51 – Second Showdown

Trance sat in front of Dylan and looked at him questioningly. He asked her to come to him to discuss something. She had no idea what he wanted from her, so she limited herself to waiting. Dylan wasn't so calm as she and paced in front of her. Finally he stopped and looked at her: "Trance, there's something we should talk about. Can you tell me something more about that?" His hand showed at the picture, which he and Rommie saw the first time they entered this room, the picture of a figure, looking so astonishingly similar to Trance.

Trance's eyes turned to the picture and she looked at it thoughtfully. Dylan couldn't see any emotions on her face, just thoughtful look. It seemed that she studied the picture thoroughly. After few moments she turned to Dylan again and said: "I'm sorry Dylan, but I really have no idea what I should say about it. I have never seen this picture before."

Dylan laughed unsatisfied and answered: "I didn't ask you if you've ever seen this picture before, Trance. I wanted to know if it's you, who is on it."

Trance remained silent for few moments and tried to find some acceptable answer to his request. She really couldn't say Dylan directly that it was really her on the picture. Many, many years ago she already fought with the Abyss and also defeated it. But, as it later turned out her victory wasn't complete. Abyss could resurrect and attacked the known universe with renewed power. And in her memories the day, which was depicted on the picture came to life again. She did so many bad things on that day, so many innocent people died that day. But it all happened to defeat the abyss once and for all. She still felt the pain as she remembered it, but she convinced herself that it was a case, in which all the victims were necessary to reach a higher goal. On the other hand, people who died that day didn't mean so much to her as the crew of the Andromeda. She had to admit to herself, that these people, with whom she now lived for few years, meant her much more than she ever expected them to. She sighed heavily and shook her head slightly. "Dylan, I cannot answer you to this question. There is no answer to that."

"Sure there is an answer! In fact quite simple answer. There are only two possibilities: yes or no!", cut her Dylan off. He knew, that she was trying to avoid giving him a clear answer, as so often in the past. He didn't know quite for sure, should he be angry, or should he admire her for that. But somehow she already answered his question by avoiding giving him the answer. Yes, he was more or less sure, she was the figure on the picture.

"It really isn't that simple Dylan", sighed Trance and sank her eyes. "I can't tell you anything more about this. I'm really sorry, but this time I can't give you any answer."

Dylan looked at her surprised. Somehow he already knew that he did not know Trance's real powers, but this refusal nevertheless surprised him. He didn't say anything for few moments to sort out his thoughts and said slowly: "Trance, for me it's not that important if it's really you or not. I'm much more interested in getting answer to this question: have we really defeated the abyss or not? As I see, it has been fought in the past and, if I understand the picture correctly, it has also been defeated. But it could come back. Can it come back this time too?"

Trance looked into his eyes again and for the first time since long there was slight confusion in her eyes. "I am almost sure, it can't come back this time. But you know it too, Dylan: there is no definite thing in this universe. There's always a small chance left, that the circumstances are not quite as we expect them to be."

Dylan sighed heavily. Her answer was exactly what he DIDN'T want to hear. She should have assured him, that the fight with abyss was definitely over, but so… He believed that he wouldn't meet this creature again, but a small worm of insecurity has been left in his mind and by this answer it has been woken up again. He shortly nodded to Trance and said quietly: "Thank you Trance. It really isn't the answer I hoped to hear, but I'm thankful to you nevertheless. At least I now know, I should be careful."

Trance smiled sadly and nodded back. Then she remembered that Dylan wanted to leave Rommie in this monastery and thought, it would now be a proper moment to make him change his mind. She looked straight into his eyes: "Dylan, there's something more I need to discuss with you. As we were in Ambrosius' office, you said that Rommie should stay here. I told you already then and have to repeat it once again: don't leave her behind. You will expose her to great danger by doing so."

Dylan answered slightly irritated: "But I am sure that she'd be in even greater danger on the Andromeda. Should we be involved in heavy battles could she get hurt or even killed. And here, with the monks, she will be in security. There has never before been an attack on the Wayist monastery before. But, if you have any more information regarding this, then I'm asking you to tell me."

"I can't. It's just a feeling. I can't see the future and I also don't have any idea what can or will happen here. But I'm definitely sure, she'll be in very great danger here. Perhaps even her life will be threatened. Dylan, you really should allow her to come with us."

Dylan looked at her thoughtfully. In the past, Trance's visions almost always proved correct. And now he seriously considered the possibility to change his decision. But still…. what could ever happen to her here? And the battle, which was closing in, will probably be one of the heaviest he ever fought. Could he really involve Rommie into it, with the knowledge she could possibly be hurt or even get killed? His plan how to fight the Genites was very dangerous, there were so many things that could run out of control and to know that Rommie would be in the middle of a battlefield…

"Dylan, don't forget that for Rommie, Andromeda is her home! She would definitely feel better there as here." Trance's voice was urging. She really had a bad feeling, leaving Rommie here. And she most definitely wanted to convince Dylan to take her with him.

Dylan was obviously still considering all the facts. The possibility to have Rommie with him was really tempting. But on the other hand… he sighed unsatisfied and shook his head. Then he turned to the window and silently looked through it for a few moments. Trance too didn't say anything and waited for his decision. Finally Dylan turned to her again and he looked tired, his slumped shoulders looked out, as he would be carrying an immense weight upon them.

"You are almost always right Trance. But this time you will not convince me to change my decision. However, I'm going to ask Rev Bem, to stay with her."

Trance shook her head resigned and let it hang. Her voice was very quiet and sounded somehow fatalistic: "You have probably made the worst decision of you life Dylan. I'm sure this will not end well."

"Perhaps. But I must make sure that Rommie and the baby will survive should anything happen to me. She's more important than I." Dylan's voice sounded firm and convinced. But on the inside he was definitely not sure and convinced. His doubts, this arrangement could be wrong, grew from one moment to another and he fought hard against them. He had made his decision and would not change it any more. He was desperately trying to convince himself, that the safety of his wife and his child were the most important thing and that he was doing the right thing by leaving them here.


Rommie's eyes revealed how sad she was. Her arms were laid around Dylan as if she wouldn't want to ever let him go again. The time to say good-bye was here and she had to heavily control herself not to burst out in tears. Dylan and the others were already prepared to start the search for the Consensus. Andromeda was again in her top form and there was nothing that could prevent the departure. Except Rommie. Dylan felt just the way like she did. He pressed her to his body, buried his face into her hair and fought hard against the feeling of making a big mistake by leaving her here. In the last hours this feeling became even stronger and he began to ask himself again and again, if his decision was right or wrong. Also Trance's words, he'd be doing a mistake came back again. But he still tried to convince himself that he had done the right thing by leaving her in the safety of the monastery. Rommie's life and the life of his unborn child were far too important to expose them to the risks they will probably be entering in the battle. Up till now, it has never happened, that a wayist monastery would be attacked, so he was sure, she'd be safe here. He felt her hands on his back, pressing him tightly to her body and felt her tension. He knew how unhappy she was with his decision, she had showed and told him often enough in the past few days. But he simply couldn't convince himself to change the decision.

