___________________
Disclaimer:
I do not own Andromeda or any part thereof. All rights to these properties are retained by their respective owners.
Author's Note:
If you enjoy this fic, don't forget to take a look at my other Andromeda stories in the Crossover section. Although you can definately read and understand this without reading the others, it does tie in with my other stories to a certain extent.
---- FYI:
An error forced me to delete the original story and re-submit it. All old reviews were thus removed, though I have saved them to my hard drive. I appreciate the support of those who took the time to respond to my story.
___________________
It was once calculated that given the age of the universe, earth should have been conquered long before it gave rise to humanity. I believe that the Long Night finally provides an explanation. Civilizations, flawed by the very nature of their existance, self destruct long before anything can come of them.
- The Second Coming, CY 10089
--------
"I don't know how you do it," Sarah shook her head, "How can you write for six hours straight?"
Jarod looked up from his work and gave her a half-smile, "I'm a historian. It's what I do."
Sarah Pellings sat on the sofa next to him, "Still writing The Endless Night?"
"What else would I be writing?"
"Isn't that 'doom of civilization' theme kind of depressing?"
"Its what interests me," Jarod looked back and added a few more words to a page of notes, "Besides, this feels promising."
"You do know how many books have been written about the fall of the Commonwealth, don't you?" Sarah asked.
"I know, but I have yet to come across anyone coming from this angle."
"Maybe, but I don't..."
Her voice was cut off by the sound of the AI's voice on the comm system, "All personel, report to combat stations. All personel, report to combat stations."
***
"Motion has been synchronized," Andromeda informed them.
"Good," Captain Hunt smiled, "Tell the Alorians that we can dock whenever they're ready."
"Understood," Rommie answered, "Sending transmission...The Alorian satellite has acknowledged. They are extending bucky cables."
"Harper," Dylan spoke into the comm, "How long should it take to complete the interface."
"Data transfer should start in a couple of minutes," Harper answered from engineering, "Then, we'll probably need about five minutes to send everything. Unfortunately, they'll need about half an hour to fully disengage everything."
"All that preparation and it'll be over in ten minutes," Beka observed.
"I could always tell the Alorians to slow down the transfer if it would make you feel better," Dylan joked.
"Don't worry about me. We wouldn't want to throw off your schedule."
"Speaking of which," Dylan smiled again, "I should head for my dinner with the consulate."
"You know," Beka saddled over to Dylan, "Since it is a matriarchal society, you might be better off bringing me along."
"Was a matriarchal society," Dylan corrected, "Besides, I thought you hated these official functions."
"I do," Beka responded, "I'm just trying to look out for you."
"I don't suppose this has anything to do with the Alorian tradition of showering visiting dignitaries with gifts, or their extensive use of attractive male attendants," Rev said, only briefly looking away from his station.
"Of course not," Beka answered innocently.
"I'm sure the Alorians won't mind," Dylan turned, "Rev, care to join us?"
"Not this time," Rev responded, "I've got some reading to finish."
"Tyr?"
The Neitzchian glared silently at Dylan.
"I didn't think so. What about you, Rommie?"
"Harper and my avatar should remain here to assist with the data transfer."
"Of course," Dylan nodded, "What about you, Trance?"
"Sounds like fun," She smiled.
***
"Captain Pellings," Commander Fredricks stood and saluted.
"At ease," The Captain replied, "What do we have coming in?"
"Scouts report four Magog war cruisers, a destroyer, and a pair of support frigates."
"Has the station deployed the Gemini?"
"She still needs to be fitted with a slipstream drive before they can get her underway," Fredricks answered.
"All right. Tell the Martel to cover our left flank. Send the Red Star to hold a fall back position near the final assembly station. The Cumberland and the Saratoga can come in from below."
"Do you want a bombardment from the Protégé?" Fredricks asked.
"Yes. Tell them to keep it up until the targets are within ten thousand meters... Is the Gemini's AI online yet?"
"Not yet, captain."
"Good," She pressed a button activating the comm system, "Harry, can you tap into the Gemini's command system and activate remote operation."
"Of course," The chief engineer answered, "But she isn't even finished yet."
"I'll worry about that," Sarah responded cryptically, "Just tell me when its ready."
"The Protégé is firing concussion torpedoes," Lieutenant Burk informed them, "The Magog are moving into a dispersed formation."
"Tell Protégé to target the destroyer. We can't let it reach the Gemini while she's vulnerable."
"Sensor contacts are closing. They'll be in range in 4...3...2...1. We have a shooting solution."
"Fire at will," Pellings ordered, "Defensive maneuvers."
As planned, the battle cruiser Martel and the flagship Cataphract held back while the supporting war frigates came into position below them. The artillery vessel, Protégé, waited near the battleship Red Star. The Human and Magog forces exchanged blows, but it was clear that Pellings' forces were inferior.
