E:A Vol 8 Ch 1: February 11, 2121

February 11, 2121

Standing in the Control Room on Expedition: Andromeda’s city-ship in orbit around Terra 2, Raythian High Chancellor Zy’nayth fought to control his anger. His mind filled with the knowledge that his people were created to be warriors to fight the Mythicans’ enemy: the Rayk. And though this last-ditch effort was successful in eradicating the Rayk, the Rayth (genetically created human-Rayk hybrids) grew to depend on absorbing human energy to survive. Food no longer sustained them. Within a century after the Rayk had been defeated, the hybrid digestive systems shut down forcing them to feed off the humans they were designed to defend and protect. And when the Mythicans were unable to reverse the process, the hybrids, the Rayth—a combination of the words Rayk and Mythican—grew resentful and the war between them and the Mythicans and all humans, began.

Now Zy’nayth, the leader of the Raythian Empire, faced a man of a race he had thought extinct. Wiped out by his kind ten thousand years ago. His silver eyes blazed with fury. The lack of foresight on the part of the Mythican scientists had forced the war. For ten thousand years, Zy’nayth looked for a way to reverse what the Mythicans had done to create this warrior hybrid of human and Rayk.

His hands, already curled into fists, clenched tighter as he stared at the man on the viewscreen and gave the order for weapons to be locked and ready to fire.

General Karken’al Dubasi, in charge of the Mythican flagship, stood and bowed, a formal bow Zy’nayth’s position demanded. “Sir,” he said, staring at the floor as he remained bowed, “before you destroy us, know that repairs you wish to undertake on the pipeline will cause a system-wide cataclysmic event. My team can repair it without causing the planet to be destroyed.” He finished speaking and stood erect, hoping Zy’nayth would listen and consider his words. “We’re here to help, sir. A meeting, perhaps, between our scientists would be in order. Time is of the essence.”

“Audio off,” Zy’nayth instructed, then turned and asked his First Science Commander, Ja’val, what he thought as he hurried into the Control Room having been telepathically contacted by Zy’nayth.

“I think they interrupted a nice dinner with my wife and son,” Ja’val huffed as Zy’nayth finally released his fists, just moments away from drawing blood. “Okay, I don’t know about what they’re saying. I see no reason to believe repairing the pipes would cause the planet to blow up. But…we still can’t scan through the shield of that second facility. It is possible that there may be something I don’t know about. Also, sir, their shields and their weapons are offline. Either this Dubasi is a lunatic to approach us without shields, or it’s his way of showing they are submitting to our authority.”

“Or it is a trap. Scan for other…”

“My team is already looking for other ships,” Ja’val said.

“And I have several warships headed in as backup,” First Commander Kol’non said from the Raythian flagship.

General Vince Cavanaugh, in charge of Earth’s Expedition: Andromeda team, walked up to Zy’nayth, their backs to the viewscreen. “Shields at full, engines and weapons at the ready,” he whispered. “This ship is yours to command.”

“Science, gut feel?” Zy’nayth said after a nod to Vince.

“Your gut feel is more accurate than mine. I say it’s worth a chat.”

“First Commander?”

“Same. We haven’t had time to thoroughly go through the files from the second facility. Dubasi may be telling the truth. If not, we’re ready to deal with them.”

“Agreed,” Zy’nayth said and turned back towards the viewscreen, ordered the audio turned back on, then simply looked at Karken’al. To his credit, the General Karken’al Dubasi didn’t appear to be afraid.

“Sir, I am sending you some coordinates,” Karken’al said. “We can see through your cloaks. As you have probably determined, our shields are down and our weapons are not online. I am not here to attack you or the Earth team. I am here to help.”

Zy’nayth walked over to the communications station and glanced down as coordinates of his warships, including his flagship were displayed. Still, he said nothing.

“I fear that Rayth technology could make matters worse. Some of your tools emit a small source of energy that is not compatible with this geothermic source. Explosive, if you will. The energy well is of sufficient size that potentially it could blow half of the planet away. I’m sure you’re aware the impact that would have to this solar system.”

