E:A Vol 6 Ch 16—December 16, 2120

December 16, 2120

Zy’nayth was on his island home on Kiva. His schedule had been altered yet again. He had to finish this project for his wife and couldn’t do it in his office. His spare time was limited, mainly due to wanting to spend it with his family, not working. The Lead Councilman walked around to the back of the house and saw the High Chancellor there with a table saw, router, and other woodworking machines and tools.

Zy’nayth was standing at a table made out of sawhorses and a slat of wood. He was chiseling on a piece that had been cut to size, matching those piled on a platform, or rather Rayth black teleportation box, behind him. He motioned the Lead over. “So this is what you’re up to,” the Lead said as he looked at the carving.

“I promised my wife flooring for her new chambers. The design is more time consuming than anticipated and I have made a few mistakes in the process. Thank you for seeing me out here.” He lifted a finger to indicate that he needed a minute. He pulled a plank from the pile and aligned it with the pattern he had only just started to carve. He nodded, grabbed his tools and returned to his work. “I talked with the Tarnian governor. He understands the situation more fully now.”

“Yes. I got a call this morning. Thank you for seeing him. He’s rather persistent when he wants something.”

“Indeed,” Zy’nayth said as his hands worked the wood. “Jarstal will be inspected on Wednesday. With the exception of a few jets, she should be fully functioning and operational. I would like you to join me for the inspection.”

“Time?”

“It will be a morning inspection. I wish to leave at 7:50, from the chancellery. It should not take more than two hours. I will be inspecting the main training facility, the repair hangar, and talk to the men.”

“I’ll be ready. Any other Councilmen you’d like to join us?”

“If any wish to come,” he stopped, grabbed a finer tool, “they may. If they are not there on time, we leave without them.”

“I’ll send the word out. Vice?”

“He will be tending to other duties.”

“Very well. And you will be speaking to the people of Tarnia?”

“After I get the report from Vice who is working with my Assistant as to who wishes to take the serum and if they live in an area where there is ample food to sustain them,” Zy’nayth said. “Report is due early Thursday morning. If all goes well, I will speak that evening to the Tarnians.”

“Then Friday you will be on Earth?”

“Yes, but as always, I am available if needed.”

The Lead had been studying the pattern Zy’nayth was carving onto the wood, and couldn’t make out what it was, so he asked.

“This is a tree branch,” Zy’nayth said. “My wife is fond of gardening, nature, and such. I designed a tree with many branches for the centerpiece, then vines and leaves will decorate the rest of the floor. Over on my computer,” he nodded towards the kitchen door where his tablet sat on a table. It was connected to a printer that would print out the design that would then be burned onto the wood slats, “you can see the full pattern superimposed on the chambers’ blueprints.”

The Lead Councilman took a look and without turning, asked, “The tree is cut in half by the living room and dining room walls?”

“Yes. Half a tree in each. The vines and leaves will flow nicely around it.”

“Why carve? You’ve already burned the image on?”

“The carving is not deep, only enough to allow the colored resin to settle differently throughout the pieces.”

“So you’re burning, carving, I assume some etching, then adding resin, then an outer coat?”

Zy’nayth raised an eyebrow, “You have done some woodworking, then?”

“Not on this scale, but some. That’s a lot of work.”

“It is a Christmas gift for my wife. She is impossible to buy for.”

“Perhaps this Christmas that you celebrate is too much of a hassle.”

Zy’nayth smiled, “It is not a hassle to celebrate the birth of our Savior. The parties, the shopping, the commercialism of such an event is. But I would have done this for Victoria even if it was not Christmas.”

December 18, 2120

The command staff of the Jarstal outpost stood at attention and bowed as Zy’nayth appeared over the bridge portal. He followed the High Council members, including the Lead Councilman over. Unlike the others, he was given a formal bow.

“Commander,” he addressed the First Jarstal Commander, “I hope you have good news for me.”

“We are ready for your inspection.”

The First Jarstal Commander followed one step behind and to Zy’nayth’s left as they walked down the columns of Rayth warriors. Most wore black, signifying that had reached Commander status, but there were still many in brown, who were high ranking Officers. Jarstal was the main military outpost for the Raythian Empire. It was also an advanced training school.

After the walk through the ranks, the group headed to the main repair hangar. This is where jets and shuttles were being worked on. Though this was a military outpost, and Kiva’s main off-world defense post, on the ground, it looked like an air force base you’d find on Earth. All of the warships based at Jarstal were either in orbit undergoing maintenance or on patrol between and around Jarstal and Kiva. Down on the ground, jets that were normally on the warships were maintained through a regular schedule. Different stations on the planet handled different types of jets and shuttles.

Much of the planet seemed deserted, but these were actually large areas where jet training took place. Areas closer to base housing complexes had areas for personal combat training. And at the main Jarstal facility, future leaders learned strategy and honed their piloting skills in simulators.

“The advanced survival course has been completed,” the First Jarstal Commander said, pointing to an enormous building to their left, that on Earth would be at least as large as a six-by-six typical Earth city block area. “I believe that perhaps it may be a bit too difficult for our men,” he grinned.

“It is good to push the abilities of our warriors.”

“Advanced course?” one of the Councilmen asked. It was the same Councilman who had demanded Zy’nayth’s resignation.

“It’s a course to test strength, endurance, strategy, speed, and survival skills. It was destroyed in the attack, which, the poor rebels will come to realize, was to our benefit. We rebuilt it to be even more difficult to complete, perhaps impossible.”

“Have any of the men run it yet?”

“Yes, sir. Two have made it to the last quarter. None have completed it.”

