E:A Vol 6 Ch 14—December 2, 2120

December 2, 2120

“Alan we will start with you,” Zy’nayth said, as the group met for their weeknight dinner meeting, “since I know you are probably ready to sleep. Dinner, by the way, is delicious. Thank you.”

Alan thanked everyone for their consideration. He’d been up since 3:00 to start the “breakfast” routine and had been working up until he delivered the dinner meals to those sitting with him now. “I’m beat, but I have good news. We’ve been serving from the city-ship mess hall all week to the crews working there. All three shifts. No problems. We can go full tilt whenever you’re ready to move people from the flagship back to the city-ship. All we’d need to do is transfer the food supplies over. I’m already stocking up on some basics.”

“Anything else you would need?”

“So far, we think we have everything. The crew hasn’t noticed they were lacking in anything, so I think it’s safe to assume we have all we need,” Alan said. “Equipment is working fine. Better than what we started with, in any case.”

“That is good news. If you do not have anything else, once you finish your dinner, should you wish, you can leave and get some rest,” Zy’nayth said. “You are welcome to stay for the entire meeting. I just know that you have been busy here and on the city-ship putting in many long days. Kaven, word from Gren? I hope they did not over feed you.”

Kaven smiled, “They did, as always. But I’m afraid my news isn’t good. With our orders for livestock, meaning yours and ours, they can’t keep up with the demands. When we first approached them about supply you with food, they began to increase their breeding program, but it’s only been a few months.” Kaven sighed, “At this time, the best they can do for Tarnia is supply chickens, turkeys, other fowl. The won’t have cows, pigs, sheep, etc. for several months yet.” He looked at his notes, “They do have roughly a dozen dairy cows they could send, but that would stretch them thin.” He looked back at Zy’nayth, “They send their sincerest apologies. However, they do have plenty of fruit trees or saplings, and stores of seeds they could supply.”

“I believe we are fine with those items, but I will have my assistant do some checking.”

“I have a list of all available plant-based food they can supply. There are some things on here we didn’t give to Tarnia. Maybe that’ll help.” Kaven returned from Gren the evening before, spending two days there trying to procure more lifestock for Tarnia, the one planet where the serum had been distributed. Now, four months later, more Tarnians had come forward, wanting to take the serum, but the food and livestock distributed hadn’t figured in the increase in numbers. Not this soon. Kaven let out a yawn and apologized. He’d been hopping from village to village on Tarnia, and when he arrived back the evening before, it was late. He took care of a few things before going to bed, and had only just woken from sleep. “Just sent you the file of the food available. It also has the projected dates of when they can have more livestock ready and how much.”

“Thank you. When are they expecting a reply as to whether or not we need the saplings?”

“I said a week, but that I may stop in before then.”

“I will have something to you in five days. I will have my assistant work on the food issue as I discuss the serum distribution with Tarnia’s governor. Timing may work out, as I do not think we have a Science crew we can spare for the serum distribution until after the first of the year. Either way, I will have something for you in five days.”

Vince made sure Kaven was finished then looked around the table, “Major Kessler, what do you have?”

“First, I apologize for not being here for yesterday’s meeting. With our shipment from Gren coming over, I felt it necessary to oversee that since Kaven was on Gren. Everything came in as ordered. Hank and Ben had the fields ready so today, we had over two hundred people out there planting. Another two hundred are helping with the reconstruction. Everything for the farm has been completed, as I noted last week. The main Ag research building is complete. There are some greenhouses and sheds that still need to be built or finished. The main Botany building was finished today. I believe Jack has a team down there scanning it and one of your scientists will be there in the morning to give it a final scan,” he nodded to Ja’val. “The Botany greenhouses are about done. They still need sheds built.”

Steve looked at his tablet, “As a recap, MedBay 2 is complete, bridge portal area is complete, docks have been repaired, beach area cleared. Armory was undamaged, so nothing to do there. Aside from planting and harvesting, the farm is complete. We’re at 75% for Botany construction, 50% for Ag construction. For those areas, both Dr. Wells and Dr. Castor said they could start moving in equipment as soon as the Rayth scientists sign off on the construction, our engineers have. The greenhouses and sheds shouldn’t take us more than a week to complete.

