E:A Vol 8 Ch 4: February 18, 2121

Chapter 4: February 18, 2121

“Welcome to the bridge portal and transportation area,” Jil’ana said, leading the tour of the facility. “As you can see, this portal is significantly longer, or wider, however you want to look at it, as the one on your ship. It can handle more people or items at one time.”

“Around this semi-circular area, you can see the glass windows. They were built to withstand the weapons of the time. However, the real defense is in the barrier that is currently retracted. Here on the first floor to your right is a holding area. Think of it as an enemy holding cell.” She took them across the room and showed them the control panel, “Coded, only accessible from this side. You cannot work through the backside of the wall to access this panel. The reinforcements in the building materials basically makes this door and control panel blast-proof.”

“So don’t get stuck inside,” Chris said. “The glass can’t be broken?”

“Correct. Blast-proof as well. I will go over this in more detail with the security tour. But are there any questions?” There were none, so she continued. “The entire ‘U’ overhead is the command center. Though its main function is to monitor bridge activity and provide security, there are duplicate workstations of those found in each area such as the physics lab or the shuttle bay. If, for some reason, an area falls into enemy hands, or there is an incident such as a contagion leak in a med research lab, the main controls for that area can be accessed from the workstations here.”

She led them up the stairs into the U-shaped area that ringed the wide-open expanse of the main floor below. Everyone entered the first section then Jil’ana pointed to the front row of workstations, noting that the markings told them what the station was for, but gave a general outline of how the stations were laid out. “I thought we’d start here at this end and work our way around the U. However, if you want to look around for a few minutes first, go ahead.”

The department heads had noted which stations were theirs and each went to them, checking the layout of the controls, having been instructed not to touch anything. They’d be allowed that opportunity when they came through with the Mythican specialist of their particular area. Like what they had on the ship, the stations were semi-circular with rows of small buttons. These were the primary “channels” for the computer. There was also a virtual keyboard that appeared when the terminal was online. The screens for the station were like the Rayth monitors: holographic and see-through. Each station’s monitors could be divided into three sections: left, middle, and right, but they could also be one continuous screen. If the station was offline, the screens were not visible. When on, there was an amber glow around the edges, the same gold-amber color that lit up the bridge when it was activated. Unlike what they had on the ship, however, there were many more “channels” available on each station.

After everyone had a chance to look around, they gathered around Jil’ana at the first set of stations. “Did anyone notice anything about the workstations in this area?” she quizzed.

“The stations are duplicated,” Simon explained. “Row closest to the open area is primary; the station behind it is the backup.”

“Both stations can be run simultaneously to control different things in the specified area. So, Col. Chapman, you could use the primary flight control to monitor ships off-site while Col. Hagen uses the backup to run routine system checks on ships in the hangar. Or, both could be done from one station depending on how busy things are.”

Jil’ana then began her demonstration, first going over how to power up the station, which they knew, but she wasn’t about to skip any steps. Then button by button, she went over the main “channels” of the station and the top level computer files, though briefly.

“Oh, yes, Dr. Harris asked yesterday if the Earth interface you are used to would need to be changed to work here. The answer is that the Earth to Mythican integration setup used in the SVBS-2 will work on these stations as well. They may require some program adjustments. But since I do not have access to the Raythian portion of that interface, you would need to consult with the First Science Commander.”

“Ah, good news. Thank you,” Simon replied.

By lunchtime, they had only gotten around a third of the workstations. Jil’ana wanted to make sure she gave each station a broad overview, but there were stations for areas the Expedition: Andromeda team hadn’t utilized, ever, so those required a bit more of a detailed explanation so that Vince could determine who should be required to staff or monitor them, if at all.

***

“Janice, glad you are joining us,” Zy’nayth said as he walked into the chambers, ready for lunch, “and I want to again apologize for not working on your kitchen. I have talked to the volunteers and if you can avoid your apartment this weekend, we will get it done then. Victoria is not expecting guests, so you can stay in our guestroom.”

“You guys are busy and…”

“And we can take a weekend to do this. We are giving the department heads a weekend to absorb all of the information that has been presented thus far and prepare for their in-depth tours with their Mythican counterparts. Besides, your appliances and construction materials are here and taking up much-needed space.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I am sorry that we also ruined the girls’ weekend out.”

“Hey, we can still get together, maybe not go shopping and such, but we can have a good weekend together. It’s not your fault the Mythicans show up out of nowhere,” Victoria said and greeted Karken’al, Jil’ana, and Tel’lok as they entered the apartment. “It’ll be another five minutes. Honey, would you pray now that way we can dig in as soon as I serve?”

“Of course. And Janice, thank you for understanding. If you wish, you can move in here Friday night; the Vice Chancellor and I can start tearing out the wall I am going to remodel.”

Over lunch, Zy’nayth told the group that the plans for the weekend had been confirmed. “And Victoria, it is your duty to make sure that the ladies do not work. Remember, you will not be cooking for us; we will dine in the mess hall. I can talk with Chef Alan to have food delivered up here for all of you.”

“We’ll manage,” Victoria smiled. “Janice, are you excited?”

“Very much so,” Janice grinned. “I really appreciate this, everyone. Thank you so much.”

“It’s the least we can do as payment for all the good food you give us,” Chris said.

