E:A Vol 6 Ch 20—December 27, 2120

Chapter 20: December 27, 2120

“There she is,” Karken’al said, rising up out of the command chair. “That, my friends, is a relic of an ancient war. Still flying true…and uncloaked. They must be confident there are no rebels near.”

The city-ship the Expedition: Andromeda crew inhabited just came into view of Karken’al’s cloaked ship. It was enormous. Built to be a mobile city, she was also armed and shielded, ready for combat. After 10,000 years, she had just seen battle and held up well, a testament to the builders. Karken’al smiled. Even with the technology at his disposal on his flagship, there was an elegance about that city-ship that wasn’t seen in any modern ship designs. He walked towards the enormous viewscreen. “She is beautiful.”

“That she is,” Tel’lok said. “Wouldn’t mind trying to fly that thing.”

“Agreed. Keep us hidden. Let her pass then follow at a distance.”

“Scans, sir?” Jil’ana asked.

Karken’al shook his head. Something told him not to attempt to scan the ship. “No. Just follow her.”

***

“I know there was a blip,” the Fourth Pilot said from one of the four workstations in the control room of the city-ship.

The Third Commander called up the recorded scan and ran it again. “Probably one of our satellites.” He looked at the readings. No, those weren’t the signals a Rayth satellite sent out. He gave an order for a wide-angle scan. He checked the shields and bumped up the next several layers so they were at maximum shielding.

***

“They’re scanning,” Tel’lok said. “And have increased their shields.”

“Power down engines,” Karken’al said then opened ship-wide communications. “We are powering down all systems. Be ready for a quick restart if needed.”

Tel’lok followed the orders and let the ship drift, not even adjusting their trajectory with thrusters. For all intents and purposes, they were adrift.

Jil’ana walked up to Karken’al, “I don’t like this,” she said. “From what we know of the inhabitants, they wouldn’t detect us. Someone else must be running that ship.”

“I think you’re right. Get to your station.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied and went back to the science station.

***

“It was just one blip in the scan,” the Third said to Zy’nayth, “nothing showing on any of our other scans.”

“Did you scan for Rayk energy?” he asked.

“First thing I ordered,” the Third answered. “Nothing. Could they have altered their power source?”

“Not this fast. And to our knowledge, there are only five ships out there. The old Rayth warship model. Keep all shields at full power.”

“Already done. Should I head towards where we found the blip?”

“No. Send the coordinates to me, I will have the Second Ship investigate. You have a ship full of battle-weary humans. No need to worry them.”

“Understood.”

“Continue to Terra 2, cloaked. If anything else shows up, contact me and the First immediately.”

“Understood.”

Zy’nayth disconnected that call then called the Second Commander and relayed the information and coordinates to him. “I do not think it is a rebel ship. I am not sure what it is. I am having First Science look at the scans. Just take a look. I am aware that it will take you several hours to get there. Scan along the way.”

“Engage if it is a rebel ship?”

“Yes. Same orders still stand. Disable, apprehend the crew.” He paused. “Second, something is not right. I do not think it is a rebel ship, but it was not just a blip. Be careful.”

“Always, sir.”

“Keep me informed.”

***

“Picking up communications,” Jil’ana said. “Mythican ship to Earth. Want me to try to pick up the signal?”

“No. Nothing. We sit and wait for the ship to pass. ETA?”

“Six minutes,” Tel’lok said.

“Let her get out of scan range, then fire up the engines. We will need to get out of here. Plot a course, an obtuse course. My guess is that there will be a Rayth ship coming to investigate the area, perhaps even supply an escort for that ship.”

“Sir, you think Rayth are flying that ship?” one of the officers asked.

“I am unsure of who is flying it, but can you name another race who’d have the knowledge to do so?” he tried to deflect any questions about what he knew and didn’t know. Right now, he knew there was communication between that ship and Earth. He knew that ship picked up their initial scan and began scanning in return, something, he believed, only a Rayth Commander would have noticed and performed. With the Raythian flagship still in orbit around Earth, it was highly likely that the High Chancellor was on Earth and had been informed of the scan. If accurate, he would be sending a ship to investigate. Given that there may still be rebel ships out there, he wouldn’t be sending a science vessel, it would be a warship.

There were no further questions from his command staff, but he knew he’d have to make a ship-wide announcement. He couldn’t let this go on any further, his crew deserved to know the truth.

***

“What is it?” Victoria asked her husband.

