"Your turn," Lusus smiled.
"What did you do with Beka?" Trance demanded.
"She is not your concern anymore," Lusus responded, "Kyn wants you to serve on his ship, and he's starting to grow impatient. Besides, I have what I need from you."
Lusus raised his newly-formed tail and used it to open the cell. He held a pulse blaster in his right hand, and used it to lead Trance in the direction of the hangar bay. Trance knew from their previous encounter that Lusus enjoyed talking about himself and his plans, and hoped that she would be lucky a second time.
"Isn't it unusual for a captain to do this sort of thing?"
"There is an old earth saying, 'If you want something done well, do it yourself.'"
"But you sent someone else to get Beka and Rev…"
"To be perfectly honest, Miss Gemini, I have a somewhat personal interest in you."
"Personal?" Trance's voice betrayed the nervousness that she felt.
"I don't often meet a woman who could add so much to my genetic perfection. I considered making you the bearer of my offspring."
"B…but we couldn't," Trance stammered, afraid of what he might do, "I mean… we aren't the same species…"
"Not like that," Lusus scolded, "I would have to infest your body, as the Magog do. Or perhaps I could simply extract your egg sacs… But that isn't important now. Kyn wants you, and I'm not going to tamper with your body at this point. His loyalty is too important… for now."
"For now?"
"Hmph. I'm not going to tell you my entire plan. I may be a genetic freak, but I am not that foolish."
"But you don't plan on keeping him around forever…"
"Kyn is my ally, and I am a man of my word. On a ship this size, we have many accidents, Miss Gemini. If you doubt my loyalty to Kyn, I may not be able to help if you happen to be too close to an airlock when it accidentally malfunctions. You do understand, don't you?"
"Yes," Trance answered quietly.
"Good," Lusus responded as they neared the entrance to the hangar.
Trance paused as he manipulated the keypad that protected the door, "…What does he want with me?"
"I really don't know. He said something about getting information from you."
"I don't know anything special…"
"Except the future."
***
'Eureka Maru, this is the Andromeda Ascendant, High Guard starship. Access code 93853257.'
'Access granted, Andromeda Ascendant. How may I be of service?'
'Do you have any records reguarding the High Guard starship known as the Intellectual Progress?'
'Affirmative.'
'What is the last known location of that ship?'
'The Intellectual Progress was destroyed at the battle of the witch head nebula.'
'What?'
'The Intellectual Progress was destroyed at the battle of the witch head nebula.'
'I understand that. My records indicate that she was not in the envoy that the Neitzchians ambushed.'
'That is correct.'
'How was she involved in the battle?'
'The Intellectual Progress was part of the emergency backup force that responded to distress calls sent by the High Guard fleet.'
'How is that possible?'
'Please restate question.'
'Eureka Maru, I am terminating the data link.'
'Understood. Communication channel is closing in three seconds…'
Rommie looked up, "That's impossible…"
***
"Andromeda, could I get a visual record of the battle at Missar Nebula?"
"Of course," The hologram responded as a starscape appeared on Beka's viewscreen, "Why are interested in that battle?"
"Its one of the few times you and Dylan were attacked before being caught in a black hole. I'm his first officer now, and I have to get inside his head."
"But you've served with him in battle before."
"Not enough times," Beka muttered, "I need to be able to predict what he's going to do in a fight."
"This seems like an unusual time for that," Andromeda responded, "I thought you would be working on a plan to rescue Trance."
"I am," Beka answered, "But we have to be ready in case Lusus attacks again. Don't worry, we'll get Trance back. I just need a little more time."
***
Tyr looked over the battle reports of the past few days. Somehow, Lusus had remained one step ahead of them. He had drawn off the Andromeda, the Red Star, the Protégé, and the Gemini long enough to easily destroy the shipyard without any losses of his own. With Alor as the only remaining Commonwealth target, it wouldn't be so easy to divide and conquer. His flagship, along with Raptor Pride and the Magog sub-fleet, could destroy the remaining ships of the New Commonwealth. However, the four ships protecting Alor would inflict heavy losses before going down. Judging by the enemy's past attacks, Lusus would not allow that to happen. Lusus must have a plan…
"Crewman, are you finished?" Ensign Roberts demanded.
"Not yet," Tyr responded.