Zy’nayth raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

“If the person selects the best route, how long should it take to complete it?” Zy’nayth asked.

“There is no best route, but simulations for a team of men who work well together, we believe it would take an hour to complete. Those who made it to the last section had already been inside four hours at solo attempts. The laser targeted stun array caught them.”

“What is the point of having a course no one can complete?” the Councilman asked.

“First, this course is designed to for teams. To teach the men to work together as one cohesive unit. It was not meant to be a solo challenge, but can be used as such to hone and sharpen skills. The area is divided into twelve sections. Each testing a different strength, or in most cases, weaknesses, both physical and strategical. Each section does have its own agility course, for lack of a better term. Climbing, running, crawling, and such, but those are generally there to wear the person down, or build them up, depending on how you wish to look at it. There are different environments, both atmospheric and physical. We can change the terrain. We can even change the difficulty of each area. The men who were in there for four hours had it on a mid-level difficulty.”

“Indeed?” Zy’nayth raised an eyebrow. “If this is all you say it is, I believe I would like to set up a training schedule for my flagship warriors. I would be interested in seeing how they handle it.” He grinned, “But I would like to see it for myself.”

The First Jarstal Commander smiled. “I have a schedule posted on our outpost site. Any of our warriors are free to sign up.” He motioned towards the entrance, “And we do have an observation area. I can show you the controls, how we can manipulate the surroundings as the men work their way through. Or, if you prefer, you may try the course yourself.”

Zy’nayth stood, arms crossed over his chest and looked at the entrance to the vast warehouse structure. He loved a challenge. “I came to inspect the base. Not play.”

“I assure you, Supreme Commander,” the First said, using Zy’nayth’s army title, “I don’t think it would be play, even for you.”

“Ah. You tempt me.”

“Honestly, I’d like to see how you do and get your opinion for changes or enhancements.”

“This was meant for teams of men.”

The First contemplated for a split second as to whether or not he should push the challenge. “Are you worried that the legendary Supreme Commander would be bested by this little course?”

Zy’nayth threw back his head and laughed. “First, I do not worry about being bested. It is always a possibility, and has happened more than I would like to admit. No. I am simply saying that I would have a different opinion going through solo from what I would have going in with a team.”

“Then perhaps you could do both.”

“Let us finish the inspection. If I bring a team down, how many do you suggest?”

“A typical mission team of six or seven it what it was designed for. Though, I think that even for larger groups on the most difficult setting for each section, would be perhaps a struggle to complete.”

Zy’nayth nodded as they went to check on the main maintenance hangar. Two hours later, Six men from the flagship bridged to the base. “This is my First Warrior Commander and Flagship Team One,” Zy’nayth introduced them. “Does the offer still stand?”

“Going as a group then?”

“Yes. I think it best if you get my opinion from a team perspective since that is what the course is designed for. I will, however, give you my word that I will attempt a solo run of it after the holiday I am taking.”

The warriors were in full gear, stunners and blasters part of their arsenal. Zy’nayth looked at the First Jarstal Commander, “Are the weapons permitted?”

“If you would like, but the course is designed to train those who do not have weapons readily available. Other than a knife, since very seldom do you find a Rayth warrior without his knife.”

“Warriors, disarm,” the First Warrior Commander said. “I assume our weapons go in that area?”

The Jarstal Commander nodded then looked at Zy’nayth, “Sir, would you like a change of clothing before you enter?”

“I would, in all likelihood be dressed as I am in such a scenario.”

“Then, shall we enter? Councilmen, we will go up to the observation booth inside.”

Zy’nayth and his team were led to a hangar door and given a comlink code. “Use your comlinks to ask for extraction if needed, or if there are injuries that we need to tend to. The roof is retractable so that we can send in teams to rescue someone if needed. There are emergency exits every 250 feet on either side of the hangar. In the center, running from this door to the exit, there are emergency trap doors in the floor. They are marked and lit. Again, every 250 feet. There are cameras everywhere, and though we should see if you get into trouble, the comlinks are the surest way to communicate injury, so I suggest you do not switch channels to talk privately. Leave them on the training channel.”

He looked at Zy’nayth and his team. “Any questions?”

“The less we know, the better our assessment of the difficulty as we go through the course,” Zy’nayth replied. “Lead, I am due home for lunch in two hours. If it does not appear as though we are close to exiting, please call my wife to let her know that I am detained. First Jarstal, at that point, contact me. I may request extraction though I may leave my team to continue.”

“Very well. Level of difficulty?”

Zy’nayth looked at his First Warrior Commander. “Thoughts?”

“If we are here to assess the difficulty of this training field, it is best if we go through it at its most challenging level.”

A sly grin passed Zy’nayth’s lips. “A man after my own heart. First Jarstal, give us your worst.”

“You do love a challenge,” he replied then motioned to the two sliding hangar doors before them. “They will open once we’re in the control room.”

“Everyone have the new comlink code?” Zy’nayth asked his men as the others got onto an elevator. He got nods from each person. “We stay together.”

There was a three-note chime then the hangar doors slid open. Before them was the interior of a warship. The First Warrior Commander took out his scanner to note their position.

“A Rayth warrior is seldom without a scanner,” Zy’nayth said. “I hope it is allowed.”

“It’s not a weapon,” the First grinned as they stepped inside. As the hangar doors closed behind them, he shook his head. “Good move.”

“It is blocking the scan?”

