E:A Vol 1 Ch 15—March 3, 2117

“Sir, if we could have access to the entire database,” the First Science Commander said the next day after being told about having comlink access to Dr. McKenna as well as Victoria, “we might more quickly find what we need. Surely you now have their confidence so that they’d give you a copy of that Mythican database, perhaps even some of Earth’s.”

“They would want something in return; do I turn over our database?” Zy’nayth replied.

“Of course not.”

“Ja’val,” the High Chancellor said using the name that only a few knew, “if you would like, I could see about getting permission for you to work on Terra 2 itself. Access would probably still be limited, but if you had requests for information, there would not be a delay in getting a request to Dr. Harris. And you could share ideas more readily with Dr. Carson and Dr. McKenna.”

“You would allow this?”

“I do not like the idea of you being away from this ship, but this is more important. We need a solution. Feeding on humans has to stop. As I said, I would prefer you remain on the flagship, but the decision is yours. If you wish to work on Terra 2, directly with Dr. McKenna, I will seek permission from General Cavanaugh, however, I cannot guarantee that he would like the idea. Think about it.”

“If I go, how would I feed?”

“You can bridge to the mainland supply.”

“They would let me do this?”

“They let me.”

“Sir, you’re quite different from me. Rank notwithstanding.”

If General Cavanaugh agrees to it, he will agree to let you go off-world to feed when you need to. His only other option would be to allow you to feed off of his people, and I do not think he would want that.”

“Then I’ll go. I’d like a day to get all of my equipment packed.”

“Take your time. General Cavanaugh may want a day or two to consider the proposal. Keep in mind, I do not want Dr. Harris or anyone trying to gain access to our technology, so you must protect our equipment and files.”

“I don’t see that being a problem, but I’ve been duly informed.”

March 5, 2117

It took only a couple of hours for Vince to talk to his command staff as well as Victoria and Becket regarding bringing the First Science Commander on board. John even agreed that it was a good idea, though he, Vince, the Alpha Team, and Kaven were making plans to defend against the Rayth.

Zy’nayth had saved John, Chris, and Becket’s lives, and though they thought they could trust him, they couldn’t say that for any other Rayth. Their first priority was, of course, the protection of their own against any hostile, whether Rayth or human. It wouldn’t be easy, it might even be impossible, but they had to have a plan, something in place.

Meanwhile, arrangements were made for Ja’val. Zy’nayth’s old quarters next to Victoria’s were prepared for First Science Commander, and a laboratory was set aside for his work. Victoria spent time with Pavel, Simon, and their staff as to how they should address and work with the Rayth.

On Friday, Becket, still technically a patient, met Victoria in the bridge control room as the First Science Commander arrived with his equipment that all fit neatly into two medium-sized boxes. His personal items were in one suitcase and one large backpack.

“Sir, welcome to Terra 2,” Victoria said, giving him a proper bow. “I thought we’d take you to your quarters first while your equipment is being taken to your lab. Is that okay?”

“Yes. Thank you, Dr. Carson. May I assume that the lab I will be using is sufficiently secure?”

“You can work with Dr. Harris to make sure it is,” she said. “I told General Cavanaugh that you might wish to use your own technology to secure the area.”

Ja’val nodded then looked at Becket, “It is good to see you well, Dr. McKenna, and face to face. The High Chancellor told me what happened. I admit, the thought of this doing this research without your input was a bit unnerving. You see things I don’t. Your logic is different and is needed. We’ve been at an impasse for many millennia.”

“Thank you. I’m quite thankful that I’ll be here to continue the work. Got a little scared for a bit there. Your chambers are next to Victoria’s. We thought you might be more comfortable near her since you’ve worked together, plus the High Chancellor obviously stays with her when he’s onsite.”

“That is fine.”

Victoria tapped on her door with her hand as they passed it, “My quarters,” she said continuing down the hall, “and here are yours. Would you like to settle in first, get the grand tour, or just go straight to the lab?”

“There are no guards?”

Victoria smiled as she shook her head, “If the High Chancellor trusts you, we do. So which would you like to do?”

