Sorry for so late update. It's been really rough time and I hade absolutely no time for fanfiction. So,... here's chapter 50. I guess it's perhaps longer than someone would expect. And I'm already working on the next one, which will be even longer.



50 – Mysteries and Revelations

Dylan looked thoughtfully at the screen, which displayed a perfectly peaceful picture. He could only see seven planets, forming the Adrianus system, no enemies, no ships. According to the information he got from Andromeda, the system didn't support any life forms, so there was no direct danger that someone could discover them. He was still brooding over the things that just happened. First the attack of the Genites, their successful yet for his taste too easily achieved victory and then the surprising attack of the combined Ogami and Kalderan fleet. For the hundredth time he asked himself why all their enemies decided to attack them at the same time and the fact, that Ogami and Kalderans cooperated in this attack didn't give him serenity. They have never been cooperating before and it seemed to him almost unbelievable that he really experienced the combined action of these two species. He was alone in the command. Andy and Harper were busy repairing the damages from the battle, Beka decided to try to catch a bit of sleep, Tyr was as almost always in the gym and Brigens disappeared somewhere together with Trance. He didn't exactly know where Rev was, but he supposed he retreated into his quarters to meditate or pray. Even Rommie was in their quarters. She would never admit it, but she still had slight problems after her fall and felt a little bit dizzy. This was the only reason that she thankfully accepted his proposal, she should get some rest. As he remembered how stubborn she reacted as he wanted to leave her in their quarters he had to smile. Suddenly he heard the hissing of the opening hatch and as he turned to see, who just entered the command, he saw Rev. He smiled at him: "Rev! What brings you here?"

Rev smiled back: "I thought you might appreciate someone to talk to. We have just survived some very dangerous hours and in such situations it is sometimes advisable to talk about it. And… also the fact, that we have been attacked by three different species almost simultaneously causes me to think about it. Somehow I find it very hard to believe that it was just a coincidence and wanted to hear your opinion."

"If I'm honest, I know nothing more than you. It's a mystery to me too." Answered Dylan thoughtfully. In the meantime, Rev came to his side and also looked at the screen: "It looks so peaceful out there. I just hope it's not a mirage. We could really use some peace to repair everything. Andy and Harper are working around the clock to bring Andromeda back to top condition. She had been more damaged than we thought at first."

Dylan nodded: "Correct. We should find a place where we could finish the repairs undisturbed. But I don't know this part of the universe exactly good. I've never been here before, and also Andromeda couldn't help me very much. Just the information which system we are in and that there is no life here and nothing else."

Rev kept silent for few moments and looked then at Dylan: "Maybe I could help if you are interested." He looked at the captain expectantly.

Dylan nodded and answered: "I would be thankful for every suggestion if you know where we could find some peace."

"There is a wayist monastery now very far from here. I know some of my brothers who live in it and I'm sure they would welcome us should we need a place to rest a bit. If you agree, I could give Andromeda necessary coordinates." Rev bowed slightly at these words and waited for Dylan's answer.

He didn't leave Rev waiting for too long and answered: "Of course I agree. And I'm very grateful to you for this suggestion. We could really use such place right now."

"OK, then I shall give Andromeda necessary data immediately and then I'll call my brothers and ask them to do us this favor," nodded Rev and went to a console nearby. He gave the necessary information to Andromeda and turned then back to Dylan: "So, now Andromeda has all necessary coordinates. We don't have to go into slipstream, for the monastery lies in the nearby system. Andromeda can fly us there alone, so we don't have to require help from the others."

Dylan nodded approvingly and asked: "Andromeda, do you have all necessary information?"

"Yes Dylan," answered the AI, which appeared on the screen and looked at him. "Should I start immediately?"

"Yes. The sooner we arrive there the better", answered Dylan and Andromeda confirmed the acceptance of his order with slight nod. The ship turned to the side and accelerated. "How long do we need to get there?" Asked Dylan and she answered instantly: "One hour and 27 minutes."

"Fine, then I'll also retreat now into my quarters. You know where you can find me if it should be necessary", answered Dylan and turned to Rev: "Thanks again Rev. I knew I could count on you."

"It was my pleasure to be of an assistance. I will call my brothers from my quarters and prepare them for our arrival", nodded Rev and turned around to leave the command. Dylan remained there for few more moments, checked again that everything was OK and left the command in direction of his and Rommie's quarters.


