E:A Vol 6 Ch 15—December 14, 2120

December 14, 2120

“Things are going really fast now,” John said over their evening meeting. It was Saturday, December 14, 2120. It had been ten days since they had cleared out Tower One down to floor 185 and now his clear out teams were going much faster than anticipated and he was thrilled. “I haven’t said anything for a few days because I thought we’d run into issues. Vince and First Science know where we are, but I didn’t bring it to our larger group.” He smiled, “We’re down to 163 in Tower One and have cleared the bridge to Tower Two, that’s floor 175. Cleared that entire floor as well. Beginning tomorrow, we’ll start sending clearing teams every shift to Tower Two to work their way up to 200. Keep the prayers coming because we could have the remaining residential floors in Tower One cleared before Christmas.”

“So we have twenty-two floors ready for habitation?” Chris asked.

“Yup,” John said. “If my math is right, 1,760 units.”

“That would put us at half of our population,” Steve said, “if you include the 800 already living in their own chambers again.”

“That’s great,” Victoria turned from John to Vince. “Are you going to let them move in?”

“I have the list of units. As John said, he’s kept me up to date. We’ve been letting them in a few at a time. So far we’ve returned everyone on floors 183 and 184 to their chambers. I really wanted to make sure the walkway on 175 was stable between One and Two. Science just gave me the final report last night. They couldn’t get to it due to dealing with the engine mount, then the flagship returning the Scientists to their Science Ship. That, of course, was a priority.”

“When will you be telling everyone?” Alessa asked.

“I’ve already talked to everyone involved,” Vince said, “and said once I had the report, I’d make an announcement. So after dinner, as long as no one has any objections or sees an issue that I haven’t, I’ll let them know they can start migrating to their chambers.”

“I have one concern,” Becket said. “If John’s math is right and we’re talking over 1,700 people, that may overload the elevators and crowd the corridors. We have one pillar of working elevators. The outer ones around the towers haven’t been fixed yet.”

“Sixteen hundred,” John said, “two floors have already been moved in.”

“Point still stands,” Becket smiled. “Sixteen hundred people one bay of four elevators. And unstable stairwells.”

“Valid and already taken into consideration,” Vince said. “One floor per day or eighty units. Some of those have couples, but that number is pretty low. It also includes Victoria’s old chambers, as well as First Science’s, actually, I think our entire family’s chambers are in those newly opened floors.” He flipped through his ever-present yellow legal pad, his finger going down the list. His tablet was great, but he liked to write out lists, especially when he could physically cross things off. Felt good to take a pen or pencil and scratch something off. “Yeah, all of us should be back in our chambers by then.”

“Good, I can see what I can keep and what I need to replace,” Victoria said.

“You still going to move up to 198?” Lutia asked.

“Yeah. We’re going to need the larger chambers. These two little warriors want their own rooms.”

“When is the move expected?”

“I am still working on flooring,” Zy’nayth said. “I would like to finish it before we move in.” He turned to his wife, “If you want to order furniture and such, we can keep it on the flagship and bridge it over when the rooms are ready.”

“You’re just flooring the living room and the dining room…aren’t you?”

“Yes, but I have not had time to work on it, at least not much time. And I am doing the entryway.” He smiled, “And the hallway. They are all connected without a door between them. It made more sense to keep the flow of the…” He stopped and chuckled, “The bedrooms, studies, and playrooms are all yours. As is the kitchen. So it is more than what I initially said I would do, but it will look lovely. Trust me.”

“Back to the point at hand,” Vince said, “Becket, I’d like to have medical staff on each floor as we allow people back into their chambers. I’ll talk to our crew that provided comfort with the initial move and see if they’d be available to help as well.”

“One floor per day?” Becket asked, making a note.

“We could do five,” Victoria said. “We did ten with the first move and things went well. People are getting eager to get into their homes. Might be best to push things a bit.”

Vince looked down his list as he thought about letting several floors enter at once. To keep things going, he asked those around the table who now had chambers ready for occupation, if they’d be able to investigate them that evening, perhaps even move out of the tents in the shuttle bay. All replied they could look and start cleaning; moving would depend on how bad things were.

“Chris, Alessa, you’re welcome to continue to stay at my place on Earth so you can take your time cleaning. As for tonight, I’m willing to watch over Mari and Kel’lan. That way you and Lutia aren’t struggling with the little ones while trying to clean up a bit.”

Both Lutia and Alessa took Victoria up on the offer.

“All right,” Vince continued, “I’ll make the announcement after dinner that tomorrow we’ll move anyone from floors 180 to 182 to their chambers. Just three floors because those may have some areas that suffered heavy damage if I’m looking at this correctly. If all goes well, then I’ll send over five floors the day after. And if you’ve forgotten what I said three minutes ago, floors 183 and 184 have been re-inhabited.” He turned to John and Kaven, “Realistically, do you think we can have the rest of the residential floors ready by Christmas?”

Kaven finished sipping his drink, nodding. “I took the Science Officer assigned to John’s team when he wasn’t needed, plus an engineer from Jack’s crew, and scouted the next forty floors down which is more than what we normally inhabit. There are some areas that are worse than others, but it shouldn’t be an issue.”

