E:A Vol 8 Ch 10: June 19, 2121

June 19, 2121

Promptly at 9:00 a.m., Zy’nayth arrived at Kol’non and Be’atta’s chambers. Kol’non let him in and led him to his dean. “What can I do for you?” Zy’nayth asked as he sat in a chair.

“Sir, I know I said I’d return to work on Monday, but I am truly worried about Be’atta. She is really down on herself. She blames herself for Roh’non not sleeping and for not learning to cook and that I have to do it. And everything else. She appreciates the kids taking Shadow out, but again, she looks at it as if she’s failed. She said something that even though she wasn’t a good cook, at least she could walk her own dog and now she couldn’t even do that because she’s so tired.”

“First of all, have you checked to see if she is perhaps ill?”

“I have. She’s physically fine.”

“Have Becket check her over. I know the chances are slim that he will find something, but I think that would help your own worry. And do not worry about work. I have brought over the Fourth Commander. It is long overdue. I’ve given him temporary command of the Second Ship. Second Commander and I are covering for you on the flagship and we can do that for as long as needed.

“Meanwhile, maybe you could suggest that she talk with Lutia, Alessa, or Victoria. They are all first-time mothers. Lutia would be my first choice. Not that Victoria would not help, but that Victoria’s situation was very different. Lutia always seemed to be quite strong, like Be’atta, whereas Victoria was…she was not necessarily scared or nervous, but because of what Jason had done to her for so long, she was not as emotionally strong back then. She is much stronger now. Lutia’s personality seems to be one of strength and surety, then she had Kel’lan and went through what Be’atta is going through.”

“I’ll see if she’ll do it. She doesn’t like people knowing when she’s weak.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “A true warrior. Have her take Victoria up on the offer to watch Roh’non. We can also watch over Kel’lan so Be’atta and Lutia can have an afternoon or day together.”

Kol’non nodded. “I’ll talk to her. Zy’nayth, please pray for her. I’ve never seen her so distraught.”

“We will.”

There was a knock on the study door. Be’atta talked through the door. “Kol’non, can I run to the mess and farm to pick up groceries now? Can you watch over Roh’non for a few minutes?”

Kol’non opened the door and smiled. “I can watch Roh’non or run and get the groceries, either is fine.”

“I need to get out for a few,” she said and kissed his cheek. She gave Zy’nayth a smile, “I hope nothing’s wrong.”

“Just going over schedules,” Zy’nayth said. “I am going to give your husband a little more time off, if that is okay with you.”

“Oh Zy, I’d appreciate that so much. I’ve been so worried about trying to handle Roh on my own…thank you!”

“You are most welcome.”

“Oh, tell Ky and Kenna I’m taking Shadow out for his afternoon walk since I’m headed to the farm anyway.”

“I will.”

“Roh’s in his crib,” she said then headed for the door.

Zy’nayth and Kol’non talked a few more minutes, then the High Chancellor went to talk to Lutia and Victoria. He wanted both of them prepared to help Be’atta, should she agree to talk to them.

***

Be’atta was angry with her husband when he brought up the idea of talking to Lutia about being a first-time mother. It ended up being their first argument.

“It’s not that I think you’re a bad mother,” Kol’non said after she accused him of thinking she couldn’t handle a Rayth child. “I’m worried. You’re in knots all of the time. You cry at the littlest thing, and, like now, you’re misjudging my intentions. Be’atta, please, talk to Lutia or Victoria. Or perhaps Dr. Maison. Don’t worry about the cooking, you know I love to cook, so that is nothing to fret over. Don’t worry about keeping the chambers spotless, we have a newborn, it’s going get messy. You’re putting too much pressure on yourself to do it all, and then blaming yourself for falling short of a goal you set.”

She stewed.

“Be’atta, you know Lutia is much like you in temperament. Please, talk to her. For your own peace of mind.”

“But she…she and Victoria, even Alessa, never went through this. They’re always so put together.”

“You know very well that they have indeed gone through this. But you and the others were there to help them through it. Now let them repay the favor. Victoria and Zy’nayth are more than willing to watch Roh’non and Kel’lan. The twins will love to have the baby around so they can dote on him. Go for a walk or picnic on the mainland with Lutia. Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Perhaps Zy’nayth would even let the two of you go to the island.”