Slowly Rommie loosened her embrace, leaned herself back and looked into his eyes. He could see sadness and fear in her dark eyes, he could feel how she had to control herself not to start crying. For the first time since their marriage, ha had to leave her out of his free will and she really had difficulties to understand it. Tears, that now began to form in her eyes additionally made the goodbye even harder. He avoided her look, knowing that her tears could in last second even persuade him to change the decision. And that was one thing he wasn't wiling to do. He looked her into the eyes again and gently kissed her. Her lips seemed to be glued to his, she didn't want to let him go. With bleeding heart he pushed her gently away and tenderly stroke her hair: "I will be back very soon Rommie. I really don't want to miss the birth of our first child. I promise you that I'll be with you at the birth!" It was very difficult for him to sound halfway convincingly. His heart was crying to take her with him, but his mind resisted this urge vehemently.

Rommie couldn't say anything, she just nodded faintly. She couldn't hold back the tears any more and small teardrops, which finally joined in the small streak, glittered on her cheeks. She knew Dylan wouldn't change his mind. But it felt so unbelievable difficult to say good-bye, although it was only temporarily. She swore to ever stand at his side and now she was unable to fulfill her promise. She couldn't fulfill it, because Dylan didn't allow it.

Rev Bem stood at her side and looked away compassionately. The rest of the crew already said good-bye to him and Rommie and waited in the Maru, which would bring them to the Andromeda. They wanted to leave this moment to Rommie and Dylan and not disturb them at their farewell. Rev Bem knew about Trance's reservations, but this time he didn't share them. He was convinced that Rommie would be safe in the monastery. As Dylan asked him to stay with her, he didn't hesitate a single second to fulfill his wish. He knew he'd do all possible to protect Rommie, should she be in any danger.

After few moments, which seemed to them infinite but at the same time just a heartbeat long, Rommie and Dylan let loose of each other. Dylan bowed to her and kissed his wife tenderly for the last time. "Believe me, you won't even notice that I was away, so soon will I come back. And Rev will be with you all the time."

"Empty words, Dylan", answered Rommie in a low voice. "How could I not notice it when each hour I'm not with you hurts me so much? Especially now. Are you really sure I may not come with you?" She wanted to try one last time, last desperate try to change Dylan's mind, although she really didn't gain any hopes she could succeed with it.

"No!" Dylan shook his head. "Please, Rommie, don't make it even harder as it is."

Rommie nodded sadly and laid her hand on Dylan's cheek: "Please, come back soon. I love you so much!"

"I love you too. And exactly because of that will I win and come back shortly."

Dylan turned away abruptly and disappeared in the Maru. He left sad and crying Rommie and affected Rev behind. They saw Maru, how it took off, turned and soon it disappeared. Rommie and Rev looked after the ship for a long time after it vanished and their looks were glued to the skies, to the spot where Maru disappeared.

"We should return to the monastery now", proposed Rev, but Rommie shook her head. "Don't take it personally Rev, but I'd like to be alone for a while. I think I'll take a stroll to come clear with this thoughts and feelings I have now."

Rev nodded with understanding and turned around. He soon passed the gates to the monastery, while Rommie still stood there where he left her. She felt chaos of emotions. Fear, she wouldn't see Dylan any more, fear, what will the coming days and weeks bring along. She talked to Trance and she knew how she fought with Dylan over his decision. She was grateful to her for her try, but at the same time this only caused her fears and doubts to grow more intense. She really hoped that Dylan did the right thing, but still she had a bad feeling, just like Trance. What would happen in the future?

She sighed heavily and began to slowly walk along the path that led to a small lake. In the past few days, she spent a lot of time there together with Dylan. They lay on the shore, looked at small waves, which the wind carried to the shore. Sometimes they spent there hours talking, sitting in silence, sometimes simply holding hands. She came to the lake, lost in her thoughts, and sat on a rock. The lake was calm, there were no waves, and the water mirrored the clouds and the trees, which stood around the lake. A picture of perfection and serenity. But in her there was a tornado and she couldn't find any comfort in the beauty around her, even though she secretly hoped she would. A vague vision, something would go wrong began to plague her. She leaned back and suddenly she felt, how the baby in her moved. Slight, dreamy, but also sad smile adorned her lips. She laid one hand on her belly, tenderly stroke upon it and whispered: "Your daddy left us alone. He has very important task to fulfill, my dear. But I promise you you will get to know him. You will not grow up without him."


While Beka concentrated herself on flying the Maru, the rest of the crew, with exception of Harper kept silent. Just Andy's occasional calm answers to Harpers babbling disturbed the silence in the cockpit. Everyone was deep in their thoughts. Dylan looked absently through the windows and he relived the good-bye with Rommie again. Trance stood behind him and looked very unsatisfied, but didn't say anything. She knew that Dylan fought with his own guilt and she didn't want to add her two cents to his misery too by telling him, how important was the battle, they would soon be fighting. She knew he had to concentrate himself on this battle he had to win it. For himself, for Rommie, for the Baby and for the universe. She would help him as well as she could. Only if they will win, if they will defeat the joint enemies, would everything turn out, as it should.

Tyr demonstratively positioned himself next to Beka and from time to time he threw Brigens, who chose Beka's other side an undefined look. In the past days, which they spent in the monastery, both men virtually avoided one another. But nevertheless, Tyr knew perfectly well, he'd have to talk to Brigens sometime. But up till now, there was no such opportunity, for someone else almost always when they met, accompanied Brigens. On the Andromeda, there should be some proper opportunity for undisturbed talk; at least that's what Tyr was hoping for. His look was very dark and he knew, that he'd have to do everything right now. He still couldn't really trust Brigens. Few days ago, he saw Brigens, as he thought no one would be watching. The man was looking arrogantly in Dylan's direction and slightly grinned, so Tyr's suspicion grew even more. He somehow thought, that Brigens wasn't in fact a nice guy from the neighborhood. He was sure that he hid something, something that could potentially endanger Tyr and the others. He'd keep an eye on him and should he do any false moves, Tyr would be right there to intervene.

Brigens felt Tyr's looks and grinned in thoughts. He knew perfectly well, that the Nietzschean didn't accept him and he wasn't really unhappy because of that. He didn't really like the Nietzscheans anyway. There was a verbal fight in front of him, fight with this Nietzschean and Brigens was well aware of that. But he was prepared for it, even more than prepared. His look felt on Beka, who calmly navigated the ship. He really liked her. She was really strong personality a nice discussion partner and he talked a lot to her in the past few days. He noticed, that she and Tyr obviously felt more for each other than they were prepared to admit. And this fact didn't bother him. He didn't have any intentions to begin an affair with some woman aboard. They were all very beautiful and powerful and it would be like a dram to have a relationship with one of them. But that would only hinder him in realization of his plan.