“The areas only have some minor interior structural issues but First Science’s team confirmed the outer integrity is solid,” John took up the discussion, “so, I believe I can send in crews for five floors, around the clock. We have the trained staff now to do it. And no, it won’t affect the teams I’m sending to work in Tower Two.”

“How long does it take to clear one floor if it has the average of 80 units?” Vince asked.

“Two or three days. That is if only minor repairs need to be made.”

“Eighty units in two days?” Alan asked.

“Like I said, that’s if only minor repairs are needed,” John replied. “We have it down to a science. Science Officer and engineer go in with my debris removal team. They scan for structural integrity as we clean up the main hallway. They mark off the units that are safe. Debris removal does a quick check. Since they’re personal chambers, we don’t do too much; like I said, these floors weren’t damaged as badly as others. For the most part, all we’re doing in the personal chambers are cleaning out fridges and pantries large unsalvageable items. If they had a kitchenette and the fridge is beyond help, we get rid of it There’s not much of that at this point. So in all, that team’s in a unit maybe five minutes, ten tops, then they move on to the next unit.

“Simon’s team enters next, checks electrical and plumbing, the moves on. Then our pickup crew goes in. Items that have fallen on the floor, like a framed picture, gets boxed up, keepsake items, things like that. They also do a quick dusting and washing, nothing thorough, just to get the first layer of grime up, more or less to clean up any glass shards.

“Keep in mind, I have four debris removal teams going in behind the engineers. So, it’s not one unit at a time per floor, it’s four. And yes, Simon’s team is a bit slower due to his small staff, but we have a lot of volunteers that can go in and run faucets and showers, plug something in each outlet to see if there’s power, and so on. If there’s a problem, they let him know.”

“When the entire floor has been finished and John’s crossed it off his list,” Simon spoke up, “I have my core crew go through. The volunteers have been very thorough and so far they haven’t missed anything. But we give it a once over before we sign off that it’s ready to inhabit. I also have a Rayth Scientist go through with my crew or right after, depending on their schedule. Of course, as with the big move, I’ll have a couple of people standing by in case something was missed.”

“And I’ll make sure we have a Science Officer there as well,” Ja’val said.

“But if there are structural issues,” John again took over the conversation, “we get slowed down. It might only be a couple of hours, it might be a day or two. But since these floors don’t have blocked hallways, my debris removal teams and Simon’s groups can keep working in safe chambers while Jack’s teams are fixing the interior structural areas of the unsafe areas.

“You have enough of each team to work on five floors simultaneously around the clock?” Vince wanted to clarify.

“Yes, sir. Five floors, around the clock.”

“Even at two days per floor, you won’t make the Christmas deadline,” Chris smiled. “If my math’s right. I know yours isn’t. And that week before Christmas is going to be lost with the party, us heading to Victoria’s estate, things like that. We don’t want to get people’s hopes up. Is there any way we can add in a couple more crews?”

“I could do ten floors, three shifts each,” John said, “but that means some people won’t have down time between now and Christmas.”

“Present an option,” Vince said. “If we want to make the Christmas deadline, it means giving up your day or days off during the next two weeks. But let me make this perfectly clear. We get those floors cleared, I still want the thorough inspection by our engineers and Rayth Science Officers. I don’t want to send people to their homes and have their walls fall on them.”

“I will make sure that gets done,” Zy’nayth said.

“Anything else on that topic?” Vince asked. When there was nothing, he looked at Alan, “Do you have all the volunteers you need for the Christmas party?”

“I do. Roster is filled with people willing to help with the cookie baking which was my biggest hurdle. The mess hall is going to be busy a place.”

“And you’re handling all of the meals without problems?”

“Thankfully the entire E:A crew doesn’t eat at the same time. Things are going well. Just wondering when Central Command will be operational again. I appreciate Victoria and David, as well as Dan and Glenda from my crew, going each day to get food supplies, but I’d rather they didn’t have to.”

“Actually, I heard from Ken this afternoon. The large elevator or lift, whatever you wish to call it, is about finished. He’s interviewing staff. With the Rayth and bridge portal no longer a secret, it makes the process a bit easier. But because use of the portal will be restricted, he still needs people with a certain level of security clearance. He’s hoping to have a skeleton staff by the first of the year. They won’t have any offices or anything, just a table and chairs there in the bridge portal room. The estimate for rebuilding CC is about six months.”

Zy’nayth let out a growling groan. “If they would have taken my offer, it would be done by now.”

“I ‘gree,” Ky’nayth gave a firm nod, then scooped up a heap of mashed potatoes and gravy and shoved it into his mouth.

“Unfortunately, our esteemed politicians voted against Rayth help,” Vince said. “Ken was willing to take it.”

“So let me get this straight,” Alan said. “In two weeks, everyone will be back in their chambers, but we’re not going to be able to head back to Andromeda for six months because it’s going to take that long, if not longer because we all know construction estimates are always off by several months, to rebuild CC so we can bridge food and other supplies to our city-ship.”

