E:A Vol 6 Ch 18—December 24, 2120

December 24, 2120

“The Mythican ship is on the way back to Andromeda. At least it appears that way,” Tel’lok said to General Karken’al and Chief Science Officer Jil’ana.

“She flying well? Any issues?” Karken’al asked.

“Nothing that we’ve seen. Scout ship isn’t sure if they should follow it or stay near Earth.”

“Is there a reason to keep it near Earth if the Mythican ship is headed back here?” Jil’ana asked.

“The Raythian flagship is still orbiting Earth and I’m assuming that means Zy’nayth is still there.”

“Then they must be certain the Mythican ship is working properly or Zy’nayth’s flagship would be following it,” Karken’al said. He stood, drew in a deep breath as he thought, then let it out in a long, slow stream. He turned to Tel’lok, “Keep the scout ship at Earth. Do we have another scout near the Andromeda border?”

“Yes, sir. Had one stationed there when we found out about the engine mount being towed to the Milky Way.” Tel’lok wasn’t sure if Karken’al would agree with that move, and looked at Jil’ana for support.

“Do they know who we’re monitoring? What story did you give them?” Karken’al asked.

“Rebel Rayth attack, we need to watch the borders, keep a look out for any ships the High Chancellor’s fleet may have missed,” Tel’lok replied and got a nod from his commanding officer.

“Good. Have them try to meet up with the city-ship and follow them. They must stay cloaked and undetected.”

“That would mean we’d have to reveal that there is an ancient Mythican ship out there with a non-Mythican crew. And when the scout ship scans it, they may find Rayth on board,” Jil’ana said. “And if Rayth are on board and find out the Mythican ship was scanned…it could mean trouble for our scout ship.”

“I have the list of the crew on the scout,” Tel’lok said, sending the file to Karken’al and Jil’ana. “As with the scout we sent to Earth, they’re trustworthy and won’t leak anything that we don’t want known. Jil’ana, I think you know a couple of them personally.”

Jil’ana looked down the list and nodded. “Yeah. Familiar with most, at least by reputation.”

“I don’t want more people to know what we’re up to,” Karken’al said. “And as Jil’ana pointed out, if the scout makes a wrong move and the wrong people see it…Estimated time until they reach Andromeda?”

“They’re not going fast. I’d say two days to enter this galaxy, maybe three. Probably not pushing engines since the flagship isn’t following,” Tel’lok said.

The general stood and walked out of his office, onto the command bridge of his ship, relieving his Second Officer. He sat in the command chair and used the holographic control panel to open ship-wide communications. There was a chirp alerting the crew that the general was about to address them. “We are about to leave on a journey that may take us away from home for a week. You will still have bridge portal access. Everyone report to their department head. You know the drill. We leave in thirty.” He turned off the communications relay and looked at Tel’lok, “Set the appropriate course. Cloak and shields to full. Be ready to jump to FTL in thirty. We’ll meet up with them. But we stay hidden. No need for them to know about us.”

***

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna were consumed with the dogs. They were showing the new guardians things they taught the dogs the night before. Sit, stay, roll over, tummy rub, and pray. None of the puppies could do those things, but they had learned quickly that if the twins said something and they ran up and licked their cheeks, they’d get a treat.

An hour after breakfast and playing with the dogs, Ky’nayth and his father went off to wrap presents that had been purchased for Mik’kenna. Victoria, however, was putting on her coat, needing to make a grocery run. “Lia, anything I can pick up?”

“No. I’m not going to do any more decorating for the wedding than what we’ve already planned.”

“Where’s your husband?” Becket asked.

“Helping Ky wrap his presents. How long are you taking off for your honeymoon?”

“Just a week. There’s a lot to do. Ny’van taking the serum…I don’t want to be out for long in case something happens. I’ll administer the serum after our wedding then you and Ja’val will have to monitor him until I get back.”

“Dr. McKenna, don’t cut your honeymoon short. I’m capable of looking after Ny’van. I can even administer the shots. Believe it or not, I’m pretty good at that part of my job.”

Zy’nayth walked down the stairs, overhearing the conversation. “Do not forget, doctor, that Janice, Lutia, and I will also be here to tend to Ny’van. Plus, our children can work with Vin’toz so that he will not cause my Vice Chancellor any trouble. Should your assistance be needed, you can bridge here. You may take a longer honeymoon if you like.”

