E:A Vol 8 Ch 7: February 24, 2121

February 24, 2121

“Found the breach,” Ja’val said. It was nearly midnight and both he and Zy’nayth had been awake close to 36 hours. “Oh, thanks, Kol’non,” he said as the First Commander brought both men a late-night snack.

“You found how they got into our system?” Kol’non asked.

“Interface for external drives,” Ja’val answered. “Someone plugged an external chip or drive into a computer, any Rayth computer that syncs with our fleet’s system, and the virus was transferred.”

“All computers that synchronize with our system should be protected.”

“They are, sir, I’m talking any computer whether owned by someone on this ship or anyone in the fleet. There are protocols in place should they interface with the fleet’s system, this…this is quite unique.”

“Could it have come from the homeworld, from Kiva or any planet-based computer?”

“No. I’m confident it was on one of our ships. I want to run a trace, but I’d have to leave the breach open to do this.”

“What problems that will raise?”

“Everything is infected in the fleet system and so far, the only damage it has done is to anything personal of yours, though it does have the potential to cause problems to any or all ships. In any case, I’ve disconnected our system from the main Raythian system. Gno’toz says that there’s no sign of the virus in the main system, so it’s contained to our fleet.”

“Run the trace, find out where it originated. Then I want you to double check Gno’toz’s work, make sure the main systems are safe.”

“Understood.”

“First,” Zy’nayth looked at the clock, “the three of us need sleep. Ja’val and I will work one more hour then sleep for four hours. You go now. You have to fly this ship if this virus starts causing problems in flight control. I want you rested.”

“Yes, sir. See you tomorrow.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When Ja’val pinpoints the entry, I want our best to go over everything about the Rayth that did this. Every single thing. Namely, any contact with my brother or nephews.”

“Already planning on that. Good night. Be’atta will have breakfast ready for you.”

“She’s cooking?”

“Boiled eggs, toast, fruit. She can’t mess that up,” he smiled.

“Thanks. Good night. Ja’val, you haven’t called Lutia.”

“Called her at dinner. No wait, that was lunch,” he sighed. “She’s probably asleep and Kel’lan was being a rascal, so I don’t want to wake her, she needs her rest.”

“Then you will call her first thing in the morning.”

“Yes, boss.”

“After that, call Simon, if this thing has gotten into the Expedition’s system, it may have spread to Earth.”

“Been thinking about that. I have a theory.”

“Which is?”

“We know it’s attacking the Raythian system. We know it’s hit the Expedition’s systems. And we know the Mythican systems are unaffected despite being joined with the E:A systems for much of the last couple of weeks. So, either they have superior protocols to protect such an invasion, or, only the Raythian parts of the code we added to the Expedition’s systems are being affected.”

“The code we added affects most of their systems,” Zy’nayth said.

“I know, but the way this virus is designed, sir, I think it’s only attacking anything it finds in Raythian. That means the fix you gave them for the Gyhan virus, was probably dismantled, and the interfaces we designed for them have also come undone. I bet anything that the weird glitches Simon mentioned are due to the old Gyhan virus, not the one we have. The one infecting our system is in there, yes, and we need to get it out, but I think it only attacks Raythian code.”

Zy’nayth tapped his comlink, “Dr. Harris, sorry to bother you.”

“Just dozing, sir.”

“We are about to get some sleep ourselves. Ja’val has a theory,” he said and explained it to Simon. “No need to check now, get some sleep. But first thing in the morning, I want you to see if the symptoms you are seeing match those of the Gyhan code that took down your system, or if it is different.”

“That’s it!” Simon said, suddenly awake. “Jil’ana and I couldn’t find the source where you said it might be. We found a snippet, but it was isolated and she said it hadn’t, uh, morphed or evolved to where it should be bringing down our systems. One second,” he said as Zy’nayth heard him frantically typing away, “I know right where that Gyhan code hit and it should be…” there was a pause as he ran his hands through his hair, reading the code. “Yes, sir, it’s back.”

“I cannot spare Ja’val at the moment. Alert General Cavanaugh. Do not use the bridge portal and certainly do not launch,” he let out a sigh. “I am not sure when I can get in and take care of your end of things. An option would be to see if Jil’ana has all of operational files for the system stored somewhere. If so, she could completely erase all systems and restore the original operating files.”

