E:A Vol 7 Ch 12—January 20, 2121

January 20, 2121

As the week progressed, the virus spread both in scope and in intensity. The medical staff worked until it was physically impossible to do so; they were shorthanded and as the volunteers to help with little things like washing linens began getting too sick to help, Dr. Victoria Carson sent out another request for volunteers, there were few well enough to do so.

Vince announced skeleton crews in essential areas. Everyone else was to rest. Then he turned command over to Zy’nayth who had already asked Kol’non and the Third Commander to oversee the day-to-day operations and report to him. The mess hall, with only three people per shift able to work, was supplemented by a Rayth cook from the flagship each shift. To help clean up tables and load the dishwasher, Zachary Stewart, the president’s son, helped out since engineering was offline. Others, as they could, put in thirty minutes here and there such as getting supplies from Earth or the mainland farm, what little there was available there, or delivering meals to bedridden patients or the infirmary.

There were ten fulltime doctors on staff, not counting Becket and Victoria. Out of those ten, eight were so sick they couldn’t even get out of bed. Becket only worked an hour each of the three shifts to allow the doctors on duty to take lunch. On a couple of occasions, he tried to pull a shift on top of that, but his condition was worsening, so he ended up sleeping or resting between the shifts, though he would make house calls if needed.

Doctors Victoria, Sarah, and Jim all managed to stay on their feet. As the week wore on and others couldn’t come in, they each took a shift, with Becket covering lunch breaks until he couldn’t even do that. Under normal circumstances one doctor per shift was adequate, since the most immediate threat was to off-world teams which always shipped out with a doctor or nurse. Still, Becket almost tried to have two doctors scheduled for each shift. But now, they had no choice, and the three doctors who were able to work were all exhausted. Each had just a touch of the virus, but it never seemed to progress any further than a headache, sinus congestion, and a slight cough.

By the end of the week, 90 percent of the Expedition: Andromeda population was bedridden. Only two E:A staff were on duty in the Control Room besides the officer in charge. Nearly everything else was shut down. The infirmary had no choice but to accept help from the Rayth, the regulars who’d been helping and learning since the serum trials began. Though they didn’t heal anyone, they did make sure that there was nothing more going on than the virus in each patient. They also knew how to hook up an IV and use the various scanners if someone was suspected of having pneumonia.

Mik’kenna, who was fortunate to not have a recurrence of the virus, helped her mother each morning in the infirmary, running to-and-fro, fetching this and that. Hannah Stewart, the president’s daughter, helped the first few days before she succumbed to the virus.

Word from Earth about the virus was that it hadn’t struck the same people twice. That seemed to confirm that Rayth healing hadn’t allowed enough antibodies to form and thus the virus returned. Victoria feared that people on Terra 2 might think the Rayth caused the virus to get worse but reports from Earth showed that as the virus spread, it became more virulent and, more times than not, resulted in pneumonia.

With each passing day, the workload became more demanding of the three doctors and few nurses who could manage to get up and around. And though many patients were getting better, none, so far, had completely gotten rid of the virus except for Ky’nayth, Mik’kenna, and baby Kel’lan.

***

Mik’kenna, once again helping out in the infirmary, came running up to her mother who was in Becket’s office. It was the third week of the virus. The girl let herself in and climbed up on a chair. She was full of energy but looked tired. “Mommy, Uncle John says he’s ‘kay to go home. But he still has fever. It’s right at 100. I wrote down numbers,” she said and handed her mother the tablet that showed his pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level, and temperature. “He healy slower than others.”

“Everyone’s different. You barely got hit with it. I’ve had it the entire time but not to the extreme everyone else has had. Ky had it for four days. John’s one of the unlucky ones where it won’t let go of him even after two and a half weeks.”

“I no think he should go home. He still has fever and bit dewatered…hydrated.”

Victoria stood and stretched. “I’ll go talk to him, thanks, honey.”

“Uncle Vince’s temperature back up to 102. I got him fresh ice packs. Geoffrey with him.”

“I’ll check on Vince after I talk to John.”

“Kay. I go finish rounds.”

“It’s time for your break. Get your smoothie that Be’atta made and sip on it.”

“I stop in each time I get thing from storage and take sip. I fine. Shake almost gone,” she said and hurried off.

Victoria walked into the main ward of the infirmary. John was no longer in the private area where the worst cases were, and she was thankful for that.

“So, colonel, I hear you want out,” she said as she looked at the monitor.

“Doc, I’m much better. There are others out there worse than me that should be in this bed. Becket being one of them.”

She nodded in agreement. “I’m still worried about the fever and your cough doesn’t seem any better,” she said as she listened to his lungs. “But your lungs sound clear, and as you said, I do have a couple of patients who need this bed more than you.” The stethoscope was draped over her shoulders as she thought about the situation. Finally she said, “Here’s the deal, you can leave but only if you stay in our chambers. Everyone’s too sick to take care of the dogs and my husband is far too busy. You can order a cot from supplies or sleep on the sofa or in a recliner.”

“Not gonna fight, Doc. I’ll pick up a few things from home and move right in.”

“Listen, John, you’re still very sick, so I need you to rest as much as possible. When the dogs need to go out, just help Ky with the pups. They hate being leashed and he’s not strong enough to handle them on leashes. The older dogs aren’t a problem. That’s all I want you doing besides resting.”

“Yes, ma’am. I can help with some of the cooking too. I can sit and cut things up or stir a pot.”

“Fine, but I mean it, colonel, do not overdo it. I don’t want you back in here.”

“I don’t want to be back,” he said. “I’ve never been so sick.”

