E:A Vol 7 Ch 10—January 10, 2121

Chapter 10: January 10, 2121

Becket was about to return to Zy’nayth and Victoria’s chambers to finish his lunch. Zy’nayth was going with him to get a sandwich for his wife who was giving Col. John Hagen one final check to make sure he was stable after being revived following a bad reaction to a sedative. Victoria, with the assistant of nurses Marco and Yuli, had him revived before Becket and Zy’nayth got down to assist. Zy’nayth, using his Rayth healing ability, drew the sedative out of John’s body and healed the any damaged that had been done.

Mik’kenna, having helped Becket with his rounds that morning, had snuck out of the chambers and came to see if her Uncle John was all right. She’d already been told that she and her brother were not to roam the corridors of the city-ship alone. Zy’nayth always feared that they would get hurt, or, given that there were still rebel Rayth out there, be abducted. Mik’kenna, however, was stubborn and worried about her uncle. Zy’nayth had her up in his arms so she could see that John was fine. He was thankful that he had such loving children, but not so thankful that they had inherited his stubbornness.

And just as the group was breaking up after seeing to John, nurse Geoffrey came running up telling them that General Vince Cavanaugh had passed out at his desk and was being brought in. Victoria shooed Becket on. He was coming down with the virus that had hit most of the 5,000 people on the Expedition: Andromeda team, and he needed rest and food. She could handle Vince. It was probably exhaustion and the virus. Or so she hoped.

“Kenna, go with Uncle Becket back to our chambers,” Victoria said then looked at her husband. “Honey, you come with me in case Vince needs more help than I can give him.”

Becket took Mik’kenna from Zy’nayth and carried her back to the chambers. Becket knew he needed the rest and that Victoria was more than capable of running things, so after he finished his lunch, he curled up in Zy’nayth and Victoria’s bed and fell right to sleep. Once the dishes were done, and baby Kel’lan tended to, Amelia went and took a nap beside her husband.

David stayed to keep an eye on the kids and dogs, and got to know President Michael Stewart and his family a little better. All were getting sick, and all looked exhausted and weary.

When Zy’nayth returned to the chambers about thirty minutes later, he told them that Vince, though sick, had simply worn himself out trying to cover multiple shifts. “My First Commander is taking over. Christopher will resume command in the morning,” he told David and Michael as David fixed a plate of food for Zy’nayth to take to his wife.

“Hopefully you guys don’t get this bug,” David said as he put the burger toppings on the side and added potato salad to the plate. “I’ll run this to her. She prefer tea? Ah, thanks,” he said as Zy’nayth handed Victoria’s thermos to him. He called back from the entrance, “Dogs are wanting out.”

“I will tend to it. Mik’kenna, dear, will you help?”

“Course,” she said and hurried to the door and got the leashes for the puppies while calling them to her. Only the seven young pups were leashed. The older seven were obedient and wouldn’t wander off.

Zy’nayth took the leashes in hand then he and Mik’kenna went to the control room and bridged to the island on Kiva where he had a home.

“Daddy, you think the swarmies cause the virus?” Mik’kenna asked regarding the quake swarms that had hit the mainland of Terra 2 and was the reason they bridged to Kiva to take the dogs out.

“Since the virus seems to have originated on Earth, probably not. But I will mention it to Ja’val.”

“He figure it out, that why he First Science.” She sighed and sat in the grass as the dogs went about their business. “This is all Ruffles’ fault. Pretty cat but made us all sick.”

“I do not believe it is Ruffles’ fault either. Becket said that it is unusual for viruses to leap from animals to humans. Perhaps your mother or one of the ladies picked up the virus when shopping while we were out in the cruiser examining Venus and Saturn.”

“But why Ruffles and puppies sick?”

“I do not know. Perhaps it was a different virus. I only see a virus, I do not see, for lack of a better explanation, a specific type of virus. I believe Becket would have to do blood work on the pups to see if it is the same virus.”

“Oh. I ‘pose that make sense. I just no like everyone sick. I sad.”

“Yes, it is. Please call Scout, she is wandering too far.” He knew he could have called the dog and she would have come, but the kids liked to be the guardians of the dogs and took that role seriously, so when it came to looking after the dogs, he allowed them to fulfill that role as much as possible.

“Scout, here, girl. You know you not ‘pose go far.” Mik’kenna didn’t raise her voice, just tapped her leg with her hand. “I sorry for thinking it Ruffles’ fault. But cat come into life and everything go wrong,” she let out an overly-exaggerated exasperated sigh with a shrug of her shoulders.

“You are worried about your family and friends. It is natural to think the unfamiliar caused this. You have not been around cats before, so you blamed her.”