“I’m guessing that could take some time.”

“Yes. And modifications were probably made since those files were originally installed.”

“I’ll mention it to Vince and Jil’ana tomorrow as an option. I think I’ll focus on the Gyhan end of things. And I think I better have Vince call Michael in case things got through in our weekly data dump. Not sure how to tackle that though. I have no idea if the entire planet would be at risk or just C.C.”

“Hopefully neither. Either I or Ja’val will help as soon as we can spare the time, and when we do, I hope to have the fix for this Raythian-based virus as well.”

“Appreciate it, though Jil’ana might give you guys a run for your money on this one. She’s pretty talented.”

“Yes, she is. Ja’val will contact you in the morning. And Simon, I do want you to sleep now.”

March 5, 2121

“The virus has been absolutely eradicated from all systems,” Ja’val said, “ours and yours. The Gyhan virus is gone as well. There’s no program covering it up or fixing it, it is completely gone.”

“Any idea who’s behind it?” Vince asked. His team, Zy’nayth’s team, and Karken’al’s team were all meeting together to compare notes and information.

“We know it came from an external drive that someone connected to their computer. We know which warship it happened on, and the computer and its owner. However, he’s loyal. He didn’t do this.”

“Are you sure?” John asked.

Kol’non spoke up, “Yes. He underwent telepathic interrogation willingly. The First Science Commander has the hardware in his possession and is running tests. We may get lucky and find a DNA sample, or perhaps an electronic signature that will lead us to whoever is behind this. What we do know is that it was targeting the High Chancellor in particular. I have a team investigating that angle.”

“And I hate to say it, but my superior is being slow in giving me any information that might help,” Karken’al said. “He is not particularly pleased with this new alliance. He doesn’t trust you.”

“That is to be expected,” Zy’nayth said, “I am glad you finally talked to him. I am sure it was difficult for you to keep the information from your prime minister. In any case, whatever you can help us with will be appreciated. I suspect that anyone with the ability to create that type of program will have done quite well at hiding who they are and where they are. But we will find them.”

Vince nodded, “Of that, I have no doubt. Now, regarding the funding situation for this base. Since I had to talk to Michael about this potential threat, I asked if the files about E:A, the Mythican files we found, had been destroyed at Central Command in the attack. Did they have a backup? We got Ken Price on the line, and turns out that the Oversight Committee was so worried about this information getting out, no copies were made, so when the Central Command was destroyed, so were the files. And Ken is ninety percent confident that nothing was smuggled off-site. The president is going to have the scientists and families of those scientists investigated. All but two died in the attack, but if something was smuggled out, we need to be sure the files aren’t sitting on someone’s computer in their basement. Ken, like I said, is pretty sure that didn’t happen.”

“If they did smuggle something out,” Ja’val said, “and the files are on a home computer or tablet, are they, for the most part, all part of your internet system?”

“I would guess it’s on our internet system. Very few files off the grid. Central Command being one of them.”

“Simon, could you send out a seeker program to search for the files? Since they’re in the Mythican language, we could search for that alone.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Simon replied.

“I’d be willing to help,” Jil’ana said, “I know specific file names, and I think we could get the program written much faster if we work together. I know Simon wants to focus as much as possible on the tech in the underground facility. And the First Science Commander has several things he’s juggling to wrap up this virus issue.”

“I’d appreciate the help,” Simon said. “I’m assuming this is a higher priority than the new stuff.”

“Yes,” Vince said, “and thank you, Jil’ana. Now that we know, or are fairly certain of what C.C. knows about this place, we are in more of a position to offer our knowledge to Earth, at a price.”

“We must be careful,” Zy’nayth said, “we do not want to force this upon them.”

“Of course. What I had in mind is sort of what we talked about. Perhaps offering medical knowledge or the scanning technology. I will leave that to Karken’al’s discretion as to what would be beneficial to them but not turn around and come back to bite us. I don’t want to give them a scanner that could be disassembled so they could develop some sort of weapon.”

“I agree,” Karken’al said. “However, as I have thought about this, the idea of this type of trade is bound to break down at some point. We will have to continue to feed Earth more and more information and technology until we have nothing to give…or safe to give.”

“With as much as we now have access to,” John said, “that could be years.”

