E:A Vol 6 Ch 19—December 26, 2120

Chapter 19: December 26, 2120

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna were up early and quietly went down to the living room, letting their parents sleep in. Becket was in the kitchen helping Janice peel potatoes for hashbrowns.

“Uncle Becket, Aunt Janice, Bubby and I has problem.”

Becket washed his hands and grabbed a towel, “What, love?”

“Mommy and Daddy go to all dis trouble to get me and Bubby presents and…” she bowed her head, “we no get dem presents. What we do?”

“I don’t think your parents were expecting presents,” Becket knelt in front of them. “But I have an idea, if Janice is willing to help.”

“I’m in,” Janice said.

“Well, I know both of you like to cook, so maybe you should fix them a special breakfast, all by yourselves. Janice can watch over your work.”

“You think that special?” Ky’nayth asked.

“If I ever have a little boy and a little girl and they made breakfast for me and Lia, I’d think it was very special. And I bet we can find some paper and crayons and you can make a card for them.”

“What we make for breakfast?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Has your mom ever mentioned her favorite breakfast food? French toast? Pancakes?” Janice asked.

“She no say. But I think she like sweet thing but Daddy like eggs. He no eat much sweet stuff,” Mik’kenna replied.

“He eat dem but if has choice, he take eggs no pancakes,” Ky’nayth confirmed.

“Strawberry his favorite food,” Mik’kenna said.

“Well,” Janice put her hands on her hips, “got a couple of choices. French toast with strawberries. Your father wouldn’t have to use syrup, just let the sweetness of the strawberries provide a syrup. But we’d make an easy syrup for your mom. Or, I know! A casserole. I swear I saw some ramekins in the pantry.” Janice went into the pantry and came out with one in each hand. “We can make you two the same thing if you want, there are a few more of these in there.”

“Mini-casserole?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Yup. Put in some pastry dough, bacon, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Easy to make, but very fancy, don’t you think?”

“We no have dis before!” Mik’kenna said, “I think it sound perfect. Maybe add some taytoes?”

“We can add some of these hash browns on the bottom. And, if you’re up to it, we can still make French Toast.”

The twins agreed and while Janice rounded up what would be needed, found recipes, the kids made up a card with Becket suggesting a simple phrase was good. Merry Christmas and love.

There wasn’t much for the twins to do to make the “casseroles” but they each layered up one of the ramekins, then Janice put them in the oven as they made the French toast. Ky’nayth let his sister make the French toast while he cleaned up a bowl of strawberries. They worked hard, hurrying so they could serve them in bed instead of when they came down to join everyone else.

“I will carry the tray,” Becket said. Orange juice, milk, anything else?”

“Dat what they always has,” Ky’nayth said.

“Room service,” Becket knocked on the door to the suite. It was just after 7:00. Victoria got up, realized the twins weren’t in bed, and threw on her robe. She opened the door, “Morning.”

“The young masters have made an after-Christmas breakfast for you,” Becket said, taking the tray of food to the table. “And yes, they made it all by themselves, except the strawberry syrup, and that was because of the time crunch. Janice took over at that point. Oh, and a little card,” he set it up on the table. “Kids, give them a kiss and grab your clothes. You can use the master bathroom this morning.”

“We hope you like. It only thing we come up with for Christmas present,” Mik’kenna said. “We made all by selves. I hope it good. And no hurry. Take time to eat and go back bed if want. We just play. Love you.” Hugs and kisses were exchanged, Zy’nayth kept the kids in the room while he prayed over their meal, then read the little card they made. Victoria was crying, which concerned the kids, but she told them that they were tears of joy.

The kids went off to play while the parents enjoyed the meal. “It’s nice to have a quiet moment to ourselves,” Victoria dug into the little ramekin. “Mmm, delicious.” Zy’nayth agreed on both counts. “Honey, your cruiser’s on the flagship, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I was thinking…I know you weren’t expecting a gift, and you know I would have done more,” she raised her fork to stop him from commenting, “but what if I give you a full day with the twins. I can make a lunch and snacks you can take. Then you can let Ky fly around a little, and Kenna can make some sketches or take pictures. Just the three of you.”