“No,” Zy’nayth answered. “We can use the portal on Victoria’s estate. There is no need to hold up returning to Andromeda simply because Central Command cannot bridge to your city-ship.”

“Good to know,” Alan said, relieved. “I don’t have anything else.”

Ky’nayth raised his hand, “Did you get me and Sissy on cookie rosty We told Mommy we help?”

“I have both of you and your mother down. Thank you for volunteering.”

“We happy to help,” Ky’nayth said. “We prolly need stool to stand on ‘cause we short.”

“I also have that noted,” Alan smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty for you to do.”

The meeting wrapped up then the group went to check out their chambers. Using Lutia’s stroller, Maressa was pushed along, sound asleep, while Zy’nayth carried Kel’lan, allowing their parents to search and clean their chambers. The kids walked down the dusty corridors to their chambers.

“Well, doesn’t look too bad,” Victoria said, pushing the stroller into the twins’ room. “Kids, let’s go through your stuff first. Let’s see what’s broken and what needs replaced. I’ve got our luggage we can put items in.”

Zy’nayth sat on the edge of Ky’nayth’s bed, Kel’lan looking around, talking his baby talk to Zy’nayth. Victoria suggested putting a clean sheet on Mik’kenna’s bed and converting it into a crib for the babies. “Maressa is asleep in the stroller and Kel’lan is quite content. We were not planning on being here long. If you have changed your mind, I will.”

“No, let’s just get a few things. I will work on this later.”

Victoria let him to watch over the kids while she went to check the living room, kitchen, and the bedroom. The couple of lamps that had broken had been cleaned up and put into boxes. She threw them down the incinerator. They were just cheap items she’d picked up and was going to replace when she had a chance to look for something. She grabbed the luggage from the master bedroom closet and moved the pieces to the twins’ room. “Pack your games first. Dust them off, please. I want to box up the bathroom stuff we can use. Shampoo and things.”

It only took her a couple of minutes to dump the bottles of shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, things of that sort, into the carry-on bag. Then she grabbed her favorite chef’s knife from the kitchen, wrapped it up, and added it to the bag. Then she went back to the twins’ room.

“No, honey, that can wait,” Victoria told her daughter as she tried to pack some dresses.

“But I might need for Sundays.”

“Knock, knock,” came the voice from the living room.

“Come on in, Vince” Zy’nayth said. “Anything wrong?”

“No. Was just checking on my personnel. How are things in here?”

“A couple of lamps broken, no big deal. Everything else needs a good cleaning,” Victoria said as she put Mik’kenna’s clothes on the dresser, promising they’d pack them tomorrow. “Vince, I know you want me on the comfort crew, but I’d like to take a couple of days to clear this stuff out. That way someone else can move in here.”

“I was going to suggest that. You have a lot to do besides this.” He turned to Zy’nayth, “Do you think we’ll still be able to have that big Christmas present?”

“Which one? The one for our family or the one for the staff at large?”

“Staff at large. I’m not worried about the other. I have a good couple of accomplices that have been most helpful.”

“If John is correct on his estimate for getting people into their chambers, then yes. First Science says there are some minor issues but will be resolved in two day. Three, if unforeseen circumstances appear.” Zy’nayth looked down at Kel’lan whose bright blue eyes were full of mischief. “Already like your father,” he said and caressed the boy’s cheek. “If John is off on his estimate, we can still continue with the surprise, though it would be helpful and more comfortable if people were in their own chambers.”

“Good. That’ll cheer people up. All right, I need to check on Chris and Alessa. See you tomorrow.”

Once Vince returned to his office on the 195th floor, he put a few notes together then went into the shuttle bay and called for everyone’s attention and told them about the next big move. “Therefore, I’m trusting all of you to not go milling around other floors. The stairwells are all off limits, and only the main four elevators, the ones behind the control room, can be used. So tomorrow, those with units on floors 180, 181, and 182 are moving. You may start as early as 5:00 a.m. As long as things go well, we’ll move 175 through 179 the day after. Let’s take it slow. We don’t want to rush anything and miss a critical structural problem. As mentioned earlier, those of you willing to work through your days off, send Col. Hagen a message. I’m sure everyone would appreciate the extra effort.”

Meanwhile, Victoria thought they had done well. They’d packed all of the games and most of the toys, so they went to check on Ja’val, Lutia, Chris, and Alessa, telling them that they could keep the babies overnight if they wished to continue cleaning up their chambers. Lutia, like Victoria, had a home on the flagship, so she wasn’t in a hurry. She and Ja’val said they’d do some cleaning and be by to pick Kel’lan up by 8:00. Chris and Alessa discussed it and decided to let Victoria keep Maressa overnight.

David came walking in as the Zy’nayth and his family were leaving, “My place isn’t bad. Do you want a hand, Chris? Getting you guys set up is more important.”

“Thanks, Dad. I think if we get the master bedroom done, that’ll be fine,” Chris said. “We’d have a clean place for Mari to play while we finish up the other rooms. Victoria, Big Guy, thanks for watching Mari tonight. You too, Ky and Kenna!”