“And would eventually lead to them having just what your general said, enough technology to disassemble and use to build weapons. With the warring nature of your planet, I’d rather not offer them anything technological.”

“Then we have nothing to give,” Chris said.

“No, but you have something to take,” Karken’al replied. “As the High Chancellor said, the people of Earth need to first understand that the threat of another attack is real, with or without the bridge portal at Central Command and this Expedition. I think he should follow through on his plans to talk to the world leaders, show them that Rayth have the ability to cross the galaxy in days, not years. Let them know that Rayth could show up on their doorstep regardless of whether or not there is a bridge portal.

“Then, though this is forcing their hand a bit, if they don’t wish to continue to fund the expedition, tell them that the bridge will be removed,” Karken’al said, “and the High Chancellor’s fleet would not aid Earth should a future attack occur. All communication between Earth and Andromeda will be forever cut off, and that he has the technology to keep it that way. The people of Earth will, for all intents and purposes, be left to fend for themselves should a rebellious group or perhaps another race of beings decides to attack the planet.”

“I’m not sure I like that ultimatum,” Vince said, “we have people on staff who have families on Earth. Not many, but I couldn’t cut off all contact like that.”

“This is a poker bluff,” Zy’nayth smiled.

Karken’al nodded, “A bluff, yes. Though I’m not sure what poker is. And if they do call the bluff, you can always offer the families of your staff the opportunity to move here. We can make it work. Between the High Chancellor’s money and those of my people willing to supply items you need, medical supplies, and such, we can build this colony to be self-sufficient.”

“We’d need to train people how to manufacture items like needles and computer boards, but there are also basics that have to be learned first. How to learn to spin yarn,” Becket said, “to learn forging. We have scientists; we have the information on how to do these things, but we can’t just go and build a factory to create computers or manufacture medications.”

“I think between the High Chancellor’s people and mine, we can find ways to speed up that process. We can show you how to build a facility to take wool or cotton to create the fabrics you need. Granted, that will take a lot of pull on my end, but I know I have friends willing to help.”

“As do I,” Zy’nayth said, “but as you know, I am still hesitant…”

John waved him off, “I know. Yours is a difficult situation since most of your people still look at us like a food source and don’t want your tech revealed to us. Okay, this is a pretty big bluff. Are we willing to risk it? I’m all for learning new trades but to be honest, it’s not what we signed up for. I’m a soldier, not a weaver. I can learn, sure, but…”

“The more that I think about this, I have to agree with John,” Zy’nayth said. “We can make it work, however, I do not like that option. All of your resources here would be changed from your original expedition charter to one of building a civilization. I will speak with the world leaders and I will find a way to convince them that they need you here and that they need to fund Expedition: Andromeda.”

“So, we get them on board our flagship and take them for a ride?” Kol’non asked.

“That was my original plan, however, I know that poses many complications especially with the recent security breach. I am thinking about taking both our current flagship and allowing John and his team take the older one.”

“You know it’s not as fast,” John said, “we’d need a significant head start.”

“I am aware of that. But it also gives me an opportunity to show the leaders the difference in speed technology just over the course of five years. Take them to the edge of the solar system and back.”

“Do we tell them that we didn’t invent this new FTL drive?” Ja’val smirked.

“It is not new,” Zy’nayth said, “the drive is the same as we already had in production, it is the new energy source which makes it faster.”

“Regardless,” Vince said, “I don’t think they have a clue as to how fast you can travel. I’ll work with the High Chancellor. I want this ‘ultimatum’ nailed down. I want all contingences explored in case it backfires. However, any of you have an idea or an issue, bring it to our attention. Of course, Karken’al, if you have time, I’d like you in on our discussions, especially when we look at the technological aspects.”

“I am at your disposal.”

“Any other discussion on this?” Vince asked.

Kaven nodded, “I’d like to go when the High Chancellor speaks to the leaders. Perhaps Be’atta will as well. As native Andromedians, perhaps our experience will help. We can explain things from our point of view. How, aside from you,” he nodded to Karken’al, “there is no one in this galaxy as technologically advanced. There’s certainly no one more dangerous to humans in the galaxy than Rayth, no offense to those here. Both Be’atta and I have lost loved ones in our fight against the Rayth. We might have more of an impact on these talks than the High Chancellor. And I think if the threat of warships hovering over a planet won’t do it, perhaps a demonstration of their feeding ability will.”