“If that’s true,” Vince said, “wouldn’t there have been a problem when they dug the tunnel to the leak?”

Karken’al was shocked but didn’t show it. His team had not been able to determine where the Rayth had been able to go and what they had uncovered, “You have reached the source then?”

“The source? I’m not sure what that would be,” Vince said, “just the broken pipe.”

“Please allow us to fix the pipe. Then I would wish for us to discuss what you have found.”

“What is it you want? Why this effort to help?” Zy’nayth finally spoke.

“We do not want the planet or the ship, if that is your concern. As a gesture of our good will, we shall repair the pipe and,” he paused and appeared to look at something to his left, “and re-activate the dock. I am sending information on how to reset the docking link on the ship you are on to your flight station. I do this not only to help you and this Expedition: Andromeda team, but to help my people as well. I hope.”

“Very well. Once you have fixed things, we will meet. I would like my First Commander, First Science Commander, as well as General Cavanaugh and his Alpha Team present.”

“As expected. May we begin repairs now?”

“You do seem rather eager,” Zy’nayth said.

“I give you my word, we are only here to help.”

“Very well. First Commander, send drones to watch the work. If I suspect anything amiss, General Dubasi, you will be destroyed.”

Karken’al nodded. “I understand. Where would you like to meet?”

“Planet-side. I assume you have teleportation capabilities?”

“We do.”

“I will send coordinates. How many of you are we to expect?”

“Three. Myself, Science Officer Jil’ana, and my First Officer, Tel’lok.” Karken’al swiveled his seat around, “Begin repairs,” he turned back to the screen, “launch your drones at any time.”

“Estimated time for repairs?”

“Give my team a moment to assess the damage, please.”

“On it,” said a female voice from Karken’al’s right.

“Drones launched,” Ja’val said over the comlink. “Theirs and ours. We’re following.”

A few minutes later Karken’al said the repairs would take approximately two hours.

“They’re sending more drones,” Ja’val, now sitting at of the four workstations in the city-ship’s control room, sent that message to Zy’nayth telepathically.

“The added drones?” Zy’nayth asked aloud to Karken’al.

“To access the control panels to see if there is any other damage. I want to do a thorough job. You may, of course, send drones to follow ours.”

“Launch,” Zy’nayth said. “We will see you in two hours.”

“It will be an honor, High Chancellor,” Karken’al replied and the call ended.

“First Commander, scan the area around MedBay 2. I want a team down there to do a visual in case we cannot detect them just as we have been unable to detect their ships. Science, I want your team to monitor all of the Mythican’s activity, especially around that broken pipe.”

“Understood.”

Zy’nayth tapped a button on his comlink, the one that contacted the Alpha Team. He added his wife, Victoria, as well as Simon Harris and Dr. Becket McKenna to the call.

“Meeting in ten minutes, Vince’s office. Victoria, bring Michael, please,” Zy’nayth told her, speaking of the President of the United States, Michael Stewart, who along with his family, was currently staying with them.

“What should I do with the kids? Should they go to the flagship or bridge them to Ny’van’s?” Victoria asked.

“I do not think there is danger but send them to the flagship. Perhaps make sure Lutia, Alessa, and the children are there. First, did you hear that?”

“Yes, sir,” Kol’non responded. “Will make arrangements. Will also contact the Vice Chancellor to be ready for a video call.”

“Thank you. Everyone else, ready?”

Everyone signaled they were on their way as Victoria hurriedly told Michael that he was to come with her, then they practically ran to Pastor Jacob and Julia’s chambers where the kids were helping to clean up “puppy messes” from when the city-ship’s engines came online earlier.

The door to Jacob and Julia’s chambers were opened as Victoria hurried up to it. “Kids,” she said, almost out of breath, “Come with me, now. I need to get you to the flagship.”

“What’s wrong?” Julia asked.

“Nothing, at least I hope not. My husband’s just being cautious.”

