TITLE: The First Day
AUTHOR MikeJoe/MikeJaffa
SYNOPSIS: Originally posted on Slipstream BBS in response to a challenge: Andromeda ascendant remembers the starship who taught her some important lessons.
SETTING Early S2.
GRA is owned by Tribune; I'm not getting paid money I could give to my lawyer to
defend me if I'm sued.
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"It's definitely a High Guard Transponder code," Rev Bem said. "The source is at the moon's LaGrange point."
"Not again," Harper groaned.
Dylan's eyes flickered to the young engineer, racing from panel to panel. "Mr. Harper - "
"No offense, Boss, but we are 1 for 3 on meeting something Commonwealth-related that wasn't out to kill us, and oh for two on High Guard ships that were sane."
That got an angry glare from Rommie.
"Someday, Mr. Harper," Dylan said, "we will have a discussion on tact."
"Still, our track record can not be ignored," Tyr said from the weapons station. "My captain, may I at least activate the PDL system?"
"Very well," Dylan said. "Beka, nice and slow. Rommie, can we identifify the ship yet?"
"Signal's easier to make out, reading call - " Rommie broke off, a look of surprise crossing her face. The ship suddenly lurched under their feet, accelerating.
"Beka, what are you - ?"
"It's not me, Dylan."
"Andromeda?"
"It's her, Dylan, I can't believe it!"
The ship grew from a point in the middle of one of the screen. It was the same basic shape as the *Andromeda,* but a hair smaller and somehow, rougher.
"It's Cassie ... " Rommie said.
