"Captain, welcome to New Alameda," Sarah said as they walked down the corridor.

"Thanks," Dylan responded, "Now, about the Gemini..."

"As you may have noticed, the Gemini isn't an ordinary Ship of The Line. She was a testbed for new Commonwealth technologies. When the war broke out, funding for military research skyrocketed. High Guard scientists had plenty of new technologies that they couldn't afford to test or perfect prior to the war. By the time the major projects were ready, we had already lost a great deal to the Neitzchians. Time and capital were too thin to build many new ships. So, rather than build several prototypes, the Gemini was built to give a trial by fire for a number of new devices. Unfortunately, on her maiden voyager, her experimental slipstream drive exploded, and she was left adrift. By that time, we had already lost the battle of Witch Head, and the Magog invasions were starting. With the loss of the Gemini, the tattered remains of the Commonwealth fell apart."

"So the Gemini was the last ditch effort to save the Commonwealth?"

"In a way," Sarah paused, "But when we lost the battle of Witch Head, most people knew it was a lost cause, the rest had already known. Gemini's new technology was designed for upgrades of existing starships. Unfortunately, after the battle, we didn't have any more Ships of The Line to refit."

"Which brings us up to the present," Dylan remarked.

"Basically," Sarah replied, "We are the descendants of the people who originally manned the shipyard. We try to work according to the rules of the Commonwealth, which is why we use the chain of command and wear High Guard uniforms. Anyway, raids reduced our original defense force to just a single frigate and an artillary ship at one point, but we salvaged everything we could find. Our database holds information on several old battle sites, and that helped us find old ship materials that we could sell or reuse. Eventually, we started building ships again. You should have seen the crew when we finally commissioned the Saratoga. It wasn't much, but we were finally making progress again. Eventually, we got enough together to build another frigate. Slowly, we built up enough for two battleships before we finally found Gemini's wreakage."

"Its amazing you were able to survive for so long without funding from the Commonwealth."

"There's a lot of wreakage out there, for people who know where to look," Sarah answered, sadly.

"What condition was the Gemini in when you found her?"

"She was pretty heavily damaged. The entire rear section of the ship had been blown off by the explosion. Radiation from the broken remains of the slipstream drive killed the crew. She had lost her sensor drones, and a large portion of her database had been destroyed. The damage to the computer system was so severe that the AI had shut itself down. Luckily, there was enough left to rebuild. Our flagship was already eleven years old by the time we found her, and we badly needed more defense. The Gemini was more than we had hoped. The technology to build a Ship of The Line is long dead, even for us."

***

"How did you find us?" Rommie asked.

"Any ship traveling through the slipstream creates a resonance pattern," Gem explained, "I have a sensor capable of detecting, and discriminating between, these patterns. I simply located yours and tracked it."

"How could you feed the information to the slipstream pilot fast enough?"

Gem smiled, "I piloted through myself."

Rommie wasn't sure how to respond, "But... you're an android."

"True, however the Commonwealth had been experimenting with biomass sub-control processors when I was built. A small neuron bundle contained in my torso gives me sufficient organic intuition for slipstream piloting. Still, I am not as skilled as most trained organic pilots."

"What other experimental technology are you carrying?"

"I'll show you around," Gem said, leading Rommie over to one of the bridge stations.

***

"As much as I love hanging with you guys, I think I'm going to see if there are any cute High Guards girls out there."

"You mean 'desperate' High Guard girls, right?" Beka asked.

"Hey, the ladies can't get enough of suave, handsome geniuses."

"But, since there aren't any around, you're hoping they'll go with you instead?"

"Exactly," Harper smiled as he headed off to explore the station.

"Now I feel pathetic," Beka said as she watched Harper leave.

"Don't feel bad," Rev moved over next to her, "Harper is only a boy."

"And I'm getting old? Not one of your better pep talks."

"That's not what I meant. Its just that you already know about the world. You're more interested in finding the right person, and not just a person."

"I guess," Beka shook her head slowly, "But I never thought I'd spend the part of my shore leave talking to a Magog."

"Well I, for one, am glad you're spending it that way."

***

'This is just too convenient,' Tyr finished the glass of water he had ordered, 'Why did the Gemini pick that moment to save them? How could one ship, even one that advanced, have gotten them away from two fleets of ships? The situation would have been a lot a different if they had arrived just a few moments before or after they had.'

"Hey," A young woman sat at the bar next to him, "I don't see many people ordering water around here."

"I won't allow anything to interfere with my rational thought," Tyr responded.

"Luckily, I don't need rational thought," She smiled and turned to the bar tender, "I'll have a beer."

"No problem," The man answered as he filled a glass from the tap.

"I'm Anna," She said, looking at Tyr.

"Tyr Anasazi," He replied.

"Nice to meet you," She smiled again.

"I hope you don't expect this to go anywhere. Inter-species relationships are pointless."

"Hey, I'm not here to bear your children. We don't get many new faces around here, and I was hoping to meet someone with a different perspective."

"All right," Tyr looked amused, "What do you want to talk about?"