“Nothing. A blip on a scan.”

“Which is why you had Ja’val look at it and called your Second and talked to your First?”

“I am being cautious.” He looked at his watch. “Are you still headed to the city-ship in a few minutes?”

“Zy, should we stay here?” she lowered her voice.

“No. I do not believe it was rebels. I may excuse myself from the decorating team and hang around the control room. Perhaps push the engines. I have them going rather slow.”

“All right. But you…you have to keep that ship safe and out of dangers. We’ve been through too much…”

“Victoria, I will do my best. I do not believe that it is in danger.”

“Hey all, ready?” Amelia said, looking excited.

“Yeah, we’re rounding up the dogs. I’m not sure if Steve realizes what he’s getting himself into with watching all fourteen of them,” Victoria’s smile hid her worry. “Let’s help the kids with the round up.” She glanced at her husband and frowned. He gave her a loving smile and whispered that everything was all right.

The decorations for the wedding were simple. Some bunting around the entrance, along the aisle, around the new piano, anchored with giant white bows. There was one large bouquet of red roses, also on the piano. Aside from that, white linen table cloths had been purchased for the reception. They were just a basic white and would be donated to the storage hold where items, such as this, could be used by anyone upon signing them out.

Once the decorations were done, Jacob ran his daughter, Becket, and the twins through the paces for the following day’s event. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen. Since everything was short notice, Amelia wanted it kept simple. She had already talked to her closest friends, telling them that if they weren’t in the middle of cleaning up the city-ship, celebrating the end of year holidays, and returning to Terra 2 after an attack, they would have been part of her wedding. Becket relayed the same sentiment to his closest friends. His brother and sister back on Earth were another matter. He couldn’t tell them he was getting married because the wedding would be on the city-ship and technically, he wasn’t allowed to say anything about Expedition: Andromeda, even though his name had been in the news as being associated with the crew.

He prayed with Jacob and Vince on how best to handle it. He knew his brother and sister were already angry at him for not being there when their mother died. He was supposed to be this brilliant doctor, but he couldn’t stop by and assess her condition. He didn’t even know she was ailing until he got word that she passed. Now to get married and not even tell his remaining family about it would only make their relationship even more difficult. When Vince said there was absolutely no way the Oversight Committee would grant approval for his brother and sister, and their spouses and children to go to the city-ship, the three men decided it was best to not tell the family anything until afterwards. They were getting married rather suddenly, so Becket could say they eloped. Amelia had met his family, and they probably guessed marriage was in the future, but Becket hated keeping them in the dark about everything.

“All right, we’re off to Kiva. I’m stocking the fridge for you,” Victoria said as they finished up with the rehearsal, such as it was. “Then we’ll meet you back on Earth. Anything I’m forgetting,” she turned to her husband who shook his head. The couple, with the twins, first picked up the dishes Amelia’s friends made: a few casseroles, fruit basket, brownies. Then a quick stop back on Earth to pick up what Victoria had made and gathered together for the week-long stay.

“You sure you don’t mind them staying in your bedroom?” Victoria asked her husband.

“Our bedroom,” he replied. “I do not mind. Did you put the note…”

“Yes. It tells them how to open and close the iris and where clean sheets are for that enormous floor-covering mattress that I absolutely love.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for letting them stay here.”

“It is not fancy, but it is peaceful and the neighbors will not disturb them. They need a place away from Earth and the city-ship, if only for a week.”

They went out to the backyard where the twins were picking most of the ripe fruits and vegetables. Victoria had several baskets into which they went, then they carried them to the greenhouse. She had sent a message to their island neighbors that due to not being able to have access to her garden for a week, she would pick what was ready and leave it in the greenhouse for those who wanted. She kept one shopping bag of fresh veggies for their stay on Earth, and there was plenty close to being ripe so that if Becket and Amelia wanted something, it would probably be ready.

“When you be back?” T’san, one of the twins’ friends asked.

“I no know. We has week of holly day, den I no sure. Oh, we go to see Vice Chancellor son,” Ky’nayth looked to his father, “I no sure how long be there.”

“Perhaps a week for that. It depends on many things. But I will try to get the family back here early in the month for a day or two.”

“With Baxter and Celeste?” the boy asked.

“Yeah. We just no bring dem dis time ‘cause we on time crunch and you know dem, dey get to ‘sploring and stuff,” Ky’nayth explained. “Plus dey with their bubbies and sissies.”