Be’atta, who’d been storming back and forth in the room, collapsed into a chair and began to cry. “I’m sorry, Kol’non. I didn’t think it would be like this. I’ve taken care of babies since I was little. I…”

He knelt before her and pulled her hands into his and kissed them. “You need a little break. May I contact Lutia?”

Be’tta nodded. “Day after tomorrow. I think she has the day off.”

Kol’non tapped his comlink and Lutia answered. He told her about his wife’s decision, then he contacted Victoria and made arrangements for the baby.

June 21, 2121

Zy’nayth walked into his chambers on the city-ship, Ky’nayth, Mik’kenna, Shadow, Baxter, and Celeste with him. He was carrying baby Roh’non.

“The walk go okay?” Victoria asked taking the diaper bag from him.

“Yeah. Puppies always good,” Ky’nayth said, with Shadow beside him.

“Five more minutes for breakfast,” she replied. “Zy, you okay with the little one?”

“I believe Roh’non will not be a problem,” he replied sitting on the sofa, “he knows who is in charge.”

Victoria chuckled as she went back to the kitchen, “I’m sure he does.”

Mik’kenna followed after her. “Aunt Be’atta said he fed already. But prolly need food again soon. Growing baby. What for breakfast?”

“Waffles,” she said as the door chimed.

“That’s probably Lutia with Kel’lan,” she said, “can you go help her?”

Mik’kenna went running out as Lutia walked in with Cinnamon behind her. “He’s had breakfast,” she said to Zy’nayth about Kel’lan. Kel’lan was carried into the middle of the living room and put on the floor where Baxter and Celeste went to greet him and Cinnamon. “You sure about keeping both of them all day?”

“Victoria is. I am headed to the flagship,” Zy’nayth smiled. “Take care of Be’atta. She really needs your help.”

Lutia smiled, “Thank you for thinking I can help her.”

Mik’kenna ran over to Kel’lan and gave him a hug and kiss. “I glad you here today,” she said.

The boy clapped and giggled.

Victoria poked her head out of the kitchen, “Remember, take your time. I can even keep Kel overnight to give you and Ja’val a night alone.”

Lutia grinned, “Hmm. Might take you up on that. I need to see how busy he is.” She looked at Zy’nayth, “Don’t give him any new assignments today.”

Zy’nayth gave her a nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

Lutia gave her son a kiss. “I love you, Kel’lan. Be good for Aunt Victoria.”

He giggled and planted a slobbery kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Ma!”

Just as soon as Lutia left, the door chimed. Zy’nayth had put Roh’non in his carrier and answered the door, the baby-laden carrier in one hand. “Good morning, Colonel. Come for breakfast?”

“Uh, no, but if it’s an offer, sure,” John smiled.

Zy’nayth handed the carrier to John to take to the kitchen, then instructed his children to help Kel’lan into the kitchen as well. “I’ll grab an extra chair,” he said.

Victoria set another plate then Zy’nayth prayed over the meal.

“So, what brings you by this early in the morning?” Victoria asked.

“We have a bit of a mystery.”

“We always do,” she said.

“Do either of you remember a facilities staff member named Parker Williams?”

“Can’t place the face, but the name is familiar,” Victoria said. “Not on the first crew over, I’m pretty sure of that.”

“He was one of the men presumed dead after the attack,” Zy’nayth said. “No body found.”

“Right. Well,” John sighed, “I haven’t said anything to anyone yet, and I came to you first because I know your photographic memory,” he said to Zy’nayth. “Zy, I swear I saw him last night. I’m not great with names, I remember faces, but… I’m working on it. I mean, over the last few years, as my responsibility increased, I’ve made an extra effort to get to know the scientists, cooks, janitors, everyone. Parker came over with a group right after Victoria was kidnapped by the Oversight Committee.” He pulled out his tablet and called up the image. Zy’nayth nodded. He remembered the man. Victoria looked at it and shuddered.

“I remember him now,” she said, “gave me an odd feeling. I just tried to avoid him. If he was due for a checkup, I made sure one of the other doctors tended to it.”