Mik’kenna came bounding over when her mother signaled her. “John’s going to our chambers to stay until he’s better. Would you let Geoffrey know that we’ll need to have linens changed on this bed, then he can admit someone new. I think Sam Wordsworth was the worst on our list, but have him check Pastor Jacob too.”

“Kay. I tell him,” she replied and went in search of the head nurse on duty.

“How’s Lutia and Janice?” John asked as Victoria got his clothes out of the little nightstand.

“Janice should be back tomorrow. Her fever’s stayed down and the nausea is pretty much gone. Cough is lingering, but that seems to be the last to go. Lutia’s still bad. Thankfully Kel’lan only had it a day and a half. He’s much better.”

“How’s Ky doing? No relapse I hope.”

“He’s back to his normal self. Helping in the kitchen, which he seems to love, and doing his best to watch the dogs and help with the babies.”

“Lessa still bad then? I heard it hit her hard Thursday, I think. I’ve been so out of it.”

“Yeah, she’s suffering, though on the mend. She’s not to be doing more than doting on her baby girl. Plus she’s worried about David.” Victoria squeezed John’s hand, “You follow my orders. Now, go on. Get out of here. I have sick people needing this bed. Keep an eye on that fever. Come back if it gets worse.” She pulled the curtain around his area to allow him privacy to get dressed, then she went about checking on Vince’s condition.

Zy’nayth was in the chambers when John arrived with a small bag of items in hand. “Your wife said I’m to bunk here,” he said.

Zy’nayth smiled, “Good to see you up and around. David is set up in Mik’kenna’s room, you may bunk with him or any soft spot you would like.”

“Thought you were the boss these days,” he set his bag down and slumped onto the sofa. “Why aren’t you in the Control Room.”

“First Commander is tending to duties this morning. What orders did my wife give you?”

“Rest. Help take the puppies out. Help with cooking if I feel up to it. Otherwise, rest and more rest.”

“The dogs have just been out, so go get comfortable. Be’atta is taking a nap, she has soup ready if you are hungry.”

“If David’s sleeping, I’ll wait to put my things in there. So food it is. I was wondering if…oh, hi Michael, Holly,” John said but didn’t bother to get back up. Even the short trip from the infirmary to his own chambers to pack a few things, then to Zy’nayth and Victoria’s quarters had worn him out. “You look worse than I feel, I think.”

“Thanks,” Michael smiled and sat beside him. “Anything interesting going on?”

“I was just going to tell the High Chancellor that I know his Science team is working on this virus, but I wanted to know if they found out anything about these quake swarms yet.”

“Nothing yet. There are simulations still being run and the flagship has not been able to detect anything with its scans.”

“That ship you sent to Earth, it find anything about that mystery ship?”

“Nothing.”

“Why did you send a ship there? If you don’t think this mystery ship is a threat to Earth, there’s no need for you to have a warship there, right?” President Michael Stewart said.

“Since Terra 2 needs supplies from Earth, it is more convenient to use the bridge on my ship than to have the staff go through Central Command which is still rebuilding. I am also monitoring this outbreak in case there is something that the doctors here need to take into consideration.”

“I hate to be rude, but I think I need to curl up somewhere. Getting a little lightheaded,” John said.

“I will get you a bowl of soup. I can also make you a sandwich,” Zy’nayth said.

“Just soup, please. And some water. Thanks, Big Guy.”

Michael moved to a chair as John rested back on the sofa. Ky’nayth came in about that time and walked over to John. He kissed his cheek. “Hi Uncle John. Puppies are in the study. Me and Daddy been unpacking all stuff we had stuck in there and other room. It nice area for puppies. Want to see Scout? I get her for you.”

“Yeah. I miss my girl.”

Ky’nayth bounded out of the room and ended up with all fourteen dogs following him back. “Sorry, they ‘scaped when I open door.”

Scout jumped up on the sofa and licked John’s cheek then settled by his side on the oversized sofa.

“She miss you too,” Ky’nayth said.

“How’ve all the dogs been? Any sick?”

“They get a little sick when we first come here but all better now. They all miss their families, ‘specially the puppies. Uncle Vice Chancellor bring Vin’toz by each day ‘fore work and pick up at night. He getting climated.”

“Acclimated,” Zy’nayth said, returning with soup, crackers, and ice water for John.

“I hope everyone is stopping by to check on their little ones,” John said and slowly sat back up to eat.

“I take them to see their families, ‘cept you and Uncle Vince cause you in infirmary. Frostie whimpers. She misses him so much.”

“Are you sure that is why she is whimpering?” Zy’nayth asked.

“You say she not sick, so it has be,” he shrugged. He went over and picked up the almost all white puppy and held her close. “You miss Uncle Vince, don’t you?”

Frostie let out a little yap in reply.

“See?” Ky’nayth said.

“So it would appear,” he said and tapped his comlink.

“Yes, I’ll be home to grab lunch,” Victoria answered, assuming that’s why her husband was calling.

“I know, we discussed that this morning,” he replied. “I have something more pressing. I know it is against the rules, but I have a puppy here that has been whimpering for a few days. She apparently misses the general. Since he is in a private room, I was wondering if it would be okay for her to pay a little visit. Just for a few moments.”

Though he couldn’t see her, he imagined his wife putting her head in her hands and sighing.

“It might also be a morale boost,” he said before she answered.

“Bring Brownie too, we just admitted Pastor Jacob. And Celeste and Baxter to keep those two little ones in line.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “I think it will be greatly appreciated. Except by Dr. McKenna.”