“Kay. I see you later. Have good trip,” the boy said as the Zy’nayth entered the bridge code for Victoria’s estate on the portal control panel.

December 28, 2120

The wedding was simple though Amelia’s dress was a flowing mass of silk elegance. It had been her mother’s. Both Jacob and Julia thought their daughter looked stunning. Becket, in his tuxedo looked as handsome as ever. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna were the perfect little additions as ring bearer and flower girl.

Victoria was surprised, not only did everyone invited attend, including Rayth scientists that worked with Becket on many issues, but everyone on the city-ship crowded into the usually-never filled sanctuary. While everyone in the E:A crew knew and had been treated by Becket at some point, Amelia wasn’t as well-known…at least until the entire crew inhabited Victoria’s estate. Amelia was often helping others by either being a shoulder to cry on, just being a friend, or helping with various chores. She’d made a lot of friends that she never even realized.

Following the ceremony, everyone went to the shuttle bay where the cake and ice cream, and cupcakes for everyone, was served. Given the Christmas party, and just the tiredness of nearly everyone on board, Becket and Amelia said it was just the cake, some chatting, then they planned on taking off for their honeymoon. No one could blame them. Every single person had been through two and a half months of stress, hard work, and terror. They, too, wanted to just sit back and relax. So a little over an hour after the first slice of cake was made, Becket and Amelia went, changed clothes and, escorted by Zy’nayth, his island home.

He told them the security code as he set their luggage inside. “Please, if you are not here, use the code. Becket knows how to get to the beach, and, I believe, knows everyone in the village. Amelia, Victoria has all kinds of food in the kitchen. A note about getting more if needed. Both of you know that you can contact me at any time if needed.” He gave Amelia a kiss on her cheek. “Enjoy your time with your husband.” He then shook Becket’s hand. “You are a true friend, Becket McKenna. Enjoy your time with your wife and know that we will all be praying for both of you. You both have my love and may you have many, many years of joy together.”

Amelia was nervous and tired. She could only nod, but had the presence of mind to give the Rayth a kiss on his cheek and thanked him for use of his home.

“Thank you,” Becket said. “And if I’m needed to help with First Science, call.”

“I will only do so if absolutely necessary. I am sure Second Science and my wife can handle the situation,” he gave them a bow and returned to the bridge portal.

***

“I thought flowers were perfect,” Mik’kenna said as the family regrouped at Victoria’s estate.

“Everything was perfect,” Janice said. “Minimalist. The couple were the centerpiece, the way it should be.”

“Agreed,” Victoria said. “Okay guys, there’s tons of soup in the fridge, leftover turkey, ham, and a bit of everything else. I’m not cooking. You know how to use the warmer.” She slid back on the sofa and closed her eyes. “I’m beat. Been a very long week.”

“Unfortunately, you probably have a long evening ahead of you,” Zy’nayth said, “Second Science should be here shortly.”

Victoria nodded and after a moment, opened her eyes and stood. “Janice, Lutia, let’s get things finalized.”

“I had all of the equipment brought over. It’s set up in our room upstairs,” Ja’val said.

“You sure you want to do this here?” Victoria asked.

“It’s more convenient for you since you’ll be cooking for us.”

“I can cook,” Lutia frowned.

“I assumed you’d be at my side, tending to my every need. Plus you have to watch over Kel’lan and Cinnamon. We’ll be a handful for my beautiful wife.”

“Last chance. You positive?” Victoria asked again.

“I am.”

Second Science’s arrival was noticed by the dogs who all headed for the basement steps, wagging their tails, a couple of barks, and a lot of prancing. He walked up with another Rayth Science Commander who had been working on the serum alongside Ja’val.

“Becket and I prepped the serum this morning,” Ja’val said as they headed up to the guestroom. “While you get things organized the way you want them, I’m going to put on my uh…smock.” He took the hospital gown that was on top of the dresser and let out a long sigh. “I’m nervous.”

“Then we will pray,” Zy’nayth said, having followed them up. He called downstairs to have everyone assemble so they could pray, after which, Ja’val went to the master bathroom and changed.

“Things are too cramped,” Victoria said. “If we have to perform any procedure, this isn’t the best set up.” She looked at her husband, “I can’t rely on Rayth healing if something goes wrong. It tends to have an adverse effect on the patients.”

“What about the study? It has more room. Or are you saying you want him on the flagship?”

