Title: Mind's Eye
Author: Megan
Spoilers: minor ones for D Minus Zero and Harper 2.0 at some point
AN: This is my first Andromeda story, any feedback is welcome! This story takes place in early season one when Dylan was still getting used to his new crew, and was trying to stick to Commonwealth protocol, so if he seems like a jerk, that's why. Also, I'm not a Rev fan so he won't appear. Enjoy!
"Come on, Boss, just one more day," Harper whined as Beka swiftly piloted the Maru away from the seedy Winnipeg Drift.
"For the hundredth time, no, Harper. Dylan expects us back at the ship by the end of the day. Andromeda needs these supplies, or did you forget already?" Beka was starting to feel like a broken record, repeating that over and over.
"Why is it always what Dylan wants? Remember the good old days when we had the freedom to..."
Beka cut him off. "Oh, you mean the good old days when we spent half of the time wondering if we'd have enough money for basic supplies, like food, and the other half wondering if the people employing us were going to kill us and steal the Maru?"
"Oh yeah, just feel free to rain on my parade," Harper grumped, sitting on top of the railing behind the captain's chair.
"Rain on your parade? Harper, you're..."
"Witty? Charming?"
"I was going to say unoriginal. How are the repairs coming?" Beka changed the subject, intoning that Harper should drop it and get back to work.
"Gee, Boss, I didn't know you cared," he sarcastically replied as he made his way back to the panel and continued the repair. "Harper do this, Harper do that. Do I get one extra day to explore a drift? And a few babes while I'm at it? No. Instead I'm stuck here..." He was interrupted when the ship suddenly lurched to the side, before jerking forward and coming to a complete stop. The cockpit started to fill with smoke from one of the many small fires burning at various consoles. "Geez, Beka, I know I can talk a lot, but there are better ways to shut me up," he nervously joked after having almost knocked himself out on the railing as he fell.
"Shut up, Harper."
"Exactly."
Beka ignored him and instead focused on the read outs on her computer screen. "External sensors are showing some sort of minor gravitational disturbance. We're past it now, but why we didn't pick it up beforehand I don't know."
"Well I'm afraid I've got some bad news," the engineer said as he slid under the console after noticing thick black smoke seeping from it. "Looks like all the circuitry here is fried, which is unfortunate 'cause the electricity needed to stabilize the AG field around the slipstream drive is routed through these relays. Must have been a power surge."
"Can you fix it?"
"Who do you think you're talking to? Of course normally I'd have to manually replace all the fried wiring and relays, but I don't have enough relays to replace all the damaged ones. Even if I did, it would take more than a day. So, being the genius that I am..."
"Harper..." Beka warned.
"I'll interface and reroute the power at the source. It will only take ten minutes."
"I knew I kept you around for a reason," Beka smiled at him.
Harper grinned and prepared physically and mentally for the interface. No matter how many times he interfaced, he could never get used to the feeling of the jack sliding into his port. There was always a flash of pain just as the jack entered his brain. Of course, once the jack was in, being able to 'physically' enter a computer made the discomfort worth it.
Beka watched, fascinated and yet a little disturbed as her young engineer interfaced with the Maru's computer. She'd seen him do it many times, but the idea of something that long being pushed into your brain was revolting to her. His body went slack, and she knew he had successfully entered the computer.
"Alright, I know you're in here," Harper called to the damaged circuitry as he started searching through the pathways for it. "Yes! The Harper, is in. I'm just so good at this I don't know what you'd do without me, babe. For a bucket of bolts, you and me..." He started to make new pathways for the electricity to follow and stopped his running commentary as he focused on his work.
Out of nowhere, the hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up. Knowing it was ridiculous, but nonetheless feeling he was being watched, Harper spun, expecting someone or something to be standing behind him.
"I, I'm sorry I called you a bucket of bolts," he nervously called, feeling foolish but unable to help it. "Ya know, we should get together more often." He gave a nervous grin.
He turned back to building the new pathways when suddenly the streams of electricity and computer code started to move on their own. Slowly, they drew closer together and started to form a three dimensional object.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Backing up, he started to raise his arms, as though preparing to fend off an attacker and seriously considered getting the hell out of there.
The object 'grew' to match Harper's height, and as he watched, started to develop his facial features, and even mirrored the clothes he was wearing. The eyes remained closed, and it stood stationary.