“He’ll get over it,” she replied with a smile in her voice. “He’s too sick to do anything about it anyway.”

A few minutes later, Zy’nayth, with Frostie and Brownie on their leashes, walked into the infirmary with his son, and their two dogs, Baxter and Celeste. “You go ahead and take Frostie to Uncle Vince,” Zy’nayth said as he handed over Frostie’s leash to Ky’nayth.

“I show you way. Follow me, please,” Mik’kenna said very professionally after giving all of the dogs hugs.

“Okay everyone,” Victoria said, “got a few four-legged friends here to visit anyone who is bored out of their minds. Just don’t say a word to Becket.”

The dogs turned out to be the perfect pick me up for the patients. The few minutes the patients got to pet the dogs and watch them do tricks, helped them forget how sick they were.

“Maybe I should go back and get the other ones,” Zy’nayth whispered in his wife’s ear.

“If you do, no more puppies. They’ll get into things they aren’t supposed to. The older dogs will mind.”

“Am I given permission then?”

She smiled, “These people haven’t been this happy since this epidemic hit. Go ahead.”

Scout wouldn’t leave John’s side, but Storm, Montana, Hero, and Shadow all showed up and entertained the patients until lunches were brought in. Zy’nayth returned to the chambers, taking Frostie and Brownie with him while the other, older dogs stayed. Ky’nayth was appointed to watch over them while Mik’kenna helped the medical staff. They stayed until Zy’nayth fetched them for lunch then they all returned to their chambers.

“The dogs were a hit,” Geoffrey said when Victoria returned after her lunch. “Should have thought of that sooner.”

“No one complain?”

“Nope. I discreetly asked around. Most asked me if they’d be back tomorrow before I even got a chance to ask what they thought.”

“I think the dogs enjoyed it just as much. I know my kids did, especially Ky. He feels like he isn’t doing enough to help, but he’s doing so much at home with the dogs, helping to clean and cook… everything. He and my husband have been unpacking the rooms where we shoved stuff in before we moved…which was right after the attack…anyway, he even learned how to change the babies’ diapers, much to my husband’s chagrin. Though he’s not to do it alone.”

Geoffrey laughed. “I remember your husband wouldn’t go near the things. That man would die for you a thousand times over and risk his life for this city but ask him to change a diaper and he runs.”

“Yeah and Lutia still teases him about that. Listen, everyone seems calm and relaxed after the visit from the pups, why don’t you cut out a couple hours early.”

“It’s half my shift, doc.”

“And you’ve been pulling longer hours covering for Lutia and Janice. Go. If things get rough, I’ll send for you. Take a nap while you have the chance.”

“Hopefully this doesn’t last much longer,” he said. “It’s encouraging that a couple people went home today.”

“They’re still sick, but yeah, I hope we’re over the hump. I hope. I really, really hope. Now get going.”

“Yes, ma’am. Unless you call, I won’t be back until tomorrow morning.” As he was leaving Mik’kenna came walking in. “Does your father know you left?” he asked the girl, knowing that the twins weren’t supposed to be wandering around the city-ship alone.

“He knows,” Zy’nayth said coming around the corner.

“Sorry, sir. Thought she was alone.”

“Thank you for looking after her. Going to get some rest?”

“Hope so,” he said as he continued on his way.

“Oh no, what’s wrong?” Victoria asked.

“Nothing. She cut her hand and did not want me to heal it. She is afraid she will get sick despite me reminding her that I healed John’s heart and he did not get worse.”

Mik’kenna held out her bleeding palm. “I no want ‘titches. Just bandage. I sure it fine and no need ‘titches.”

“Let’s clean it out and see what we have,” Victoria said and led her over to the sink where she rinsed it off. “What did you cut it on?”

“I help chop veggies for soup. I use little knife you let me use and it slipped and I grabbed wrong.”

“Well it’s not very deep. I’m going to spray it with an antiseptic. It’ll sting a little.”

“No ‘titches?”

“No.” Victoria smiled. “Honey, Daddy can heal this and it won’t make you sick.”

“It’s ‘kay. I want bandage.”

Victoria finished cleaning the little cut and grabbed the antiseptic spray. “Last chance to have Daddy heal you. He’ll do it better than me and it won’t sting like this will.”

Mik’kenna frowned at the spray bottle. She didn’t like the idea of something stinging her. “Kay, Daddy heal it,” she said, “I no want sting. But Mommy, can I still has bandage?”

Victoria kissed her forehead, “Yes.”

Zy’nayth put his hand on his daughter’s chest and his energy healed her little cut. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Kenna, be a little more careful with your knife, okay?” Victoria asked as the girl held her hand back towards her mother, wanting the bandage put on where the cut had been.

“To be fair,” Zy’nayth said, “one of the pups bumped her and distracted her. She was doing a good job, just like you taught her.”

“Okay,” Victoria said, “and thank you for helping out so much.” Victoria never understood what it was about kids and bandages. As she put one on her daughter’s palm her comlink buzzed. “Carson,” she answered.

“Becket’s getting worse and he won’t let me bring him in,” Amelia said then let out a cough. “He’s bad, Victoria. Come talk some sense to him.”

Victoria grabbed Zy’nayth’s arm before he and Mik’kenna walked away. “Be right there,” Victoria replied then looked for Juanita, one of the two nurses on duty. “Heading to Becket’s, call if something comes up. Do we have any open beds?”

“Nope. Already filled the two empties.”

Victoria told her husband what Amelia had said as they left the infirmary.

“We can put them in our chambers,” he said as they walked to the elevator. “We can sleep on the sofas. The First Commander and I can keep an eye on him when we are there.”