“We still have some cleanup of the grassy areas. The lawns, if you will, between the docks and the science labs. We finished plowing the area today. We’ll reseed in probably in a day or two.”

“Reseeding from Terra 2 indigenous grass, correct?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yes. Dr. Castor had a team out and about pulling up sod and turf or whatever he called it. It won’t look very pretty, he said, but it should take hold and spread quickly.”

“Good. So, if I understand correctly, by the first of the year, everything on the mainland should be operational.”

“That’s out goal,” Steve said.

“Alan, before you leave,” Vince said, looking around the table, seeing that Alan was still eating his dinner, slowly. Vince wasn’t sure if he was just intent on staying for the meeting or if he was so tired, he couldn’t eat any quicker. “I want to start moving people over to the city-ship. John, you’ve cleared down to 185, correct?”

“And up to 200, though we never converted those top five floors into residences,” John answered. “Never got around to it since the chambers are larger and we weren’t sure if we wanted them to be residences.”

Vince had a group of papers he was checking against his tablet as he ate, marking on the papers as he went down the list. He continued to talk as he checked off names. “We have 800 chambers ready for occupation, and according to this list, those staying at Victoria’s estate, those who were more traumatized than everyone else, have chambers on those floors. Becket, think it’s okay to move them over?”

“Might be best if Jennifer Maison and Pastor Jacob go with them that first day; Julia would be of help as well. It’s my understanding that furniture and such may need to be replaced. Seeing a mess might be hard on them.”

John looked from Becket to Vince. “We salvaged all we could. Most of the personal items seem to be fine. Clothes will need washed and things like that. We packed what we salvaged into boxes. We didn’t clean anything just any mess we made from repairing walls, floors, etc. Just went fast…”

“Everyone’s been informed that they’ll have some scrubbing to do. They know you’d rather clear out more residential chambers than play maid,” Vince said, “go on.”

“The worst area was 194 right below the mess hall, but 194 was primarily for the command and senior staff, and the sanctuary. We’ve got it all patched up, just needs some scrubbing, paint, things like that.”

“Good. So, Alan, like I said, I want to start sending people over who have chambers available. Some may choose to immediately move in, others may want to just clean up. Everything, I’m guessing, will depend on how much cleanup, painting, and things of that sort need to be done. Would you prefer if I ease people in, or do you want to go on the assumption that beginning tomorrow, 800 people, plus the work crews, will need meals?”

“Lunch may be problematic. As I said, we’re still hauling up food, but I can always serve deli-style for lunch. No one will go hungry. Send them up, we’ll get them fed.”

Vince then turned to Zy’nayth, “We’ll have to disrupt either your teleporter or bridge schedule. Once people are on the city-ship, we can use its bridge to get them to Earth if they need to go shopping for items. I’m hoping it’ll just be an inconvenience for you in the morning and possibly the evening if people want to return or need to return to the flagship.”

“I can arrange a morning and evening bridge portal time for this. If someone wishes to return to the flagship outside of those designated times, you have the shuttles.”

“Good. Does anyone here have any reason why we shouldn’t move people over?”

“I’d keep it to those floors, those 800 units. Keep everyone else on the flagship,” Chris said. “We don’t need people trying to clear out their own chambers and ending up bringing down a wall or something.”

“I agree,” Zy’nayth said. “It will be safer.”

“Then we’re agreed. I’ll get Jennifer Maison, Pastor Jacob, and Julia then head down to Earth after our meeting. I’ll talk to our sensitive patients first about moving up.” Vince took a bite of his food as Becket took up the conversation.

“I’d prefer if you didn’t allow them up tonight. We have a small medical crew on the city-ship around the clock, but I’d like to have a full team there just in case the shock is overwhelming.”

Vince flipped through the three pages of names, “it looks like the twenty-three people at Victoria’s estate are on eight of the ten floors. If Becket is worried about someone getting overwhelmed, I’d like to get some ‘comforters’ for each floor…we have Jennifer, Jacob, Amelia…Amelia, would you be willing…”

“Of course,” she said without hesitation.

“Thank you. Lia, Julia. That’s four. I’ll be there, though I may not be much comfort.” He looked up, “Six more. Suggestions or volunteers?”

