E:A Vol 7 Ch 4—January 3, 2121

January 3, 2121

Zy’nayth made sure the dogs were settled, then he took a quick shower and dressed in his High Chancellor uniform: white leather pants, white silk shirt over a white cotton tee, calf-length white leather jacket. On days they were staying at the house with no guests other than their extended family, he wore jeans and tee shirts, only donning his leather jacket when he went outside in the cold. He walked downstairs and looked at his watch. One minute until the Third Commander’s report was due. The fact that he hadn’t called sooner reinforced Zy’nayth belief that there was not any trouble. His top commanders wouldn’t hesitate to notify him if there was a viable threat.

At the bottom of the stairs, his comlink buzzed. “Report,” he answered.

“We believe the ship stopped near Pontik.”

“At one of our bases?”

“Underground bases, sir. Whoever it is probably doesn’t know they’re there.”

“Good. Has the base been informed about scanning?”

“Yes. The documentation from First Science has been sent and I have spoken with the Base Commander personally. We have a transport that uses a route that passes Pontik twice per day on the way to and from Kiva. Standard route. They’ve also been alerted to the situation.”

“Good. Has the Second Commander been brought up to date?”

“Yes, sir. I contacted him after I talked with you.”

Zy’nayth paced. “Good. No other signs of anyone around Terra 2?”

“Nothing sir. Major Kessler even took the city-ship around the planet a few times, parked and launched three times. As far as they know, or should believe, he was flight training.”

“Good work. I will be sending the First Commander there instead of to the flagship. I would like you to take the chair here and get my ship back to Andromeda.”

“Understood.”

“I believe he and Be’atta were planning on leaving after breakfast. Approximately five hours from now. If that changes, I will notify you. When you arrive, I want a report, then you will rest before you head out. I will head up and give them instructions of things I want done before you depart. I will brief you on them when we meet.”

“Understood.”

“Good work, Commander.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Zy’nayth disconnected the call and turned when he heard one of the wooden stairs creak. Victoria, Kel’lan in her arms, was walking down. She raised an eyebrow when she realized her husband was in full uniform.

“Something wrong?”

“No. You are up quite early.”

“He needed changed and wouldn’t go back to sleep. Thought a little walk would settle him, then I heard your voice. You sure everything’s okay?”

“Yes. I do need to head up to the flagship.” He put his hand on Kel’lan’s head, “And you need to go back to sleep. Aunt Victoria needs her rest.”

Kel’lan clapped then stuck his hand in his mouth. “With that, I’ll see if he’ll settle. Will you be back in time for breakfast?”

“I will not be long. Just a few orders to hand out.” He kissed her cheek, “I love you.”

She beamed, “Love you too, High Chancellor.”

“Do not forget the president is coming tonight instead of tomorrow.”

“I remember. Not until dinner, right?”

“Correct,” he said and watched her head upstairs and his daughter yawning as she met her mother halfway. “What are you doing up?”

“I look for Saturn,” the girl replied. “It still dark. Hopefully I see something. I set alarm special so I be up to see Saturn. I want to see.”

“Kenna, it’s too early for you to be up.”

“I be fine,” the girl said heading down the stairs, holding the railing to steady herself.

“Your mother is correct. It is a bit early for you to be up and around,” Zy’nayth said, walking up the stairs and picking her up.”

“I fine. I just look. Please?”

“Fifteen minutes, then you are to return to bed.”

“Kay,” she rubbed her eyes as he carried her to the parlor where her telescope was set up.

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink after making sure she was set up to do her exploration.       “Commander, fix on my signal and teleport me to the bridge.”

Two seconds later, Zy’nayth was on the command bridge of the Raythian flagship. He informed the command crew that they would be departing for Andromeda a couple of days early, and that the Third Commander would take command. He let them know what was happening around Terra 2 and though he didn’t expect trouble, he wanted his top ships ready for anything. He also wanted the First Commander on Terra 2 in case he was wrong in his assessment of the situation.

When he finished, he teleported to the back patio and walked into the parlor where Mik’kenna was sitting by her telescope, drawing on her little notepad.

“Sweetheart, I told you fifteen minutes.”