“Maybe just tonight,” she said, “I think I’ll have a couple of people ready to check out tomorrow. At least I hope so.”

Amelia opened the door, “Talk some sense into him,” she pleaded. “I’m worried sick about my parents, Dad just got moved to the infirmary, and Mom is…” she fell to her knees and began sobbing then went into a coughing fit. Victoria tended to her while Zy’nayth and Mik’kenna walked down the hall to the bedroom.

“Doctor, let me make sure this is only the virus,” Zy’nayth said as Becket let out a cough so deep and painful that Mik’kenna immediately grabbed her father’s hand and began to tremble.

“Daddy, do something!” she cried.

Zy’nayth sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand while placing the other on Becket’s chest. Then he looked at his daughter. “Please get your mother.”

“No die, Uncle Becket! I be right back!” she tore out of the room, calling for her mother with urgency and fear. “Daddy say you come! I worry! Come Mommy, hurry!”

Victoria knew Becket was fine with her husband there, so she wrapped an arm around Amelia and together they walked into the bedroom, Mik’kenna urging her mother to hurry.

“How bad is Vince? Could he be moved to our place?” Zy’nayth asked when his wife entered.

Victoria nodded, “If we had to. Why?”

“Pneumonia. I do not risk trying to heal it since it is caused by this virus.”

“But you heal Uncle John,” Mik’kenna said. “Daddy, you has to save Uncle Becket! He my god-daddy. He family! He save my life! You has to save him!”

“I healed damage done by a drug, not what the virus did. And he is not dying, sweetheart. I give you my word, if he were, I would do my best to save him.” He stood and drew her up into his arms while Victoria went to the bedside. Zy’nayth kissed his daughter’s tears away, then whispered that he promised not to let anything happen to the good doctor.”

Victoria began her exam even though she knew her husband’s diagnosis would be correct. “I think I’d rather have Becket at our place. If he does get worse, like you said, you or Kol’non will be there. If he’s in the infirmary, I don’t necessarily have that luxury immediately available. Your med team is there but we’re packed to the rafters, and only two Rayth per shift…”

“Our chambers then,” Zy’nayth said. “Amelia, pack up what you need. You will be taking over the master bedroom.”

“I’ll be fine. Get me an antibiotic, I’ll be fine,” Becket said and let out another shattering cough.

“You no fine!” Mik’kenna was wiping at her tears, “You no fine! You do what Mommy say. It best. It best. Please!”

“I’ll get the meds, but you’re going to our chambers.” Victoria looked at her husband, “Who’s in Kenna’s room? Lessa?”

“Currently David. Though Christopher and Alessa have been sleeping there.”

“David’s too sick to move,” Victoria ran her fingers through her curly hair as she thought about the situation. One guestroom held the president and his wife. Another was Hannah. Zachary was in Ky’nayth’s room. Mik’kenna’s room accommodated anyone who needed a nap, or Chris and Alessa overnight. That left the master bedroom where her own family was sleeping.

“What were you thinking about doing?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Moving Pastor and Julia up just so Lia would have easy access to her entire family and in an area where there’s always a Rayth on hand. I could have cots brought up for us. Put Pastor and Julia in our room. Becket and Lia can sleep in Ky’s room. Leave Chris and Lessa where they are. Zack could sleep in a recliner.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Science, do you know what is left to do on the guest suites on our floor?”

“I’m fine, sir. Lutia’s very ill, though. But Kel’lan is still well. Thanks for asking,” Ja’val grumbled.

“Forgive me,” Zy’nayth said, “Becket has pneumonia and the infirmary is full. If I could move a few people across the hallway from our chambers it would be a tremendous help.”

“Sorry sir. Didn’t mean to snap. Too tired and still trying to figure this out.”

“Are you not getting adequate sleep? Would you like us to watch Kel’lan for you?”

“No, I’m just worried about my bride, she’s never been this sick. At least not since I’ve known her. Okay,” he took a deep breath to calm himself, “according to the records the big suite directly across from your chambers just needs decorating. Vince has a note that it’s on hold until more areas have been cleaned out. Not a priority. The other suites up there still don’t have the plumbing and electrical all plugged into the grid yet.”

“Would you unlock the chambers please? I will see if there is furniture. I pray there is. And if you need us to take Kel’lan for a day or two, we would be glad to have him so you can dote on your lovely wife.”

“No. I think I just need to stop working on this and curl up next to my wife and sleep for a bit.”

“Do you need us to bring over more food?”

“We have enough for dinner.”

“I will send something over in case you need it. Get some rest. That is an order.”

“Yes, sir. Shutting off my computer now.”

“Good.”

The call ended as Zy’nayth looked at his wife, “Get Becket ready to move. I am going to see if the one available suite is furnished. If so, we can put Becket there along with Amelia’s parents,” he finished just as another call buzzed his comlink.

“Sir, gonna need you in the Control Room…now,” Kol’non said.

“What is wrong?” he asked, then Zy’nayth and the entire city-ship felt it.

“A quake. A big one.”

“Get the shield up. Mainland crew?”

“Shield just went up. A couple dozen E:A crew on the farm. I’ll take a team to extract them via shuttle. I don’t want to use the bridge portal until we’ve made sure it’s undamaged.”

The city-ship floated on the gulf waters, and though it didn’t feel the quake itself, the near-tsunami level waves made the enormous city-ship rock like a boat. The stabilizers, not repaired since the Rayth attack, only kept part of the jolt suppressed.

“Get Becket to our chambers,” Zy’nayth said to his wife while connecting Ja’val and John into the conversation with Kol’non. “Science, sorry to bother you. John, you there?”