“Are you sure it was this man you saw?” Zy’nayth asked. “Many lives were lost. Perhaps you are mistaken.”

“Yeah, it was him,” John said. “I didn’t get a chance to say anything, I was running late to dinner with Jil’ana. I intend to hunt him down in the next few days. There’s something else, but we can talk after we enjoy this wonderful food,” he said, not wanting to stir up bad memories for Victoria, however, she spoke up almost immediately.

“His cologne,” she said. “It was the same cologne Jason wore. Hated that smell.”

“I remember that as well. So, Parker disappears after the attack, reappears months later, and we do not like his cologne,” Zy’nayth said. “The only mystery I see is figuring out where he was for the last several months.”

“And who he really is,” John said. “Oddly enough, there’s no record of him in our files, meaning the we have on each individual prior to coming here. His records start the moment he steps on Terra 2.”

“A spy? Maybe another country found out about us before the attack on Earth and sent a spy. Maybe our own government sent him or someone on the Oversight Committee,” Victoria said.

“Yeah, I’ve got those ideas on my list. I’ve got something else too.”

“The saboteur?” Zy’nayth asked.

“Yeah. And it means he has connections here. He’s had to have a physical each year he was here. Can you call that up, Victoria?”

Zy’nayth motioned for her to sit back down and he pulled out his own tablet and tied into the medical database. “Parker Williams,” Zy’nayth said, “had the initial sign in with Dr. McKenna, routine physicals every year, one case of an ear infection, all prior to the attack on Terra 2. Nothing after. Records say he is presumed dead, and the date of the attack is given. Have you talked with his co-workers?”

“No. Like I said, this happened last night. Zy, we went through everyone’s files after the first sabotage, he cleared it. But without any background info in the files, that tells me a couple different things. One, he got past our security check then, two he cleared the security check after the Rayth attack, three, he is either a spy or he’s our elusive saboteur.” He shook his head, “How’d he get past that last check? Either Vince or I would have noticed his file didn’t start until he was on Terra 2. We would have. We were very thorough.”

John shook his head as he continued. “Someone pretty high up on the chain has pulled some strings. There are very few people who can alter files. Vince, me, Simon. If this guy’s from the Oversight Committee, they’ve had to get him here through other means because I don’t think our guys would allow it.”

“Gyhan?” Zy’nayth asked.

“That was my first thought. Or someone sympathetic to their cause. Or your brother’s.”

Mik’kenna looked at her father, almost in terror. “The puppy poisoners back? We need to ‘tect the puppies. Maybe go to Earth.”

“I do not think the puppies are in danger,” he said. “The men who tried to poison them are in prison. I believe this is someone different.”

“You sure?” she said, tears already streaming down her white cheeks. Instinctively she patted her lap and Celeste bounded over, stood on her hind legs, and rested her head on Mik’kenna’s lap where she got a good scratch behind the ears. “I no want nothing bad happen to puppies. They family. They all family. Daddy, you promise, they no in danger.”

“I cannot be one hundred percent sure, but I do not think the dogs are in any danger. You need not worry. Celeste, Baxter, and the other dogs will be safe.”

“You let others know?” Ky’nayth asked. “In case they try to poison their puppies like they tried with Baxter and Celeste.”

“I will,” he promised, then looked at John. “Do you have a plan of action?”

“I need to try and find him and reacquaint myself with him. Victoria, can you tell Becket what’s going on? Becket needs to insist on a physical. Get some DNA and see what we can learn. If he’s from Earth, we should have some sort of DNA files we can tap into. Meanwhile, Zy, I was hoping you’d be able to do a little digging into our files. I don’t know how to tell if something’s been altered. I want to know if his files were changed when he got here or if he came with a blank file.”

“You are asking me to break into your most secure files?” Zy’nayth asked.

John shook his head, not catching that Zy’nayth had broken into their records before, when they were supposed enemies, and that he and Ja’val and pretty much put the system in place for running the city-ship. He could tap into the records any time he wanted. “No. I’ll give you my passwords. I’ll take responsibility,” he said.

Victoria grinned, “Not like he’d need your codes. I’ll give Becket a call after breakfast.”

“No. I will stop by the infirmary and talk to him before I head to the flagship,” Zy’nayth said. “You will have your hands full with the children.”