“As soon as the doors shut,” he said and put the scanner away. “Team, we mustn’t let the Supreme Commander down. We are the best the Raythian Army has to offer. We’ve worked above and beyond the call of duty to get assigned to the best ship in the fleet. Let’s prove we earned it.” He began spouting orders. Though Zy’nayth’s warrior skills were far above theirs due to his genetically modified abilities, as High Chancellor, he was to be protected. The First Warrior told him that this would be an escort mission. Zy’nayth was to follow his orders and let his team handle the situation. Zy’nayth said he would, unless his skills were needed. It was to be a team effort.

***

The First Jarstal Commander, the High Council, and some of the Jarstal Command staff met Zy’nayth and the six warriors as they exited the course two and a half hours later. “Thoughts?” he asked Zy’nayth.

Zy’nayth’s white leather was caked with mud, soaking wet, and ripped in several spots, one sleeve nearly ripped off. He was filthy but he had a wide smile on his face. “Interesting. I will have my team write up their assessments then I will add anything to it that I feel is necessary.” He looked at his watch, “And it is time for my lunch.” Looking at the Councilmen, “Gentlemen, let us return. First Jarstal, keep up the good work. Keep your troops in shape.”

“Anything you can suggest to make this harder?” the First Jarstal Commander asked as the group headed back to the bridge portal.

“Live enemies. Have other warriors embedded inside to fight off men working their way through. The landscape, the environment is difficult, very much so. The traps, drones, targeting systems and such are as well. But there is time to stop and catch one’s breath if needed. Knowing there is no one who can jump out of the bushes or drop in from the roof on you gives you a mental advantage. You know that if you have found a safe spot, you can rest up before moving on. You can let down your guard. In a live situation, you can never let down your guard.”

“Noted. We had discussed it, just yesterday, as a matter of fact. I think that’s a confirmation that we were on the right track.”

The Councilmen returned to the chancellery, but Zy’nayth bridged with his six warriors back to the flagship. He was still a dripping, muddy, torn up mess when he walked into his chambers.

“Daddy! Oh no!” Mik’kenna was nearly screeching. “Mommy, get medical kit! I call Uncle First Science for Rayth healy!”

“I am fine,” Zy’nayth chuckled as Victoria ran in from the kitchen, “I just need a shower and change of clothes.”

“What happen?” Ky’nayth asked.

“A training session. That is all.”

“Honey, what in the world…”

Zy’nayth went straight to the bathroom and asked Victoria to bring him a change of clothes.

Over lunch, he told them about the new course. “It is extremely difficult.”

“Can we go for family day?” Ky’nayth asked. “It sound like fun.”

“I think puppies would like, but I no sure I would,” Mik’kenna said.

“It was fun for me. Challenging.”

“And if it’s challenging for the best warrior in the galaxy, I think I’d only make it five feet before being knocked out,” Victoria said. “Eat up. Daddy has to get back to work.”

“It was really fun,” Zy’nayth smiled at his wife.

December 19, 2120

“I had the flooring teleported over last night,” Zy’nayth told Kol’non, Be’atta, John, and Kaven early the next morning as they headed up to Victoria’s new chambers on the city-ship. “There is no furniture we have to worry about, that has all been moved out of the way. Thank you for helping. I wanted this done before we went to Earth so that I could reveal it on Christmas to my wife.”

“Put us to work,” John said, and Ny’van walked in.

“I have the report. Want me to explain as you work?”

“Please. And then read my speech and help me make adjustments based on the details you have there. He handed Ny’van the printout of the speech. Be’atta, I only need you to supply refreshments and perhaps some sandwiches. I do not wish for you to work,” Zy’nayth said. “This will take most of the morning and I have already excused myself from lunch with my family. We should be done by then, but I have to fine tune my speech.”

December 20, 2120

It was the Friday before Christmas, December 20, 2120. Victoria was at her estate on Earth, along with Vince, David, Chris, Alessa, and the children. Zy’nayth arrived an hour before dinner. The rest of the extended family were to arrive the following morning.

Though Chris and Alessa had bridged over with the others, they were spending the day with Alessa’s parents whom they only visited a couple of times since the attack. The Howards didn’t know definitively if their daughter was part of the Expedition: Andromeda crew, but they highly suspected something it after hearing the name “Chris Chapman” in association with Expedition: Andromeda. But thus far, they sort of believed that the couple was working in Antarctica, the cover story for E:A, and that “Chris Chapman” was a common enough name even a simple internet search produced thousands of results.

Since Chris’ relationship with his in-laws was tenuous at the best of times, he was trying to smooth things over by promising that during their two-week holiday, they could visit a couple of days. Given Alessa’s hard time emotionally handling everything, it was the least he could do.

Vince dropped Chris and his family at a transport rental then went with Victoria, David, and the twins to get groceries for their stay.

Since Zy’nayth wished to talk to the president to understand the state of the recovery of the various attacked nations, Victoria had invited Michael and his wife, Holly, for dinner. The Presidential Shuttle arrived just as Zy’nayth teleported to Earth.

The group talked for a few minutes before Victoria excused herself to finish the dinner. Then everyone gathered in the dining room, now back to being an actual dining room since the E:A crew had left.

“I’m afraid all of the leaders feel the same way,” the president replied to Zy’nayth’s question about allowing him to supply materials for the Central Command rebuilding project. “They just don’t know you…or, to put it rather bluntly, they don’t trust you.”

“My materials would be much easier to assemble and would last longer than what you can manufacture here. The reconstruction would take considerably less time and money.”

“I tried my best; they don’t want any Rayth items around. Except the one scientist on the Cabinet. He’d dig into any technology you’d give him.”

“Technology would not be something I would give. Building materials are a different matter,” Zy’nayth said. “Was there any problem with the gold transfer?”