“Yeah,” answered John.

“Assessing damage,” Ja’val replied.

“Let me know when you have something. Sorry about the interruption. I do wish you to rest.”

“Big one?” John said, “I mean, we felt it, it had to be big. Dogs are going nuts.”

“Your scale only goes up to eight,” Kol’non answered, “it is much worse than that.”

“What do I need to do?” John replied.

“I need you to go to the chambers directly across from the entrance to mine,” Zy’nayth said. “See if there are beds in there. Make sure plumbing and electricity are working. If so, send word to Amelia and Victoria. First Science Commander, damage report also goes to John. Between you and Christopher, you will need to make sure everyone is accounted for. I can bring down a few Rayth to go door to door to check residences.”

“I’ll send Juanita and Geoffrey with the Rayth,” Victoria said, hearing Zy’nayth’s side of the conversation, “poor guy, I just sent Geoffrey to rest. Tell John I’ll coordinate that.”

Zy’nayth passed his wife’s message along and added, “Until I have a damage report, I have nothing else for you.”

“On it,” John said.

“I need to make other calls, contact me or the First Commander if needed.” He disconnected then contacted his Third Commander, currently commanding the flagship. “Cloak and start searching the sector. I need to know if that mystery ship caused this.”

“Understood,” the Third Commander replied. As a diversion, the ship didn’t cloak, instead going to FTL speeds and headed towards Kiva. Once he thought he had sufficiently gone far enough, he cloaked and returned via another route.

***

“Mik’kenna, I really need your help. Can you stay and help Miss Lia pack things up? I need to get back to the infirmary,” Victoria said.

“Yes, Mommy. What else?”

“The puppies are probably terrified. When you get Uncle Becket settled, you and Ky will need to calm the pups down. Wait, if there are beds in that guest room, can you get linens for them out of our closet? Ask Be’atta to help you make them up.”

“I will. Everything be ‘kay?”

“It will. Your Daddy will make sure of that,” she kissed her forehead then looked at Amelia, “don’t worry, we’ll get your parents moved. Mik’kenna, if Miss Lia needs you to help move Miss Julia, can you help with that too?”

Mik’kenna nodded, “I do whatever needed. I here to help. Uncle Becket, you be ‘kay. I no let anything happen.”

Victoria thanked her daughter then ran to the infirmary. “Juanita, status?”

“Shaken but not stirred,” the nurse smiled. “Haven’t found any damage, patients are worried though.”

“I’m going to need you and Geoffrey to go with our two Rayth here.”

“Resident check. Got it,” Juanita said.

Just as Geoffrey arrived in the medical bay, Zy’nayth’s voice came over the city-ship’s communication system. He let the crew know about the magnitude of the quake and that two medical teams were going door to door. If someone needed assistance and could contact the infirmary, they were to do so.

“Teams are headed by shuttle to help those on the mainland. Please make sure to check in with your department supervisor so that we can account for everyone. I know this is a particularly difficult time with everyone being sick, I am sorry this has happened, please stay calm and stay away from objects that may fall if another wave hits the city-ship. The stabilizers are only at 50% so they cannot absorb the full impact. I apologize for that.”

The announcement ended and Victoria hurried to Vince’s bed. “Now don’t even think about getting out of that bed,” she said, seeing him trying to get up. “I knew it. Get back in that bed, right now! My husband has it under control.”

“I’m fine,” Vince said, groggily.

“You are far from fine. I’m giving you an order, General. Get in that bed.” She grabbed him around the waist as he began to fall. “Listen to your doctor,” she said, but he was still insisting on getting up. “As the current senior medical officer on board, I am officially putting you on medical leave. You know I outrank your stars on this one.”

Vince wobbled and grabbed the mattress, then Victoria helped him onto the bed. “Won’t try again. Promise,” he said.

“Victoria, Lia, there are two beds in that guest suite. Water, electricity are both working. Even a fridge here,” John’s voice came over the comlink.

“Lia, take your husband there. Can you handle getting your mom up there?” Victoria said.

“Yeah. What about Dad?”

“As soon as a couple of Rayth come in, I’ll have them help him up. Take whatever food you need from our place. John, can you run a quick errand?”

“Name it.”

“Becket needs antibiotics. I just need you to pick them up.”

“On my way.”

“Thanks. Vince, sit down!” Victoria said. “You promised.”

“John’s in no condition to…”

“You are far worse off than John.”

Kaven walked in during the interchange, “I got this.”

“Strap him down if he doesn’t stay,” Victoria pushed a curl from her forehead, “how you feeling?”

“Good enough. Here to take patients’ names to give to the department heads. Vince, you try to get up one more time, I will strap you down,” he glared at the general. “She might not, but you know I will,” he threatened.

Vince waved him off and fell back against the bed. “Not going anywhere.”

“Good.”

“Do what you need to,” Victoria said to Kaven, “no one is going anywhere except Pastor Jacob.”

“Got it.”

“If someone comes in, I’ll let you know,” she said and helped Vince get tucked back in, “Sleep.”

“Yes, Doc.”

“There you are,” John said as Victoria went back into the main infirmary ward.

“Ah, sorry, your boss was giving me a hard time. One second,” she said and went to the small pharmacy and checked out the pills for Becket.

“Thanks, John. Make the calls you need to then rest. Last thing I need is for you to relapse.”

***

“Doesn’t look like any structural damage to the city-ship, at least not in areas we’ve already cleared,” Ja’val said to Zy’nayth, Kol’non, and John. “Performing a more thorough scan now on the major supports. Mainland facilities seem to have withstood the shock.”