“I think a week is fine. I’d feel wrong about leaving everyone on the city-ship, still adjusting and cleaning up after the attack and we’re off enjoying an island setting,” Amelia said. “Are you sure there won’t be a problem with us being there?”

“I have already talked to everyone. They have promised not to disturb you even if you go to the beach. It is your home for a week. But feel free to ask for Victoria’s assistance if food is needed.”

“I will have a bunch of casseroles made up. I already have a couple of ladies lined up to help make a few dishes for you as well. You aren’t going to go hungry,” Victoria smiled. “Okay, if there’s nothing else, I need to head out.”

Be’atta kissed her husband, “Shouldn’t be long,” she said.

“Thank you for going with her,” Zy’nayth nodded to Be’atta.

“I know you don’t want her out alone. And yes, I’m armed.”

They weren’t gone long and upon returning, Victoria helped finish up lunch. Chris, Alessa, and baby Maressa left to go visit her parents. They were having their family Christmas, one attempt by Chris to help ease tensions between himself and the Howards.

The men were still working on the addition and David was scheduled to pick up the flooring the day after Christmas. After lunch, Victoria sat, going through paint swatches on the internet, looking at fixtures and furniture. She had the new living room, dining room, bathrooms, and bedrooms in the new addition to paint and furnish, plus the entirety of her new chambers on the city-ship. Zy’nayth said the flooring on the city-ship was done, but she wasn’t yet allowed to see it.

Zy’nayth’s layout of the new addition was digital and allowed Victoria to play with design and furniture arrangement on her tablet. She played with the program a little, then got to the task of picking paint colors. She picked out her three favorite colors for the living and dining rooms then went to get the twins’ thoughts. They liked being asked and having input even if Victoria didn’t use anything they suggested.

“Dis blue seem too dark,” Mik’kenna wrinkled up her nose, “but I like it better than dis green one and dis red one. I know dat odd for me, but I no know. It just dark. I no want dark place.”

“I wanted it to be cozy, but I think you’re right, they’re all a little too dark. Ky, what do you think?”

“I no know. I not designer.”

“But your opinion helps me, honey,” Victoria said.

“Well, I like dis green one best. I know Sissy don’t, but it ‘minds me of forest and ‘venture and hobbits.”

Victoria smiled. Her kids loved adventure stories. “Let me try something,” she leaned against the wall and played around with the paint color, adding it to the digital layout Zy’nayth had put on her tablet, and added some wood accents. The kids went back to frolicking with the dogs until Victoria called them back over. “Okay, I found a lighter forest-ish green and added some wainscoting…uh wood. What do you think?”

“I like better now,” Mik’kenna nodded. “Bubby?”

“I like, too.”

“I like it, too. Now, the dining room.” She tabbed to the next screen. The colors were brighter, yet had a softness about them. Another green was chosen, a lighter version of what was picked out for the living room, but to help please Mik’kenna, who hadn’t brought it up, Victoria found a complementary burgundy that could be used on an accent wall in the dining room. Mik’kenna was thrilled. “I’ll go see what your father thinks.” She stood and kissed the tops of their heads. “Thank you for the help.” She walked down the corridor to the new addition. The men were pounding away, getting the last of the walls up. Victoria waited until her husband was free, then he joined her. She showed him the group effort.

“I would use a different wood for the trim and wainscoting,” he said, then tabbed through the options. “This. The mahogany gives Mik’kenna some sort of red,” he winked. “I also know that you love darker woods. Hmm, perhaps the cherry, instead. Yes, I believe I prefer the cherry.”

“That’s perfect. You’re pretty good at this.”

“I try. By the way, David is picking up the flooring today. We just finished the walls, far ahead of schedule. They have it ready for us.”

“I’ll get this ordered. Wait, will the wainscoting work with the flooring you picked?”

“Yes. The wood has not been stained. We can stain it to fit each room. If you order untreated wood accents, I can use the same stain.”

“Honey, that’s so much work.”

“I will get Raythian-made stain and paint. Pick your colors, I will order the paint and stain from Kiva.”

“Can you match the colors?”

“Victoria, given the technology you have seen at my disposal, do you not think we could match a paint color?”