“Night!” the twins said as the family returned to the flagship.

“You know what I’m going to miss with living higher up in the tower?” Victoria put Maressa on Mik’kenna’s bed to change her diaper.

“What would that be?”

“Not being down the hall from the medical research lab. It was handy being right there. Kids, you can either put your toys away if you want to keep them here, or just move the luggage to a corner and we’ll take them to the new place tomorrow.”

“Mommy, dat silly ‘bout lab. You just take elevator and be there right way,” Mik’kenna rolled one of the small luggage pieces over to the closet and opened it. “You has go all over world to get food for us, so dis easy.”

Victoria chuckled. “You’re right. Still, it was nice to walk down a few corridors if I wanted to run some tests.”

“If they move the mess hall, perhaps the laboratory would be moved to the same floor as the infirmary,” Zy’nayth said as he teased Kel’lan with his teething ring. “I believe this is the only laboratory that has not been moved.”

Victoria finished with the diaper and then smiled at her husband who wrinkled up his nose just as Kel’lan, who’d been cooing at his uncle, let out a wail. Zy’nayth stood and held the boy at arms’ length to his wife. “Diaper,” he said.

Victoria burst into laughter. “One day you will change a diaper.”

“No,” he replied and sat back down, this time with Maressa in his arms.

Victoria still had some baby toys on the flagship so Kel’lan and Maressa were on Zy’nayth and Victoria’s bed flipping through cloth books or chewing on teething rings. The twins got their baths and when they finished, Ja’val and Lutia arrived to pick up Kel’lan. The boy had fallen asleep, a cloth book gripped in one hand as he lay sprawled in the middle of the bed. Maressa was curled on her side, teething ring clutched in her tiny fist, also fast asleep.

Victoria handed the diaper bag to Lutia while Ja’val gathered his son. Zy’nayth took Maressa into the twins’ room and put her into the crib then he and his family had their nightly Bible devotions and prayer time before the twins themselves were tucked into bed.

***

Ny’van paced before the High Council. “We are not stalling. If you can find the scientists needed to carry this out, be my guest.”

“He wanted to have Tarnia take the serum and they want to,” a Councilman spoke.

“Yes. They had an opportunity months ago to take it. We simply do not have the resources at this point and time to do another mass distribution.” He paused for a moment. “Councilman, we must set priorities. We either use our scientists to help rebuild areas devastated by the rebel attack, find out where their technology came from, or we send them to Tarnia for a month to distribute the serum. Which do you think the people would prefer? Helping one group of a couple thousand people or the Empire?”

The Lead Councilman spoke. “The Vice Chancellor is correct. However, what about a smaller distribution? A handful of scientists to oversee things instead of trying to accommodate everyone at once.”

“That is something he is looking into,” Ny’van said. “Unfortunately, the scientists who are most familiar with the serum are also the best scientists to have looking at this unknown technology. I will discuss it with him further.”

December 15, 2120

Early the next morning, Zy’nayth saw his wife and children to Victoria’s old chambers after Alessa picked up her daughter. Tarnia’s governor wanted to speak to Zy’nayth personally after hearing back from the High Council the day before. Zy’nayth had a packed schedule but Dre’han shuffled things so that the High Chancellor could go to Tarnia and and reassure the governor that as soon as Zy’nayth could procure more livestock, and the cleanup from the attack was such that he could pull Science Officers away, they would have a second mass distribution of the serum.

Zy’nayth went over the reasons in detail, calmly but deliberately stating that it was impossible at this time to do another mass distribution. He did ask the governor his thoughts about a smaller scale distribution, but one that would have to wait until at least the end of January. He had to confer with First Science, make sure they had the appropriate personnel available, and then those who received the serum had to be few and in areas where there was enough food to accommodate them. The governor finally began to understand the difficulties in the situation, and said he would do whatever was necessary to help ease his fellow Tarnians’ minds. The serum would come, but it might just be a trickle for now.

Zy’nayth thanked him for understanding and said he would return to Tarnia and make a speech if it would help. The governor, not missing the opportunity, took him up on his offer. He too knew the value of being the first Rayth world with a majority of serum Rayth. And he knew that staying on the High Chancellor’s good side could reap many benefits.

Back on the city-ship, Victoria and the twins were busy working on her old chambers. Baxter and Celeste were there, though there was discussion of sending them to Earth while they cleaned, but with Chris and David both working on their own units, the twins worried that no one would remember to take care of their precious dogs. Victoria relented, knowing things would go much more quickly if the twins weren’t worrying over their pets. She ended up with Montie and Storm in their chambers as well because of it. That kept them from being in the way as the others cleared out their rooms. She didn’t mind. The dogs were obedient, and the kids always kept a close eye on them, though often got distracted with petting them or playing with them. She let the kids have what little fun there was in this whole process.

Victoria sat on the dusty floor, pulling her curly, brown hair back and using clips to keep it out of her face as she worked. “Kids, the one room I could store this stuff in up in our new place hasn’t been scrubbed down yet. Should we haul things up there or take them to the flagship?”

