49 - First Showdown
This information caused Dylan to gasp for air in surprise and he turned in the direction where Rommie stood before the impact of the missiles. As he saw her, his eyes flew wide in shock and he jumped to her. She lay down on the floor completely motionless and her eyes were closed. It looked like she'd been hit harder at the explosion as the others and she was obviously unconscious. Dylan kneeled at her side and took her head in his hands while he desperately called her: "Rommie! Wake up! Rommie!"
"New missiles approaching. Impact in ten seconds." Andromeda's voice didn't reveal any emotions, but her eyes were, just like Dylan's, fixed on the motionless Rommie's body. But she knew all too well, that this was not the time to flip out and she concentrated herself on the battle. Dylan continued staring in Rommie's closed eyes like in trance and continued trying to gently wake her up. The new detonation however made him aware of the reality and he looked at Trance. "Trance, come here immediately! Take care of Rommie!" He waited for another second until Trance came to Rommie and stood up. "Andromeda, how many ships are out there attacking us?"
"I count 15 ships", answered Andromeda conscientious and looked at Dylan with worried expression in her eyes.
Dylan hesitated for a short second and commanded: "Tyr, take care that they cannot take us in crossfire. Beka, evasive maneuvers." They both only nodded in confirmation and tried to fulfill the commands the best they could. Now Dylan turned to Brigens, who was still standing there a bit confused, not really knowing what to do. "Mr. Brigens, you will assist Trance bringing Rommie to med deck. Trance, you do whatever you can and keep me informed!"
Brigens nodded and hurried to Trance, who was trying to lift Rommie up. He lifted her easily and a thought crossed his mind, how light she was. Then they all vanished through the hatch. Dylan didn't even try to hide how he was torn apart and he desperately looked after Rommie, Trance and Brigens. A part of him wanted to run after them and take Rommie away from Brigens to bring her to med deck by himself, but a second part knew, that he was needed in the command and that he was supposed to do everything possible to survive this battle. This was the only way for him to be later in a position to take care of Rommie and their child. Then he turned his eyes again to Andromeda and commanded: "Andromeda, try to establish a connection. We have to find out why these Genites want to kill us."
Andromeda nodded and looked upside. After few seconds she answered: "I'm sorry, Dylan, I can't establish any connection. They don't answer, they just keep on firing."
Dylan felt, how slowly rage began to surface inside him and he hissed through the teeth: "Damn, what do they want? What have we done to them?" Suddenly he remembered Tyr and Tamerlane. Finally, Tyr already has had a dispute with the Genites before. And then they all had to search for him for many days.
Andromeda jerked and trembled under heavy fire of missiles which hit her, but she could really be happy up till now, for there was no substantial damage done to her systems yet. But, should they continue firing at present rate, it wouldn't take long even for her to be heavily damaged. Suddenly she looked at Dylan in surprise: "Dylan, they have ceased firing. They're calling us."
"It was about time to do that!" Commented Dylan dryly and looked expectantly at the screen. In next moment, a face of a man appeared on it and he looked at Dylan sternly. "My name is Langley and I'm the commander of this fleet. Surrender and your lives will be spared!"
"Why should we surrender?" Answered Dylan defiantly and continued: "Why have you attacked us in first place? As far as I know, there's no dispute between us at the time."
"You have something onboard that must be destroyed", answered Langley dryly and looked at Dylan challenging.
"I really don't know what you're talking about", answered Dylan irritated. He really couldn't figure out what could the Genites possibly want from him and what was that they wanted to destroy. It briefly crossed his mind that they could be after Tamerlane, but Trance assured him that he was in safety. He threw Tyr a questioning look and Tyr just raised his eyebrows and looked equally surprised as he was. Beka too looked caught completely off-guard as actually everyone in the command. Dylan looked again in Langley's face and asked: "What is 'that' supposed to be?"
Langley studied Dylan's face for a while and answered then: "There is someone onboard who contradicts every law of the nature. Someone, who wasn't biologically conceived. As you best know we fight for genetic purity and such abomination, which has been made artificial must be destroyed."
