E:A Vol 7 Ch 8—January 5, 2121

January 5, 2121

It was nearly 9:00 in the evening at Victoria’s Montana estate. Victoria was in the suite over her garage with her family and five-month-old Kel’lan, Ja’val and Lutia’s baby. She was waiting to find out what had Lt. Col. Chris Chapman worried. Earlier in the evening, Zy’nayth had gone to Terra 2 to heal Chris’ wife and daughter of a virus that had gone from bad to worse in just a matter of hours, and now Chris was now telling her they had an epidemic on their hands.

Chris, in the control room of the city-ship on Terra 2 where it was 2:00 in the morning, had received word that General Vince Cavanaugh and the others who had been at Victoria’s were bridging over. He was on his way to meet them when he called Victoria. Now he was getting everyone linked into the call.

“One more minute,” he said to Victoria, “getting First Science and Lutia on the call.”

Zy’nayth sat on the floor by the bed to check the dogs after Victoria gave him one word: “epidemic.” Mik’kenna was terrified that her precious dog, Celeste, was sick. “I knew cat bring sickies to puppies.”

“Sweetie, you heard Uncle Becket, it’s unlikely that the virus spread from animal to humans,” Victoria said, pacing as she waited.

“But it go from cat to puppies!”

“We do not know that,” Zy’nayth said. His comlink buzzed and he tapped into the conversation after telling her daughter that both dogs were worn out from the day’s activity but there was no sign of a virus. “Christopher, what is wrong?” Zy’nayth’s strong, gruff, voice came across their comlinks. “My wife said epidemic. Is everyone now linked in on the call?” The team sounded off, so Chris started.

“Whatever Alessa and Mari had, that cold or whatever, came back and spread. Sir, at least a quarter the people here are sick. Your Rayth are healing as fast as they can but it’s bad and it won’t stay away.”

Vince spoke up, “We need to prioritize. John head to bed, six hours sleep then you’ll take over for me. Chris, fill me in on all the details, then go and rest. Becket, six hours of sleep for you.”

“No,” Becket interjected. “I’ll see what’s going on. Victoria should sleep and relieve me in the morning.”

“First Science,” Zy’nayth said, “work the problem from your home. You are still weakened from the serum so I do not want you to heal anyone. Rest tonight, you can start fresh in the morning.”

“I’ll be fine. Lutia’s had it, so if I was going to be affected by it, it would have been by now. I should help Becket start getting this thing figured out right away. Don’t worry, if I start showing symptoms, I’ll let you know.”

“Science, I am giving you a direct order not to heal anyone. If Lutia gets worse, or your son comes down with it, call me or the First Commander and we will tend to them. Do I make myself clear? And Kel’lan is quite well at the moment. Sleeping soundly with Cinnamon.”

“Yes, sir. No healing. Thanks for taking care of my little guy.”

“I think he needs to rest. His Second or whomever can start working on finding a solution,” Vince said. “Then First can start fresh in the morning. His Second and Becket have worked together, your First needs rest, as does Lutia.”

“Agreed. Science, send the Second. You rest. First Commander, keep an eye on your wife and the child she is carrying. Update the warships patrolling Terra 2 space,” Zy’nayth said. “Meanwhile, I need to contact the Vice Chancellor and inform him as to what is happening. Vince, please know that I will have furniture bridged over for our new chambers. I will try to keep it minimal. Victoria will be too busy to shop and furniture is desperately needed.”

“Whatever you need,” Vince said. “Let’s all get rest, except Becket who’ll work until Victoria gets here. Victoria, six hours of sleep, then an hour to get here. That would put you at o-nine Terra 2 time. That work?”

“It will.”

“Thank you. Chris, how’s Kessler?”

“So far, fine,” Chris said.

“Good. I’ll keep him in the rotation. Anything else we need to cover now?”

“Don’t think so,” John said. “I’m off to bed.”

“Okay. I’m taking my suitcase to my quarters, then I’ll relieve you, Chris,” Vince said.

The call ended and Zy’nayth went and asked the president and his family join them in the suite. He explained the situation. “Since all of you have been exposed to this virus, it may be best if you were on Terra 2. Contact whomever you need. If this is bad enough to have the doctors on Terra 2 worried, I do not believe the doctors here on Earth could help you as well as Becket and my wife. Plus, I will have my Science team working on the problem. Because I know you were exposed, you may require Rayth healing should things take a turn for the worse. I, of course, leave the decision up to you.”