Michael laughed, “Of course not. Throw money at us and we’ll take it.” He turned to Vince, “How is reconstruction going on your end? You said it would probably take years to completely dig the city-ship out.”

Vince finished his bite of asparagus. “The residential area is complete,” he wiped his mouth with a linen napkin and placed it back on his lap. “At least those areas we normally inhabit. Just finished today. Ahead of schedule. People were willing to give up their time off to get us in our chambers before Christmas. We’re now taking a break for a couple of weeks. Everyone’s exhausted. We’ll keep a small crew in our key areas: medical, tech, engineering, and rotate everyone through a much-needed week or two off. After that, we’ll go full tilt to get the science areas cleared. Once that’s complete, we’ll have a small crew working on it since 75% of the city-ship has never even explored. I’m making it a low priority.”

“But we are discussing the matter,” Zy’nayth said. “The ship was modified from what I knew of the model, but there should be some areas that the E:A crew would find useful, if they were not altered from the original design.”

“We’ll see,” Vince said. “Probably eventually. I have other priorities.”

“How’s D.C. coming along?” Victoria asked.

Michael shook his head, “The government is fighting about rebuilding over the historic sites. Part of me can’t blame them, who’d want to build over the Lincoln or Washington monuments? But they’re rubble now, we have photos, three-dimensional images. I don’t think it’d be right to recreate them. But I’m not sure it would be disrespectful to build over them. Or would it? I honestly don’t have an answer. Archeologists are trying to uncover any remains. We’ll see what happens to that area after winter.”

“Why not put it to a vote?” David suggested. “See what the people think.”

“There are pros and cons to that as well. Interest groups, lobbyists, all of that. But we’ll see.”

“Where are you staying since the White House was destroyed?” Victoria asked.

“Everywhere,” Michael said, “primarily at military bases on the Presidential Shuttle. Unfortunately, our personal residence outside of Chicago is too difficult to get to with all of the reconstruction traffic into the city and surrounding area that was destroyed. Highways and skyways are packed. Anyway, I’ve been going around the country helping with the cleanup: shoveling dirt, hauling debris, pouring concrete. Holly’s been a great sport about it.”

Victoria shook her head. “That shuttle, she motioned towards the driveway where it was parked, doesn’t seem that big. If you’d like, you could use this house for the winter. We’ll be here in a couple of weeks, but then she’s all yours. Honey, you don’t mind do you?” she quickly added, remembering that the president didn’t know about the bridge portal in the barn and other Rayth technology in the basement tunnel.

Zy’nayth shook his head. He could secure the tunnel and the barn. He wasn’t worried. “I do not mind. It is your house.”

“Our house.”

“If you has puppies,” Ky’nayth politely set down his fork and put his hands on his lap in an attempt to be gentlemanly, “we has puppy houses outside. But it prolly too cold. They want to stay by the fireplace. But dis very puppy friendly house.”

“We have a cat,” Holly Stewart said. “But, Victoria, if you’re serious, and if the cat isn’t an issue, I would love to sleep in a real bed in a real house for a couple of months.”

“The cat isn’t a problem. The house is yours to use,” Victoria smiled.

“I’m thrilled,” Holly’s features eased into a smile. Living on the shuttle, constantly on the move was harder on her than she realized until that moment. “Thank you both.”

“After dinner I’ll show you the house. You can decide where you want to stay. I have a master bedroom as well as a newly-constructed suite over the garage. It’s more or less an apartment. Whichever you want, I’ll make sure it’s ready for you.”

“I do have to put one area off limits,” Zy’nayth said, “and it is for your protection.”

Michael, curious, simply nodded. “I’m sure that won’t be an issue. Anything to give my wife a semblance of stability.” He didn’t fail to notice the look of relief on her face when Victoria said they could use the house. He chided himself for not noticing the strain on her sooner.

“I need you to stay away from the barn as well as the areas roped off near it and out along the driveway. Those are needed to teleport large numbers of people down at once.”

“The barn?”

“There is some technology in there that I do not wish anyone to know about. I am assuming you will have bodyguards and personal staff here, perhaps even visitors. What is in the barn is not for anyone’s use or eyes but ours.”

“Fair enough,” Michael said. “I assume you’ll have it locked up so I don’t have to worry about staffing a guard there.”

“Yes, it is already secured. I will, however, disable the shield around the estate so that your crew or visitors can come and go as they please. That means there will be no security measures in place, though Vince will be keeping a handful of Marines here since we teleport to and from the estate to my flagship. We will move Victoria’s cruiser to near the barn should Vince’s team need to use it. That way they are not in and out of the house while you are using it.”

After dinner, Victoria showed the house to Michael and Holly. They said they’d be happy with the master bedroom, which is what Victoria was hoping for since she was planning on moving her things to the apartment over the garage.

“Victoria, Holly, excuse me. Vince, Michael, and I need to have a bit of a private talk. Would it be possible for you to remain up here for about thirty minutes or so?”

“Sure. I can start packing up the kids’ stuff,” Victoria said. “David?”

“He will be with us. He sometimes provides valuable insight. Thank you, ladies,” he gave them a bow and walked down the stairs.

“Okay, kids, since we’re going to be close to finishing the new addition, you guys need to pick out your rooms. And no, they won’t be in the new addition, just one of these down the hall.”

“I take first one at top of stairs,” Mik’kenna said, “unless Bubby wants it.”

Ky’nayth put his hands on his hips and shook his head, “I no know, Sissy. Maybe I should be there, to be ‘tection. You can has room that looks out at playhouse so you can keep eye on puppies.”