Zy’nayth opened his mouth but Victoria’s fork came up again. “I’m with them day in and day out. I love the time I have with them. But you, High Chancellor, hardly get any alone time with them. Now is the best time. You’re sort of on vacation and the kids would love it.”

“May I reply now?” He waited until he received a nod from his wife. “I would like my entire family with me.”

Victoria shook her head, “Nope. There are no diapers to change, so you have no excuse. I want you to have this time with them.”

“I would enjoy it. But not today. Perhaps a day next week. And thank you.”

***

Breakfast was served for everyone else then the twins, seeing about a foot of snow out of the window, were eager to get outside and play.

“I will be back in thirty minutes or less,” Zy’nayth told his kids as they were bundling up to go outside. “I am just picking up the paint and floor stain.”

“Please hurry,” Mik’kenna frowned. “It no same if you no here.”

“I will. I love you.” He turned to his wife, “We will talk about dinner when I return.”

“Talk? About what?”

“That you should wait until tomorrow,” he said and headed to the basement to use the bridge portal to get to Kiva.

“He ran,” Chris chuckled, “he’s scared of you.”

Ky’nayth shook his head. “Daddy no scared of Mommy. Dat silly.”

Being the High Chancellor had its perks: no one wanted to keep you waiting. As soon as he walked into the small shop on Kiva, a clerk walked up, gave him a formal bow and told him his order was ready. Ten minutes later, he was back on Earth. He put the paint buckets in the new living room then joined his family playing outside, building snowmen.

“What’s this about dinner?” Victoria asked him as he helped put the head on the giant snowman they had just built.

“Tomorrow would allow the children a day of play before helping you as they said they would.”

“They can keep playing,” she said. “I can do this on my own.”

“I know you are more than capable, but they want to help, as do I.”

“Honey, I’ve scheduled everything out. I know what to start and when.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for worrying. It’ll be fine.”

An hour later, the snow started up again, a wet snow that, due to the increased wind and dropping temperature, felt like pellets.

“We’d best get back inside,” Becket said, “I don’t want to have to do my job when I’m supposed to be on vacation.”

“I no want puppies to catch cold,” Mik’kenna said. “Come on, puppies, we go inside and get warm by fire.”

The group got inside and they started playing with Ky’nayth’s train set. Janice followed Victoria when she went to the kitchen. “Let me help with something,” she said.

“I’m just getting some hot cocoa for the kids,” Victoria smiled, “and no, you’re not helping with dinner.”

Janice smiled, shook her head, and went to see who wanted what to drink. After serving the twins some hot cocoa and a couple of cookies from the Christmas party, Victoria told them that she was going to start prepping things for their early dinner. “Now I know you offered to help, but I think I’d be happier if you had a chance to play with your toys and the puppies.”

“But we gave word,” Ky’nayth said. “We keep word. We honorable.”

“So what time is dinner?” John asked. “If the twins are going to be helping you, we can work on getting the rest of that flooring done.”

“I’m shooting for 3:00 so that we have a long evening of relaxation.”

“We help Mommy, you go ‘head and do floor,” Ky’nayth said.

In the kitchen, Victoria had the twins wash up vegetables as she put eggs on to boil. Then she got her two large turkeys prepped and put into two of the four ovens she had at her disposal. Four large hams went into the other two.

“Zy, could you do me a favor after you finish cubing those potatoes?”

“I am at your service,” he smiled.

“We still have some grills here, right?”

“Several, if I recall correctly.”

“Could you fire them up? Or the firepit? I want to keep the turkey and ham warm when they’re done cooking.”

Zy’nayth put down his knife and went to the garage, returning a moment later. “There are seven of those heating units. Warmers. Could those be used? With the weather as it is, I do not think we should do any cooking outside on the grills or firepit.”