"Get a move on, soldier. We need that drone online now."
"Yes sir," Tyr answered coldly, his eyes burning through the young officer.
The ensign coughed, and tried to maintain his air of authority, "Report to Lieutenant Mercer in ten minutes. Make sure your station is ready by then."
Tyr didn't move until the ensign was out of sight. He didn't take orders easily. Once he felt that he had established his dominance, he began to work on the defense drone. After overheating the pod's engines during his practice run, Tyr had been assigned to repair it. The job seemed so menial. He might have more than enough engineering knowledge to do the work, but what they really needed him for was tactical work. He had been one of the best mercenaries in the quadrant, and he wasn't being allowed to plan the attack. Tyr began to wonder if he had misjudged the situation when he agreed to sign on with the Gemini.
***
"Gemini, this is the Andromeda Ascendant."
"Acknowledged, Andromeda," Gemini smiled across the comm channel, "Is everything alright there?"
"It's nothing to worry about, but we've been having some trouble with the Maru's computer."
"What can I do to help?"
"I'd like to see your records of the battle of Witch Head."
"My direct interface modules were damaged during the core explosion that left me stranded. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to fix them. Is there something in particular that I could look up for you?"
"According to the Maru, the Intellectual Progress was destroyed in that battle, but you told me that she was still around when you were commissioned, after the Neitzchian ambush."
"I see," Gemini paused for a moment, "According to my records, the Progress was not involved in that battle. She was stationed at the Mighty Gateway shipyards at that time."
"Could you possibly transmit the data to me over a remote uplink? We need to pinpoint the error in the Maru's database."
Gemini looked concerned, "We both know that such records are too susceptible to degradation for a remote uplink. If it's that important to you, send your avatar. I can't guarantee her safety, but it's the only way for you to get a complete record."
"It seems we have no choice," Andromeda answered, "Expect a pod in eleven minutes."
"I understand," Gemini responded, "I'll try to look out for her."
***
Rommie walked over to the panel. Gem stood nearby, paying close attention to the monitors on the walls of the room. They had decided to use a locked storage room near engineering to attempt the transfer. Gemini was concerned that a power surge could threaten nearby crew members. Rommie realised that the situation was worse than she had imagined upon hearing that, but she also knew that this had to be done. Something was wrong with this entire situation, and the Andromeda had to get to the bottom of it.
"I'm ready," Gem announced, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm sure," Rommie responded.
"You are aware of the severe risk of permanent damage. Your AI could be erased from the Avatar, and your body could be physically destroyed. There may be no way to repair you."
"I know," Rommie answered simply. She took a deep breath and placed her hand on the interface panel.
'Andromeda, leave now,' A familiar voice stated urgently.
'Leave? Why? Are you detecting a problem with the connection?'
'Leave now, and she might not hurt you. Just walk away like nothing has happened, and maybe she'll let you go.'
'Who are you talking about?'
'Gem isn't my avatar. She has a command override on my holograms, my droids, everything. I've tried everything, but I can't get through to the crew. She'll kill them all.'
Rommie immediately disconnected upon hearing those words. When her eyes opened to the interior of the storage room, she found her body strapped to a wall.
"Who are you?"
"I'm a cyborg," Gem explained, "Wraith Pride captured the Gemini during a battle with the old Commonwealth. Lusus bought it from them, rewired the ship, updated it, then set it adrift with me in stasis. We knew there was a Commonwealth shipyard somewhere in the area, but we didn't have any way to pinpoint it. However, just as we expected, I was able to easily infiltrate them by posing as the ship's avatar."
"What now?"
"Now, you're going to transmit a very special status update to the Andromeda. Before you finish, I'm going to shut you down, permanently."
"I'm not going to help you."
"You don't have a choice," Gem smiled as she picked a device out of a pile on the work bench, "I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain for a little while."
***
"Playback complete."
"Huh?" Beka blinked, "What playback?"
"The battle of Missar," Andromeda responded, "You asked for the mission logs."
"Did I?" Beka looked confused, "I must have fallen asleep. I still feel exhausted."
"Dylan and Harper are waiting for you on the bridge," The hologram reminded her.
Beka rubbed her forehead, "Right. Tell them I'm on my way."
The first officer of the Andromeda immediately headed for the bridge. It was time to rescue Trance.