“I can,” Victoria said. “The twins can stay in the control room or something.”

Janice and Lutia both volunteered, Alessa saying she’d watch Kel’lan and the twins.

“Dad, you’d be great,” Chris said.

“Not sure about that, but I’m willing,” David said.

“That’s eight for the eight floors with our traumatized staff. Good. Becket, I’d like one medical team member on each of the ten floors. I’m not counting Victoria, Lutia, and Janice as part of the med team for this. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the others.”

“No problem. I’ll roam all ten floors. And, as I said, a full staff in the infirmary.”

“Perfect, thanks. As for the other 777 people…change of plan. I’ll make an announcement before I leave for Earth. John and Kaven, I’d like you to make yourselves available to answer questions. Tomorrow morning, 8:30, let’s get the twenty-three people from Victoria’s estate up to the city-ship. Give them an hour to look around, without hundreds of others there. At 9:30, if the High Chancellor can arrange it, we’ll bridge over everyone else.”

“John, will you be going over to the city-ship in the morning?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yeah, normal work day for me. What’s up?”

“If you move your two shuttles to the area furthest from the control room, it would have been south if you were on Terra 2, I can have those who are going to the city-ship teleported over in one group.”

“Shuttles are already there. I’ll make sure no one is working in there. But do we want all 800 to descend on the place at once?”

“Becket will have a full team on duty, you can arrange to have some mob control on standby,” Vince said. “I don’t think there’ll be an issue. Given everything we’ve been through up to this point, I don’t foresee any difficulties.”

“Something we will have difficulty with is shopping,” David said. “Some people may only need to replace a few small items, others may need an entire bedroom suite. Do we keep to the designated teleportation times for people to get to Earth? Does Chris have drivers on hand to use the transports?”

“Already set up; the only fluctuation is when Alan needs a special food run in which case I usually take Victoria in her cruiser. He usually doesn’t need a lot on those types of runs,” Chris said.

“I think David’s point was more along the lines of only having two transports to take people shopping and if they all come down at various times, it could get hectic and hard to keep track of who’s coming or going,” Vince said, making a note. “Let’s keep it simple. We follow the designated teleport times. If you want to go shopping, we’ll have the transports ready at 9:00, 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00. Nothing before or after since I’m guessing most stores won’t be open.”

“They will be stores open after 6:00,” Janice said.

“I meant to get people to the shopping towers. Final pickup from the malls would be…8:00?”

“I should get a couple more transports,” David said. “The two we got from General Price are just for transporting people. If we’re going to need to haul back a dresser or kitchen table, we’re going to need something else. Plus, we can’t fit 800 on those two we have.”

“That would help,” Vince said. “Get four transports, David. Chris, pick four of the most frequented shopping towers. We’ll limit shopping to those areas. Designate a pickup and drop off point. I know there are a lot of little shops outside of the towers in the neighborhoods, people may want to hit those. So one location where everyone can meet up.”

“Got it,” Chris noted it on his tablet.

“I’m also going to encourage people to order items like we used to. We can have things shipped to Victoria’s estate as we’ve been doing with equipment. I don’t want to have to go to fifteen stores to get fifteen bottles of shampoo.”

“The process of shopping for small items like that,” Becket said, “might be cathartic. For others, they might prefer to just order online and have it shipped.”

“I won’t push the issue,” Vince said then finalized the items as they finished what little of their dinner was left. When he made the announcement in the hangar where the E:A team was housed on the flagship, the place erupted into cheers. “Again, it is only floors 185 to 194. John and Kaven will be at my desk area to answer any questions. If your chambers are not on those ten floors, please do not try to go over in the morning. It’ll be chaos as it is.”

Vince, Jacob, Julia, Amelia, Becket, and Jennifer loaded into one of their shuttles and flew down to Earth to tell the others.

December 3, 2120

Much to Vince’s relief, the twenty-three more traumatized people of his staff hadn’t lost much in their city-ship chambers. They were also happy to be in their own places, no matter how much cleanup had to be done. There were tears and sobs, of course, but they were overcome by knowing that nearly two months after the attack, they were in their homes. The “comforters” and medical staff got busy helping people as they saw their chambers for the first time in two months. Sometimes they provided a helping hand moving an item, but more often than not, it was a hug or a shoulder to cry on.