Curiosity started to outweigh his fear as he watched the object slowly turn into a replica of himself. Maybe the power surge had created a new life form? Inching forwards, he stood three feet from it and reached out a tentative hand towards its face. Without warning, the eyes popped open to reveal empty sockets that were blacker than midnight.
Gasping, Harper stumbled back, but not before the object reached out and gripped his bicep in an iron grasp. Wincing from the pain, Harper tried to wrench his arm free, but to no avail. "Hey, I know they always say pick on someone your own size, but maybe you should be picking on someone your own, uh, energy signature. Yeah."
Swiftly, the object lunged at Harper and smothered him, completely enveloping his body within its energy. Feeling as though every nerve in his body was on fire, Harper screamed as loud as he could.
Beka started to worry. Harper said he'd only be in there ten minutes. It was pushing thirty minutes now. 'He's a big boy, he knows what he's doing,' she told herself. Glancing over to make sure he was still breathing, she noticed a subtle change in his appearance. His body had tensed, and she could see his chest rising and falling faster than normal.
Putting the Maru on autopilot, she stood and started to make her way over to him when his eyes flew open and he yelped in pain as sparks started to fly from his port.
"Harper!" She ran the rest of the way and knelt beside him as he yanked the cable from his neck and gasped for breath. "Harper, are you alright? What happened?"
He slowed his breathing before answering. "I... I think it was another power surge," he said without conviction. Deep down he knew there had been nothing to cause a power surge. Thinking back, he started to panic again when he realized he couldn't remember exactly what had happened. "Wha... what happened? I can't remember?"
"Easy, Harper," Beka placated as she put a comforting hand on his shoulder. She couldn't miss how tight the muscles were. "You got quite a shock there. Is it possible it interfered with your memory?"
Harper quieted as he considered this. "I... I guess. All I remember is creating new pathways, then, uh, waking up just now." He could feel his heart rate starting to slow down, and he closed his eyes to collect himself further.
"Harper? Stay with me, kiddo." Beka started to worry when his eyes closed. She'd seen him receive electric shocks before, but he'd never been affected like this. "Open your eyes," she commanded.
"I'm alright. I'm good," Harper breathed as he opened his eyes.
"Like hell you are. I'm getting us back to the Andromeda right now. I want you to stay awake. You hear me?" Beka knew Harper had a tendency to hide his injuries and continue to work as though nothing was wrong. She wasn't sure if it was just his personality that made him like that, or the result of working for less than savoury characters in the past. Either way, she felt a surge of anger at the people who had treated him like that.
"I'm actually starting to feel better." He wasn't lying to stop Beka from worrying about him. He really was feeling better. "I'll just gather my tools and finish the repairs."
"No, Harper. Just stay here," Beka ordered as she stood and made her way to the captains' chair. "You did get the power supply rerouted to the AG field, right?"
"I... I think so. Only one way to find out."
"Great," Beka sarcastically replied. She entered the course into the computer and silently prayed as she prepared to start up the slipstream drive. She was flooded with joy as she felt the power energize the ship and entered the slipstream. With an occasional glance at Harper, she continued to stream all the way back to the Andromeda. Upon exiting, she heaved a sigh of relief seeing the ship waiting expectantly for them. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Harpers voice right beside her.
"Honey, I'm home," he sang.
"God, Harper! You scared the crap out of me! Get back to the corner and sit the hell down!"
"Nah, I'd rather stand. I don't think all that sitting could be very good. Do you? Man, I feel like I could run a marathon right now! Let's get back to the ship so I can start installing these replacement parts." Harper practically bounced up and down beside her.
"Beka, good to see you back so soon. You had a successful trip I take it?" Dylan inquired, as his expectant face appeared on the screen.
"You could say that. Have Trance meet us in med-deck, Harper's hurt himself."
Dylan's look of delight at having obtained the supplies changed to one of concern, then mild confusion. "I hope it's nothing serious, he looks fine to me."
"I'll explain everything after we've docked, Beka out."
XxXxXxXxXxX
"No. I'm going to unload the Maru and start the repairs. See ya!" the engineer cheerfully called and started to turn away.
"Harper, you were practically electrocuted! Ya know? Extra crispy? You need to be checked out," Beka insisted, losing her patience.
"I'm fine, Boss. Really. It's happened before. I've got a lot of work to do, so, bye!"
"Seamus Zelazny Harper! I don't know what the hell's gotten into you, but you are going to see Trance even if I have to carry your skinny ass all the way down there!"