"The Magog still haven't closed their formation," Fredrick's voice was urgent, "We should cut through and divide their forces."
"No," Pellings responded, "Concentrate all fire on the Destroyer. As soon as it goes down, we fall back."
"Sir, even with Red Star's help, they'll inflict massive damage before we can finish them off. We should call her to assist here."
"Trust me, commander," Sarah pressed a few buttons on the control panel, "Set a pyramid formation. We'll take the lead."
"Understood," The navigator responded as he coordinated with the other ships.
"We have lost sensor contact with the destroyer," An officer informed her.
"All ships, fallback position," She ordered, "If the Magog don't follow, tell Protégé to fire as soon as we're clear."
"Aye captain."
"The Magog are in pursuit," Fredricks observed.
"Now, dispersal pattern delta," Pellings ordered.
"A dispersal pattern?" Fredricks suddenly relaxed, "You're the boss. Jansen, take us in hot."
The navigator smiled, "Yes sir."
Pellings pressed a few buttons on the control panel, "They're within weapons range of the Gemini. Establish a proxy weapons lock and open fire."
As the Neitzchian vessles closed with the station, the dormant ship suddenly launched a hail of weapons fire. The Red Star swooped in, adding its heavy armament to the fire fight. The retreating ships turned, ripping through the Magog hull armor with their missles.
"They're in retreat," Fredricks informed her.
"Stay back," Pellings ordered, "We've done enough damage. Casualties?"
"There was a hull breach on the Saratoga," Fredricks answered, "Nine casualties. All told, the fleet had thirty-four wounded, seven critically."
"Order all hands to stand down and return to normal duty," Sarah said as she prepared to return home. She couldn't help but wonder if the recent attacks were more than a coincidence...
***
Tyr looked over the update to the tactical database. The Alorians had provided them with details for two of Raptor Pride's newest ships. They claimed that the Neitzchians had ben conducting raids in the area. However, Tyr wasn't prepared to take that accusation at face value.
Raptors were aggressive, even for Neitzchians, but they weren't raiders. Raptor Pride was made up of conquerors who considered raids to be a sign of weakness. Both of their new ships were heavy warships of some sort. They were bulky, and poorly equipped for raiding. In fact, the dreadnought was so large and heavily armored that it couldn't get to slipstream in an area with a large gravitational field.
Something was missing. Either the Alorians were lying, or there was something about the situation that they didn't know. Perhaps something had changed for the Raptors, and they had to rely on raids for survival. On the other hand, the Alorians might be trying to frame the Neitzchians, but why? They would only do that if they wanted cause conflict between the Raptors and Andromeda. In any case, Tyr would be keeping a close eye on Dylan's investigation.
***
"I'm really not in the mood to talk about this New Commonwealth right now," Admiral Nishar shook his head.
"The Magog almost had us," Pellings responded, "We need allies now more than ever."
"And they'll need us," Nishar pointed out, "We need all of our ships here, to fight off future raids."
"With the Cataphract and the Gemini, we'll have all the defense we need. And, as soon as we sell the Cumberland, we'll have plenty of money for those defense pods you've been wanting."
"The Magog have handled bigger threats than a couple of battleships and some missle pods."
"If a serious Magog attack ever did happen," Sarah reminded him, "We wouldn't stand a chance by ourselves anyway. Maybe with some help from the Commonwealth..."
"Need I remind you that we almost lost the Saratoga today? After the stunts you pulled today, I'm not sure how much I can trust your judgment, captain. What exactly were you thinking when you exposed an expensive, unfinished vessel to enemy fire?"
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, sir," Sarah answered firmly.
The Admiral sighed, "The times are desperate... Very well. Bring Captain Hunt here and I will speak with."
"Thank you, sir," Pellings smiled, "Do I have permission to take the Cataphract immediately?"
"No," Nishar answered, "I'm not releasing any ships until the Gemini can be commissioned. Also, I'm not letting you take the Cataphract. That would only leave us with the Red Star, in terms of tested battleships."
"Sir, I can't be wandering hostile territory in the Cumberland."
"Of course not," The Admiral smiled, "The Saratoga, Martel, and Cumberland wouldn't hold up very well for an extended mission like this, and I can't very send you in an artillery ship like the Protégé. Since we need the Red Star and the 'Phract here for defense, I really only have one option..."
"Sir, you don't mean..."
"Think of it as a shakedown mission," Pishar smiled, "Now don't say I never gave you anything."
***
"Captain," Preconsul Jeffan turned, "If we do join your New Commonwealth, what will you do about these raids?"
Several people from around the table voiced their approval of the question.
"You must understand," Dylan began, "The New Commonwealth doesn't have much of a fleet right now, and our other planets face invasions and raids as well."
"I see," Jeffan responded curtly.
"We wouldn't abandon you to the Neitzchians," Dylan said, "We could comit another six ships to your defense, beyond what you already have."