It slowly came to Dylan's mind about whom Langley must have been talking and he felt the rage, but also fear raising in him rapidly. Langley's words could only be applied to one person: Rommie! But.... how could the Genites have found out what happened? Now he was really enraged and he looked at Langley with dark eyes. "I suppose that you're talking about someone, whom I love very much, right?"
Langley nodded and ironical smile played on his lips: "Correct, captain Hunt, I'm talking about someone who is very close to you. I'm talking about your wife! She has been made artificially and she must be removed. Hand her over to us and we will spare the lives of your crew. Although there are still genetically impure creatures on board the Andromeda." He threw a short look at Tyr who only snorted despicable in answer.
"You can't be seriously be expecting me to hand over my wife to you? Not in a dream!" Asked Dylan ironically and answered his question at the same time by himself. But he really couldn't comprehend, how Langley could even think he'd do it. "Should you have been expecting that, then you're not only blind as a Nightsider, you're also stupid as an Ogami. I have only one answer to your request: FORGET IT!"
Langley continued grinning and nodded. "Just as I expected. OK. Then we will have to kill you all and destroy the Andromeda!" His face disappeared from the screen.
"What does this bastard think who he is!" Spitted Beka outraged, not really believing her ears to have heard such a stupidity. "Rommie an unnatural and despicable life form? Well, he really must have the brain damage!"
"He obviously thinks he's a commander of a fleet which can destroy the Andromeda", answered Tyr stoically. "But he miscalculated his power. We will never give in to these idiots. NEVER!"
Dylan looked at Andromeda's hologram, which formed at his side and asked: "Andromeda, can you take it up with his fleet?"
Andromeda shook her head: "Under normal circumstances no. You know that their armors are excellent and my offensive weapons have many problems penetrating it. If not something unexpected happens, I can't defeat them."
Dylan looked at her thoughtfully. It was completely clear to him, that she was right, that they could only win if they could find a way to trick them out. While he was thinking, the Genites continued firing at Andromeda and Tyr did his best to intercept as many missiles as possible. Beka had a hard time throwing Andromeda to and fro, trying to avoid the incoming rockets. Dylan still looked at Andromeda thoughtfully and she returned his look with worried eyes. Then Dylan asked: "Andromeda, can you hack into the systems of their ships?"
"I can try," answered Andromeda and after a second she said: "Yes, I can. And what am I supposed to do?"
Dylan turned to Harper, who was standing behind a console still a bit dizzy and said: "Harper, connect with the Andromeda and hack into their systems. Then you find the self-destruct codes and activate them in all ships. That's our only chance to get out alive."
Harper grinned: "Yeah, Boss, I like it! They should destruct themselves. Well, with a big help from my genius of course." He inserted the transponder into his data port and connected with Andromeda. Therefore he couldn't see how Dylan slightly sighed in Beka's direction while shaking his head and rolling his eyes. Harper was really a genie, but sometimes he had to control himself hard not to make any poisonous remarks at his statements.
For few minutes all what could be heard and felt were the impacts of enemy missiles. Everyone kept silent and waited for Harper and Andromeda to fulfill their assignment and hoped from the bottoms of their hearts they would succeed. After few more moments Harper opened his eyes again and grinned wide: "Finished! In," he threw a theatrical look at the clock, "exactly 30 seconds they will say good-bye to this universe."
"Can they revoke the auto-destruct sequence?" Asked Dylan slightly worriedly.
"No, I've deleted all command codes. They can't do a darn thing to stop it!" Answered Harper a bit blown up. But no one could really blame him for that.
"Well, in that case, Andromeda... call this Langley again!" Commanded Dylan now grinning and Andromeda nodded with small smile in her face. She could establish connection without any problems. Obviously Langley still hoped that Dylan would change his mind and respond to his request and his face appeared on the screen. "Have you changed your mind, captain? Are you now ready to hand over the abomination?"
"Actually I haven't changed my mind, I just wanted to say you good-bye for ever," grinned Dylan self secure at the Genite.