“I hope so, we built them to,” Zy’nayth said.

“Any injured?” John asked.

“Almost to the Ag office,” Kol’non replied. “First Science Commander, if we need to heal someone, there will not be any repercussions as long as we don’t touch anything related to the virus, correct?”

“Not one hundred percent sure, but I think so. John’s had no ill effects.”

“Hold,” Kol’non said. The others heard muffled voices then Kol’non began again. “Dr. Wells says everyone is accounted for. No major injuries, just bumped around. Aftershocks are very strong, we need to get them onto the city-ship quickly, but the shuttle won’t hold all of us. Can you bring a couple?”

“On my way. How many we got out there?” John asked.

“Twenty-seven.”

“How many Rayth with you?”

“Five. Thirty-three of us total.”

“Three trips,” John calculated as a strong aftershock hit, nearly as hard as the quake itself. “Science, patch Kaven in please.”

“Done.”

“Kaven, need you to help me shuttle people off the mainland.”

“On it.”

“First Commander, we’ll have to pack them in. Ladies first.”

“I’ll have everyone on the beach at the landing pad.”

Kaven interrupted them. “I’m at the shuttle bay, want me to head on out?”

“That was fast. Yeah,” John replied.

“I was in the Control Room. Out.”

“Victoria,” Zy’nayth’s voice sounded in her earpiece.

“Yeah?” she replied as she assured her patients that things were fine.

“Some good news. Only minor injuries on the mainland. John and Kaven shuttling everyone back now. I do not think any will require your attention.”

“Thank God,” she said, “I want them to stop in. I need to make sure.”

“Sending word. Out.”

Mik’kenna came running into the infirmary about ten minutes after Victoria’s call from Zy’nayth. The little girl, her white hair held back in a pony tail with a red ribbon, her face filled with worry.  “Mommy, puppies won’t settle. They going crazy. Bubby and I try everything. We no know what to do. I no know what do! Mommy, help. Please! They just puppies, they no know what going on! I no know how to make them understand!”

Victoria pulled her daughter aside, out of the flow of those coming in from the mainland to be checked over. She knelt and embraced her worried daughter. “Honey, the pups will settle. And sweetheart, I know how worried you are about them, but please, call when things like this come up. You know you’re not to leave without an adult.”

“I know. You tell me this all time, but everyone busy. This ‘portant. Bubby and I so worried.”

Victoria ran her fingers through her hair, trying to think of a solution to calm her kids…and the dogs. “Have you played with them?”

“They no play, they run to windows and bark. No stop. Just bark all time. They no want to play. We try best. I ‘most went to Daddy to has his Rayth ‘bility to calm dem.” Mik’kenna burst into tears. Victoria knew it was a mixture of fear, worry, and mostly, exhaustion.

“I think you and your brother need a nap, but,” she said knowing her daughter was going to protest because the dogs needed help, “but I have an idea. Get them to the master bedroom and cuddle with them. If they won’t follow your command, get some treats. If they see you and your brother calm, they might calm.” She pushed a stray hair from Mik’kenna’s eyes, “They probably sense how nervous everyone is, especially you and Ky. If that doesn’t work, maybe Uncle John will have an answer when he gets back.”

“Where he be?”

“These new patients are from the mainland. He took a shuttle to get them.” She looked up and saw Janice walking into the infirmary. “How are you doing?”

“Well enough. What can I help with?”

“Check these guys for injuries,” Victoria nodded at the waiting area. “They were on the mainland; supposedly just have bumps, but let’s make sure. I’ll be with you in a minute. After they’re processed, I need you to check in on Becket in our chambers.”

“Becket?”

“Pneumonia. Just found out when this hit. See if Be’atta needs help with food; Lessa’s trying as she gets better.” Victoria stood and sighed. “Once we’re sure we don’t need extra help with this quake, I’m putting you in charge of my patients in my chambers.”

“I’ll take care of them.”

Victoria turned back to her daughter, “Can you try cuddling with them? They love their treats, and they love that bed. I think it might work.”

“I try. Bubby too.”

“Go ahead, run her upstairs,” Janice said, “gonna take me a minute to get started here.”

***

It was a long day for Victoria, as had been the case for a couple of weeks. It was nearly 6:00 when the second shift doctor arrived. Victoria was exhausted, but thankful that there were only minor injuries due to the quake.

“You should have called me to come in earlier,” Sarah said.

“I needed you rested…well, as much as you could get. For the most part, everything is the same but the quake unnerved some. I’m going to go and see what my husband can do about us feeling the aftershocks.”

“So he can stop earthquakes now?” Sarah grinned.

“Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised. No, I’m thinking about taking the ship up into orbit until the tremors end. I don’t know. He’s got to have an answer. Call me or Jim if something comes up. Danielson said he’s well enough to pitch in if needed. I’m holding off until absolutely necessary.”

Victoria headed up to the Control Room. Zy’nayth was in the conference room looking at his computer. “People are getting scared of all of these aftershocks; can we just go into space for a while?” she said.

“What happens if the shocks do not end for several months? How do we go about gathering food off of the mainland?”

She sat in a chair beside him, “I don’t know. You’re the one who knows this stuff.”

“My beloved, you are tired and worried about your friends. Go home, get something hot to eat, curl up with a book and rest.”

“The dogs are going crazy, at least they were. Kenna said they wouldn’t stop barking. Zy, I don’t mind the work, but really, this quake couldn’t have happened at a worse time.”

“Be thankful there were no serious injuries. And yes, it could have happened at a worse time.”