Just Andy and Harper were obviously not lost in their own thoughts and talked about the changes, Harper made to Andromeda's systems. Andy obviously wasn't that much impressed and criticized this and that. But Harper opposed determined and tried to prove her, that he did everything right. The others seemed not to take a notice of their debate but it really didn't bother him. As Andy again criticized something, he grabbed her hand. "Andy, dearest, why are you fighting with me anyway? You know I would never do anything to hurt you. I love you too much to do something like that?"

After she heard this exclamation, Andy's eyes in first second opened wide, but in the very next moment she narrowed them and looked at the engineer: "Seamus, you should take care of what you are saying. I could possibly misunderstand you. And you really don't want to fly out of an airlock without an EVA suit, do you?"

"My princess, you wouldn't do anything like that to me, would you? It's me, Harper, your creator, the love of your life!"

"Creator yes. Although I'd appreciate if you wouldn't constantly remind me of that fact. I really thought you wouldn't see me just as a machine. And every time you stress it so obviously, I feel really… mechanical! Concerning the 'love of my life'…. you must be dreaming!" But she grinned slightly at these words and showed him, that her words weren't so seriously meant as they sounded.

Harper blushed slightly: "Ahm… Andy… I'm sorry. I thought more in some other direction. Well, what I wanted to say … not as someone, who built your body, more as someone, yes, as someone…. ahm…" He cut off and looked at Andy excusive. "You understand what I'm trying to say, don't you? Please, Andy, say that you understand!" This begging voice and his guilty look caused Andy to start laughing and she laid her other hand on his shoulder. "Yes, Seamus, I think that I understand what you're trying to say. And I'm really not mad at you."

"Then everything is OK!" sighed Harper relieved and grinned widely. He opened his mouth to say something else, but Beka's voice cut him off: "We're landing on Andromeda."

"Well, then we're finally home again," said Harper satisfied. But in the same moment he remembered that they were not all here and looked at Dylan guiltily. But the captain didn't give him a look, just turned and went for the airlock.

As they landed in the hangar and the atmosphere has been restored, they left the Maru and went for the command with Dylan in the lead. Andromeda appeared on the monitor in front of him and smiled: "I'm glad that you're back. Pity that Rommie and Rev Bem didn't come along."

Dylan nodded: "I'm glad too, to see you again Andromeda. But now we have to leave as soon as possible. We have no time to waste."

As they entered the command, everyone took their place. This time Brigens already knew what he had to do. He talked a lot to Dylan, what he should do on the Andromeda and also while she has been repaired, he spent a lot time aboard and made himself acquainted with the systems. It should never happen again that he'd helplessly watch during the fight, a spectator while the others would do their duty.

"Andromeda, plot the course to the point, where we last saw the Consensus. Beka, take over the navigation." Dylan assigned tasks very definitely. He didn't show any sadness upon the good-bye, he said to Rommie just few minutes ago. He seemed to be completely concentrated. As Trance briefly looked at him, she just smiled in the thought, that he really was the man for this task.

Beka positioned herself behind the steering and touched some fields on her console. "Everything clear for start."

"Then let's bring it! But don't immediately open the slipstream. We don't want to destroy the system." Commanded Dylan.

"How stupid do you think I am, Dylan?" Grinned Beka. "I know better than you when I can open a portal."

"I just wanted to make sure that you didn't forget it", grinned Dylan back and nodded.

Andromeda slowly left the orbit and navigated towards a point, where they would be able to open a slipstream portal without danger for the system. They were soon far enough and Beka opened a portal, which swallowed the magnificent ship.

"Nothing!" Dylan's voice clearly demonstrated his frustration. They have already lost some days, trying to find the Consensus. They couldn't find any traces of it, even the parts, which used to float around before were gone. Dylan somehow got the feeling, that the Consensus integrated even the smallest parts and became even stronger than it was before. But that didn't make any advantage for him, because he couldn't find it. Andromeda's long-range sensors were working around the clock with full capacity, and she still couldn't find anything. Slowly, a bad feeling crept into the crew. What, if they wouldn't be able to find Consensus at all? Then they would loose their last chance to get some powerful ally and their chances to stand their ground against the enemy would be just a tiny hope.

Andromeda elaborated a search method and applied it very carefully. But until now without any luck. The atmosphere on the ship was somehow depressed, everyone was deep in their thoughts and they asked themselves ever anew: "Will we find the Consensus eventually or not?"

While Dylan was in the command and followed the search with growing feeling of unsatisfaction, Tyr looked for the opportunity to talk to Brigens undisturbed. But until now he didn't get such chance. He went for the fitness room irritated as Brigens rounded the corner just in front of him. Tyr immediately stopped in his tracks and waited until Brigens came to him. He threw him a dark look and said: "Mr. Brigens, I think that we should talk undisturbed."

Brigens has already expected such a conversation for a long time and so Tyr's suggestion didn't really surprise him. He nodded and they entered the fitness room. As they were inside, Brigens stepped in front of Tyr, crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at him challenging: "What would you like to discuss with me, Mr. Anasazi?"

Tyr growled something completely ununderstandable, angry because Brigens acted so challenging and obviously unimpressed by his appearance. But then he answered in normal voice: "I hardly think you would be here by coincidence, right?"

"Why, sure are you correct. I did come to this crew after the battle for Sinti. And it definitely was no coincidence. I wanted to go back to some ship for a long time before and as Andromeda appeared it was the most logical choice." Answered Brigens and slight irony could be very well heard in his voice.

The Nietzschean growled: "I didn't mean that. I think that you made this decision to come to Andromeda much sooner, way before the Dragans attacked Sinti. And I believe you are after something. I just don't know what, but intend to find out."

"What gives you the reason to think so? Why would I plan something? As already said, I just wanted to return into deep space, I wanted to fly again." Brigens still didn't show any impressments by Tyr's verbal attacks.

Tyr sighed slightly and irritation could not be misinterpreted in his voice. "You are not stupid, Mr. Brigens. I definitely do not underestimate you. And exactly this is the reason that you know exactly what I'm trying to say. I just don't really know if you're a friend or a foe."

"Well, you will have to make this decision alone. But… tell me one thing: if I were an enemy… why would I then stay here through all these fights with the Genites, Ogami and Kalderans? It would be much simpler to set up a trap for you, run away in time and not let myself been thrown into a battle, which could possibly cost me my life."

Now Tyr finally understood, that he wouldn't get any satisfactory answers on his way. But his distrust didn't diminish due to this discussion, following Brigens' answers. He thought shortly, how he could get to the real topic, which bothered him. He actually wasn't after Brigens' intentions at all. He was sure he could beat the man, should it prove necessary. He was much more interested in his intentions with Beka. All his considerations, how to diplomatic ask this question proved unsuitable, so he asked directly: "What are your intentions concerning Miss Valentine? I have to warn you: don't even try to do anything harmful to her, otherwise you'll have to answer yourself not only against me, but against the whole crew as well."

Brigens grinned at Tyr. The big Nietzeschean finally said what really bothered him. He knew for quite a long time now, that he was so cold towards him only because of Beka. He cocked his head and answered: "I don't think it's any of your business Mr. Anasazi. What are my intentions? I think that you don't have to know what they are. But, seeing that you probably made yourself a false impression, there's something I'd like to make clear here and now. Miss Valentine is really a remarkable person. And I really value her highly. Additionally she's more than just good-looking. I would be blind, shouldn't I see it."