The man, standing in front of Dylan, bowed slightly: „It's really an honor for me to be able to welcome you here, captain Hunt. Brother Rev has told us a lot about you. My name is brother Ambrosius and I'm the prior of this monastery. I hope you and your crew will find your peace here."

Dylan looked at Ambrosius investigating and was satisfied with what he saw. The man gave him the impression of security and in his thoughts he thanked Rev again for bringing them to this place. He felt, that also Rommie, who stood by his side, leaning tight on his body, felt completely relaxed and calmed. Also all the other crewmembers looked satisfied, to have finally found a peaceful place to relax and spend some time to heal the invisible wounds, made by the past experiences. Everyone but Tyr, who looked around a bit distrustful. But, he couldn't do it any other way. Who could have said he'd ever seen Tyr relaxed and peaceful? But, it was more than obvious, that he agreed with this choice of a place to stay.

Ambrosius smiled at Dylan and turned his eyes to Rommie: „As I can see your wife is in blessed condition. I wish only the best for you both and your baby. In our monastery you can really take time to relax and spend some peaceful moments together. As I've heard you had quite a few not so happy events to survive in the past and I really hope you'll find your peace here."

„I'm sure that we shall," nodded Dylan. Then he turned to the others: „We'll be staying here for few days so that we will be able to repair everything necessary on Andromeda and that we try to find out what's going on out there. This attacks were hardly just coincidence and we should try to find out anything we can and prepare ourselves to what might come upon us in the future."

„Maybe we could be of an assistance," said Ambrosius and as he noticed Dylan's surprised look he just smiled slightly and continued: „ We also have to know what's going on around us. That's the only chance for us to live in peace. If no one objects, I'd suggest that everyone now goes to their quarters and then we can meet to discuss the possibilities to help you."

Dylan had no objections and they were all led to their premises. As Dylan and Rommie entered their room Dylan felt, how Rommie squeezed his hand tightly in some sort of surprise. As he looked at her, she just showed him a picture on the wall, showing a figure, raising above the battlefield like an angel of revenge. But it wasn't the picture itself that made Rommie looked at it in astonishment. It was the figure. Dylan too looked unbelievingly at the picture and noticed immediately what so surprised Rommie. The figure was unmistakably Trance. They both remained for a while standing and turned then to Ambrosius, who personally showed them to their quarters. „Where do you have this picture from?" Asked Rommie with insecure voice, while her eyes still looked at the picture confused.

„It's a picture from an old book, which we have here, a book, describing the history of the universe and this picture shows the one who beat the Abyss for the first time," answered Ambrosius. „Why are you asking?"

„Haven't you noticed, that the person on the picture looks identically to our Trance Gemini?" Asked Dylan unbelievingly. He couldn't understand that Ambrosius couldn't have noticed the similarity of this figure and Trance.

Now Ambrosius looked at the picture more carefully and he suddenly opened his eyes wide: „Correct! I haven't realized it as I met you and your crew for the first time. Yes, Miss Gemini did remind me of someone, but I couldn't remember of whom, where I have already seen this face. This is really interesting. Perhaps I should discuss it with her at occasion. Perhaps she could clear some points to us. This similarity is really breathtaking. But... as far as I know you have destroyed the Abyss. And it didn't happen all too long ago. Really remarkable!" Murmured Ambrosius, lost in his thoughts.

„I really doubt that you'll get any clear answers from her," grinned Dylan now completely self-controlled. „We have always known that she has many secrets, but, as it looks, there are even more of them than I anticipated." Rommie just nodded. She too seemed completely controlled now, although her eyes from time to time subconsciously shot to the picture on the wall. Her friend has obviously gone through many things, things, which were completely unknown to the others. She simply couldn't believe that this similarity between Trance and the figure on the picture could be just a coincidence.

„Well, it isn't that important after all. Abyss has been defeated. But still… this picture makes me worry. If Abyss has already been defeated once in the past, how could it resurrect? Does that mean it can do it again this time? This would be bad, very, very bad." Resumed Dylan. Suddenly his face seemed worried. Up till now he was definitely sure that the Abyss would disappear out of their lives for good, but now, as he saw this picture and the explanation to it, he felt how the doubt began to rise in him again.

Ambrosius nodded and answered: „We shall discuss this matter later on. First I'll leave you two alone. However, it would be a big pleasure for me if we could meet as soon as possible, to talk about some other problems…. you know which ones I mean."