“How about the tour, then my lab? I can unpack later.” He set his things in his quarters, then he was ready for the tour, though he already had a good idea of the layout.

Becket returned, as a patient, to the infirmary at Victoria’s request, while she showed the First Science Commander around the main tower of the city.

“Don’t worry about getting lost, there are always panels at the end of the hallways to show you where you’re at.”

“I am aware of the panels. Even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t get lost,” he replied. “I have seen this design before. Your changes, however, are interesting.”

She smiled as they walked past the mess hall. “You are free, of course, to come and try our food and mingle with the staff. We’re all pretty easy going.”

“So this is the new Rayth?” a tough voice said from behind them.

Victoria turned, “Kaven, yes. This is the First Science Commander. He’ll be working with me and Becket, and probably Pavel and Simon. And if he has free time,” she grinned, “hopefully we can get him to help our translators. We’ll keep him busy.”

Though the First Science Commander was tall, Kaven stood just slightly taller, appeared more muscular, but it was hard to tell since Ja’val was wearing the long, black, heavy leather uniform of Rayth commanders. But Kaven, despite being human, looked much more intimidating. “Welcome on board,” he said. “I hope you guys find the solution you’re looking for soon.”

“Thank you. So do I,” Ja’val replied as Kaven walked off.

Victoria continued with the tour, showing him the training room. She smiled. “I know the Commander…uh, High Chancellor likes his work out. Kaven, Col. Hagen, and Be’atta each have their own training sessions you can attend. Most people just come in to blow off steam.

“They do not actually practice?”

“In their own way. Remember, we can’t self-heal, so protection, like that head gear over there, and those gloves, are used. Some don’t, but most do.”

Ja’val walked over and picked up a long stick with a firm but cushioned end. “The stick needs protection as well?”

Victoria chuckled, “Ah, no. They use the cushioned end to hit each other. I suppose to keep from hurting the other, I guess. I’m not a fighter.”

“Fighters would not use something like this,” he shrugged his shoulders and set the item back in place. “Perhaps I’ll join Col. Hagen in one of his sessions to learn what they do. It all seems very…strange.”

“I’m sure it’s all to protect them as they learn. Like I said, we can’t self heal and even with the infirmary, we still have to let bone heal naturally.”

She finally led him to the science lab where he was introduced to Pavel and Simon, the heads of the astrophysics and technical departments. “We thought it best to set up your office down here instead of in the medical research lab with Becket. With the constant in and out of patients, it might be too bothersome.”

“For me or them?” Ja’val said, only half-joking. “Am I free to go to the medical lab, should I have questions for you and Dr. McKenna?”

“You’re free to roam just about anywhere,” Victoria smiled, “with a couple of exceptions like the main power room and the armory.”

“Guards?” he asked for a second time.

“No. As I said, you’re free to roam.”

“Thank you, Dr. Carson. I should like to get my work area set up now and start right in.”

“Then, unless you need me, I’ll head up to the infirmary. If you need anything, just use the comlink.”

***

“First impressions?” Vince asked the Alpha Team and Kaven as they met in the conference room later that day.

“Polite,” Be’atta said.

“Wasn’t what I was after,” Vince said. “Do we trust him?”

“He’s a Rayth, of course we don’t,” John said. “But…if the High Chancellor is truly intent on finding a way to eat something other than human energy, we have to trust that his First Science Commander is as well.”

“Keep in mind, he had traitors on the flagship,” Chris said. “We don’t know if this science guy is traitor or what.”

“The Chancellor trusts him.” Vince said, “Of course, he also trusted his Second Commander.”

“I’d like to point out that Victoria said that the High Chancellor knew one of his Commanders was a traitor. He knew,” Be’atta said. “I don’t think he’d send anyone here he suspected of being a traitor. At least, not with his wife without him.”

“That’s assuming he’s not using her for some reason,” John said.

“John, you have to admit that he has feelings for Victoria. He was willing to start a war with Earth to get her back,” Be’atta countered.

“Or a ploy to learn Earth’s location, which by the way, we didn’t give him, so how he know where she was?” John said, “Earth is a mighty big new food source for the Rayth.”