“Oh! Yes, perfect. Put them on the dining room table, please. Might move them later, but that’s fine.”

He finished cubing up the potatoes then set up the warmers. “That is done. What do you need me to do? And please, explain why I am doing things the way you want. I understand that cubing the potatoes will help them cook faster.”

“You can start making these different dips for the veggies. That’s something I can keep in the fridge easy enough.” She had some papers on the countertop and went through the ingredients and why they were being used, explaining the spices and urged him, and the twins, to take a little taste of each spice. The timer for the eggs went off so she had Zy’nayth carry the pots over and dump the eggs into an ice bath. “This is so the eggs won’t overcook,” she explained. “Never forget to give them a bath.”

Ky’nayth giggled. “Eggy bath!”

“Is this the list of dishes for dinner?” Zy’nayth saw the master list, times were listed next to each item.

“Yes,” Victoria replied.

“That is a lot of food.”

“It is. Worried it’s too much for you to handle,” she teased. Victoria dried her hands on the towel over her shoulder. Zy’nayth went through the list with his wife to see what they could do in advance. He wanted to help as much as he could, knowing she’d sneak off and work on the dinner when he wasn’t looking.

“I believe we are down to the things you said had to be done at the last minute,” Zy’nayth said a little over an hour later.

“I go down list to make sure,” Mik’kenna said, and went about seeing if all of the items on their “prep” list was done. It was noon as the family rejoined the others.

“You look tired,” Zy’nayth whispered in his wife’s ear as they walked into the living room.

“I am tired,” she smiled, “but this, I hope, will be worth it. By the way, I plan on sleeping in tomorrow.”

“I will make sure that you are able to,” he gave her a tender kiss. “I love you, Victoria. I love you with all of my heart.”

She returned his kiss, “You are the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you, Commander.”

Ny’van came in, carrying Vin’toz. “Ah, you are not in the kitchen anymore,” he said to the twins. “Good.”

“We done ‘till last minute stuff,” Mik’kenna said. “Is Vin’toz ‘kay? Does he need Daddy special Rayth healy?”

“Oh he’s fine. I’m hoping you’ll keep him occupied. He keeps sneaking down the corridor where we’re working and I’m afraid he’ll get into something he shouldn’t.”

“Isn’t that little gate up?” Janice asked.

“It is, but he’s figured out how to get around it or something.”

“You no worry, we make sure he no bother you while work,” Mik’kenna said and took the puppy from him.

“Smart dog,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Children, perhaps we should follow the little one and see how he gets past the gate. We may have to make some alterations to the gate.”

Mik’kenna, barely able to hold the squirming puppy, set him down. He played with them for a couple of minutes then began to wander towards the hallway in search of Ny’van. The kids quietly followed, Zy’nayth letting them have their fun.

“The pups are so cute,” Lutia said. “Cinnamon kept trying to get up on the bed all night. She didn’t whimper or bark or anything, she just grabbed the blankets in her little mouth and tugged.” Lutia laughed, “Ja’val was getting annoyed but then he turned on the light and looked down into her cute little face and the next thing I knew, she was curled up in a ball between us.”

“How are she and Kel’lan getting along?” Alessa asked.

“I think they’ll be as close as the twins and their dogs are. I’m glad Vince did this.”

“Yeah, I think everyone was surprised and happy with their dogs,” Alessa said.

Ky’nayth came running back into the room. “He just small ‘nough to squeeze under gate. He push it up with nose then crawl under. He so funny!”

“I will look into adjusting the gate tomorrow. You two can keep a close eye on him and the others, right?”

“Yeah,” Ky’nayth smiled as Mik’kenna came in, struggling to carry the puppy. Be’atta was near her and took the dog from her, giving the dog a kiss and carried him to the fireplace where the other pups were playing.

“The morning sickness better?” Victoria asked.

“Only bothered me after dinner yesterday. I think I just ate too much. But I’ve been fine all day.”