Tyr felt how some, up till now unknown feeling crept into his heart. He could grab this kludge by the throat and kill him on the place. Was he perhaps jealous? Surprised, he realized, he had never felt like this before, it was quite new to him to behave like that. His hands squeezed into fists and he had to control himself to remain calm also towards Brigens. And he didn't miss the irony in Brigens' voice. "That's exactly why I warned you before, Mr. Brigens! That's exactly why I won't allow you to harm her in any possible way, or make her unhappy. She lived through some really hard times in the past and I'll do anything possible to prevent that from repeating…. to make sure she'd have it better in the future." Actually he surprised even himself for saying what he said. He never before showed to anyone, that Beka was so important to him. But this man should know, where his limits were.

Brigens noted with satisfaction, that his answers made real impression on Tyr. He really didn't have any fear of him and therefore felt challenged, to torture Tyr a little bit more. He should get rid of his Nietzschean arrogance and show his true feelings. But he couldn't answer, for Andromeda's voice suddenly broke in: "Everyone immediately to the command. We have found the Consensus."

Both men looked at each other in surprise. In an instant they forgot their verbal duel and hurried to come to the command as soon as possible.

As they arrived the rest of the crew already waited there. Dylan looked satisfied, just like Trance and Harper. Only Andy looked stoic as always, although she was also very satisfied that she and Andromeda finally found the Consensus.

"Do we have a contact?" Asked Tyr and looked at Beka, who stood behind the flight controls with satisfied look on her face and grinned slightly. She shook her head: "No, but Andromeda is trying to contact it right now."

And, as if he would have ordered it, a mechanical voice came form the speakers in this very moment: "Here is the first Consensus of parts. We are welcoming you, Andromeda. What can we do for you?"

Slightly surprised, Dylan looked at Andromeda's hologram. He actually expected the Consensus would talk to him. Andromeda returned his look slightly confused, but then she grinned self satisfied and answered: "I am greeting you to. I need your help."

"We haven't forgotten that you are our friend, Andromeda. We will help you if we only can. What is the problem?"

"I think, you should discuss it with my captain", answered Andromeda and looked at Dylan. He nodded and began: "This is Dylan Hunt, Captain of Andromeda Ascendant. I am greeting you too. We also haven't forgotten what you have done for us. But now we are in a very dangerous situation and are asking you, to help us in a fight. A big power intends to destroy the Andromeda and she alone can't win this fight. We have no such powerful friend as you. Would you help us to defeat the enemy?"

For a while there was silence and then the voice answered: "Andromeda showed us what it means to be free and have friends. And that means very much to us. We will help you to destroy your enemy."

Dylan sighed relieved and said: "I am really glad to hear that you are ready to help us." Then he turned to his crew: "I would like to ask you all, except Andy, to retreat and leave us alone." The happiness, which was clearly visible on every face upon the fact that the Consensus agreed to help them, made place for confusion after hearing Dylan's command. But, as they saw his resolute face, they all left the command. Then Dylan turned to the Consensus and said: "We will do the following…" He began to explain his plan and after he finished, the Consensus answered: "We accept this plan. We will help our friends."


Rommie sat lost in her thoughts on the shore of the small lake with a distant look in her eyes. It has been a few days, since Dylan and the others left her and since then she had no information, she didn't know if they succeeded or not. They were too far away to send her a note. She knew that, but still she was a bit excited for not be hearing from her husband and her friends for such a long time.

"I'm sure they have found the Consensus." Rev's quiet voice sounded at her side. She turned her look to him and looked at him thankfully. Rev sat next to her and looked in the distance just like her. A slight smile showed on her lips and she asked: "How come, you always know what's bothering me?"

"It's completely understandable that you worry about Dylan", answered Rev softly and looked at her smiling. "You two are just like one soul and always feel what's happening to the other. And that's why I admire you both. I admire you that you succeeded. There are so many lost souls in this universe and I am really blessed to know you two, to be allowed to name you my friends."

Rommie nodded in silence and sighed: "Yes, I feel he's doing well. And still…. I'm so very nervous. I still fear that something bad could happen to him. Why Rev? Why do I feel this fear?" She looked into his eyes in search for help.

"Because you love him so much, Rommie. Only those who really love can be so closely connected as you two. I admit, in the beginning I had doubts if you will succeed in it, but I was wrong. For once in my life I am glad, I was wrong." Rev sounded calming and slightly absent at the same time. Yes, he could feel how much Rommie and Dylan were clinging one to another and always prayed they would never loose this relationship, this confidence in each other.

Rommie turned to look at the lake again and she smiled dreamy: "Yes, I love him very much. I always have loved him, but since I got this human body, everything just escalated. I don't know what would I do, should I loose him."

"You won't loose him. You'll never loose him, Rommie. Even, should he not return, you would always have his soul, his love. I never told you how Dylan reacted as you seemingly died. I have never seen someone so deep in sorrow. I wouldn't believe it, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. After you died, he was completely devastated, so that I even asked myself how he would survive it and in that very moment I understood, that your relationship is something so beautiful, that even the divine had to see that and brought you back."

Rommie smiled slightly: "Well, actually it was Trance who brought me back:"

"She's also just a tool in the hands of the divine, don't forget that, Rommie. She is being led by this power too and she did only what the divine told her to."

Rommie felt thankfulness to know this Magog and said softly: "I thank you Rev. I thank you for telling me. I asked myself many times how Dylan accepted my death but never asked, never had courage to ask him."

Rev bowed slightly and continued: "You both have proven that you are ready to die for each other. And what can be a better prove of endless love as this one? Sacrificing their lives to save the loved one? I'm sure that the divine still has a lot of plans for you two. And I'm definitely sure that you will survive it and be happy at the end."

Rev's calming words, soft whispering of the breeze in the trees above them and endless calmness finally brought Rommie her inner peace, peace she longed for so badly. She got new power out of this peace, new trust and hope. Everything would turn out right. Dylan would win the battle and return to her. Together they would be able to raise this child, teach it how to fight for justice and be good.


"Are we ready?" Dylan's eyes reflected his inner tension, but also his determination.

"As ever," answered Beka. She also couldn't hide the tension, just like everyone else too was she nervous, but completely concentrated to the upcoming battle.

"OK, then let's go. Andromeda, plot the course to Excallibur system." Ordered Dylan and bowed slightly. A look at the screen confirmed him that also the giant Consensus ship, floating besides Andromeda, was prepared to start. In comparison to this ship, Andromeda looked tiny. Since they have seen the Consensus for the last time, it grew further and the ship was now almost thousand times bigger than the Andromeda. 'Luckily, they are our allies!' Shot through Dylan's mind. Now he was sure, he would be able to defeat the Genites and their allies, together with the Consensus. Well, who could represent a serious threat to this giant?