“Cautious about what? Why did the engines come online?”

“Vince will probably make an announcement. Kids, come on.”

“Baxter and Celeste, too?” Ky’nayth asked about their precious dogs.

Victoria nodded.

“I can stay and finish helping Miss Julia,” Zachary, Michael’s son, said, “you two go.”

The kids and their dogs followed their mother and Michael to the Control Room. Victoria and the twins bridged to the Raythian flagship where they were met by the Second Warrior Commander and escorted to Zy’nayth’s personal chambers with instructions that they were not to leave. Alessa with her baby, Maressa, and dog, Storm, arrived with Lutia, who was the First Science Commander’s wife, and their son, Kel’lan. Their dog Cinnamon was prancing along after Storm as they walked through the massive warship.

The rest of the summoned group assembled in Vince’s conference room. Once Victoria arrived, he relayed what had just transpired.

“Mythicans?” Kaven Maneese, an Andromeda native, asked.

“So he said. What was visible of the ship was very similar in style to Mythican technology of which I am familiar. Not exactly, but then I have not seen Mythican architecture more current than this ship,” Zy’nayth said.

“They said the energy emitted from our tools could be dangerous,” Ja’val said, “which poses a rather big question in my mind. How do they know what energy our tools use?”

“Also, as Vince pointed out, when we dug the tunnel to the pipe, our tools did not cause any sort of an event,” First Commander Kol’non said.

“And they seemed surprised that we found the geothermal well,” John said.

“He said ‘source’ which tells me that perhaps the facility we found, the well we found there, is not the actual source. We would have detected something if it is a different type of energy source than what we are familiar with,” Zy’nayth said.

“So what’s the plan?” Kaven asked.

“Ja’val’s team is monitoring their work. In two hours we will teleport down to MedBay 2. We will talk.”

“Do you think it’s wise to have all of the top brass there? Both you and Kol’non? Both me and Vince?” John asked.

“Normally, no. But I do not sense any hostility from him.”

Kol’non looked at his commanding officer, “I shouldn’t go. It’s against protocol. And though you don’t think there’ll be an issue, I’d rather stick to the rules. I can video in.”

“Very well,” Zy’nayth said, “that is wise. Vince, what about you?”

“I think both John and I should be there in person. However, I would ask that you send your Second, or a pilot here to this ship in case we need get out. John, Chris, and Kaven are our only combat tested pilots thus far.”

Zy’nayth looked at his First, “When you return, send someone over, please.”

“Need me to send any guards planet-side?” John asked.

“No,” Zy’nayth replied. “As Kol’non mentioned, we should follow protocol. For Rayth, that means that we will have a squadron ready to, as you say, scramble, and several ground troops ready to teleport down. They obviously can track our movements, but I want to assume they are friendly. At least for the moment. A team is securing the area now and will remain there until we go down.”

“Wait, shouldn’t they stay there?” Victoria asked. “I mean, what’s the use of having them secure an area only to leave when you go down?”

“I believe she forgets you could handle three humans with ease,” Lt. Col. Christopher Chapman grinned.

“I was thinking about if their ship fired or something.”

“Then what good would having Rayth warriors down there do?” Kaven said. “They don’t yet know the location of the meeting.”

“They could have detected where the Rayth sent down the team to secure the area,” Dr. Simon Harris, Director of Technology said.

“Several teams were sent to multiple locations,” First Commander Kol’non said. “We have played this game before. Victoria, we’ll be locked on your comlink signals,” Kol’non said, “we can get you out quickly if need be.”

Victoria looked at her husband. As High Chancellor, he wore all white. His leather uniform practically gleamed. Though he had the typical white hair which all Rayth possessed, his was rather jagged, scruffy, whereas other Rayth’s hair, whether long or short, was straight. His silver eyes were also unlike the typical sapphire of his people. He was an imposing man. Almost predatory in appearance. And as he had told his wife so many times, he had not lived ten thousand years by being weak. She gave him a nod and a half-smile. “Sorry. I worry.”

