and got to drive horsie,” Ky’nayth said. “Horsie is big! And they has lots of food. My plate was this high,” he held his hand over his head, “with all food and meat and stuff and it all so good!”

“They has good taytoes! I ask for recipe and Mommy say she make,” Mik’kenna added. “And cake! And brownies! And it all yummy!”

Be’atta smiled. “I remember the feasts they gave us. I must have gained fifty pounds on that trip. Thank you, honey,” she took the plate from her husband, bowed her head, said a quick prayer then began to eat.

“They may also be able to give us information about where the rebels gained their technology,” Zy’nayth said. “Of course, if they have information, they will wait until they come to trust me before they tell me anything.”

“Which shouldn’t be an issue. You’re a man of your word,” Kol’non said.

“I try to be. Ky’nayth, wipe your chin, please.” The boy grabbed his napkin and wiped away the gravy as his father explained the moving of people to the flagship.

“If I’m not needed here, I can go and help outside,” Kol’non said.

“I do not think there is anything vital,” Zy’nayth looked at Ny’van and Ja’val to see if they had anything for Kol’non. Neither did, so the First Commander excused himself and went out into the cold evening to help people gather their items or whatever else needed to be done.

***

The First and Second Commanders, using rope and lumber from the construction, walked off an area big enough for about 2,500 people to stand together. By the time the family finished their meal, Kol’non was already directing people into the area.

“Line up along the back then make another row.”

“Is it okay to set our packs down?” someone asked.

“Yes,” he replied. “No arms outside of the area, please.”

Everyone hurried in. The wind was picking up and a few snowflakes flittered in the air. The move was coming none too soon. Half of the tents had already been shuttled up to the flagship. The other half would remain in case, for one reason or another, people needed to stay planet-side. Those already designated to stay at the estate filled the house and the suite over the garage. The tunnel would be clear, should it need to be used, but they wanted to have tents ready to go, just in case a large group had to be planet-side.

“So, we’re keeping those two transports for taking people to the mall and stuff?” Chris asked Vince.

“For a while,” the general replied. “People will get stir crazy up there and want to get out.”

The Second Commander walked over and handed Vince a sheet of paper. “The designated orbit times. If people want a teleport up or down, this is when I will have the flagship overhead. Same times each day.”

“This area here will be to go up, the area on the other side of the is where people we be teleported down, right?” Vince asked.

“Yes, unless the opposite is better.”

“No, this is fine. Chris will be taking over my little office in the barn, so he’ll be right here to monitor who is going up. Should we cut this back to the smaller teleportation area once we get everyone up?”

“I think that would be best. This area is so large, the dogs could end up getting accidentally teleported when running through it,” the Second Commander smiled at the dogs romping around by the kids’ playhouse.

“They tend not to venture too far from the kids,” Vince said, “but you never know.”

“I think that’s all we can get in this load,” Ian said, he and three others marking people off their lists.

The Second Commander tapped his comlink, “Are the E:A team members ready?” he asked. Though Ian’s group had done a quick check, once people were teleported up, a slower count of everyone would take place. Vince already had a team up there to oversee the process. “Good. Stand by to teleport.” He motioned those with him back. “Everyone make sure you are within the roped area. Teleport in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” And just like that, 2,500 people disappeared from Victoria’s estate and found themselves on the Raythian flagship. Kol’non began ushering the next group into the roped off area.

“And now I should head up,” the Second Commander said. “General?”

“Let me grab my pack. Chris, this is all yours.”

Chris rubbed his gloved hands together and let out a comically maniacal laugh. “Yes!” From behind him the dogs all started barking. They came dashing up and began sniffing around where all the people had been a moment before. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna, in their winter gear, came running over.

“It’s ‘kay! It’s ‘kay!” Mik’kenna said. “They just teleport! They all ‘kay! Daddy! They scared!”

“We will bridge up soon. They can see everyone and settle their nerves.”