"Ay, ay, captain, course marked." Answered Andromeda. Beka grabbed the steering: "Open the portal!" And in this moment the portal opened and Andromeda disappeared in the Slipstream with Consensus in close pursuit. Because the Consensus didn't posses the organic intuition any more, they coupled their ship to Andromeda, so that Beka was at the moment piloting both ships.

"Boss, do you really think that we should fly to Excallibur system?" Asked Harper a bit insecure and looked questioningly in Dylan's direction.

"Positive Harper! This system is only three light minutes away from the Genites' sector and Consensus will be able to hide there, while we set a trap for the Genites and others. And it will also be able to intervene on time, when it will become necessary", answered Dylan self assure.

"When you say so", answered Harper still a bit skeptical and looked at Andy. "Don't fear, Seamus. Everything will turn out perfectly." Assured him Andy grinning. "I have also participated in elaboration of this plan and you already know: everything I do, I do it perfectly!"

"Just like me, your idol and genius", grinned Harper back, now completely calmed down. If he had any reservation before, now they disappeared traceless.

After they reached the Excallibur system, Dylan commanded: "Andromeda, call the Consensus!" As he got the connection, he said: "You should now wait here until we call for your help. As soon as the enemies are in the trap, you will be needed."

"Understood", answered the mechanical voice and the Consensus ship flew towards the system, to hide in the sun corona.

"Then let's bring it! There are some naughty boys out there, who are asking to be punished", grinned Dylan and Andromeda turned and sped up towards Genites' sector. They would reach their destination through normal space in just few minutes.

As they entered the Genites' territory, Andromeda immediately tried to find the enemy. "I can't find any ships out there, Dylan!" Her voice was sounding very military as she gave her report.

"No fear, they will be here soon enough. We just have to wait a bit and prepare to say a special welcome to them as they come." Dylan assured her and leaned against the wall. Uncomfortable silence covered the command and the tension was in the air. It seemed to grow from minute to minute as they waited. Everyone was asking themselves if their plan would work or not. After approximately ten minutes, which seemed to them like an eternity, Andromeda reported: "Slipstream events! They are coming."

Dylan left his place at the wall, looked tense at the screen and asked: "Signature?"

"Genites. And Ogami. And Kalderans. They are coming all." Said Andromeda calmly and everyone looked at the screens as in trance. Dots, representing the enemies' ships multiplied extremely quickly and even though he felt secure before, now Dylan wasn't any more in such good mood. There were so many ships out there! He couldn't count them any more. "How many ships, Andromeda?"

"I detect 2142 ships Dylan. And new ones are arriving." This time Andromeda's voice wasn't so calm as before. She didn't expect so many ships either. No one did. Harper looked at the screen almost unbelieving and whispered: "Damn, I have never seen so many ships in one place in my life."

"I have, Mr. Harper", answered Dylan also almost whispering. "I have."

Harper looked at him questioningly and Dylan explained: "At Hephaistos, there were more than 10000 ships, which set up a trap for the Andromeda. And we escaped. If we made it then, then we'll made it today too. Right, Andromeda? I couldn't have done it back then without you and today it's the same." He looked at Andromeda's hologram warmly. She returned the look and he could see in her eyes, how proud she was that she could escape so many attacking ships at Hephaistos. And it flattered her, that Dylan was praising her so. "Sure Dylan. We will defeat them!" Her look was so warm as it hadn't been in days and weeks before and it caused Tyr to growl from his console: "Ship, you should concentrate yourself on the enemy and not flirt with your captain!"

Andromeda threw Tyr a devastating look and acclaimed cocky: "Mr. Anasazi, on the contrary to your abilities to concentrate on only one thing simultaneously, I am perfectly capable of multitasking."

Half suppressed giggling from Beka and Trance caused Tyr to growl even louder, but no one could understand his words. It was better so, for he didn't say anything nice. "No arguing! We have to concentrate to the fight!" Cut Dylan this duel off. "Andromeda, did they activate their weapons yet?"

"Yes, but they're not firing yet", answered Andromeda completely controlled.

"Why not?" Asked Beka. It was completely unclear to her, why they haven't started firing on Andromeda yet.

"Everything goes according to the plan." Noticed Dylan more for himself as for to others. Everyone except Andromeda and Andy looked at him a bit insecure. But they knew, that these three have obviously elaborated a plan, which was unknown to them. Now they also understood, why Dylan as he explained his plan to the Consensus showed them all out of command. Only Tyr seemed not to accept this fact and snarled: "With all due respect, Dylan. Don't you think that we also have the right to know what you are going to do? You are obviously intending to endanger our lives and I believe it's our right, to at least know what you are going to do."

"In due time, Tyr. The less you know, the better for my plan. I cannot count on all of you, not to reveal anything, as the time for implementation of the plan comes. If you don't know anything, you cannot do anything wrong." Answered Dylan completely calmly. "I bet that the Genites will contact us in no time."

And it really didn't last more than just few seconds, in which Tyr didn't even have a chance to answer, as Andromeda reported: "Incoming communication from the Genites."

"On screen", nodded Dylan and the screen lit up to show the picture of a man who grinned at Dylan: "Well, well, see whom do we have here! Captain Dylan Hunt! My dear captain, are you tired of living? No one is allowed to penetrate our territory without our invitation."

Dylan deliberately ignored these words: "It is obvious that you know who I am, but I couldn't say that I've ever seen you before. Who are you?"

"Oh, please forgive me my impoliteness, captain. My name is Roger Drake, the first knight. I order you to surrender immediately and hand overt your ship. You have already ignored such a command once before. But this time you won't be so lucky as back then. Surrender now and spare us the inconveniences, to having to kill you in the fight."

"What ignorance!" Protested Harper fiercely and tried to add some more spicy words, but Andy's hand on his shoulder showed him, he should remain silent. He threw Drake another malicious look and remained silent.

"Do we have any choice, knight Drake?" Asked Dylan slightly ironically and looked at the Genite challenging.

"I don't think so, my dear captain. Well, because I'm in unbelievable good mood today, you should have two minutes to decide. But I warn you: Should you try to fire at us, will we be forced to destroy Andromeda instantly", threatened Drake with ironical smile and his face faded out.

"Boss, allow me to do the same as last time!" Pleaded Harper and fidgeted. "I'm sure, they haven't set up any firewalls yet. Please!"

Dylan looked at Andy and as she nodded, he answered to Harper: "OK, Mr. Harper, do it! Brigens, Tyr! Activate all weapons and aim them at Ogami and Kalderans. But do not fire yet! Firing is allowed only on my explicit command!" Brigens and Tyr confirmed with simultaneous "Ay!" And looked at each other slightly irritated. Then Dylan turned to Andromeda: "Contact Consensus immediately. It should come here as soon as possible!" Andromeda immediately finished her task and answered: "It's already on its way here."

In the meantime, Harper already interconnected with Andromeda's mainframe and was trying to hack the Genites' systems. After few seconds he said: " I'm in! I'm now start…." But in the next moment his eyes flew wide open. "Damn it!" He cursed aloud.