Victoria let out a laugh then kissed his cheek. “Sorry, dear. Wasn’t meant as an insult.”

“Furnish the dining room first. If you are going to look at furnishings.” Zy’nayth took out his tablet and logged in to the Raythian system, much like Earth’s internet, “I’ve worked with this store before. High quality work. Select a nice large table. I designed the room to hold a table that will seat 52. Our family is growing and we will have guests. Show me when you are done, I will order what you have chosen.”

She kissed his cheek. “I love you. Now get back to work.”

Kaven, having taken a swig of water, walked up, “How long until dinner?”

“Three hours. I was planning for 5:00.”

“David, we have plenty of time,” Kaven yelled down the hallway. “Three hours.”

“Good. Let’s go.” David, Vince, and Kaven headed to clean up then to pick up the flooring.

“If you’re going to be late, call me,” Victoria said. “I can hold dinner, but advanced warning would be nice.”

“Shouldn’t be longer than thirty minutes. Just have to pick it up,” David replied as he hurried down the hallway.

Victoria went to the kitchen and lined up the items that needed prepped for the dinner, then started chopping up vegetables for the salad. Lutia came in to help.

“Lia’s nervous. Fretting over is the flowers. But I’m sure that won’t be an issue. You good for helping with the decorations Friday night?”

“Absolutely,” Victoria smiled. “So are the twins. They’re excited.”

“It shouldn’t take long. Just some flowers and bunting.”

“I wish we could do more.”

“You bought a piano just so she could have music as she walked down the aisle. I think you’ve…”

Victoria shook her head. “That’s for the church. It was convenient to get it before the wedding.”

David, Vince, and Kaven returned and the men hauled the flooring into the garage, though some was brought inside.

When Victoria was ready to make the dinner, she went to find her kids. “Would you two be willing to help me?”

“Course,” Ky’nayth said, standing up and brushing his hands against his pants. “What we do?”

“I’m making steaks for dinner. Could you find out how everyone would like theirs done?”

“Kay. Sissy, you do girls, I do boys,” he said. Mik’kenna nodded and went to a drawer to get a notepad for each of them then they went off to their assigned tasks.

The dinner was simple: steak, baked potatoes, green beans, and a large salad. Janice and Alessa set the card tables tables that filled the parlor. John and Vince handled the steaks on grills set up on the back patio. Fifteen minutes later, they were eating and chatting.

“So we should get the flooring in the living and dining areas done after dinner,” John said.

“The hallways as well,” Zy’nayth added.

“Guys, tomorrow is Christmas. I don’t want you exhausted. We still have a lot to do. Our own Christmas party the day after, then decorating on Friday for the wedding on Saturday,” Victoria said.

“We have the hard stuff done,” David said. “The flooring is easy. All of us working on it. Should go fast.”

“Besides, it’ll be nice to have a real dining room to do justice to these steaks,” Kaven winked.

“So are the kids opening presents tomorrow or Thursday?” Kaven grinned.

“I think we agreed on tomorrow morning. We do not have to be on the city-ship until 3:00,” Zy’nayth said, “so this would give the children time to play with their gifts before we have to get ready for the party.”

“I no can wait,” Mik’kenna said. “Did you see suite? We put up tree last night. It just tiny one, but it make it better in there. Frostie, no girl, you no can has steak.”

“You put up a tree and worked with the new puppies?”

“Yeah. It just dis big,” she raised her hand to barely read her waist from the floor. “Like said, tiny.”

After dinner, the men went back to work. Pounding was heard throughout the house as the dishes from dinner were cleaned up. True to their word, the flooring in the living room, dining room, and corridors through the new addition was complete.

“I can pick up the stain tomorrow,” Zy’nayth told his wife. “The paint the day after.”

“Tomorrow is Christmas,” Victoria said.

“On Kiva it is only a Wednesday. It will take twenty minutes at most. With the time difference, I can be back here before the children are even awake.”

“We have a long day tomorrow.”

“I do not tire easily,” he smiled.

“Just wait until the paint’s ready. Even if you get the floor stained, it’s not like I have furniture yet to put in the rooms. Please.”

Zy’nayth kissed her nose. “Very well.”