“If it is not an inconvenience, I realize this is short notice, I would like to have all of you to my flagship for dinner this evening,” Karken’al said.

Vince and his team all turned to Zy’nayth. It wasn’t a matter of just where they were going to eat, but to have the High Chancellor and the command staff of Expedition: Andromeda on the Mythican flagship could pose security risks that the Rayth would probably rather not deal with. Zy’nayth telepathically communicated with Kol’non, Ny’van, and Ja’val before he answered. No one was the wiser as he was able to carry on a verbal conversation while communicating telepathically.

Finally, Zy’nayth answered Karken’al’s question. “Do I have your word, General, that no harm would come to any of our lovely ladies and the children?”

“Sir, this is not a trap and I understand your caution. You have my word of honor that no one, especially the ladies and children, will come to any harm while on my ship. I simply wish to relieve some of the burden your wife has with preparing all of these delectable meals.”

“Then we will join you. I will however, have security measures in place.”

“Daddy always worry ‘bout security,” Mik’kenna nodded. “I no understand sometimes. Dis just dinner. I worry for security if you serve octopus, but I no think you will. Do you have taytoes?”

“Yes. We do have potatoes,” Karken’al said then turned back to Zy’nayth, “and I do not blame your father for worrying about security…he wants to keep you and Ky’nayth safe.”

The team finished their lunch and bridged back to the new facility where their tour continued. Victoria was thankful she’d be spared making dinner and spent the afternoon relaxing with a book while the twins played. An hour before they were due to head to Karken’al’s flagship, she had the kids get cleaned up, then she put on something a little more dressy than her normal slacks and blouse.

“I’m sorry it’s not as cozy in here as your chambers,” he said to Zy’nayth and Victoria who appeared with the others, having teleported to the Mythican flagship, “but I hope the food makes up for it.”

The group was led to the flagship’s formal dining area. It was an informal dinner, Karken’al wanting to keep things more hospitable than what would be expected during a formal setting. Zy’nayth prayed over the meal then the food was passed, and Karken’al told Mik’kenna that the potato dish was made especially for her. “The cheese sauce is much like your cheddar, though a bit creamier and little saltier. I hope you like it.”

Everyone enjoyed the meal and the tour of the ship afterwards. Zy’nayth was surprised that they were so open to allow Rayth, especially the First Science Commander, to see areas that he would not have allowed if the Mythicans were touring his flagship. He politely pulled Karken’al aside and thanked him for his trust.

“It is a gesture of good will. I want you as a friend, not a foe. Besides, I suspect if there is technology you want from this ship, you’d find a way to get it.”

“And as a gesture of good will, I will not pursue that end. Thank you, Karken’al. Perhaps there is hope that war between our people can be avoided.”

“That is my goal. No more war. Not between us. Hopefully, not with anyone.”

“A goal we share,” Zy’nayth said and gave him the bow reserved for those who have earned the respect of a Rayth.

February 20, 2121

Dr. Becket McKenna, head nurse Janice Evans, nurses Lutia Glasson and Geoffrey Tanner, and all of the Expedition: Andromeda doctors except Victoria, joined by the three Rayth, including Ja’val who wasn’t expected at the tour, and Simon Harris began their tour of the medical section of the recently discovered underground facility.

“I’d like to introduce you to Kia’myn,” Jil’ana said. “She’s our Chief Medical Officer. I can explain the systems behind the equipment in here, but not how the equipment works, so she’ll take you through that. I’ll start by going over the system information for a machine, that will, I assume, be of most interest to Dr. Harris and the First Science Commander. Then Kia’myn will give you a brief overview. We’ll continue until I have covered all equipment, then Kia’myn will start going into detail. Are you ready?”

“More than you know,” Becket smiled, rubbing his hands together, his mind already formulating how best he can use the equipment, studies and research he had in mind, and of course, the treatment of patients. “Show me what options I have at my disposal!”

***

“Any good stuff?” Victoria asked as the doctors and three nurses gathered for lunch. A Science Officer from the Raythian flagship covered for her in the infirmary while she tended to the group’s lunch.

“Oh love, there is so much…my mind is racing,” Becket’s Scottish accent getting thicker with his excitement. “We may never have to take another blood sample.”

“Actually, that’s not really true,” Kia’myn smiled, “even with our updated medical systems, we still have to do routine blood draws. But Dr. McKenna would be correct in saying that the scanners in that facility can check for most diseases without the need for taking blood samples.”

“That alone will endear our people to the Mythicans more than anything else,” Dr. Sasha Lovell said with a smile. “I hate needles and I’m a doctor.”

“I have a question, sorry,” Becket said, “I don’t mean to talk about work over lunch, but it popped into my head. The software behind the scanner, the uh, programming, are there updates that we need? I mean, it is ten thousand years old, there’s had to have been some programming updates to scan for more diseases and such.”

“You’re are correct,” Jil’ana said, “however, before I start dumping that information in, I need to make sure the system can handle the upgrade. We may need some hardware updates first. Once we’re sure the hardware can handle the software updates, we’ll install it, then we will need to get your team together again, so that I can show you how to input more data. For example, if there is an Earth illness that we do not have in our database, Kia’myn can show you how to input the markers so that the scanner knows what to look for. That’s something that I think Simon should be involved in as well.”

“Amazing. Absolutely amazing,” Dr. Neville Danielson said. “Doc, you’re not gonna need all of us anymore.”