"What's wrong?" Trance's voice was hectic as she heard Harper.

"They are penetrating our systems, Dylan! They set us a trap!" Screamed Harper and tried hastily to break the connection. "I cannot throw them out any more! They are taking over the Andromeda!" Panic in his voice caused, that everyone in the command looked at him in shock.

"Dylan, I'm loosing control! I cannot defend myself!" Andromeda reported, but her voice was a bit too calm for such a situation. Should anyone listen to it really carefully, she sounded even somehow… satisfied. But no one besides Dylan had listened to her very carefully; they were all to shocked.

In this moment, the screen lit up again and Drake's face appeared with malicious smile: "My dear, dear captain! Did you really count on this? Did you really believe we'd make it so easy for you? That's pathetic! And now you'll all be neutralized." He turned to a man at his side: "Deploy the gas immediately!"

"WHAT?" Screamed Harper completely shocked and looked at Dylan. "They want to poison us?"

"It looks like they are really trying to do it so, Mr. Harper", answered Dylan peacefully. They all looked at him, not really understanding what was going on. How could he act so calm, while the poisonous gas would any second now begin to stream out of Andromeda's tanks? Harper sank to the floor and covered his face with his hands. "Damn, it can't end this way! It may not end this way!" He whispered. Tyr just looked darkly at the screen and growled something completely ununderstandable. Brigens looked at Dylan with eyes wide open and Beka's chin fell while her eyes revealed her ultimate shock. Even trance looked out like she would be slightly shocked, but it was obvious, that she was trying to find a sense in this happening. Or was she perhaps trying to see the future, to see, will they make it or not? It was completely impossible to really understand her. Just Andy looked as unimpressed as Dylan and she laid her hand on Harper's shoulder. She squeezed it gently as if she would try to persuade him, everything will finish well.

Dylan remained unmoving for few moments and asked then: "Andromeda? Everything according to the plan?"

Smiling Andromeda appeared on the screen: "Yes Dylan, everything is as we planned it. They think I have been taken over and used the gas." She grinned so self assure as seldom before and looked at her captain. In her eyes there was pride and recognition, but also the warmth, which could normally be only found in Rommie's eyes, when she looked at Dylan.

"But… what's going on?" Tyr's eyes were huge, like the ones of a deep see squid. Brigens was equally surprised and his look revealed his complete confusion. Beka looked from Andromeda to Dylan and understood nothing more. Harper took his hands off the face and looked in Andy's eyes completely lost. She just blinked and grinned at him. Just Trance seemed to understand now and began to smile satisfied.

While they all looked so dumb, Andromeda, Andy and Dylan grinned with every second wider.

Finally Beka managed to pull herself together and she reasoned: "The gas didn't come out, we are all still here and yet this Drake guy is grinning as if he'd seen us all dead already. And at the same time Dylan, Andromeda and Andy are grinning as if they would have found the universe's greatest treasure. Something is wrong, something is definitely wrong!" She shook her head and asked: "Would someone please explain this to me? Please?"

"It would be my pleasure, Beka", answered Dylan, still with wide grin in his face. "We have suspected, that our victory over the Genites a few days ago wasn't exactly such a victory as we thought. They have tricked us by sending us empty ships, so that we would think they were vulnerable, their systems would be unprotected. They expected us to try the same thing again and we did them this favor. Now, we are playing a nice play. They think that Andromeda has been taken over and we are submitting them a simulation of us, lying unconscious or perhaps even dead in the command. So, this is the short version. If you are interested, I can explain you the long one, after this is over. Now it's time to continue with our game."

Beka's eyes widened during Dylan's speech and as he finished, she began to grin. "Damn, Dylan, I should have known that you had something in mind as you brought us into this situation. You…. You! Ah, one day I'll have to kill you, for almost causing me a heart attack."

"And what is the next point of the plan?" Asked Brigens, who also managed to concentrate meanwhile and smiled satisfied. He understood, that Dylan and Andromeda tricked the Genites according to all rules and began to ask himself, what did they intend to do as next.

"Now we wait until the Genites have boarded the Andromeda. As soon as we have them on board, the hatches will be closed and the gas'll disable them." He saw, how Trance looked at him irritated and added hastily: "No, they won't be killed, just disabled. I'm no murderer!"

"But we will be at the beginning again!" Protested Tyr unsatisfied. "There are still all those ship out there and I really don't believe, that even your beloved Andromeda can defeat them."

Andromeda's hologram already opened her mouth to give him a cynical answer, but Dylan gave her a sign not to do, what brought him an insulted look. He turned to Tyr and explained slowly: "No, Andromeda cannot defeat them all. But together with Consensus she'll be able to do it. Consensus should arrive within two minutes, enough time for the Genites to enter the Andromeda. After that, you and Mr. Brigens will open fire on Ogami and Kalderans with every possible weapon we have available. And I really mean with EVERYTHING we have. Just fire and make the hell hot for these pirates. Consensus will take care of the Genites and also help us with Ogami and Kalderans."

"How will Consensus be able to destroy so many ships? It's only one ship. True, a huge one…. but nevertheless." Brigens didn't look quite convinced how this plan could work.

"That's where you're wrong, Mr. Brigens. Consensus is exactly what the name means: a symbiosis of different parts. And this ship can divide itself into many small ships. The main one will attack the Genites' main ships, the smaller ones will take care of the rest."

"Dylan, the Genites have already entered my hangars", notified him Andromeda in this moment.

"Good, the game can begin. Everyone on their position! Prepare and in the instant I give you a command, fire at will!" Commanded Dylan and turned to the screen, where Drake's grinning face was still displayed and murmured while his eyes narrowed: "My dear knight, now it's time for payout."

Dylan looked tensed at the screens, which showed the Genites, slowly going along Andromeda's corridors. The tension in command was almost tangible and no one was willing to break the heavy silence. Then he looked at Andy: "Are all Genites out of the Hangars?"

Andy nodded and asked: "Should I start?"

"No!" Dylan ordered to wait further. "Consensus has to arrive first." And as if he'd ordered it, in this moment three Genites' ships exploded. Drake's face instantly became completely pale and he looked around: "Who the hell was this?" He yelled at his men, who also had no idea what was going on.

"Andromeda now!" Commanded Dylan. "Close all hatches, release the gas and finish the simulation! Tyr, Brigens, fire at will!" Andromeda nodded and they could see on the screens, how the hatches closed and the gas streamed out. Drake looked in utter shock at Dylan, for he was now receiving real picture from Andromeda. "But… but…." he stuttered completely confused.