Mik’kenna nodded as she got back to her feet. “I sure Ruffles a good cat. But I be honest, Daddy,” she put her hands on her hips, “I love puppies and I upset they sick. Family, too, ‘course. But I try not to blame wrong thing again.”

“I think that is wise.”

“I like helping Uncle Becket in infirmary. You think I go tomorrow?”

“That would be up to your mother and Uncle Becket,” he said, “but I would not object. I am proud that you enjoyed helping out. You take after your mother in that regard.”

“She good doctor. I just be nurse. I no has schooly yet.”

“Well, my dear, you are only three. You have time to learn.”

“Dat true. I think puppies all done. They just trying to play now. I think you call them. They come faster.”

“Very well,” Zy’nayth said and gave a whistle. The older dogs came running while a gentle tug on the leashes brought the young pups trotting back to them.

***

Victoria finished her shift around dinner time, surprised that Becket hadn’t returned to work. She touched base with the two doctors coming on duty then she went home. “John’s better,” she told those in the living room. “Symptoms from the virus are still bad, but he’s awake and was able to keep down a little soup,” she looked at her watch, “for almost a little over an hour now. Vince is sound asleep. Where are the kids?”

“I sent Becket and Amelia home. Amelia is too sick to do anything,” Zy’nayth said. “Our children are in Mik’kenna’s room playing, though Ky’nayth is not well. Be’atta is here to help with Kel’lan. How are you holding up?”

“Not too bad. Not too good either though. No fever and no nausea, so I’m thankful for that. Started sneezing about two hours ago.”

“Nothing fancy,” Be’atta said, chopping up some chicken and adding it to two containers filled with lettuce. Victoria and Zy’nayth looked at the counter laden with fixings for salad. “I baked some chicken. Throw it on some lettuce. Self-serve. Lia made up the dressing before she and Becket headed home. I’m taking these to them. Our extended family knows to stop here for food if they’re not up to cooking. That’s the plan until this is over since Alan and his crew in the mess hall are short staffed. Any little bit we can help by feeding others will help his team. Okay, I’ll be right back after I get those two fed.”

“Should we take a plate to Kol’non?” Victoria asked.

“Already took him one,” Be’atta said and headed out of the door.

Victoria looked at her husband, “David? I didn’t see him.”

“Asleep in our room. I insisted that he get rest. Do you think Vince will be able to have a short conversation after dinner?”

“If he’s not asleep, yes. But please, keep it short. He needs to rest. What’s up?” she asked as she fixed plates for both of her kids.

“Michael, Holly and Zachary are…stir crazy, is that the correct term?”

Victoria nodded.

“I wish to see if Vince will allow Zachary to get acquainted with Jack Burgeon and his team, more than the short visit he has had already. Perhaps some sort of training or introductory tour. He also has not yet found chambers. There is not much available, but John did not have time to show him what there was. I could tend to that. But I do not wish to do anything without Vince knowing what is going on.”

“I think he’ll be fine with it, but keep your talk short, I mean it.”

“I will. I will also take the children. They wish to check on their uncles.”

“That’s fine. You want more chicken with yours? That’s not much. She has quite a lot cooked up.”

“This is plenty.”

“Tastes really good,” she said snatching a piece from her plate. “Go ahead and get the kids. Does Michael and the others know the food is ready?”

“I will alert them and I will wake David.”

A couple minutes later, the group had made up their own plates and gathered in the dining room. “David, how are you doing?”

“Been better,” he managed a smile. “Not sure I can eat anything. This hit sort of fast.”

“It’s varying from person to person. For some, it comes on gradually, others, it hits fast and hard,” Victoria said.

January 11, 2121

“I don’t care how well you think you are, you need one more day here,” Victoria told Vince the following morning. “Chris is running things and the First is in the rotation now. Don’t worry about anything. Becket sent a memo that all non-essential work should come to a halt. We can’t have people working on digging out the city-ship who are running fevers or collapsing from exhaustion.” She gave his lungs a listen. “Bit of a wheeze. I have three pneumonia cases in here. Don’t be the fourth.”

“Fine,” Vince groaned.

Victoria waved a finger at Geoffrey. The nurse walked up and handed Vince his tablet. “Chris brought it. I don’t want you on it all day. I know you’ll want to check on things, but you are to rest.”

“Fine,” he repeated. “How’s John?”

“Good, I mean, all things considered. The bug has a tight grip on him, but the heart’s fine. Probably better than when he came in. My hubby took care of it.”

Mik’kenna came hurrying up to the bed. “I sorry I late. I was praying with Mr. Jared. How you feely today, Uncle Vince?”

“Tired.”