“Kel and Roh aren’t going to be a problem,” Victoria smiled. “Besides, Ky and Kenna will keep little Kel’lan the explorer busy.”

John ran his fingers through his black hair and sighed. “Okay, don’t take this the wrong way. I just need confirmation. I don’t think Vince is involved in any way. Simon either. But I’m reluctant to tell them what I’m doing. Zy, your opinion?”

“Tell both of them. They are trustworthy. Neither would ever do anything to harm this ship or the people here.”

After a few more comments Victoria asked how things were going with Jil’ana. “You haven’t talked about her much lately.”

“We’ve sort of cooled off,” he waved his hand to stop Victoria’s worrisome question. “No, we’re still dating, but we both thought that we were putting too much pressure on ourselves and each other, especially with so many other things going on.”

“Well, it’s good to see her at church on Sunday. How’s she coming along in that area?”

“Pretty good, I think. She agreed to do a Bible study with Janice and Julia, and that seems to be going well. She and Janice have become pretty good friends.” John gave Victoria a smile. “It’s not that she didn’t want to take you up on your offer, but, uh, you sort of intimidate her.”

“What? I’ve never intimidated anyone, ever.”

“Well, you’re sort of the matriarch of our little family, and she knows she has to impress you before you’ll let our relationship continue.”

Victoria laughed, “Only two rules she has to pass. She has to be a Christian, and the two of you need to be in love.”

“And she has to love puppies,” Ky’nyath added, Mik’kenna nodded in agreement.

“Oh yes, I forgot about that one,” Victoria smiled.

“Don’t worry,” John said, “she loves puppies. Scout’s become her best friend.”

“And she no like octopus,” Mik’kenna said, adding in her caveat.

“I’m pretty sure she doesn’t. But I can double check for you,” John smiled. “Even if she did, I’d never let her cook it for us.” He squished up his nose, “Gross.”

The twins giggled and soon the breakfast was finished and the discussion over.

John thanked them for both then hurried off. He was due at the recently uncovered underground facility for a final walkthrough with Vince and Simon. After that, he and Vince were going to go over where the dig-out teams should be focused now that they knew where key facilities were on the city-ship.

“Simon, I’m leaving it in your hands,” Vince said as they concluded their tour and check, “is she ready to open for business?”

Simon nodded. “Those few little things won’t take a day or two and are just minor tweaks. I say we throw open the doors.”

“All right. John, I want the bridge and security teams here first along with Simon’s main team. Just to turn on the lights, make sure things are operating smoothly, get the kinks out. After that, Medical, Flight, Military. Once we’re sure those key areas are all operating correctly and the staff knows their way around, everyone else can start setting up their areas.” He paused and looked at Simon, “Or would you prefer that we keep things trickling in, a few areas at a time?”

“I think we’ll be fine,” Simon said, “and with Jil’ana here, if there are issues, she and her team are more than willing to help out when the big influx starts. But what about the Rayth?”

“What about them?” John asked.

“We don’t really have anything set up for them.”

“Don’t think they need it,” John replied. “They already know how to use it.”

Simon chuckled, “I keep forgetting. Don’t mind me. Not enough sleep.”

“Take the rest of the day off,” Vince said.

Simon nodded. “Could use it, thanks. But if you guys need something, I will have my comlink with me.”

“Plan on tomorrow off too,” John said. “But first, I need to talk with you two about something else. Totally unrelated.”

John, Simon, and Vince moved into what would be the main office of the underground facility. John explained about Parker Williams.

“The High Chancellor is going to dig into our database to see if Parker’s file has been tampered with. As soon as we’re done, I’ll stop by and tell Becket to get ready for the move to this facility and see if Zy talked to him this morning.”

“You think he’ll go in for a checkup? Don’t you think he’ll be suspicious?” Vince asked, after John said he hoped to get some blood samples.

“I’m hoping to figure out how Becket and I can run into him. Becket’s known for reminding people that they haven’t been in for their physicals and whatnot. Anyway, worth a shot.”

“Tell Chris and Kaven,” Vince said. “I want them in the know to keep an eye out for Parker. David too. David’s good at being everyone’s best friend. He can probably find out more about Parker than we ever could.”