“I have a team of twenty for our ship,” Kia’myn said. “Doctors and nurses, even with our more modern technology, are still greatly needed. However, I have to admit, most of our time is spent in research. As we explore new planets and people, there are many different diseases that we haven’t encountered. Each environment has the potential to produce multiple issues, from allergies to toxins. And we still cannot fix things like broken bones with a machine. We’re getting close, though.”

“One of the things I’ve always wanted to try and figure out,” Victoria readied a fork of food while looking at Zy’nayth “is how my husband can heal broken bones, heal anything really, with just his energy. Imagine the potential of being able to do that.”

“I’d love to know as well,” Kia’myn said, “but we are obviously lacking willing test subjects. You would probably have an easier time getting a Rayth to allow some testing of their systems.”

“To be honest, I wouldn’t know where to begin. We’ve been so busy with so many other, critical things that getting my husband to sit under a scanner for a few minutes hasn’t been top of my priority list. But with this new equipment, we might be able to really start exploring things, provided we get permission from the High Chancellor. I wish I’d been down there with you today.”

“Next weekend,” Zy’nayth said. “I have committed to remodel Janice’s kitchen this weekend, but the following weekend, I can take you down and go over all of the equipment with you. As for the other, I must think about it.”

“Would you like me to join you when you show your wife the systems?” Kia’myn asked, “In case you don’t remember something? I am more than willing to return and help.”

“Photographic memory,” Ja’val spoke up, “He’ll remember every word you said.”

“Daddy, if you and Mommy go down, can me and Bubby go too?” Mik’kenna asked. “I know I just start learn to be nurse but I can be of ‘sistance.”

Zy’nayth gave her a wide smile, “I would love to have you with us.”

“Baxter and Celeste too?”

“Is the bridge on the mainland up and running?” Zy’nayth asked Ja’val.

“Testing it this afternoon, but pretty sure we got all the bugs out.”

“If the bridge portal on the mainland is working, yes, Baxter and Celeste may join us. I just want an easy route for them to go out if need be.”

“But we can bridge from new place to your island, we no have to go to mainland,” Ky’nayth said.

“I mean no offense to anyone, but I need to install my security measures so that Raythian bridge codes are not available to everyone.”

February 21, 2121

By the end of the workday Friday, Becket and his team were weary. There was so much information dumped into their brains in such a short amount of time, the mental stress of it all wore them out. But they were all excited about what they’d be able to do. Jil’ana pointed out the best thing they could do first was to learn the Mythican language. She provided learning tools to Simon who put them in a public access file so anyone in the Expedition could download and go through the programs at their own pace.

That same afternoon, Vince made the announcement about the funding for the Expedition but said that he, the High Chancellor, and even their new Mythican friends were working on options, and that if anyone had suggestions, to submit them. The normal chatter around the towers disappeared and things grew solemn.

After dinner Friday night, Zy’nayth, Ny’van, Kol’non, Chris, and David went to Janice’s chambers and began ripping things apart. Chris and Kol’non stayed for two hours then returned to their spouses. The three remaining men worked until midnight. Walls were torn down, the cupboards ripped out, the flooring torn up, the old appliances moved out, and the debris cleaned up.

“David, did you get that special order?” Zy’nayth asked, as they finished the last of the night’s clean up.

“It’s been in my room for a week or so. Alan did a great job. I made sure the appliances were the right size, so we’re set.”

“And I have all of the construction materials and the flooring,” Ny’van said.

“Good. I need to remember to thank Alan for taking care of ordering those items for Janice. I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

“I’m sure it was easy for him, especially when you told him you simply wanted the best for her. I know she’s expecting a nice stove, but the matching little fridge, the pots and pans and the knife set, she’ll love you for that,” David wiped the sweat from his brow then took a drink from his water bottle.

“Love us,” Zy’nayth corrected, “it is a gift from all of us.”

“You paid for it.”

“That is of no matter. We all wanted to do it, I simply have the money. But it is from all of us. John and his crew will be here at 6:00. I want to have a list of duties for them. When team three comes in, they can pick up where John’s team left off. David, let us get the list made.”

David sat on the floor and began listing everything that needed to be done from assembling the cabinets, putting in flooring, building the new walls, to painting, cleanup, and hauling in the new appliances.

“David, not to sound picky, but I would build the walls prior to painting them,” Ny’van grinned as the former fire chief began numbering the list.

“Oh yeah, build in the walls, make sure they open up spots for electrical, then paint, then cabinets. Sorry, way past my bedtime. I’m old.”

“You don’t know old, David, not even close,” Ny’van grinned.

“I’m old for a human,” David clarified with a smile. “Zy, I won’t have the guys touch that cabinet, I’ll leave that to you if that’s okay. I know you designed it especially for displaying her pots and pans and though I’m sure the guys can follow your schematics, I’d rather leave it to you.”

“That is fine. Anything else we should put on the list?”

“Can’t think of anything,” Ny’van said. “We managed to get a lot more done tonight than anticipated; we’re going to finish much sooner than expected.”

“I will let the team know, so that no one gets left out of helping. David can you put this list on the door so John’s team sees it when they arrive? Gentlemen, thank you for your hard work tonight. I will see you tomorrow.”

David grabbed a piece of duct tape and put the “to-do” list on the door as everyone filed out.