“Oh good.”

“I’m been drinking hot tea and putting a little ginger in it like you suggested. That’s helped a lot.”

“Peppermint works well, or did for me,” Alessa said. “I prefer mint to the ginger, but I did both.”

“Any tips are appreciated.”

Mik’kenna went up to Amelia, “Can you please show me telescope? Or it too daylight?”

“I think we can see Venus,” Amelia replied. “Do you have a notepad?”

“Yes. Do I need for looking at stars?”

“Well, a little tip someone gave me when I first started looking into the sky was to pick a planet or a section of space, and sketch it each time I looked at it. That way, I can see changes over time. I know the big telescope we got you keeps digital images so you don’t have to sketch, but I think your mom said you liked to draw, so maybe you can do that, too. For me, it helped me to learn that planet or star field by heart.”

“Oh, that good idea. I get my notepad. Be right back.”

“I hope we put it in a good location,” Zy’nayth said as he stood. “I can move it if needed.”

“The patio would be better, but given that it’s snowing and cold, where we have it is fine. But if you get into one of your building moods in the spring, it’s something to keep in mind.”

“I will come up with something,” he said. “And ladies, if you will excuse me, I should help with the flooring. Victoria, call me when you are ready for the next part of the dinner process.”

“I will,” she smiled.

Mik’kenna returned, pencil and notepad in hand. The telescope was in the living room at the large picture window. Amelia was already checking the coordinates she entered. Then she zeroed them out. Ky’nayth went over, wanting to learn, so Amelia gave them instructions on how each button and knob worked and what they controlled.

Victoria slid down to the floor to play with the puppies. They were adorable and made for great stress relief. Vin’toz kept trying to sneak away, but Victoria would catch him and cuddle him. He was already quite attached to Ny’van. “Oh no!” she said. “Can you guys keep an eye on them, I need to talk to Ny’van and Ja’val.”

“Yeah, anything wrong?” Lutia asked.

“No…just timing…” she replied and hurried down the hallway. “Zy,” the men heard her call, then it got quiet.

“What is wrong?” Zy’nayth replied, running up to his wife. The worry in her voice had all of the men stop and run up to her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm anyone. Just need Zy, Ja’val, Becket, and Ny’van.”

“Fine,” Chris said. “I’m just minced meat.”

“Scrawny even for minced meat,” John teased as they went back to work.

“What’s wrong?” Ja’val asked.

“We were going to administer the serum to Ny’van Saturday after we got back from the wedding,” Victoria said, “but he’s going to be really sick for a couple of weeks.”

“I’m aware of that,” Ny’van said.

“But you want to take my husband and kids to see your son that first week in January. You’re not going to be in any condition to go.”

Ny’van sighed, “You’re right. Didn’t even cross my mind. I’ll have to postpone.” He shook his head. “I really was looking forward to having this done.”

“And it will happen,” Zy’nayth said. “But you need to be in shape for this visit. If he were to see you right after taking…”

Ny’van raised a hand to stop him, “I know, I know. I can reschedule the serum treatment. I know the First Commander and Chief Medical Officer personally.”

“And since you don’t want more than one of your command staff undergoing the treatment at a time,” Ja’val said, “I could take it. We’ll be here a week, and as Ny’van was going to do, the twins can watch over Cinnamon, we have a house full of people to watch Kel’lan and cook for us if Lutia’s busy taking care of me.”

“Just let Second Science know,” Zy’nayth said. “Make sure you have the correct dosage.”

“Do you want me to administer the shots?” Becket asked.

“You will be on your honeymoon.”

“I was going to do it for Ny’van. It won’t take any longer than it did for Kol’non,” Becket said.

“I am sure my wife can handle it. Janice helped with mine, so I know she can as well,” Zy’nayth said.

“Becket, go on your honeymoon,” Ja’val said, “this serum has interrupted your life too much as it is. Victoria and Janice can handle it. Just a couple of pokes. Lutia will have on her best bedside manner and pamper me the entire time. Though I should probably go and warn her. She wasn’t expecting this.”

