Six Weeks Later:

"Dylan, we're an hour from Tarazed."

Andromeda's announcement cut through Dylan's sleep. With a groan, Andromeda's commanding officer moved to a sitting position on the side of the bed. It had been a long six weeks, during which they had managed to track down the remnants of the Atreus Pride.

The endangered pride had set up a base on one of the moons of Riza Six. The moon, inhabitable but not hospitable by human standards, had been one of many places the Atreus Pride had sought refuge after the Sabra-Jaguar Pride had driven them from their homeworld. Their base, well hidden among the caverns of the moon, had given them enough of a defensive position that they had been able to drive off raiding parties from the stronger Nietszchean Prides. It hadn't been easy to convince the entrenched Nietszchean's that all they wanted to do was come down and talk but eventually, the Atreus Alpha, Sigmund Nietze, had agreed to meet with Hunt and Captain Rangor as long as the two High Guard officers came alone.

Convincing Sigmund that at least talking with the Commonwealth about membership was in his Pride's best interest had been no easy feat. The surviving members of the Atreus Pride didn't have much. They were barely scraping a living from Riza Six's moon. However, what they did have they were proud of. It was that Nietszchean pride that made making headway with them difficult.

However, Dylan had finally convinced Sigmund Nietze that not only could the Commonwealth help his people build upon what they had managed to hang on to, but they were willing to as well. As a measure of good faith, Dylan had ordered the Astral Tide to stay behind to help protect the colony while Sigmund and a small entourage, including his four wives and ten children, came to Tarazed onboard Andromeda.

"Thank-you," Dylan murmured as he rubbed his hands over his face trying to wake up.

"Other than some visits to the observation deck our guests have remained in their quarters," Andromeda informed him.

"I don't remember asking you to keep tabs on them," Dylan commented, getting to his feet. He crossed over to the chair he had draped his uniform jacket over and retrieved it.

"You didn't specifically," Andromeda replied as Dylan shrugged into the jacket. "However, I chose to be overly cautious and keep tabs on them myself."

"Fair enough," Dylan replied knowing that the ship's AI only had her crews best interests at heart.

As he retrieved a cup of coffee, Dylan had Andromeda catch him up on what he had missed while he had napped. Unsurprisingly, the report was very routine, the ship having been in slipstream during much of its transit from the Riza system to Tarazed.

After finishing his cup of coffee, Dylan made his way to the bridge. He stepped onto the command deck just as Bekka started to announce the transit from slipstream to normal space. Reaching out, Dylan grabbed the closest railing to steady himself during the small jolt that was normal during the transition.

"Hey Boss, enjoy your nap?" Harper, the first to notice Dylan's arrival on the bridge, asked from the engineering station as Andromeda announced their current position from Tarazed.

"I did," Dylan replied as he made his way to his own station after saluting the High Guard officers that were currently on the bridge. He still had to admit, he liked the saluting even if he didn't expect it from his senior crew.

"Downloading current events from Tarazed's satellites and checking for messages," Andromeda announced.

"At least we can finally figure out what yo-yos they've got running for the vacant triumvir position," Bekka replied as she leaned back against the railing of the pilot's nest as Andromeda's autopilot took them toward Tarazed.

"I've got a speech from one candidate that you might find of interest," Andromeda stated, drawing the attention of the crew members on the bridge toward her image on the front screen.

"Put it on screen," Dylan replied, wondering what had caught the AI's attention.

The image of Andromeda faded away, replaced by a shot of the steps of the Capitol Building in the Grand Plaza of Tarazed. At the podium at the top of the steps stood a familiar figure, Telemachus Rhade. Behind him, both Tri-Lorn and Tri-Laurent were standing, both triumvirs flanked by guards.

"For those of you who know me, you know that I have spent a good portion of my military career serving in the Home Guard of Tarazed. I am proud to have been able to serve and protect the people of Tarazed, and the Commonwealth, during that career. Several months ago, I resigned my position with the High Guard to resume my position as the Commander of Tarazed's Home Guard to defend the Commonwealth's capital against the Nietszchean fleet that threatened not only Tarazed but the Commonwealth that Tarazed is a proud member of. I believed then that I could serve better protecting Tarazed rather than a High Guard Officer."