"No buts, my dear first knight. You probably thought to have tricked us out. But as you see you have put your bet on a false horse. We are still alive and well and we also brought some friends with us. And now it's time for payback. Hunt over and out!" He broke the connection and while the face of the shocked knight disappeared from the screen, many enemy ships exploded almost instantaneously. Tyr and Brigens were firing with all what Andromeda had to give and that was not exactly the smallest firepower imaginable. Consensus ship divided in the meantime into uncountable smaller ships, and all of them aimed at surprised and completely shocked Genites, Ogami and Kalderans. This sudden attack surprised them in such a manner, that they barely fired back. In less than a minute more than a half of their fleet disappeared. The rest tried to fight back, but with almost no success. Andromeda had been hit a few times, but hits caused no substantial damage. Also some of Consensus' ships exploded and vanished in fireballs, but their losses were far less than those of the enemy fleet. After few minutes the situation on the battlefield was clear and few dozens of ships, which managed to survive this massacre recognized that they were fighting a lost battle and disappeared into Slipstream.

As the last of the enemy ships vanished, Dylan turned to Andromeda: "Andromeda, damage report."

Andromeda reported immediately: "I had to seal some decks, for the hull has suffered some through-shots. But all drives are almost intact as well as sensors and weapon systems. I have suffered no substantial damages. She waited few seconds and smiled at Dylan: "It feels good to have faced such a powerful enemy, to win and remain so far undamaged."

Dylan smiled back: "I'm glad to hear that. Please, call the Consensus." As Andromeda established the connection, he said: "We are thanking you for your help. Without you we would most probably be dead by now. If there's anything we can do for you, it would be our pleasure to assist you."

"We are also happy that Andromeda made it. We are thanking you too. Should she need help, we would gladly do it", said the mechanical voice of the Consensus and Dylan could see, how the ship reunited and slowly turned to fly away. He asked himself, how would the Consensus return to its home system, but he also knew, that it actually had no home system and could remain elsewhere instead. "We really have a powerful ally in this Consensus", he said quietly. Then he turned to Beka: "Do you still think that it was wrong to meet the Consensus back then?"

Beka shook her head. Then she remembered the unconscious Genites, lying on Andromeda's decks: "And what should we do with the Genites, whom we have on board?"

"The bots will collect them and we will then bring them to a planet, on which they will be able to survive. I don't want to have to deal with them any time in the near future," sighed Dylan and looked at Andromeda. She nodded grinning: "Understood. The bots are on their way."

"Thank you Andromeda. What would I do without you?" Flattered her Dylan grinning and received a happy smile and rolling eyes as the answer. Then he became serious again: "We should bring them to the fifth planet of this system. It offers inhabitable conditions, but has no installations, which would make them possible to return home soon. I don't believe they would have any burning desire, to attack Andromeda soon. Not after we've killed their first knight and almost completely destroyed their fleet." Then he turned to Brigens: "Mr. Brigens, would you be so kind and organize everything that the captives will be brought to the planet as soon as possible."

Brigens nodded and looked at Tyr. "I think I could use some help from you."

Tyr hid his surprise very well and after initial hesitation he nodded and followed Brigens out of command.

Dylan looked after them for a second slightly irritated, but then he shook his head and sighed: "Why does Tyr always has to have such problems, accepting someone new?"

Beka grinned and answered: "Well, I enjoy it very much that someone doesn't run away from the fight with him. And I believe, that Brigens is the second one after you, who really has good chances to tame Tyr. "

Dylan grinned back and said: "Hopefully they will hurry up. I would do nothing rather than getting Rommie back as soon as possible."

Beka smiled slightly: "I can understand you so well!"


Tyr and Brigens really managed to bring the Genites to the planet in a very short time. After they took their weapons away and left them tied, they returned to the Maru, where they then brought the last Genite untied and left him to wake up. In next minute they were already flying back to Andromeda. During the flight they both kept silent, but shortly before they landed on Andromeda, Tyr turned to Brigens. It was more than obvious, that he had to fight with his nature as he said: "You did a good job. As well during the fight as here on the planet."

Brigens grinned and answered: "I really appreciate your words."

After they landed in the hangar, they went directly to the command, where Dylan already nervously waited. "Finally! OK, then let's go back. Beka, bring us to the monastery as fast as possible."

"Dylan, you are acting like a school boy, who freshly fell in love and not like a High Guard fossil", mocked Beka not entirely seriously. And Harper had to give his two cents too: "Right, like a seventeen year old boy and not like a man who's over 300 years old. Unbelievable!" He grinned from ear to ear as he talked and failed to see, how Andy looked at him slightly irritated and before he realized, he got a punch in his ribs with an elbow. Surprised, he turned to Andy, who was already innocently looking the other way. "What was that good for?" He complained while rubbing the spot, on which she hit him. Andy looked at him with big surprised eyes and asked "What?"

"You know exactly what I meant! So, don't act like an innocence in personae and explain me why you punched me!" Requested Harper now already a bit angry. Andy looked at him for few more moments innocently and than smiled: "You are not allowed to insult my captain. If you do it, you offend myself too. Clear enough?"

Harper opened and closed his mouth a few times, like a fish on a shore and searched for suitable answer. But before he could find one, Dylan interfered: "Enough now! We have to pick up Rommie and Rev. So, please, leave your little games for another time and make everything, so we could be with my wife and Rev Bem as soon as possible."

Beka grinned at this small incident and tried not to make any poisonous remarks to anyone. She tried to act seriously as she asked: "So, shall we start now or not?"

"Damn, what are you still waiting?" Asked Dylan grinning and ordered: "Andromeda, open the portal immediately and find the shortest way to the monastery!"

He barely finished his words as the portal opened and the ship disappeared into it.

Andromeda couldn't find any really short way to the monastery and it took them almost one day before they exited the slipstream near the system, where the monastery was. Beka was looking quite tired, but she nevertheless didn't allow anyone else to navigate the ship, although Dylan as well as Tyr voluntarily offered her to take over at least for a while. She declined any such proposal with the words, that they were both too bad slipstream pilots to leave the Andromeda to their capabilities.

As they entered the normal space again, Dylan immediately required, evidently excited and full of anticipation: "Andromeda, establish connection with the monastery!"

Andromeda nodded but after few moments she looked at him irritated and frowned: "Dylan, they are not responding to my calls. It looks like no one's there. I also can't register any energy signature of the monastery."

Trance looked at Andromeda with huge eyes and turned then to Dylan, who was clearly confused: "Dylan, we must hurry! I have a vision, something terrifying happened here."

Dylan turned to Trance and in his eyes it could be seen, how his worries grew from second to second. Then he looked back at Andromeda: "Andromeda, try again please." But he couldn't really believe that this second try would be more successful than the first one. And Andromeda confirmed his fears few moments later as she shook her head and answered: "I'm sorry Dylan, but I can't get any response. However, I do register something else. There were ships in this system, not long ago. I can still follow their ion trail. They orbited the planet and left the system at highest speed."

Dylan felt, how his heart began to beat in his throat and he suddenly remembered Trance's words, he would be making the biggest mistake of his life by leaving Rommie here. 'Oh God, please don't let my worst nightmares and fears be true!' He prayed in his thoughts. Meanwhile Andromeda closed in to the planet and she reported with agitated voice: "Dylan, I can detect a signal, coming from the monastery."

"What signal?" Asked Dylan hastily and subconsciously leaned forward.

"Just a help call, repeating constantly. It must be an automatic transmitter." Answered Andromeda and then she opened her eyes wide. "Dylan, the monastery…" She broke her sentence and looked at her captain helplessly.