“I sorry to hear that. I be special nurse this morning. I can pray with you if want. I can get ice and water and I help Mommy and Uncle Becket get things. Anything I do for you?”

“A prayer would be nice,” Vince smiled at her. “Where is Becket?”

“The lab with Science,” Victoria replied. “Honey, when you get done with Uncle Vince, could you ask Janice what needs to get done? The nurses are quite behind with normal daily routines. I haven’t had a chance to talk with her. Maybe she has some things you could help with.”

“I will.”

“Thanks, honey. Vince, not all day on that tablet. Rest. That’s an order.”

Even with asking people to not come to the infirmary unless severely ill, the place was packed. Two pairs of doctors and nurses paired up and were making house calls. With so many people staying home because they were sick, Alan’s mess hall staff, already shorthanded from the virus, needed to deliver food to those who called for delivery. Chris, getting sicker by the minute, managed to put together a set of four people per shift from his Marines to handle the deliveries.

“Kaven, glad you’re here,” Chris said. “Alan needs supplies from the mainland. Too short staffed to send anyone.” He handed a list over to Kaven. “He placed the order, the crew down there is putting it together for him. Can you get a couple people and take a shuttle to get it?”

“Yeah. When I’m done, why don’t you take off early. I can cover until Kessler comes on. You look exhausted.”

“I’m fine. Just a lot of little things cropping up,” he pointed to the sheet Kaven had in his hands, “like that. Once that’s done, could you check up on John and Vince. Not too worried about Vince, but John…”

“Victoria said his heart’s fine. He and Vince are like everyone else now, just need to get rid of this thing. Becket’s looking sort of pale, though. Victoria’s got him stuck in the lab. Doesn’t want him running all over the place.”

“I know Vince keeps saying we need more medical staff and unless we’re in the middle of some sort of civil war, I never saw the need. Until this hit.”

“Makes it worse when the Rayth can’t heal us. I’ll check back in after we get this stuff brought up.”

***

Victoria, tending to patients around the corner from the main infirmary entrance, saw her daughter hurrying in. “Mommy, they here with cots.”

“Oh good. Melanie, your fever’s been down for six hours, that’s good news. Sinus inflammation is down. Since this habit of rebounding, I want to keep you until tomorrow morning. As long as the fever stays down and you can keep your food down, we’ll release you to finish recovering at home.”

“No rebounds, please,” Melanie said.

“Agreed,” Victoria said then went around to the other side of the infirmary and sighed. Four Marines standing with dollies loaded with folded cots were waiting for directions.

“Jaya, Dennis,” she said to the two nurses, “I want a cot at the foot of every other bed, perpendicular to the beds. Get them set up with sheets, pillows, a blanket. Neville?” she turned around to find the other doctor on duty, “This will give us sixteen more spots. Call the sixteen worst patients on the list still in their homes, let them know we’ll have something ready by dinner.”

“What equipment you want on them?” Dennis asked. “Won’t be room for much.”

“Post for IV will attach to the cots, just like when we’re in the field. Then just add a heart monitor. We’ll play the rest by ear.”

“Need someone to do laundry. We’re down to our last set of sheets,” Jaya said. “Sorry, Doc, we just haven’t had time.”

“Mommy! I do sheets! I know how work machine!” Mik’kenna said.

“No honey, you aren’t quite tall enough. Besides, our patients love your prayers. You’re making so much of a difference with that.”

“Kay. What I do now?”

“I could use a hand,” Geoffrey said.

“Kay!” the excited girl trotted after Geoffrey.

Victoria dialed a code that rang Hannah’s comlink. “Hannah, we could use a hand. It’s grunt work—laundry and making beds. You up for it?”

“Be there in five,” Hannah replied.

“Make sure you’ve eaten first. It’s almost lunchtime, and you’re gonna be quite busy.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Becket walked over, Ja’val with him. “We’re stuck. I think I’m going to take an early lunch. We both are. But do you need anything first? Oh, good, the cots are here.”

“I’ve got it under control. You’re looking very tired, doctor.”

“I am tired.”

“Take a long lunch. Grab a nap if you need.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Geoffrey’s just took Kenna to help. She’s running herself ragged. See if she wants to take off early. And see if someone will bring down my lunch.”

Becket nodded and wove his way through the busy infirmary to where Geoffrey and Mik’kenna were checking in on the last patient for the early rounds.