“I’ll be fine,” Ja’val said. “I’ve checked, double checked, triple checked…I’m going to be sick, but I’m not going to have any sort of episode.”

Zy’nayth looked at Victoria, “I trust him; I trust you. I want you to be comfortable with the situation.”

“If it helps, we’ve both rechecked his dosage and such,” the Second Science Commander said. “As did Dr. McKenna. He was confident enough to have it done here.”

“I know, he told me,” Victoria said.

“That’s four to one,” Ja’val said.

“Lutia, Janice, gut feel?” Victoria turned to her top nurses, and a very dear friends.

“I’d be more comfortable in the study for the first twenty-four hours. More room without having to go to the flagship,” Janice said. “Listen, I’ve done this with the High Chancellor and First Commander and we can’t count him because of his abilities. I’ve helped on Tarnia. I’m with the other four, he’ll get sick, really sick, but nothing we’ll need to perform surgery for.”

“Lutia. He’s your husband. Honey, you give the word, despite the protests, I’ll have him on the flagship,” Victoria took her hand. “This will be hard on you. It was for me, it was for Be’atta. It’ll be great to have family right here under the same room to cook for you, watch Kel and Cinnamon, all right here. But medically speaking, yes, I’d prefer in an OR area.”

“Study?” Lutia looked at her husband.

“If Victoria approves it.”

Victoria turned to her husband, “The study. Let’s do it. We’ll have to move Ky’s train.”

“Gather together what you need. Second, can you carry the items down? I am going to move furniture.” He hurried down the stairs. “Ky’nayth, please do not hate me but I am going to have to take your train set apart. Your uncle is having the serum treatment in the study.”

“Okay. Sissy, help please. I no has much.” Zy’anyth ran back upstairs and grabbed two of the machines and carried them down, followed by the two Science Commanders, each with two machines.

Victoria directed where the machines should be put, as she pulled the bed out of the sofa. “Be’atta,” she ducked and waved, to get her attention, “Can you get me a clean set of sheets?”

“On it,” Be’atta said.

“Mik’kenna, bring down towels and washcloths. Set them on the dresser. We’re going to need a trashcan. Put a new liner in it, double it.”

“I’ll do that,” Be’atta said and excused herself.

Ja’val walked in, holding the smock tight, not fond of the design. “You check those pillows are they comfortable enough?” Victoria asked him.

It was ordered chaos for twenty minutes as things were moved and rechecked. Finally, the patient was in the bed and a baseline was taken of each vital sign. “Equipment is ready. The patient is shaking,” the Second Science Commander said.

“The patient,” Ja’val frowned, “is still nervous. I hate getting sick.” He drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I guess now I’ll be a better ‘doctor’ when I administer this to others. Okay, I’m ready.”

“Everyone out except Janice, the Science Commanders, and my husband,” Victoria said. “Lutia, out for now. You know the drill, out for at least thirty.”

Lutia let their son kiss his father, then she did as well. “I’m right outside that door,” she said. “And you know these guys will take care of you until I can pamper you.”

“I look forward to the pampering,” he smiled, “though not the sickness.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Third Science, you are currently in charge of matters until Second Science is assured of First’s condition. We are about to administer the serum.”

“Understood,” came the reply. Then Zy’nayth prayed one more time for his friend. Janice noted the time on her tablet, checked the monitors then gave Victoria a nod. She opened the small case which held the three syringes had been prepared. The Second Science Commander handed her each one. All three shots went into one arm.

“Done,” she said and chuckled. “Relax. Tension will only make things worse.”

“Trying.”

“Breathe along with me,” Janice said, “long slow breaths in and out.” Victoria watched the monitors along with the two Rayth scientists. The first ten minutes were crucial. After thirty minutes it was almost certain that there’d be no reaction to the serum, but Ja’val would be monitored by herself, Second Science, the other Science Commander with him, Janice, and of course Lutia, for the next twenty-four hours. At least one Rayth would be in the room at all times as well as one human counterpart.

“Science, breathe,” Victoria ordered, when his heart rate and blood pressure began to skyrocket. “This is just your nerves. Deep breaths, follow Janice’s lead.”

“I’m scared,” he admitted. “More than I thought I would be.”

“Breathe.”

“You have been through worse,” Zy’nayth said.

“Not by choice,” Ja’val managed to chuckle. “I’m putting myself through this. What was I thinking?”