“But I see it. I has to draw. Please Daddy? We go back to Terra 2 and I no get to see Saturn for long time. Please?”

He kissed the top of her head. “All right but it will be a long day. We have guests coming later.”

“I take nap after breakfast, I promise.”

“Then you will miss helping your mother decorate with the new furniture.”

“Oh.” The girl frowned and began to cry.

Zy’nayth lifted her up and held her close, kissing her tears away. “I will attempt to make you some breakfast. You stay here and draw Saturn. When the sun comes up, you can take a nap and I will wake you to help decorate.”

“Daddy, you no cook.”

“I can make an egg,” he smiled. “Do we have an agreement?”

“Thank you. I sorry I cry. I want to help Mommy and draw Saturn. So much to do.”

“I know. And you have been wonderful helping your brother with his train set. Stay and draw. I will make you an egg.”

She beamed, “Thank you.”

Zy’nayth went to the kitchen, found a pan, and put two strips of bacon in it. Soon he had bacon and a scrambled egg prepared for his daughter. He was quite proud of himself. “Leader of the Raythian Empire, legendary hero, more proud of this breakfast than winning a war,” he chuckled to himself. He poured a glass of juice then took the food to his daughter.

“Here you go, sweetheart,” he said, setting the items on a table near her. “I will get one of those trays. One moment.” He found a TV tray and set it up beside her. “May I look through your telescope?”

She nodded as she turned in her seat, then said a little prayer, giving thanks for her food. He looked at the planet, made a couple of comments then looked at her sketch. “You are sketching has improved much in the last couple of days. You have picked it up quickly.”

“It just lines,” she said as she took a bite of her bacon.

“Still, your improvement over the last few days is quite remarkable. You are very gifted, Mik’kenna.” He left her to finish her breakfast and her sketch, as he went to clean up the small mess he’d made in the kitchen. He decided that he would treat his wife and son to breakfast and as the time neared for them to wake, he carried a tray of food up the stairs to the bedroom.

When Victoria asked why, he explained that he had made breakfast for Mik’kenna and felt as though he could impress his wife and son with his ability.

“She’s still up?”

Zy’nayth explained his deal with his daughter.

“As I said, the High Chancellor may need to take a firmer hand with his children,” Victoria chuckled. Ky’nayth went over to the little table as Zy’nayth prayed over their meal. He’d already eaten, so he excused himself to check on Mik’kenna. The sun was coming up and he wanted her to get at least another hour of sleep, during which time the family would be gathering for their breakfast, so she wouldn’t miss any of the decorating.

He had just crossed over to the main part of the house when he heard the squeal from his daughter. He ran down the stairs and rushed towards his daughter, coming to an abrupt halt when he turned towards the parlor.

“Becket, Amelia, we were not expecting you until tomorrow,” he said.

“Sorry to disrupt everything. We got the time zones all messed up,” Becket said, holding Mik’kenna on his hip.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yeah. John sent me a message that the president was coming today. I thought it would be good to be here, and Lia’s anxious to get our chambers on the city-ship in order.”

“House is locked up. We saw Ny’van and he double checked. I cleaned out the fridge so nothing for Victoria to worry about,” Amelia said as the parlor began to fill, everyone having heard Mik’kenna’s squeal of delight.

Lutia was the first, the study where her husband was being tended to was right next to the parlor, so they were the closest. She left the room along with the Second Science Commander who was keeping watch on his boss during the night, making sure he didn’t have any set back after taking the serum. Lutia smiled when she saw the newlyweds. After a quick hug, she went in and told her husband that they’d returned.

“He’s doing well,” the Second Science Commander told Becket. “As long as he follows orders.”

Becket peeked into the room, “Sorry to have caused the disturbance.”

“We were just getting up anyway,” Ja’val said. “Good to see you. Victoria has been nothing but a tyrant.”

“She is known for that,” Becket winked. “Crowd is forming. I want to see how you’re doing later.”

Soon, everyone was gathered around the dining room table, eating breakfast. Mik’kenna was tucked back into bed, despite wanting to stay and talk with her aunt and favorite uncle. But Zy’nayth reminded her of her promise and she dutifully kept her word.