“Want me to do some digging in the files?” Simon asked.

“No. You have enough work,” John said, “but I want you aware that someone may be tampering with our files. Or at least they may have before Ja’val put in all of those security measures. Feel free to take a peek, though I think I’d rather have you get some rest. We know Zy can handle things.”

“Normally, I’d want to dive right into something like this,” Simon said, “but I’m wiped. I’ll look at it in the morning, if Zy’nayth hasn’t figured it out yet.” He chuckled. “Okay, I’m going. The beach is calling my name.”

***

“Hey, wasn’t expecting you back until dinner,” Victoria said, giving her husband a kiss.

“I can return to the flagship if you would like,” Zy’nayth smiled.

“Nope. I’m keeping you here. Find out anything on Parker?”

“His file was altered,” Zy’nayth said as he sat on the sofa. Baxter and Celeste beat the kids to greet him and hopped up next to him. “How are Kel’lan and Roh’non doing?”

“Roh’s sleeping. And as you can see, the kids are keeping Kel’lan entertained.”

Kel’lan heard his name and clapped, then rolled the ball across the room. Baxter leaped off of the couch and darted for it. Celeste simply curled up next to Zy’nayth and closed her eyes. Mik’kenna stroked her back then scratched her behind her ears.

“Any idea who tampered with the files?” Victoria asked.

“Not a specific individual, but the code used to attempt to cover the change was Raythian.”

“That’s not encouraging.”

“Daddy, you sure not puppy poisoners?” Mik’kenna asked.

“Sweetheart, I will make sure the puppies are protected. But I do not think those who tried to hurt our dogs are the same as whoever is doing this.”

“Okay,” she said, “I worried, though.”

“Do not worry, Mik’kenna, “I will make sure they are kept safe.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. I will protect them as well as I will protect you and your brother.”

“What do you need me to do?” Victoria asked.

“My beloved, I know you are probably tired after a day with the babies, but…”

“Big family dinner?”

Zy’nayth nodded. “We do get our communications out that way, and great ideas in return.”

“That means including Steve, Jacob, and Julia.”

“I trust them.”

“The whole gang? Ny’van, Vince, Simon?”

“Yes. Everyone.”

“If they can’t tonight, how about tomorrow?”

“That will be fine.”

“All right. Mik’kenna, will you and Celeste check in on Roh’non? Then get me when he starts stirring,” Victoria said.

“Kay. Come on Celeste, we check on Roh. And ‘memmer to be quiet, he sleeping.” The dog jumped down and trotted after Mik’kenna.

Victoria stood and tapped her comlink. “Hey Lutia, sorry to bother you but…” her voice trailed off as she went into the kitchen to take stock of what she could make for twenty-five, hungry adults. “Zy wants a family meeting, but if you and Be’atta need more time, we can have it tomorrow.”

“Let me check with my patient,” Lutia said, “I’ll call you back in five.”

“Okay.” The call was disconnected and Victoria began making notes of the ingredients she had on hand. A few minutes later, Lutia said they could make it.

“Lutia and Be’atta are in, shouldn’t be a problem getting the others,” Victoria said returning to the living room. “Mik’kenna, Roh still asleep?”

“Yes.” Mik’kenna said as Kel’lan was given a ball by Baxter. Kel’lan clapped, then rolled it again, this time Cinnamon was the first to get it. Baxter pounced on her but the puppy ignored him and took the ball to Kel’lan. Kel’lan clapped again, hugged his puppy, then rolled the ball again.

“Victoria, do not worry about calling the others about dinner. I will do it. Let me know what you need for groceries. I can run and get them as well.”

“Nah. I got it. I’ll make sure the boys are changed, then I’ll run. I’m still trying to figure out what to make. Good thing we decided on a large dining room.”

Zy’nayth smiled. “Indeed. I should invite Karken’al and Jil’ana as well.”

“Gonna have to expand soon,” she replied.

“Kia’myn and Tel’lok.”

Victoria looked at the clock. “Mik’kenna, sweetie, Mommy is going to need a lot of help. I think I’ll make some spaghetti and meatballs. Easiest for the size of this group.”