"That would stop the raids," Arinna reminded him.
"Or they might just come with more ships next time," Jaffan countered, "We'll still be the best target within Raptor Pride's reach. If we look like a threat, they may just decide to conquer us."
"We wouldn't let that happen," Beka answered.
"No?" Jaffan asked quickly.
"They're probably just attacking because they need something here," Trance spoke up, "Maybe we can make a compromise with them."
"You're an optimisitic little one, aren't you?" Jaffan smirked, "They attack because they are Neitzchian. They're ruthless."
"I agree with her," Kisak responded, "They are attacking for a reason. Captain Hunt, if you could find a suitable compromise with them, and give us assurance that they will follow the terms of the agreement, we will sign your charter."
"I still..." Jaffan tried to object.
"We will sign the charter," Kisak repeated, as others around the table added their approval for the terms of the agreement.
"All right," Dylan answered, "We'll do our best."
"Even if you can't reach a compromise," Arianna smiled, "We appreciate your efforts."
"We're glad to help," Dylan smiled back. Jaffan grunted.
***
Fredricks gave a low whistle, "That's a big ship."
"If it hadn't been for the battle of witchhead," Pellings sighed, "The Commonwealth might have had time to test it. If they had completed the refit..."
"There's no point in thinking about that now," Fredricks responded as they walked through the windowed corridor leading to the docking platform, "If the mission goes well, we could be the first dedicated shipyard of a new, better Commonwealth."
"I hope so..." Sarah paused, "What is the Admiral going to build next?"
"He said something about getting started on a capital hull. He'll probably build a sister ship for the Gem, if the new systems work out."
"How are we supposed to pay for that?"
"If everything goes well for the Gem, we won't need the Protégé anymore. After we sell her, we can make up the difference by running freight in the Martel. If we're lucky, she'll pick up some good salvage on the way."
"Captain, Commander," The ensign saluted as they entered the airlock, "All of the equipment has been loaded. Gemini can depart whenever you're ready."
"I'm looking forward to it," Captain Pellings smiled slightly as she walked down the hallways of her new ship. Before long, she was on the bridge.
"Captain on the bridge," The officers rose to attention and saluted.
"At ease," Pellings responded, "Status?"
"All systems are online and functioning normally," The bridge engineering officer, Lt. Reynolds, answered as he continued to monitor the engineering displays at his station.
"The docking clamps have been released," Chief Navigation Officer Chen responded, "We are cleared to disembark."
"Take us out," Pellings ordered, "As soon as we're clear, we'll make a quick stop to run some tests in the asteroid field. After that, we're heading for Alor to track down the Andromeda."
"We've cleared the docking platforms," Chen informed them, "Course projected and initiated."
"Well," Pellings smiled, activating shipwide communications, "We got out of the shipyard without running into anything. I'd call that a job well done. I had the galley prepare something special for Gemini's maiden voyage. I hope to see you all down in the main mess hall tonight to help celebrate."
***
"So, what'd they give ya?"
"Don't worry, Harper," Beka smiled, "I brought something back for you."
"So the question is: What do you get for the genius that has nothing?"
"They gave me a nice ball gown you might be interested in."
"Thanks, but I don't think it'd go with my shoes. What else ya got?"
"In that case, how about a new SP-RCD?" Beka pulled some sort of machine from the bag she had been carrying.
"Awesome!" Harper looked at the device for a moment, "What does it do?"
"Simple. Its a Sympathetic Pulse Remote...something. Anyway, you just take this end," She picked up a cable, "And plug it into your neural uplink. Then," Beka lifted a second device from the bag, "You plug this end into anything that you would normally hook your neural port to. It'll let you connect to Andromeda, or pretty much any other computer, by remote."
"Sweet!" Harper picked up the small machine. It was light, and he could easily carry with him, "Mind if I go try it out?"
"Knock yourself out," Beka said, as she went to join the rest of the crew on the bridge.
***
"Normally I'd ask you to leave diplomacy to me," Dylan said as they walked down the hall, "But you did well back there. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," Trance smiled, "You really impressed them, too."
"Now we just need to find a way to talk to the Neitzchians without getting blown to pieces."
"Maybe we could send a sensor drone or something," Trance suggested.
"I've thought about that," Dylan answered, "But there's a chance of it getting destroyed. Replacements aren't easy to come by these days."
"Maybe the Alorians could build one."
"Maybe..." Dylan didn't sound particularly hopeful, "There's a saying where I come from: If you risk nothing, you lose everything."
"I guess we don't have many other choices..."
"Many?" Dylan stopped, "What else is there?"
"Well, there are always options," Trance answered cautiously, "But I don't think we'll find anything better than this. I mean, we could attack the Neitzchians, but I don't think that would accomplish much, or we could just move on..."
"I'd rather not try either of those," Dylan smiled as he started walking again.
