So, this is the last chapter describing what happened before present time. From next chapter, timeline will not be disturbed any more. Sorry, but there are some explanations necessary and they can only be given this way.
Chapter 10
One week before present time…
Tyr was bored. He lay on the bed and did exactly what he didn't want to do. He waited. He waited for Harper to call him. With unsatisfied sigh, he was just about starting with some physical exercise, just to kill time as his communicator beeped. He took it in his hand, turned it on and smiled satisfied as Beka's face appeared on the screen. But his smile vanished as he saw her expression.
"Tyr, I've just spoken to Harper. Bad, really bad news. These terrorists have already captured the android to do their dirty work. Tyr. It's … Rommie!"
Tyr gasped for air in surprise and answered very slowly: "Beka, are you sure?"
Beka nodded: "Absolutely. Harper just told me. He reprogrammed her, so he really should know what he's talking about."
"But … I don't understand it," sighed Tyr confused. „She would never harm Dylan!"
"Our Rommie wouldn't. But she's no longer herself. Harper had to erase all of her memories and she wouldn't recognize anyone of us."
"Well, in that case, I'll have to intervene," answered Tyr quietly but with determination in his voice. How bizarre it may seem, it was obvious that this information got to him. He might have not liked Rommie in the past, but before she left Andromeda, he began to value her. And now, someone whom he valued was set to kill someone whom he liked and perhaps even admired. He suddenly became afraid he would have to fight Rommie, to possibly hurt or even terminate her. Yes, he was a Nietzschean, but he would feel a gaping hole in his heart, should one of his friend die.
"You may not!" Answered Beka quickly. „Harper assured me, she wouldn't do it. But we may not risk anything and we may not get Dylan out. He said that it's absolutely necessary for Rommie to see him."
"Maybe. But I still don't believe we should let it happen. There are so many possibilities that something could go wrong. I will get in!" Tyr was determined to do what he thought would be sound to do.
"And how are you intending to do it? How can you assure that everything will go according to our plans?" Beka worried evidently.
"It's quite simple! I'll join the organization as a contract killer. I shouldn't have any problems doing that. At least I have more than enough references, being one for a good part of my life," grinned Tyr ironically.
"Someone could identify you! Don't forget that our faces are now more known than they used to be in the past. It's quite possible that someone recognizes you and, believe me, I have absolutely no intentions to let you put yourself in danger!" Beka protested emotionally and it was obvious that Tyr's idea didn't sit well with her.
"Don't worry," smiled Tyr. "I have done some things in the past which everyone said would be impossible, but I managed them."
Beka looked at him and for few moments said nothing. Then she sighed: "Tyr, I don't know! I have a really bad feeling about this."
Tyr tried to calm her down: "Beka, look at it this way: if I don't interfere, there's so much that could go terribly wrong. Besides: how am I supposed to look after Harper if I'm not around? Or Rommie? I really don't want anything to happen to anyone of them. And the only way to take care of them is if I'm right there beside them. I can't do anything from my hideout."
Beka sighed again and nodded: „I suppose you're right. But, supposedly I agree with you … you have to promise me something!"
Tyr just looked at her questioningly.
"You have to promise me to look after Rommie. She may not be harmed! I don't care what they are intending to do, she may not fall a victim to them. I don't even have to tell you that the same goes for Harper too!"
Tyr nodded shortly and smiled: "Beka, you know I'll do my best to bring them both back to Andromeda unharmed. I just don't know yet how I'm going to do it. I have no idea what Harper did to Rommie and I'll have to have a detailed talk with him about it. I wouldn't want to risk her getting hurt in the process, I just don't know how."
Beka looked at him absentminded and answered after few seconds: "Do it. Make sure you know how you can help her. But you may not allow her to do anything to Dylan. Should it come so far … I really don't want to say this … but … should the situation get out of control, your first priority must be Dylan… " She looked more than a little unhappy as she finished.
"I understand what you mean, dearest," answered Tyr. "I'll make sure that nobody gets hurt."
"How are you intending to infiltrate the organization?" Beka changed the topic.
"Well, as I know, they are still looking for contract killers. As said, I have more than enough references." Grinned Tyr somehow bitter.
Beka didn't look convinced, but didn't argue with him. "If you think so. Just be careful! These people are extremely dangerous. Don't forget they even managed to get a hold on Rommie. You know yourself she's not exactly the easiest target. They must be really good to get her."
"Really Beka, you shouldn't be so worried. I'm grown up and I believe to have gathered some experiences. But, I do have one question. Suppose they set Rommie on Dylan and I am a part of the operation. What am I supposed to do afterwards? Run away, fake a success, or something else? You never told me about your detailed plans."
„No, I didn't. I didn't, because I have no plan! I was still hoping it wouldn't be Rommie. But it is her and it changes a lot. We don't have to babysit only Dylan, but her too. It's really confusing that we have to take care of the killer and the target. Gee, this is really a complicated situation."
„You can say that aloud," nodded Tyr. "Should I wait then until you have decided upon your plan or am I allowed to decide according to the situation?" A little mockery in his voice could not be missed.
Beka didn't answer immediately. She noticed a bit of amusement in Tyr's voice but decided not to act upon it: "I think you are big enough to decide for yourself. Just suit yourself to the situation and don't forget, we want them both back. So … you're on your own as long as you bring them both back."
"Both?" Asked Tyr ironically and smirked. „What about Harper and me? Should I leave ourselves there?"
"TYR! You know exactly what I meant! You should ALL come back. Take care that Harper is with you all the time. And then … disappear as quickly as possible. Perhaps it would be the best if you could persuade the organization that the mission has been accomplished, but you all died in the process."
"That's actually quite a good idea," nodded Tyr. "Now I know why you are the captain. You really know how to make the most out of the situation."
"Thank you dearest! I learnt from three most important men in my life." Grinned Beka
Tyr's eyebrow shoot up and he asked confused: "Three? Why three? I thought I were the most important man in your life."
Beka smirked: "I'm talking about you, my father and Dylan. You shouldn't worry however; you're undisputable number one."
"Good to hear it," Tyr was obviously more than satisfied with this answer and asked: "Is there anything else?"
Beka shook her head and smiled at him: "No, that's all. Just don't forget that I love you and that I am really concerned for your wellbeing."
"I love you too. And … I will take good care of myself." Answered Tyr and smiled happily. Then he cut off the connection and remained unmoving for few moments. It really surprised and even shocked him as Beka told him the organization managed to capture Rommie. He really hoped, just like Beka, that Trance was wrong. But so … it changed everything. He already had few ideas how to fulfill his mission. Then he stood up and left his hideout. It was time to act, not to rest.
TBC