Victoria went to the back of the infirmary—the wall opposite of the entrance. There was the entrance to the breakroom as well as the small pharmacy counter and to the left of that, the supply room, complete with laundry machines. She saw the hampers overflowing with bedding. Though the Mythican and Raythian machines could do things quickly, it required you to wait for the items. An item would be inserted after selecting the correct settings and work its way around a cylinder and out another slot, completely clean and dry. A sheet would take all of a minute to complete. The problem was that you could only put through one item at a time. On the plus side, you could put any fabric through it, including leather or lace. No detergent, no special pre-soaking or scrubbing, just put it in, and that was that. Victoria told her husband they needed to figure out how to get it to automatically fold or hang the clothes when they came out.

“Doctor, I’m here,” Hannah said walking in.

“Fantastic. This,” Victoria motioned to the enormous, overflowing hampers, “is your project. Geoffrey’s in charge of the nurses today. I’ll let him know you’re here. Until he has something for you, start on this. As soon as you get a set done, we have sixteen cots being set up that’ll need to be made up.” She pointed to a far wall, “Pillows are there. If we need more, let me know. I can go up to our big storage area and get them.”

“I could run and get them.”

“It requires top security clearance. We have our controlled substance meds and other items up there. Okay, let me show you how to work the machine.”

Zy’nayth arrived with a plate of food for his wife. He took it to the break room then went to find her. She was in the second, smaller, wing. “Victoria, go eat your lunch. John, how are you doing?” he asked.

“Could use a new stomach; this one won’t hold anything,” he shooed Victoria away, “Go eat, like the man said. I’m fine.”

“All right,” she squeezed her husband’s arm as she walked past. A few minutes later, he joined her in the break room where she was quickly eating the turkey club and chips that he’d brought for her.

“Becket looks ill. Try to convince him to leave early. He insists on returning to work.”

Victoria nodded as she chewed her sandwich. A sip of iced tea washed it down. “I’ve had him stay in the lab. Can’t run around much in there. Did you check him?”

“He would not let me.”

“How’s Ky?”

“The fever has returned. I set up a little rest area for him in the living room with blankets and pillows. It allows him to play with the dogs.”

“He better not be wrestling around. He needs rest.”

“He is not doing more than rolling a ball around for them. He is upset that he is unable to help anyone.”

“I will try to encourage him when I get home. He probably wore himself out trying to take care of all of the dogs. How’s Michael and his family?”

“I took them to see a few available chambers.”

“Were you able to take Ky or was he too sick?”

“He came along. I carried him most of the time. I did not want him to join us, but he is quite depressed and getting out cheered him.”

“Good. Did Zack pick a place?”

“Not yet. We will look at the remaining chambers after lunch. Zachary is not very picky. He was happy with the first place I took him to. Holly wants something more for her son. She was quite surprised when I told her that most chambers are quite small. She does not realize that this was a work tower and that your team converted it to dormitories.” He waved off his own remark. “It does not matter. How are you feeling?”

“Tired. I’ll be fine. Neville starting coughing. Not bad yet. I expect him to be down in the next day or two. Fred’s down. Sasha too. Four nurses are out.”

“I thought something was happening since Hannah was with us when you called her.”

“Laundry is piled to the roof. We need clean sheets for the beds and I don’t have the staff to tend to it. And I’m not asking the Marines to come in and do it.”

“Perhaps send out a message for volunteers. This group is pretty good at helping each other out.”

“Good idea,” she said, popping the last chip in her mouth. “I’ll do that now. Go home. Ky and Kenna need their Daddy.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you for lunch.”

“Fifteen-minute lunch?”

“As if you’ve never eaten on the job. Go. I’m fine.”

He returned her kiss, took the empty plate, and headed back to his chambers. Victoria sent out a message as her husband suggested. She had fifty replies in the first five minutes.

“Geoffrey,” she said as she strode across the room, “want to work through lunch?”

“You know I will.”

“Not tending to patients.” She told him about the volunteers to help with the laundry and general cleanup. “I need them in a rotation. Most supplied what times would work best for them. Could you set up something for the next couple of days? Just an hour per person would be fine.”

“Laundry, emptying trash, basic cleaning?”

“Yup.”

“Got enough for a couple people per hour?”

“Probably by the time I get feedback from everyone. I set up an auto-forward to your message account.”

“I’m on it.”

Becket walked in shortly after Geoffrey left for lunch. “Science not with you?” Victoria asked.

“Bridged to the flagship,” Becket answered.

“You should have taken a nap.”

“I’ll be fine. We need to get through this.”

“Then you leave early. Your symptoms are progressing faster than mine. You rest now so you’ll be recovered by the time it hits me.”

He shook his head and sighed. “I’m fine. Ready for afternoon rounds?”

“You will go home early.”

“We’ll see.”