"Me neither," Trance smiled up at him.
***
"There's something out there," The Magog snarled, "It looks like a High Guard sensor drone."
"Bring it aboard. We'll see what this is about," Mert ordered, "Keph, you handle things here. I'm going to check this out myself."
"Of course," Keph responded, "Liska, order the fleet to hold back. Bring us to 1/3."
"We are at your command," Liska responded as Mert left the bridge.
'What is this about?' Mert thought as he walked briskly in the direction of the salvage bay, 'The Commonwealth and the High Guard are dead. Perhaps the former Commonwealth worlds still have some parts left from the old starships...'
"The drone has some kind of holographic projector," One of the small Magog troops said as Mert entered.
"Activate it," Mert ordered, "Now!"
Immediately, a hologram in the shape of a large, human male appeared in the bay, "I am Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. I am attempting to contact the Alpha of Raptor Pride," The hologram paused, "I would like to begin formal negotiations with your pride. We believe that a mutually beneficial agreement can be made; one that would allow you to prevent war, and ensure your survival well into the future. If you are at all interested in hearing what I have to say, I only ask that you send a single ship to a neutral location. I have encoded a date and location after this message. Feel free to inspect the meeting site prior to our arrival, but we will be certain that the area is safe before we come."
"This could be useful," Mert smiled in a way that would have made any human's skin crawl. Whatever he was planning, it wouldn't be good for the New Commonwealth.
***
"I'm not detecting any vessels in the area," Andromeda said.
"Maybe the Neitzchians are gonna play fair," Beka said optimistically.
"Only if they couldn't think of a way to set up a trap," Tyr answered, "And they'll have a fleet on standby. If they don't like the situation, we'll have an entire battle group on us in two minutes or less."
"Guarenteed or your missles back," Harper joked. Tyr glared at him.
"There's a single Neitzchian battleship coming out of slipstream," Rev said.
"Everyone be ready," Dylan said, "Just because they only have one ship right now doesn't mean this'll be a peaceful meeting. Hail them."
"I am Kyn, Alpha of Raptor Pride, and this is the battleship Corak. State your identification."
"I am Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. I'm honored to meet you."
"Of course you are," Kyn responded, "You wanted to speak with me, so do it."
"We've heard that your pride has been attacking Alor. We know you're only attacking them because they have something you need, and we want to offer assistance."
"You do?" Kyn looked bored, "In return for what?"
"We only want you to stop attacking Alor. I'm sure you would rather not be conducting raids..."
"We do what we want. We don't raid because we have to. No one forces Raptor Pride to do anything."
"I didn't mean to imply..."
"I know what you're implying, Captain," Kyn looked at Hunt with disdain.
"We only want to help. I thought we could at least try to find a mutually beneficial compromise."
"We do not compromise with people like you," Kyn responded.
"Like me?" Dylan responded.
"This is pointless," Kyn smirked, "You will surrender your ship and turn your crew over to us. I have an entire task force that will arrive the instant I call it."
"You'll have to catch us first," Dylan answered, "If we see even the slightest sign of another ship we'll leave with your best chance to get what you really want. We have one of the best slipstream pilots in the quadrant, and once we're gone, you'll never see us again. This is your last chance to discuss this like a man."
"I don't think catching you will be a problem," Kyn answered, as he turned to someone off screen, "Activate the generator," Kyn gave Dylan one final disdainful look before shutting off communications.
"I'm detecting a massive electro-magnetic field," Rev said quickly, "I haven't seen a ship produce anything like it."
"Beka, slipstream now. Put sublight engines in full reverse."
"Slipstream isn't working," Beka answered, "The pull is too strong, we can't drag them through the stream, and we can't break free."
"Engines aren't strong enough," Harper added, "We can't pull away at sublight."
"I'm detecting numerous vessles coming out of slipstream," Rev said, "They look like a mixture of Neitzchian and Magog designs."
"Hey Trance, what are the odds of this just being a nightmare?" Harper asked.
"Uhh...zero," Trance answered apologetically.
"Thought so," Harper said, frantically manipulating a console, "This is too uncreative to be a nightmare."
"Fire all weapons," Dylan ordered, "Rev, see if you can pinpoint the field generator and target it."
"I'll try," Rev said, "But the rest of the fleet is surrounding us, and I'm definately detecting some Magog ship signatures. Some of the larger ships seem to be generating backup fields. I'm having a hard time getting an exact location... Kyn is hailing us."
"It seems you're in a disadvanted position," Kyn smirked.
"We've seen worse," Dylan said, "What do you want from us?"
"The Andromeda, for one," Kyn responded, "And we will put your crew into slavery. Hunt, you will be publically, and brutally, executed."
"We aren't accepting your terms," Dylan answered.
"I'll give you seven minutes to change your mind," Kyn stated, "Then we invade your ship and take it by force."