“I know,” she sighed, “sorry. You’re right, I’m exhausted.”

“Kol’non will be here momentarily, I will go home with you. You will eat and relax.”

“You gonna work all night?”

“I do not think so. At least not here in the conference room. I may work at home for a few hours. I am trying to find a way to fix the stabilizers so that we do not feel the quakes as much. It was something we did not tend to during our repairs. I deemed it unnecessary at that time due to needing many other areas up and running.”

“It’s not like we knew these swarms and quakes were going to happen.”

“Is he still beating himself up for not having those stabilizers working?” Kol’non said walking in.

“He is,” Victoria said.

“Stop it,” he said and sat down. “First Flight will be here at midnight to relieve me. I told Steve to stay home and rest. John too. He wanted to take a shift.”

“Neither are up for it,” Victoria frowned.

“And I told them as much. You two go get some rest. Be’atta is back in our own chambers. I think she’s been pushing herself to help everyone out. She needs a good night of rest, hence my shorter shift.”

“That’s completely understandable,” Victoria said. “She’s been such a help. Tell her not to hurry back. Rest up. She’s been very fortunate to not get this bug, at least not as bad as everyone else and I don’t want to take any chances especially given that she’s pregnant.”

“My thoughts exactly,” he smiled. “Goodnight.”

When Victoria and Zy’nayth entered their chambers, Ky’nayth came running up, “Daddy! I need hug!”

Zy’nayth lifted his son and hugged him fiercely. “Are you worried about these quakes?”

“Yes,” he said and began to wipe away his tears. “I think it was attack. Puppies are scared.”

“If we were being attacked, this ship would have launched. I would fly it myself.”

“Uncle Becket really sick now too,” he said. “Everyone sick.”

“Yes, but many are getting better. Uncle John is better. So is Uncle Kaven and Aunt Janice. It is taking a long time, but they are getting better. Look at how sick you were, you thought you were dying, and now you are well and taking care of the dogs and cooking and taking care of Kel’lan and Maressa.” Zy’nayth gave his son a kiss on his cheek, wiping away his big, fear-filled tears with a kiss. “Christopher said that he and Alessa have been so blessed because of you. They know you are looking after Storm and Maressa, and that you check in on David and Montana. You are being such a strong leader when I have to tend to other things. I am so proud of you. I love you and your sister very much for having such caring hearts.”

“I am very proud too,” Victoria said and gave him a kiss, rubbing his back at the same time. “You and your sister have been working so hard!”

Mik’kenna ran in, her arms lifted up. “I love you and I want hug!”

Mik’kenna was also given praise for her work then Janice came in with burgers and fries for them. “Sit in here and eat. Kitchen’s a bit of a mess so is the dining room. I’ll get it cleaned up. Chris had these going when I came in. Sent him to shower and freshen up. Everyone else had dinner except Becket. I just sent down for an IV. I told them you ordered it, sorry, Victoria, I didn’t want to bother you. Becket said it was the right one.”

“I’ll take care of the paperwork. Can you sit a minute and rest while we eat?” Victoria said as the door chimed. Geoffrey was there with the ordered IV and a tablet. Victoria glanced over the work which he’d done on her behalf, then she signed for the fluids. “Thanks, Geoffrey. But,” she turned to Janice, “let’s do this by the books. I need to be the one ordering things. I appreciate you not wanting to bother me, but we have to stick to the rules. And you,” she looked at Geoffrey, “are supposed to take the night off.”

“I know. Took care of this since it came in to me via an unusual route.”

“First and last time. Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am,” both he and Janice said. Geoffrey returned to his chambers while Janice said she’d grab her own food and join the family in the living room.

“According to Jacob’s chart, he tried some soup an hour ago. He’s not eating much,” Janice said, entering with her own plate of food.

“I’ll make the rounds and check on all of them. Meanwhile, my loving husband is going to have a nice hot bubble bath ready for me, and he’s going to massage my feet while I do a little reading.” She stopped. “I don’t hear the puppies.”

“We got them to sleep,” Mik’kenna said. “We got them in bed and cuddled with them, like you said. And took treats. They calm but when next quake hit, they get all nervous again. We trying to teach them not to worry.”

“They will learn,” Zy’nayth said, then prayed over the meal.

Mik’kenna took a bite of her smaller burger then dug into her fries. “I so hungry!” the little girl exclaimed. “I no realize it.”

“Slow down, both of you, or you’ll get sick,” Victoria said. “I’m sure there’s probably more if you want, just don’t eat so fast.”

“Okay, here’s the deal,” Janice said, “we have a lot of our family sick, I think our worst cases are Becket and Jacob. I’ve told the other members of the family that I’ll stop by every morning and see what they need. That way the med staff doesn’t need to worry about them. I’ll also get the meds we need for Becket and Jacob and stock them in the master bedroom…after you write the script for them.”

Victoria nodded. “I’ll do that after dinner.”

“Tomorrow I’ll start getting linens washed. And I don’t just mean the bedding here, but I’ll go to Lutia’s place and do up hers and so on for our family. With those Mythican washers, that won’t take but five or ten minutes per home. If someone needs a clean pair of jeans or something, I can do that. Not all of the laundry, just enough to get them through a day. But linens need to be done. Get rid of those germs.”

“Just do the minimum. I don’t need you relapsing.”

Janice nodded and continued, “I’ll get another couple of pots of soup going tonight. What time do you want the kids up in the morning?”

“They usually wake up at 5:00 to help Daddy take the puppies out,” Victoria smiled, “then they go back to bed until 8:00, when they eat breakfast. I’m guessing that’s what you needed to know. By 9:00 Mik’kenna comes to help in the infirmary.”