“Kay!” she said and kissed Celeste’s head, “Keep eye on babies.” She darted into the kitchen and washed up. She got out her little knife from the drawer and was ready.

“Can you get out the ingredients to make the pasta and bread? I’m going to change the babies’ diapers while you’re doing that.”

Mik’kenna nodded and set her tablet on the counter and opened the files for the recipes. “Garlic bread?”

“Yes honey,” Victoria said and went to tend to the babies. After a few minutes she was back, the ingredients were all on the counter, along with the appropriate bowls.

“Perfect. Do you want to start measuring things out or help me get the rest of the groceries?”

“I go with you, I no want to mess up measure.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t, but I could probably use your help getting stuff.”

“Zy, honey, boys have been changed, Kenna and I are running to pick up groceries. Ky, keep an eye on Roh’non. He’s awake, so you might want to entertain him a little.”

When Victoria and Mik’kenna returned, Roh’non in his little carrier and Kel’lan sitting on Zy’nayth’s lap, were being read a story by Ky’nayth. Victoria let them be and went straight into the kitchen to start cooking

***

“Rayth? Are you sure?” Kol’non asked when Zy’nayth told the assembled group what he’d found.

“It is not Gyhan; it is not Earth. It would have to be a Rayth or a Mythican using Rayth code.”

“Back up a minute,” Vince said, “Parker Williams got here, through the strictest of security measures. Why change his file after the fact?”

“I apologize, I was not clear. Parker’s file was either altered after arriving on Terra 2, or it was not created until he arrived here. If he is a spy from a rebel group, he could have been planted here when a batch of new staff came in.”

Vince shook his head. “I review all files before people even bridge in. I may not have your photographic memory, but I must have seen his file before he stepped foot on Terra 2.”

“The file could have been put in with the new recruits’ files,” Ja’val said, “so you’d see it before he stepped foot on Terra 2. If someone knew the routine, that is a possibility. I’d guess he was planted. He’s not from Earth so he has to be a rebel spy or something.”

“At the time he came on staff,” Vince said, “Rayth and E:A weren’t exactly on good terms. So why would a Rayth help to smuggle in a spy to this city? What would they hope to steal? And we still cannot rule out that he wasn’t from Earth.”

“The ship itself,” Chris said. “Maybe if the rebel Rayth attack didn’t work, they’d have someone on the inside.”

John shook his head. “Wouldn’t work. Couldn’t. You saw what Zy’nayth did with all those Rayth in the control room during the attack. One human against him wouldn’t stand a chance. There has to be something they were after. Something other than this ship or the tech on it. The rebel Rayth wanted it because it was fast. They wouldn’t need a human, didn’t need a human, to carry out their incursion. They couldn’t have known about the generator since not even the High Chancellor knew about it until a few months ago.”

“What about our weapons?” Chris tried again. “We still haven’t figured out who’s been supplying the Elgolians with our weapons tech.”

“Rebel Rayth helping underground Elgolians steal our weapons?” David asked, “I guess it could start an internal war on Elgolia. But that wouldn’t be in the Rayth’s best interest. Elgolia is still a food source, why kill off a perfectly good food supply?”

“It would not be unheard of,” Zy’nayth said, “if it served a greater purpose. Right now, however, we do not know if or what that purpose would have been. But I do not believe the man was Elgolian or anyone from this galaxy. I agree with Vince. We cannot rule out that he was not from Earth.”

“Why?” Ja’val asked.

“His cologne. It is an Earth cologne. From what I have gathered, it would have been purchased on Earth and brought here.”

“Well, now we’re back to a Rayth helping a human at a time when, really, Victoria had the only friendly relationship with any Rayth. And that was only with the High Chancellor. The rest of us still didn’t trust her,” Kol’non said.

“What about the Gyhan virus?” Becket said. “Sorry, just trying to think of a reason they’d spy on us. You mentioned the Oversight Committee might be behind this, and that reminded me of Jason’s sister who managed to get her hands on our samples of the virus. Or, if it was the O.C., they could have been after the tech since we weren’t giving Earth anything.”

“That is possible,” Vince said, “especially with that band of people. But that’s long been over and Parker’s still here. Why not just head back to Earth when the O.C. was thrown in jail? Why not stay disappeared after the attack? Why come back?”