Janice and Lutia brought in the pies, already sliced up, and everyone took a piece, settling in and relaxing for the evening. Games were brought out, the puppies were played with, and it wasn’t long before everyone was starting to wind down, ready for a good night of sleep. Little Boots was curled up on Janice’s lap, sound asleep, as was Janice.

Victoria nudged her husband and nodded towards Janice, “Poor things worked themselves to death today.”

“I tired too,” Mik’kenna said.

“Ky, honey, you sleepy?”

The boy nodded then yawned as if to emphasize the point.

“Then let’s get you two tucked into bed. Been a busy day for all of us.”

“Better let the dogs out one last time,” John said and went over, gently picking Boots up so he wouldn’t disturb Janice, but she woke anyway. “Sorry,” he apologized. She nodded and stretched.

Though the twins were disappointed when the puppies were going to spend the night with their new guardians, they were asleep the moment their heads hit the pillows.

December 25, 2120

Victoria and Zy’nayth were up at 6:00, surprised that the twins weren’t yet awake. After quick showers, Victoria went to start breakfast while Zy’nayth woke the twins up.

“My children are missing Christmas,” he whispered. “Sleepy heads.”

Ky’nayth popped awake. “Sissy! Christmas!”

Mik’kenna was up and frantically looking for her little robe. Zy’nayth got it from the bathroom. The dogs ran downstairs, ready to be let out. As the kids ran down behind them, they didn’t fail to notice the snowfall. Then they saw the stack of presents by the tree that hadn’t been there the night before.

“No,” Zy’nayth said as they headed towards the pile, “breakfast first. I will let the dogs out. Christopher, we will need a spot for the puppies. I do not want them getting into things.”

“Coming up,” Chris said as everyone began filing in. After conferring with Victoria, he found the extra dog gates and old sheets used before, then remade a spot for them in front of the fireplace. John and Kaven rounded up all of the puppies and took them outside where Zy’nayth was watching over the older dogs.

“Wow, it’s coming down,” Kaven looked around at the snow. “Kids will love this. Cinnamon, it’s just snow. It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.” It took some coaxing once the puppies realized that snow was fun, but eventually they were ushered back into the house.

“Oatmeal,” Janice said, “grab a bowl and get comfy.”

Pastor and Julia, along with Brownie, and to the twins’ delight, Samson, arrived just as everyone was getting settled. “Steve thought the kids would like to have all the dogs here this morning. And since we needed to take them out for their walk…” Pastor smiled, “might as well bring them together.”

“I’m so glad you could come,” Victoria said. “Did you have breakfast? We made oatmeal.”

“We ate, thank you,” Julia said as she took a seat that Ja’val vacated for her.

“How is the ship doing?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Never know we were in flight,” Jacob replied. “As far as I know, everything’s going smoothly.”

“As if you weren’t getting reports from your crew,” John eyed Zy’nayth.

“It is always good to hear from the passengers,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Victoria, Steve has been a large part of everything and has become a good friend. Would you have room and food enough to invite him to dinner tomorrow night?”

“And Samson,” Mik’kenna added.

“Certainly, I would love to have Steve and Samson here.”

Jacob handed Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth their gifts. “It’s not much, but we hope you like them.”

Mik’kenna looked at her father, “It ‘kay to open?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Mik’kenna set aside her bowl of half-eaten oatmeal and opened her package. A squealed of delight was heard as she pulled out a white bonnet with red ribbons. “Oh! Thank you! Mommy! I has a new Sunday hat!” She put it on and spun around.

“That’s a very pretty hat,” Victoria said, “and it’ll go well with the white dress you got for your birthday.”

“And the sparkly red shoes,” Mik’kenna said, then ran up to Jacob and Julia and gave them hugs and kisses.

“Oh!” Ky’nayth exclaimed, “A new jet! Look Sissy! It’s a…I no know dis one. Uncle John, what is it?”

“This is the type of jet,” he pointed to the printing on the box, “and this fine jet, my dear boy, is a Lockheed Martin F-16. They built the first one back in 1974, but they were so good, they remained in production, with upgrades, of course, for over 125 years. That was one sweet jet.”

Ky’nayth took it over to his father then went and gave Jacob and Julia hugs and kisses. “Thank you so much! I only has one other Earth jet. I trying to learn more ‘bout dem. I like to fly.”