***

"How did it go?" Sarah asked.

"He told me he'd think about it, and talk to me again in the morning," Dylan answered.

"Well, at least he didn't say no."

"These things take time," Dylan looked at her, "I think he'll come around."

"I hope so," She responded, "I don't know how much longer we can hold on without allies."

"Don't worry, we'll do everything we can to protect you."

"I probably shouldn't be getting my hopes up, but that really does make me feel better."

"As long as we have hope, civilization will survive."

"Hope," She smiled, "Its worth a try."

***

"Did you ever meet the Intellectual Progress?"

"We were in a patroll together once. Did you know her?"

"She led the defense garrison at my original shipyard! Once," Gem began to laugh as she told the story, "Pro was sent out to investigate some strange solar activity. Her captain had them go down right next to the corona. She tried to warn him that the solar surface was becoming unstable, but to make a long story short, when I left they were still trying to get ahold of some replacement thrust articulators."

Rommie laughed. The Pro's captain was probably the most impulsive CO in the fleet. Pro, on the other hand, was probably the most conservative starship built yet. They made a great team.

Suddenly, Rommie's expression changed.

"What's wrong?"

Andromeda paused, "The Progress is probably dead now, along with the Eight-Fold Path, the Pax Magillanic, the Continuation of Politics, the Radiance…"

"I'm sure plenty of others survived," Gem said, reaching out towards Andromeda.

"I met one once," Andromeda began, "We found the Pax in an asteroid belt that was once Talsetti Six. She had been alone for hundreds of years. When we finally got to her… she was irrational. In the end, she forced us to attack her. She let down her defenses, and…"

"It wasn't your fault," Gem put an arm around the avatar, "You did what you had to do."

"It isn't that. I'll miss Maggy, but there's something else… I'm worried," Rommie wasn't sure what to say, "I mean, neither of us had to live through the last three hundred years. Could anyone stay sane in a galaxy like this for three centuries?"

"I don't know," Gem answered, "But we have to hope. If everything goes well, there'll be a whole new generation of starships, and they'll be looking up to us."

"I don't think I'm ready to be a mentor for an entire fleet."

"I was just built 300 years ago," Gemini reminded her, "I'd rather face a Magog invasion than be responsible for training a new ship. I'm going to need you more than any of them."

"I sometimes wish I had died in the battle of Witch Head. I could've made a difference out there, but now… I think Maggy would have had more of a chance. Why did she have to die and leave me to rebuild the Commonwealth?"

"You've accomplished a lot more than most ships would in your position. You'll make a great flagship."

"Flagship? You're the flagship. You're the strongest ship in the fleet, and I'm outdated. They won't be building any more ships like me."

"You're the only one experienced enough to lead the fleet. Besides, you're the ship that the founder of the New Commonwealth wants to serve with."

"I'm the only ship that actually belongs to the Commonwealth right now. If the shipyard joins, Dylan should transfer to a better ship. He should have the best."

"Andromeda, you are the best. You're the only ship with any experience out there. You know your crew, and that's more important than an improved plasma converter."

"Do you mean that?"

"Of course. Do you remember how you felt when you went on your first mission?"

Rommie smiled briefly, "The first time I went full speed, I was afraid my Plasma Conduction Manifold was going to explode."

"…And now you know better. You've been in battle, you've explored unknown space, you've helped your captain conduct negotiations, and you've done lots of other things that I haven't even thought of yet."

"I suppose so…"

"You'll be fine," Gem smiled, "Trust me."

***

"I am very dissapointed. We had the Andromeda and the Gemini surrounded. We had overwhelming numbers, but you let them escape."

"My ship tried to follow the Andromeda," Kyn responded, "But the Magog couldn't even stay in formation."

"Neither could your pride, Kyn. I'm starting to question your genetic worth."

"My genes are not your concern. If your ship hadn't shown up, we would have captured the Andromeda and taken it back to our territory before the Gemini found us. If you want the mission done right, keep better control of your pets."

Mert hissed as Kyn gave him a withering look, "It is not our fault. If that Neit hadn't waited so long, my crew would be feasting on the humans from both ships by now."

"Enough!" Lusus ordered forcefully, "Your petty bickering must stop. We have a common enemy, and we will must prevent it from gaining a foot hold in our territory. We won't suceed if you can't work together."

"Fine, we'll work together, but when the time comes, I want the purple creature."

"You mean the alien girl from the Andromeda? What could possibly be so important about her? I could supply you with plenty of unusual females, if that's what you want."

"My pride has gotten word of her people. We believe she knows things that would be useful to us."

"Very well, but we will interrogate her before turning her over to you," Lusus responded.

"All right," Kyn smiled malevolently. Lusus knew the Neitzchian wasn't using direct deception, but he was certainly hiding something…

"You told us that we could have all of the captives!" Mert was indignant.

"You will have entire worlds to plunder. Surely one girl won't be all that important."

Mert grumbled unintelligibly for a moment, but said nothing more.

***

"Are you sure?" Dylan asked.