Disclaimer:
I do not own Andromeda or any part thereof. All rights to these properties are retained by their respective owners.
Author's Note:
If you enjoy this fic, don't forget to take a look at my other Andromeda stories in the Crossover section. Although you can definately read and understand this without reading the others, it does tie in with my other stories to a certain extent.
---- FYI:
An error forced me to delete the original story and re-submit it. All old reviews were thus removed, though I have saved them to my hard drive. I appreciate the support of those who took the time to respond to my story.
___________________
It was once calculated that given the age of the universe, earth should have been conquered long before it gave rise to humanity. I believe that the Long Night finally provides an explanation. Civilizations, flawed by the very nature of their existance, self destruct long before anything can come of them.
- The Second Coming, CY 10089
--------
"I don't know how you do it," Sarah shook her head, "How can you write for six hours straight?"
Jarod looked up from his work and gave her a half-smile, "I'm a historian. It's what I do."
Sarah Pellings sat on the sofa next to him, "Still writing The Endless Night?"
"What else would I be writing?"
"Isn't that 'doom of civilization' theme kind of depressing?"
"Its what interests me," Jarod looked back and added a few more words to a page of notes, "Besides, this feels promising."
"You do know how many books have been written about the fall of the Commonwealth, don't you?" Sarah asked.
"I know, but I have yet to come across anyone coming from this angle."
"Maybe, but I don't..."
Her voice was cut off by the sound of the AI's voice on the comm system, "All personel, report to combat stations. All personel, report to combat stations."
***
"Motion has been synchronized," Andromeda informed them.
"Good," Captain Hunt smiled, "Tell the Alorians that we can dock whenever they're ready."
"Understood," Rommie answered, "Sending transmission...The Alorian satellite has acknowledged. They are extending bucky cables."
"Harper," Dylan spoke into the comm, "How long should it take to complete the interface."
"Data transfer should start in a couple of minutes," Harper answered from engineering, "Then, we'll probably need about five minutes to send everything. Unfortunately, they'll need about half an hour to fully disengage everything."
"All that preparation and it'll be over in ten minutes," Beka observed.
"I could always tell the Alorians to slow down the transfer if it would make you feel better," Dylan joked.
"Don't worry about me. We wouldn't want to throw off your schedule."
"Speaking of which," Dylan smiled again, "I should head for my dinner with the consulate."
"You know," Beka saddled over to Dylan, "Since it is a matriarchal society, you might be better off bringing me along."
"Was a matriarchal society," Dylan corrected, "Besides, I thought you hated these official functions."
"I do," Beka responded, "I'm just trying to look out for you."
"I don't suppose this has anything to do with the Alorian tradition of showering visiting dignitaries with gifts, or their extensive use of attractive male attendants," Rev said, only briefly looking away from his station.
"Of course not," Beka answered innocently.
"I'm sure the Alorians won't mind," Dylan turned, "Rev, care to join us?"
"Not this time," Rev responded, "I've got some reading to finish."
"Tyr?"
The Neitzchian glared silently at Dylan.
"I didn't think so. What about you, Rommie?"
"Harper and my avatar should remain here to assist with the data transfer."
"Of course," Dylan nodded, "What about you, Trance?"
"Sounds like fun," She smiled.
***
"Captain Pellings," Commander Fredricks stood and saluted.
"At ease," The Captain replied, "What do we have coming in?"
"Scouts report four Magog war cruisers, a destroyer, and a pair of support frigates."
"Has the station deployed the Gemini?"
"She still needs to be fitted with a slipstream drive before they can get her underway," Fredricks answered.
"All right. Tell the Martel to cover our left flank. Send the Red Star to hold a fall back position near the final assembly station. The Cumberland and the Saratoga can come in from below."
"Do you want a bombardment from the Protégé?" Fredricks asked.
"Yes. Tell them to keep it up until the targets are within ten thousand meters... Is the Gemini's AI online yet?"
"Not yet, captain."
"Good," She pressed a button activating the comm system, "Harry, can you tap into the Gemini's command system and activate remote operation."
"Of course," The chief engineer answered, "But she isn't even finished yet."
"I'll worry about that," Sarah responded cryptically, "Just tell me when its ready."
"The Protégé is firing concussion torpedoes," Lieutenant Burk informed them, "The Magog are moving into a dispersed formation."
"Tell Protégé to target the destroyer. We can't let it reach the Gemini while she's vulnerable."
"Sensor contacts are closing. They'll be in range in 4...3...2...1. We have a shooting solution."
"Fire at will," Pellings ordered, "Defensive maneuvers."
As planned, the battle cruiser Martel and the flagship Cataphract held back while the supporting war frigates came into position below them. The artillery vessel, Protégé, waited near the battleship Red Star. The Human and Magog forces exchanged blows, but it was clear that Pellings' forces were inferior.