“Go home old man,” Zy’nayth smiled at David. “Get some rest.”

“See you tomorrow,” David grinned, “Janice is gonna love this. I’m excited for her.”

“As am I. Good night.”

***

Zy’nayth walked into his chambers and found Victoria and Janice chatting. “Ladies, I believe it is past your bedtime.”

Victoria looked at her watch, “Oh, it is late. How are things coming along?”

“One problem after another. I am not sure we will have it finished this weekend. Do we have any fruit, I am a bit hungry.”

“Fruit and some egg salad in the fridge. Want me to…”

“No, I can make a sandwich. Go back to your talk.” He went to the kitchen, fixed himself half of a sandwich and grabbed an apple and a glass of tea then joined his wife and Janice in the living room.

“Are things really that bad in my apartment?” Janice asked, concerned.

Zy’nayth shook his head, “I was lying. We are actually quite a bit ahead of schedule.”

Janice let out a sigh of relief, “Don’t do that. Had me scared.”

“I apologize. What do you have planned for tomorrow? Are the other ladies going to be able to join you?”

“Yup, we’ll all be here. We’re going to do a little recon work.”

“Recon? As in reconnaissance?”

Victoria nodded, “We do have Be’atta, you know. She knows how to do this stuff.”

“And what exactly is your mission?” he asked, taking another bite of his sandwich.

“We’re going to see how people feel about the funding problem. Kinda get a good understanding about what people think.”

“You were instructed to have a relaxing weekend.”

“We’re not going to spend all day on it,” Victoria said, “but we are going to go and talk to some people. You know, head to the astrophysics lab under the guise of letting Mik’kenna observe for a little bit.”

“No,” Zy’nayth suddenly stated, cutting her off.

“Honey, we will be discreet, and I’ll keep Kenna’s stargazing to a minimum.”

“No,” he shook his head again. “The last time you attempted to go into that laboratory did not turn out well. Please, do not go.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine, and…”

“Victoria, my beloved, do this for me. Do not go there. You may go anywhere else, just not there, not unless I am with you.”

“Actually, I have to side with him on this one. I didn’t even think about last time,” Janice said. “We can hit the mess hall, the mainland, I mean, that’s where most people are going to be. First weekend back planet-side, you know everyone will want to hit the beach, especially after being cooped up in here because of the quakes and the flu. We’ll probably find out more out there anyway.”

“Okay. But I kinda promised Kenna…”

“I will talk to her in the morning,” Zy’nayth said.

“She was so excited,” Victoria sighed.

“I will make it up to her, I promise. If we get done with Janice’s kitchen early, which I suspect we will, I will take you and the children for a ride in my cruiser, specifically so she can look at stars.”

“Okay. Oh, I feel terrible. I got her hopes up and…”

“She’ll enjoy the cruiser much more than sitting in a lab watching a computer screen,” Janice said.

February 22, 2121

Victoria felt her husband get out of bed. She opened one eye and looked at the clock. It was 6:00. “You said John’s team had first shift. Get back in here and sleep. Besides, you said you would talk to Kenna about the astrophysics mistake I made, and she won’t be up for another hour.”

“I wish to get ahead on…”

“One hour isn’t going to make that much of a difference. Come here and hold your lonely wife.”

Zy’nayth let out a chuckle, “Very well.”

She dozed back off as soon as his arms were around her but an hour later, he woke her with a tender kiss. “I am going to make breakfast.”

Janice smelled the bacon cooking and roused herself out of bed. She expected to see Victoria in the kitchen but laughed when she saw Zy’nayth.

“I am capable of making bacon and scrambled eggs,” he said. “If you would prefer something else, I am afraid you will have to make it.”

“No, no, that’s fine. I’ll set the table.”

Mik’kenna came running in, her brother right behind her. “Mommy taking shower,” she said, “we go recon today. I got my recon hat on.” She modeled it for him. “It’s really just my bayball hat.”

“Honey, about the trip to the astrophysics laboratory, I am afraid I have some bad news.”

Mik’kenna’s face fell and she began to tear up, “We no go? Mommy say we go. I looky forward to it.”

“Here, I’ll finish this up,” Janice said, taking over the cooking so Zy’nayth could focus on his daughter.

“I am not sure you remember, since you were still a baby, but the last time your mother tried to go into that area, she got very, very scared. She fainted. I do not want her going there unless I am with her.”

“I ‘memmer a little. Why Mommy scared of stars?”

“She is not afraid of stars. Something very bad happened to her in that area, and,” he closed his eyes, “it was horrible, sweetheart, and I do not want her to have to deal with that nightmare again. But, because I know she wanted to do something special with you for your girls’ day out, I told her that since we are probably going to finish Aunt Janice’s kitchen early, I would take you, Ky’nayth, and Mommy out on my cruiser. We can go look at any star we want that is within range.”

“Just for me?”

“Yes. And your brother can get a little piloting practice in, if you do not mind.”

Mik’kenna climbed up on the chair and gave her father a hug. “I no mind. I pick star out today! I so excited. This better than lab.”

Victoria came walking in, “Oh, honey, I wanted to be here when you talked to her.”

“It came up. Now, Janice, let me finish that, thank you for not letting my bacon burn.”

“Daddy, what time be done?” Mik’kenna asked. “I want to make sure I have star picked in time.”