Langley looked slightly confused and asked: "What have you said? Good bye? You don't really think that you can escape us now? The Andromeda cannot stand our fire forever. And should you try to escape into slipstream, check it out and you'll see that we have cut you off. We will destroy your ship and all life forms on it if you don't give up and hand over your wife. And this is your last chance to do it."
"I won't hand Rommie over under any circumstances. But you will be leaving us in few moments", answered Dylan with cheeky smile. "Check what's going on on your ship. I suggest you check the auto-destruction system."
"What?" Cried Langley in horror and asked a man on his side what was going on. He obviously got the confirmation of Dylan's words for his face suddenly became snow white and he began to shout senseless commands to his men. He didn't pay any more attention to Dylan and behind him they could see, how the crew ran out of the command in panic.
"How long?" Asked Dylan Andromeda and she shot her answer immediately: "5 seconds!"
"Well... in this case.... good night dear Genites!" Commented Dylan cynically and in the next moment they saw, how all Genite ships simultaneously exploded. After the flashes and shockwaves of the explosions calmed and vanished, they saw empty place there, where before the ships were. No ships were there, they have all vanished in the explosions.
Dylan slowly turned to the others and sighed relieved: "Thank you all. It was really close this time, but we managed it nevertheless. But I still keep on asking myself how could the Genites have found out that Rommie is now human?"
Beka looked at him with slightly absent eyes and answered in a low voice: "Dylan, you of all people should know that the information in this universe spread almost instantly. And so have probably also the Genites heard about what had happened. It definitely isn't a secret any more. And being what they are, it was actually only a question of time when they'd try to fulfill their ideas. We have been lucky this time. But I don't believe they'll give up so easily."
Dylan nodded concerned: "Yes, that's my assumption too. If you'll excuse me now... I have to see how Rommie's doing." It was clearly visible in his face that he was very worried how his beloved wife was. Although he told Trance to keep him informed, she didn't call him and that made him worry even more. "Andromeda, can you tell me, how's Rommie?""I'm sorry, Dylan, but Trance requested private mode on med deck and I have no information whatsoever", answered Andromeda worriedly.
"Well, then I'll really have to go there and see what's going on," sighed Dylan and started towards med deck. Nothing may go wrong now! Not now, as their baby finally showed them it was alive and only few hours ago he felt as the happiest man in the universe. No, nothing may be wrong with Rommie and the baby.
As he reached the med deck the hatch remained closed and he had to use his command code to override the lock and come in. Fearfully, but yet hopefully he entered the deck and looked around. And in this moment he felt like a heavy burden would have fallen from his shoulders. Rommie was sitting on the bed and talking to Trance, while Brigens silently leaned on the wall and looked at the two women with amused smile. As the hatch opened, all three turned to see who entered the deck and Rommie's face brightened instantly as she saw the face of her husband. Trance also smiled happily and made a step aside. Dylan hurried to Rommie and hugged her. It felt so good to feel her in his arms again, to feel her arms on his back.
"I was so worried Rommie! You were like dead and I couldn't think of anything else but that I may not loose you. Never do something like this again, understood?" He spoke softly while he allowed the happiness to carry him.
"But Dylan, I was just unconscious! As I fell, I hit the floor with my head and I can't remember anything but the darkness, until I woke up here. Have we beaten the Genites?" Smiled Rommie at him while hugging him close.
"Yes, we have. We have to thank Andromeda and Harper to have been able to defeat this powerful fleet without being seriously damaged." Dylan didn't want to let Rommie go out of his hug and didn't even notice, that Trance and Brigens in the meantime already left the med deck.
"But... why have they attacked us at all?" Wanted Rommie to know.
Dylan's dark face revealed that he had bad news to tell her and he didn't respond immediately. The words, which Langley said to him were still crossing his mind. As he saw Rommie's questioning eyes he sighed and began a bit insecure: "It's something awful Rommie. They attacked us because they wanted to kill you. They said you have been artificially brought to this world and you wouldn't have the right to live. Can you imagine... they wanted us to hand you over and then they would let us live!"