“If take to flagship, it has come back,” Mik’kenna opened her little jewelry box that she kept in her nightstand. Nothing had opened, but she made sure her three most precious items were all inside. Her favorite barrette, a bracelet, and a necklace that her father had made for her were there and unharmed. She tenderly took each out and used a soft cloth to clean them before putting them back inside. Then she packed the jewelry box in the suitcase where she’d pack her clothes. “Maybe dis come with me. I worried it was lost in fight.” She had her hand on the box, also made by her father. Ky’nayth had a keepsake box and three items as well. He was looking at his tie pin he wore on Sundays, his tiny Raythian flagship made out of wire mesh, and his watch with the face and band made by his father.

Victoria gave a loving smile to her children. “I’m so glad they’re okay. Put them in that crate over there. We’ll take them to the flagship for now. And you’re right, if we take things up there, we’d just have to bring them back down.”

She thought about the rooms up in their new chambers. Paint and flooring hadn’t been ordered yet. Now she felt as if she was under a time crunch. Sure, they could live on the flagship, but soon she’d need her new chambers in order and ready to be occupied. Plus she’d told Vince she’d only need two days then someone else could move into these larger chambers. The twins put their keepsake boxes in the crate and began collecting the dog toys that were scattered around the room.

“Crate full of puppy things that need washy,” Ky’nayth said as Victoria worked on packing his clothes for him. “I no realize how much puppy things we has.”

“Think you two could wash them up in the bathtub?”

“Mommy, you ‘kay?” Ky’nayth asked, seeing the worry in her eyes.

“Oh honey,” her frown eased into a smile, “just a lot on my mind. Trying to figure out whether I should stop working down here and go to the new chambers to finish scrubbing. I need to order paint and furniture. I wish I knew how soon your father would be done with the flooring. I wish he’d just let me order something.”

“We need plan of action,” Ky’nayth said and set the crate down as he took out his credit card-sized tablet and expanded it so that it was the size of a hardback book. “Kay, so scrubby new place. We just has three rooms left. Den we has order floor, paint, decoration, furniture.” He scrunched up his nose and wiggled it side to side as he thought. “Empty dis place. Wash clothes, toys, puppy things. Oh, we keep furniture from here to move up there?”

“Not sure about that. Your beds will go up. I’m going to order new stuff for the new place. I could use this furniture in a study or sitting room, but…I don’t know. I’m over-thinking things. Ky, remind me tonight to look at paint. We’ll at least get that ordered.”

“Kay,” he made a note on his tablet. “Sissy, let’s go wash puppy toys.”

Victoria carried the crate, worried that her son would trip with the dogs thinking they were going to play with the toys. She set it in the bathroom and filled the tub with warm soapy water. She ran a few towels through the washer, which took only a few seconds per towel. “Here are these to dry them off. While you do that, I’ll start washing up items in the kitchen.”

In the kitchen, her mind raced with everything that needed to be done with only ten days until Christmas. To add to the time crunch she felt, on Friday, she and her family would be headed to her estate. President Michael Stewart and his wife, Holly, had been invited to dinner. After that, there was Christmas shopping that needed to be done, helping arrange the big city-ship Christmas party, taking time to help with the cookie baking said party. She couldn’t get out of that because the twins were looking forward to it. She let out a sigh. She’d gotten herself involved in too many things on top of clearing out her old chambers, furnishing her new chambers, and, if the guys’ work on the new addition to her estate went quickly, it would need to be furnished as well.

She dropped the silverware into the slots in the dishwasher, then added what plates, bowls, and cups would fit. She washed up her knives by hand and packed them up in a small overnight bag.

By noon, they had all of the luggage, crates, and boxes filled and ready to move.

“Can we go to mess hall to eat?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I was planning on it,” Victoria replied as Zy’nayth walked into the chambers.

“Daddy! We has lots done, but lots left. You home for lunch?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Yes. Do the dogs need to be taken out?”

“Yes. We go once, but it prolly time to go ‘gain,” Ky’nayth said. “It really cold at Mommy’s place.”

“I’ll take them,” Victoria said, “if you guys could take that large suitcase up to the new place and maybe a couple of the rolling suitcases, I’ll meet you back here in five minutes.”

“All right,” Zy’nayth said. Victoria took the dogs to the control room where they bridged down to her estate on Earth. Meanwhile, Zy’nayth carried the two largest cases up to their new chambers. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna each pulled a piece of rolling luggage along.

Victoria returned without the dogs to the horror of the twins.

“Don’t worry, David is down there. He made lunch for the crew manning the bridge and watching the perimeter. We’ll get them after we eat. They can’t be in the mess hall, and I can’t leave them alone in our chambers,” she explained. “Oh, you took a lot up. Thank you.”

“I can get the rest after we eat,” Zy’nayth replied as they went up to the mess hall. “You look…overwhelmed.”

As they stood in the queue, Victoria told him about all they had to do in less than five days, and all she had to do during their week or two on Earth. “I agreed to do too much.”

“I no see in window,” Mik’kenna complained as they got up to the serving line. Victoria put a tray down for both of them then picked her up while Zy’nayth propped Ky’nayth on a hip. They loved picking out food, having choices, and after they got their food, Zy’nayth addressed Victoria’s situation.