“We will not be done until tomorrow, probably after church. When we are done with breakfast, I can call up the system on your tablet so that you know which stars I can reach easily with my cruiser. Then you can have your brother work on a course to get us there.”

“But I help you with kitchen,” Ky’nayth said, “and we go to mess for lunch and dinner.”

“Oh yes, of course. If you do not have time to plan the course, I can, but I will let you pilot the cruiser.”

“I try to plan course when we done. I need more practice.”

“Ky’nayth, would you pray for the meal, please? I do not want to mess up the breakfast.”

Ky’nayth grabbed his mother and sister’s hands, then prayed for the meal, for his father’s cooking skills, for Janice’s kitchen, for their new adventure to see a star, for the dogs, and for money for the Expedition.

“That was a very nice prayer,” Zy’nayth said as he dished out the eggs for everyone, “thank you for doing such a good job.”

“Ky, honey, we’re going to the mainland, are you sure you want to help your father?” Victoria said, “You can come with us if you want.”

“No. I help with Aunt Janice’s kitchen and we eat at mess. I ‘cited.”

“All right,” Victoria smiled.

The meal was finished then Zy’nayth and Ky’nayth headed for Janice’s chambers where John, Chris, Ja’val, and Vince were already hard at work.

“What I do?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Well,” John said, wiping the sweat from his brow, “can you and your father work on that big cabinet we’re putting in? We’ll start painting in about an hour, Chris and Vince almost have the flooring done. Ja’val and I just have a little left on the new walls.”

“Ky’nayth can you get the paint supplies from the hallway and bring them in and set them there for the guys?”

The boy nodded and ran into the hallway and began moving the paint cans, rollers, tape, and anything that looked like it should go inside.

Zy’nayth stepped into the hallway after making sure his son had gathered everything, “Ready to help me cut some lumber for the big cabinet?”

“I ready!”

About thirty minutes later, Vince and Chris walked into the living room and sat on the floor and took long draughts from their water bottles.

“Floor done?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yeah. That’s beautiful wood, you get that?”

“Ny’van did. He wanted to surprise her. She was not expecting the flooring.” He cut another piece of wood, “Any feedback from your announcement yesterday?”

“Tons,” Vince said, “all supportive. I was expecting some negativity, but the most negative comment I got was about the, quote, idiot decision makers, on Earth.”

“Just so you are aware, my wife and the other ladies informed me that they are going to do some reconnaissance today to get a feel for what people are thinking.”

Vince chuckled, “Great. John, need any help?”

“Almost done, go ahead and get the paint ready.”

“Hey guys!” Kaven said walking in, “Put me to work.”

“Don’t think we have much for you to do, you’re early.”

“Zy’s message said you’d be finishing early, I didn’t want to miss out.”

“Me either,” Becket said walking in, followed just moments later by the rest of the men: Ny’van, Kol’non, and David.

“Full house,” John said. “Okay, Ja’val, let’s take a break, let the new guys paint.”

“Or they can start staining this wood,” Zy’nayth said.

“We don’t have room,” David said. “I’ll get some workbenches set up in the hallway.”

An hour later, the men were sitting around talking while the paint and stain dried.

“How long should it take?” Chris asked, “Never used Rayth paint before. I have to admit, I love the fact that it doesn’t smell.”

“An hour,” Ny’van said, “or less. It is very fast drying.”

“Nice,” John said. “So we have an hour to do what? Too early to go for lunch.”

“Zy, you done with all the sawing?” David asked.

“Yes.”

“Let’s take that back down to the supply area and get this place cleaned up. I don’t think any of what we have left will mess things up again.”

“What I do?” Ky’nayth asked.

“You can help me carry some of these paint supplies back down to the supply area,” Kaven said. “Let’s make sure they’re cleaned up really well so the next person who wants to use them doesn’t have to clean up after us.”

The boy and the warrior gathered the rollers, trays, and brushes and made sure they were well cleaned, then they carried them down to the common supply room where all kinds of construction tools and supplies were kept for everyone’s use.

“Hey Jim,” Kaven said to the man on duty to track inventory, “I think these were under David Chapman’s name. We’ll be returning a bunch of stuff today. Almost got the project done already.”

“Kind of a shame,” Jim said, “if we’re only going to be here a few more months.”

“Won’t happen,” Kaven said. “Earth is stupid to cut this expedition off. You know the High Chancellor and Vince will think of something.”

“I hope so. I love this place and our crew. Good people.”

“How’s Burgeon doing?”

“He’s fine. One of the Rayth med assistants healed up his broken leg. He’s back to ruling with an iron fist. I hear Mays and Withers are doing well. And I assume the Third is as well.”

“Yeah, Third had dinner with us Thursday, you’d never know anything happened to him. Mays and Withers were healed up by Rayth too, but Mays is still in the infirmary as a precaution.”

“Probably best. Poor guy is probably terrified. I tell ya, I’m always terrified when I’m on the crew to go down. Don’t mind the work, but scared to death of a collapse and getting trapped like Mays and the Third were. Not my idea of a good day.”

“Here, Mr. Jim,” Ky’nayth said, handing up the trays, “Three trays, all clean. Three brushes, all clean, too.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ky’nayth.”

Chris, David, Vince, and John came walking in carrying the saw and some of the other items they were finished with.