“Oh! I want that room!” Mik’kenna said. “You can has first room.”

“You guys sure? Neither of you want the middle room? It’s the biggest of the three.”

Now Mik’kenna was torn. She was thinking about all of the decorating she could do in a bigger room. “Bubby, you want bigger room?” she asked.

“No. I want first room.”

“Kay. I want middle room.”

Holly chatted with Victoria as she filled the twins’ little rolling luggage pieces for them to take to their new rooms. Setting aside what they’d need during the holiday to take to the suite over the garage. The women talked about the best places to get groceries, eat out, and shop. The twins took their clothes to their new rooms, which they wouldn’t get to stay in until later since they’d be taken by the rest of the family when they arrived for the holiday.

As Mik’kenna rolled her little luggage down the hallway, she told Celeste that she hoped she liked cats. “If not, please be good and no hurt it.” Celeste let out a little bark as if understanding.

“I think I have their stuff done. Fifteen minutes before we can go downstairs. Perhaps we could get a tour of the Presidential Shuttle,” Victoria said. “I know Ky’s been stopping at the window to eye it.”

“I’d be happy to show him,” Holly said.

While the kids went after their coats, Victoria let her husband know that they needed to talk about getting Christmas presents for the kids. He gave her a nod as she and the twins left to get their tour.

Ky’nayth’s eyes didn’t miss anything. He noted where communication and control panels were located, every screen, every button. When they returned to the house, the men were done with their talk. Ky’nayth put his coat away then ran over and climbed up on his father’s lap. He began to describe, in detail, every control panel, every piece of equipment he saw. Michael was almost glad the boy hadn’t been shown the cockpit. There were classified controls for the classified modification on the shuttle located there.

“It pretty inside,” Mik’kenna added, “but Miss Holly right. Living part is small. It good dey stay here for while.”

“The larger shuttle is much nicer,” Holly assured the girl. “This is more of a personal shuttle and allows us to not have press on board.”

“Kids, I think maybe you should go to the suite and unpack your things that we took over. It’s getting late. I bring up some brownies and hot cocoa,” Victoria suggested.

“You want ‘lone time?” Ky’nayth surmised.

“Just a little,” she smiled. The kids didn’t care and were happy with the brownies and hot chocolate.

“We all need to do a little shopping,” David said when Victoria returned. “I was thinking of renting a larger shuttle and taking us all into town tomorrow.”

“Everyone’s due here by 9:00 a.m., right?” Victoria asked.

“That is my understanding,” Zy’nayth said. “Since the First Commander, First Science Commander, and I cannot go into town, we could stay here with the children. The babies, of course, would need to go with you.”

“You can’t go to town?” Michael asked.

“Do you think it is wise for three Rayth to venture out to your cities considering what happened a couple of months ago?”

“Ah, yes.”

“David, can you contact the others and see if they want to head out tomorrow, say 10:00 our time?” Victoria asked.

He gave her a nod, excused himself, and made the calls.

“Any idea what you’re going to get the kids?” Vince asked.

“Probably a lot of clothes,” Victoria said.

“Books are on the list. Though we can access nearly everything on our tablets, Victoria prefers the paper books, and that seems to have been picked up by our children,” Zy’nayth said.

“My husband will be picking out Raythian adventure stories for them,” Victoria said. “I’m excited. It’ll help me expand my Raythian.”

“Any thoughts as to what we could get them?” Vince asked. “We’ve been talking among ourselves and thought we’d go in together and get them each a big item, but none of us could come up with anything other than a jet for Ky and an astrophysics lab for Kenna. Since you two,” he nodded to Michael and Holly, “have had kids, maybe you have suggestions. Something I thought of was a train set for Ky. A big one that he could go crazy with.”

“I do not understand ‘train set,’” Zy’nayth said.

Victoria took his tablet and called up a video of one. She showed Vince to make sure that was what he’d had in mind, then showed her husband. He smiled and nodded, “Yes, he would like that.”

“But we’re still at a loss for Kenna.”

“A dollhouse maybe?” Holly suggested.

Victoria shook her head, “Tried dolls, she wasn’t interested. She likes stuffed animals, decorating, stars, hats, anything red, and potatoes.”

David finished his call and told them they were set for 10:00, including having a transport.

“She likes helping out in the kitchen, right?” Vince asked after a few other ideas were shot down. “Enough to warrant getting her a little chef’s set? I mean like an apron, knife, chef hat, her own little pan?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want them using knives. And…I don’t know,” Victoria sighed.

“She was showing me pictures she took with her tablet…what about a nice camera? Something that’s good for taking pictures of stars? Or a telescope?” David suggested.

“I like the telescope idea,” Zy’nayth said, “I think she would enjoy that tremendously.”

“Well if we get her a telescope, will Ky feel left out with just a train set?” David asked.

“Not if we get him a really sophisticated set,” Vince said, “you know, one with the landscaping items, not just the basic track and train. Get extra cars, extra track, a couple of different engines. You can spend months building a town and track. Trust me, I have.”

“At three, our kids were still into building blocks,” Holly said. “Not studying astrophysics and learning to pilot jets.”

“Remember, they are Rayth, and they’ve inherited some of their father’s rather advanced skills. But they’re still very much three-year-olds who like to play,” Victoria said.

“How old are your kids?” David asked, “And I pray they weren’t harmed by the attack.”

“Our son is 23, our daughter is 20,” Holly said, “and they’re safe. They’re living with my parents in Alaska. They’re wishing they were in Hawaii, but they’re safe and that’s what matters right now.”