***

Victoria managed to get Becket to leave two hours early. He finally agreed that he was getting worse and if it did hit her, he needed to be back on his feet when it did. The staff was thin enough as it was. Just before 6:00, Victoria finally returned home. The family was already gathering in the dining room where Alessa and David were serving dinner.

Victoria went to the bedroom first and took her shoes off. Her feet were burning, and she wanted nothing more than to soak them in an ice bath. Instead she went into the bathroom and washed her hands and ran a cold cloth over her face to try and refresh herself a little.

“Hey guys,” she said, joining her extended family in the dining room. “Sorry I’m late…and you didn’t need to hold dinner.”

“It took us a little longer to make the meatloaf than planned,” Alessa said, “and Chris worked a little late, too, so it’s all good.”

“Well, thank you, but don’t feel like you have to do this. I expect some long days ahead. I don’t want you guys starving. Eat on time. I can throw stuff in the warmer. No problem.” She gave her husband and daughter a kiss then bent down to kiss Ky’nayth.

“Honey, you’re burning up. Are you okay?”

“I think I dying,” the boy said and burst into tears.

“Daddy making sure you two are getting enough fluids?” Victoria sat in her seat and drew him into her arms, hugging and kissing him. “I’m so sorry, you’re so sick.”

“We drink lots of juice and water,” Mik’kenna said.

“I gave him some baby aspirin,” Becket said. “And he’s been sipping on ice water since I got back. He and Lia have been curled in a recliner napping.”

“And how are you feeling?” Victoria asked Amelia.

“Chills, exhausted, massive headache.”

Zy’nayth nodded to his daughter, “Mik’kenna has been a dutiful nurse since returning at lunch.”

“Mommy, I no think I can eat,” Ky’nayth interrupted.

“Try to eat a little something. Does soup sound better than meatloaf?”

He nodded.

“Well, eat what you can of this. I can make a pot of soup after dinner.”

“Veggie soup?” Mik’kenna asked.

“It’ll take too long to cook the roast,” she said, as she stroked Ky’nayth’s hair and kissed his forehead, “but I can start a roast in the morning and make some beef and veggie soup up tomorrow night. I think I’ll make chicken and rice tonight. Easier on the tummy.”

“I can help,” Mik’kenna said.

Be’atta walked in with Kol’non, “Help with what?” Zy’nayth quickly prayed then Victoria answered the question.

“As the nausea gets worse, soup is going to be about the only thing people will want. Oh, Be’atta, could you make those fruit and veggie drinks? Those are so good and good for everyone.”

“Sure,” she replied as Becket let out a chest-rattling cough.

“Doctor…”

Becket raised a hand to wave Victoria’s statement off before she got it out. He coughed a couple more times then took a sip of iced tea. “It’s hitting.”

“Don’t even think about going into work tomorrow. You and Lia go home after you eat. Leave your door unlocked and the kitchen light on. When the soup’s done, I’ll put a container in your fridge for you.”

“I’m not even going to argue. You’ve already convinced me to rest, but if you need me, call.”

“You know this will take more than rest…and youcall meif you need. Got it?”

“Yes, love. And you,don’t wear yourself out with all this cooking on top of working.”

“I won’t,” she said and filled her plate. Ky’nayth didn’t leave her lap, he said he wanted to stay with her. She didn’t refuse him. “The mashers should be easy on your tummy,” she whispered to him, “but try a bit of the meatloaf. You need protein. It’ll take a bit to make the soup, this will tide you over.”

She sighed and looked at her husband, “Honey, I’m so worried about everyone. Maybe I was wrong, maybe you should be healing people.”

Zy’nayth shook his head. “Both the First Science Commander and Becket think you are right. And there is still no word that this virus is hitting the same people over again on Earth. Of course, as Becket said, it has only been a few days…”

Ky’nayth jumped off of his mother’s lap and went running.

“I will tend to him,” Zy’nayth got up, “you need to eat.”

Victoria sighed and wiped tears from her eye. She hated seeing her children so sick and she hated the fact that she was second guessing herself. Worse, she hated being away from her children when they needed her.

“If you start the chicken soup,” Be’atta said, trying to get Victoria’s mind off of her son, “leave me instructions and I’ll finish it up.”

“I can help as well,” Holly said.

“Same with the beef and veggie soup,” Alessa said. “Let me know what to do and I can at least get the veggies cut up and put them in the fridge so you just have to dump everything together tomorrow.”

“I think I’ll put the roast in before I go to bed, and if you get the veggies taken care of, I can throw it all together in the morning so it’s ready any time anyone gets hungry.”

“Get me up when you get up,” Hannah said, “I can help with getting the soup ready. I can dump vegetables into a pot with the best of them.”