“It’s bad?” Hannah asked.

“Chris wouldn’t have called unless our medical staff said it was just a typical cold,” Victoria said.

“Let me make a few calls. What about the handful of people on the shuttle, my Secret Service detail? Should I have them return to their homes?” Michael Stewart asked.

“Send them home, that is, if you are choosing to come with us.”

“I think we should. Holly?”

“You’re the boss,” she replied. “If it’s bad, and Rayth can keep Zack and Hannah out of danger, let’s go with them.”

Michael nodded, “Let me talk to my crew and make a couple of calls.”

“Pack up a few things. Make sure your people know that you will be away, perhaps a day, perhaps a week. I cannot say. You will have regular contact with Earth; I will see to that. Pack and sleep. We will leave Earth at 4:00 in the morning.”

“If they’re coming with us,” Victoria said, “I need to clean out that fridge everything will spoil. And honey, what was that about the furniture?”

“I will find something to rent until you can select what you want.”

“And your trip to see Vice’s son?”

Zy’nayth sighed, “I am about to call Vice.”

“You should go.”

“I will discuss it with him.”

“You gave him your word.”

“I did and I will keep it. It may not tomorrow, but I will keep it.”

“I think you should go and not worry about us.”

“I will worry. Go and do what you need in the kitchen. Children, please try to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be very difficult.”

“Mommy, I can help with kitchen stuff,” Mik’kenna said, still a bit disquieted about the memories brought up of the kidnapping the family went through just a few short months ago.

“I can help,” Hannah said. “Won’t take me long to pack my stuff.”

“Kenna, honey, try to sleep. I know Kel and the pups will be all right with you two here. Daddy needs to call Vice, and I don’t want to leave Kel alone. Is that okay?”

“Yeah. We take good care of him and Cinnamon.”

“I know you will,” Victoria smiled, “but try to sleep. With him sleeping between you, he should be fine.”

With that, Victoria and Hannah headed down to the kitchen and got things ready to go to Terra 2. When Victoria returned to the bedroom, the kids were asleep, though they had packed their little suitcases before crawling into their sleeping bags. Zy’nayth was sitting in his chair, praying. She let him be, went into the bathroom to change into her pajamas. She was exhausted and knew the next few days would mean she’d get very little sleep if Chris wasn’t exaggerating how many people were sick.

Zy’nayth was sitting on the edge of the bed when she walked out of the bathroom. She sat next to him and gave him a kiss. “What did you decide about In’val?” she whispered.

“We will go after this crisis,” he replied.

She frowned but nodded. “Is your flagship back here? I know you don’t want to reveal the portal, which means your ship had to turn around right?”

“She will be here in the morning,” he sighed.

“We could show them…”

“No. Not yet.”

“That’s a lot of work just to keep it a secret. Your ship had to be close to Andromeda.”

“They were not going fast. They were doing a lot of scanning to see if they could find that mystery ship.”

“Still…”

He leaned over and kissed her. “Do not worry about my flagship. With this new mystery ship appearing, it is good that they return here for us to teleport up and bridge from there. It allows them the opportunity to re-scout the system.”

“Okay, High Chancellor. Good night.”

“I need to tend to a few things. I will not be long.”

“You need rest.”

“I will get some. Sleep well, Victoria.”

January 6, 2121

The alarm on Victoria’s comlink buzzed at 3:00. She stretched, giving herself a leg cramp in the process. She threw back the covers and hurried out of bed, keeping her yelp of pain stifled so as not to wake the twins or the baby. Pacing alongside of the bed to rid herself of the cramp she realized her husband wasn’t in bed. With having the flagship return to Earth, and knowing he was probably upset about not going to talk to In’val as planned, he was, most likely either on the flagship or talking with Ny’van.

She didn’t worry about it and went to shower, after which, she woke the twins. “I know it’s really early. But when we get to Terra 2, you can go back to bed,” she whispered. “Just get dressed, no need to shower or anything.” As they got themselves up and around, Victoria quickly packed a few things she’d take back to Terra 2, mostly dirty laundry. “Can you let the dogs out, please?”

“I no carry Cinnamon down. She not big ‘nough for stairs yet,” Ky’nayth rubbed his eyes and yawned.