“He cooked? Amazing,” Becket said. “I’m gone a few days and the High Chancellor has to resort to cooking.”

“He did good,” Ky’nayth said, sipping some juice and munching on another piece of bacon, despite having already eaten.

“I want to make sure you won’t need me here,” Amelia said. “I still have a lot to move into Becket’s chambers…our chambers…and well, there’s still so much to do. I want to get some of it done before I head back to work Monday.”

“If you’re talking in terms of interviewing Zachary and Hannah, I don’t think you’re needed,” Vince said.

“Then if you guys don’t mind, I’d like to head back to Terra 2.”

“But please return for dinner,” Victoria said.

“I will. We’re staying here through the weekend, right?” Amelia looked at her husband.

“I believe so.”

“Then I need to bring us back some clothes.” She was sitting away from the table because Rusty was in her lap. She’d been worried the puppy would have forgotten her, but he seemed to remember both her and Becket, though probably not as his guardians. “I hope this little guy wasn’t any trouble.”

“No. He good boy, but there are swarmies and he might be scared on Terra 2. If he get scared, you has him talk to Scout or Hero. They settle him and help him not be afraid,” Ky’nayth said. “If need, I come up.

“Swarmies?” Amelia asked.

“Some minor earthquakes,” Vince said.

“Any injuries?” Becket asked.

“No. The shaking isn’t getting through the city-ship’s shields,” Vince said. “The dogs, however, sense it. Lia, your parents will get you caught up, I’m sure.”

“Okay,” she smiled. “I’ll try to be here around 3:00 just to get our things put away. Should I bring Rusty back with us or have him stay with Mom and Dad?”

“Bring please,” Ky’nayth said. “Sissy be upset that she not get to say bye.”

“Your sister will understand, but Rusty is welcome to return with you,” Zy’nayth smiled at Amelia.

After walking Amelia to the bridge portal, Zy’nayth and Becket returned to the dining room where everyone was still sitting and chatting. “Now that you have all eaten,” Zy’nayth said, “shall we begin work?”

“What work?” Becket asked.

“Victoria bought furniture yesterday. It is still boxed. We need to unpack and set things up.”

“Of course I’d show up for that,” Becket laughed.

“I’ll take care of the dishes,” Lutia said.

“Let’s all help,” John said. “Get it done. Becket, you want to check over your star patient?”

“I’d like to see the charts,” Becket said. “He’s looking good. I hope the charts reflect that. Uh, Victoria, can I borrow your med kit? Didn’t come with mine.”

“On the dresser in the study.”

“Sorry, love.”

She waved him off as everyone got up and began clearing the table. Everything was cleaned up in short order then Victoria led them to the new living room. “Mik’kenna…”

“Zy went to get her,” John said.

“I here, Mommy!” the girl came running in, dressed, hair combed, bright eyed. “I set alarm and took bath and I ready to help decorate!”

The group began in new bedrooms. Items were unwrapped, bedframes and dressers were assembled, and Victoria let her daughter help with how each room should be arranged. As the group worked, they talked about the president’s two children: Zachary and Hannah. Vince, who was friends with the president long before he got into politics, knew the kids, though it had been a few years since he’d seen them.

“Both are intelligent, but as a sort of uncle to them, I’m a bit biased,” he said, holding the dresser’s mirror in place as John attached it. “I’m not sure I should be the one making the final call on this.”

“I’m already concerned about Hannah being so young,” Becket said.

“Now you, of all people,” Janice chided, “should not be holding youth against her.”

“She’s only twenty,” Becket said, “ninety percent of our city is inaccessible, we still haven’t figured out who has been sabotaging us, and despite our ever-strenthening relationship with the Rayth, 99% of the Raythian Empire still feeds on humans, they are still gathering, and our people are still finding themselves in danger when off-world. She’s just a kid. I was young when I got my doctorate, yes, but I was on Earth in a very safe environment.”

“Doctorates, plural,” Janice said.

“I’m a kid,” Mik’kenna said, “I ‘kay on Terra 2.”

“Yes but that’s because you have the strongest man in the galaxy and his entire fleet to take care of you. Hannah will not have that security,” Becket said.

“Maybe we get her puppy,” Mik’kenna said. “Celeste take good care of me too.”