Simon also had two members of his small crew available if there were any issues, and Jack Burgeon had a couple of his staff available as well. Though each area had plumbing and electrical all checked, something could have been overlooked.

As Victoria walked around her assigned floor, she noticed that everyone had found a change of clothing. She couldn’t blame them. They’d had two outfits they’d been wearing for two months. Some did buy a shirt or blouse here and there, but living in tents with limited laundry facilities, well, it wasn’t worth it to have a pile of clothes.

She was walking by Dr. Pavel Zharkov’s chambers when she saw him on his knees, clutching something against his chest, gasping. Vince had given orders to leave all residential doors open. He had been concerned about things being overwhelming and wanted to make sure the “comforters” and medical staff could walk by and visibly see if things were okay. She hurried in and knelt by him, “Pavel? Are you okay?” she saw that he was holding a framed picture. “Pavel?” she rubbed his back as a mother would a sick child. “Anything I can do?”

He shook his head. “I thought…I thought this was lost.” He drew in a deep breath and managed to get up. He sat on the edge of his bed in his tiny chambers. “My parents, grandparents, and great-grandfather. The only picture I have of them. I kept meaning to get it digitized,” he wiped his tears away, “always too busy.”

She looked at the picture and smiled. “I take it this little guy is you.”

He nodded as he reached for a handkerchief in his pocket. “Four generations of Zharkov men. All astrophysicists.”

“And the ladies?” Victoria asked.

“Mother was a mathematician. Her mother was a historian. My paternal grandmother was a chemist. Great-grandmother Zharkov was a lawyer. My maternal great-grandparents were artists. Grandam was a ballerina. Grandpapa was a sculpt…” he stopped and went looking around frantically, opening drawers and rifling through them. “He made a sculpture of her. It was handed down to me…”

Victoria went to the closet, “Have you looked in here? John said they boxed up items they found on the floor.”

“But the picture was on the dresser.”

“Could have put it there knowing you’d want to see it,” she said as she opened the closet door and found a box. Pavel went over and began pulling out the objects that were obviously put it the box with care. He pulled out a small ceramic teapot that had survived the attack, pens, his credit chip, which he stuck in his pocket, a few odds and ends, then he took out something wrapped in a towel. Victoria smiled as the marble ballerina was uncovered. Pavel checked it over thoroughly and held it to his chest and began to sob again.

“That’s beautiful,” she wrapped an arm around his shoulders, “that’s so beautiful. I’m so glad it made it through the attack.”

“I’m the last of both lines,” he wiped his tears away with a finger. “This means more to me than anyone could know.”

“Sounds to me like a certain astrophysicist I know needs to be looking for a beautiful bride,” Victoria smiled, “and have some children to pass this down to.”

Pavel let out a soft chuckle. “I have found her. I just have not asked her to be my wife yet.”

“Really? Who?”

“Anya Vasilyev.”

“From Botany?”

“Yes. We have been dating for a year. I just…was waiting for the right time.”

“Perhaps on your shopping trip to buy paint or whatever, you should add an engagement ring to your shopping list,” she smiled at him.

“Yes. It is time.” He wrapped the sculpture back into the towel and gently put it back into the box. “You will not tell others about my breakdown.”

“Pavel, I think there are 800 other people doing the same thing right now. But your secret is safe with me. I’m glad you found the picture and sculpture.” She gave him a hug. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

“Yes. It will.”

***

By mid-afternoon, the twenty-three people Vince was most concerned about said they wanted to stay on the city-ship. Their chambers were inhabitable, and they preferred the more familiar surroundings. They did return to Victoria’s estate to get what few belongings they left there.

Sleeping bags and blankets, if not kept by any of the 800 who moved back into their chambers, were cleaned and set aside. Jacob and David would distribute the unwanted items to homeless shelters, though Vince would keep some to put in each shuttle, to add to the survival kits already on board.

Things got a little chaotic as people tried to figure out shopping lists of what needed replaced and then get resettled on top of their work and just trying to get into a routine. Friends were still living on the Raythian flagship which meant if they weren’t working and they wanted to have meals together, they would tie up the bridge portal or shuttles.