“Given his technical skills, he probably got the intel on Earth when he was working with Simon on some project,” Be’atta said. “And he only took one ship to Earth, not his entire fleet.”

“Not that we know of,” Chris said.

“No doubt, he got in when working with Simon,” Kaven said, “But Be’atta, you’re looking at him as Victoria’s husband, not as a threat to this base, to all humans. We are nothing but a meal to him.” He let out a sigh. “I swore to fight and destroy Rayth, but I would like to think I can trust the High Chancellor. However, even if we can trust him, even if he is on our side and wants this cure or whatever, there are still billions of Rayth out there that look at us as nothing more than dinner. Don’t forget that. The High Chancellor can’t control each and every one of them. We have to have a plan to protect ourselves. If the High Chancellor is for us, that’s a plus for us. But we have to do this on our own. We can’t even tell Victoria.”

Vince nodded, “Kaven’s right. We continue to put out a hand of trust, but we will plan for the safety of our people.”

“Have you contacted anyone on Earth to let them know to prepare themselves?” John asked.

“I’ve talked with General Price. He knows the threat and is taking appropriate steps. If we find something that will work against Rayth, I’ll pass it along. First, however, we have to sort out what we’re going to do and how we’ll go about doing it.”

March 6, 2117

“The former queen is refusing to leave the estate,” Zy’nayth said as he watched his wife eat her breakfast.

“Well, she’s lived there for a few thousand years. Does she have to leave? The place is huge, surely she could stay…”

“She must leave,” Zy’nayth said. “She would make much trouble for us if she were allowed to stay.”

“Us as in us?” she said motioning to the two of them, “or us as in our research?”

“Both. She has already hinted that she may use an old law to force me to marry her. Widow of the previous position holder or something to that effect.”

“You’re married.”

“The old laws do not recognize human mates as legitimate spouses of members of the ruling class. If she chose to push the issue, the Vice Chancellor has said that she could succeed despite the law having not been unused for…” he sighed, “at least four or five millennia.”

“Seriously? Zy, why can’t…you’re the High Chancellor now, can’t you do anything?”

“Technically, I am not High Chancellor until the inauguration, but even then, there is not much I can do. The Vice Chancellor and I are trying to find a legal way out of the situation should she demand that I marry her. Please keep in mind, tradition is very important to my people, and a law, even one that has not been used for 5,000 years, would be backed by the people no matter what I say. At least at this point as High Chancellor.”

“If you find a way to get out of this now, is there a time limit on this demand of hers? I mean, she can’t demand you marry her a year, or ten years, from now can she?”

“She has until the inauguration. Two weeks. After that, there is nothing she can do.”

“So we have to change her mind or send her to some remote part of the galaxy where she can’t bother us any more, at least until after your installation. A deserted and remote part of the galaxy. Far, far away.”

“Victoria, if she…”

“No, there isn’t going to be an ‘if’ because I won’t allow it.”

“If she…”

“Zy, no!”

Zy’nayth reached across the table and took her hands into his own, “If she does indeed demand this, I will have to agree to it. But you must remember, my beloved, that I do not go willingly. My heart is with you and always will be.”

“You can’t let this happen, Zy. We’ve been through too much. I won’t lose you. I can’t lose you.”

Zy’nayth walked over to her and drew her up into his arms, “I will find a way, Victoria.”

March 15, 2117

“I’m not worried about the public reaction,” the Vice Chancellor said as he and Zy’nayth sat on a cliff overlooking a Raythian outpost in the middle of the galaxy. “She’s not well liked. Most Rayth hate her. And though it’s in a rather gray area of the law, you’d be within your rights. And the tradition is older than the law she’s threatening to use. If the High Council disagrees, which I doubt, I think people, the High Council included, would fear challenging you. High Chancellor, I’m more worried about Victoria. She seems rather…sensitive…to this way of settling things.”

“It is the only way,” Zy’nayth said. “We have covered every legal option available. It is a sly maneuver, for which I am thankful you can easily handle, but it must be done. We have not found any other way. Victoria will not like it, but I will not lose her because Chan’dala wants to remain queen. Chan’dala needs to be out of the picture and I can only hope that my wife will understand why I chose this course…someday.”