“I know. We will be quite all right.”

“So basically, we wait another hour and half, while they fix our broken stuff then we go talk?” Chris said.

“Yes,” Zy’nayth replied. “Simon, Becket, if they are willing to give us information regarding the facility, this ship or anything, I want you two prepared to ask any questions regarding your areas of expertise. If they are going to give us information, I think Simon and Becket’s areas are the most crucial.

“Victoria, Be’atta, both of you will video into the meeting. Be’atta, though I want a senior commander on this ship other than Steve, I do not wish to put you and your baby in harm’s way. You will go to the flagship and with Victoria, video into the meeting.”

Victoria knew better than to argue, and she also knew that her children were probably quite worried. “What about the president and his family?” she asked.

“Michael, I will leave the decision up to you. Your family may join my wife on the flagship or you may stay here.”

“I’d love a tour of your ship,” Michael smiled.

“There will be no tour. You will be teleported directly to my chambers and not be allowed to leave. I mean no disrespect, but in a heightened situation such as this, I cannot have unknown humans walking about my ship.”

“I understand.”

“If the need arises, you can bridge back to Earth. Or if you’d feel more comfortable leaving now, you may. This is not what you signed on for when you escorted your son here.”

“I’d like to stay. And Vince, would it be okay if I hung around the Control Room while this goes on?”

“Just stay out of their way,” the general said. “You can watch but don’t interrupt them.”

“I know the rules,” Michael replied. “I’ll go let Holly know what’s going on, then come back.”

“Vince, you will need to make a ship-wide announcement,” Zy’nayth said.

“Already have my notes as to what I’m going to say,” he said.

A few more points were touched on then Zy’nayth and Victoria, after a short stop in their chambers to get a few things, bridged to the flagship.

“Daddy, something bad happen?” Mik’kenna, their three-year-old daughter, asked when they walked into the chambers.

“I do not believe anything bad will happen,” he replied, “but I want you safe, just in case. Your mother will be here, and Uncle Kol’non will be on the bridge.”

“I brought up popcorn so you can watch an old movie on my computer,” Victoria said, “to pass the time.”

“Do we has butter on popcorn?” Mik’kenna asked.

“We can,” Victoria smiled. “Why don’t we go get some made? I need to make some tea or…maybe I have some of that strawberry flavored stuff left up here.”

Zy’nayth gave his children hugs and kisses. “I love you both very much. Pray for our meeting, and enjoy your movie. I may not get home until after you have gone to bed.”

“You no get hurt,” Mik’kenna said, “I worry.”

“Do not worry,” he said, “pray.”

“I will, Daddy.”

“Me too. I love you,” Ky’nayth, Mik’kenna’s twin brother said.

“Victoria, I will connect to the computer for the video call. Please be in the twins’ room so the door can be shut.”

“Okay,” she said, then gave him a kiss. “Be careful.”

“Always.”

***

John, Chris, and Kaven went planet-side first. MedBay 2 was where the meeting would be held so the three men arranged the seating in the waiting room, the only area that wasn’t set up for a medical purpose.

“Feels wrong not to be armed in this situation,” John said, sliding a table to the center of the ring they made. “Done.”

“I always like to have my crossbow handy when I’m moving furniture,” Chris grinned, “never know when a sofa will get out of line.”

John tapped his comlink as he frowned at Chris. “We’re set down here. Who’s bringing the milk and cookies?”

“I knew I forgot something,” Dr. Becket McKenna, Chief Medical Officer, said.

“First Commander,” Vince’s voice sounded over their link, “ready to teleport.” A moment later, Vince, Becket, Simon, Ja’val, and Zy’nayth appeared outside of MedBay 2 on the mainland of Terra 2.

Right on schedule, General Karken’al Dubasi signaled the city-ship. The call was routed to Zy’nayth and Vince’s comlinks. “High Chancellor, General, this is Karken’al, we are ready to teleport on your signal.”

“The area is clear, you may teleport,” Zy’nayth said and gave him the coordinates.