“Will you be able to get the old chambers cleared out by the end of day tomorrow?” he asked.

With a sigh, Victoria shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure. We don’t have a washing unit in the new place, so I’ve got to do that in the old place. Everything needs washed. All the furniture needs to be moved…”

“Let me rephrase. Do not worry about moving furniture. Can you get everything else cleaned and moved?”

“I think so. It doesn’t look like we have much, but just standing and running clothes through the wash unit takes time. Run it through, then fold it up, then pack it…”

“It sounds like you need a plan of action.”

“I tell her, Daddy. I start take notes. I just not good at formy-ate plan,” Ky’nayth said.

“That is quite all right. I am glad you tried to help,” Zy’nayth smiled at his son. “I would break it down into steps. Since you are worried about putting clean items in the uncleaned chambers, perhaps you should finish that first. Then, pull everything that needs washed to the hallway of the old chambers. The twins can help by running clothes and such through the wash unit while you fold and pack them as they come out. We will again eat here for dinner. There is no need for you to cook. After dinner, I will get some help to move furniture. I can dust off dressers and tables easily enough. You need not decide where it goes until later. If there is still more laundry to do, I can help with that as well, or do something else while you finish it up. That would leave the kitchen and our bedroom for tomorrow.”

“Everyone’s moving or helping, who are you going to get to move our furniture?”

“My First Commander. He and Be’atta have small chambers that they do not need right away since they have chambers on the flagship. I am sure they would be willing to help. I will also ask John if he is not helping anyone since he is already living in his chambers. The same with Kaven.”

“They’re digging out the towers. The last thing they’re going to want to do is haul furniture. Besides, I might leave some…” she sighed, “I don’t know. It would help if I knew who would be taking the chambers. I could see if they wanted any of the furniture.”

Zy’nayth gave her a loving smile as he tapped his comlink. “Vince, have you sorted out who will be obtaining Victoria’s old chambers?” He listened for a couple of minutes, then replied, “I will ask her.” He looked at his wife, “It would appear that Chef Alan is next on the list for larger chambers. The general can call him now if you are sure you do not wish to keep the old chambers for another purpose.”

“It’s his if it wants it.”

Zy’nayth relayed the information then thanked the general. “He is making the call now. We will talk to him after we eat.”

A few minutes later, Alan walked up to their table, tray in hand, asking if he could join them. With a nod from Zy’nayth, the chef sat down. “I just got a call from Vince. I guess I’m getting your old chambers. He said there were some issues.”

Victoria shook her head as she wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Not an issue per se. We’re packing things to take up to our new chambers, but I’m not sure if I want to keep the furniture. If you want to come take a look at it, there might be something you want that may help me decide if it’s worth it for me to move it.”

“I’ll probably take anything you’re willing to give,” Alan smiled, “all I have is one beat up old chair, an uncomfortable mattress that doesn’t even have a headboard, and a nightstand that I picked up at one of those dollar-type stores.”

“Then this might work out well,” she returned his smile. “You off duty?”

“Been off for an hour. I was making out schedules and menus when the general called.” He waved off his comment, “You have a real kitchen, right?”

“It’s not huge, but there are full-sized appliances.”

“I stupidly signed up for a smaller unit with the mini appliances. I told myself I’d be in the kitchen all day for work, so I wouldn’t want or need a big kitchen at home. Been regretting that choice since about week three of coming to Andromeda.”

The family finished lunch then Victoria led them up to her old chambers while Zy’nayth went to get the dogs from Earth.

“Well,” Victoria let out a long breath, “okay, the only thing I need to keep are the twins’ beds and probably the dresser though I’m not sure if I want them to match or what to do. I think everything else is yours if you want. Oh, except that big recliner,” she pointed to the corner. “That’s my husband’s. I’ll ask him when he returns. So, she motioned to the living area, “anything you like?”

“I like it all. I’ll look more after the bedroom. A nice bed is more important to me right now.”

They walked down the hallway and entered the master bedroom. “This room also has a door to the main floor corridor. We knocked down the wall between two units to expand our space. We just didn’t take the time to redo the wall to get rid of the second door.” She pointed to a tall screen set in front of the door, “I just keep that there. If you want it, you can have that too.” She chuckled. “Though it might be a little to feminine.”

Alan looked around the room. Victoria had very traditional taste. And very expensive taste. Mahogany headboard, dresser, and nightstands. Handcrafted from the looks of it. “So all of this is up for grabs?”

“Yup,” she said.

His hand caressed the dresser. “Victoria, this is high-end stuff. Still in perfect condition.”

She waved off his comment. “Alan, the cost is nothing. Honestly. I made good money in my career on Earth. My grandparents left me a fortune. My husband has more wealth than probably the budgets of every country on Earth combined. If you like this stuff, it’s yours. I know you can’t be making a fortune working for the military, so take it…unless you don’t like it.”