“We do need to remember,” Victoria said, “that Holly wants her to finish her schooling, so she would be a couple years older before coming to Andromeda.”

“But if she is as good as Holly says she is,” Lutia chimed in, “we could use the help now, and really, there’s not a better place to learn than in Andromeda.”

“That part would be up to her parents,” Victoria said. “But our Chief Medical Officer already seems to be against the idea.”

“I will be open-minded about it,” Becket said, “but I really am concerned about her youth.”

“In all honesty,” John said, “Chris was only twenty-five when we first crossed over into Andromeda. Many of my team are young.”

“They’re also trained combatants, and if I recall correctly, they have to have served in combat here on Earth,” Becket said in his smooth Scottish accent. “And I don’t think that is enough to prepare anyone for some of what we’ve encountered.”

“Guys, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. She may turn out to just be an average nurse,” Janice said, “and we won’t want her anyway. I’m beat, are we at least half-way done yet?”

“What about the cat?” Ky’nayth asked.

“What cat?” John asked.

“Mr. Michael said they had a cat,” Ky’nayth said, “we no have place for cat. We haven’t talked to puppies ‘bout cat yet. So much to do. If puppies no like cat, maybe she not come ‘cause we no have cat with puppies.”

“Perhaps now is the time to talk with the puppies,” Zy’nayth suggested.

“Sissy, I know you want to decorate, but Daddy right. We has to talk to puppies.”

“I think it’s time to take a break for lunch,” Lutia said.

“Kay. We be back soon as can,” the girl said, taking her brother’s hand and running down the hallway to where the dogs were “penned” in the old living room.

Lutia and Janice went and put together a quick lunch of burgers and fries. As everyone gathered in the dining room, the twins said that they did their best to let the dogs know they weren’t to hurt the cat and to try to be friends with it.

“What do we have left to do?” John asked, piling toppings on his burger.

“Three bedrooms and the new living room,” Victoria said.

“I say we get the living room done first,” Vince scooped out a serving of fries onto his plate, “that way we have that area done for when the guests arrive.”

“Good idea,” John said, then took a bite of the burger. “Mmm, perfect.”

“I think the only items in the living room that need assembly are the lamps,” Victoria said. “It should be easy to unwrap and move everything into position. Sorry for making you do all of this before our guests arrive.”

“Not your fault that he wanted to come early,” John said. “We’ll be fine.”

“I’d probably be better help by prepping dinner,” Janice said.

“I’m not doing a big dinner tonight. I’m beat as it is,” Victoria shook her head and sighed. “Fried chicken, mashed. Easy enough.”

“I can whip up a big salad. Maybe use up another cake mix,” Janice said.

“That would be great,” Victoria said. “I can’t even think straight. Everything is sore.”

“Victoria, you haven’t had much of a vacation,” Janice said, “I can handle fried chicken. You rest this afternoon as much as you can. I insist.”

“I’m here to watch over Ja’val,” Becket said, “take it easy. Just sit and point where you want the furniture. Janice can cover cooking, Ja’val is getting along swimmingly, you can take an afternoon off.”

“I also insist,” Zy’nayth winked at his wife. “I should have told the president to wait a day as planned.”

“It’s fine. I’m fine but I am going to take Janice up on her offer. I planned a big dinner for tomorrow.”

Finishing up the last rooms was quicker. The men had their routine for putting beds and dressers together, so they did their thing and Victoria just pointed to where she wanted things put. By 3:00, they were done. Victoria would deal with the few decorations later. It was time to get ready for the guests.

Zy’nayth drew everyone’s attention to give them a couple of reminders. “Do not say anything about the bridge portal in the barn, nor anything about the tunnel downstairs that leads from the house to the barn. If anyone bridges over from Terra 2, remember, should you be asked, that they are bridging to my flagship in orbit then teleporting down to the basement. I have sent word to Christopher that either Vince or John is to be alerted about anyone bridging here, that way we can be prepared.”

“You get that door in place to hide the tunnel from the basement?” Victoria looked at her husband.

He smiled, “I did.”

“How are we going to leave if they’re not to know about the bridge?” Vince asked. “And I thought your flagship was headed back to Andromeda.”