“I think we’d be fine moving the rest of the group to the shuttle bay. That would ease some tension among your command staff who have to adjust schedules to teleport or us around or use your portal,” John said to Zy’nayth over their evening meeting.

Zy’nayth wasn’t convinced that the earthlings would remain in the shuttle bay. He was sure they’d go off to explore the damage themselves, and end up getting hurt.

“Listen, they’ve obeyed every rule we’ve set down. If we tell them they can’t go exploring on the city-ship, they’ll obey it. Besides, I can set up guards at the broken elevator shafts and stairwells.”

Ky’nayth raised his hand. Zy’nayth gave him a nod. “But we has Christmas decorations on flagship. I no know if move everyone to city-ship right or wrong, but I just point out decorations are on flagship.”

“Moving the decorations over would keep everyone busy,” John said, “even if they were tempted to wander.”

“Or we leave them and have the party on the flagship as planned,” Chris said.

“But all the food, if we move the E:A crew to the city-ship, will be on the city-ship. Alan would have to move things back to the flagship for the party,” Janice chimed in.

“Which would be less of an inconvenience?” Victoria asked. “The continual disruption of schedules here on this ship, or moving everyone and the food to the city-ship?”

“We can bridge the mainland work teams from the city-ship,” John said, still looking at Zy’nayth, “which would free up your portal from that task. And we can go to and from Victoria’s estate at will, from the city-ship portal or we have shuttles if we need them.”

“The danger…”

“These aren’t kids,” John’s voice became sterner, rising up a notch. He stopped himself from slamming his hand on the table. He was more upset than he realized. “They’re going to get restless now that 800 are moving back into their homes and the rest of them aren’t.”

“Which is all the more reason to keep them on the flagship. They will want to start digging out the other floors, not worried about structural integrity, not worried about the system you have set up to see to everyone’s safety.” Zy’nayth didn’t raise his voice, but the rolling growl became ever so slightly more pronounced. Even after years of being friends with the E:A crew, especially those around the table whom he considered family, he still didn’t like being talked to in the “do this because I said so” manner that John was using.

“You can put Rayth guards at the doors if you don’t trust my people,” John stood, running his fingers through his black hair. “We have to do this.” His voice went up another notch to keep pace with Zy’nayth, except he didn’t have that deep, gravelly undertone that gave the Rayth a considerable edge in arguments.

Zy’nayth sensed John’s frustration through his telepathic and empathic abilities, it made him aware of his own, and was ready to push his point when he saw that his daughter had stopped eating. Her sandwich half up to her mouth, her blue eyes wide, looking from him to John and back. Zy’nayth gave her a wink to bring her out of her trance and ease the tension in the room. Though he had shielded his emotions and had controlled his voice, Mik’kenna definitely picked up on John’s rising emotions and it was upsetting her.

Zy’nayth stood and walked over to the colonel, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I just want to keep your people safe. Perhaps you are correct and they want to be together with their friends and will not disobey your orders. I am not questioning the reliability of your crew nor your leadership.” With a gentle nudge on the shoulder, John sat back down in his chair as Zy’nayth turned to Vince. “Very well. Vince, we can send everyone over in one large group, or several smaller ones throughout the week. Whichever you prefer.”

Ky’nayth raised his hand again but this time spoke without waiting for permission to do so. “But Christmas decorations!”

“I’ll ask everyone what they want to do,” Vince said. “If they want to return here for the party, I assume we can work that out,” he looked at Zy’nayth who gave him a nod. “Or we move the decorations to the city-ship.”

December 4, 2120

“Alan’s transferring food over,” John said to Zy’nayth the next morning. “Leaving plenty for the Rayth who’ve taken the serum. And we’ll continue to get supplies for your crew every day or as needed. Your cooks are working directly with Alan.”

Zy’nayth nodded, “The party will be on the city-ship?”

“That’s what they want. Your crew is still invited. Alan will need to know how many to plan for. I know some who haven’t taken the serum have been eating to see what they like and what they don’t. And serum or not, they’re welcome to join the party. We’ve come to know quite a few of the thousand people of your crew pretty well. I think it would be good for everyone—a day of us just relaxing and eating cookies.”