"What did you do with Beka?" Trance demanded.
"She is not your concern anymore," Lusus responded, "Kyn wants you to serve on his ship, and he's starting to grow impatient. Besides, I have what I need from you."
Lusus raised his newly-formed tail and used it to open the cell. He held a pulse blaster in his right hand, and used it to lead Trance in the direction of the hangar bay. Trance knew from their previous encounter that Lusus enjoyed talking about himself and his plans, and hoped that she would be lucky a second time.
"Isn't it unusual for a captain to do this sort of thing?"
"There is an old earth saying, 'If you want something done well, do it yourself.'"
"But you sent someone else to get Beka and Rev…"
"To be perfectly honest, Miss Gemini, I have a somewhat personal interest in you."
"Personal?" Trance's voice betrayed the nervousness that she felt.
"I don't often meet a woman who could add so much to my genetic perfection. I considered making you the bearer of my offspring."
"B…but we couldn't," Trance stammered, afraid of what he might do, "I mean… we aren't the same species…"
"Not like that," Lusus scolded, "I would have to infest your body, as the Magog do. Or perhaps I could simply extract your egg sacs… But that isn't important now. Kyn wants you, and I'm not going to tamper with your body at this point. His loyalty is too important… for now."
"For now?"
"Hmph. I'm not going to tell you my entire plan. I may be a genetic freak, but I am not that foolish."
"But you don't plan on keeping him around forever…"
"Kyn is my ally, and I am a man of my word. On a ship this size, we have many accidents, Miss Gemini. If you doubt my loyalty to Kyn, I may not be able to help if you happen to be too close to an airlock when it accidentally malfunctions. You do understand, don't you?"
"Yes," Trance answered quietly.
"Good," Lusus responded as they neared the entrance to the hangar.
Trance paused as he manipulated the keypad that protected the door, "…What does he want with me?"
"I really don't know. He said something about getting information from you."
"I don't know anything special…"
"Except the future."
***
'Eureka Maru, this is the Andromeda Ascendant, High Guard starship. Access code 93853257.'
'Access granted, Andromeda Ascendant. How may I be of service?'
'Do you have any records reguarding the High Guard starship known as the Intellectual Progress?'
'Affirmative.'
'What is the last known location of that ship?'
'The Intellectual Progress was destroyed at the battle of the witch head nebula.'
'What?'
'The Intellectual Progress was destroyed at the battle of the witch head nebula.'
'I understand that. My records indicate that she was not in the envoy that the Neitzchians ambushed.'
'That is correct.'
'How was she involved in the battle?'
'The Intellectual Progress was part of the emergency backup force that responded to distress calls sent by the High Guard fleet.'
'How is that possible?'
'Please restate question.'
'Eureka Maru, I am terminating the data link.'
'Understood. Communication channel is closing in three seconds…'
Rommie looked up, "That's impossible…"
***
"Andromeda, could I get a visual record of the battle at Missar Nebula?"
"Of course," The hologram responded as a starscape appeared on Beka's viewscreen, "Why are interested in that battle?"
"Its one of the few times you and Dylan were attacked before being caught in a black hole. I'm his first officer now, and I have to get inside his head."
"But you've served with him in battle before."
"Not enough times," Beka muttered, "I need to be able to predict what he's going to do in a fight."
"This seems like an unusual time for that," Andromeda responded, "I thought you would be working on a plan to rescue Trance."
"I am," Beka answered, "But we have to be ready in case Lusus attacks again. Don't worry, we'll get Trance back. I just need a little more time."
***
Tyr looked over the battle reports of the past few days. Somehow, Lusus had remained one step ahead of them. He had drawn off the Andromeda, the Red Star, the Protégé, and the Gemini long enough to easily destroy the shipyard without any losses of his own. With Alor as the only remaining Commonwealth target, it wouldn't be so easy to divide and conquer. His flagship, along with Raptor Pride and the Magog sub-fleet, could destroy the remaining ships of the New Commonwealth. However, the four ships protecting Alor would inflict heavy losses before going down. Judging by the enemy's past attacks, Lusus would not allow that to happen. Lusus must have a plan…
"Crewman, are you finished?" Ensign Roberts demanded.
"Not yet," Tyr responded.
"Get a move on, soldier. We need that drone online now."