“Will you tell Victoria ahead of time?”

“No. Only you and I know. As you said, she is rather sensitive to these kinds of things.”

March 20, 2117

Becket joined Victoria on the island to watch the installation of her husband as High Chancellor. Zy’nayth informed her that if the former queen was going to demand marriage, she might also demand Victoria’s death to prevent any interference with her plans, so he instructed Victoria to stay on the island. He also made sure Becket could be there in case Victoria would need support. He knew that if Chan’dala put forth her demand, his recourse, as worked out with the Vice Chancellor, would be something that wouldn’t sit well with Victoria.

Victoria switched on the large view screen in the living space. There were only a limited number of channels: news of the Empire; local news; local weather; government and military news both local and Empire-wide; information/educational channels that broadcast training programs for various fields of study; and finally an arts channel which aired primarily opera though an occasional art gallery was shown or literary reading was held. The installation of the new High Chancellor, however, was being broadcast on every channel. Victoria sat beside Becket, smiling. “I feel like I need a bowl of popcorn or something,” she said.

“Pretty big day,” he replied. “Look at all of those people. Is that the High Chancellor’s estate?”

“I think so. I only saw the part with the bridge portal, on one of the sides, or back. I’m not sure. Anyway, I think that’s the front of the building.”

The Vice Chancellor went to the center of the stage and made his speech. There was no podium but his voice was heard loud and clear through a special microphone hidden from view. He declared that the High Council approved of the installation of the new High Chancellor, and then put forth a long list of Zy’nayth’s achievements, each of which brought much fanfare from the audience. Then the Vice Chancellor asked Zy’nayth to come forward.

Zy’nayth, who had been standing off-stage, walked forward wearing a long black robe, not his uniform. Once in position, the robe was removed with much ritual and solemnness, and replaced with a long white leather jacket. It was similar to his black uniform but was gleaming white with silver stitching. Victoria squeezed Becket’s arm, “He didn’t tell me he was getting a new uniform! Oh, he looks good!”

Becket laughed, “I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”

The Vice Chancellor then presented him as the High Chancellor and the assembled crowd erupted in cheers. Then, as was customary during the installation of key political figures, the Vice Chancellor opened the floor to the members of the High Council and other key heads of State should they wish to challenge the new High Chancellor.

Victoria’s heart plummeted. “That’s her,” she said, pointing to the bejeweled woman stepping onto the stage. “Oh no. He said she wasn’t…she wouldn’t be a problem.” Her hand clutched Becket’s forearm. “No, please, no.”

Zy’nayth took one step to his right, so as not to be in the center of the stage. The Vice Chancellor moved to the opposite side of the stage as the former queen stood before the audience. She announced herself, cited the old law and demanded that the new High Chancellor take her as his wife and that his human mate be put to death.

Zy’nayth, who had not spoken during the ceremony, and was not required to, stepped up to the former queen. “You would dare order the death of a fullblooded Raythian High Chancellor’s chosen mate?” he asked.

“She is a human. Yes. I ordered her death. I will be your mate.”

Zy’nayth was quick and decisive. The queen’s neck snapped instantly and she slumped to the ground. He turned to the stunned audience. “I am one of the seven fullblooded Rayth left of our people. I am the High Chancellor. I chose my wife. Chan’dala threatened her life. And Chan’dala’s fate shall be the same for anyone who threatens the mate of a Rayth—whether the Rayth is fullblooded or not, and whether the mate is human or Rayth.”

He strode off the stage.

Victoria sat in shock. Tears rolling down her cheeks. Becket, though shocked, was suddenly aware of the trembling body next to him.

“Victoria?”

“He murdered her,” she said, stunned. “Right there. In front of everyone. He murdered her.”

“Victoria, perhaps it would be best if…”

“He knew he was going to do it. He didn’t tell me.”

“Victoria, love…” Becket wrapped his arm around her, “she threatened your life…” he sighed, “I know that’s no excuse…love, it’s all right.”