“I’ll get her,” Victoria replied. “I’ll tend to them. Can you finish gathering the rest of the dirty clothes and put them in this bag, please? I think that’s all I need to take with us.” While the kids dressed, she got Kel’lan changed and put into his baby carrier. She picked it up, scooped up Cinnamon then headed for the door. Baxter and Celeste followed, then took the lead, running to the patio doors in the parlor.

“Good morning,” Michael said. “What can I do to help?”

“If you could bring all of your stuff here, this will be a good spot to teleport from,” she said, standing in the parlor, waiting on the dogs. “When we’re about ready to leave, I’ll need help bringing out the food from the kitchen.”

“Okay.”

“You get your people informed?”

“Yeah. Told them Holly and I were taking a tour of the E:A facilities. Get to know the Rayth. Establish some sort of relationship, diplomacy, all that. The shuttle okay to stay here?”

“Sure.”

“The men will be leaving, but since Holly and I haven’t unloaded all of our stuff yet, I wanted the shuttle close at hand when we return. Though they may take it to the nearest base. It’ll probably be the latter, but wanted to ask in case they decide to leave it here.”

“Not a problem. My husband will probably lock down the house after we teleport up. Your guys might not be able to get in if they need the shuttle. A base would probably work best.”

“I’ll let them know.”

“Good boy, good girls,” Victoria said as the dogs came up to the patio door, ready to come back inside where it was warm. “Go sit in front of the fire. We’ll be down soon.” She saw the downed tree and sighed and shook her head. “Have to deal with that later.”

Cinnamon went to the study, looking for Ja’val and Lutia, not understanding where everyone was. But when Victoria set Kel’lan, who had already fallen back asleep in his carrier, on the living room floor, Cinnamon went over and curled up beside the carrier. Victoria then quickly gathered her things and the twins’ pull-alongs.

At three minutes to 4:00, Zy’nayth contacted his wife. She was in the parlor, everyone gathered around her. “Forgive me for not being there. I had things to tend to. Are you ready?”

“Kids, the dogs all here?”

“Baxter, Celeste, Cinnamon, all present,” Ky’nayth said, sitting down, holding Cinnamon so she wouldn’t wander off.

“Okay, we’re ready,” Victoria told her husband.

Zy’nayth had already scanned the area around Victoria and teleported everyone and their belongings up from the parlor.

“What do we do?” Holly asked just as they disappeared.

“Welcome,” Zy’nayth said from the bridge portal and teleportation area of the flagship, “And you need not do anything.” He kissed Victoria’s cheek. “I am sorry I was not there to help.”

“We didn’t have much to do. How’s everyone on Terra 2?”

“Busy and sick. Christopher was not exaggerating.” He grabbed four of the large shopping bags full of food. “Everyone follow me, please.” The area in which they found themselves was large enough for hundreds troops, one end was a designated teleportation area, the other held the bridge portal.

Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna began to pull their suitcases along, Ky’nayth having to let go of Cinnamon to do so. The puppy darted across the room, wanting to investigate her new surroundings.

“Baxter, get Cinnamon, please,” Ky’nayth said.

“Are those like…Andromeda dogs? I mean, the kids just tell them to do something and off they go. Completely understanding them,” Zachary said.

Victoria chuckled as she shook her head. “They’re Jack Russells, from Earth. I think the dogs do know what the kids want. Maybe it’s because they have their father’s telepathic abilities.”

“We no use telepathy on puppies,” Mik’kenna yawned. “Daddy say it could hurt dem ‘cause we no know how to use power yet. So Bubby and I no use it. I no want to hurt puppies!”

“Honey, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I was thinking that because you can sense emotions, much like a dog can sense if a person is scared, that there’s some sort of connection there. You kind of speak each other’s language. I know you’d never do anything to hurt the puppies. They are family and we never hurt family.”

Mik’kenna nodded as her eyes drooped. “Love puppies so much. Love whole family.” She yawned as she walked to the bridge portal. Baxter, in pursuit of Cinnamon, wasn’t having much luck rounding up the puppy.

“Come,” Zy’nayth said. Baxter returned and Cinnamon began to follow but then got distracted by two Rayth Officers who entered the area. She had to go introduce herself. One began to pick her up, but Kel’lan woke and let out a little cry causing Cinnamon to run back to the group. Zachary picked the dog up and let him see the baby who clapped then wiggled in his carrier and reached up for the dog who let out a bark.