“If the kids don’t mind, I can take them with us,” the Vince suggested.

“I think dat best,” Mik’kenna said, hugging Celeste. “She really scared.”

“Thank you,” Zy’nayth said. “We will not be long.”

***

After making sure everyone was settling in on the flagship and explaining the times for teleportation and the use of the two shuttles, Zy’nayth went to his chambers. The kids were sad to see Montana, Storm, Scout, and Hero go back to Earth, but that was where their guardians were staying.

Kol’non, Be’atta, Ja’val, and Lutia, along with Shadow joined them in Zy’nayth’s quarters.

“Be’atta and I have been talking,” Kol’non said, “since my current mission is more relaxed than normal, I’d like permission to start the serum.”

“That good idea! Then you be like Daddy and has taytoes!” Mik’kenna said.

Kol’non smiled at her then looked at Zy’nayth. “Thoughts?”

“We are not sure about the technology the rebels…” Zy’nayth stopped. “How badly do you want this?”

“I’m going with my wife to try to convince humans that we want to help. It’s hard to do that when I have to subsist on their energy by taking their lives. I wanted this before the attack, you know that. It’s even more important now.”

“Ja’val, how long do you estimate that he would be unable to command a ship?”

“Four to six weeks,” Ja’val said, “based on our simulations with the new data from those on Tarnia. He’d probably need two weeks on Kiva or the flagship where my team can keep an eye on him, then, provided he’s stable, can return to his current ship. At that point, he’d probably have to limit his duties and check in with me daily. I wouldn’t want him on full duty for at least a month.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Second, please join me in my chambers.”

“On my way,” the Second Commander said. A minute later, the door chimed.

Zy’nayth explained what they had been talking about. “I will summon the Third Commander to take command of this ship. I want you in Andromeda in command of the fleet. We still have five rebel ships to find, so we are still on high alert.”

“The First has kept me up to date,” the Second Commander said. “I can take over at any time. Is there a preferred ship that you would like me to command?”

“Back to your old ship, provided you still wish to work with the Second Ship’s crew.”

“They’re a good crew, sir. I’d enjoy working with them again.”

“Science, best date to start?”

“Monday,” Ja’val said. “That’ll give him time to make sure Second is thoroughly up to date. And give me time to get an area set up here or would you prefer if I had him at my lab on Kiva?”

“I leave that up to you,” Zy’nayth said. “Second does Monday work for you?”

“As I said, sir, I can take over at any time.”

“Then Monday morning at 6:00 Kiva time you will transfer to the Second Ship,” Zy’nayth said.

“Yes, sir,” the Second gave a formal bow then returned to his chambers.

Ky’nayth ran up to Kol’non, climbed up on his lap and gave him a hug. “I pray for you. Daddy had hard time with serum, I pray you no be like that. Sissy, come hold hand. We pray.”

The group talked for a bit then Kol’non and Be’atta left. “You sure this is a good time?” Ja’val asked Zy’nayth.

“It cannot wait. We do not know what we will be up against when we find out who supplied the rebels with that technology. I cannot have him down if we go to war.”

“That being said,” Lutia spoke up, “my husband should take the serum soon.”

“And Ny’van,” Victoria said.

“We will start with Kol’non. I will talk with Ny’van. Once they have gone through, Ja’val, you can if you still wish to.”

“I do,” he said as he held Kel’lan. “And I think my little guy needs to be in bed.”

“As does his mother. I’m beat,” Lutia stretched and yawned.

“Are you staying up here now that most of the population is here?” Zy’nayth asked.

“No. There are plenty of nurses. I’m sticking with Alessa so that we can watch the babies together.”

“I’ll be up and down,” Victoria said. “I still have to do food runs so if you need me, let me know.”

“Bubby and I help watch babies if need,” Mik’kenna said then looked at her father. “I no know what Bubby and I do now. We no need take messages and clean house and stuff.”