“You were thinking about the lives you are saving by not having to feed on their energy,” Zy’nayth said. “You were thinking about your son’s future.”

“Dizzy. Nausea. Headache,” Ja’val said. “All at once.”

Janice noted it in the tablet, along with the time, even as she continued to coach Ja’val through the deep breathing.

“All normal,” Victoria said, taking his hand, “you know it’s normal.”

“That’s the problem, I know what to expect,” he said and took another long breath.

At the thirty minute mark, Ja’val was extremely nauseous and dizzy, but all of his vitals were strong and there were no signs of rejection or reaction.

“Commander, you can return to the flagship. Relieve me in two hours,” Second Science said. “The rest is just monitoring him.”

“I will also step out,” Zy’nayth said, “but I will be in the living room if needed.”

“Lutia, you can come in now,” Victoria said. “Janice, you can take off. I’ll stay this first shift.”

“You have something I can make broth with?” Janice asked.

“Chicken and roast. Don’t worry about it today. We’ll keep the IVs until tomorrow.”

“I’d rather have it done and ready. I don’t think he’ll stomach any of your leftovers.”

“Okay. Remember, his has to remain bland.”

“I remember,” Janice smiled at him, “you’re doing good.”

“No I’m not,” he smiled.

“Daddy,” Ky’nayth approached his father when he exited the study, “Daddy, I no place for train now. I no mean be bother, but I want to play with it.”

Zy’nayth lifted him up, propped him on a hip and kissed his nose. “I have the perfect place.”

“You do?”

“I do and there is no furniture to get in the way. Vince, shall we move the train items to the new living room? The stain should be dry.”

Ky’nayth clapped and kissed his father’s cheek. “Love you! Dis perfect!”

“I’ll grab some pillows and blankets to make things a little more comfy,” Chris said. “This is gonna be fun. Ky, you don’t mind if we help, do you?”

“Everyone can help!”

“We can even use the pillows as part of the town the train has to go around,” Vince suggested, trying to give the boy ideas.

“I’m glad Science got the heat working in the new addition,” Alessa said, “otherwise it would be freezing in here.”

“Second Science knows his name,” Zy’nayth said, “you can use it with him here.”

“What about the other Commander?” Alessa asked.

“That I am not sure about, so when he is here, please resume using our titles. And thank you for being mindful of that tradition.”

“Can we light fireplace?” Mik’kenna asked, hauling in some dog toys.

“I can run out and get some wood,” Kaven said.

Zy’nayth looked out of the window, it was still snowing. Well over two feet was on the ground. “I will join you. I believe the pile in the garage is low and we will need more for the current living room.”

“Uh, I thought we were coming in here so the pups wouldn’t get at the train,” Chris said, pointing to Mik’kenna running back in with another armload of dog toys.

“We build pen for dem,” Mik’kenna said. “Dey get part of room, we get part of room.”

“We could have done that in the other living room,” Chris chuckled.

“We could have,” Zy’nayth came to his daughter’s defense, “but with all of the furniture, it would not have been practical. In here, we can use the various dog gates to block off a larger area for the pups.”

Chris winked. “Maybe I don’t want the puppies in here.”

“Uncle Chris, you stop being silly,” Mik’kenna had her hand on her hips, shaking her head. “You silliest uncle I know.”

With a large corner sectioned off for the puppies, the fireplace roaring, a few chairs brought in, Ky’nayth set about laying out track. He had no design in mind, he just wanted to see it run. Everyone who wasn’t staying in with Ja’val helped, filling a good portion of the room. Finally the time came to try it out.

Ky’nayth started up the little locomotive and blew its whistle. The dogs began barking then as the train began to move. The puppies were in the gated area, but the older seven were free to roam, and now they were all trying to investigate this moving object. They’d hop around it, sniff, bark, hop again. Ky’nayth giggled as he used the controls to speed up the train, or pull it into a station, or switch the tracks. The bells went off, he blew the whistle, and was enthralled with his new toy.

Victoria came hurrying in, “What’s with all of the barking?” Then she smiled. “Oh Ky, that’s great! This was a good place for you to set it up. And guys, the floor looks fantastic. I like the cherry a lot.”

“Could use some furniture, there, doc,” Chris said.

“I’m working on it while sitting with Ja’val,” Victoria said. “I need to get back. Try not to excite the dogs too much. It startled Ja’val a little when they all erupted at once.”