Zy’nayth turned back to the president and his family. “You will not feel anything as you cross the bridge. On the other side is the Control Room on the E:A team’s city-ship. You will be staying in our chambers. Vince or John will give you a brief tour later. Victoria, I am afraid your assistance will be needed immediately in the infirmary.”

“I figured as much,” she said as Zy’nayth received a nod from the technician. “They are ready to receive us.” He nodded to the bridge, now glowing amber. Victoria crossed over first, the dogs and twins with her. Ja’val and Lutia were both there waiting for their son and dog, with Lutia looking very tired.

“Ma!” Kel’lan exclaimed when he saw her. Then he clapped, turned his head and saw his father. “Da!”

“Hey, cutie,” Lutia took her son and of the carrier and held him in her arms as Ja’val took the dog. “We missed you.”

“Hey,” Amelia said, walking up as everyone crossed into the control room. “I’m going to watch the dogs and twins. We’ll get you up to your chambers then I’ll take over. You are desperately needed in the infirmary. My husband is about to drop.”

“He is,” Ja’val said. “He wouldn’t leave.”

“You should be resting,” Victoria looked at the First Science Commander. “I thought you were given orders to rest.”

“I’m fine. Slept like a baby for five hours. I had scrambled eggs and tea for breakfast. Sticking to soft foods per doctor’s orders.”

“Still…oh never mind, let’s get upstairs.”

Vince finally got past those there to greet the incoming group. “Welcome to Terra 2,” he said. “The High Chancellor said you’d be staying in his chambers, so let’s get you up there. Here, kids, I can take those suitcases.”

“Thank you,” Mik’kenna said and let out another long yawn. “So sleepy.” Vince bent and picked her up. She rested her head on his shoulder and fell right to sleep. With his free hand, he grabbed the handles of both of their little pull-along suitcases. Amelia took the bags from Victoria who then picked up Ky’nayth. Following his sister, he put his head on his mother’s shoulder and was out like a light.

When the group walked in to the new, larger chambers that Victoria had picked out, she smiled. Her husband had done a fine job furnishing the living room and dining area.

“I only picked out a few side tables and such,” he said.

“Honey, thank you. You didn’t have to…”

“I have a feeling that this is going to be a very busy area over the next few days. We need to be prepared. Guest rooms have also been furnished.”

“This is the nicest rental furniture I think I’ve ever seen,” she kissed his cheek. “Not a mark on this sofa table…and it goes so well with the floor you made me.”

“I did not like any of the rental items. I purchased these. If you wish something else, after this crisis is past, we can give these items to people here on the city-ship and you can select what you prefer.”

She shook her head, “I should have known you’d just buy something. Okay, those bags go into the kitchen. Kids,” she set Ky’nayth down, “have Uncle Vince take your things to Mommy and Daddy’s room. You’ll be staying with us. We can put Michael and Holly in a guestroom, Hannah or Zachary in the other.

“Sis can have it,” Zachary said. “I can take a sofa.”

“You can stay in Ky’s room,” Victoria countered. “Things were sort of dropped in here, we’ve never actually moved in. So yeah, they have their rooms, but nothing’s really been slept in. Lia, I’ll send Becket up here since you’ll be watching over everything. He can sleep in Kenna’s room.”

“Victoria, do not play hostess,” Zy’nayth admonished his wife as she went to show the guests to their rooms. “Get what you need and tend to the patients. I need to head to Kiva for a bit. I will see to getting everyone settled first, and of course, Amelia will be here should they require anything.”

“I’ll take good care of everything. I’ll put the food away,” Amelia said as Victoria went for the bags. “The doctor is needed, not the cook. Go. Oh, one thing. The puppies are all still sort of frantic about the earthquake swarms. If their guardians think it would help, could we have them here? Baxter and Celeste are so good at looking after them.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea, especially if the guardians are sick,” Victoria said. She knelt and kissed both of her kids. “Get some sleep.” She opened her suitcase and pulled out her medical kit, getting only her stethoscope. “Can you take…”

“I have it,” Zy’nayth smiled. “I will stop in when I am able.”

“Thanks,” she said as she headed out. “Apologies for not showing you around,” she called back to the president and his family.

“We got it,” Vince said, waving her on.

Victoria walked into the packed infirmary. Dr. Jim Franklin saw her and motioned towards the lab. “He needs rest.”

“So I’ve been told,” she said, not breaking her stride. She walked through the double doors into the lab where Becket had blood samples spinning.