“I know you’re making light, but you both know this isn’t going to be fun,” Becket said.

“I know,” Ja’val said with a nod, “you go on your honeymoon. I’ll have Second Science down here. Zy’nayth, Victoria, Janice. I’ll be fine. Everything will be fine.”

Becket put a hand on Ja’val’s shoulder and began to pray for him. Ja’val thanked him, then Becket went back to work. Ja’val went to tell his wife about the change in plans as Mik’kenna came running down the corridor.

“I see Venus with telescope! Mommy, come see!”

“Daddy, can you take a quick look before going back to work?” Victoria tugged on his hand.

“Of course,” he replied, his mind already going through who needed to be notified of the change in who’d be taking the serum. He gave Mik’kenna a smile, “You found it already?”

“Aunt Lia did. It bright even in daytime. My first look at planet!” Mik’kenna was practically dragging Victoria to the telescope.

“This must be a really nice telescope. That is…so close,” Victoria said, peering into the eyepiece.

“This model, or a similar older model, is actually what I used for years,” Amelia said. “That big telescope you’re taking back to Terra 2, she’ll never outgrow. I’d steal it, but it’d be too easy to figure out who did the stealing,” her smile widened. “Oh, I’d spend all my free time looking at the stars and planets around Terra 2! Though Kenna may prefer Daddy’s scanners when she gets a little older.”

“I don’t know. I think you’ll be absorbed with being a new wife for a while,” Victoria grinned and finished planet gazing. She gave her daughter a kiss, “I really liked that, thank you for showing me.”

“And look!” Mik’kenna said holding up a little sketchpad. “Miss Lia said to sketch what I see then I go back and look at how stuff changes over time. I just started. I need more drawing paper to has on hand all time.”

“I will see that you have plenty,” Victoria said. “If you find something else, I’d like to see it. And Lia, thanks. She’ll be consumed with it the rest of our time here.”

Zy’nayth looked at the planet and encouraged his daughter in her sketching and exploring while Victoria went to check on how Lutia was handling the news about Ja’val taking the serum ahead of schedule.

The women were deep in discussion when Ky’nayth gave up on setting up his town. The puppies kept running away with the pieces, so he was packing the few train pieces away. Nothing had been ruined, the adults managed to catch the dogs in time. Rusty began running past Amelia as she was returning to join them, but she was quick and picked him up. “No! This is not for puppies.” She was successful at retrieving the tree from the growling puppy. “Let’s find your chew toys.”

“They by fireplace,” Ky’nayth said, his voice trembling. “But they more interested in my town. I want to play with it but dey no let me.” He was on the verge of tears, nearly slamming the train track back into the parts box. Victoria moved from the sofa and sat by her son, drawing him into a hug. She kissed the top of his head and Janice and Lutia began picking up the rest of pieces of the train set.

“I may have an idea,” Victoria said. “Can you two finish putting the pieces away? Ky and I need to check out the study. He might have enough room in there to set something up.”

Ky’nayth perked up, “Dat good idea. We can put ‘nother puppy gate there!”

“That’s what I’m thinking. Let’s go see if we can make room on the floor.”

Zy’nayth, sensitive to his children’s emotions through his telepathic link to them, felt his son’s sorrow and frustration rising. He excused himself and found his wife and son in the study off the parlor. “What is wrong, Ky’nayth?”

“Mommy figure it out,” he said. “Puppies kept taking train stuff, so Mommy thought we put train in here and put up puppy gate. We just moving things out of way.”

Zy’nayth walked over and helped push the sofa bed and one of the large chairs back. “That was a good idea,” he said. “I am sorry that they interrupted your fun.”

“Dey puppies, dey no know no better. I just frustraty. It be long week. I prolly just tired.”