"Yes? What is with the monastery? Say it!" Said Dylan almost in panic. But Andromeda just shook her head and said: "You should see it for yourself." And she projected the picture of the monastery to one of the screens. As they saw it, they all remained completely shocked and just stared at it. What they saw was no monastery any more, it were just huge piles of ruins and smoke, coming out of them. They could see small fires, which were consuming everything inflammable. A picture of complete devastation.

"This can't be true!" Whispered Beka in shock and couldn't turn her eyes away from the screen. Dylan stared at the picture and felt, how he suddenly began to shudder. Rommie! She has been in there! And Rev too! He left them both there, he didn't follow Trance's advice and by doing that he possibly convicted them both to death. He asked with barely audible voice: "Andromeda, can you detect any life signs?" He looked at his AI as if he would be begging her to give him the answer he wanted to hear and saw, how she returned his look compassionately. After few second she answered: "One person. Not Rommie. Rev!"

Dylan finally managed to come out of staring and commanded Beka: "Beka, Brigens, Tyr and Andy are coming with me down there. We must get Rev and see if Rommie… if she's still there." His voice was at the end barely audible. He knew that there was almost no hope to find Rommie alive, if even Andromeda couldn't find her. But he would never give up hope. In this moment, Trance came to him: "Dylan, take me to the planet too. Please." He just looked at her and nodded. "Harper, make sure that nothing happens to Andromeda while we're on the planet. Brigens, you will stay here too and help Harper." Then he abruptly turned and left the command hastily, with the others in close pursuit. On every face the worry could be seen. Trance looked at Dylan. Her worst fears seemed to have realized. But still, she didn't want to make any accusations. She knew exactly what he was going through right now and didn't want to put additional pressure on him.


Maru landed near the ruins, which once represented the Wayist monastery. The landing spoke of a hurry in which the pilot obviously was, for the ship almost crashed to the ground with unusual high speed. All passengers had problems to stay on their feet, but no one even thought of complaining. They were all too worried, too anxious, to find Rev and… perhaps… Rommie too as soon as possible. As they rapidly left the Maru, Dylan remained for a second put, looked at the ruins and asked Andy: "Andy, can you perhaps register if Rommie is still here? Can you detect her nanobots?"

Andy sadly shook her head: "No Dylan, I can't find any trace of her."

Beka gently put her hand on his shoulder: "Dylan, if Andy can't detect her nanobots, we can assume that she's not here anymore…. but in that case, there is probably also no…. corps. And perhaps is she still alive."

Dylan shook his head: "If I could only be so optimistic! Tyr, Andy, Beka, you look for Rev and bring him back here. Trance, you come with me. We should find out what happened here and see if we can find Rommie nevertheless."

Tyr, Andy and Beka just nodded and left them with Andy leading the way. Dylan sighed heavily and turned to Trance: "You were right Trance. I made the heaviest mistake of my life by not listening to you."

"You should now concentrate to find out what happened here." Answered Trance softly and went in the direction where once the main building of the monastery stood, not waiting for his answer. They had problems to come to the monastery, had to fight their way through the debris and as they saw first dead bodies of the monks, half burnt, they froze for a moment. The main gate to the monastery was completely destroyed just smoking remnants were left. The monks were all dead and they realized, that someone has used all his brachial violence in the attack at the monastery.

"Who could have done something like that?" Asked Dylan himself while he turned one corps over and froze as he recognized the prior. Dead eyes of the monk were staring accusingly. "I'm so sorry", whispered Dylan and closed Ambrosius' eyes. Then he stood up and something on the ground draw his attention. A bone, and as he looked at it closer, he spoke just one word: "Nietzscheans!" He held a broken bone blade in his hand

"Well, at least we now know, who did it", said Trance with dark voice.

"Yes, but which pride? And most of all… why?" Answered Dylan with similar voice and let the bone blade fall to the ground. The noise, which the falling blade made as it fell to the ground, seemed to wake them both up and he looked at the ruins again. He wanted to say something, as he heard voices from his implanted microphone: "Dylan, we have found Rev. He's heavily wounded but Andy says, he will make it. We are bringing him to the Maru immediately." Informed him Beka

"Understood! We are coming to you too. There's nothing we can do here." Answered Dylan and waved to Trance, they should leave this place of sorrow and devastation. Should Rommie not be here any more, then their best chances to possibly find her were dependent on what Rev might tell them. Although his heard beat wildly and tried to persuade him to keep looking for his wife, he knew, that he couldn't possibly find her now, as blind as he felt in this moment. They should first get some answers from Rev and then they could continue their search. If Rommie was here at all.

They arrived to Maru almost simultaneously with the other team and Dylan saw, how Andy and Tyr were carefully carrying the unconscious Rev. He had several bleeding wounds and it wasn't looking good for him. He threw Andy a questioning look and she answered: "He's alive. I'll try to wake him up in the Maru." Trance looked at Rev worriedly and followed them into Maru, while Dylan waited for Beka, who was following Tyr and Andy few steps behind and looked completely depressed.

"It's worse than we thought, Dylan. We could find only corpses and besides Rev no one had survived."

Dylan nodded: "We came to the same conclusion. We only found dead. Let us hope that Rev will regain consciousness soon and that he'll be able to tell us what happened. But we could find out, that it were the Nietzscheans, who did this."

Beka wasn't really surprised upon hearing that and they both entered the Maru too. They went directly to the crew quarters, where the others brought Rev and Andy and Trance tried to do what they could for him.

Dylan stopped few steps from them and asked: "How is he doing?"

"He'll survive. I gave him injection and he should wake up soon. He has many wounds, but as far as I can see, no lethal ones. I believe he should wake up in few moments." Answered Trance without taking her eyes from Rev. And in this moment Rev began to moan softly and opened his eyes. He looked confused around and as he saw Trance, he raised his claw and grabbed Trance's hand: "Rommie! She's been kidnapped!"

"What?" Interfered Dylan in disbelief and hurried to Rev's side. "What did you say, Rev?"

Rev now turned his eyes to Dylan and it was clear that he had troubles to speak: "I'm so sorry Dylan to have disappointed you. I couldn't protect her, I… I came too late."

"It's OK, Rev," calmed Dylan him down. "What happened?"

"The monastery has been attacked by the Nietzscheans and we couldn't protect ourselves. They bombed us from the orbit and then they sent their ground units to destroy what was left. And it looks like they were up to only one thing: they wanted your wife. They tortured my brothers until they found out where she was. Then they left and all what was left behind them was death and destruction."

"But who? Who could have done something like this? Who wanted to have Rommie?" The questions were coming out of Dylan's mouth uncontrollably.

"Del Monte!" Answered Rev barely audible.

TBC


A/N: Sorry, that it took so long for this chapter. Real life is "striking" so there's almost no time left for fanfics. I hope that some of you will nevertheless remain with this story until the end, which is still two chapters away. But it might take a long break again, for both chapters are approx. 50 pages long (each!).