“I am not going to go and start feeding on the world leaders to make a point,” Zy’nayth said.

“Not the leaders. Me. I know you can take me to the edge and bring me back. Chances are, the Oversight Committee’s incident with you didn’t make a big enough impact since you only took a few years, but if they see for themselves just what you can do without a warship, well, it might make a difference.”

Be’atta spoke up, “I agree with Kaven. Let them see what he can do. Bring in scientists, bring in their warriors. Give them a very visual and visceral demonstration of what one single Rayth can do.”

Chris nodded, “When he fought fifty of us, there were probably a good portion of the group that still didn’t understand just how powerful Rayth were. Especially this one,” he jabbed a thumb in Zy’nayth’s direction.

“Keep in mind, his strength and abilities are beyond that of a normal Rayth,” Kol’non said.

“They don’t need to know that,” Be’atta said. “Even against Earth’s best warriors, they wouldn’t stand a chance against any Rayth of any ability. By nature, Rayth are faster and stronger and can self-heal. Even the least Rayth is the biggest threat. And yes, I am willing to talk to them, however, I don’t want to be fed upon, not because I don’t trust you,” she smiled at Zy’nayth, “but because of the baby.”

“All right, we will consider this in our discussions,” Vince said. “Anything else on this topic?”

No one had anything to add so Vince asked how they wanted to proceed with the instructions and tours of the new facility now that the computer virus was no longer an issue.

“My officers are ready to help in any capacity,” Karken’al said, “A thought I had was that we continue to work through the major areas as we have been. But as Dr. McKenna pointed out to Kia’myn, there’s so much for them to digest, it’s going to take more than just a thorough day or two of training. So, as we finish going through an area, my people can go down with your teams for an extended period so that they can learn the equipment and ask further questions. I don’t see a reason to keep those teams from going back and playing around. Supervised, of course.”

“Simon, what are your thoughts?” Vince asked.

“Best course of action, really. The last thing I want is to open the facility then have my comlink buzzing constantly with people who have no idea what they’re doing or because they broke something.”

“Any areas you’d rather not have people playing in?” John asked.

“As long as there’s someone from Karken’al’s team there, no. I already told Becket he could go mess around, and I know he’s taken advantage of that but Kia’myn was with them.”

“So let’s get back on schedule. Shall we have teams prep to go down tomorrow?” John asked.

“It’s what, Wednesday?” Vince replied, “Let’s just wait until Monday. We just got this computer breach taken care of. Let’s give everyone a chance to get back on track in their departments. But if Karken’al has some people available and if there are department heads on this end that want a change of scenery over the next couple of days, I have no problem with them going over. But, I want to stress this, no one goes unless someone from Karken’al’s team is with them.”

“I’ll leave orders with the Control Room crew,” John said, “and the shuttle crews to reinforce that.”

“Is it safe to bridge now?” Chris asked. “All the bugs out of the system?”

“It is safe,” Tel’lok said, “we were up running all kinds of tests last night with your third shift crew. We tested this bridge portal, the one on the mainland, and the one in the underground facility. We also ran several tests with the High Chancellor’s flagship.”

“Good. Don’t want to end up a pile of tar,” Chris said.

“I do not think any of us do,” Zy’nayth said. “Now we get to the fun. Exploring XQ-284.”

“One question, first,” Vince said, “you lost a drone. How could it have been sunny and beautiful if there’s a toxic upper atmosphere?”

“Haven’t figured that out, but planet-side is completely safe. The toxic upper atmosphere…can’t explain. Also can’t explain how sunlight is making it through that, but it is,” Ja’val said.

“Any signs of life?” Be’atta asked.

“Humanoid, no,” Ja’val said, “lots of plant and animal life.”

“Seems odd,” John said, “a planet that gorgeous and no one’s settled it yet.”

“I searched our records,” Jil’ana said, “and they report that it was a desert. Completely inhospitable, which, I believe, it what Raythian records indicated as well.”

“In our case,” Zy’nayth said, “it is quite possible than the ships that flew around that part of the solar system simply did not take note since our records already indicated it was barren and did not have any natural resources we could utilize.”

“Plus given the outer atmosphere,” Karken’al said, “my people probably passed on by.”