The three Mythican delegates instantly appeared in the area in front of them. Vince greeted them, then they turned to Zy’nayth and gave him a formal bow. “It is an honor to meet you at last,” Karken’al said.

Zy’nayth simply gave them a nod then motioned to the building where the meeting was to be held. He introduced them to those joining the meeting through the video link: Kol’non, Victoria, Be’atta, and Ny’van, using the titles for the Rayth instead of names, per tradition.

“It would appear that you know of me,” Zy’nayth said.

“Sir, among my people, there is no one who is more well-known than you. Nor anyone more feared.”

“Not sure if that’s a compliment or not,” General Vince Cavanaugh said.

“The High Chancellor is both our most feared enemy and our biggest hope,” Karken’als said.

“The enemy part, I understand,” Chris said as they walked into the waiting room, “but hope?”

“Through his efforts, a serum was found so that humans no longer have to be hunted. Had he not pursued it, had he given up, the battle for survival would have waged on until every last human in this galaxy had been destroyed. Then they would have moved on to yours,” he said looking at Vince and his team. “But now there is hope. We are moving in the right direction.”

“It has been a long endeavor, too long, and it is due to my friends here that we were able to finally find an answer,” Zy’nayth said. “But we are not here to discuss that. Why have you suddenly come out of hiding? I was unaware that there were any Mythicans left. It was my understanding that my people, sadly, had destroyed all Mythicans in the war.”

“Some escaped and went to different worlds, different galaxies. A few of us stayed, traveling from planet to planet, village to village, watching, waiting. We only occupy one planet in Andromeda. One we thought you’d never go near.”

“Near the Rayk homeworld.”

“Yes. How did you…”

“Rayk energy is harmful to Rayth but not to humans. It would be the safest place for you. To change the topic, you obviously see through our cloaking technology. Would you explain how?”

“It is ourcloaking technology,” Karken’al corrected. “They are identical. We knew what to look for.”

“The technology has been modified.”

“And ours has advanced as well,” Karken’al rebutted. “You may not have seen us, but we have watched over Rayth all of these years.”

Zy’nayth raised an eyebrow. “Then you knew about the rebels and their ship manufacturing facility near the Rayk homeworld…near your own planet.”

“Yes.”

“Why did you not stop the ship building? Surely you knew they were siphoning Rayk energy from that planet, and that there was a possibility that they would discover your planet.”

Karken’al sighed. “That’s a long story. Yes. We knew about it. Many wanted to destroy it. But we hoped that our planet would remain hidden. Besides, we didn’t know these were rebel Rayth, though we had suspicions. And we didn’t know if you knew that the energy was harmful to Rayth. If you did, it would be a suicide mission for any Rayth to be in such close proximity to that energy. So yes, we suspected they were rebels or that perhaps the Empire was desperate. Yet, we couldn’t be sure and the desire to avoid another war drove the decision to let them do as they wished.”

“There’s ten thousand years of history to go over, but I’d like to know how you came to know about our little Expedition, and Earth, and the problem with the pipeline,” John said. “Don’t mean to interrupt the High Chancellor, but it seems a bit suspicious that you’d arrive here to help us when the planet could blow up…and yet leave us fighting for our lives when the rebels attacked…which caused this little problem.”

“Though we have been monitoring Rayth all of these years, our fleet is small. We cannot be everywhere at once,” Karken’al said as Jil’ana shifted in her seat. “We check in every now and again, but our ships are generally used for scientific purposes as well as exploration and relief efforts. So we did not know about the rebel attack until after it had happened. Secondly, there would not have been much we could do. The Rayth are better equipped to handle space battles.”

Karken’al paused for a moment, thinking Zy’nayth would have a comment, but when nothing was said, he continued. “To be honest, we wouldn’t have exposed ourselves if it hadn’t been for the danger from the energy source here. As I mentioned, the geothermic well, the energy our ancestors tapped into, is not compatible with the energy supply the Rayth use.”