Victoria smiled, “Thanks, Hannah, I’ll take you up on that offer. Chris would you feel up to running to the mess with me after dinner?”

“Make a list,” Kol’non interrupted, “I will get what you need. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna probably want you here. Besides, Be’atta will need to get supplies for those shakes.”

“Thank you.” After a couple more bites of her food, Victoria went to check on her son. “Kenna, honey, no, you stay and finish your dinner. I don’t want you getting so worn out that you get as sick as your brother.”

“But I your special nurse. I help.”

“I know, honey, but my heart’s already broken seeing your brother so sick, so please eat to keep your strength up.”

“He will not stop,” Zy’nayth said as Victoria stood in the doorway, their son continuing to throw up. “I have never felt so helpless.”

“I know the feeling. You go eat your dinner, I’ll take over for a bit.”

Zy’nayth kissed the top of his son’s head. “I am so sorry, Ky’nayth. I wish I could heal you, but I believe it will only make it worse.”

The three-year-old vomited again.

Zy’nayth re-wet the washcloths he’d been using, then handed them to his wife before he returned to the dining room. Victoria put one on the back of Ky’nayth’s neck then wiped his brow as she rubbed his back. “Ky, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” she repeated. “I should have been home with you. I love you so much, Ky.” Her eyes filled with mist as she tried to comfort her very sick little boy.

When Zy’nayth returned to check on his son and wife, Victoria was sitting against the bathtub, Ky’nayth curled up in her lap, crying silently. Zy’nayth knelt and brushed the boy’s white hair behind his ear, “Mommy taking care of you?”

The boy nodded.

“Be’atta mentioned you needed things from the mess hall. Tell me what you need.”

“Get your tablet out,” she said as she stroked her son’s hair.

He took down the list then replied, “That is a lot of food.”

“It will make a lot of soup, plenty for our family and if everyone’s been told to stop here for meals, we’ll have plenty of ingredients on hand for whoever does the cooking.” Another kiss on her son’s head, then she asked if he thought he could eat a banana. “It might help your tummy.”

“I try, but I no think so.”

“That’s okay,” she said then gave her husband a nod. “I think that’s it for the grocery list. The First said he’d get it, or he and Be’atta; they’re headed there anyway.”

“Yes, I just sent it to him. Is there anything I can do to help Ky’nayth?”

“If you checked him and this is something other than the virus, you could try healing.”

“Unfortunately, it is the virus. I really wish I could help. I do not want to make you worse, Ky’nayth, by healing you.”

“It’s ‘kay, Daddy. I no want get worse.”

By the time Kol’non and Be’atta returned with the groceries, Ky’nayth was in the master bed sound asleep. “His fever dropped,” Victoria said, to Be’atta who asked after the boy. “Lutia’s case has flared up. I sent her and Science home with leftovers and told her to stay home tomorrow.”

“Kel’lan?”

“So far so good. Doesn’t appear to be symptomatic. I’m sure his father is keeping an eye on him. They know to drop him here if Lutia needs some quiet time.”

Zy’nayth began taking the food out of the shopping bags, handing things to his wife to put away. “What do you need me to do? I want you and Mik’kenna to go to bed early.”

“I just need to finish writing up the instructions for the veggie soup. Chicken soup base is on, Be’atta’s going to finish it up. Once I get the roast prepped, I’ll leave the rest to these guys and take a shower and settle in for the night. Well, provided there are no emergencies.”

“You are making the vegetable soup tonight?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Just getting the roasts on, I’ll throw it together in the morning. Pray there are no emergencies. We all need sleep.”

“We will all pray to that end.”

“Kenna, honey, can you go ahead and get your bath? Oh, please check the dogs. Make sure they have plenty of food and water.”

“Kay, Mommy,” she said and went to check the bowls.

“Be’atta, if you could make up some of your juices for Becket and Lia, oh… I was going to take some soup over…”

“I’ll do the juice and take the soup over when it’s done, and I’ll let you know when it is done so that maybe Ky can eat a little. You go wind down.”

“I really appreciate everything all of you are doing to help.”

“Hey, we have a limited number of doctors, you need to keep your strength up. Plenty of us can cook, or at least follow a recipe. So get those roasts seasoned and in the oven.” Alessa smiled, “We’ll take good care of the kitchen, you take good care of everyone on Terra 2.”

“Somehow that seems a little unbalanced,” Victoria took the four big roasts that were just brought up and got them prepped. “I’m so glad I put restaurant sized stoves in. Okay, ladies, you shouldn’t need to do anything to the roasts. I’ll set the timer.”

“Be’atta, I’m going to relieve Steve for a couple of hours,” Kol’non told his wife, “I will stop back here. Or will you be home by then?”