„We will just unpack our things and then we'll be up to you in half an hour," confirmed Dylan and nodded to Ambrosius who already turned to go to the door. As he disappeared, Dylan turned to Rommie once again: „Don't you also think it's very confusing, to find this picture exactly here? I really don't know what to think about it. I should perhaps discuss it with Trance. She should be able to tell us if we have defeated the Abyss this time once and for all or not. If we failed, it was all in vain and the nightmare will start all over again. And that's the last thing I could wish for us."

Rommie remained silent for some moments and answered thoughtfully: „Yes, you should talk to her. I have a bad feeling. But I think that she would have told us before if she'd have any doubts about our victory over Abyss."

„You're right. Now we should concentrate ourselves to what is awaiting us out there. Perhaps Ambrosius really can help us. At least he made the impression as if he'd know something more about this whole thing." Nodded Dylan. He looked at his wife for few moments somehow undecided and continued: „But there's still one thing that doesn't let me go. As we met the Genites for the last time, we had big problems with them and now it seemed so damn easy. Too easy for my taste. I really doubt if we have really been so successful as we think, or was it just a trap of the Genites to make us think they were vulnerable and we'd not pay so much attention as usual. Perhaps it was all just a part of the plan to lure us into a trap, we don't see yet."

Rommie looked at him thoughtfully and nodded slightly: „I think the same as you and I also have my doubts. Back there I, as Andromeda, really had my problems with them. And now… as I've been told, it was as easy as a stroll in the park. We should better expect that it was just a trap and prepare ourselves for a hard battle with them. I simply can't believe, that they could be so easily beaten as it looked."


Half an hour later Dylan and Rommie were sitting in Ambrosius' office. Dylan looked at the monk, who sat behind his desk with questioning look in his eyes: "You said, that you might have some information, which could clarify these attacks?"

Ambrosius nodded and looked at his hands thoughtfully before answering: "Yes, captain Hunt, I really do have some information, which might make things clearer for you. You see, we have found out, that a mighty alliance has been formed. An alliance, with only one goal: destroy you and the Andromeda. Don't ask me where this information comes from. I may not tell you, but you can believe me, that it's absolutely correct." He made a short pause and looked at Dylan and Rommie to see their reactions and was perhaps slightly disappointed, as their faces didn't show any obvious reactions. They have both been too many times in such situation and a new threat couldn't easily astonish them. So he continued: "As far as we know, have the Ogami, the Kalderans and the Genites found a joint interest in destroying you and Andromeda. Additionally the Genites are desperately wanting to get your wife. I don't know the reason why, and I really don't want to know it at all. And there's more: there's a fourth power, which supports this alliance, but up till now we couldn't find out, who or what this fourth power is. It remains in the shadow and never showed openly. And that is what worries us the most."

Dylan thoughtfully looked into Ambrosius' eyes. He was thinking about what they could do now, how they could avoid this danger, or fight it. He didn't gain any false hopes he could defeat this power with Andromeda alone. And his allies were also incapable of helping him. After few moments, in which no one tried to speak he said: "This is really bad news. Do you perhaps also have information when and where they will try to do it?"

"No, unfortunately not. We also don't know how far they are in their preparations. But, if I consider the attacks, which you just survived, there is a strong possibility that they are already prepared. You should work out a plan very quickly." Ambrosius sounded very worried as he spoke.

"How does it look with Charlemagne?" It was Rommie who asked this question. She tried to think so analytically as possible and she managed it very well to suppress her fear due to this new threat.

"You cannot expect any help from him," shook Ambrosius his head. "Sabra-Jaguar has just been attacked by Drago-Kazov and they are at war. Charlemagne will need all his ships for himself if he wants to win this fight, for he is obviously alone in this war against the Dragans."

"What about other nietzschean prides? It's just a while since they attacked the Drago-Kazov jointly?" Asked Dylan and didn't show any visible reaction to this news.

"As far as we're informed, no other pride has joined him in this war. They all stand aside and wait for the result." Ambrosius looked expectantly in Dylan's eyes.

"However, I'm really curious, why Charlemagne hasn't requested our help already," shook Rommie her head in disbelief.

"They are perhaps simply too ignorant, or they haven't succeeded to send us such request by now. As far as I know Charlemagne Bolivar, we won't have to wait very long before he will call us to help him, or even better – he'll demand our help and he'll even be entitled to it. That would be exactly as we laid out in our plan", answered Dylan slightly grinning. Although the situation wasn't exactly relaxed, he couldn't help but feel some kind of satisfaction. Rommie, Andromeda and himself have obviously made a very good plan, a plan, which functioned in the reality exactly as they supposed it to work.