“Fiarvinite?” Ja’val said. “What energy source wouldn’t work with fiarvinite? We’ve used it for millennia.”

“Fiarvinite does not play well with pellite.”

“Pellite? Really? We’ve only found one or two sources of it in the entire galaxy. Why didn’t my scans pick it up?”

“Tell me what you scanned,” Jil’ana finally spoke. “I can probably help from there.”

“We took some samples in the generator facility,” Ja’val said. “Soil, water, air, some of the constructions materials.”

“Generator?” Jil’ana typed a few things into her tablet, “Ah, yes. That generator converts the energy for the uh…”

“We found the underground facility, with the rather large hangar of shuttles and ships,” Zy’nayth said.

Jil’ana nodded, “Ah, yes. You did find it. Okay, what you call the generator area is actually a conversion chamber where the pellite is converted to fiarvinite to power that facility. However, the SVBS-2 in orbit uses pellite as its energy source for the engines, shield, and cloak. The rest of the facility, as you’re probably aware, uses fiarvinite.”

“SVBS-2?” Col. John Hagen asked.

“Science Vessel Battle Ship. The ‘two’ designates it as also a housing facility,” Karken’al said.

Ja’val let out a frustrated sigh, “I still should have detected the pellite on the city-ship, and I should have run a scan on the pipeline.”

“You would not have known or suspected to look for it,” Jil’ana said. “Don’t blame yourself. If I may continue,” Jil’ana said.

“By all means,” Zy’nayth gave her a nod.

“On the SVBS-2, there are numerous shields around the containment unit for the pellite, no energy residue should be escaping, so unless you knew it was there, you’d have no idea it was there. And it wouldn’t show up on your scans because the containment field restricts even the residue from escaping.”

“But if the rest of the ship uses fiarvinite, how…” Ja’val leaned in. He loved talking science and he wanted to know more.

“The pellite is only for the engines, shields, and cloak, as I mentioned. There is no crossover in the system whatsoever. The power source for those are all centrally located, confined to just one area under the city. And because of the rarity of the pellite, it isn’t in the database, at least not under the that term, in case the ship fell into enemy hands. So, even on your best day, you may not have found it.”

“I still should have scanned the pipeline. I simply assumed it was fiarvinite since that’s what was in the well.”

“Speaking of which, when you dug the tunnel down to it, did you use the teleporter to teleport the soil away?” she asked.

“Yes, why?”

“Now I’m the one perplexed. The energy residue from your teleporter should have triggered an explosion the moment you opened up the tiniest of holes to allow the pellite gas to exit the ground.”

Ja’val deferred to Zy’nayth, who told them the truth.

“We do not use fiarvinite as a power source on the flagship.”

This time it was Karken’al’s turn to raise a questioning eyebrow. “If it’s not fiarvinite, and you didn’t know about pellite then…Rayk energy. Xerminium? That’s what that rebel base was using for their ships. You have tapped into xerminium as a power source.”

“Yes. My brother’s ships—the rebels used it. Poor design and containment issues, but my First Science Commander was able to fix those issues. Despite not knowing the xerminium was dangerous to Rayth until we captured the rebels from that manufacturing satellite, we did deduce that rather quickly and have been able to come up with containment units which keep us safe. And,” he nodded to Jil’ana, “as with the pellite on the SVBS-2 which is used only for certain tasks, xerminium is only used for certain tasks as well.”

“I’d be interested in seeing your results. Compare shields, FTL drive speeds,” Jil’ana said. “We’ve never been able to harness it. This would be…”

“Perhaps we can come to an arrangement,” Zy’nayth said. “And now that we know you came to keep the planet from being destroyed, for which we are thankful, what is our next move?”

“We…, excuse me…I,” Karken’al corrected, “do have an ulterior motive.”

“Indeed,” Zy’nayth replied. “Explain.”