"I'd like to see you try, Captain Valentine," he taunted, practically spitting out the title, and staring her right in the eye.
Beka was so mad she was sure she'd sprout horns at any minute. "What did you say to me?" her tone low and threatening, barely containing the anger she felt building up.
"Oh, I get it. Think you own me, do you? Used to telling me what to do and having me work myself sick until I get the job done? Well I'll tell you what. From now on, Harper is nobody's slave. Especially yours. I see you for what you really are, Captain. You use everyone for your own gain. You pretend to care about me when you need me to fix something, but the moment I'm no good I'll be out the airlock, right? Well guess what. I don't need your pity or charity because I'm a mudfoot, and I sure as hell don't need you!"
Harper had inched forward during his tirade and was now standing a mere few inches from her. His body was tense, his breathing ragged, and he had a dangerous glint in his eye. One that made her want to take a step back. She had never seen him look like this before. And he had certainly never talked to her like that either. What he said had hurt, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of showing it. His cold blue eyes stared into hers for another few seconds before he marched out of the bay, leaving her relieved.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Dylan, I'm telling you, there's something really wrong with Harper," Beka asserted as she paced back and forth in Dylan's office.
"Why, because you had a fight?" Dylan asked, a note of dubiousness in his voice. "These things happen, Beka. I'm sure if you give him a few hours he'll calm down and forget the whole thing even happened."
"No. We've had arguments before, but this was different. His eyes. I thought he was going to physically hurt me. God, his mood was altering so swiftly on the Maru I seriously thought he had taken some sort of drug! Then he accused me of being a slaver and working him until he's sick as a dog!"
"And you think this behaviour change has something to do with the failed interface?"
"It must because he changed right after it happened. Of course he won't go and see Trance, so we have no way of knowing for sure."
"Would you like me to go and talk to him? I'll force him to see Trance if need be." Dylan was having a hard time believing Harper could have said what he did to Beka.
"Yes, and be careful." Beka almost cringed as she said that. This was Harper she was talking about. How dangerous could he possible be?
Author: Megan
Spoilers: minor ones for D Minus Zero and Harper 2.0 at some point
AN: This is my first Andromeda story, any feedback is welcome! This story takes place in early season one when Dylan was still getting used to his new crew, and was trying to stick to Commonwealth protocol, so if he seems like a jerk, that's why. Also, I'm not a Rev fan so he won't appear. Enjoy!
"Come on, Boss, just one more day," Harper whined as Beka swiftly piloted the Maru away from the seedy Winnipeg Drift.
"For the hundredth time, no, Harper. Dylan expects us back at the ship by the end of the day. Andromeda needs these supplies, or did you forget already?" Beka was starting to feel like a broken record, repeating that over and over.
"Why is it always what Dylan wants? Remember the good old days when we had the freedom to..."
Beka cut him off. "Oh, you mean the good old days when we spent half of the time wondering if we'd have enough money for basic supplies, like food, and the other half wondering if the people employing us were going to kill us and steal the Maru?"
"Oh yeah, just feel free to rain on my parade," Harper grumped, sitting on top of the railing behind the captain's chair.
"Rain on your parade? Harper, you're..."
"Witty? Charming?"
"I was going to say unoriginal. How are the repairs coming?" Beka changed the subject, intoning that Harper should drop it and get back to work.
"Gee, Boss, I didn't know you cared," he sarcastically replied as he made his way back to the panel and continued the repair. "Harper do this, Harper do that. Do I get one extra day to explore a drift? And a few babes while I'm at it? No. Instead I'm stuck here..." He was interrupted when the ship suddenly lurched to the side, before jerking forward and coming to a complete stop. The cockpit started to fill with smoke from one of the many small fires burning at various consoles. "Geez, Beka, I know I can talk a lot, but there are better ways to shut me up," he nervously joked after having almost knocked himself out on the railing as he fell.
"Shut up, Harper."
"Exactly."
Beka ignored him and instead focused on the read outs on her computer screen. "External sensors are showing some sort of minor gravitational disturbance. We're past it now, but why we didn't pick it up beforehand I don't know."
"Well I'm afraid I've got some bad news," the engineer said as he slid under the console after noticing thick black smoke seeping from it. "Looks like all the circuitry here is fried, which is unfortunate 'cause the electricity needed to stabilize the AG field around the slipstream drive is routed through these relays. Must have been a power surge."