“It’s not much warmer here,” Victoria said, “but you could have them come here and stay with you.”

“And bring your parents, if you would like,” Zy’nayth added.

“My parents actually live in Alaska; it’s not like we sent them there to be safe,” Holly said. “It’s where I grew up. But they might like a little visit, and I could use my family around me. It’s been a really tough couple of months.”

“Then by all means, invite them to stay here,” Zy’nayth said. “Family is very important.”

Michael nudged his wife, “Do it.” He then looked at Victoria, “When can we come to start living here?”

“Well, most will be here through January 2. If you want to come around then, we could juggle rooms. I’ll have the master bedroom ready, that’s not an issue. But finding a spot for your son and daughter, and your parents if they come, will be an issue.”

“Yeah, we housed 5,000 people here and now can’t find room for a couple dozen,” Vince laughed.

Michael opened the calendar on his phone. “Why don’t we just plan on showing up on Saturday, the 4th. Get through the holidays and start fresh. Is that better for you guys?”

“Yeah, that would be easier on our end,” Victoria said, “much more doable.”

“That’s probably best,” Holly said to her husband. “You do have a busy schedule between now and then.”

“I’m going to miss seeing Hannah and Zack,” Vince said. “Tell them I said hello.”

“I think they’ll miss seeing you,” Holly said, “ever since they found out about Terra 2, they’ve both been wanting to ‘intern’ under you.”

“Hannah still wanting to be a nurse?”

Holly nodded. “She was to finish school this coming year, but that’s on hold since the attack.”

“What remind me again what Zack’s doing.”

“Structural engineering. Landed a job the week before the attack. He was with us at the time. The company he signed with…the building where Zack’s office would have been was destroyed.” Michael put an arm around his wife as she fought back the tears over what might have been.

“Perhaps an interview can be arranged,” Vince said. “See if they’re E:A material. But I won’t offer them positions if I don’t think they can cut it. And I need to check the budget. We could use another engineer, and we always need medical staff. Victoria could run Hannah through the paces. As well as Janice and Lutia, our top two nurses. I’m not sure how much schooling she’d be missing, or how that would affect anything, but they could size it up quickly.”

“She might be a little too young,” Victoria said, “she’s only 20, and unlike Zack who’d probably be planet-side most of the time, our nurses are out in the field which is very dangerous. Becket will be here as well.”

“He may have to leave a week early,” Vince said and avoided discussing the matter further when Victoria gave him a questioning look. It wasn’t like Becket to not have mentioned something like that to her or Zy’nayth.

“Tell you what,” Michael said, bringing Victoria back out of her thoughts, “Vince, if you could interview them, if they’re interested, that is, let me know what you think. I wouldn’t have a problem with Zachary going, but Hannah…well, I’d rather have her finish school first.”

“I’d be much happier with that,” Holly said.

Mik’kenna and Ky’nayth came running into the room with Baxter, Celeste, Storm, and Montie. “Puppies need to go out,” Ky’nayth said. “Sorry to interrupt, but they has to go.”

“Go ahead, and you are welcome to join us when you are done letting them out. I think we have finished with our secret discussion,” Zy’nayth said.

A couple minutes later, the twins came running back in with the dogs and plopped down in front of the fireplace.

“Why no snow?” Ky’nayth asked as he began petting the dogs in an attempt to help them warm up. “I want to build snowman.”

David pulled out his tablet and looked at the weather. “Should have snow in a couple of days, but maybe not enough to make a snowman. Hard to tell. I think the satellites are still a little messed up.”

“Daddy, can you make it snow?” Ky’nayth asked.

“I am afraid not.”

“Need work on dat,” Ky’nayth said, causing Vince to burst out into laughter.

Victoria grinned at her husband, “Well, you can do just about everything else.”

“If I had the time and the wish to do so, I could bring a weather modification satellite to Earth, but until then, I guess you have to let nature run its course.”

The four dogs perked up, ran over to the basement stairs and barked. Hero came bounding up and pounced on Baxter. Then they all ran back to the living room as Kaven set bags at the foot of the stairs that led to the second floor.

“Wasn’t expecting you guys until tomorrow,” Victoria said.

“Becket kicked me out,” Janice said, coming up behind Kaven, “and I think John kicked Kaven out.”

“He’s a mean man,” Kaven smiled.

“Kaven, Janice, this is President Stewart and his wife, Holly,” Victoria introduced them.

“It’s Michael,” the president shook the warrior’s hand. “Janice, we were talking about you earlier. An honor to meet you. There’s a basement door? No coats?”

“We generally teleport one or two people to the basement from one of the High Chancellor’s ships,” Vince covered quickly, “since there’s usually no one down there to interrupt the transport beam.”

“Ah, makes sense,” he replied as he shook Janice’s hand.

“I don’t mean to be rude,” Janice said, “but I spent most of last night helping a friend clean her chambers, then worked a shift and a half today. I just want to pass out.”

“We got you set up in the middle room upstairs,” David said, “Kaven, attic.”

“I think I’m going to call it a night, too,” Kaven replied. “Nice to meet both of you. Will we see you tomorrow?”

“For a couple of hours,” Holly said. “We’ll get a good night of sleep then head out early. An honor to meet both of you. Have a good evening.”

“Hero can stay with us,” Ky’nayth said, “if dat ‘kay.”

“Hero will love it,” Kaven said, “thanks, Ky. Hero, be good.” The dog wagged his tail and let out a little bark as his guardian grabbed both his and Janice’s bags and followed Janice up the stairs.