“I will have the First follow up and get you the numbers.”

“You’re mad at me,” John said. “I’m sorry, Big Guy. I shouldn’t have raised my voice during our meeting. I…it was unprofessional and besides, you’re my friend. I shouldn’t have taken the tone I did. I’m sorry.”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “No, I am not mad at you, John. Nothing like that. I am trying to figure out what to do with the children. Without having everyone here on the flagship and not having Victoria’s chambers cleared out, they will become bored rather quickly with being stuck here in my chambers. Perhaps that is why I was pushing hard to keep your staff here.”

“Wasn’t Victoria wanting larger chambers? We cleared up to 200. There are larger rooms up there. She can give her old chambers to someone else…when we get to it.”

“That is a solution. The children could help Victoria pick out furniture and such. Of course, they will be excited about getting to decorate your shuttle bay for Christmas,” he smiled.

“Maybe with everyone on the city-ship, our family could move down to the estate,” John said. “If anything, on our down time, we can finish out the new addition. Framework, insulation, electrical, and plumbing is done, if I remember what David said. Might be wrong about the insulation. Anyway, shouldn’t have much to do that put up the interior walls. Then Victoria can start decorating. That might be a better move. The kids can watch the dogs and…yeah, it’ll still be boring for them unless there’s snow. They like being around everyone, and no offense, your crew is very…work-oriented. Granted, unlike my crew, they have work to do and only part of my crew can work until we get the city-ship cleared, or more of it open so we can send in more cleanup crews.”

“Perhaps if we did take a week or two off, as a family, and spent it at the estate it would be beneficial to all of us. You need down time. All of you have been working non-stop. You have enough people trained that the work can continue if you take a week off. And no, there is no need to work on the addition. As I stated, you need down time.”

“I think we can work something out. The kids will want to be part of the big Christmas celebration, though.”

“Of course. I would not have them miss it.”

“I’ll talk with Vince and the others. Any week particularly better for you than another?”

“We could plan for the week of Christmas and the week after. We could have our own family party Christmas Eve or the day after the big party. Perhaps everyone could take the week off. If tempers are rising or tensions, it may be a good idea.”

“Everyone as in the entire E:A crew?”

“Yes.”

“That might be a good idea. Give everyone a nice break. I’ll talk to Vince. Anything else we need to cover?”

“I do not believe so. And if I was rude yesterday, please accept my apology. I am worried about the children and we do not have a stable place to live…it is difficult on them.”

“I know we were both looking out for others and, like you said, we need a break. I’m sorry I got short with you. You’re right. I’m tired.”

“Then convince the general of much-needed time off.”

“I’ll do my best,” John smiled as he left to talk to the general.

Zy’nayth followed John out onto the command bridge from his office where his First and Second Commanders were talking. Kol’non was handling minor duties and going over schedules with the Second. They stopped their discussion when Zy’nayth walked out. “I am expecting two very special guests,” he said, “send them in when they arrive.”

“Yes, sir,” the Second said.

Zy’nayth looked at Kol’non, “Feeling better today?”

“Yes. Better every day,” he replied with a nod. Zy’nayth returned the nod and went back into his office. Ten minutes later the door swished open and Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna walked in, followed by their beloved dogs.

“Please, have a seat,” Zy’nayth motioned to the chairs he’d pulled out around the conference table, “we have much to discuss.”

The kids hopped up in the chairs as their father poured each of them a glass of water. “Do we has special mission?” Ky’nayth asked.

“In a way,” Zy’nayth took a seat after he poured himself a glass of water. “Uncle Vince has purchased some very special Christmas presents that need to be kept secret. In order to carry out the surprise, he needs your help. I told him that you would be happy to help, and once I tell you what it is, I need you to promise me that you will not divulge any information to anyone in our family. This is a very special surprise and I know you will be excited and want to tell everyone, but I know you will keep your word if you promise not to say anything.”

“I promise!” Ky’nayth exclaimed. “I no know what it is, but I help and I no tell anyone. Can we tell you and Mommy?”

“Yes. We both know about the surprise, but even then, do not mention anything unless you are sure no one is near who could hear.” He looked at Mik’kenna, “Do I have your word?”