“This most recent attack was carried out here on this planet, your homeworld, other Rayth worlds, and on Earth. We are unfamiliar with the technology used. We cannot detect those ships. That leaves me to believe that whoever is behind this is not Rayth nor Mythican. If they can carry out an attack on this scale against you, High Chancellor, and get to Earth, then I fear for my people. I would like to come to an arrangement. Something I believe the earthlings call a gentleman’s agreement.

“We do not want war. We need the protection of your fleet. In return, the three of us here, and the other members of my crew, will work with your team and show you anything you want to see, explain whatever you want explained about the city-ship and the facility you found here underground.”

“To clarify, does this apply only to this unknown group of attackers or the rebels?” Zy’nayth asked. “One is more easily dealt with than the other.”

“Both, actually,” Karken’al said. “I know there’s nothing you can do about rebels until you know they’re out there. I would, however, like our existence to remain a secret, just between us, so that it doesn’t leak to the rebels. I know those on your warships above probably know about us, but as much as you are able to quell the knowledge of our existence, it would be appreciated. My main reason for being here, however, is that I believe we need to work together to protect our three peoples and this galaxy from this new threat. Given your answer, you also don’t know who this new threat is.”

Zy’nayth was impressed that this man had been able to keep tabs on Rayth technology. Not something easily done. Also something which signaled that better security measures needed to be implemented. For now, however, he would play along. “Correct. We do not know where the ships and the technology originated. My brother, the former High Chancellor, however, did have contact with a…seller, for lack of a better word.”

“Are you willing to exchange information about this unknown entity?”

“I am unwilling to make a decision at this time. However, I am making a gentleman’s agreement to stay away from your planet and to do my best to keep the knowledge of your existence a secret.”

“How do I earn your trust?” Karken’al asked. “We need your protection. I won’t deny that. I wouldn’t have risked our exposure if we had any shot of defending ourselves against someone with technology that rivals both yours and ours. So what can I do to win you over?”

“Teach the Expedition: Andromeda crew about that facility we just found. That would be a start. I need time to assess the situation. I admit, having another team help find this third technologically advanced race would be beneficial, but I am wary. You must understand.”

“I do and I thank you for the opportunity to earn your trust. May my science team continue to assess any damage done? I am particularly worried about the docking mechanism for the SVBS-2. I would like them to conduct a thorough investigation.”

“Then please continue. I will still have our drones follow yours and would suggest that you share the results of any scans with my First Science Commander.”

Karken’al nodded to Jil’ana, “Send him what you have found thus far.”

Ja’val handed her a glass chip, “On this please.”

“Now, since it is getting late, do you feel comfortable continuing this in the morning? I think we all have a lot to discuss among our own groups,” Karken’al said, “but I am willing to stay up all night, if need be, to answer questions.”

Zy’nayth looked at Vince who deferred to the High Chancellor. “Very well. We will continue in the morning. Vince may we use your conference room?”

“Of course.”

“How does 9:00 a.m. sound? I would like my group to have questions ready, and to get a little extra sleep.”

“The time is fine. Might I suggest that after meeting in the conference room, we would bridge to the facility. We can walk through with my experts and yours together.”

“We will keep that in mind, but I will not make a decision about that until after our morning discussion.”

“I understand. I just wanted you to know that the option was available.”

Zy’nayth typed on his tablet. “Those are the coordinates to teleport into the Control Room. Like today, please contact me first before you come over so that we can make sure the area is clear.”

“We can also bridge over, if that’s easier. We still have the access codes unless you have changed them.”

“They have been changed,” Zy’nayth looked up from his tablet, “teleportation for now.”

“You do like your security measures.”

“I do. But let me say that if I thought you were a threat, we would be on my flagship and you would be in a cell, if, that is, you were still alive.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. Until tomorrow, then. Good night.” The three Mythicans went outside where they were teleported back up to their ship.

“Make your lists, then try to get some extra sleep. And pray. It would be nice to have these people and their technology as allies and friends.”

“It sure would,” John said. “I hope they’re being honest.”

“It seems as if they are. We will find out. Good night everyone.”

“One question,” Be’atta said from the video screen, “Can I be at this meeting in person?”