"I stand before you today, to announce that once again I believe that there is another way for me to better serve the citizens of Tarazed and the rest of the Commonwealth. I am here to officially announce my candidacy for the position of Triumvir for the New Systems Commonwealth. If it is the will of the people, I hope to help restore order to our government and be a part of the process to create a better way a life for all current and future citizens of the Systems Commonwealth."

As cheers erupted on the news feed, the picture was replaced with the image of Andromeda once again.

"You know, even with the bone blades, I find him believable for a politician," Harper commented. "Albeit that isn't a high bar to meet."

"What do you know, we've got a yo-yo running that I can actually feel okay about voting for," Bekka commented.

Dylan smiled at Harper and Bekka's comments, knowing that a fierce loyalty for their former crew mate lied beneath the friendly banter.

"I'm sure Rhade will be flattered to have your support," Dylan commented, choosing to keep his own surprise at his former weapons officer's run for office to himself. Not that he didn't think Rhade was up to the task. During his time on the Andromeda, Dylan had come to value Rhade's knowledge and strategic prowess, even if they were sometimes overshadowed by his blunt honesty and pessimism. However, Telemachus Rhade had never stuck him as a political figure, though perhaps he should have given the fact that Tarazed's Home Guard Commander had led the Isolationists' movement against Tarazed's initial entry into the Commonwealth.

"Especially, the support of the Matriarch," Rommie dead panned.

"Yeah, that tends to be a bit of a sore spot between us," Bekka replied, thinking of their conversation on Tarazed when the Nietszchean forces had been attacking. Though he might have accepted the truth of it, she had a feeling that Rhade resented that truth as well.

"Then perhaps you should just offer your support as a friend while we're down on Tarazed," Dylan replied.

"Yeah, about that, any chance we get any R and R while we're here?" Bekka asked.

"I think I can authorize that," Dylan replied. "Though senior crew is going to have to wait until any ceremonial or diplomatic events we are asked to participate in are over."

"As long as Rommie doesn't try to make me wear a dress, we'll be fine," Bekka commented.

"I learned a long time ago that trying to polish you up is not worth the effort," the ship's android avatar commented.

"Some of us weren't meant for spit and polish," Bekka countered.

"Ain't that the truth," Dylan said softly, though by the look that Bekka shot in his direction, not softly enough.


"We'll begin the formal talks tomorrow morning if that is acceptable to you," Tri-Lorn said to Sigmund Nietze as wait staff discreetly removed dishes from the table.

"It is," the Arteus Alpha replied. Though he had enjoyed the reception dinner prepared for him and his group, he was more than ready to get down to business and find out if this trip had been worth his time or not. "Captain Rangor, would you be willing to walk with us to our quarters? The Grand Plaza has quite of few corridors to it."

"Of course," Rangor replied.

"Then that's settled," Tri-Laurent said, pushing back his chair and getting to his feet. "I thank-you all for your company tonight and wish you good night."

As quickly as they could, Dylan, Harper, and Bekka said the proper good-byes and made their way to the exit, Rommie following behind them.

"I'm glad that is over," Bekka commented as the reception hall door closed behind them.

"You can say that again," Harper commented unbuttoning the collar of the jacket he wore. "Leave it to the Nietszchean to find a way to weasel away early," he added, referring to Rhade's early departure during the main meal.

"I personally would like to know what's going on that pulled him away from the dinner," Dylan commented.

"According to information relayed to Andromeda, all Commonwealth ships currently at Tarazed have been put on alert due to a sighting of Sabra-Jaguar ships just outside the system. The number of Home Guard Patrol ships has been doubled."

"Think they know about the guests we brought?" Bekka asked, looking toward Dylan.

"Either that or its one of those coincidences that I don't like," Dylan told him. "I want the three of you back on Andromeda."

"What about the crew that was given R and R?" Bekka asked.

"Don't bother them for now. We still have enough crew onboard to take Andromeda into battle if need be," Dylan told her. After the last few months, he knew his crew was long overdue for some downtime. "I'm going to check in with Rhade and get more information about the situation."

"According to Grand Plaza security records, Rhade is still in his office," Rommie supplied before Dylan had a chance to ask.

"Thank-you," Dylan replied. "I'll see you onboard shortly," he told his crew before heading down the corridor in the direction of Rhade's office.