A few minutes later, Becket and Amelia arrived along with Ny’van. As with Kaven and Janice, the three new arrivals were all exhausted after a long day, and after conversing for a couple of minutes, they went to their rooms.

“Mommy, more puppies coming tonight?” Ky’nayth asked.

“Shadow and Scout won’t be here until the morning, though given that everyone’s showing up tonight instead of tomorrow, who knows?” Victoria said. “And you two are going to have to watch over the dogs tomorrow. We’re going shopping to get more decorations. Daddy and your Rayth uncles will be staying here.” Victoria glanced at her husband then at the twins. “And since we haven’t had a chance to take you two shopping to get each other presents for Christmas, we’ll talk about what you want to get each other.”

“It easier if just go with you,” Mik’kenna said. “I has to look and find just right present. I no know if it just right till I see.”

“Honey…your aunts and uncles are coming and they probably want to get you surprise presents. So it’s better if you stay here, right?”

Ky’nayth nodded. “I like surprise.”

“I ‘pose,” Mik’kenna said. “Well. We has lots of aunts and uncles and just little time to think of things. It lots to do.”

“I’m sure they will understand. After all, they’re rushing to get everyone presents too.”

“I think Michael and I will retire for the night,” Holly said. “He still has a speech to write.”

“That I do,” Michael said. “Thank you for dinner and the talk. We’ll see you at breakfast. Have a good evening.”

“You as well,” Zy’nayth said and walked them to the door. They threw on their coats and hurried through the wind to the Presidential Shuttle parked in the driveway.

Victoria looked at the twins, “Now which one of you wants to talk to me first about presents?”

“I will,” Ky’nayth said and hopped off the sofa. He took his mother’s hand and they went to the suite. Victoria grabbed a pen and notepad as they sat at a small table in the corner. “Well, I just say dat maybe Sissy and I talk with you after we done to come up with idea for aunts and uncles together. We no be rude and no get dem anything.”

“All right,” she smiled. “So, did you have any ideas about what to get your sister?”

“I no know. I no has time to think ‘bout it. Do you has idea?”

“I have ideas, but…” the door opened and Zy’nayth walked in.

“Mik’kenna is busy with Alessa and her uncles and the dogs,” he smiled. “She and Christopher just returned. Now, can I be of assistance?”

“Daddy, what should I get Sissy?”

“Has she mentioned anything that she would like?”

“More puppies.”

Zy’nayth chuckled, “Other than a live animal.”

Ky’nayth put his chin on his hands as he thought. After about thirty minutes, he figured out what he wanted to get her. Mik’kenna took roughly the same time, then together they discussed what they could possibly get the other members of the family.

Victoria looked at her husband. It was late. “I’m out of ideas. But we should do something special since we can’t come up with anything. They’ve done so much for us and are going to be working on the new addition.”

“Perhaps we should just give them money,” Zy’nayth suggested.

“Too impersonal,” Victoria waved off the idea. “The only thing I can think of is making a big dinner.”

“One, you will end up doing all of that work and you are already in need of rest,” Zy’nayth said. “Two, we really do not have a place here to eat that kind of a meal. The dining room is not large enough.”

“Mommy no be her all by self cooky. Me and Bubby help best can.” Mik’kenna began to cry, “I just no think of nothing else. Dis why best if we go shoppy to find present right thing.”

Zy’nayth drew her onto his lap. “I did not mean to imply that you would not be able to help your mother. You and your brother always help out and you both do an amazing job of helping.” He kissed the tear from her cheek. “I am very thankful for that. This year is just too busy for you two to go shopping to find the perfect gift. And I think you are overly tired. Your sentence structure seems to be off.”

“Kids, I don’t mind cooking a big dinner and I would love your help. It will be a gift from all of us. Like Daddy said, this year is just really difficult to spend time finding presents. I don’t think your aunts and uncles would be upset with a nice meal.”

Zy’nayth wiped his daughter’s tears away, “I think the meal is best. We will work on it as a family. I am sorry if I offended you and Ky’nayth. You are so gracious and giving. I love you both so very much.”

December 21, 2120

Early the next morning, just after breakfast, Kol’non, Be’atta, Ja’val, and Lutia with little Kel’lan arrived.

“Anything wrong?” Vince asked Kol’non, “I expected John with you guys.”

“A little disagreement with Major Branson. John’s settling things.”

“What kind of disagreement?”

“Branson doesn’t wish to be ordered around by a Rayth.”

Vince stood, “I will tend to this. I apologize for the…”

Kol’non raised his hand, “John has it under control, and there’s no need to apologize. I think everyone is just exhausted.”

Vince groaned, “Branson’s worked well with Rayth. I don’t understand…”

“Working with a Rayth and taking orders from one are two different things,” Zy’nayth said. “I am sure that between John and Major Kessler, things will get sorted out. If not, my Third is more than capable of handling things. I agree with the First, it is most likely exhaustion.”

“Oh, I know your Commander can handle it, I just don’t want a riot starting up.”

“When John shows up, we will assess the situation. I am sure that my First would not have come here if he was not sure about John’s ability to handle the situation.”

“I just left because my wife was eager to get here,” Kol’non winked.

Chris laughed, “She already has you wrapped around her finger.”

“Let’s get your things to your rooms,” David said, “I think we’re going to head out and go shopping as soon as John gets here.”

John arrived thirty minutes later with Scout. The dog immediately went to greet the other dogs and the twins while his guardian greeted Michael and Holly.

“How’s the argument?” Vince asked after the greetings.

“It’s all settled. Kurt’s just exhausted. He’s been leading one of my clearing teams from day one. I didn’t realize that he hasn’t asked for any time off, only took one day a week. Then with this last push, wasn’t even taking that. It’s my fault for not noticing. Anyway, I gave him an extra week off on top of this week.”