“You are about to drop,” she said, after one glance at him.

“Here’s what I know,” he said, ignoring her comment. “The Rayth heal the patients, a few hours later, the virus is back. I want blood and saliva samples from everyone. Scratch tests too.”

“Scratch tests? You think this is an allergic reaction?”

“I don’t know what it is,” he said, running his fingers through his hair and letting out a sigh. “No idea whatsoever. Presents like virus: fever, coughing, sneezing, extreme fatigue, some are getting nausea, that seems to vary from person to person. Dehydration.” He pushed a piece of paper over to her. “The list I made of patients and symptoms. The file is in the research folder: January 2121 Virus Research. As each symptom is logged into a patient’s file, that data gets pulled into the document you’re holding. Nothing odd about any of the symptoms, it looks like a bad cold. Why the Rayth can’t get rid of it, I have no idea. Neither do First and Second Science. Treat like normal. We only have a couple of Rayth per shift, so concentrate on getting fevers down, IV fluids if they’re dehydrated…you know the drill.” He shifted gears letting her know what tests he was running with the blood samples, showing her the files, and what remained to be completed.

“Go up to our chambers. Lia’s there to watch over the kids. Kenna’s room is free. Sleep there. Have you eaten?”

“I think so,” he shook his head.

“We brought up leftovers, so Lia can warm something up for you. Go. Get at least four hours of sleep. I’d prefer if you got eight, because you’ve been up a solid 24, but I know you too well.”

“Yeah. Call if you need anything.”

“I will,” she kissed his cheek. “Rest, doctor, we’re gonna need you at your best.”

“Yes, love,” he smiled and headed out.

“Wait, do we have a rotation set up?”

“No, I dove right into analysis. I’ll work on the schedule while I eat and…”

“I got it,” she waved him towards the door, “Go.” She checked the timer on the blood test then went out into the main area. “Jim, I need a few to make out a new rotation schedule for us. Shorter more frequent shifts or longer shifts with shorter times in between?”

“For now the shifts we have should be fine. Probably need to boost coverage on the third shift. We get busier, we’ll need a lot more help. I’d do a ten-ten shift at that point, overlap shifts by two hours.”

“Messes with sleep, but so does a 12-12. Okay. I’ll fiddle with getting more coverage for the time being and set up a 10-10 just in case. I’ll be in the lab running the bloodwork. Becket is supposed to be heading to sleep. Four hours at least. If he peeps in before then, you send him back out.”

“I will.”

“How long have you been on duty?”

“Four hours.”

“Have you taken lunch?”

“Was about to go, Sarah’s here. You do the schedule. I’ll let her know. All patients have been seen to, just need to cover any walk-ins.”

“Great, thanks.”

Four hours later, Zy’nayth walked into the infirmary with Becket who still looked tired, but had slept soundly for those four hours.

“Victoria, you need to eat,” Zy’nayth said. “Becket is here, you take a short break. Becket, as I said, you will only be here four hours, then I want you to get a full night of sleep. I will not tolerate an argument.”

Victoria handed Becket a sheet of paper. “Rotation set up and if we need to change to ten on, ten off, that’s here. Bloodwork is done. Nothing showing up in any of the saliva samples. Blood shows what we’d expect with the body fighting a virus or flu. Nothing is a match with anything in the database. Nothing of note in the allergy tests.”

“I’ll look this over. Grab a bite.”

“I will stay and do what I can,” Zy’nayth said. “Is First or Second Science here?”

“First is in the lab. Second just left a few minutes ago.” Victoria answered then went up to her chambers and made herself a roast beef sandwich. “Hannah, you guys done with your tour and settled in?”

“We are. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Right now, having a nurse here to help watch over my children eases my mind,” Victoria said, not wanting to break the promise Zy’nayth made about Hannah working in the infirmary. “Is your brother out and about?”

“Yeah. I think John his helping him find quarters, then they’re going to talk with Mr. Burgeon. Get to know the area and some of the people.”

“Not exactly the best of circumstances to do so. But…hey honey, have you been sleeping this whole time?”

Mik’kenna shook her head. “We up for while and went with Uncle David to take puppies out. I still so tired. Bubby, too.”

“Well, we had a pretty eventful couple of weeks. I’m sure you’re both worn out. You can sleep all day if you want.”

“I hungry.”