“Jim, I see Burgeon has you stuck on inventory duty,” Vince smiled.

“Well, someone has to do it. Kind of a nice break. Get to sit and catch up on my reading. Can let the brain shut down for a day.”

***

Ky’nayth followed his father into the mess hall. He was almost as excited about eating there as he was about piloting the drone since they rarely ate there.

“This is a surprise,” Chef Asuka said, “don’t often see you here.”

“Our wives are taking a weekend off,” Zy’nayth said, “we must fend for ourselves.”

Asuka nodded and rattled off the entrée choices. Zy’nayth motioned Ky’nayth forward so he could pick first.

“Oh, choice. Um, I has slice of hammy please,” he said, barely able to see over the shelf used to slide the trays down the line. The men filled their trays and sat at a table. John prayed over the meal then Ky’nayth dug into his ham. He had managed to get a little of everything except the other two entrées.

“Do you think you got enough food?” Kaven asked the boy whose plate was heaping.

“I asked for little, they gave me lot. I share. Have some.”

Zy’nayth made sure his son ate a good helping of the vegetables, then he took some to help clean off his plate. The other men helped as well.

“I know you asked for a little,” Zy’nayth said, “but at dinner, do not pick as many items, please.”

“I just want to try all.”

“It’s okay,” Kaven said, “we’ll get it all eaten.”

“Very well, I will stress, ‘little’ tonight when we come through for dinner. Did you like everything?”

“Yeah. I really like the pear thing, and the peas had gravy, I like them with gravy, I tell Mommy. And the taters were good, and those green ball things were okay, not favorite, but I eated them.”

“Brussels sprouts,” John said, “the green ball things.”

“Mommy no make those, I no think.”

“She has once or twice. They are not a favorite of mine, so she probably does not make them because of that,” Zy’nayth said.

“She need to put this cheesy stuff on it.”

“I think she is trying to serve us healthier fare.”

“Daddy, taste one, it ‘kay, not bad.”

Zy’nayth took one and popped it in his mouth. He wrinkled his nose at his son, “I am still not fond of it.”

“They’re more of an acquired taste,” Chris said with a grin.

“You never acquired it,” David replied.

“Look who’s talking. Don’t see any on your plate either, Dad.”

“When we get back, are we doing the cabinetry first?” Ny’van asked before the bantering went on too long.

“All except the piece your boss made,” David said. “Cabinetry, countertops, then the fridge and stove, then that big piece he made. Then I thought we could be nice and load her items back in so she doesn’t have to. Though she’ll probably move everything.”

“I would like to put the new pots and pans in the unit the High Chancellor made, make a nice display of them. And set up the new knives on the countertop. I also had Alessa run a little secret operation for me,” Ny’van said.

Chris grinned, “Flowers?”

Ny’van nodded. “Yes. To brighten the place up.”

“Have you, you know, talked with her yet?” John asked.

“No. I am…” he chuckled, “I am actually nervous to do so.”

“I have an idea,” John said, “but it’ll require Victoria’s help on her ordered weekend off.”

“A romantic dinner for two?” Zy’nayth asked.

John nodded. “We’re gonna be done well before dinner, if we can come up with a reason for Victoria to have to return home, keep the others out of your chambers, she could whip up some steak or something.”

“No need to bother Victoria,” Kol’non said, “I can cook a good steak and a twice-baked potato. Big salad. Not a problem. It is one of Be’atta’s favorite meals, and I’ve gotten very good at it.”

“The thing is, we don’t want to use her new kitchen,” John said, “muss up all the new stuff.”

“I can make it in my chambers and bring it down, as Victoria would have done.”

“How long will it take you to cook things up?” Vince asked.

“Hour and a half, mostly for the potatoes.”

“And how much longer do we think we need to finish the kitchen and our clean up?”

“Two hours for the cabinets, thirty to get the appliances in and make sure they are working, that is giving us far more time than needed, an hour to load things in, the boxes her items were in were not closed well so they will need washed. And thirty to an hour to clean up our mess,” Zy’nayth replied.

“So four hours. Which puts us at 5:00. So First Commander, you take off when you need to and plan to deliver the food at 5:30. That will give us thirty minutes to show the ladies the wonderful work we did, then when you come marching in with the special dinner, we will all politely leave,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“As much as I appreciate the offer,” Ny’van said, “I am not sure she’d be happy with everyone knowing about my feelings for her. No. I will work this out.”

“The First Commander is a good cook, I’m sure he wouldn’t let you down,” Chris said.

“Nah, the Vice Chancellor is right,” Kaven said. “Janice is pretty closed with personal things. If she knew we were sitting around here talking about this, she’d shut down. Doc, remember how she got upset when we were shopping with the ladies at Christmas?”

Becket nodded, “Yeah, she was not happy. And yes, she shut down. Took us quite a while to get her out of that mood. Let’s not get involved.”

“Promise me that by this time next week you will have at least talked to her,” Zy’nayth said.

Ny’van laughed, “Very well, my friend. I promise.”

“Ky’nayth, do not say anything to any of the ladies, please,” Zy’nayth said.

The boy shrugged his shoulders, “Kay.”

Vince seeing that the plates were empty stood, “Let’s get this kitchen done.”