“I’ll be here.”

“Don’t overwork yourself.”

“Don’t worry,” Alessa said, “I’ll keep an eye on her. I don’t want her or baby First Commander getting sick.”

Victoria chuckled, “Baby First Commander. That’s cute.”

“Cute as long as he looks like his mother,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Mik’kenna, dear, are the dogs tended to?”

“Yes. I go take bath now but can I has drink first? I really thirsty.”

Victoria got her daughter a glass of ice water then felt her forehead. “You’re warm, sweetie. Other than being thirsty, do you feel sick?”

“Tired,” she said after she took a drink. “I work hard today.”

“That you did. Lessa, can you get the kids’ thermoses there in the pantry? I want to put some ice water in them to sip on while we have our Bible time.”

“Mommy?” came the scratchy voice from down the hallway. “Mommy? Daddy?”

Zy’nayth went out and found his son wandering around. “Ky’nayth, what do you need?”

“Daddy, I thirsty and throat really sore. Head hurt so much.”

“How about we go back to bed?” He picked up his son and put a hand over his heart to see if the virus was the cause of the headache. He fretted something more was going on and he couldn’t see it. “Mommy is getting ice water for you,” he said, carrying Ky’nayth to the kitchen and letting his wife know about the headache and sore throat. “It is still the virus.”

“I hungry too, I try nanner.”

“Sure, honey,” Victoria said, filling the thermoses. “How’s your tummy?”

“My throat sore,” he repeated, “but tummy better.”

“I’ll check your throat when I finish here. Just a couple of minutes. Do you want some hot tea? It might be a little more soothing on your throat than ice water.”

“Ice sound better. Puppies ‘kay? I no get them water like ‘pose to. I not good taker carer.”

“The pups are all well. Your sister just made sure they had plenty of food and water.”

“I sorry. I said I take care of them.”

“You cannot help that you got sick. The pups understand.” Zy’nayth carried his son and put him back into the bed. “Anything else you need besides what your mother will be bringing?”

Ky’nayth shook his head. “Mommy will know.”

“Yes she will. We are very blessed to have Mommy in our lives, are we not?”

“I glad she my Mommy.”

Zy’nayth kissed his son’s forehead, “She loves you very much. And so do I. I will be right back.”

He returned with Victoria a few moments later. “Here’s your thermos filled with ice water. And a sliced banana,” Victoria said and felt his head; it was still warmer than it should have been. She grabbed her medical kit and took out the thermometer to check his temperature. “Still high, but came down a degree. That’s good.” She checked his throat and sinuses, a full checkup, then sat on the bed and told her husband to go and get his shower. Kenna was using the master bedroom’s bathroom, but Zy’nayth could use the master bath. He was always quick.

Victoria stayed with Ky’nayth, holding him close as he nibbled on the banana. When Zy’nayth returned, Victoria checked on her daughter who had a tendency to linger in the bath. But the girl was finishing up. Victoria took a quick shower and threw on sweatpants and a tee-shirt. She threw her robe on over them then went to the kitchen to check on the chicken and rice soup.

When she returned, she was carrying a tray. “I have one big bowl of soup and four spoons. Since Daddy and I didn’t eat a lot of dinner, I thought we could share. Ky, honey, your tummy still okay? Think you can try some soup.”

“I just eat half. Tummy okay. Nanner just taste funny.”

“Probably from the sore throat and all of that sinus drainage. Want to try this? I didn’t put a lot of seasoning in it, but it’s still pretty good.”

“I try a little,” he said.

“Good,” she smiled. “Try to eat a little of the chicken. But if you can only handle the broth or the rice, that’s okay too. Kenna honey, you doing okay?”

“I be ‘kay. I no get sick. I need to help you in infirmary tomorrow.”

Victoria gave her a quick kiss on her cheek “Thank you, honey.” Everyone took their spoons and tried the soup. “Well?”

“Delicious,” Zy’nayth said.

“I like noodles better,” Ky’nayth said, “I like slickerying them up.”

“Personally, I do too, but the rice is better for your tummy.” She took another spoonful of soup and let the heat warm her aching body. “Mmm, it came out really good for not allowing time to simmer.” She closed her eyes and let out a sigh. “When we’re all better, we need to have a family night. Sit here in bed, eating some yummy soup, maybe I’ll find a cute movie for us to watch together.”

“That sound like fun,” Ky’nayth brightened.

As they sipped on the soup, Zy’nayth read to them from the Bible. There wasn’t a discussion as was their habit, but he did pray for an extended time.

“Honey, you sure you don’t want more soup?” Victoria asked Ky’nayth when the prayer ended.