Zy’nayth finished with the furniture then lifted his son up and gave him a kiss. “I cannot wait to see what you come up with. I know it will be smaller with being in here, but that is okay. When we get settled on the city-ship, you will have a lot more room to design your track and town. And maybe you could take a little nap.”

Ky’nayth gave his father a hug. “I love you, Daddy. I be fine. I sleep in with Mommy ‘morrow.”

“I love you very much. Do not let the puppies ruin your day. Have fun and do not stress over anything. I know you want to make an elaborate track, but you do not need to do it today. I will help you after dinner and we can make something together.”

“You will?”

“I will.”

“No more floor?”

“It is going quickly and I have told them that there will be no work after dinner.”

The boy beamed, “Thank you!”

A little after 1:30, Victoria, having been helping Ky’nayth with his train, got up to check on her food. The aromas from the turkeys and hams were filling the house.

“I come help,” Ky’nayth said and followed her out, shutting the study door, and putting the puppy gate back in place as extra security, then hurried after her. Mik’kenna saw them heading for the kitchen and stopped sketching her view of Venus and went after them.

Victoria checked the turkeys first and gave them a good basting, then went to hams. “Oh I think my math may have been off.”

“What wrong?” Ky’nayth asked.

“They’re done.” She took one roasting pan out containing two hams and set it on the stovetop. “That’s okay. That’s why I had Daddy bring in those warmers.” Victoria moved the roasting pans into the dining room, onto the warmers. “You two want to help make the soup?”

“Course!” Ky’nayth said. “What kinda soup? I like chicky noodle and…hmm…I like mater soup.”

“This is something different,” Victoria smiled, getting a pound of bacon out of the refrigerator.

“Bacon soup?” Ky’nayth was awestruck.

Victoria laughed, “No, honey. It’s potato soup but I’m adding corn and bacon to it for flavor. It’ll be really good.”

“Taytoe soup? I love taytoes!” Mik’kenna grinned.

“Sweetheart, everyone on Terra 2 and the Raythian flagship knows you love potatoes. I was going to make this after dinner for snacks tomorrow, I didn’t think I’d have time before, but since we’re ahead of schedule, might as well do it. Plus the hams are done, so I can put some ham into the soup too.”

“Dis sounds so good! I want some now!” Ky’nayth said.

“I hope it is. I’ve never made it before.” They got the soup base started then Victoria had them help her mix up the filling for the deviled eggs. The kids were having a blast, and when Victoria made up piping bags for the filling and let them fill the eggs, they were so excited to do “real” chef stuff.

While they were doing that, she got everything ready for the beef tenderloin. She double checked her math on the cooking time then went about prepping it for baking.

“I no sure I want mushy rooms in my steak,” Mik’kenna said.

“Oh honey, trust me, you will love this. It’s one of my favorite dishes. I don’t think I’ve made this since going to Andromeda. Always a lot of work, but it will melt in your mouth.” She washed her hands then checked on the soup. She added the last of the ingredients, lowered the temp, and went back to her tenderloins. Janice walked in and saw the tenderloins being stuffed.

“Victoria, you have turkey, ham, and now beef,” she said. “Way too much meat.”

“Tell that to Kaven,” she smiled. “I’m betting the beef will go first. That will leave plenty of turkey and ham to make soup with. I was thinking of a turkey tortilla soup. Sounds so good.”

“With lots of cheese,” Janice closed her eyes. “Yeah, I’ll tell them they have to eat the beef.” She made up a couple more pitchers of tea to take to the men. A few minutes later, Zy’nayth walked into the kitchen.

“I was supposed to have been summoned to help,” he said.

“Ky and Kenna have been doing all the hard work. Oh, the hams are too hot for me to handle, but if you can handle it, I could use some of it cubed up for the soup.”

She made a spot on the countertop and he brought in one of the roasting pans. He got one out and she showed him how much she needed cubed. Once you have it done, just dump half into each of the big pots on the stove, then you three can make the potato salad.”