"The Magog still haven't closed their formation," Fredrick's voice was urgent, "We should cut through and divide their forces."
"No," Pellings responded, "Concentrate all fire on the Destroyer. As soon as it goes down, we fall back."
"Sir, even with Red Star's help, they'll inflict massive damage before we can finish them off. We should call her to assist here."
"Trust me, commander," Sarah pressed a few buttons on the control panel, "Set a pyramid formation. We'll take the lead."
"Understood," The navigator responded as he coordinated with the other ships.
"We have lost sensor contact with the destroyer," An officer informed her.
"All ships, fallback position," She ordered, "If the Magog don't follow, tell Protégé to fire as soon as we're clear."
"Aye captain."
"The Magog are in pursuit," Fredricks observed.
"Now, dispersal pattern delta," Pellings ordered.
"A dispersal pattern?" Fredricks suddenly relaxed, "You're the boss. Jansen, take us in hot."
The navigator smiled, "Yes sir."
Pellings pressed a few buttons on the control panel, "They're within weapons range of the Gemini. Establish a proxy weapons lock and open fire."
As the Neitzchian vessles closed with the station, the dormant ship suddenly launched a hail of weapons fire. The Red Star swooped in, adding its heavy armament to the fire fight. The retreating ships turned, ripping through the Magog hull armor with their missles.
"They're in retreat," Fredricks informed her.
"Stay back," Pellings ordered, "We've done enough damage. Casualties?"
"There was a hull breach on the Saratoga," Fredricks answered, "Nine casualties. All told, the fleet had thirty-four wounded, seven critically."
"Order all hands to stand down and return to normal duty," Sarah said as she prepared to return home. She couldn't help but wonder if the recent attacks were more than a coincidence...
***
Tyr looked over the update to the tactical database. The Alorians had provided them with details for two of Raptor Pride's newest ships. They claimed that the Neitzchians had ben conducting raids in the area. However, Tyr wasn't prepared to take that accusation at face value.
Raptors were aggressive, even for Neitzchians, but they weren't raiders. Raptor Pride was made up of conquerors who considered raids to be a sign of weakness. Both of their new ships were heavy warships of some sort. They were bulky, and poorly equipped for raiding. In fact, the dreadnought was so large and heavily armored that it couldn't get to slipstream in an area with a large gravitational field.
Something was missing. Either the Alorians were lying, or there was something about the situation that they didn't know. Perhaps something had changed for the Raptors, and they had to rely on raids for survival. On the other hand, the Alorians might be trying to frame the Neitzchians, but why? They would only do that if they wanted cause conflict between the Raptors and Andromeda. In any case, Tyr would be keeping a close eye on Dylan's investigation.
***
"I'm really not in the mood to talk about this New Commonwealth right now," Admiral Nishar shook his head.
"The Magog almost had us," Pellings responded, "We need allies now more than ever."
"And they'll need us," Nishar pointed out, "We need all of our ships here, to fight off future raids."
"With the Cataphract and the Gemini, we'll have all the defense we need. And, as soon as we sell the Cumberland, we'll have plenty of money for those defense pods you've been wanting."
"The Magog have handled bigger threats than a couple of battleships and some missle pods."
"If a serious Magog attack ever did happen," Sarah reminded him, "We wouldn't stand a chance by ourselves anyway. Maybe with some help from the Commonwealth..."
"Need I remind you that we almost lost the Saratoga today? After the stunts you pulled today, I'm not sure how much I can trust your judgment, captain. What exactly were you thinking when you exposed an expensive, unfinished vessel to enemy fire?"
"Desperate times call for desperate measures, sir," Sarah answered firmly.
The Admiral sighed, "The times are desperate... Very well. Bring Captain Hunt here and I will speak with."
"Thank you, sir," Pellings smiled, "Do I have permission to take the Cataphract immediately?"
"No," Nishar answered, "I'm not releasing any ships until the Gemini can be commissioned. Also, I'm not letting you take the Cataphract. That would only leave us with the Red Star, in terms of tested battleships."
"Sir, I can't be wandering hostile territory in the Cumberland."
"Of course not," The Admiral smiled, "The Saratoga, Martel, and Cumberland wouldn't hold up very well for an extended mission like this, and I can't very send you in an artillery ship like the Protégé. Since we need the Red Star and the 'Phract here for defense, I really only have one option..."
"Sir, you don't mean..."
"Think of it as a shakedown mission," Pishar smiled, "Now don't say I never gave you anything."
***
"Captain," Preconsul Jeffan turned, "If we do join your New Commonwealth, what will you do about these raids?"
Several people from around the table voiced their approval of the question.
"You must understand," Dylan began, "The New Commonwealth doesn't have much of a fleet right now, and our other planets face invasions and raids as well."
"I see," Jeffan responded curtly.
"We wouldn't abandon you to the Neitzchians," Dylan said, "We could comit another six ships to your defense, beyond what you already have."