Giving the time of night, the corridors of the Grand Plaza were quiet. The only people that Dylan passed were the members of security patrolling the corridors. Reaching Rhade's office, Dylan was surprised to find a guard stationed outside of the room. As he approached the door, the guard simply nodded at Dylan. Assuming that to mean the guard wasn't going to do anything to stop him, Andromeda's captain reached for the door chime.

"Come," Rhade called from inside the office.

As the door slid open, Dylan stepped into the room. Looking toward the desk first, Dylan found the chair abandoned. Letting his gaze sweep the room, he soon spotted Telemachus standing by the window that overlooked the grass area in front of the Plaza. Tarazed's Home Guard Commander was looking back at Dylan over his left shoulder.

"Bekka and Harper are jealous that you got to leave the dinner early."

Admiral Rhade smiled at his former captain's opening. "You still haven't trained your senior crew to handle ceremony gracefully, I see."

Dylan shrugged. "They come through in a crunch and I think that counts for more than spit and polish."

"So, I learned," Rhade replied, stepping away from the window. "Though this is one night, I would have been happy to stick with just ceremony."

"What's going on?"

Rhade motioned toward the monitor on his desk. Moving toward the desk, Dylan looked down at the information displayed on the screen.

"That looks like more than just a scouting party," Dylan commented as he took in the tactical display. He counted about twenty Nietszchean ships moving slowly along the outer rim of Tarazed's solar system.

"Definitely more than a scouting party," Rhade agreed. "However, they seem to be content to hang around the outside of the system. They haven't made any aggressive moves toward any of our ships or satellites, not even when Orion Creed started shadowing their movements. I was considering backing off on the number of ships I had out on patrol at anyone time, seeing that we haven't had any Nietszchean activity in the system for the last four weeks."

"And these guys show up shortly after Andromeda shows up with members of a pride the Sabra-Jaguar has been pursuing since they drove them from their home world. I think it's probably more than just a coincidence."

"As these are the first Sabra-Jaguar ships we've seen near the system since the Battle of Tarazed, I tend to agree with you. So far, it's just been the Drago-Kazov, Orca and Mandau ships that we've spotted. A few of the Drago-Kazov groups have made quick attacks, testing out defenses I think, but this is a new development," Rhade said, nodding toward the screen. "One that I don't like."

"Well, Andromeda will help any way we can," Dylan replied. "I'll keep her on alert even while we try to get the crew some much needed down time."

"I appreciate it."

"You plan on staying here all night?"

"No. Captain Falcon will be here to take over the watch at three. I don't intend on getting caught by surprise."

Dylan nodded, not at all surprised by the answer. Rhade never was one to let his guard down when faced with a threat. It was something he had in common with his great-great-great-great-grandfather.

"I guess this is going to cut into your political campaign," Dylan commented in an offhand manner.

"That's the last thing on my mind right now," Telemachus replied, turning back toward the window. "As long as I'm the commander of the Home Guard, my first priority is to the safety of Tarazed. If that means I lose the election because of it, then so be it. Tri-Lorn is just going to have to accept that."

"Tri-Lorn? What does he have to do with this?"

"He's the one that asked me to consider running for the vacant triumvir spot in the first place."

Dylan nodded, as he moved to stand next to Rhade. "That explains a lot. The man I served with for what seemed like two years never struck me as a politician."

"So, you don't think I can do this?"

"That isn't what I meant at all," Dylan replied, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sure you can do whatever it is you set your mind to do. Hell, somehow you managed to get Tarazed through a battle against more than 2,000 Nietszchean ships when everyone, including yourself, was writing it off as a hopeless fight. Helping to lead the Commonwealth should be easy compared to that but then that's part of the point isn't it. The military, protecting the people that you love, that's who you are - not some politician."

"Which is what I told Tri-Lorn when he first made the suggestion. However, he had some convincing arguments for reasons that I should run one of which was I bring a unique set of skills to the government because I am military and not a politician. He also pointed out that I could be a voice for the Nietszcheans that do find value in the Commonwealth. Giving past and now recent events, there is a deep mistrust, even hatred, of my people and with good reason. I've always been aware of it, even though it has never been as prevalent here on Tarazed as elsewhere. I've always strived to have my actions disprove that those feelings while still being true to my heritage."