The kids were washing up their hands after filling the eggs. Zy’nayth was quick about his work, then returned the roaster to the warmer. “It seems to me that you have a lot of potatoes on the list.”

“The potato salad is more for snacks through the weekend as is the soup.”

“Potato soup?”

“Dat what you put ham in,” Mik’kenna said.

“I do all this cooking today, that’s less to do over the next few days.”

“All right. I just do not like you over-exerting yourself.”

“I have three helpers, remember?”

“One who was not summoned when he should have been.” He looked at the recipe. “I believe the recipe is lacking information.”

“Hmm?”

“It just says eggs. I would not think they were raw eggs.”

“Oh,” Victoria laughed, “no. There are two dozen in the fridge that still need peeled. Then chop them up. Here, I’ll do one to show you how fine I want them,” she said and washed her hands. “Raw eggs,” she chuckled then snorted. “I wouldn’t have even thought of that.”

“You must be getting tired. It was not that funny,” Zy’nayth grinned, and watched as she chopped up the egg. “Children, can you do these other steps while I take care of the eggs?”

“We help peel first,” Mik’kenna said.

“Zy, please check my math. I messed up the ham, no big deal, they’ll keep fine, but I don’t want to mess up the tenderloins.” Victoria showed him the poundage and the time per pound and he did the math in his head and told her she was correct. She covered them, checked the clock, and put them in the ovens.

Carrots were chopped, peas were readied, then two of the pies were done. She took them out and slid in another pie and brownies, setting their timers. Then stuck her head into the living room, “If any of you are willing, could you set the tables?”

“Happy to,” Be’atta said, “got a table cloth or something? I figure this is a fancy meal and eating it on a picnic table…”

“I know where they are,” Alessa got up from a chair where she was enjoying a book.

At 2:30 as items were being wrapped up, Victoria made three different gravies, one for each type of meat, while Zy’nayth mashed the potatoes. Victoria allowed the ladies to make up tea and lemonade to serve.

The warmers were moved to tables between the living room and parlor where they’d be eating. Zy’nayth carried the hot items over while the cold items were put on the picnic and card tables they’d be sitting at. Outside the parlor doors, the snow on the patio was piling up. Victoria looked at Be’atta, “Thanks for moving the tables again, I think this gives us more room.”

“I figured we were already squished with plates, this let me bring in another card table to give us a little more since Steve, Pastor, and Julia are joining us.”

“Thanks, I forgot about them. I mean, didn’t forget, just…never mind. Okay, five more minutes and we’ll be ready.”

“I’ll take the dogs out for a quick walk,” David said. “We’ll go through the garage.”

“I’ll help,” Chris said. Kol’non and John helped as well.

They were just coming back into the house as Steve, Jacob, and Julia joined them. the family gathered in the living room, then Jacob prayed over the meal, thanking God for their extended family, prayed for his daughter’s upcoming wedding, and for a restful evening.

Victoria took a deep breath. “I hope you enjoy the meal. I have stuffed beef tenderloin, I also made turkey and ham. Gravies for each. Mashed potatoes, green bean, traditional sides. Roasted butternut squash. Kids, you’ll try it, please. A bunch of fruit dishes and plenty of dessert. Eat up!”

“Victoria, I plan on eating everything,” Kaven said, “thank you for the feast.”

“I had some great help. Ky, Kenna, and my wonderful husband worked hard. I really hope you like everything. Grab a plate and get going!”

Zy’nayth was slicing up the meats as the lines formed. The twins and mothers went through the line first, then the other women. Victoria was urged by her husband to fix her plate and sit.

“You know, you probably could take the serum tomorrow, not wait until Saturday night,” Becket said to Ja’val.

“No. I am not missing the wedding,” Ja’val didn’t hesitate. “Not for anything. I know how bad this is going to hit me and I am not missing that wedding. Nope.”

“I thought the Vice Chancellor was going to take it,” Jacob said.

“We need to tend to something with his family, it would not be a good time for him to take it,” Zy’nayth said.