Victoria looked at her husband, “Honey, it’s not like Kol’non and Be’atta to sleep in,” she said knowing the rest of the presents wouldn’t be opened until everyone was there. “Could you check on them?”

“I thought I heard them up and around,” Ja’val said. “I thought they were right behind us.”

“I will check on them,” Zy’nayth said, getting up off of the floor. He’d just started for the stairs when he heard Kol’non and Be’atta. “Is everything all right?” he asked.

“Be’atta wasn’t feeling well,” Kol’non said. “I hope Victoria has something to help her.”

“Your energy did not help?”

“Can’t,” he smiled.

“What do you mean it cannot…” Zy’nayth stopped and returned Kol’non’s smile, “then I guess congratulations are in order. And Merry Christmas.”

“Thank you,” Kol’non said. Be’atta nodded, but she looked queasy.

“Take a seat. I will see that Victoria gets her something appropriate.”

As room was made on the sofa for Be’atta, Kol’non announced that they were expecting their first child.

Victoria got her some hot tea and a bowl of oatmeal, telling her to eat what she could. “There’s a little ginger and peppermint here on the side. Add either to the tea as you like. It will help a little.”

“Thanks. Sorry this hit now.”

“I’ll keep a kettle on, so when you want more tea, just say the word.”

“Let’s move the furniture a bit so there’s more room in the middle,” Victoria said. “Just a little. I’m not rearranging the house. That’ll be after we open presents,” she smiled.

“Point and we’ll push,” Vince said. She pointed, they pushed, opening up a wide area in the center of the room for the twins and dogs.

“Okay, Dad,” Chris said, “why don’t you sit next to the gifts? Ky and Kenna can take them to the appropriate person since they can’t open theirs until we’re done, and I’m afraid I need to run an errand first. I’ll be back in about an hour…maybe two, so you’ll have to wait.”

Ky’nayth looked over to his father, shocked at what he’d just learned. Zy’nayth smiled, “He is teasing you. Once the gifts are passed out, you may open yours.”

“Uncle Chris!” Ky’nayth said, “You scare me!”

Chris winked at him, “Sorry, buddy.”

Mik’kenna was standing by David, ready to deliver the first present. Ky’nayth, after recovering from the shock of Chris’ joke, went to her side to help.

Babies Maressa and Kel’lan got lots of clothes since both sets of parents said they were growing faster than they had time to get out and shop for clothes, even with the hand-me-downs that Victoria gave them.

Mik’kenna got several baubles for her hair with matching bracelets, that her brother had told his mother he wanted to get her. Victoria chose wisely, making sure there was a lot of red and a lot of sparkles. Mik’kenna’s gift to her brother was a green hat and puzzles. Victoria found the hat with ease, and after locating a hobby store, picked up five puzzles of varying difficulty and scenes. He was especially pleased with the two aviation puzzles.

But when Mik’kenna opened the huge present that contained the telescope, she let out a screech that caused the dogs to scramble from all parts of the house to make sure she was all right.

“Mommy! Daddy! Look! For looking at stars! Daddy, help me get it out!”

“I think it would be best to keep it packaged. We will set it up on the city-ship,” he replied. “Besides, you have many other presents to open.”

“But…stars here too!”

“I am aware of that. But you are not here often, so unpacking it just to use it for a few days would not be worth the effort. Plus being out of the packaging would increase the possibility of it getting damaged when we move it to the city-ship. We would not want that to happen.”

“Oh. Well. Dat true, I ‘pose,” she sighed and went back to opening her other gifts, a little downhearted.

Ky’nayth then he opened the several boxes that contained the train set and all of the landscaping pieces. A look of incomprehension furrowed his brows, “I no know what dis is.”

“It’s a train set. An old Earth transportation vehicle,” Vince explained and sat on the floor with him. He pointed to the box with the train and tracks and went over what all he could do.

“And I make track anyway I want?”

“Yup.”

“Daddy, do I have to wait until Terra 2?”

“Yes.”

Ky’nayth seemed to have trouble grasping the concept of the train set, so Zy’nayth took out his tablet and called up a video showing the set that was purchased being put together in various ways. He moved dogs and gifts aside and sat on the floor with him and Vince and showed him the video. Ky’nayth’s eyes went wide.