"Can you fix it?"
"Who do you think you're talking to? Of course normally I'd have to manually replace all the fried wiring and relays, but I don't have enough relays to replace all the damaged ones. Even if I did, it would take more than a day. So, being the genius that I am..."
"Harper..." Beka warned.
"I'll interface and reroute the power at the source. It will only take ten minutes."
"I knew I kept you around for a reason," Beka smiled at him.
Harper grinned and prepared physically and mentally for the interface. No matter how many times he interfaced, he could never get used to the feeling of the jack sliding into his port. There was always a flash of pain just as the jack entered his brain. Of course, once the jack was in, being able to 'physically' enter a computer made the discomfort worth it.
Beka watched, fascinated and yet a little disturbed as her young engineer interfaced with the Maru's computer. She'd seen him do it many times, but the idea of something that long being pushed into your brain was revolting to her. His body went slack, and she knew he had successfully entered the computer.
"Alright, I know you're in here," Harper called to the damaged circuitry as he started searching through the pathways for it. "Yes! The Harper, is in. I'm just so good at this I don't know what you'd do without me, babe. For a bucket of bolts, you and me..." He started to make new pathways for the electricity to follow and stopped his running commentary as he focused on his work.
Out of nowhere, the hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up. Knowing it was ridiculous, but nonetheless feeling he was being watched, Harper spun, expecting someone or something to be standing behind him.
"I, I'm sorry I called you a bucket of bolts," he nervously called, feeling foolish but unable to help it. "Ya know, we should get together more often." He gave a nervous grin.
He turned back to building the new pathways when suddenly the streams of electricity and computer code started to move on their own. Slowly, they drew closer together and started to form a three dimensional object.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Backing up, he started to raise his arms, as though preparing to fend off an attacker and seriously considered getting the hell out of there.
The object 'grew' to match Harper's height, and as he watched, started to develop his facial features, and even mirrored the clothes he was wearing. The eyes remained closed, and it stood stationary.
Curiosity started to outweigh his fear as he watched the object slowly turn into a replica of himself. Maybe the power surge had created a new life form? Inching forwards, he stood three feet from it and reached out a tentative hand towards its face. Without warning, the eyes popped open to reveal empty sockets that were blacker than midnight.
Gasping, Harper stumbled back, but not before the object reached out and gripped his bicep in an iron grasp. Wincing from the pain, Harper tried to wrench his arm free, but to no avail. "Hey, I know they always say pick on someone your own size, but maybe you should be picking on someone your own, uh, energy signature. Yeah."
Swiftly, the object lunged at Harper and smothered him, completely enveloping his body within its energy. Feeling as though every nerve in his body was on fire, Harper screamed as loud as he could.
Beka started to worry. Harper said he'd only be in there ten minutes. It was pushing thirty minutes now. 'He's a big boy, he knows what he's doing,' she told herself. Glancing over to make sure he was still breathing, she noticed a subtle change in his appearance. His body had tensed, and she could see his chest rising and falling faster than normal.
Putting the Maru on autopilot, she stood and started to make her way over to him when his eyes flew open and he yelped in pain as sparks started to fly from his port.
"Harper!" She ran the rest of the way and knelt beside him as he yanked the cable from his neck and gasped for breath. "Harper, are you alright? What happened?"
He slowed his breathing before answering. "I... I think it was another power surge," he said without conviction. Deep down he knew there had been nothing to cause a power surge. Thinking back, he started to panic again when he realized he couldn't remember exactly what had happened. "Wha... what happened? I can't remember?"
"Easy, Harper," Beka placated as she put a comforting hand on his shoulder. She couldn't miss how tight the muscles were. "You got quite a shock there. Is it possible it interfered with your memory?"
Harper quieted as he considered this. "I... I guess. All I remember is creating new pathways, then, uh, waking up just now." He could feel his heart rate starting to slow down, and he closed his eyes to collect himself further.
"Harper? Stay with me, kiddo." Beka started to worry when his eyes closed. She'd seen him receive electric shocks before, but he'd never been affected like this. "Open your eyes," she commanded.
"I'm alright. I'm good," Harper breathed as he opened his eyes.
"Like hell you are. I'm getting us back to the Andromeda right now. I want you to stay awake. You hear me?" Beka knew Harper had a tendency to hide his injuries and continue to work as though nothing was wrong. She wasn't sure if it was just his personality that made him like that, or the result of working for less than savoury characters in the past. Either way, she felt a surge of anger at the people who had treated him like that.