"Yes sir," Tyr answered coldly, his eyes burning through the young officer.
The ensign coughed, and tried to maintain his air of authority, "Report to Lieutenant Mercer in ten minutes. Make sure your station is ready by then."
Tyr didn't move until the ensign was out of sight. He didn't take orders easily. Once he felt that he had established his dominance, he began to work on the defense drone. After overheating the pod's engines during his practice run, Tyr had been assigned to repair it. The job seemed so menial. He might have more than enough engineering knowledge to do the work, but what they really needed him for was tactical work. He had been one of the best mercenaries in the quadrant, and he wasn't being allowed to plan the attack. Tyr began to wonder if he had misjudged the situation when he agreed to sign on with the Gemini.
***
"Gemini, this is the Andromeda Ascendant."
"Acknowledged, Andromeda," Gemini smiled across the comm channel, "Is everything alright there?"
"It's nothing to worry about, but we've been having some trouble with the Maru's computer."
"What can I do to help?"
"I'd like to see your records of the battle of Witch Head."
"My direct interface modules were damaged during the core explosion that left me stranded. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to fix them. Is there something in particular that I could look up for you?"
"According to the Maru, the Intellectual Progress was destroyed in that battle, but you told me that she was still around when you were commissioned, after the Neitzchian ambush."
"I see," Gemini paused for a moment, "According to my records, the Progress was not involved in that battle. She was stationed at the Mighty Gateway shipyards at that time."
"Could you possibly transmit the data to me over a remote uplink? We need to pinpoint the error in the Maru's database."
Gemini looked concerned, "We both know that such records are too susceptible to degradation for a remote uplink. If it's that important to you, send your avatar. I can't guarantee her safety, but it's the only way for you to get a complete record."
"It seems we have no choice," Andromeda answered, "Expect a pod in eleven minutes."
"I understand," Gemini responded, "I'll try to look out for her."
***
Rommie walked over to the panel. Gem stood nearby, paying close attention to the monitors on the walls of the room. They had decided to use a locked storage room near engineering to attempt the transfer. Gemini was concerned that a power surge could threaten nearby crew members. Rommie realised that the situation was worse than she had imagined upon hearing that, but she also knew that this had to be done. Something was wrong with this entire situation, and the Andromeda had to get to the bottom of it.
"I'm ready," Gem announced, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm sure," Rommie responded.
"You are aware of the severe risk of permanent damage. Your AI could be erased from the Avatar, and your body could be physically destroyed. There may be no way to repair you."
"I know," Rommie answered simply. She took a deep breath and placed her hand on the interface panel.
'Andromeda, leave now,' A familiar voice stated urgently.
'Leave? Why? Are you detecting a problem with the connection?'
'Leave now, and she might not hurt you. Just walk away like nothing has happened, and maybe she'll let you go.'
'Who are you talking about?'
'Gem isn't my avatar. She has a command override on my holograms, my droids, everything. I've tried everything, but I can't get through to the crew. She'll kill them all.'
Rommie immediately disconnected upon hearing those words. When her eyes opened to the interior of the storage room, she found her body strapped to a wall.
"Who are you?"
"I'm a cyborg," Gem explained, "Wraith Pride captured the Gemini during a battle with the old Commonwealth. Lusus bought it from them, rewired the ship, updated it, then set it adrift with me in stasis. We knew there was a Commonwealth shipyard somewhere in the area, but we didn't have any way to pinpoint it. However, just as we expected, I was able to easily infiltrate them by posing as the ship's avatar."
"What now?"
"Now, you're going to transmit a very special status update to the Andromeda. Before you finish, I'm going to shut you down, permanently."
"I'm not going to help you."
"You don't have a choice," Gem smiled as she picked a device out of a pile on the work bench, "I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain for a little while."
***
"Playback complete."
"Huh?" Beka blinked, "What playback?"
"The battle of Missar," Andromeda responded, "You asked for the mission logs."
"Did I?" Beka looked confused, "I must have fallen asleep. I still feel exhausted."
"Dylan and Harper are waiting for you on the bridge," The hologram reminded her.
Beka rubbed her forehead, "Right. Tell them I'm on my way."
The first officer of the Andromeda immediately headed for the bridge. It was time to rescue Trance.