“Yes. I promise I no say ‘bout surprise.”

Zy’nayth smiled. “Good.” He tapped his comlink, Vince answering. “General, the accomplices have given their word. Would you like to talk to them and tell them what the surprise is, or shall I?”

Vince arrived at Zy’nayth’s office a couple minutes later. When the twins heard about the surprise, both were wide-eyed and nearly squealed in delight. Vince then told them in what ways he needed their help and they rattled off what suggestions.

When they were finished, Zy’nayth gave the twins kisses. “Remember, not a word to anyone.”

After dinner that evening, and a trip to walk the dogs on Victoria’s estate, the family settled into their chambers. The twins worked on a puzzle while Zy’nayth talked to his wife about selecting chambers on one of the higher floors of Tower One.

“There are so many people who need a place to live…” Victoria started but Zy’nayth put a finger to her lips.

“We were set to do so prior to the attack so it is not something new. Vince gave his approval for the move just prior to the rebel attack. Everyone was aware that we were going to move.”

Mik’kenna looked up from the puzzle, “Do we get own room?” she asked.

“That is the idea,” Zy’nayth smiled at his wife, “right, Mommy?”

“I just don’t want anyone upset because we’re getting larger…”

“They will not be upset with you. If they are, I will take the blame.”

“I think we pick new house. I hope we find our toys in old place. I has so much stuff I want back,” Ky’nayth put a puzzle piece in place. “Oh! It work!”

“Fine,” Victoria sighed. “Did you talk to Vince?”

“Yes. We can look at places tomorrow. I do not have any meetings on Kiva until the afternoon.”

December 5, 2120

“Good morning,” Vince said when Zy’nayth, Victoria, and the twins walked across the bridge portal into the control room on the city-ship.

“Hi!” Ky’nayth said, pedaling over on his tricycle.

“Just let me know the unit number you select,” Vince said, waving them along, “I won’t hold you up.”

“I will,” Victoria said. “Come on, kids.”

Zy’nayth led them to the working elevator and up to floor 196. Victoria had looked at the layouts once she agreed to pick a new place. She liked two on 196, one each on 197 and 198, and two on 199. They went up to the first unit. Every unit’s doors were open, so they walked right in. The kids pedaled through, excited about the idea of a new home.

“I sense you do not like this one,” Zy’nayth whispered in his wife’s ear. They’d only just walked inside but he was right, Victoria wasn’t happy with what she saw.

“Doesn’t feel right,” she said and headed to where the kitchen was. “If I’m going to do more entertaining with our ever-growing family, this is too small.”

“I could probably expand it,” Zy’nayth replied as the kids came riding in after going through the chambers.

“It no have bathtub. How I ‘posed to take bubble bath?” Mik’kenna said.

Victoria looked at her husband, “That’s two negatives.”

“We have other chambers to look at. But please, go through the entire unit. We may have to remodel one if none fit your criteria.”

As she walked through, she mentioned what she liked and what she disliked. Zy’nayth noted everything in his photographic memory. After going through the six units she had selected the night before, she looked at her husband. “I’m just not thrilled with any of them and I don’t want you remodeling. You have far too much to do as it is.”

“Let us return to 198,” he suggested. “Given what you have said about each unit, I think there is one that you may like.”

“Okay.” With a sigh, she took his hand. The kids zoomed to the elevator and waited. Zy’nayth led them to the unit and the kids rolled in.

“This place is big,” Ky’nayth said, “our old place fit in this room by self.”

“I don’t think it’s quite that big. It just looks that way because there’s no furniture in here,” Victoria said. “Which way would those windows face if we’re back on Terra 2?”

“North. You would see part of the gulf,” Zy’nayth replied.

Victoria looked around. It felt right. She walked to her right. The first door was a large walk-in closet. The second doorway had no door, it was open to the next room.

“I believe this could be made into a dining room,” Zy’nayth said, following her in. “A large one.”

Victoria nodded then headed to the kitchen which was to the left of where they had entered. It wasn’t enormous, but it was slightly larger than her kitchen on Earth. She walked to the back of the room. To her left was a door where she found a large walk-in pantry. “This is nice,” she said, then walked out and tapped the wall on which the pantry door stood. “So what’s behind this wall? If the pantry only comes to here,” she put her hand where it indicated the east side of the pantry, “what extends to the main entrance of the unit behind this wall?”