“If there is a reason it is not inhabited, other than our lack of performing routine scans,” Zy’nayth said, “I am sure that toxic upper atmosphere has been instrumental in people not exploring it further.”

“I’d like to perform more tests before we think about a landing expedition,” Ja’val said. “I can re-route one of our science vessels, though it may take a while to get there since they don’t have the faster engines.”

“How long?”

“Two weeks.”

“That’s fine.”

“I think the important thing,” Chris said, “is that we name it something other than XQ-284.”

“I had mentioned to Mik’kenna that we should name it Miracle Blossom since she re-discovered it. She did not like that idea.”

“Is she still having issues with being away from home?” Becket asked.

“She is much better, but other than the mainland, she has not been anywhere. Not even to Kiva.”

“Since we have the next four days free and since it’ll be two weeks before a science ship gets in the area, why not take the flagship, and your family, and maybe give it shot. See if the kids handle it okay,” Becket suggested.

“And if we get there and the kids are too nervous, they can always stay on the flagship. I can run a few preliminary scans, then we can return in the same day,” Ja’val said.

“Perhaps she should give us ideas for naming the planet. Give her a more vested interested in going there,” Chris said. “Or both she and Ky should come up with something. He should be involved too.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Be’atta said. “And since I know they’ve been particularly attached to their dogs since this event, I’m willing to go along to bridge the dogs back and forth for their walks.”

***

“We take puppies?” Mik’kenna asked, “Really?”

“Yes. And Miss Be’atta will bridge back here to take them on their walks if we do not go down to the planet, or if you do not want to take them planet-side.”

“And Sissy and I can come up with names for planet?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Yes. Provide us with your best names and, we may select one of them, or suggest a variation on whatever you have selected.”

“But we can turn back if I too scared, right?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Yes. Uncle Ja’val will want to do a few scans, but we can stay on the flagship or you can return through the bridge.”

She looked at her brother, “I scared, Bubby. Should we go?”

“I little scared too. But Daddy fixed everything. We go. I ‘tect you.”

Mik’kenna’s little blue eyes looked up into her father’s silver ones. “We go. I try go to planet.”

“Good,” Zy’nayth smiled, “we will leave in the morning. Get your best exploring gear ready.”

March 6, 2121

“Sure safe for puppies?” Mik’kenna asked her father as they boarded his cruiser which Mik’kenna wanted assurances that it had been fixed from their crash landing. Zy’nayth and Ja’val both assured her, but she was still hesitant. “Has to make sure it safe for puppies. They vulnerable. Me and Bubby has stronger endurance thing.”

“Sweetheart, if it is safe for you, it is safe for Baxter and Celeste,” he replied.

“Celeste you stay with me. We keep each other safe,” she hugged her dog. “I no let no bad stuff happen to you.”

Zy’nayth knelt down and embraced both of his children, “And I will not let any bad things happen to either of you or your puppies. Ky’nayth do you want to take us down?”

“Yes!” he exclaimed.

“The First Science Commander located a good area for us to explore. I have already set the course, but you can take us down. The toxic atmosphere is a bit violent and will be a little challenging, but I think you can handle it.”

The group loaded up, including John and Jil’ana. Jil’ana wanted to gather some data for their files even though Ja’val said he’d share anything the Rayth collected. John, of course, wanted to see to everyone’s safety, namely Jil’ana’s.

Due to Jil’ana still being considered an outsider by the Rayth, everyone was teleported directly from the city-ship to the hangar on the flagship, just outside of Zy’nayth’s personal cruiser. Jil’ana didn’t mind and she was going to be on the High Chancellor’s personal cruiser, so she was thrilled to be allowed that much.

“This is the main gathering area,” Zy’nayth said as they stepped into the cruiser. “Victoria will show you around. Ky’nayth come with me up to the flight cabin.”

Mik’kenna stood still. Celeste nudged her with her nose.

“I really scared,” the little girl said after both of her parents had left the room.

John had noticed she hadn’t moved since the hatch closed. He sat on the floor, “Do you want to go back to Terra 2? I can tell your dad.”

She shook her head and climbed up onto his lap. “I try.”

“Good. Come on, we’ll go sit on the sofa, a little softer for old Uncle John.” He stood, lifting her in his arms and went over to the sofa and sat back down. Celeste hopped up next to them and rested her head in Mik’kenna’s lap. Baxter had followed Zy’nayth and Ky’nayth up to the flight cabin.