Rommie looked at him not really comprehending his words and as she finally fully understood them, she dropped her eyes. Yes, she was afraid! She was afraid, because all their enemies now would have to accept the fact that she wasn't an avatar any more, but a human woman, married to her captain. Her voice sounded very quietly and insecure as she spoke: "Why can't the rest of the universe understand that we love us? Why can't they let us live in peace and enjoy our happiness? Why?"
"I can't give you any answer to this question dearest. But we both know that there are many people in this universe who have something against artificial life forms. And we have to expect, that there will always be someone trying to separate us. But I will always be there to protect you. I won't allow anyone to take you away from me!" Dylan's voice sounded convinced, and he also felt that way. He'd die first before he'd allow anyone to take him his Rommie away, just because that one would object the way how Rommie came into existence. Then he looked at her lovingly and stroke her hair gently: "And how are you doing? Is everything OK with you and the baby?"
Rommie nodded: "I'm fine and also baby is OK. I just have a small bump where I hit the floor and am still a bit shaken. Especially the reason why the Genites attacked us is something I will have to cope with. But otherwise I feel good. I'd like to go to our quarters now. There's no need to stay on the med deck any more." She stood up and waggled a bit insecure on the feet. Her head still buzzed slightly and she also felt a bit dizzy. But Dylan's arm, holding her tight made her feel secure and she leaned against him.
Dylan noticed that Rommie wasn't exactly secure on the feet and held her tightly embraced. Together they left the med deck and went to their quarters. He instinctively felt that Rommie needed peace to recover completely and what could be better then to lay down a bit and rest for a while in her bed.
While walking Dylan asked: "And how did Brigens behave? Properly?"
Rommie smiled slightly. She felt that Dylan was still a bit jealous at Brigens and it flattered her that he was so worried because of her small mishap. "Yes, he behaved completely properly. I'm sure he's a good man. He looked truly worried as I saw him after waking out of unconsciousness. I believe, we will have a good crewmember in him."
"Then I really don't have to worry about him any more", smiled Dylan back. "I know perfectly well, that I can rely on your judgment of people and if you say he's OK then it's enough for me."
"But you'll still have to give him exact instructions what to do!" Continued Rommie still smiling. "As Trance told me, he was really confused as we were under attack. I think it's a bit strange, especially considering his experience. But on the other hand... I can also understand that he didn't know exactly where he could help. He couldn't have possibly known what to do in a team like ours and the position of captain is finally already taken." She winked at Dylan with grinning in the face.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of that later! I can understand that he was confused. I'd be too if I were in his place. After all, there was no free console to help us either. But, he did the most important thing for me. He brought you to med deck and took care that everything finished well," grinned Dylan back.
Rommie just nodded and continued enjoying Dylan's support. As a matter of fact, she was feeling quite good already and could walk without his help, but why would she want to do it? It was much more pleasant to let him help her.
Brigens wandered along the corridors, lost in his thoughts and thought how he almost failed as the first situation occured. He didn't even exactly notice that Andy caught up with him and looked at him questioningly. As he noticed her, he turned his eyes to look at her and smiled a bit: "I really didn't make a good impression back there, right?"
Andy shook her head and answered: "Non, I don't see it that way, Mr. Brigens. It was completely understandable that you were a bit confused. You couldn't possibly know what to do, especially because no one of us had the time to tell or show you what to do during the attack."
Brigens looked a bit relieved as he heard her answer and threw her a look from aside. She was really remarkable. If he wouldn't have known it, he'd be prepared to swear she was a human woman. Suddenly he felt a bit ashamed for having such prejudices against the AI's. But on the other hand... all AI's with whom he had contact before were completely different as this one here. They could immediately be recognized as AI's, but Andy... no, he would have never recognize her as an AI without being told so.