"That would stop the raids," Arinna reminded him.
"Or they might just come with more ships next time," Jaffan countered, "We'll still be the best target within Raptor Pride's reach. If we look like a threat, they may just decide to conquer us."
"We wouldn't let that happen," Beka answered.
"No?" Jaffan asked quickly.
"They're probably just attacking because they need something here," Trance spoke up, "Maybe we can make a compromise with them."
"You're an optimisitic little one, aren't you?" Jaffan smirked, "They attack because they are Neitzchian. They're ruthless."
"I agree with her," Kisak responded, "They are attacking for a reason. Captain Hunt, if you could find a suitable compromise with them, and give us assurance that they will follow the terms of the agreement, we will sign your charter."
"I still..." Jaffan tried to object.
"We will sign the charter," Kisak repeated, as others around the table added their approval for the terms of the agreement.
"All right," Dylan answered, "We'll do our best."
"Even if you can't reach a compromise," Arianna smiled, "We appreciate your efforts."
"We're glad to help," Dylan smiled back. Jaffan grunted.
***
Fredricks gave a low whistle, "That's a big ship."
"If it hadn't been for the battle of witchhead," Pellings sighed, "The Commonwealth might have had time to test it. If they had completed the refit..."
"There's no point in thinking about that now," Fredricks responded as they walked through the windowed corridor leading to the docking platform, "If the mission goes well, we could be the first dedicated shipyard of a new, better Commonwealth."
"I hope so..." Sarah paused, "What is the Admiral going to build next?"
"He said something about getting started on a capital hull. He'll probably build a sister ship for the Gem, if the new systems work out."
"How are we supposed to pay for that?"
"If everything goes well for the Gem, we won't need the Protégé anymore. After we sell her, we can make up the difference by running freight in the Martel. If we're lucky, she'll pick up some good salvage on the way."
"Captain, Commander," The ensign saluted as they entered the airlock, "All of the equipment has been loaded. Gemini can depart whenever you're ready."
"I'm looking forward to it," Captain Pellings smiled slightly as she walked down the hallways of her new ship. Before long, she was on the bridge.
"Captain on the bridge," The officers rose to attention and saluted.
"At ease," Pellings responded, "Status?"
"All systems are online and functioning normally," The bridge engineering officer, Lt. Reynolds, answered as he continued to monitor the engineering displays at his station.
"The docking clamps have been released," Chief Navigation Officer Chen responded, "We are cleared to disembark."
"Take us out," Pellings ordered, "As soon as we're clear, we'll make a quick stop to run some tests in the asteroid field. After that, we're heading for Alor to track down the Andromeda."
"We've cleared the docking platforms," Chen informed them, "Course projected and initiated."
"Well," Pellings smiled, activating shipwide communications, "We got out of the shipyard without running into anything. I'd call that a job well done. I had the galley prepare something special for Gemini's maiden voyage. I hope to see you all down in the main mess hall tonight to help celebrate."
***
"So, what'd they give ya?"
"Don't worry, Harper," Beka smiled, "I brought something back for you."
"So the question is: What do you get for the genius that has nothing?"
"They gave me a nice ball gown you might be interested in."
"Thanks, but I don't think it'd go with my shoes. What else ya got?"
"In that case, how about a new SP-RCD?" Beka pulled some sort of machine from the bag she had been carrying.
"Awesome!" Harper looked at the device for a moment, "What does it do?"
"Simple. Its a Sympathetic Pulse Remote...something. Anyway, you just take this end," She picked up a cable, "And plug it into your neural uplink. Then," Beka lifted a second device from the bag, "You plug this end into anything that you would normally hook your neural port to. It'll let you connect to Andromeda, or pretty much any other computer, by remote."
"Sweet!" Harper picked up the small machine. It was light, and he could easily carry with him, "Mind if I go try it out?"
"Knock yourself out," Beka said, as she went to join the rest of the crew on the bridge.
***
"Normally I'd ask you to leave diplomacy to me," Dylan said as they walked down the hall, "But you did well back there. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," Trance smiled, "You really impressed them, too."
"Now we just need to find a way to talk to the Neitzchians without getting blown to pieces."
"Maybe we could send a sensor drone or something," Trance suggested.
"I've thought about that," Dylan answered, "But there's a chance of it getting destroyed. Replacements aren't easy to come by these days."
"Maybe the Alorians could build one."
"Maybe..." Dylan didn't sound particularly hopeful, "There's a saying where I come from: If you risk nothing, you lose everything."
"I guess we don't have many other choices..."
"Many?" Dylan stopped, "What else is there?"
"Well, there are always options," Trance answered cautiously, "But I don't think we'll find anything better than this. I mean, we could attack the Neitzchians, but I don't think that would accomplish much, or we could just move on..."
"I'd rather not try either of those," Dylan smiled as he started walking again.