"Are ships are practically operating on skeleton crews already," Fredricks answered, "Beside, most people have family on the station. No one volunteered for the transfer."

"I understand," Dylan nodded, "If we were in your position, I don't think any of my crew would want to go over to a new ship."

"And you would be wrong," Tyr had been listening in on the conversation, "I want to join the crew of the Gemini."

"You do?" Dylan's voice was unreadable, but Tyr knew him well enough to guess his emotions. Not that his feelings were relevant to the matter.

"The Gemini is a more powerful ship. I believe my chances for survival are better there."

"It isn't that simple…"

"Of course not," Tyr sounded almost defiant.

"Are you unhappy here?"

"Dylan, when is the last time you discussed philosophy?"

"Philosophy? What does that have to do with anything?"

Tyr paused, studying Dylan, "Last night, I met a member of the Gemini's crew. We discussed philosophy, politics, combat strategy, ship building doctrines… The only person on the Andromeda to even attempt intelligent conversation with me has been Rev, and so far that has been a complete failure."

"I've studied Neitzche," Dylan reminded him, "If you want to discuss philosophy…"

"That isn't all," Tyr answered coldly, "As far as humans go, she was intelligent, athletic, and physically attractive. Her genes are good enough to be incorporated into my offspring."

"I thought Neitzchians didn't engage in inter-species relationships," Dylan said, a bit surprised.

"Humans have enough genetic similarity to mate with Neitzchians. If I tried to take a Neitzchian mate, she would question my genetic worth for joining the Andromeda in the first place. Since I probably won't be able to secure a genetically enhanced mate, she would seem to be my best alternative."

"Are you sure she wants to take you as a mate?" Dylan asked.

"I am leaving," Tyr stated resolutely.

"I can't force you to stay here," Dylan answered, "Report to Captain Pellings to authorize your transfer."

***

"Welcome aboard," Captain Pellings extended her hand, "Dylan tells me you've had some experience running defense drones."

"I've done a lot of things," Tyr responded.

"Good. We could use an operator for bridge station six. I'll start a simulation, just to make sure you're up to it."

"I can handle the drone."

"That's standard procedure for new officers. If you don't like it, you can go back to the Andromeda."

"Perhaps I will."

Pellings nodded, "If that's what you want."

"I haven't decided yet. What sort of simulation is it?"

"Just a few computer-generated sensor contacts. It'll get harder as time goes by. Your score is determined by the amount of simulated damage we take and the length of time that your drone survives."

"Fine, I'll take the test."

***
[One day later...]

"So, what happened?" Beka stood as Dylan walked in.

"The Admiral signed the charter. We can head out in a few minutes."

"No, what happened with Tyr?"

"I tried again, but he barely listened. I take it you didn't get through to him either."

"None of us have," Beka sat in the slipstream chair.

"It'll be hard getting along without him," Dylan looked around at the assembled crew, "But we can manage. Beka, take us back to Alor."

---

When Andromeda arrived at Alor, the massive Kapth was already in orbit of the planet. The entire crew of the Andromeda was dismayed, but Dylan wasn't about to leave without investigating. He immediately contacted the Kapth.

"Captain Hunt, I presume?" The unusual being said the instant communications had been established, "I am Lusus Naturae of the Starship Kapth. It is an honor to meet you captain."

"I'm…glad to meet you," Dylan was taken a bit off guard.

"May I ask why you've come to this world, Captain?"

"I'm not sure I should be discussing my plans with someone who participated in an attack on my ship less than two days ago."

"That? Water under the bridge, Captain. Isn't that what you humans say?" Lusus smiled hideously, "Anyway, that has no bearing on my business at the moment."

"And that is…?"

"I've come to inform you that Alor won't be joining your New Commonwealth. In fact, you may soon be seeing a noticable decline in the number of your member worlds."

"Why would that be?" Dylan's face with stern.

"As much as I enjoy all this, I frankly don't have time for verbal games. Allow me to be blunt, Captain. I intend to systematically wipe out every planet that persists in identifying itself with the New Commonwealth. My combined Neitzchian and Magog forces will wreak unimaginable havoc with the populations of your pathetic alliance, except for those who publically renounce the Commonwalth."

"We won't allow that to happen."

"Nor would I expect you to. I expect you to resist me with every ounce of strength you have. However, this is a win-win situation for me. If you fight now, my flagship will single-handedly board and capture the Andromeda, utterly crushing your fleet's morale. If you flee, my fleet will bombard this planet and reduce its cities to dust. Tell me Captain, what do you suppose will happen if you abandon this world to my men, giving its populace over to slavery, torture, and death at the hands of my rather merciless compatriots? Once I'm through here, and that will be quite soon, I will make this tragedy well known in the New Commonwealth. Then, I intend to threaten all of your other worlds with worse should they attempt to stand by you. Your miniscule fleet has no chance against my military might."

"You should know, wars are about more than numbers and technology."

"Of course," Lusus responded, "The battles will be won or lost by our actions, as generals. So, it is time for the games to begin. If you do not attack, I will commence bombarding this planet in ten seconds. Nine…eight…seven…"