Zy’nayth smiled, “Please. Victoria we will talk when I get up there.”

She nodded then disconnected the call. She went into the living area which was also the master bedroom where the twins were curled up with their dogs in the middle the bed enjoying a rare treat of watching a movie. Something limited on Terra 2 and very limited by Zy’nayth. Maressa and Kel’lan were fast asleep near the headboard, their dogs protectively curled up at the toddlers’ feet. Lutia and Alessa were sitting in chairs, each with a book in hand, reading.

“Done already?” Ky’nayth asked. “That no take long.”

“Yup. Daddy should be here soon.”

“No bad happen?” Mik’kenna asked, pausing the movie.

“No. I think we may have made some new friends. Hopefully. And friends that will help us understand this new facility your brother and the team has been investigating. Go ahead and finish your movie.”

Zy’nayth walked in several minutes later as the movie was ending. The kids ran to him and smothered him with hugs and kisses, as if he’d been away for days, not just hours.

“We worried but we prayed,” Mik’kenna said, “Baxter and Celeste prayed too. We had popcorn and watched a movie about puppies.”

“Tell us ‘bout new friends,” Ky’nayth said. “Do they like puppies?”

“We did not discuss puppies, but I am sure that there are some who probably do like them. We can talk in the morning. It is past your bedtime, though I am glad you stayed up to welcome me home.”

“We stay here or go back to city-ship?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Which would you prefer?” he asked.

“We stay here!” Ky’nayth said and his sister agreed.

“Very well. Come on, we will pray and tuck you in. Lutia, your husband should be here any moment. Alessa, yours is back on the city-ship. Do you need help taking Maressa and Storm back?”

“Actually, would it be okay if I just called Chris to come and help? I think the pups need to go out.”

“Oh, yes, of course. Enter,” he said as the door chimed. Ja’val walked in and gave his wife a kiss.

“Hey, you want to take the pups out?” Lutia smiled at him. “It would save Alessa from having to make Chris do it.”

“Sure. Are we staying here tonight or the city-ship?”

“The city-ship, if it’s safe.”

“City-ship it is. Alessa, I’ll bring Storm by.” He leashed up Cinnamon who was still apt to wander, then called the other dogs and took them to the bridge portal and off to do their business. Lutia put Kel’lan into his carrier while Alessa did the same for Maressa and both headed to the city-ship.

Once the dogs were back, Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna were tucked into their beds and prayed over then Zy’nayth and Victoria retired to their own bed.

“You look very tired, are you feeling well?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Was worried, and I do have a little headache.”

He put his hand over her heart, using his Rayth energy to scan her body to see if anything seemed out of place. “I see nothing wrong,” he said then had her turn so her back was to him. He put his hands on her neck, “Ah, very tight.”

She let out a soft moan as he began his massage. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure,” he said. “Do you need to take some time off?”

“No. Just got a little stressed when you left suddenly.”

“I told you not to worry,” he said and kissed her shoulder.

“I know. I wasn’t petrified, or anything, just…worried. Oh, I hope they’re sincere. I’m tired of battles.”

“As am I. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.”

“You know Ky’s going to be wanting something to do because, I suspect, your little investigation expedition will be put on hold and you won’t need your best drone pilot.”

Zy’nayth let out a little groan. “I thought about that the minute we put them to bed. Are you scheduled to work tomorrow?”

“Yes, just a half-day, though.”

“And Mik’kenna will not be Becket’s assistant because he will be with the entourage.”

“Holly would probably watch them for us. Or I can see if Sasha can cover my hours.”

“I would prefer if Sasha could cover for you. Should something go awry, I would much rather have you with the children. How is your headache?”

“I’m just all sleepy now, thank you.”

He kissed her ear. “I sense your worry. Try not to. I do not think Karken’al is an enemy.”

“Did you read his mind?”

“No. You know that is against our beliefs.”

“Still…given all we’ve been through, I mean…it would be sort of justified.”

“No.”

She kissed his nose. “I love you.”