“Speaking of the pups,” Zy’nayth said, “How long has it been since they were last out?”

“After lunch before big quake,” Ky’nayth replied.

“We will need to take them out after we eat. It may help settle them down if they can be outside. They may feel trapped in here. We will need to use leashes on all of the dogs this time since I wish to have a look around on the mainland. If an aftershock hits, they may go running off and could get hurt.”

Dinner was finished and with John and Zy’nayth both helping the kids, they bridged over to the mainland after the Science Officer on duty said they’d tested and made sure the portal was working properly. Even the older dogs were skittish once they appeared on the mainland, but they didn’t run off. The puppies all tugged and pulled on their leashes, wanting to run from the subtle tremors they felt.

“So quiet here without the staff,” John said as they took a leisurely walk around the mainland bridge portal building. “No one in the control room, no machinery whirling and buzzing.” He stopped. “Not even a bird chirping. Too eerie.”

Zy’nayth had six leashes in one hand, a scanner in the other, checking the integrity of the mainland’s bridge control room.

There was a little tremor and the dogs who’d been tugging along at the very end of their leashes, ran closer to their guardians. “Everyone done?” John asked. “I think we should, uh, get off the land.”

“Puppies done,” Ky’nayth said, “all went one and two.”

“Let’s head back, this is creeping me out.” They went back into the building where Zy’nayth tapped the code onto the keypad of the bridge portal just as another major quake hit. The golden glow of the portal sparked for only a moment then went out.

“Zy…did you break it?” John asked.

“I believe there was a short,” he replied and tried again. Not even a shimmer of amber. Zy’nayth sighed as he called Kol’non. “First Commander, is the Control Room bridge working?” A moment later, having tested several items through the city-ship portal to and from one of the warships in orbit, Kol’non said it was operational. Zy’nayth tapped another code, “Science, the bridge on the mainland is not working. I believe this last quake may have knocked something loose. See anything on your end? And did you get any rest this afternoon?”

“A little. Checking,” came the reply.

The dogs were nearly frantic after the large aftershock. The twins were petting the dogs, trying to comfort them as they waited to hear from Ja’val.

“Electrical signal is getting there and back,” Ja’val said.

“So the problem is in the unit here?”

“Best guess, yes.”

“Then I will leave it to your team to tend to later. We will just teleport back.”

Another quake hit, this one sending the men to their knees. Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna plopped onto their behinds and the dogs scampered to them, whimpering.

“Commander, lock onto the High Chancellor’s signal, get them out of there,” Kol’non ordered. A moment later they were on the bridge of a warship.

“All puppies accounted for,” Ky’nayth said when they rematerialized.

“Sorry for the interruption,” Zy’nayth said to the First Flight Commander who was running the ship. “Mainland bridge is not functioning properly. Please teleport us to the Control Room.”

“Yes, sir,” the Commander replied.

“That aftershock was bigger than the first quake,” Kol’non said when they appeared in the Control Room.

“Have you ever felt a quake?” Zy’nayth asked.

“No, sir. Don’t believe I have.”

“I have. This one felt different. I cannot say how other than it was different. I will talk to Science. Any damage to the city-ship from that last quake?”

“Preliminary reports negative. First Science has a structural integrity scan running continuously.”

“Good.”

One of the puppies let out a yip, reached around, got the leash in his mouth and tugged on it. He was tired of being leashed. “I think that is our signal to get home.”

As soon as they were back in their chambers, the dogs were unleashed and went scampering, running to the master bedroom where they’d come to believe it was safe thanks to the kids.

“Your wife is in Kenna’s room,” Janice said as the dogs flew past her, “Chris passed out a few minutes ago.”

“He has been sick but not as bad as the others, did it take a turn for the worse?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Dehydrated. Been running to help everyone out and take care of Maressa and Alessa. Don’t worry, won’t happen again even if I have to force feed him myself.”

“Boy I’m glad you were sick when I was in the infirmary,” John smiled. “Mean nurse.”

“You need to rest, John. There’s an open recliner. Do you need something to drink?”

“Water’s fine,” John said as he crossed the living room and sank into the massive comfortable leather chair.

Zy’nayth went to Mik’kenna’s room to see if he could help Chris. He saw an IV stand next to the bed and his wife getting it hooked up to Chris’s arm. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

“Nurse Mik’kenna could get him some water and ice, if she doesn’t mind,” Victoria replied.

“I happy to!” Mik’kenna darted out as Victoria finished up the IV.

“Nothing you can do,” Victoria said to her husband, “other than reprimand him for not taking care of himself.”

“I was taking care of my wife and daughter and my dad,” Chris said.

“Taking a sip of water every now and again wouldn’t have interrupted your helping others,” she squeezed his hand and gave him a loving smile, “you did good. They’re lucky to have you.”

“Victoria, you need rest,” Zy’nayth said. “You will get sick at the pace you are keeping.”

“Going to take a shower now,” she said. “I know you don’t want the IV, Chris, but you are dangerously dehydrated. The stand’s on wheels so you can move around if you need to, but you may as well call it a night.”

“I am. Thanks, Doc.”

“Yell if you need something.”

“I stop in ‘casionally and make sure you has water and ice,” Mik’kenna said. “At least till Mommy tell me it bedtime.”

“Appreciate it.”

They began to leave when Zy’nayth’s comlink buzzed. “Yes?”

“I think we found the cause of the quakes,” Kol’non said. “Not sure what exactly it is, but Science is going to send a programmed drone to watch an area overnight. We should know more in the morning.”