"What plan?" Asked Ambrosius confused and looked from Dylan to Rommie.

"It's not important at the moment, for we have far bigger problems to solve." Answered Dylan short. He really felt no lust to explain his plan to Ambrosius right now. "It's more important, that we really have no strong and reliable ally right now."

All three sank in their thoughts and after few moments Rommie asked: "Should we perhaps ask Trance, if she could call her people to help us?"

Dylan nodded: "This is a good idea. We should call her immediately:" He looked at Ambrosius and he nodded: "I'll bring her personally." He stood up and went out of the office. As Dylan and Rommie were left alone in the room, Dylan turned to Rommie: "Dearest, this time you'll not come with me! And I will not accept any objections! When we'll head for this fight, you'll stay with Ambrosius and wait for us. I can't expose you or our baby to any danger." His voice was serious and Rommie could clearly understand that he really meant it. She wanted to object, but, as she saw Dylan's face, she changed her mind and nodded: "If you insist…"

"Yes, Rommie, this time I insist and there's no way you can make me change my mind. This time I won't allow you to come along. If you weren't pregnant, then I'd insist on you coming with me. But so… out of question!" His firm voice underlined his words additionally. Rommie kept silent and they waited for Ambrosius to come back with Trance. But somehow Rommie felt, how some inexplicable fear crept into her heart, fear that this wouldn't end well. She grabbed Dylan's hand and squeezed it tight. As Dylan looked into her eyes, slightly surprised over her reaction, he saw her fear in them and he bowed to her and gave her a kiss on her cheek. No words were necessary, he simply knew that she needed a helping hand right now.

After few minutes, Ambrosius returned with Trance and they sat down. "I already told Miss Gemini why we wanted to talk to her, so we don't have to explain it to her and get right to the point." Ambrosius looked at Dylan expectantly.

Captain turned to Trance and asked: "So, Trance, what do you think? Can you help us with this thing? Could you call your people and ask them if they'd be prepared to help us?"

Trance looked somehow sad and shook her head: "I'm sorry Dylan, but this time there's nothing I can do. We must fight this battle and possibly win it alone. My people won't help us now."

Dylan sighed and nodded: "I understand… well, in that case we really don't have any serious possibilities left. There are just the Perseids and the Castalians. And some insignificant friends, who can't even take care of themselves."

"Wrong!" It was Rommie's excited voice, which caused all three to look at her surprised. She smiled, kept silent for a second and continued: "Do you still remember, as consensus of parts wanted to incorporate me… well, Andromeda? Then we helped to build a new consensus. Perhaps we can persuade this new consensus to help us?" She looked expectantly at Dylan.

He kept silent for few seconds, looking somehow confused, but then he slowly began to smile. "Rommie, how could I have forgotten! Yes, consensus would be invaluable and powerful ally. You're really my best treasure!"

Rommie smiled satisfied and also Ambrosius and Trance looked like they were in much better mood than just few seconds ago. Trance nodded: "This would really be a good chance. But, how are we going to find the consensus?"

"As far as I know, Andromeda still has the coordinates of the route to where we met consensus for the first and for the last time. And we could start from there." Rommie spoke very quickly.

"Didn't we already make something clear, darling?" looked Dylan at her with urge in his eyes. "You are going to stay here and we, the others, will go and look after the consensus."

Rommie wanted to answer, as Trance looked at Dylan with big eyes: "Dylan? You don't mean it seriously to leave Rommie here, do you? It would be a huge mistake!"

"But she will stay here, no matter what you say. Even you can't change my mind this time," remained Dylan hard and threw Trance slightly irritated look. He knew, that Trance was normally right with her assumptions, but this time he definitely didn't want to give in.

Trance shook her head: "I tell you Dylan, it would be a mistake. Extraordinary huge mistake. I can't tell you how I know it, I simply feel it. Rommie will be in danger if you leave her here. You should never let her out of your sight!"

Ambrosius looked surprised from Trance to Dylan and tried to guess what Trance really was. She spoke so self assure, that he even believed her, although he was also a bit offended, that Trance thought his monastery was endangered. "I can assure you, Miss Gemini that nothing will harm Mrs. Hunt in my monastery!" He wanted to add something, but was cut off by Trance: "I didn't speak of you, brother Ambrosius. You are in danger too, should Rommie stay here."

„Enough now!" ended Dylan the discussion. His voice made everyone present clear, that he was angry and he spoke louder as normal. "Rommie is staying here and that's the end of the story!"