“Oh!” he exclaimed as he saw the first final track as the train moved along, going over bridges, switching tracks, stopping at little stations, and going through tiny towns, picking up and taking off the various boxcars. “Not just one way? I can add and subtract these parts?” he asked Vince, pointing to the cars on the box.

“That’s right.”

“And track not have to be just this way?”

“No, you can make the track go any way you want,” Zy’nayth said, “watch, they are putting together a different route now,” he pointed to the screen where the video was time lapsed to show the build faster than what it actually took.

“And there are more parts,” Vince said, “we got you as much as we could. You can spend months building just one complex system. It’ll take a lot of patience, but you’ll get to design every little bit of your own towns and villages and where the track goes. I’m willing to help. I love these things.”

Mik’kenna was looking at the video too, “I can help design town if you need town designer,” she said.

“Can I take some pieces out to look at?”

“I think we can get the locomotive out, but I do not want to take anything else out,” Zy’nayth said as he moved back to his seat on the floor near Victoria to let Vince have his fun with Ky’nayth. The locomotive was a metallic forest green, which Ky’nayth loved. Without taking the track out, he examined the various track shapes. Then he realized that he didn’t just get the locomotive, there were several types of cars and a caboose. He unwrapped the other packages and found many cars, a couple more engines, and landscaping items.

“Thank you for train. Sorry I no know what it was, but I can’t wait to build town and stuff.”

“Oh honey, no need to apologize,” Amelia said, “we knew you probably didn’t know what it was, but we’re all pretty sure that once you get home, you’ll have a blast with it.”

“I need to study. Daddy, help me find more videos. I want to make the bestest town and track ever!”

“Bubby, please, I help with design town?” Mik’kenna asked when her brother didn’t respond to her offer the first time.

“Course. I not good at designing towns. I never do before.”

She clapped and kissed his cheek, “I no design town ‘fore either, but we do together to make it perfect. And you can look at stars with my star scope.”

“Telescope,” Zy’nayth corrected. “You can look at more than stars.”

“Miss Amelia help me learn to use it?”

“I would be delighted,” Amelia smiled. “And I think your dad knows a thing or two about telescopes and stars.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “I have not used anything like this in quite some time.” He looked at his children, “Because my two precious children have been so good about not fussing over presents, I have special gifts for both of them.”

“More presents?” Mik’kenna asked. “For me and Bubby?”

“Yes. Two more each,” he said. “John, Christopher, would you two help me carry them over since you are closest to the garage?”

“Sure thing, boss,” Chris replied and followed Zy’nayth. They returned with two large boxes, and two shopping bags.

“Open these first,” he said, handing each twin a shopping bag.

Both were thrilled to find that they had been given new Rayth “uniforms.” They were tan like their old uniforms, which were now a too small. “Now for the rest. You are getting these is because I knew you would want to play with your big presents which would not be wise to set up here.”

To everyone’s surprise, including Victoria’s, Zy’nayth had managed to purchase a second telescope for his daughter, though much smaller than the one her aunts and uncles purchased, and a medium-sized train set for his son. Each kid erupted into giggles and screeches of delight. They ran around hugging and kissing everyone.

“I’m going to set out sandwiches and snacks in a couple of hours,” Victoria announced, “help yourselves until we have to start getting ready to go to the city-ship for the party. Kids, you can get ready last.” She looked at her watch, “That gives us a couple of hours. Want to play in the snow or with the new toys?”

“I say we play in the snow tomorrow,” John said, “let’s check out the new toys.” Everyone agreed and the kids began examining and playing with their new items. Zy’nayth, along with Ja’val, Becket, and Amelia, got Mik’kenna’s smaller telescope out of the box and got it set up.

Be’atta snuggled against Kol’non. “Thank you for the necklace, it’s beautiful.”

“Oh, let me see!” Alessa said with Lutia walking over too. It was a thin piece of benachti wire, twisted around a black leather ribbon. There was a tear drop emerald delicately hanging by what looked like a very thin claw. It was very simple, but it was also very much Be’atta’s style.

“That is beautiful,” Lutia said.

“He made it himself,” Be’atta smiled.

“How long have you known about the baby?” Alessa asked.