"I'm actually starting to feel better." He wasn't lying to stop Beka from worrying about him. He really was feeling better. "I'll just gather my tools and finish the repairs."
"No, Harper. Just stay here," Beka ordered as she stood and made her way to the captains' chair. "You did get the power supply rerouted to the AG field, right?"
"I... I think so. Only one way to find out."
"Great," Beka sarcastically replied. She entered the course into the computer and silently prayed as she prepared to start up the slipstream drive. She was flooded with joy as she felt the power energize the ship and entered the slipstream. With an occasional glance at Harper, she continued to stream all the way back to the Andromeda. Upon exiting, she heaved a sigh of relief seeing the ship waiting expectantly for them. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Harpers voice right beside her.
"Honey, I'm home," he sang.
"God, Harper! You scared the crap out of me! Get back to the corner and sit the hell down!"
"Nah, I'd rather stand. I don't think all that sitting could be very good. Do you? Man, I feel like I could run a marathon right now! Let's get back to the ship so I can start installing these replacement parts." Harper practically bounced up and down beside her.
"Beka, good to see you back so soon. You had a successful trip I take it?" Dylan inquired, as his expectant face appeared on the screen.
"You could say that. Have Trance meet us in med-deck, Harper's hurt himself."
Dylan's look of delight at having obtained the supplies changed to one of concern, then mild confusion. "I hope it's nothing serious, he looks fine to me."
"I'll explain everything after we've docked, Beka out."
XxXxXxXxXxX
Harper stepped out of the Maru into the Andromeda's docking bay and heaved a deep sigh. "Home, sweet home. Where the cowboys and buffalo roam," he sang quietly to himself.
Beka rolled her eyes. "Alright, cowboy, off to med-deck with you.""No. I'm going to unload the Maru and start the repairs. See ya!" the engineer cheerfully called and started to turn away.
"Harper, you were practically electrocuted! Ya know? Extra crispy? You need to be checked out," Beka insisted, losing her patience.
"I'm fine, Boss. Really. It's happened before. I've got a lot of work to do, so, bye!"
"Seamus Zelazny Harper! I don't know what the hell's gotten into you, but you are going to see Trance even if I have to carry your skinny ass all the way down there!"
"I'd like to see you try, Captain Valentine," he taunted, practically spitting out the title, and staring her right in the eye.
Beka was so mad she was sure she'd sprout horns at any minute. "What did you say to me?" her tone low and threatening, barely containing the anger she felt building up.
"Oh, I get it. Think you own me, do you? Used to telling me what to do and having me work myself sick until I get the job done? Well I'll tell you what. From now on, Harper is nobody's slave. Especially yours. I see you for what you really are, Captain. You use everyone for your own gain. You pretend to care about me when you need me to fix something, but the moment I'm no good I'll be out the airlock, right? Well guess what. I don't need your pity or charity because I'm a mudfoot, and I sure as hell don't need you!"
Harper had inched forward during his tirade and was now standing a mere few inches from her. His body was tense, his breathing ragged, and he had a dangerous glint in his eye. One that made her want to take a step back. She had never seen him look like this before. And he had certainly never talked to her like that either. What he said had hurt, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of showing it. His cold blue eyes stared into hers for another few seconds before he marched out of the bay, leaving her relieved.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Dylan, I'm telling you, there's something really wrong with Harper," Beka asserted as she paced back and forth in Dylan's office.
"Why, because you had a fight?" Dylan asked, a note of dubiousness in his voice. "These things happen, Beka. I'm sure if you give him a few hours he'll calm down and forget the whole thing even happened."
"No. We've had arguments before, but this was different. His eyes. I thought he was going to physically hurt me. God, his mood was altering so swiftly on the Maru I seriously thought he had taken some sort of drug! Then he accused me of being a slaver and working him until he's sick as a dog!"
"And you think this behaviour change has something to do with the failed interface?"
"It must because he changed right after it happened. Of course he won't go and see Trance, so we have no way of knowing for sure."
"Would you like me to go and talk to him? I'll force him to see Trance if need be." Dylan was having a hard time believing Harper could have said what he did to Beka.
"Yes, and be careful." Beka almost cringed as she said that. This was Harper she was talking about. How dangerous could he possible be?