Ky’nayth drank the last of his cherry drink, which he’d never had before and immediately loved. They put their trays on the conveyer to go back to the kitchen to be cleaned. The men headed to the exit, but Ky’nayth ran over to the where Asuka had just finished serving someone.

“Food was good,” he said, “thank you Mr. Asuka.”

“Glad you liked it, Mr. Ky’nayth.”

“We be back for dinner,” Ky’nayth waved as they walked out.

The men worked hard and fast. At 4:30, Zy’nayth called his wife. “It is up to Janice, but we have everything ready for her if she is ready to see it. I must mention that everyone is eager for her to see it now and not after dinner.”

Victoria passed the news along. Janice didn’t need any prompting, she wanted to see it right away. When they arrived at her apartment, Ky’nayth was standing outside. “You wait,” he said, “I has to alert them with special knock.” He turned and knocked twice, waited, then once more.

“All very secretive,” Be’atta smiled.

The women stood and waited as a return knock was given.

“Okay, we clear. Miss Janice, you first,” he said, motioning her forward. Janice stepped to the door and Ky’nayth performed the knock again. This time the door opened with Chris standing there grinning from ear to ear.

“Had to make sure we weren’t letting any strangers in. Worked too hard to let just anyone in here to see our artwork.”

“Please! Just let me see it!” Janice chuckled.

Chris kissed her cheek, “Come on in, Nurse Janice.”

She walked in, Mik’kenna on her heels, the ladies following, all cramming into the tiny living area and looked to the left.

The men had all backed against the windows in the living room, allowing the women room to get in and see their handiwork.

Janice’s hand flew to her mouth. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. She pointed to the half-wall and her new little eating area. There were two barstools on the living room side, and she’d find two more on the kitchen side. There was a bouquet of bright spring wildflowers set on the bar.

She walked to the entrance and finally got her voice. “Oh the color is perfect. I was worried it would be too dark. Oh! The floor! You guys did the floor too? It’s beautiful.”

“Ny’van’s surprise,” Zy’nayth said.

“Thank you,” she said and walked in. She knew Zy’nayth was going to make the big cabinet on the wall where she had her old little table, but she had no idea it would be so elegant. The wood, similar to oak shined from the stain and varnish used on the top. The cabinet also had a slight wave to it; the top wasn’t squared off. There was another bouquet of flowers, then she noticed the knife set by the vase. She was about to pick one up when her eye caught the gleaming stainless steel pots and pans on the shelves of the open-faced cabinet.

“You guys, you…I…”

“A gift from all of us, including the ladies,” Zy’nayth said. “Alan was kind enough to select things for you.”

She wiped away a tear as she looked at her kitchen. The new cabinets which replaced her old ones had simply been ordered, not custom made, but they offered more storage space than her old ones. The new mini-fridge was under the cabinet near the new eating area. The stove made Janice again tear up. It wasn’t the little two-burner one that had been there, but now a large four-burner and, built into the countertop, a grill.

“You went above and beyond,” she said, wiping away her tears. “Thank you so very much.”

“There new mixer thing too,” Ky’nayth said, “bottom of new cabinet. We no sure if put it out or not.”

Janice turned back around and looked at the lower right nook of the cabinet and saw the mixer.

“Too much. You all did too much. I just wanted a bigger stove and a little more room.”

She gave each of the men hugs and kisses, saving Zy’nayth for last. “Thank you. I love it.”

“I am glad you like it. Ladies, do you have plans for dinner?” Zy’nayth then asked.

“Just lounging around,” Alessa said as she shifted Maressa to the other hip, “nothing planned.”

“I know it is not special, but would you care to join us in the mess hall?”

“I go!” Mik’kenna shouted. The rest of the women agreed and headed out of the small chambers.

Janice lingered at the back and gave Ny’van a nudge, “Thanks for the floor and the flowers.”

He gave her a surprised look, “Flowers?”

She nodded and smiled and walked ahead a little. He grinned and followed.

Mik’kenna, like her brother, wanted to try everything in the cafeteria. She found the whole thing exciting since they never got to pick and choose what they ate at home. Zy’nayth made sure that the children were served just a little of everything, not the full servings his son had received at lunch. The group moved a few of the tables together so they could enjoy each other’s company.

“So everyone be at Janice’s before church for breakfast,” Chris said. “She has to break in all that new stuff.”

“If you’d all fit, I’d do it,” she smiled. “I promise to have you over a few at a time.”

“We’ll hold you to that,” Becket said.

“Mommy, what these?” Mik’kenna asked. “I thought they said taytoes but they not right color.”

“They’re just purple potatoes.”

Alessa nodded, “Began growing them on the farm. They’re really good.”

“Purple taytoes?”

“Yes, honey. The flavor is a little different not much, though. However, a potato connoisseur such as yourself will probably notice a difference.”

Mik’kenna took a bite and chewed thoughtfully, analyzing the flavor. “Tastes like taytoes.”

“Which means you don’t like them,” John said. “Here, I’ll eat them.”

“I like them!” she said and swatted at his fork.

“You should be nice and share,” he said, teasing her as his fork kept darting at her plate.

“Daddy!”

“We have taught you to share,” Zy’nayth replied.

She frowned, “But I love taytoes. Uncle John know this. And he has taytoes on his plate.”

“Actually, I don’t think these purple things are potatoes,” John said, “they’re octopus brains.”

“Eww, no they not!”

“Pretty sure they are.”