“The president need not know where my flagship is located. If anyone needs to leave, go to basement. All of you have the codes to the hidden door. Just make sure no one follows you downstairs and that you close the tunnel door before you leave. On another note, tomorrow evening, after our dinner, I am taking the children for a flight in my cruiser to let Mik’kenna get a more up close look at Venus and Saturn which seem to be her two favorite planets.”

“Can I drive?” Ky’nyath said.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth replied to the surprise of everyone, especially the three-year-old boy.

“Really?”

“Really.”

He frowned, “By self?”

“I will be at the co-pilot controls,” Zy’nayth said. “I will only take over if you go off course or something happens that will put us in danger, but you will plot the course and take us to Venus.”

Ky’nayth didn’t know what to do. His father wouldn’t tease him about something like this, but he wasn’t sure. “Daddy, you no joke with me. I really want to pilot.”

“I am not joking. You have studied the controls, the manuals, and have done well in the simulations and the few times I have let you pilot when sitting on my lap. I think it is time to see how well you do on your own. As I said, I will not do anything unless you put us in danger. I want you to make out your own flight plan. I will check it when we get ready to launch.”

Mik’kenna gave her brother a big hug, “I so ‘cited for you! You do good Bubby!”

“Uh, again, if your flagship isn’t in orbit, where’s your cruiser?” John asked.

“John, you must learn to be more attentive. It is behind the barn.”

Ky’nayth giggled, “Daddy hide cruiser in snow!”

***

They heard the presidential shuttle approach and moments later the door chimed. Victoria hurried over and answered it, welcoming Michael, Holly, Hannah, Zachary, and their cat, Ruffles, into the home.

“Zachary, Hannah, this is my husband, the High Chancellor. You may address him as such or as Chancellor,” Victoria said.

“Dad told us about titles and that Rayth don’t give out their names,” Zachary said, then gave Zy’nayth a proper bow. “An honor to meet you, sir.”

“And these are our twins, Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna who tried to prep the dogs for the introduction of the cat. We have some new puppies who might not be as cordial, but the twins can keep the older dogs in check.”

“Does Ruffles bite?” Mik’kenna asked, eyeing the cat in Hannah’s arms.

“She never has,” Holly replied.

Mik’kenna held out her hands for the cat, “I hold please.”

Hannah looked unsure but her mother gave her a nod.

“Hi Ruffles, I’m Mik’kenna,” she said then looked back up at Holly as she held the cat at arm’s length, “she not shaped right.”

“She’s a Munchkin breed, her legs are a lot shorter than normal cats.”

“I no hear of Munchkin. She’s cute. Kay, Ruffles, I introduce you to puppies. Big puppies won’t hurt you, baby puppies are still puppies, they no know better. Please no bite them.”

While Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth began the introductions of the animals, Victoria quickly managed to get the humans and Rayth all introduced to each other. “The master bedroom is ready for you, and I can show Hannah and Zachary to rooms upstairs. Let you get a few things unloaded. It’ll be about thirty minutes before dinner is finished.”

Ky’nayth carried Ruffles back to Hannah. “Here. She need to know where you room is. Puppies met her. I no sure if they friends or not but we help them be friends.”

“Thank you,” Hannah said, taking her cat.

Zy’nayth, Vince, and John helped them move their luggage in, though they had attendants to help with the move. By the time that was done, Janice and Lutia had the table set and food spread out for a family-style meal.

“I locked Ruffles in my room,” Hannah said, “while we eat.”

“That’s fine,” Victoria smiled at the younger woman. “Everyone, sit wherever you’d like. We’ve been rather busy so the dinner I had planned on serving you won’t happen until tomorrow night. Thanks to Janice and Lutia, we have food for dinner tonight. I don’t think I could have made a boiled egg at this point.”

Zy’nayth explained about the furniture and a few things on Terra 2 that had happened since he’d last see the president. Then he turned to the president’s son. “Zachary, I understand that you are an engineer?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Has your father explained that I’m willing to give you a thorough grilling,” Vince said, “if you want to come and work on Terra 2?”

“Yes, General.”

“You interested?”

Zachary’s green eyes lit up, “Oh yes, sir!”