She stood, now shaking violently, “Murdered her right there!” her trembling finger thrust towards the screen which was now replaying what had just happened. “What if…what if he decides I’m in the way? What’s he gonna do? Wring my neck too? Becket! What if he’s done with me and comes back here to kill me too? Now that he’s High Chancellor! Oh God, Becket! He’s had access to everything in Terra 2 and probably Earth. Now that he’s High Chancellor he could…he doesn’t need me anymore…I was being used all along. How could I have been so stupid?”

Becket stood and embraced her. “I don’t think he was using you and I don’t think he’s going to harm Terra 2 or Earth. He could have done that as the Supreme Commander. Victoria…”

He led her back to her seat and tried to talk sense in to her, but deep down, he himself wasn’t sure. Was she used? He didn’t think so, but then they knew so little about Rayth. The news showed Zy’nayth entering the building, leaving the Vice Chancellor to handle any questions. Becket managed to figure out how to turn off the screen so that Victoria didn’t have to witness the murder again and again.

A few minutes later, a knock on the door interrupted their quiet talk. Becket told her to stay on the sofa while he answered the door. He was ignored as four men in black leather went in, surrounded Victoria, said something in Raythian, then disappeared.

Victoria had no idea where she’d been teleported to. She shoved and flailed at her four escorts who left the room and the hysterical woman in it.

“Victoria,” came the familiar deep raspy voice.

She spun, wide eyed. “You murdered her!” she yelled, backing herself into a corner, terrified of the man who, just hours before, she would have done anything for—the man she had fallen so deeply in love with.

“I did what I had to do,” he said calmly, but did not near her. He saw and felt her fear of him, so he remained near the window. “You did not wish for us to be apart. I did not wish for it either. As High Chancellor, as a fullblood, having my wife threatened, I could…judge her. The Raythian people heard her threat, heard that she knew of my bloodline, and yet she still threatened you. I did what had to be done.”

“But…you could have sent her away…you could have…”

“I carried out the sentence the law demanded. I have shown that I am not to be trifled with and I have taken a very important step of letting people know that I will not tolerate human mates to be abused simply because they are human. I am not proud of what I have done to accomplish this. Victoria, I do not wish to take lives. If I gave in to her demands, you would be killed. Other human wives of Rayth would have then felt fear for their own lives, more so than they already do.”

There was a knock at the chamber door and the Vice Chancellor was announced. Zy’nayth gave permission for him to enter. Victoria had come out of her corner and was pacing near the door, hands clenched, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“The High Council agrees with your decision,” the Vice Chancellor said to Zy’nayth as he entered, shutting the door behind him. “And apparently so does the public. They’re still cheering.”

“He murdered her!” Victoria screamed.

“With all due respect,” the Vice Chancellor said, quickly slipping an arm around her when she tried to bolt for the door, “she was about to have you murdered. She murdered many in her life. She was an evil woman and quite frankly, deserved to die.”

“And…and that makes it okay? He just snapped her neck like…” her hands made the motion but words were lost to her. She sank onto a sofa where the Vice Chancellor had led her, “Is that how my life’s going to end? He’s done with me now. He’s got all of his Mythican data from Terra 2 and probably stuff from Earth and now he gets to snap my neck because he’s the High Chancellor and can do whatever he wants!” She put her head into her hands and began sobbing.

The Vice Chancellor knelt before her, pulling her hands away from her face. “Victoria, I have known your husband for a very long time, even for Rayth. I have seen him at his best and his worst. I have seen him full of hate and full of love, but the love…” he gave her hands a gentle squeeze, “he loved his parents. He loved his wife and son. And he loves you. Do not fear him, Victoria. This was the only way you two could have remained together. He didn’t want to do it. He feared how you’d react, but it was the only choice he had if he wanted to keep you. If he didn’t act today, immediately, you would have lost your husband. Forever. Don’t think of him as a murderer. Don’t fear him,” he repeated. “He hasn’t loved much in his life, but you are one of the handful people he has opened his heart to, and he needs you in his life. He’s not going to hurt you. And as far as I’m aware, he’s not going to harm Terra 2 or Earth. He wants this war to end, not to escalate.”