"Tarazed is my home and I will defend it with my dying breath if necessary."

"I'm well aware of that. I've had a force lance fired at me for that very reason, remember," Dylan said, trying to add a little levity into the conversation.

"True enough," Rhade conceded, a small smile on his face. "However, despite my loyalty to Tarazed and the Commonwealth, I'm still Nietszchean. I need to be true to that heritage as well. Here on Tarazed, the Majorum Pride has found a way to coexist with the democratic views of the Commonwealth. I have accepted that not all Nietszcheans will accept that as a possibility. My people will never be united, despite the legend of Drago Museveni. However, that doesn't mean that what the Majorum Pride has built here on Tarazed can't work elsewhere. That other Prides won't see that we make ourselves stronger by allying ourselves with other races. As a triumvir I can help make that view a possibility."

"Perhaps you're more of a politician than I thought," Dylan said. "But, I think there is something more behind why you even considered Tri-Lorn's request in the first place."

"You're right," Rhade replied, stepping away from his former Captain. He took a few steps away in silence, before turning back to Dylan. "When the Collectors convinced the Commonwealth leadership that I was a threat to the Commonwealth and they tried to railroad me, I feared for my family here on Tarazed, especially after you stood up for me and made me a part of your crew."

"If I had known about your family then Rhade, I would have done what I could do to make sure they were safe. Though, perhaps I should've known without you telling me but I never bothered looking into your past."

"I don't blame you for that. You didn't have to rescue me from the Collector's ship but you did. I appreciated that. You had already risked enough in doing that, I wasn't going to ask more of you then and in hindsight, I'm glad I didn't. While you were standing up for me, Tri-Lorn was looking out for my family. Even before he sought out the Andromeda to serve my arrest warrant, he had already moved my family into his protection. He looked out for them when I couldn't and that is a debt I can never repay. However, as long as what he asks of me does not violate the values and the laws of the Commonwealth, then I feel the least I can do is to honor those requests."

Dylan nodded. "You're an honorable man, Telemachus. I think you could do a lot of good in a leadership role, and you will have my support. Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask."

"Thank-you Dylan. I'll take all the support I can get. Though I have the support of many here on Tarazed, there are plenty people offworld that don't like the idea of a Nietszchean triumvir."

"You couldn't miss the group of protestors on the grass of the Plaza upon our arrival."

Telemachus waved a hand. "They're just exercising their right to be heard. That group out there is the least of my worries," he added as he walked back toward his desk. "Sure they're persistent and can get loud at times, but it's a peaceful demonstration and they haven't got personal."

Having reached his desk, Rhade opened a drawer and removed a handful of flexis that he handed to Dylan, who had followed him.

Glancing through the flexis, Dylan realized that each flexi held some kind of protest about Rhade's candidacy for the triumvir position. Quite a few of them were personal, and more than one contained a threat.

"That's just the more recent ones," Rhade told him.

"Have any of these been tracked down?"

"There isn't enough manpower to do that nor is there reason. Unless they actually take action, a few written threats aren't going to go far. Besides, it's not like this is the first time I've ever received threats nor will it be the last."

"So you're not even taking this seriously."

"Oh, I'm taking it seriously, it's just that I'm not surprised by it. I knew I'd have to face this going into it. Also, you've met my shadow out there," Rhade said, nodding toward the door. "Tri-Lorn has reassigned several of his personal guards to become my personal guards during the election. So far, everything has just been empty words."

"Even so, perhaps I should find a way to keep Andromeda at Tarazed for now. If-"

"That's not why I told you this. While Andromeda's presence is always welcomed, even more so with the Sabra-Jaguar ships sitting out there, you're needed more out there trying to restore order then here trying to protect against a threat that may or may not even exist."

"I think you're wrong, but I also know that trying to convince you otherwise is going to be a waste of time. You've got too much of Gaheris in you. However, should you need my help-"

"Thank-you, Dylan," Rhade said, once again not letting Dylan finish his thought.

Dylan handed the flexis back to Rhade who put them back in the desk drawer.

"For now though," Rhade said, looking back toward the monitor, "the more pressing issue is those ships sitting out there. They are there for a reason. I just don't know what it is."

"They'll let us know eventually what they're up to. Nietszcheans always do."