“I’ll make you a sandwich or do you want breakfast food, like eggs and bacon?” Amelia asked.

“Egg and bacon sound good,” Mik’kenna smiled at Amelia. “If it not bother.”

“It’s not,” Amelia smiled. “Is your brother awake?”

“Yeah. He potty.”

“I done,” Ky’nayth said hurrying into the kitchen. “Mommy, I hungry.”

“Amelia’s going to make bacon and eggs for Kenna. Do you want that or a sandwich?”

“Bacon, eggs!”

Victoria chuckled. “Okay, you two, since Lia has that under control, I better get back.” She kissed the tops of their heads. “Remember, it’s okay to sleep. I don’t mind. Love you.”

“Where Daddy?”

“I think he’s still in the infirmary. Do you need him?”

“No. I just wonder where he at,” Ky’nayth replied, scooting up onto the chair. “Maybe go for flight to shoot asteroid when he done.”

“Honey, his cruiser is back on Earth.”

“Oh.”

“Then again, who knows. He can get things accomplished that I couldn’t even dream about. Love you. See you later.”

Victoria returned to the infirmary and found her husband helping with some of the worst patients. He finished and followed her to Becket’s office. She told him about Ky’nayth wanting to go asteroid hunting. “I told him your cruiser was on Earth. Honey, were you going to leave the cruiser at my estate, I mean the flagship had been on its way back here before this epidemic hit?”

“It would have been picked up by a warship I have headed to the system. I have started a scouting group. There and back, different routes. The cruiser is not an issue. It is back on the flagship and headed this way.”

“Oh,” she waved off the comment, “and Hannah wants to help here. I told her that having a nurse at the house to watch over the kids helped put my mind to ease. But I know it doesn’t make Kenna happy. Why did you want them here? Kenna doesn’t like it. At least she doesn’t like Hannah being here.”

“They are here because they were exposed, we know that for certain. Now that we know that Rayth healing only keeps things healed for a few hours, this could be dangerous. If it does turn life-threatening, the best chance for their survival would be here.”

Victoria nodded, “Okay. But it’s an Earth-born virus. I don’t think it’ll get that bad.”

“I am sure the people who have died from such illnesses in the past would disagree with you.”

She let out a sigh as she picked up her stethoscope. “Point taken. Okay. I need to get back to work. You need to talk to your daughter about Hannah.”

January 7, 2121

Things were busy in the infirmary the rest of the day and through the night. With a rotation for the nurses and doctors in place, Victoria and Becket were both scheduled to get a full night of sleep, though Becket would be in the infirmary by 4:00 in the morning. Victoria would be there at noon. That way the top two doctors would be on hand during the busiest times as most crew would try to catch up on their sleep before things got worse.

“Not much has changed since yesterday,” Becket reported to Victoria, “other than we’ve got more patients. Sending those who aren’t as bad home with instructions.”

“Okay. Go get lunch and rest.”

“I’m staying a while longer. Science and I are running a few more tests. But with you here, I don’t need to be on the floor, I can stay in the lab.”

“At least get lunch, then come back.”

“That, I will do,” he smiled.

A couple hours later, Mik’kenna came into the infirmary, but stopped, keeping the automatic sliding glass doors open as she turned back. Janice saw that she was telling Celeste to stay. Janice pointed at Geoffrey who’d just finished up with a patient, “Get Victoria.” While he went in search of the doctor, Janice asked Mik’kenna what was wrong.

“I sick. I come to has Mommy check me. Celeste, no cry. You no can come in. I sorry.”

Victoria came around the corner with Geoffrey. She hurried over to her daughter. “What’s wrong, honey?”

“Hot. I no feel good.”

Victoria looked over her daughter’s shoulders through the glass doors. “You brought Celeste?”

“Daddy no want us out by selves. Celeste ‘tect me.”

Victoria carried her daughter to the nearest open exam table and began to check her over. “Did you tell Lia you were coming?”

“No. I sick, so I come find you.”

“Baby, you have to tell someone you’re leaving or we’ll worry.”

“Sorry. No worry. I here.”

Becket came walking over. “Heard my god-daughter came to visit.”

“I sick,” Mik’kenna said.

“Fever 104. Sinuses inflamed. Ears clear. Lymph nodes…” her hands moved around Mik’kenna’s jaw and down her neck, “yep, swollen. Open your mouth, let me see what we have.” Victoria sighed, “Red, lots of mucus.”