“He had to come back here,” Kaven said, “in order to get back to Earth. I think we first need to find out who he is. That alone may give us the answers to all of our questions.”

“And that is why I have asked Karken’al and his team here,” Zy’nayth said. “John and Becket are going to try and get blood samples, or some sort of tissue samples to test for DNA if they run into Parker. However, I was wondering if your scanners sequence DNA without needing tissue? I do not want to risk scaring him off by Becket wanting to draw blood. If we say we want to do a scan using the equipment in the new facility, he may be more prone to go along with it. And if he is a spy, he will want a look at what is over there.”

“I’m afraid that’s beyond our capabilities at the moment,” Kia’myn said, “but those scanners can identify fingerprints without contact.”

“That is a start,” Zy’nayth said. “Becket could always say he sees something abnormal in the scan and would like to run a blood test to rule out some disease or another.”

Becket sighed, “Listen, I want to find out what’s going on as much as you, but you guys know me. I don’t lie well. What if he’s innocent? What if he’d been living on the mainland since the attack and just now got back to us? Maybe there’s…”

“His file was deliberately changed or created so that he could be on this planet,” Vince said. “If we didn’t have that little stumbling block, I’d side with you, Doc. But he was put here for a reason and I want to know why.”

Ny’van spoke up, “Want me to interrogate our special prisoners? See if they know anything?” He was speaking of Zy’nayth’s nephews and his brother.

Zy’nayth nodded. “Yes.”

Ky’nayth reached over and tugged on the sleeve of his father’s white leather jacket. “Puppies,” he whispered.

“Ah, yes. Some of you are aware that the rebels had tried to poison the dogs. Though I do not think this will happen again, I suggest you keep a close eye on your supply of dog food.”

“Baxter and Celeste knew to no eat their food,” Mik’kenna said, “but baby puppies might no be as smart because they still baby puppies. So maybe lock food up so no one get to it.”

“Report anything out of the ordinary,” Chris added. “If you get home and notice a book moved or a cupboard door open, something you might just put off to an ‘oh, I just forgot’ moment, you contact us. Me, John, Vince, Kaven. Or of course any of the Rayth in our family. Even the slightest little thing.”

“Christopher is right. Though I do not suspect any of you are targets, if there are indeed targets, please be cautious and vigilant,” Zy’nayth said.

“I’ll do daily checks,” David said. “Just a quick call or something to make sure you’re all okay. I know some of our paths don’t cross on a daily basis.”

Kol’non turned to Zy’nayth, “I’ve known you a while, there’s something you’re not telling us. You’ve got one of those gut feelings again, don’t you?”

Zy’nayth nodded. “But I prefer not to discuss it in front of the children.”

“Daddy, we ‘kay,” Mik’kenna said.

“Perhaps I was referring to Roh’non and Kel’lan,” he smiled.

“Oh yeah. They still babies. They no hear bad stuff.”

“To be honest, my children, I do not wish for you to hear it either. So after we are finished eating, would you please watch over the young ones while I discuss this with the others?”

“But Daddy, we handle it. We been kidnapped and stuff,” Ky’nayth said. “We been through hard things. We be fine.”

“Yes. You have been through far too much. I do not want to give either of you nightmares. Please, understand. I would hate myself if what I said gave you nightmares.”

“We watch the babies,” Mik’kenna said. “I no want nightmares.”

After dinner and dessert, the kids went into Mik’kenna’s room and played with the dogs and Kel’lan while Roh’non slept. Zy’nayth shut her door and walked to the living room where everyone had gathered. He sat and put an arm around his wife. “This is not based on any science. It is, as Kol’non said, a gut feeling. Becket, I need you to get that DNA sample at all costs.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“No. You will do it.” Zy’nayth ordered, “I believe that Parker Williams is not Parker Williams. I think there is a possibility that the man I killed in the astrophysics laboratory was not Jason McGuire, but a clone. And the real Jason McGuire’s appearance has been surgically altered. He has been biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to get to Victoria.”

Victoria shuddered. She nudged closer to her husband but didn’t say anything.

“What makes you think this?” John asked, “And it better be more than the cologne.”