Ky’nayth shook his head. “I think I full. I scared of tummy get bad. But I drinkded all my water,” he said. “Can I has more?”

“I will refill both of your thermoses, and take the tray back to the kitchen,” Zy’nayth said.

Be’atta, Holly, Alessa, and Hannah were chatting around the kitchen table. “This should be our last trip for a while. The soup was delicious, thank you again for helping out. Are you staying here tonight?

“Chris and I decided to stay. I can help with kitchen duties and Chris can help with the dogs. Besides, we think David’s worse and we don’t want to leave him here to handle everything because he will overdo it.”

“I didn’t see him in the living room,” Zy’nayth said, “did he return to his own quarters?”

Alessa shook her head. “Zack gave up Ky’s bed. Chris will bunk with him. And I’ll take Kenna’s room and keep Mari with me. Oh, and let Victoria know that both Michael and Holly started coughing. No fever, though.”

“I will, thank you.” Zy’nayth filled the thermoses and took them back to the bedroom. Then he gathered the dogs with Chris’s help and took them for their evening walk. While walking to and from his island home on Kiva, allowing the dogs a little extra time outside, Zy’nayth’s comlink buzzed.

“Yes, Lead?” he answered the Lead Councilman’s call.

“I understand you are back from your vacation, yet I haven’t seen you in the office.”

“I am back and you are correct, I have not been in the office.”

“And the Vice Chancellor has been here perhaps a couple of hours. What’s going on? You are the High Chancellor with an empire to oversee.”

“Did my assistant not give you the message?”

“He did. Your place is here, not with the humans.”

“I am tending to business remotely as I have done before when duties take me away from work. As for my being on Terra 2, it is in our best interests,” he said as Chris eyed him, guessing at what the conversation entailed. “This virus is rather virulent. Rayth healing does not eradicate it. I have First Science and his team attempting to isolate it and find a cure. If our healing cannot eradicate it in the human population, it may be that our systems, our own systems, will not fight it off. Since many of the flagship crew have bridged to and from Victoria’s estate or Terra 2 then to Kiva or their homes elsewhere, it may have been carried over to our planets.”

The Lead Councilman let out a frustrated sigh. “Very well. You need to send out a message. There are Rayth with human wives. They will need to know how to handle things if it was carried from Earth.”

“First Science will have a report for me in the morning. I will send out a message shortly thereafter.”

“Chancellor,” the Lead Councilman said as Zy’nayth pictured him pacing his office as he spoke, “talk is once again rising about your over-commitment to your wife’s people.”

“Talk from the Council?”

“No. Friends, associates, my wife’s little group of gossipers. Sir, you need to be here.”

“Right now, I need to be with my children. My son has taken quite ill. I will not leave him. Dr. McKenna is showing signs of having this illness which leaves my wife in charge of the medical facility, leaving me to watch over my children. My place, at this time, is with my family.”

“I know. I would do the same. But I am not the High Chancellor…whose empire was recently attacked and with rebels possibly still out there.”

“People will gossip no matter what I choose to do. If I return to work, I would be considered heartless for leaving a sick son tended to by humans. Let them say what they will. I am handling affairs as usual, but I need to be with my family. Warships, all of our ships, are still on full alert.”

“Understood. Make sure to get that message out as soon as you can. And, if at all possible, at least relinquish the Vice Chancellor from any duties you have him tending to there.”

“He has already returned to Kiva and will be in the office tomorrow.”

“Good. Any word from Gren regarding livestock for Tarnia?”

“Nothing different than what we discussed a few weeks ago. Is the governor giving you trouble?”

“No. I was going to make a call to let him know we haven’t forgotten about them.”

“I will make the call. It is best coming from me. Thank you, however.”

“When will the flagship be back in Andromeda?”

“That is not something I will discuss over the comlink.”

“Of course. This mystery ship, any progress on that front?”

“Again, not something I will discuss over the comlink.”

“We will need to talk face to face, sir.”

“Until my wife can be home with the children, most of my communication with you will be through the Vice Chancellor. Good night, Lead.”

“Good night, sir.”

“Trouble with the High Council?” Chris asked as they headed back to the bridge portal.

“Nothing unexpected and nothing I cannot handle. The Third Commander will return to help with the command rotation until Vince and John are well.”

“The Third? I thought First was helping. Third’s on the flagship, right?”

“First will continue to help. Third will start at the end of your shift.” He smiled to himself. “The flagship has been in Andromeda for over twenty hours. She is looking for that other mystery ship.”

“Thought you said she was heading back slowly so she could scan on her way.”

“Sometimes I change my mind,” Zy’nayth said as the bridge portal lit up with an amber glow. “After you,” he motioned.