Vince nodded, “Glad it wasn’t anything against the Third or Rayth in general.”

“Nah, he was really beat. He straightened things out with the Third, too. I need to pay more attention to my men.”

“You’ve been working just as hard or harder,” Vince said. “We both need to be keeping a better eye on people. But right now, get your things to the attic, we have some shopping to do. Double time it.”

“Yes, sir,” John chuckled. “Mr. President, Holly, sorry for the shortness of our visit.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Michael said, “I think we’ll see you around New Year’s. Victoria can explain while you’re out and about.”

John dropped his bags in the attic then the group piled into the transport as Michael and Holly boarded the Presidential Shuttle. While the adults and the two babies were gone, the twins enjoyed the day playing games with their father and uncles. Kol’non had taken up cooking and found that he had a knack for it, so he fixed lunch for himself, Zy’nayth, and the twins since Ja’val and Ny’van hadn’t yet taken the serum.

“This isn’t bad,” Ja’val said as he tasted a bit from Ky’nayth’s plate, “you’re pretty good at this cooking thing.”

“I do all right,” Kol’non smiled, “but it was probably Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna’s touch that made it good.”

“Make sure you tell Mommy recipe,” Ky’nayth said, “I want again I sure.”

“Me too!” Mik’kenna said.

“I will, and I’m glad you like them.”

“How’s your cooking coming?” Zy’nayth asked Ny’van.

Ny’van sighed, “Not as well as the Kol’non’s. Hopefully I will know more than I do before I take the serum so that I don’t starve to death.”

“What I find amazing is that, even if I follow a recipe to the letter, it still doesn’t taste as good as when Lutia makes it,” Ja’val said. “I don’t know why.”

“You’re cooking?” Ny’van asked.

“Trying to so that when Kel’lan gets older, and Lutia has to work late or something, I can at least fix him a basic meal.”

“It’s also technique,” Kol’non said. “Victoria taught me that. But I believe that in someone like Victoria, it’s a gift. I think even if I get all of the techniques down, she’ll always out-cook me because it’s very natural for her. And for Lutia. Be’atta can cook, but she admits she can only do a few dishes well. I find it to be a very creative process. A joy. I have a wife that brings me joy and now I’ve found a hobby that’s a joy. And this last year, I’ve needed those joys in my life.”

“We all have,” Ja’val said.

“Indeed,” Zy’nayth agreed. “Ny’van, have you been able to spend more time with your family?”

“More than previously, yes. Though my eldest son is not happy with the idea of me taking the serum.”

“How is he doing?”

“Not well, I’m afraid. Ja’val was kind enough to examine him a month or so prior to the rebel attack, but it’s nothing more than extreme old age; nothing we can do about it. We don’t expect him to get through next year.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”

“Keep praying for him. He’s not only mad at me for wanting to take the serum, that has put up a barrier so that I can’t even rationally discuss my faith with him. Knowing how limited his time is, it’s really important that he comes to Christ.”

“Do you think he would talk to me? Or am I looked upon as the enemy since it was my idea for the serum?”

“I honestly don’t know. He’s always admired you. If you could stop by, at least try talking to him, I’d appreciate it.”

“How about the Monday after New Year’s? If he is accepting of me, I could stay in the area for the weekend, and Ky’nayth and Mik’kenna could come with us. Victoria may want downtime after the holiday, so I cannot speak for her.”

“We can bring our Bibles and help,” Ky’nayth said.

Ny’van nodded, “Please, I would love for you to come. Yes, that Monday will work if you can adjust your schedule. I know the High Council is being testy especially about Tarnia.”

“Ja’val, Becket, and I will discuss that very topic while working on the new addition. So I will plan for that Monday and stay a few days.”

“I’ll call In’val after lunch and make sure it’s okay. And I’ll find a place for you to stay in town.”

“May I ask,” Ja’val said, “do you have a lot of family left? I keep forgetting you’re as old as Zy’nayth, and I just assume that you don’t have family since he didn’t for the longest time.”

“Aside from In’val, my other son has been long gone, but I have two grandsons, several times down the line, who are still alive, and the youngest of them married three years ago. They had their first baby just before…well, you remember the rebels implanting that monitoring device on me. Anyway, all of my other descendants have not lived past a several hundred years.”

“Really? That seems odd considering you’re a fullblood.”

“Many were part of the war or continued in the military. Little Ji’dal is the last of my line. At least to date. The others did live rather full lives, but were never able to have children. Ji’van, Gys’tal, and their wives are doing well. And, of course, little Ji’dal is perfect.”

“I am glad they are doing well. We should begin working them into our little extended family. Are they against the serum?” Zy’nayth asked.

“It’s hard to tell. They enjoy having me over to visit, but they never want to talk about the serum. Maybe reconnecting with you,” he nodded to Zy’nayth, “will be a good thing. When they see that you’re still the big, strong, intimidating Supreme Commander that they’ve always known, they might start to think about the serum differently.”

“Then we will work on this. Please feel free to remind me to do so. I tend to get caught up in work. I wish to do this, my friend, so if I fall negligent, prompt me.”

After lunch, they bundled up and went outside for a walk around the house with the dogs. The twins started to get excited when the first few snowflakes began to fall.

“Daddy, will there be enough to make snowman?”

Zy’nayth sat at one of the picnic tables and pulled out his tablet. “It looks like there might be, but not for a day or so. It appears to be a slow moving system, but I believe there will be plenty of snow in a couple of days.”