“I love it,” Alan went over and laid back on the bed. It was exceedingly comfortable. He could have fallen asleep right then, but got up. “I have some money. My restaurant was really taking off when I got the call to head up the mess hall. Still not sure if that was a wise move or not. I’ve just…well, trying to keep a nest egg just in case. I can pay you…”

“No. Alan, I will not accept money. Period. I want to give it away. I’ll live comfortably for the rest of my life even without my husband’s income. Okay?”

“In that case, I’ll take the bed, dresser, nightstand. You can take the screen,” he smiled. “What about the desk?”

“Ah. That’s my husband’s, too. I’ll have to check with him.”

“I would like to keep it,” Zy’nayth said as the dogs went running up to the twins. They were still shivering from having run around outside one last time before returning to the city-ship. The twins went down on their knees and hugged the dogs, trying to warm them up.

“What about your recliner?”

“I wish to keep that as well. Everything else is up to you,” he kissed his wife’s cheek.

“Okay, Alan, my husband keeps his desk set and leather chair, I keep the twins’ bedroom set, but the rest is yours if you want it.”

“Then I’ll make this easy on you. I’ll take it all.” He laughed, “Honestly, I don’t have anything. This is fantastic.” He then looked at Zy’nayth, “She refuses to take any money for it. I’ve got…”

“No, no. It’s free,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Did my wife mention the second entrance?” He motioned to the screen decorated with Japanese cherry blossoms.

“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll do anything to it. Just keep it locked. Maybe some day I’ll remodel and get rid of the door.”

“Well, we’ll do our best to get out of here by tomorrow night. Should be easier knowing I don’t have a lot of furniture to move,” Victoria said.

Alan told her not to rush as he went to check out the kitchen. It was, as he suspected, a top brand stove. As was the fridge and dishwasher. “You taking this stove?”

“No. That, the fridge, and dishwasher are staying. They’re all yours.”

“Victoria, I may have a vague idea what that furniture is worth, but I know about this stove. I have to give you something…”

“No. That is final,” Zy’nayth said softly. “Victoria and I have means to purchase whatever she needs, so think nothing of it.” Alan closed his eyes and braced himself against the small kitchen table.

“Are you unwell?” Zy’nayth walked over to him, about to put a hand on him to check for any illness.

“Overwhelmed,” Alan said, waving off Zy’nayth as he sat on a chair. “It’s been a long couple of months. Long hours. Lost friends. A lot of work.” He turned, tears slowing rolling down his cheeks. “It’ll be nice to have a home, a real home, with a real kitchen. I’m just…I’m deeply thankful to both of you. This is the best Christmas present I’ve received in a very, very long time.”

“Alan, you’ve been such a blessing. All the work you’ve done with the Rayth to teach them to cook, plus the cooks on the flagship, and feeding the entire E:A crew from my kitchen…this is the least we could do for you,” Victoria gave him a hug. “You’re a good man and a great chef. I hope you’re with us for a long, long time.”

Alan returned her hug as he let out a long sigh. “Sorry. I haven’t really had time to…process everything. I’m not normally this emotional.”

“You’ve been working non-stop since my husband asked you to help teach Rayth how to cook,” Victoria said. “I think that after the Christmas party, you need to take some time off. Rotate a week with your crew. Something. All of you need a break.”

Mik’kenna walked over and climbed up on his lap and gave him a hug. “We all has trauma. You do what Mommy say and take time off. Me and Bubby process too. It no easy. I just glad we has puppies to help process. They has trauma too. They got hurted bad. But we family and we help each other. So do what Mommy say. Take time off to process.”

“If you do not schedule some time off, I will have a talk with Vince to make sure you do,” Zy’nayth said. “But now, if you will excuse me, I have to return to Kiva. Children, thank you for helping your mother.” He gave them both kisses, then his wife, and shook Alan’s hand. “I will try to have one room emptied tonight so that you can begin moving your items tomorrow if you wish.”

“No hurry. I’ll have to pack. I think I’m going to my room and crash for the rest of the day. I’m up at 2:00 for the early shift. Thank you all so much.” The two men walked out together and Victoria reassessed the situation.

“Let’s get all of the stuff in your room…” she stopped. “No. We have to go up to the new chambers and empty out the crates and luggage before we can pack more.” She smiled, her husband had taken the rest of the crates up before he went to get the dogs.

They went up to the 198th floor where Victoria pointed across the main living space to the floor to ceiling windows. “Kids, I think the best thing to do now is for you to unpack the luggage over there by the window. I’m going to scrub down these last three rooms after I put this bag of kitchen knives and silverware away.”

“When we done, we help scrub, too,” Mik’kenna said. “You no worry. We help.”

“You’re already a big help,” she kissed the tops of their heads. “Thank you.” She quickly emptied the overnight bag and set it by the main door. She grabbed the stepstool, the sponge mop, and headed into what would eventually become a playroom. She started with the ceiling, and had it and two walls scrubbed by the time the kids were done unpacking everything. An hour and a half later, they were back in the old chambers.