“Gross,” Mik’kenna replied.

“Is Ky sick?”

“Think so. I no know.”

“Go and check the other one,” Becket said. “Kenna, love, I need to draw some blood. We’re doing it for everyone.”

“I no like dat. I too sick.”

“I know, love, but it may help us figure out what this is and how to counteract it. It’ll be especially important for you and Ky since you’re so young.”

“Oh, I ‘pose if I has to.”

Victoria tapped her comlink, “Lia, a certain little girl escaped and is in the infirmary. I need you to bring Ky down, please. And Celeste will need to go back with you. No, it’s all right. Celeste kept a close eye on her,” she winked at Becket. “Thanks.” She disconnected the call and looked at her daughter. “Next time, call me or Uncle Becket, okay? We can run up and check on you.”

“Kay,” the girl said, frowning as Becket put on gloves after readying the vials and needle. “I no want dis.”

“Sorry, love. Have to. I’ll be as gentle as I can. Can you rest your arm on this, please?”

Amelia walked in a few minutes later with Ky’nayth on a hip. “Oh honey,” Victoria hurried over, seeing how drained her son looked. “Come here, let me see what’s going on.”

“I got bandage!” Mik’kenna said, the trauma of the blood draw over. “I no feel anything.”

“I’m headed back or do you want me to wait for these two?” Amelia asked.

“Wait,” Becket said, “they can go home after we get some of Ky’s blood for testing.”

Victoria finished her exam of her son and began entering the information on her tablet. “Same fever, everything,” she said. “I need to call my husband.”

“Ky, sorry, son, gonna have to draw some blood.”

Victoria tapped her comlink, there was no delay, Zy’nayth answered immediately. “The twins both have it,” she said. “We can give them something to help bring down the fever, or I can have a Rayth here heal them.”

“I will be there,” he said, “five minutes.”

“I’m sending them back to our chambers. Kenna showed up in the infirmary with Celeste; Lia brought Ky down.”

“She came by herself?”

“Already discussed.”

Zy’nayth groaned but let it slide. “On my way.”

“Victoria, if you want to take the day off…” Becket began but Victoria shook her head.

“Their Daddy will heal them. Besides, they seem to know how to find me if they need me.”

“Daddy mad ‘cause I come by self?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Worried, honey. He always worries about you two. I will tell him that Celeste kept an eye on you like a proper guard dog should”

“She good puppy.”

“Yes, she is.”

“All done,” Becket said to Ky’nayth. “I hope that didn’t hurt too much.”

“I no feel anything,” the boy said. “I get bandage, too?”

“Yes,” Becket smiled as he checked to make sure the bleeding had stopped. “I need to get some decorative ones for you little guys. Sorry for just boring old beige ones. There you go. Lia, honey, thank you. Keep fluids in them, watch that fever. Lots of sleep.” He gave both kids kisses on the tops of their heads. “Love you guys.”

“Love you, too,” they each said as they were helped down.

Zy’nayth, walking past the infirmary doors stopped upon seeing Celeste sitting at the doors, waiting for her guardian to return. He walked in, saw his family, and hurried over to them. Victoria relayed the information about the twins’ condition and if he didn’t heal them, what they needed to get their fevers down.

“Puppies need to go out,” Ky’nayth said. “It been long time.”

Zy’nayth nodded. “I will make sure they are tended to. Come on, let us return home.” When they arrived at the chambers, Zy’nayth talked to David Chapman who had just arrived to take the dogs out.

“You are taking them to Kiva, are you not?” Zy’nayth asked, wanting to make sure they weren’t going to Terra 2’s mainland for fear of an earthquake hitting while walking the dogs.

“Yes, sir. Feels a little strange, but one of your Rayth in the control room always go with us, so I don’t feel like I’m intruding or anything.”

“My neighbors know you are bringing the dogs. Thank you for seeing to them. All right, you two, in bed you go. David will take care of the dogs.”

“You healy?” Mik’kenna asked.

“I will,” Zy’nayth replied to his daughter. “I wish your Rayth abilities were working so that you would not get sick.”

“Me too. I feel horr-ble.”

“Amelia, would you be so kind as to check in with Christopher to see how Maressa is doing. Lutia as well to check on Kel’lan? I can tend to them if need be.”

When Victoria returned to the chambers just after 8:00 in the evening, she collapsed onto a sofa. “Infirmary has never been this busy outside of combat. I shouldn’t be this exhausted.”