Trance looked very unsatisfied , but didn't want to contradict Dylan here and now.


"Where did you find this creature?" DelMonte's eyes narrowed as he looked at a young man with yellow skin. Just few moments ago, his adjutant entered his room and brought this man along. He strongly resembled Xzander, the one who was responsible, that DelMonte was now together with his fleet in such situation. Actually, he was almost sure, that the man had to be from the same species. He pressed his lips together tightly, but still managed to control himself. If the man had found the way to come here, he surely also knew how to get out of here. And that was everything, DelMonte wanted at this moment. He looked at him: "What's your name?"

"Samber", was quiet answer. He looked quite afraid and helpless. His big, almost black eyes looked insecure in dark threatening DelMonte's eyes.

"Well, Samber, now you'll explain us what are you doing here and especially, how you found us!" DelMonte's voice didn't reveal his inner tension. He most definitely didn't want to show Samber, that they were stuck here, that they didn't know how to return to known universe. His arrogance wouldn't be able to survive such confession and so he limited himself to questions, which, correctly answered would inform him, where they were and how they could return home.

Samber looked at DelMonte and answered quietly: "I was on my way home as your men intercepted me. I really don't know what you expect from me, or what you are intending to do with me. But I can assure you, that I am definitely no threat to you or your men." He hoped to persuade DelMonte with these words that he was really just an innocent victim of circumstances. But in his thoughts he cursed Xzander, who sent him on this mission, to find out what happened to the Nietzscheans. It wasn't exactly planned to let himself get caught. And that caused his anger to grow, for he had really no one to blame but himself. He wasn't careful enough and let the Nietzscheans caught him. And now he had to find out a way how to get out of this mess alive.

DelMonte laughed dryly and ironically, a very dangerous laugh. Now his behavior was again corresponding to his image, the weakness, which he allowed himself to show a few days ago disappeared. His thoughts were again concentrated and sharp just like they've always been. "Don't play this innocent part on us, Samber! I know your species and you're just like us, the Nietzscheans. You too play with others and use them as tools to achieve your goals, to fulfill your plans. I know some nice, but not exactly pleasant methods to squeeze the truth out of someone. And it's your call if you'll allow me to try them on you. Or, you can say us the truth voluntarily. You may be very powerful, but you're not immortal. Not, if you have to deal with someone like me. So, how will you decide?" He looked at Samber provocatively and waited for his answer.

Samber thought about all possibilities, which stood open for him in this situation. He knew, that he was practically immortal, but didn't doubt, DelMonte would find a way to definitely kill him. Xzander also told him, that the Nietzscheans would sooner or later find their way back home. It was just a question, would they achieve it a few weeks sooner and he'd possibly survive it, or to keep them a little bit longer in this part of the universe and most likely pay with his life. Slowly it became clear to him, that Xzander probably deliberately sent him here, to bring DelMonte back. Maybe Xzander even counted on the fact, that Andromeda was now more powerful than she'll be in the future, more prepared to fight DelMonte. He knew, that dangerous battles awaited Andromeda and she would in the future definitely loose some of her power and also her chances to defeat DelMonte would be lower as now. Could it be possible, that Xzander even calculated that he'd be caught? He quickly decided that it would be better to stay alive, even if it would mean that the Nietzscheans would return into known universe a bit sooner than expected. Somehow he also thought, that this was the way, Xzander expected him to act. But he couldn't give up too fast, and most of all, he could under no circumstances allow DelMonte to find out, he had been sent here. But he decided to play an innocent victim a bit longer. "I really hope you don't mean this seriously. Why would you want to torture or even kill me? I did nothing to you." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke. He even admired himself to play this role so good.

DelMonte began to pace in front of Samber like a big predator cat, his arms crossed behind his back and he kept silent for some moments. Then he stopped in front of Samber and looked at him with cold eyes: "Why? Because I feel like doing it! I really don't need any special reason to do it, it's enough that I want to do it. If you're innocent or not doesn't change anything. It's enough that you're here and that my mood is such as it is. And now I'm loosing my patience with you!" He grabbed Samber's throat and squeezed it. Samber's eyes shot wide and he coughed as he slowly lost air to breathe. DelMonte's hand squeezed his throat even harder and he felt, that the Nietzschean could break his neck without problems, should he felt like doing it. He decided to give up a little and he nodded. He couldn't even talk, so tight was DelMonte's grip on his throat.

As DelMonte saw that Samber nodded, he grinned malicious and loosened his grip a bit, so that the man could talk. He looked expectantly and slightly rose one eyebrow.