“I’ll still need help with the house,” Victoria said. “There’s still going to be about fifty people staying there. And everyone up here will still probably want to play games and play with the puppies.”

“Maybe this good time for me to learn more nursing ‘bilities. I only know pulse. Mommy, we work on dat, ‘kay?”

“All right, honey,” Victoria smiled.

Kel’lan let out a wail and began to fuss.

“He needs to be fed and then put down for the night,” Lutia said. “I’m glad everyone’s out of the cold and I’m glad Kol’non’s taking the serum. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

After everyone left and the twins were put down to bed, Victoria and Zy’nayth changed into their pajamas and climbed into bed. Victoria pulled her tablet off of the nightstand and showed Zy’nayth something she’d found earlier in the day. He took a look at the images and handed it back to her.

“The only place to ride them is your driveway which has a large tent for food storage on it,” he said.

“I was thinking for here. They could ride around in that hangar area where the E:A crew is now living. They’d have so much fun,” Victoria grinned, “and if a message needs to get to the Second Commander, they can get it to him faster using their tricycles.”

“Or a comlink,” Zy’nayth said. “They do not need to be blocking corridors riding those tricycles up and down them.”

“They’d only be in the corridors when we go to the hangar and back for meals,” Victoria said.

“Can you get a green one for Ky’nayth? Your images only show red.”

Victoria kissed his cheek. “Already ordered them.”

“Without my approval?”

“I’d keep them at the house if you said no, but I knew you’d say yes.”

Zy’nayth rolled onto his side and smiled at her. “Please keep their travel in the corridors limited. They can ride in the hangar all they want.”

“I have one more request,” she said.

“Another that you have assumed I will give assent to?” he caressed her cheek and kissed her nose.

“No. Not this time.” She let out a sigh, her demeanor shifting from lightheartedness to sadness. “Zy, I’m on edge. I haven’t really had time to process the kidnapping…all of it. I’m beating myself up because I couldn’t protect my babies. I find myself on the brink of tears all the time. Zy, I know you have nearly all of Andromeda on your shoulders right now, and I don’t mean to add to that burden, but…” she let the tears flow, “but can I have a day with just you and the kids? One day. Just us.”

“Pick a day,” he said as his thumb wiped away her tears.

“Your schedule…you pick.”

“When will the tricycles be here?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Which is Thursday. Then let us plan on spending Friday together at the island home. Do not tell the children about the tricycles. Have Becket or one of the others bring them up while we are on the island. It will be a nice surprise for them when we return. If you do not wish to cook, I will ask Alan to prepare food for us to take.”

“He has enough to do. I’ll have groceries ready. Besides, I want to make a special dinner for us. Can we stay the night there on Friday? Come back Saturday morning?”

“Yes.”

She wrapped herself around him, holding him close. “Thank you.”

“I am sorry, Victoria. I should have been more attentive to your needs.”

She shook her head and cuddled into his embrace. “Like I said, you have a galaxy on your shoulders. I’m fine. I’ll be fine. I just want you all to myself for one day. I want to pamper my babies. I want to hold all of you in my arms forever.”

“I wish I could give you forever,” he said.

“One last thing,” she smiled.

“You said that was the last item,” his smiled widened. “You are not very good at math, are you?”

“Never have been,” she grinned. “This is something I know you’ll agree to.”

“And what may that be?”

“I want you to plan thirty minutes each day with the kids to continue their combat training and I’m going to talk to John, Chris, and Kaven about training me when they have opportunity. Since I’ll be spending most of my mornings planet-side, Chris will probably do most of…”

“No need for explanations. Yes, I will work with you and the twins each day, and yes, John and his team can work with you if you want to learn more.”

“I do, but I’d rather have the legendary warrior teach me.” She gave him a tender kiss, “But he has a galaxy to run. I love you, Zy. I love you so much.”

“And you are still my beloved.”