“And it’s quite all right to use my name,” Ny’van said, “everyone around this table knows it including Major Kessler.”

“I thought so, but didn’t want to be wrong,” Jacob smiled. “Thank you.”

“Mommy, I love the ham,” Ky’nayth said. “Why you no make ham more often?”

“We don’t have enough pigs,” she shrugged her shoulders. “As a matter of fact, we don’t even have turkeys on our farm.”

“That’s changing,” Kaven said. “Got some with what Gren sent us. Turkeys, that is, not pigs. We got some pigs, but nothing more than what we had before the attack.”

“You know what I realized,” John said.

“Hmm?” Vince asked.

“We haven’t had a chance to have a party for Becket and Lia.”

“Don’t want or need one,” Amelia said.

“Don’t have time for one,” Becket added.

“We have to do something,” John said.

“When? Tomorrow after we’re done staining those floors?” Becket laughed.

“We did, however, get you two a gift,” Vince said.

“What? We opened gifts yesterday,” Amelia said. “I didn’t see any wedding-type gift.”

“Oh, it’s hidden in master suite over the garage,” Vince grinned.

“What is it?” Amelia asked.

“It’s not much. It was just something I saw and picked up while we were frantically doing our Christmas shopping,” Victoria said. “We haven’t even wrapped it yet.”

“What is it?” Becket asked.

“His and hers robes and slippers. I thought you could use them when you’re on the island,” Victoria smiled.

The family ate, and ate, and ate some more. They talked and laughed and chuckled. Little by little they left the tables, washing up their own dishes, grabbing a piece of pie, some ice cream, and a brownie, then made themselves comfortable in the living room.

Victoria and Zy’nayth brought down the bags of items for Becket and Amelia. It was more than matching robes and slippers. There was a 15-piece top of the line set of pots and pans. “I thought about getting you a new sofa since I know Becket didn’t have one, and that Alessa’s got a big tear in it. But I wasn’t sure how you were going to decorate, so here’s a gift card for the place I’m getting my furniture. There’s $5,000 on it.”

“What? Victoria, everyone, no…” Becket stood.

“The money is from all of us here, the entire medical staff, and the entire astrophysics staff, so nearly 75 people have contributed. The pots and pans and robes are from those of us down here,” Victoria sat in a chair and watched the couple look at the items.

Zy’nayth, having gone into the kitchen, returned with dessert for both himself and his wife. He handed her a plate then settled on the floor in front of the chair in which she was sitting. Celeste came over, sat down, her eyes following each bit of pie Zy’nayth put in his mouth.

“No, sweet girl, not for you. I am sorry. Becket, Amelia, take the money. Victoria and I have been asked what to get you. Your co-workers were concerned because with cleaning up their own chambers and settling back in, they did not have the opportunity to get you anything.”

“The invitations said not to get us anything,” Amelia said. “I made sure of that. Other than the sofa, which hadn’t been damaged when I wrote the invitations, we don’t really need anything.”

“But now you have the money for the sofa and according to your mother,” Zy’nayth grinned, “you needed the pots and pans.”

“I was only answering Victoria’s question of what I thought you needed,” Julia said. “And this pumpkin pie is delicious. I haven’t had this in quite some time.”

“Puppies!” The kids exclaimed, walking out from the kitchen, each with a paper bag, “Puppies, we has cookies for you! We made today as special surprise!”

Vince looked at Victoria, “You baked for the dogs? Victoria, I loved dinner, I love this pie, but you have done far too much.”

“I’m sleeping in tomorrow,” she replied. “At least until it’s time for us to go decorate for the wedding. Besides, I had the ingredients and you know Ky and Kenna, they wanted to get something for the dogs.”

The kids handed out the dog treats to the guardians to give to their dogs, then they settled on the floor with one treat for each of their own dogs. Victoria ate the last bite of her piece of pie, set the plate on the end table, closed her eyes, a smile on her face, and fell right to sleep.