After Samber could catch some air again, he said quietly: "I understood you perfectly. And I most definitely aren't in the mood to die. So, tell me what you want to know and I'll answer you the best I can."

DelMonte couldn't really believe his ears as he heard Samber's words. How dare this man trying to play with him? His eyes narrowed dangerously and for a short time he again squeezed his throat very tightly, while he hissed through the teeth: "You obviously don't understand me! I already asked the question and I will most definitely never repeat it again. You've got exactly one minute to answer before I break your neck."

Samber could see without slightest doubt that DelMonte really wasn't in a mood to play such games and as DelMonte's hand released its grip slightly, he answered: "OK, I understand. I'm really just coincidently here, I wanted to visit my family. They live in one of the nearby galaxies. And the shortest way there is through this galaxy, but it isn't exactly safe. My father used to say that …" Suddenly Samber didn't have any more air to finish his sentence as DelMonte again squeezed his throat. "I'm not interested in what your father told you!" growled the Nietzschean only. Samber nodded quickly as far as DelMonte's hand allowed him and got again some air to breathe and talk. "I believe, that you aren't here out of your free will, maybe got lost, or something like that, because there has never been a Nietzschean ship here before, nor any other species, at least not that I'd know, although my mother once…" DelMonte's eyes narrowed into two small slits and Samber understood all too well, he'd have to come to the point as fast as possible, if he wanted to keep his neck unbroken for a while, so he continued hectically, almost in panic. "Well… if you allow… that is, if you'll let me live… well, I mean… I can bring you back home."

DelMonte looked at Samber. He didn't like that the man realized they were more or less helpless. But this time he could force himself not to react as a Nietzschean immediately. Return into known universe was more important than this here. And after all… he will still have another opportunity to kill Samber later. He should show him the way home first and after that he'd make him pay for all the time, which he had to spent here, lost. He nodded: "Well, I definitely don't believe you that it's just a coincidence that you're here now, but I think you're not lying when you say that you can show us the way home. I accept your proposal. But don't try any tricks. I will keep an eye on you and if you only move wrong, I'll kill you. Understood?" He shook Samber threatening.

Samber just nodded. He knew, that DelMonte wouldn't let him go, but he was sure, he'd find a way to escape. But as for now, he was forced to follow his orders. He even thought for a second, to lead DelMonte somewhere else, where he'd be lost again, but quickly forgot this idea. He wouldn't have exactly good chances to escape alive. So he answered short: "I agree. But I have to return to my ship."

"Are you joking?" Asked DelMonte unbelievingly. "Why do you think I'd let you go? Do you really think we're so dumb?" His hand almost subconsciously tightened its grip around Samber's neck.

"No, but I have to be on my ship to find correct route. And I cannot transfer the navigational data to your ship, while they'd be erased by this procedure and we'd all sit here till the end of time. You can send some men with me if you're afraid I might run away."

DelMonte thought for a moment. He didn't exactly believe Samber that the data would be erased, should they try to copy them into his ship's computer, but on the other hand… he'd also do anything to prevent his data to fall into enemy's hands. Why not incorporate such coding and self destruction mechanism? And he could send some of his best men as Samber's escort. Some 20 well trained and strong Nietzscheans couldn't be beaten in an open fight even from much stronger man that Samber was Although he know, that this species had some unbelievable powers, he decided to believe him and nodded: "You should hurry up!" Than he turned to his adjutant and commanded: "20 of our best men will accompany the man and if he tries to do anything… kill immediately!"

"I don't think that his ship is big enough for 20 men", protested the adjutant. "It's a small ship and there's no place for more than 10 people."

"Well, then send 10 men! But they must take good care of him!" DelMonte wasn't happy with this, but the physics laws were unbreakable, even for a Nietzschean. If there wasn't enough place on the ship, he'd have to chose even more carefully. He threw Samber one last wicked look and finally let loose of his throat.

Samber laid his hand on the throat and massaged it slightly. It was definitely a relieve not to feel DelMonte's hand on his neck any more. "We should go. It will be a long and difficult journey home."