“So, have you thought of any names yet?” John asked as he held Mik’kenna and tried to calm her rising fear.

“No. Bubby and I think while there and ‘sploring.”

“You realize you can also study that star a little while we’re here. I’m sure your father won’t mind while you take some pictures before we head down.”

“There you two are,” Victoria said, “we head off to the kitchen and you two disappear.”

“I scared, Mommy,” Mik’kenna said. “But I ‘kay. You show Miss Jil’ana rest of cruiser. Uncle John and Celeste help me.”

“You’re in good hands…and paws,” she smiled and kissed the top of her head. “We’ll be quick.”

John kept Mik’kenna entertained for the short trip to the planet. When Zy’nayth announced that they were about to disembark from the flagship, John took her up to the flight cabin, urging her to take some photos. It didn’t take long and she was engrossed in her photography as her brother happily obliged moving the cruiser from spot to spot.

Jil’ana wasn’t allowed in certain areas, including the flight cabin, but she and Victoria sat and enjoyed their conversation, knowing that the men would look after a still nervous little girl.

“Julia said you’ve been stopping in every now and again,” Victoria said.

“Yes. They’ve been very considerate given my work schedule lately. I’m learning, but I have so many questions. I know about the various religions on Earth, but I’ve never really looked into any of them. I’m a scientist. I need proof.”

Victoria smiled, “I can relate. Are you doing any reading? I know John gave you a Bible.”

“Trying, but I’m so busy. And I feel so lost in all of this.”

“How about maybe just the two of us, or maybe I can get one of the others to join us, well, we could have our own little study. You seem pretty comfortable with Lutia.” Victoria stopped. “No, you don’t have to answer now. I’ll leave it out there. Think about it. If you want to, I’d love to help, and I know any of the girls would too. If not, don’t worry about it. I know you’re working with Pastor and Julia, I just thought this might be a little less tense. So think about it and let me know.”

A look of relief passed Jil’ana’s face, “Thanks. I will think about it. Time is sort of an issue and…”

Victoria nodded, “I know. There’s always an emergency going on around here.”

Mik’kenna came running in with Celeste right behind her. “We going to land. I no wanna watch.”

“That’s okay, sweetie,” Victoria said, “You and Celeste can sit here with us.”

“Maybe we go to pillow room.”

“If your father doesn’t think we need to, we don’t have to.”

“Good. I no wanna go there. Too scary.” She sat on her mother’s lap who wrapped her arms tightly around the girl.

Ky’nayth landed perfectly. Not one single bump or jostle. His father praised him for his good work, and Baxter simply let out a bark.

John was the first to join the ladies. “First time seeing this with my own eyes. It is beautiful. Kenna, how you doing?”

“I ‘kay. Help me get pack on, please.”

Ky’nayth came in and Victoria congratulated him on his flying and landing. Baxter went to the door and circled. He was ready to explore.

“Children, please put the leashes on the dogs. We do not fully know what to expect and I do not want them to get scared and run off,” Zy’nayth said.

Mik’kenna pulled the red leash with the rhinestones out of her backpack then knelt down to attach it to Celeste. The dog sat obediently, wagging her tail. Once the leash snapped on, she was up and circling with Baxter who wasn’t quite as willing to have a leash put on. He was ready to run and explore.

“Is everyone ready?” Zy’nayth asked.

Mik’kenna held her hand up, “Hold hand please,” she said to her father while her other hand held on to Celeste’s leash. “Uncle John, you got gun case bad people out there?”

“Honey, Uncle John never goes anywhere without his gun,” John smiled.

“Well, if bad people there, ‘tect Celeste first.”

“I’ll take care of all of you,” he said then looked at the imposing Rayth, “Want me to take point?” he winked.

“Probably best.”

“Daddy, I no has stunner,” Ky’nayth said.

“I think we will be fine. Your uncle already scanned the area and there are no life forms here.”

“But just ‘case,” he said, “I promised Sissy I ‘tect her.”

Zy’nayth looked at his wife who gave him a nod. “Very well, go and get one.”

“Sissy too?”

“I no want,” Mik’kenna said.

Ky’nayth ran back to the flight cabin and returned with a Rayth stunner strapped to his hip. It was almost as long as his little thigh.