“Well, just so you know, I’ll only be asking some standard questions. David here is a former fire chief and fire inspector, but he’s got quite a knack for structural engineering. He’ll be with us when we have our chat, as will that guy over there, the First Science Commander. My Chief Engineer, Jack Burgeon, will be here tomorrow. He and the First Science Commander will handle most of the interview. First Science probably knows more about Terra 2 and the city-ship than we do. And Hannah, are you interested in being a nurse in Andromeda?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, “and Mom said that she didn’t want me going because I’m only twenty. But I’ll be fine. She just worries too much.”

“For good reason,” he said. “I’m sure they told you that Victoria is one of our doctors, and that guy over there is our Chief Medical Officer. He’d be your boss. Lutia is one of our Alpha Team nurses, and Janice is our head nurse. All four of them were with the first team that went to Andromeda.”

“We’ll conduct the interviews tomorrow after breakfast, if that’s all right with the two of you. I can’t get Jack here any sooner, and I won’t interview an engineer without him despite having full confidence in the First’s ability to assess your abilities. Also, keep in mind that because I’ve known you since you were babies, I will not make the final decision regarding whether or not you join the Expedition: Andromeda team. John, Becket, the High Chancellor, and Jack Burgeon will come to an agreement. I will rely on them. If they say no, I will not override that decision.”

Vince didn’t tell them he would also have two Andromeda natives join them. He wanted Be’atta for Zachary’s interview simply because he wanted to see his response to her without knowing she was a member of the Alpha Team and one of E:A’s top warriors. Kaven was wanted for Hannah’s interview because, as Becket said, he was in the infirmary more than most due to his rather vigorous training, and his propensity to jump head first into battle. As a frequent patient, he would be a good one to size up the skills of the aspiring nurse.

Zy’nayth would remain with his wife in assessing Hannah, and Kol’non said he would float between the two interviews as would Amelia, who said she’d serve more as hostess during the process since Victoria, Janice, and Lutia would all be involved with Hannah.

Ky’nayth thought it best if he sat in on Zachary’s interview to learn what happens during one, and to see how hard the questions were. Mik’kenna, who wasn’t interested in building things, wanted to stay with Uncle Becket.

Zachary’s interview would be pretty straight forward. Jack and Ja’val would present complex theoretical questions just to see Zachary’s thinking process, as well as his logic and reasoning skills. David and Be’atta would be observers, both good at “reading” people.

Hannah’s interview would be very different, mainly due to the type of work. It had been decided that though Becket was the CMO, Victoria would lead the interview, with Becket, Lutia, and Janice suppling questions to Victoria beforehand and asking a few as the interview progressed. Becket wanted to watch her reactions. Kaven, like Be’atta, was just as good at reading people, and he’d throw in his own questions that he’d come up with to try and throw the young woman off.

As the family retired for the night, thoroughly exhausted, Mik’kenna climbed up into the bed with her parents.

“What is wrong?” Zy’nayth asked her as she curled herself on his lap.

“I no know. Bad feely. Maybe ‘cause of cat.”

“Do you feel sick? Itchy?” Victoria asked, thinking maybe her daughter was having an allergic reaction to cat hair.

“No. Feel fine.”

Zy’nayth put his hand over her heart and allowed his energy to flow into her and search for illness. He found nothing. “Do you feel as if something bad is going to happen?” he asked.

“No. Just bad feely. Something not right. It prolly just having cat here.”

“Sissy,” Ky’nayth climbed up next to her, “Ruffles no be problem. Puppies being good. And ‘member tomorrow I fly you to Venus and Saturn! That be fun!”

Mik’kenna brightened and hugged her brother. “I so proud you pilot. You do good job. You be pilot for flagship soon!”

Zy’nayth held both of his children close as Cinnamon kept trying to jump up on the bed. “I believe a certain puppy is feeling left out. Do you two want to stay up here with us, or back down in your sleeping bags?”

“I sleep on floor so Cinnamon no be trouble,” Ky’nayth said.

“Me too.”

“You sure?” Victoria asked her daughter.

“Yeah. I fine. Can I has special prayer?”

“Of course,” Zy’nayth kissed the top of her head then began to pray.