“Forgive me, I did not think about them reacting to the train in such a way,” Zy’nayth said. “We will do our best to keep them from getting too excited.”

Victoria headed back to the study and told Ja’val about the train. He smiled, then threw up into the trash can again. Lutia was worried. Kol’non hadn’t been this sick during the first hours. “You know that everyone reacts differently to things,” Victoria said. “Put your nurse’s hat on. This is all normal. You saw it on Tarnia.”

“I don’t want him to get dehydrated.”

“He’s on an IV drip,” Victoria replied and put a hand on her shoulder. “Honey, I know it’s hard, I’ve been there with my husband through this, but try to keep your medical head. We have all of these monitors, the best medical care in two galaxies, right here. Nothing will go wrong.”

“Da!” Kel’lan, having escaped the playpen set up in the living room, came crawling in. “Da!”

“Well, I’d say he’s ahead of the curve,” Victoria smiled and picked up the nearly five-month-old boy. “Crawling, and now talking.”

“His first word, too,” Lutia said, taking him from Victoria. “Daddy, did you hear your little boy?”

Ja’val’s tired eyes smiled, even though he couldn’t bring himself to do so. “My boy.”

“Sure, Mommy feeds him, changes his diaper, but he says Daddy first.”

“Technically, just ‘Da’,” Victoria chuckled as she cleaned up Ja’val’s spittle with a washcloth. “I suppose he’s picked up on your emotions. Telepathic?”

“Not this early,” Second Science said. “First is a strong telepath, but Kel’lan wouldn’t be able to pick up on it yet. I think he just heard his father throw up and was concerned.”

“Ky and Kenna, though, they could…”

“They are…unique. We don’t know how much was inherited from their father, but even for advanced Rayth, they are far beyond the curve in many areas. Not to diminish First or Kel’lan in any way, but Zy’nayth’s genetic alterations…we simply don’t know how those will be passed down. For normal Rayth, we have a very good idea.”

Be’atta walked in, hands on her hips, “I go to the washroom and you and Mari break free. What am I going to do with you?”

“He said his first word,” Lutia beamed. “Da.”

“Well, I suppose he needed you to hear it, so he escaped. You want him in here for a few?”

“Yeah. It’s his nap time. I’ll just sit here with him, if Daddy doesn’t mind.”

Ja’val nodded, afraid to open his mouth.

“Do you want something to eat? Will the aroma bother your husband?”

“Just a sandwich, nothing heated so he doesn’t have to smell it,” Lutia said. “And Kel’lan will…”

“He’s been fed,” Be’atta said, “things sounded rough in here, so I took care of it.”

“Thank you. Sandwich and maybe some veggies and dip, please. Oh, potato salad. I nearly forgot that Victoria made that. Hot tea.”

“Turkey or ham?”

“Don’t care.”

“Just bring me the same,” Victoria said when Be’atta looked at her.

“Science, you want to try anything?”

“Water, please.”

“You sure? Tons of leftovers.”

“No, thank you.”

“When are you taking the serum?” Victoria asked as Be’atta went to get their food.

“Three months from today. We have a schedule among the Science Commanders. Fourth and Fifth have taken it, as have many of our Science Officers on the flagship. Third and I will take it three months apart. I was to take it the day after the rebel attack, actually. Obviously, I had to put it off.”

“Hopefully, once you guys have recovered, we can start working on modifications or find something so that the side effects aren’t as severe. I know Becket’s been messing with ideas.”

“Such as?” Science asked as Victoria wrote down the vitals for that fifteen-minute check.

“One thing he thought about was having Rayth actually eating food a week or so before taking the serum to see if it minimized the effects. Sort of get their body used to ingesting food so that the serum isn’t as much of a shock to the system.”

“Interesting. But some Rayth already ingest food, they like the taste. It is that it doesn’t convert that food into the energy that sustains us. The serum kickstarts that process that was more or less eradicated when we were…when Rayth were ‘created’ from human and Rayk genes.”

“Like I said, he’s just tinkering with ideas now. You never know where one might lead. Case and point, the serum itself.”

“Very true.”

Zy’nayth was helping to get the seven puppies acclimated to the train, and trying to keep them from going after the little trees, people, and items that made up the little towns that Mik’kenna was setting up with help from others.

Victoria came walking in and sat down on the floor. “Janice’s turn at the bedside. He’s very sick. Think we could all pray again?”

“Of course,” Zy’nayth said, as they all joined hands. He led them in prayer then went back to handling the puppies.