He got back to his feet, still holding her hands, “Our people handle things differently. I wish it were not so in cases like this. What he did to Chan’dala, he had to do. For our people, for his position, for the research you and Dr. McKenna are doing, for you, for all human spouses of Rayth.” He kissed the top of her head as a parent would a child, then turned to the High Chancellor who was staring out of the window. “I will see that Dr. McKenna is informed.”

“Thank you,” he replied as the Vice Chancellor left.

Victoria remained silent, staring at her hands, tears rolling unhindered down her cheeks. She heard her husband remove the heavy white leather jacket and toss it into a chair. Then she felt his warmth as he sat beside her. He leaned forward, put his head in his hands and let out a long sigh.

“I have no words,” he said. “I could not lose you. It was the only way…” He sighed again. “I am sorry, Victoria.”

After several silent minutes she reached over and took his hand into her own. “I love you,” she said through her tears, still staring at the floor. “But I’m going to need time to deal with this. I saw Jason on that stage. I saw him. I…I often thought one day he’d just wring my neck. What I saw you do… I don’t want to look at you and see him. I don’t want to think of you like that. I’m scared, Zy’nayth. I’m scared you’ll do that to me…and I…I just need time to sort this out in my head…and my heart.”

“Then you will stay with me?” he asked, quietly, trying to stop his hands and his voice from trembling. “You may have your own chambers, anything you wish, but please do not end our marriage. Will you stay?”

She simply said, “Yes.”

March 22, 2117

Two days later she was back on Terra 2 ready to work. The Vice Chancellor had kept Becket informed of what was happening, and Becket informed the Expedition: Andromeda team.

“How are you holding up?” Be’atta asked over their lunch.

“Okay. Been busy moving a few things into the mansion. I don’t know where our permanent home will be. I’m in a bit of a daze.”

“And how are things between you and your husband?”

“Tense. Strained. Uneasy. Separate rooms.” Victoria set her fork down and ran her fingers through her hair. “Be’atta, I know he loves me. He was going to start a war with Earth to get me back, and yet…I’m suddenly terrified of him. I can’t shake the feeling. I’m scared to be around him. All I can see is him snapping Chan’dala’s neck and thinking that I’m next.”

“It was pretty shocking. I didn’t see it and I was in shock when Becket told us what happened. Victoria, I know Rayth are violent. I know many are evil. I’ve seen them do horrendous things. But I honestly believe, in my heart, that your husband is not of that ilk. He’s a victim of his circumstances. And I know for certain that he would never harm you. He is not Jason.”

“I keep telling myself that. I’m trying, Be’atta, but I can’t get that image out of my head. I mean, I’ve seen him kill others. But this was different. She…maybe it’s because she was a woman.”

“Perhaps. But she was not his wife, remember that. He did not kill his wife. He killed a woman who wanted you dead so she could remain queen. I wish I could be of more help. I wish you two didn’t have all of these troubles. Stay strong. You can talk to me any time.”

April 5, 2117

“How was your day? I was worried about you, it is later than usual for your return,” Zy’nayth said. “I was quite concerned that…that you had chosen not to return.”

“I decided to talk to Jennifer Maison, the base psychiatrist. It’s been kinda tough dealing with everyone’s questions over the last couple of weeks.”

“I am sorry,” Zy’nayth replied. “If you would rather not work, I would not object. I am usually in the office most of the day so you would not have to worry about me being around all of the time.”

Victoria had no idea what it was, whether his words or his tone, but her heart shattered right then and there. He had been attempting to unbutton his long leather jacket but his hands were trembling so badly he wasn’t having much success. She walked over, wiping the tears from her cheeks, and helped him. It was the closest she had been to him in over two weeks.

“You look good in white,” she said, softly.

“Matches my hair,” he replied, trying to lighten the mood, if only a little.

She nodded and helped him out of the jacket, then hung it up for him. She brushed off a few stray hairs from its collar then went over to the dresser to get out her pajamas. “I’m exhausted,” she said, “I’m going to call it a night.”

“Very well. Good night, Victoria. I love you.”