“When you mentioned him this morning, the gut feeling set in. Especially when Victoria said that he gave her an odd feeling.”

“Okay, going on the assumption he’s the real Jason McGuire, he’s had plenty of chances to get to Victoria,” John said. “And Earth doesn’t have cloning tech. At least not for humans. Of we do and it’s so secret that no one knows…anyway, he’s had plenty of chances to get to her.”

“He’s also had plenty of chances to see the High Chancellor take people down, namely his clone not to mention other Rayth who would be more of a challenge to him,” Chris said.

“Parker arrived at the same time as Jason,” Zy’nayth said.

“Clones?” Kia’myn asked, “We haven’t even gone that far. We could, but we wouldn’t.”

“A project of my brother’s I am sad to say,” Zy’nayth said. “And yes, before you ask, they were able to transfer memories through telepathy.”

“So why send a clone in?” John asked. “Jason wanted her back on Earth. He didn’t need a clone to do that. And when Jason was here, you and Victoria were only friends. We didn’t even know your first commanders. How’d he get in touch with your brother or any rebel Rayth?”

“We know my brother was monitoring my movements. There is a possibility he got to Jason. Jason offers to help sabotage the ship, or steal something my brother wanted, in return for some surgical skills and a clone to do his bidding.”

Victoria stood. “I need to go,” she said. “I…” she waved off what she was going to say and ran down the hallway and into Mik’kenna’s room where, playing with the kids and the dogs got her mind off of wanting to scream and cry out in despair.

“I assume there is some history between Victoria and this Jason McGuire,” Karken’al said.

“Unfortunately,” Zy’nayth replied and told those who hadn’t heard the story about Jason and Victoria’s past what had happened and how it ended with the death of Jason McGuire. Meanwhile, Be’atta went to keep her friend company.

“How was your day with Lutia?” Victoria asked as Be’atta sat beside her and kissed baby Roh’non on his head.

“It went very well. Your husband is right, Lutia and I are very much alike. You’d think I would have picked that out right away. She helped a lot. I just need to remember that we’re all different and none of us are perfect. Please keep praying for me. I know I’ll still get stressed out, but I think knowing she and you have both struggled as first-time moms, well, that gives me hope.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep praying. And you let me know if you need anything. Roh and I had fun today, didn’t we?” she smiled at the baby boy.

“We play when he wake,” Ky’nayth said, “I read stories to him.”

“I bet he liked that,” Be’atta replied, then turned to Victoria. “Are you okay?”

“I hope Zy’s wrong. I really, really hope he’s wrong.”

“If it eases your mind, he probably already has a guard rotation set up and may be thinking of sending you to the palace or island, maybe even Earth.”

“I don’t want to go through this again,” Victoria said then looked at her children. “But it will be okay. Zy will take good care of all of us.”

***

“I am sorry,” Zy’nayth said as he and Victoria settled in for the night, “I should have told you privately first. I thought that being around our family might help you. It would show you how much they care and that they will be there to help you through this.”

“Zy, I’m not upset with you. I just get quiet when I’m troubled.” She curled up in his arms. “I’m glad you didn’t tell me beforehand. I wouldn’t have been able to make dinner for everyone.”

“It was a delicious dinner,” he replied. “I am still sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re right, it helped having everyone here. I don’t really like being the center of attention, but when they rallied around me, I felt safe.”

“It may not be him. I cannot imagine someone like Jason waiting this long to get to you.”

“But it was your first thought. Your gut instinct.”

He let out a long sigh. “Yes. But I am not certain. I still cannot figure out any reason why my brother, who is the only one who had the cloning technology that I am aware of, would seek him out. It does not make sense. Yet I feel Jason is involved somehow.”

“And he still could be someone else entirely working for the old Oversight Committee who just happens to like the same cologne as Jason did.”

“That is possible. I am not ruling that out either.”

“Do you want me to move somewhere?” she asked.

“Not yet. If you were to leave abruptly, it might raise suspicions.”

“What if you had to leave? You should be spending a little more time on Kiva. Since things are going smoothly here, just say we’re going to spend a couple of weeks there.”

“Do you want to go?”

“If Jason’s here, I’d rather be elsewhere.”