Victoria took down the curtains while the twins began pulling the rest of their clothes out of their dresser and closet, piling them up in the hallway by the washing unit. Then they cleared out what they could reach in the linen closet and their parents’ dresser. The curtains were run through first, then the twins ran the towels through while the curtains were re-hung. The dogs were taken to Earth for a quick break, then it was back to work. The focus was getting as much of the clothes washed up as possible. Ky’nayth stood on the stepstool, taking the dirtied items from his sister and feeding them through. Victoria grabbed the clean items as they came out, folded them, and packed them into a suitcase. When a suitcase was filled, she got another one until all were full.

“Just pile them nicely on the floor like you did the other stuff,” Victoria said as they began to unpack them in the new chambers.

“Ah, here you are,” Zy’nayth said, walking in.

Victoria looked at her watch, “You leave work early?”

“I did,” he tapped his comlink, “it will be a moment,” he said and went down the hall. Victoria heard him talking but let him do whatever he needed. “Good. Thank you. You may come down now.” A few seconds later he called for Ky’nayth. The boy went running down the hall. “I need you to hold this for me,” Zy’nayth said, then called for Mik’kenna. “Would you be so kind as to hold this light? This is a three person job,” he smiled. He could have easily done it himself, but the twins liked to help.

Victoria looked up when she heard the soft knock on the doorframe. In the open doorway stood the First Warrior Commander and two other warriors from the flagship. “Don’t tell me, he recruited you to help move things,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“He shouldn’t have…”

The First Warrior smiled, “We will be getting a week off for helping. Well worth it.”

“He’s down the hall,” she pointed, “no idea what he’s doing.”

“Most likely hooking up the wash unit he had teleported down,” said the First Warrior. The dogs, having been engrossed in whatever the twins were doing came running in, barking, tails wagging. The First Warrior Commander knelt, “Hello Baxter, Celeste.”

Mik’kenna came running in, “Mommy, we has washer now!”

“I was just informed of that,” she replied as Zy’nayth walked in behind his son.

“Gentlemen, I am following my wife’s orders this afternoon. There should not be much to move, but help in packing will also be required.”

“Yes, sir.”

“No need to be formal. Victoria, are you finished unpacking?”

“Two minutes, and I’m done. You can take the emptied suitcases and crates down.”

With the added help, plus a hover lift, Victoria got the furniture in the twins’ room cleaned up, Zy’nayth’s desk emptied, then Zy’nayth and his men moved the twins’ bedroom set, Zy’nayth’s desk set, and his oversized leather chair. Meanwhile, the twins packed up the knick-knacks and pictures in the living room while Victoria scrubbed down the emptied bedroom.

A short break for taking the dogs out was needed, so Victoria showed the men what needed packed and moved from the kitchen. She’d wash everything in the new chambers. When she returned, she set about packing up the linens and the rest of their clothes. “Just unpack them near the wash unit upstairs. I’ll wash them later,” she said as the crates and suitcases were hauled out, emptied, then returned for more. She was scrubbing down the master bedroom when they returned.

“What is left?” Zy’nayth asked.

Victoria sat on the floor with her back against the bed, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her arm. “That screen needs to go upstairs. And that picture,” she pointed to the wall. “If you could pull the dresser and bed away from the wall so I can scrub behind them, I’d appreciate it. Then I think we just have to finish packing up the bathroom and kitchen. Move the furniture in the living room so I can scrub. That area rug needs to be swept.”

The men set about their assigned tasks and made quick work of it, moving, scrubbing, moving items back. The kids were exhausted. Both were curled up on the sofa after it had been put back in place after the floor had been scrubbed and the area rug swept. Victoria was about to pass out. Rayth worked fast and she was barely able to keep up. “I’ll scrub the kitchen and bathroom tomorrow,” she said, slumping into a chair. “Warriors, thank you. I appreciate your help…more than I can adequately articulate.”

“We are happy to help,” one of the warriors bowed.

“I think you are happy to get a week off,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“That too, sir,” he smiled.

“You deserve it. I have the First Commander working on giving everyone a week off, in rotations, of course. You can choose to take this bonus week in combination with that one, or whenever you wish. First has been informed of your extra week off.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The men teleported back to the flagship and Zy’nayth went up to the new chambers, locking things up. Victoria managed to get to her feet and realized how much she was in need of a shower.

Zy’nayth returned and while Zy’nayth took the dogs for a walk, the rest of the family got food from the mess hall and took it back to the flagship to eat.

“Okay, start your baths. Mommy is going to bed early,” Victoria said after they had finished their late dinner.

“I go,” Mik’kenna went to their bedroom and got her pajamas. It wasn’t long before the family had all showered and changed and were sitting together, doing a short Bible study. With one last trip for the dogs at 8:00, the family settled into their beds.

***

“We’ve found Koh’vash and his sons,” the man said to Algo. “Should I send a ship to get them?”

“For what purpose? They don’t have enough men left to raise up another rebellion,” Algo replied. “Besides, Zy’nayth is on the alert. If his brother and nephews disappear now, he will know that there is someone else out there. So far, at least as far as we can ascertain, he knows nothing about someone else supporting the rebels. Let’s keep it that way for now. In the meantime, make sure we know where Koh’vash and his sons are at all times. When the time is right, we will get them out.”