“Opening the door,” Zy’nayth said and pushed the button. Mik’kenna inched behind him as her hand gripped his tighter. Both Baxter and Celeste were at the door as it opened, both tails wagging furiously. “Let Uncle John do a perimeter sweep,” he said, to keep up appearances for the kids.

John, with gun drawn, circled around the cruiser. “All clear. Let’s put the shade up.”

Victoria hit another button that allowed a shade to come out on either side of the cruiser. She and John grabbed the lawn chairs and set them up as well as a small table while Zy’nayth and Jil’ana walked around the immediate area with the kids and the dogs.

“This is beautiful,” Victoria said, “that lake. Everything. I love it.”

“Perfect air quality,” Jil’ana said looking at the results on her scanner. “Who wants to come with me while I take some water samples?”

“I’ll join you,” John smiled.

“Me and Baxter too,” Ky’nayth said.

“Do not let him drink the water,” Zy’nayth said, “until it has been tested. Perhaps you should leave him here for now.”

“Kay.”

“I’ll let you know right away,” Jil’ana said.

“Daddy, want me to take samples too?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Yes please.” He handed his son his scanner. “Do you know what to do?”

Ky’nayth pushed the buttons and Zy’nayth nodded. “Perfect.”

“Sissy you come?”

“No. I stay here,” she said, still holding her father’s hand.

“We should take the dogs around the cruiser,” Zy’nayth said, “let them get used to the area.”

“Kay. Celeste, Baxter, stay close.”

“Mind if I join you? I can hold the leashes if you want,” Victoria said.

“Here, Mommy,” Mik’kenna said handing the two leashes to her mother.

“Why don’t you get your tablet out so you can take pictures while we walk around?”

“I can’t hold Daddy’s hand and tablet same time.”

“Okay. But I don’t think there’s anything here to be scared of.”

“It’s just case,” she said. “Daddy give me strength.”

By the time they had gotten halfway around the cruiser, Mik’kenna was enthralled with the setting. Her tablet was out, she was taking photos, stopping to tell the dogs about this new place and how pretty it was. By the time Victoria set up their lunch, Mik’kenna had run out to the lake to explore it with her brother and Jil’ana. The dogs sunbathed by the cruiser and Zy’nayth ran scans that Ja’val wanted done.

“So have you two thought about names for this place?” Jil’ana asked as they ate their sandwiches.

“I no know,” Mik’kenna said, “It’s so pretty. I no know what to call it.”

“I still like Planet Miracle Blossom,” Zy’nayth said.

“That not good name for planet,” Mik’kenna frowned.

“I know!” Ky’nayth said, “We combine names. Planet Ky’enna!”

“I like it,” Victoria said, “but I don’t know anything about naming planets. Mik’kenna what do you think?”

Mik’kenna thought about it while petting Baxter. “I like, but we should ask Aunt Lia. She know this stuff. And maybe wait to name, ‘cause might not be nice planet. I no want planet named after us that not nice.”

“We shall talk with Amelia and with others. I do like the name, but I understand your concern about waiting on naming it. If you come up with other names we can make a list for everyone to vote on.”

Mik’kenna nodded and took a bite of her sandwich. “Puppies like it here. You think it safe to let them off leash now?”

Zy’nayth nodded, “Tell them to stay near the cruiser and us.”

Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth unleashed their dogs.

“Water is okay, right?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Checked out just fine,” Jil’ana said.

Celeste went wandering towards the back of the cruiser, now that she wasn’t tied to the area. Then she began trotting and went all the way around before settling back down next to Ky’nayth. Baxter was getting his tummy rubbed, so he didn’t move.

“Daddy, we more tests to run?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Your uncle left us quite a long list, so yes, we do.”

“We no stay all night, right?” Mik’kenna asked. “I like it here, but no wanna stay all night.”

“No. We will leave in about four hours.”

“We come back?”

“We can, yes, if you want to.”

“We should ‘splore other places,” Mik’kenna said. She finished her sandwich then used both hands to rub Baxter’s tummy, giggling as she did so because he would shake his back left leg which she found funny. Soon both kids were romping with the puppies, laughing and giggling. XQ-284 was a lovely place and Zy’nayth hoped that no dangers lurked hidden in the lush landscape.