“Main wiring, plumbing, and a maintenance closet.”

“Oh. Just thought it was weird to have this big pantry that doesn’t line up with a closet or something off of the living room.”

“Very observant.” He pointed to the counter on the northern wall. “Your six-burner stove should fit here as well as one of those double-stacked ovens that you were thinking about. We would just have to take out this cabinet section. A minor adjustment.”

“We’d have to cross the living area to get to the dining room,” she said then smiled, “but I’m liking what I see.”

The kids came riding in, “Mommy, there six bedrooms! We has room for me and Bubby and everyone and puppies!”

“Well, let’s take a look,” Victoria said.

Down the central corridor there were four large rooms, all along the north wall. Across from them were three other rooms plus the master bathroom. The three rooms on that side could become guestrooms, but since they were in the inner part of the tower, there were no windows. At the west end of the hallway was the master bedroom with its own bathroom.

“Oh wow, this linen closet is huge. I wouldn’t have to store stuff in the bedrooms.” she said, opening the door next to the bathroom in the main hallway. “Is that a connection to put in a washing unit?”

“Yes,” Zy’nayth smiled, sensing he had chosen the right place. “The bathroom also has a sizeable closet to store towels and other items.”

Victoria went in and smiled. The bathroom was enormous. Plenty of room to wash the dogs who tended to get cramped in the other bathrooms in which she washed them. Her smile widened at the thought. “A nice big tub to soak in for Mik’kenna’s bubble baths.”

“Dat’s what I thought!” Mik’kenna said.

After a quick peek into each room and their closets, she walked into the master bedroom. Windows, floor to ceiling, lined the north and west walls. One large closet along the eastern wall, between the door to the room and the door to the private bathroom.

“The west would overlook the gulf,” Zy’nayth said. “It would be a lovely view.”

Victoria turned and kissed him. “It’s perfect. You should have brought me here first.”

Zy’nayth returned her kiss. “It was best to look at what you had picked out first. I could have been wrong in what I thought you would like.”

Victoria turned to the twins, “What do you two think?”

“I like lots!” Ky’nayth said. “Can I pick out room now?”

“Me too!” his sister said.

“Go ahead,” Victoria smiled.

“I want dis one!” Mik’kenna said, riding in a circle in the middle of the master bedroom. “I has own bathroom!”

“This is our room,” Zy’nayth smiled. “I want your mother to have the best view.”

Mik’kenna giggled, “I just teasy. I know dis your room.”

As they returned to the control room, Victoria told them they had a lot of cleanup to do. “Once everyone’s in the shuttle bay, I’ll only have to do the food runs, then I can spend my day up here.”

“Children, are you willing to help your mother with the cleaning?”

“Course,” Ky’nayth said and his sister agreed.

“One thing I’m really concerned about is that flooring,” Victoria said. “It’s pretty bashed up.”

“If you could make due for the time being, I have an idea for the flooring.”

“What do you mean by make due? Will I have to just throw down rugs are do you mean I shouldn’t furnish all the rooms?”

“Both. We will have to move furniture around to put in flooring, so I would suggest only furnishing the essential rooms. We would not need the guestrooms furnished when we move in, so we can use those areas when I have the flooring in hand to install.”

“I’m sure I could get flooring quickly.”

“I am sure you could, but I would like to put in something…special,” he said. “Unfortunately, it would require much of my spare time.”

“Which you don’t have right now,” Victoria said. “Honey, I appreciate you wanting to do something special, but it’s not necessary.”

“Then how about a compromise?”

“Meaning?”

“Let me come up with the flooring for the living room. You may do whatever you wish for the rest of the unit. I would like to do the flooring for the living and dining rooms since they are connected.”

“Okay. I’ll do that,” she smiled. They returned to the control room where Zy’nayth talked with Vince a few minutes then they bridged over to the flagship. Zy’nayth checked with his command staff while Victoria fixed lunch. After that, the High Chancellor went to Kiva to work on issues that needed his attention there, including a trip to Jarstal, the main military base of the Empire.