She grabbed her things and went to main chambers’ guest bedroom which she had taken for her own room. Zy’nayth, too, was exhausted so he finished undressing and slipped into the massive main bed after turning out the lights.

Victoria stared out of the window for a long while, realizing how much she missed sleeping under the stars at the island estate and how peaceful and happy she’d been there. She finally crawled into bed and cried into her pillow until her throat hurt, her head pounded, and her eyes swelled. She had been happy. With him. He wasn’t Jason.

She threw back her covers and paced the room, wiping furiously at her tears. “Don’t have to worry about him being around all of the time…” she said under her breath, “a month ago all I wanted was to be in his arms.” She grabbed her pillow again and began sobbing into it so he wouldn’t hear her. She punched it, wailed into it then climbed back onto the bed, still crying, still fighting with her heart.

She tried to fall asleep, but all she kept hearing in her head was Zy’nayth’s soft, broken voice telling her that she wouldn’t have to worry about being around him. She hugged the pillow to her face and let out a frustrated groan then tossed it aside and ran to the main bedroom. She clamored up into the bed and shoved Zy’nayth onto his back. “Don’t you ever think of hurting me!” she said wiping away her tears, “Don’t you dare! I can’t do this anymore! I love you, Zy. Promise me, promise you’ll never hurt me like that!”

Zy’nayth pulled her into his trembling embrace and tenderly kissed her tears. “I could never hurt you like that. I give you my word. I do not think there is anything you could do that would cause me to want to do to you what I did to Chan’dala.”

“I’m sorry for being so mad…and scared. I’m sorry…” she cried.

“My actions brought up painful memories for you. I am the one who is sorry.”

April 6, 2117

The morning light filtered through the window, its warmth and Zy’nayth’s tender kisses woke her. “I have missed seeing those green eyes in the morning,” he said softly.

She reached up and caressed his cheek. “I’ve missed being seen,” she smiled. “It’s my day off.”

“What do you plan to do with your free time?”

Her hand slid around to the back of his neck and gently stroked it. “Depends on if my husband has the day off.”

“I think he can arrange it.”

His comlink buzzed just as he leaned down to kiss his wife. His frustrated snarl caused her to chuckle. He snatched the unit off the nightstand and wrapped it around his ear. “Yes?” he asked as he sat up and swung his long legs over the side of the bed and ran his fingers through his hair.

Victoria’s hand reached over and scratched his back, something she knew he loved. She didn’t pay any attention to his conversation, she just laid there, staring at the ceiling, letting her hand run up and down his back, occasionally doing a little circle as her nails slid over his lightly tinged blue-gray skin. She closed her eyes and smiled. Things were peaceful in her heart again. She was happy. He loved her. There was nothing to fear.

After several minutes she sat up and kissed his back, “Taking too long,” she whispered then began using her fingers to comb through his always-scraggly hair. “All the other Rayth have long smooth hair, why is yours so scruffy?” she asked quietly.

“One minute, Vice Chancellor,” Zy’nayth said and turned to his wife. “Whose hair have you been petting to know it is smooth? And I am old, I am allowed to have scraggly hair.”

“It’s very sexy,” she smiled as she continued to play with his hair.

His eyes twinkled but he turned away from her and turned his comlink back on, “Sorry, Victoria is in a mood.” He grinned, “No, a mischievous mood.”

She kissed his shoulder as he continued his discussion, then she decided to put a small braid in his hair. A very loose four-inch long braid soon made an appearance by his left ear. She giggled at her work. The High Chancellor, the most powerful Rayth, if not man, in the galaxy had a tiny little braid in his hair. She thought it was adorable.

“Thank you, Vice Chancellor,” he said then turned off his comlink and tossed it back on the nightstand.

“If you have to work,” she said, “I am going to be very disappointed.”

He smiled and pushed her back onto the bed, “Whose hair is smooth? Why are you going around stroking people’s hair?”

Victoria giggled, “I’m not. Every other Rayth I’ve ever seen has slick, smooth, cut in a perfect straight line white hair. Yours is all jagged and scruffy.”

“And sexy, apparently.”

“Oh yes, very much so. Especially with the braid I added to it.”

“It is good to see you smile again, Victoria.”