“Two weeks. We were going to announce it at dinner tomorrow night, but with me being so sick this morning, there’d be no easy way to refuse food without a bunch of questions being raised.”

“What’s on the menu for the big dinner tomorrow? You’ve been pretty secretive about it.” Chris said .

“Just know that you’re going to be so full you’ll sleep for a week,” Victoria smiled.

“That much I figured.”

At 10:30, Victoria had the dining room table filled with sliced meats and cheeses, chopped vegetables and dips, and fruit. She fixed plates for the twins so they could keep playing, while everyone else just grabbed something as they got hungry.

At 2:45, the family bridged to the city-ship, now halfway to the “border” with Andromeda.

“Everyone is gathering in the shuttle bay,” the Third Commander said as they bridged in.

“Will you be joining us?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yes, sir. As soon as the Third Pilot arrives to relieve me.”

“Receiving his request to bridge over now,” a Rayth Officer at one of the workstations announced.

David was the last member of the family to bridge over. They made sure all of the dogs were accounted for, then the Rayth Officer gave the okay for the Third Pilot to bridge over.

The Christmas party began with a message from Pastor Jacob, remembering some of the funnier moments of the past year, but also the tragedy they had all experienced, and ending with the real Christmas story. When he finished, Vince got up to say a few words while Alan and his entire team carted in the food and set it on banquet tables they had put up earlier in the day.

Alan had a massive feast prepared. Prime rib and turkey, mashed potatoes, sausage and sage stuffing, two different soups, seven different vegetable dishes, three fruit dishes, deviled eggs, homemade bread, and of course, the 50,000 cookies. With all of the tables and warmers purchased during their “refugee” status, they had ten serving lines going, and the food stayed good and hot while the 5,000 members of the crew filled their plates. Folding tables and chairs of all sorts were set up around the shuttle bay. Drink stands were scattered about. The shuttle bay’s lights were dimmed slightly so that the Christmas lights and decorations could help make things more festive, and everyone sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed themselves.

Chris and his family sat with Alan and Asuka who were clearly exhausted, but smiling and enjoying their dinner. “This prime rib is amazing,” Chris said. “And the stuffing. I’m more of a mashers guy, but this is mighty tasty.”

“Everything’s delicious,” Alessa said as she gave a little bit of turkey to her daughter to try. “What’s in the potatoes?”

“Bacon, cheese, green onion, and stilton cheese,” Asuka said. “One of my favorites.”

“I bet Kenna got both,” Chris said.

“Probably all she wanted, knowing her,” David smiled.

“She’ll eat just about anything,” Alan said, “she just prefers potatoes. How’d the kids do with presents and such?”

David told them about the two major presents among the usual clothes, books, and toys. “The telescope we chipped in to get her,” he shook his head, “Lia picked it out, said it was better than what she had. It was also quite a bit out of our price range, but the Big Guy said he’d make up the difference. Then of course, we had to get Ky more stuff for his train set, and again the High Chancellor paid the difference. Then he goes and gets them smaller versions of what we got them for there on Earth.”

“He can afford it,” Chris said. “I’m eager to dive into that train set. We got enough track to wind through this entire ship.”

“Has Victoria moved into her new chambers yet?” Alan asked.

“No. The High Chancellor wouldn’t let her until he finished the flooring,” Chris said. “I helped with the non-special flooring that was put in the bedrooms and kitchen. I was busy when they did what the Big Guy made. Let me tell you, that man must really love her. The amount of work he put into that floor. It is stunning. I wouldn’t want it on the floor. It’s an art piece.”

“No kidding?”

Chris shook his head. “There’s a wall between the living room and dining room with a huge arch between the two, anyway, either side of the wall is this etched tree. The top towards the windows, the trunk towards the entryway. Half of the tree on either side of the wall. But where the wall turns into the archway, it comes together—both halves of the trunk. Then he has all of these vines and leaves etched everywhere else. He must have carved some of those decorations, because he has a resin, sort of a lighter version of the stain, so they stand out in spots, like…like they twinkle. It’s spectacular. Just figuring out the dimensions, like where the tree goes through the wall, but comes together in the archway…not something I’d want to figure out. Oh, and then there’s some sort of coating on top. Like a boat deck wax or something. I was blown away at the intricacy and detail he put into it.”

“I’d love to see it,” Asuka said.