Second Science walked in, “My relief has arrived. I will return in four hours, sir. Anything you need from me?”

“No. Thank you for helping out with this,” Zy’nayth said as his comlink buzzed. He held up a hand, indicating that Science was to stay until after the call. “Yes?”

“We’ve reached Terra 2. Would the general or any of his crew wish to land the ship?” the Third Commander asked.

Zy’nayth posed the question to them. “Vince and John will both be bridging over. Also, I am sending Second Science to run a diagnostic on the ship once she has landed.”

“Understood. Maintaining orbit until they arrive.

Zy’nayth ended the call and looked at Gno’toz, the Second Science Commander. “Set the program to run and to transfer the data to the flagship as it does so. There is no need for you to stay there. Your crew can watch for any issues.”

“I can send a couple Officers over to watch things until the scan is complete.”

Zy’nayth nodded, “Thank you.”

***

John took the center seat as Vince made the ship-wide announcement about landing on Terra 2. From his window, high in orbit around the planet, he saw large swaths of scorched land. It was disheartening, but it was also isolated. The rebels had only attacked where his teams had buildings, which was just a speck on the lush planet.

“How long until the grass starts taking hold down there?” he asked the Third Commander who was at the navigation controls when Vince returned to the control room.

“I believe it has. It just has to spread. There is nothing toxic from the blasts so it should not take long for plant life to blossom again.”

“Sounds like you’ve been through this a time or two.”

“Unfortunately, yes. It’s been two and a half months, and your Botany team already has had success transplanting grass from other parts of Terra 2.”

John made the announcement that he was starting landing procedures, and in minutes, the enormous city-ship was back on the gulf. People in their chambers no longer looked out to see the expanse of space, but the blue gulf and the setting sun.

“Welcome home,” John said quietly.

***

Karken’al stood in the center of the command bridge of his flagship. His image was produced on all ship-wide viewscreens. “As you know, we’ve been following an ancient Mythican ship. It is believed that a human race inhabits it. Humans from Earth.” He paused to let the name of the planet sink in. “Those of you familiar with our history will understand the significance of that statement. We also believe that these earthlings have befriended the High Chancellor of the Raythian Empire and have developed a way for Rayth to gain sustenance from food without the need for taking a human’s energy.

“That information is privy to those on this ship and one scout vessel I’ve sent to Earth. I would like to keep it that way. If this information is true, that means that there is a possibility of reconciling with Rayth, to end the war between humans and Rayth. If it is not true, then we can hope that more Rayth, those higher in the ranks, are looking for a way to make it happen.

“As you know, our Prime Minister is hostile towards the High Chancellor, so other than letting him know about the rebel Rayth attack, he has not been given the information I am revealing to you. My fear is that should he find out about this ancient ship and the possible connection with the High Chancellor, his actions could expose our people and we cannot withstand an assault by the Rayth army.

“It is my duty as the top military commander of our people to make sure that we are kept safe. To that end, I am making sure all shielding technology is up to date, among other things. I am also here to confirm that Rayth have found a way to survive on food.”

He paused again, finding the correct phrasing for his last few statements. “I am also seeking peace. If the High Chancellor is seeking peace, that if he has an alliance with the earthlings and has found a way to subsist on food, then I wish to find a way to establish peace with the Raythian Empire. However, I do not want to expose our people, I do not want to put them at any risk.

“More importantly, I want to keep our people safe from an unknown race that I believe helped the rebel Rayth in the recent attacks across the galaxy. This race has technology beyond what we know of Rayth technology, which means their offensive weapons are stronger than what Rayth could bring to bear—and these rebels and this unknown race could bring to bear on our people. It is vital that we confirm that the High Chancellor is willing to work with humans, because if he is, he and his army, may be our only hope against this unknown race.

“I hope you can understand why I am, for the time being, keeping this information from the Prime Minister. It is my duty to keep our people safe, and I will do so with any and all means available to me, even if it includes discussing protection needs with the High Chancellor of the Raythian Empire. Therefore, I again request that this knowledge remains on this ship. If you have any questions or concerns, my door is open. If you wish to go to the Prime Minister with this information, I would like the opportunity to discuss it with you first.

“That is all. Thank you.”

The broadcast feed ceased and Karken’al walked across the command bridge to his office. He hoped no one went to the Prime Minister or Leadership Council. He was very worried about this unknown technology and the people behind it.