"Me neither," Trance smiled up at him.
***
"There's something out there," The Magog snarled, "It looks like a High Guard sensor drone."
"Bring it aboard. We'll see what this is about," Mert ordered, "Keph, you handle things here. I'm going to check this out myself."
"Of course," Keph responded, "Liska, order the fleet to hold back. Bring us to 1/3."
"We are at your command," Liska responded as Mert left the bridge.
'What is this about?' Mert thought as he walked briskly in the direction of the salvage bay, 'The Commonwealth and the High Guard are dead. Perhaps the former Commonwealth worlds still have some parts left from the old starships...'
"The drone has some kind of holographic projector," One of the small Magog troops said as Mert entered.
"Activate it," Mert ordered, "Now!"
Immediately, a hologram in the shape of a large, human male appeared in the bay, "I am Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. I am attempting to contact the Alpha of Raptor Pride," The hologram paused, "I would like to begin formal negotiations with your pride. We believe that a mutually beneficial agreement can be made; one that would allow you to prevent war, and ensure your survival well into the future. If you are at all interested in hearing what I have to say, I only ask that you send a single ship to a neutral location. I have encoded a date and location after this message. Feel free to inspect the meeting site prior to our arrival, but we will be certain that the area is safe before we come."
"This could be useful," Mert smiled in a way that would have made any human's skin crawl. Whatever he was planning, it wouldn't be good for the New Commonwealth.
***
"I'm not detecting any vessels in the area," Andromeda said.
"Maybe the Neitzchians are gonna play fair," Beka said optimistically.
"Only if they couldn't think of a way to set up a trap," Tyr answered, "And they'll have a fleet on standby. If they don't like the situation, we'll have an entire battle group on us in two minutes or less."
"Guarenteed or your missles back," Harper joked. Tyr glared at him.
"There's a single Neitzchian battleship coming out of slipstream," Rev said.
"Everyone be ready," Dylan said, "Just because they only have one ship right now doesn't mean this'll be a peaceful meeting. Hail them."
"I am Kyn, Alpha of Raptor Pride, and this is the battleship Corak. State your identification."
"I am Captain Dylan Hunt of the Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. I'm honored to meet you."
"Of course you are," Kyn responded, "You wanted to speak with me, so do it."
"We've heard that your pride has been attacking Alor. We know you're only attacking them because they have something you need, and we want to offer assistance."
"You do?" Kyn looked bored, "In return for what?"
"We only want you to stop attacking Alor. I'm sure you would rather not be conducting raids..."
"We do what we want. We don't raid because we have to. No one forces Raptor Pride to do anything."
"I didn't mean to imply..."
"I know what you're implying, Captain," Kyn looked at Hunt with disdain.
"We only want to help. I thought we could at least try to find a mutually beneficial compromise."
"We do not compromise with people like you," Kyn responded.
"Like me?" Dylan responded.
"This is pointless," Kyn smirked, "You will surrender your ship and turn your crew over to us. I have an entire task force that will arrive the instant I call it."
"You'll have to catch us first," Dylan answered, "If we see even the slightest sign of another ship we'll leave with your best chance to get what you really want. We have one of the best slipstream pilots in the quadrant, and once we're gone, you'll never see us again. This is your last chance to discuss this like a man."
"I don't think catching you will be a problem," Kyn answered, as he turned to someone off screen, "Activate the generator," Kyn gave Dylan one final disdainful look before shutting off communications.
"I'm detecting a massive electro-magnetic field," Rev said quickly, "I haven't seen a ship produce anything like it."
"Beka, slipstream now. Put sublight engines in full reverse."
"Slipstream isn't working," Beka answered, "The pull is too strong, we can't drag them through the stream, and we can't break free."
"Engines aren't strong enough," Harper added, "We can't pull away at sublight."
"I'm detecting numerous vessles coming out of slipstream," Rev said, "They look like a mixture of Neitzchian and Magog designs."
"Hey Trance, what are the odds of this just being a nightmare?" Harper asked.
"Uhh...zero," Trance answered apologetically.
"Thought so," Harper said, frantically manipulating a console, "This is too uncreative to be a nightmare."
"Fire all weapons," Dylan ordered, "Rev, see if you can pinpoint the field generator and target it."
"I'll try," Rev said, "But the rest of the fleet is surrounding us, and I'm definately detecting some Magog ship signatures. Some of the larger ships seem to be generating backup fields. I'm having a hard time getting an exact location... Kyn is hailing us."
"It seems you're in a disadvanted position," Kyn smirked.
"We've seen worse," Dylan said, "What do you want from us?"
"The Andromeda, for one," Kyn responded, "And we will put your crew into slavery. Hunt, you will be publically, and brutally, executed."
"We aren't accepting your terms," Dylan answered.
"I'll give you seven minutes to change your mind," Kyn stated, "Then we invade your ship and take it by force."