Drake listened satisfied to a report from Langley. He, the first knight of the Knights of genetic purity, managed to fool the great Dylan Hunt. OK, he lost some ships in achieving this victory, but they were just dummies, remotely controlled toys. And even the mighty Andromeda couldn't realize she fought the mirage, she didn't know she destroyed only empty hulls. And Hunt will most definitely think, that the Genites are very weak and he might be a little less cautious in the battle. For a second, he thought about the possibility, Dylan could have found out that it was only a trap, but threw this thought aside. The communication between the centre and the ships was encoded and also blocked, so that there was almost no chance of tracing of the signal. Even for Andromeda. Then he thought about the possibility, that Dylan would find his victory too easy. Drake knew that Dylan was very experienced and also very intelligent and the easiness of this victory could raise some doubts in him. But he just shook the head and grinned. Dylan wouldn't find out! He turned to Langley, who already finished his report and waited for his reaction. "So you think that Hunt swallowed our bait? He didn't notice, that the ships were empty?"

"I'm almost certain, knight Drake. We have done everything exactly as planned and execution was perfect", answered Langley self assure with wide grin in his face. "He won't notice anything before it's too late. When we meet again, he'll most definitely try to do the same again and at that occasion, we will hack the Andromeda and take her over."

"Good! Then we'll get rid of the crew and give Andromeda a new AI. She'll definitely be the most beautiful jewel of our fleet. And we'll exterminate all those genetically altered people at the same time. Just this engineer, Harper, he should stay alive. He's genetically pure and an excellent engineer, so he'd be very useful to us", answered Drake contently.

"I'm not sure if he'll join us voluntarily", answered Langley slightly thoughtful. "He executed Hunt's order without hesitation and he will probably be difficult to persuade."

"My dear Langley, for such cases there is our new method of brain washing. He'll be purified and after the process is over, he'll become a valuable member of our organization. Believe me, he'll help us very enthusiastic, just as we expect him to", answered Drake. "And concerning this… Rommie… I'm not quite sure what to do with her. I originally planned to kill her just like the others, but now I've got another idea. She could prove to be useful though. Not she directly, but her child. You know that our informants have found out, that this child should be extremely important and if we have it in our hands… well, it could prove useful for our plans. Perhaps we should leave her alive too."

"Do you really think she would let herself be caught alive?" Langley had his reservations concerning this idea so he looked at Drake a bit confused. "As I've heard is she no easy catch and also completely devoted to Hunt."

"As long as you stick strictly to our plan, she'll have no opportunity do defend herself. You know very well, that Andromeda uses gas to fight the intruders and disable them. And that's exactly what we are going to do after we hack into her systems. No one will have any chance to fight us." Drake's explanation was short and accompanied by malicious grinning.

Langley nodded. The plan was really good, of course under assumption, that Hunt won't find out what they will really be after. And he was sure Dylan wouldn't find it out, that he won't be able to discover the truth.

Drake stood up and made few steps towards Langley: "OK, than everything should be clear. I really hope, that Andromeda is now where we wanted her to be?"

"Sure, they are at the wayist monastery, exactly as we wanted. Our allies have forced her into slipstream as we planned. They had no other choice as to go to this galaxy and with the wayist monk aboard, it was only understandable, they would seek for haven there. We should now wait until they leave the monastery and our trap will then snap." Langley looked satisfied. Everything was going according to the plan. But then he asked: "Should I inform the Kalderans and the Ogami they should prepare themselves?"

Drake nodded: "Yes, inform them immediately. They should be prepared and wait for further orders. And don't forget to inform our secret ally too. He'll have to take care of the monastery."

"Don't you think that we broke our basic rules in allying us with him? I mean, we are fighting for genetic purity after all." Answered Langley a bit insecure.

"Perhaps. But our goal is more important and we shouldn't leave any possibility open, which could bring us victory. After we get Andromeda, we'll take care of him too."

This answer obviously satisfied Langley and he left Drake's office to fulfill the orders.


"You wanted to talk to me?" Asked Dylan Andy, who was standing in front of him. Few minutes ago she informed him that she and Andromeda found something out, what was connected with the battle they've just had with the Genites and it would be very important. She was now standing in front of him and Rommie and nodded: "Yes, Dylan, it's really important."

"Then come in, please", invited her Dylan to enter the room. She stepped in and as Dylan closed the door, they sat down and Rommie and Dylan waited for her to begin. She looked at them and began her explanation: "Dylan, while we were fighting the Genites, I… well, Andromeda… found out something, some kind of a signal, which was coming from unknown source and was directed to the flagship of the Genites. And from this ship, similar signals were sent to the other ships of the fleet. These signals were very good camouflaged and also encoded, so Andromeda hardly even noticed them. We needed up till now to decode them and still there is a mass of data, which we couldn't decode. But there are some information, which we could make understandable."