Andy noticed his look and grinned. She knew about his problems concerning the AI's and she already asked herself a few times, how it will be to work together with him. But she could feel, that there was not a trace of antipathy or underestimation towards her coming from his side. Curiosity, slight confusion, yes..... but aversion? No, no way! She turned to look into his eyes and said: "Mr. Brigens, you are probably thinking about how I am, right? I know that your attitude towards the AI's is different from the attitude the other crewmembers have, but I believe, you'll soon enough find out, that we are in fact also just persons. Just like humans." She deliberately chose this topic, for she really wanted to find out, what he thought about her.
Brigens felt like he'd been caught at some forbidden thought and blushed slightly. After few moments he stuttered: "Well.... Andy... it's so: I have never met an AI like you before and now I really see how wrong I was." He wanted to say something more, but Andy interrupted him: "I understand you completely Mr. Brigens." Brigens smiled and then raised a finger: "But there's still something we have to clear, Andy!"
Andy looked at him questioningly and raised one eyebrow. In such situations she behaved just like Rommie did as she was still an avatar. Well, finally, she was the projection of the same personality, just Rommie managed to develop herself far beyond any imagination since she became human: "And what do you have in mind, Mr. Brigens?"
He looked at her smiling: "You shouldn't call me Mr. Brigens. My name is Rufus and that is how I'd like you to call me." He stretched his hand against her and waited for her answer. Andy looked a bit surprised over this suggestion and hesitated a bit before she answered: "Well, if you insist..." She looked at him questioningly and as he nodded, she took his hand. "OK, then I "
Brigens smiled and shook her hand slightly. They continued walking for a few moments in silence and then he asked: "Could you please tell me, why had they built you? I know that Rommie has been the avatar of the ship and this question really intrigues me."
Without looking at him, Andy answered: "As Rommie decided she wanted to stay human, the others decided that they still needed an avatar. Therefore Harper built this body. Yes, I don't look like Andromeda, but it has been Rommie's wish. I'm actually thankful for this. Can you imagine what it would be alike to have four identically looking women around? I guess that no one besides us would really know whom he'd be talking to at the moment." She smiled and threw Brigens an investigating look.
He smiled: "Yes, I can imagine how confusing it would be. And Dylan wouldn't know who of you were his wife!"
Andy grinned at this remark: "Well, I don't think so. I think that Dylan loves Rommie too much as not to know who she is and recognize her immediately."
"Yes, I have noticed! They really hang on each other, don't they?" Nodded Brigens.
Andy noticed, that he was a bit insecure at this words and smiled: "Rufus, don't even dream about it! It could cause you unbelievable problems!"
Brigens grinned back: "I don't think about it, really! But sometimes it can be really hard on this ship."
Now it was again Andy's turn to look confused: "What do you mean? Why should it be hard?"
"Because there are so many beautiful women round here. You, Beka, Rommie, Trance... it's more than enough to make any man weak. And if this man had lived for a long time among the Perseids..." Brigens didn't finish his sentence and grinned at Andy mischievously.
Suddenly Andy felt a bit uncomfortable. It really flattered her that he thought she was beautiful, but on the other hand she felt that this was thin ice. She found Rufus attractive, but she couldn't really see him as a man. There was someone else on her mind and in her heart. "Thank you for the compliment. But... Have you forgotten that I'm an android?"
"Completely!" Admitted Rufus still grinning. "I guess I've already gotten over my prejudices against AI's. Who could possibly look at you as a machine?"
Grinning, Andy shook her head and answered: "We are a good team here. And the sooner you'll find your place in it, the better for you. But I still have to warn you. Personal relationships may not influence our work!" She wondered to herself, why she spoke so open to him, but somehow he made her feel comfortable and she felt that she could trust him.
Rufus only nodded, but couldn't answer any more, for they have just entered the command.
Rommie and Dylan were already in their quarters and still discussed the question, how the Genites could have known where they were and that Rommie was now human, as Andromeda's voice broke in: "Dylan, I detect slipstream events. A fleet is approaching us."
"Not again!" sighed Dylan now really angry. He wished for a peaceful pause, but as it seemed, he'd have to wait at least a bit longer for that. "Who is it now? Again the Genites?"