Zy’nayth walked over and sat beside her, putting a hand on her chest. “So far you do not have the virus. That much is good news.”

“How are Ky and Kenna?”

“Sleeping. They played with the pups a little but went back to bed.”

“Did you heal them?”

“Yes. Amelia made baked chicken for dinner. I will fix you a plate. I know how to use the warmer,” he winked.

She chuckled. “Thanks. I’m gonna check on the kids then shower.”

“I have her plate coming,” Holly said, “least I can do. Go be with your kids.”

“Thanks, Holly,” Victoria said as Zy’nayth helped her to her feet. She kissed his cheek, always having to stand on tip toes to reach it. “I have to be back in eight hours, so I’m going to eat and go straight to bed.”

“Shifts are close together.”

“We have a lot of sick people.”

***

Jil’ana walked into General Karken’al’s office. Tel’lok was right behind her. “No idea what’s going on. Lost their flagship,” she said.

Karken’al groaned. “First of all, you are not to leave this ship without reporting to your commanding officer. That would be either Tel’lok or myself. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Secondly, how did we lose the Rayth ship? Out scouts should be able to see through their cloaks.”

“Well, sir, that’s true. But…the scout ship had to keep her distance. I adjusted scanner power, by diverting power from the shields, and…”

“You were scanning for the Raythian flagship without shields? Jil’ana, if they had detected our scout ship, we would have not stood a chance against them without shields.”

“We could out run them,” she replied.

“You thought you could see through their cloak, how can you be so sure you could outrun them?” Karken’al steamed.

“Sorry, sir. You’re correct. But I don’t think they’re hostile.”

“Rayth. Jil’ana. Rayth!” Karken’al said. “The High Chancellor may have a soft spot for certain humans. A very limited number of them. I would be remiss to not remind you of that. You are not to assume anything when it comes to Rayth, especially the High Chancellor. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do not forget that they are Rayth and they were bred to kill humans. They would not hesitate to take your life or destroy that scout ship. It is not your place to put my troops in danger.”

“Sorry, sir, it won’t happen again. And if I may, are you not taking an even greater risk in trying to contact the High Chancellor?”

“I am, but it is my own neck on the line. Not yours. Not the fleet’s.”

“If I may, sir,” Tel’lok tried to stop the rising tension, “I’d like to know how we lost the flagship.”

“As would I. Continue, Jil’ana.”

“We had it on long-range scanners as it was heading out of the solar system. It headed around Pluto but never emerged on the other side.”

“Chance of them knowing they were being scanned?”

“I was alternating types of scans, frequencies, every trick I had. I suppose it’s possible, but highly unlikely.”

“You said in your report that the flagship had been heading out of the system but returned to Earth.”

“Yes, sir. And a Raythian cruiser docked on the ship when it had returned.”

“Why would a cruiser be on Earth?” Karken’al asked.

“Perhaps it was the High Chancellor’s.”

“More than likely, yes, but why? He can’t go flying around Earth on it. Not after the rebels decimated a good portion of their more populous cities. They’d fire anything and everything at it. I don’t think it would damage the cruiser, but he’s not going to draw attention to himself by flying a Raythian cruiser around the airspace of Earth.”

“Don’t have an answer, sir,” she replied. “In any case, the cruiser docked, and a few hours later, the flagship headed away from Earth.”

“Maybe they forgot to take the cruiser the first time, that’s why they returned,” Tel’lok suggested.

“Zy’nayth? Forget his cruiser? Unlikely,” Karken’al said. “But it may indicate that he has left Earth. He may be on the flagship or he may have loaded his cruiser then bridged out.”

“If he was on the flagship, and knew we were scanning them,” Jil’ana frowned, “he…well…he’s known to evade things rather adeptly.”

“Did they go to FTL?” Tel’lok asked.

“They were in FTL.”

“Continue to have your people work on it,” Karken’al said. “If the High Chancellor doesn’t want to be found, he’s more than capable of making that happen. Now that you’ve been back a day or so, and rested, I want you monitoring the flight paths of Raythian ships in the area. I need us to get back to the planet and watch those quakes. I need to have a solution to present to the High Chancellor, but I can’t give him that until we have the cause in hand.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll find us a way back.”

“Make sure you have Tel’lok and his crew helping. Pilots sometimes see things scientists don’t.”