Dylan looked at her expectantly. He had no idea what kind of a signal this could have been that Andy was talking about, so he simply waited for further explanations. Andy sighed heavily, a gesture, she really needn't to do, but it looked surprisingly human. "Dylan, we have reason to believe, that the ships were remotely controlled. The signal contained all data, necessary for piloting the ship."

"What?" Dylan's surprise vas not acted and he leaned forward. This was really confusing information, which surprised or perhaps even shocked him. "Are you trying to say, that those ships were empty?"

"I didn't say that. I cannot confirm nor deny that there were no humans aboard the ships. However, as it looks out, there is a possibility, that they were really empty and that your discussions with Langley were either relayed further or you have been talking to an AI. The real time communication wouldn't allow relaying of the talk, so I assume, it has been prerecorded information, an AI, programmed to respond to your key words, so its reactions wouldn't be recognized as an AI." Andy looked at Dylan worriedly.

Now also Rommie interfered: "This would explain, why we could destroy the ships so easily."

Andy nodded: "Yes, it would explain, why it was so easy to hack into their systems."

Dylan stood up and went to the window. He looked out of the window thoughtfully, let the discussion with Langley again through his mind, tried to find some anomalies but couldn't find any. But he neither couldn't find any facts, which would deny Andy's assumptions. After few moments he turned to Rommie and Andy, who were still sitting and waiting for him. "It could also mean, that it was just a trap, a trap in which we should walk in. But why? What were the intentions of the Genites?"

"Perhaps they wanted to trick us into believing, they were vulnerable", proposed Rommie thoughtfully. She was thinking just as analytical as in the old times and tried to check all the possibilities. "Perhaps we should believe they were easy to defeat and later they'd attack us there, where we wouldn't expect."

"OK, but where? What would be their advantage if we would fall for this trick? They will most definitely attack with such a fleet that we'll have no chance to stand our ground. Why would they sacrifice so many ships?" Dylan looked at Rommie confused.

"Dylan, the communication, which Andromeda and Harper established is a two way communication. Perhaps they wanted us to try the same the next time we meet and at this occasion they could hack themselves into Andromeda's systems and gain control over the ship. It's really difficult and risky, but possible," explained Rommie.

"OK, I can understand that. But I still have a question, why would they want to do something like that? They can easily defeat us on the conventional way." Answered Dylan still confused.

"Maybe they don't want to destroy Andromeda at all. Perhaps they just want to disable the crew and take over the ship. They wouldn't be the first to try it", proposed Rommie as possible alternative.

Now Dylan began to understand the complexity of the matter and he sighed heavily: "Yes, this would explain why they made such an effort. They could disable Andromeda, get rid of the crew and take over the ship. Well, I will definitely have something against their intentions." He grinned slightly. Then he turned to Andy, who was sitting there quietly: "It is possible, correct?"

Andy nodded: "As Rommie already said: it is possible. And we would have no chance to defend ourselves against them."

"Now we do have a chance! Because we know what they'll be up to, we'll have a chance to fight them. And that's exactly what we are going to do! We'll fight back!" Dylan's voice was determined and he sat again besides Rommie. "I simply cannot believe that you could find out their plans so easily Rommie. You're far better than me!"

Rommie smiled a bit embarrassed and answered: "It's simply the advantage, because I've been an AI in the past. I still have the same analytical reasoning and I always try to find the most possible solution. But nevertheless… thank you!"

Andy stood up and asked: "And what am I supposed to do now?"

Dylan thought for a second and answered: "Nothing, Andy. We'll make a plan to trick the Genites. But right now, you should enjoy these days we have left. We will be challenged all too soon again."

Andy was obviously a bit unsatisfied with this answer. She wasn't used to have nothing to do and wanted to object, but as she saw that Dylan obviously meant it seriously, she nodded: "As you say, Dylan." Then she turned around and left the room.

As they were left alone, Dylan laid his arm on Rommie's shoulders and gently hugged her: "We should now enjoy a little peace before the storm. We don't have to make the plan immediately. Andromeda is still not repaired yet and as long as it's so, we cannot do anything. And then… then we'll follow your proposal and look for the Consensus."

Rommie sighed and leaned on Dylan: "I'm afraid Dylan! You don't allow me to come along. What if something happens? What, if I might loose you?"

Dylan smiled at her: "Haven't I told you once that you will never loose me? And as you know, I fulfill my promises!"

Rommie looked at him with big eyes and smiled: "Yes, you have! And I'll always remind you of these words, should you want to go to a dangerous assignment."

TBC