"No, according to the signature it's the Kalderans. And they are also not firing at us. But still... I think you should come to command," answered Andromeda.
"If it has to be... Rommie, you'll be staying here in our quarters and rest a bit. Hopefully there will not come to another battle. Finally, we are not in war with the Kalderans at the time." Answered Dylan and stood up. But Rommie stood up as well and protested: "No way I'm staying here! My place is beside you in the command. And I also feel fine and can be of help there. Do you really think I'd let you go alone when there's the possibility of you getting involved into another fight? If you do, then you're terribly wrong. Even if you give me a direct order, I'll ignore it and come along! Is that clear?" She spoke really upset and as Dylan saw her, he had to grin. There was again the old Rommie standing in front of him, the one, who never hesitated if it came to fighting. Actually he also didn't intend to give her an order to stay here. "OK, if you insist, then come along. But just be careful not to get another bump." He gently stroked her forehead where she had a nice bump on the left side, which already shone in striking blue. "Although... you look so attractive with this horn."
Rommie put her hand on her hips and answered with angry voice: "Mr. Hunt, if you think you just gave me a compliment, then I have to inform you, that it is not advisable to say to a woman she'd look attractive with a bump or horn as you preferred to name it!"
Dylan had to laugh aloud as he heard her. It was really good to see that she was so determined again and after his laughter calmed down, he answered: "My dear Mrs. Hunt. It wasn't meant as a compliment. But you really look good so slightly... damaged. I just worry you might tend to look symmetrical and would want to get another bump on the right side of your charming forehead."
Rommie grinned at him and took his hand: "We should better be going!"
Just as they reached the command, Andromeda's hologram announced: "The Kalderans are acting peacefully. Just a second... new slipstream portals are opening and new ships are entering the system." She looked at Dylan and continued: "This time it's the Ogami!"
"Not this pirates too! Didn't I have enough to do with them up till now?" Sighed Dylan. "What are they doing?"
"Together with the Kalderans they are forming an attack formation. I have a bad feeling about it." Answered Andromeda worriedly.
"Call th..." began Dylan but Andromeda interrupted him hastily: "They're firing! All of them!"
"Damn! Return fire! Evasive maneuvers! Is this nightmare never going to end?" Commanded Dylan aloud and ran to a console. "How many ships?"
"More than 50. They are trying to surround us. Dylan, I can't take it up with all of them!" Andromeda spoke calmly, but slight irritation could clearly be traced in her voice. She hated it, that she in one day already for the second time had to admit, she couldn't take it up with the enemies. As a warship she was immensely proud of her strength and she really didn't appreciate such situations where she felt almost helpless.
"This is getting more and more cheerful. Harper! Can we do the same as before?" yelled Dylan at Harper, who already hastily worked on his console.
"Negative." Answered Andromeda instead of Harper. "I can't hack into their systems. We'll have to defend ourselves using classical tactics." The first impacts already shook the ship and sparks were flying from some cables, still hanging loose from the fight with the Genites. But, luckily for the crew, this detonations were not as strong as before and no one fell to the floor. But just a quick look at the screens showed Dylan unmistakably, that they really had only bad cards in this game. "Andromeda! Status of offensive weapons!"
"Some systems are still off-line. I have only 50% of the weapons." Answered Andromeda cool and looked at Dylan expectantly. He would really have to find a solution for this situation, which threatened to become even more complicated if they wouldn't act quickly and effectively. While Beka tried to avoid the incoming missiles and Tyr wildly hammered on his console, trying to intercept the attacking rockets, Dylan made a decision: "Beka! Bring us out of here! Open the portal and run. This round goes to bad guys!"
Beka nodded and thanked to the divine that she was still able to open a portal. Should they've been waiting some seconds longer, it wouldn't be possible any more, for the Ogami and the Kalderans almost got the Andromeda in the crossfire. Impatiently she hammered with her fingers on the slipstream commands while waiting for the portal to open. Without loosing another split second, she immediately accelerated Andromeda with full thrust towards the portal and the magnificent ship dived in the slipstream.
TBC