“They same as my taytoes.”

“Well your potatoes aren’t really potatoes either, they’re octopus brains.”

“Uncle John! They no octopus brains!”

“Yes they are. Your mother and Miss Alessa are just telling you that they’re potatoes so you’ll eat them.”

“Mommy!”

“They’re potatoes, your uncle is just teasing you.”

Mik’kenna looked at the purple potatoes on her plate and frowned. “Daddy, these taytoes or brains?”

“They are potatoes,” he said. “John.”

John wrapped his arm around the girl, “I’m sorry Mik’kenna, I was teasing. I didn’t mean to upset you. They’re definitely potatoes. I promise.”

“They taters,” Ky’nayth said. “You said taste like taters. I no think brains taste like taters.”

But Mik’kenna wasn’t going to touch the purple things on her plate any more. It was then that Chef Alan came up to the table and after Janice thanked him for picking up the knives and cookware, Mik’kenna asked him what the purple stuff was.

“Roasted purple potatoes with butter and a little bit of rosemary and garlic. Do you like them?”

“Uncle John said they octopus brains.”

“I assure you, Mik’kenna, they are potatoes. If you’d like I can go get some from the back, the ones we got out of the ground. Probably still some dirt on them.”

“Yes, please,” she said.

John gave her another reassuring hug, “They’re potatoes. Uncle John was mean and lying. Honey, I’m so sorry. Besides your mother and father wouldn’t lie to you. You know that.”

“I’ll be right back,” Alan said, “it’s no bother.”

Alan went to the kitchen and gathered up a bowl of raw potatoes, right off the farm and took them back to the table. “See, potatoes.”

She tentatively picked one up and examined it. It looked and felt like a potato, only a purplish-black color. “Kay, they taytoes. Thank you, Mr. Alan.”

“Quite all right, Mik’kenna. And just between you and me, I hate octopus too. I’d never let it be served here.”

“Really?”

“Honest.”

She smiled. “Octopus gross.”

“Yeah, it is. Now eat those potatoes because if you don’t like them, no one will.”

She hesitantly took another bite and after a few seconds, realized they were potatoes and finished her meal, purple potatoes and all, then the family dispersed to their own chambers—the men to sleep, the women just to enjoy a quiet evening relaxing.

Janice had just walked into her chambers and kicked off her shoes and was admiring her new kitchen when her door chime sounded. She walked over and smiled at Ny’van, “Come on in,” she said. “Forget something?”

“No. I was wondering if you would like to go for a walk on the island? It is much darker there than here at this time, and I am sure it’s a beautiful night. Of course, if you’re planning on playing in your kitchen, I understand.”

“Hmm. Is this a date?”

“If you wish it to be.”

Janice’s smile widened, “I do.”

***

Victoria sat up on Mik’kenna’s bed, “So, what star did you pick?”

Ky’nayth crawled up next to his sister and rested back against his mother whose hand began combing through his hair.

“I think this one. But I kinda think this one maybe.”

“I like first one,” Ky’nayth said, “it bluer.”

“That my first choice. Daddy, can we see two?”

Zy’nayth looked at her computer and checked the coordinates of the two stars. “If we do try to get close to both stars, you will only have an hour to investigate each.”

“Then I want blue one.”

“Then we shall go to the blue one. Ky’nayth, I will plot the course, I believe both you and your sister are ready for bed, you both look exhausted.”

“I still fly?”

“Yes. We will go after church tomorrow.” They prayed together, then the kids were tucked in and went to sleep. “Would you please fix a picnic lunch for us?” Zy’nayth asked his wife as they walked to the living room.

“I thought I wasn’t supposed to cook or clean or anything!” she teased.

“I will make it up to you,” he said, “it can be simple sandwiches. The kids will be too enthralled with their adventure to care about food.

Victoria kissed his cheek, “I’ll go mix up some tuna salad, that way I don’t have to mess with it in the morning.”

“Thank you, Victoria. Just name whatever you want, and you shall have it.”

“Hmm,” she grinned, “I want…well, I’ve got you. I’ve got two wonderful kids. I’ve got a great job, and a great boss. I’ve got a loving extended family. Oh! I want this Expedition to continue to be funded by my government.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of dinner or a new dress.”

“You said ‘whatever’ and I have informed you of what my ‘whatever’ is.”

“I will do what I can.”

She reached up, placing her hands on both sides of his head and smiled into his eyes. “I love you, Supreme Commander. And I know that you and the Alpha Team will come up with something. But if you don’t, I want you to know that first, I know you will have done your best, and second, it is not your fault. You are a good man. And I am honored to be your wife. And I love fixing picnic dinners for our family adventures. And those two kids in there, are absolutely crazy about their daddy. So though I want the funding, I’ll let you off easy, what I want from you is a day of fun with the kids. From the moment we leave church until we put the kids to bed.”

“God willing, there will be no emergencies, and you will get your wish.”

She gave him a tender kiss. “And thank you for Janice’s kitchen. Zy, it’s beautiful. You guys pulled that together really fast and I think she’s probably home crying over it now.”

Zy’nayth shook his head, “She may be home, but Ny’van is with her.”

“No he went to his quarters, I saw him turn…”

“I saw him return as the elevator door closed.”

“It’s about time,” Victoria said with a smile. “Okay, let me go get lunch started for tomorrow.”