“I’m sure Victoria won’t mind if you stop in to see it…after she’s allowed to see it herself.”

“Which will be when?”

“I think they’ll stop up after the party. It’s her Christmas present from him,” David said.

Zy’nayth was pleased that a good number of his crew had come to join in the festivities. Though many did not eat, as they hadn’t taken the serum, they did sit and chat with members of the E:A crew. As dinner wound down, games started up. The dogs and puppies, sequestered in a large play area, were played with and fawned over. For some, this was a difficult Christmas, having lost friends during the rebel attack, so many of them took some solace playing with the dogs or hovered around Jacob and Julia who were often seen comforting someone as the afternoon wore on.

At 5:00, Jacob got up led them in a couple of Christmas carols, then introduced the High Chancellor who made a short speech, thanking everyone for attending and helping to build bridges between Rayth and humans. Alan then got up, letting people know there was still a lot of food, especially cookies, that could be taken home if anyone wanted. Meanwhile, the dogs were taken back to Earth for a quick walk then returned to the city-ship.

After mingling with everyone for another hour, Zy’nayth pulled his wife and children away to show them their new chambers. “Hands over your eyes. Eyes closed,” he said as they stood at the door. “I will lead you in. No peeking.” He got each of them into position and had them open their eyes.

While the kids oohed and ahhed, Victoria stood speechless.

“Do you not like it?” Zy’nayth asked, seeing the frozen, blank look on her face.

She blinked and looked into his silver eyes, “You did this?”

“Yes.”

“Designed it and made it?”

“Yes. If you do not like it, I can…”

She threw her arms around him and kissed him. “I love it, Zy. I love it!” She grabbed his hand and went into the dining room. “It’s beautiful. It’s…I don’t want to put any furniture on it,” she laughed.

“It so pretty. I like how some spots look like stars. It kinda glittery,” Mik’kenna said, down on her hands and knees, showing Celeste the twinkling spots.

“Well, now I know why you were late so often,” Victoria beamed with love for her husband. “I mean, I knew, but I didn’t know all this…” her hand waved across the room, “this is amazing.”

“Daddy, you teach me how do dis?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I will,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Now, shall we rejoin the group or head home?”

“Can we please get some leftovers? I really fond of the taytoes,” Mik’kenna grinned. “And cookies, ‘course.”

“We can get some cookies, and maybe a few leftovers. We’ll be having a big meal tomorrow, so we won’t take a lot, okay?” Victoria said.

Back on Earth, the family trickled in, some staying at the party longer than others, but everyone was as the estate by 8:00. The kids played with more of their toys, but were rather sluggish. Their energy had been spent hobnobbing with as many people as they could on the city-ship.

“It has been a long day,” Zy’nayth said, “I think Victoria and I will retire for the evening.”

“Daddy, I no look through telescope yet,” Mik’kenna protested.

“Honey, you can barely keep your eyes open. You would not see anything,” he picked her up and kissed her nose. “You will have many, many years to look at the stars. And tomorrow, Ky’nayth, we will work on building a little track and town, if we can keep the puppies from trying to sabotage our efforts.”

“We keep dem occupied somehow,” Ky’nayth said and lifted his arms up. Victoria took the cue and picked him up.

“Good night everyone. See you in the morning. Sleep in. Nothing on the schedule except another big dinner.”

“Speaking of which, let me know what help you need,” Janice said.

Victoria shook her head. “My husband and children are helping. This is our gift to you. We didn’t have a chance to get you gifts, so you’ll have to settle for food.”

“I’m good with that,” Kaven said. “Night guys.”

“I’m making breakfast,” Janice called after the family, “you are not doing that.”

Victoria chuckled, “Thanks, Janice. Good night.” As they settled into their suite, Victoria sat on the edge of the bed and sighed. “You gave me that gorgeous floor and all I got you was a couple of books and a couple tee-shirts.”

“Books that Pastor Jacob said we should read, so I am very thankful that you found them, and the shirts will be worn. You know I do not have many casual clothes. They will be useful. Besides, I was not expecting anything. You were to get gifts for the children, not for me.” He gave her a tender kiss. “Victoria, you are tired and worried about something there is no need to be worried about. Now, come, let us read some Scripture, have our prayer time, then we will sleep.”