Summoning Shadows
By Dawn Nyberg
Disclaimer: Tribune Entertainment owns the characters of Andromeda. No profit is being made.
READ AND REVIEW!!! Thanks :)
************************************************************************
Tyr sat with his back against the wall thinking. He looked up every time one of the doors to the Medical area opened. His mind couldn't escape the hours before. His mind went back to the arena .
**Four Hours Earlier**
Tyr vaulted over the roping surrounding the arena. He caught Harper before he was able to hit the ground and shove the steel arrow back through himself causing more injury. "Little man?" Tyr supported Harper's head in his hands. The young man's eyes opened and he fought to focus on the Nietzschean. Trance knelt next to Tyr and Harper. There had all ready been a call for a medical response team. Gavin Calle was being held by security.
"Tyr."
"Don't talk Little Man."
"Harper just relax," Trance touched his cheek.
"No. need to say something."
"What?" Tyr's eyes were intense.
".Not his fault," it was an effort to speak and Harper felt himself being pulled toward darkness, a place of shadow.
"Harper, he is guilty!"
"No more, Tyr. No more placing blame." Harper forced his voice higher. "I want him released."
Harper's words had been heard and Gavin was released by the security that held him. The medical crew arrived, but Harper had something to say. "Tyr?"
"Yes?" Harper was weak and his voice a mere whisper. He leaned down toward the young man's face.
"Take care of them. Especially Beka." Tyr pulled back - his face serious. His jaw tightened at the implications of the boy's request. He watched Harper mouth the word, "promise."
Tyr nodded his head and spoke, "I will."
Harper's eyes slid closed.
**Back to the Present**
Tyr shook his head slightly trying to clear the rest of the images from his head - the profound request from the boy ringing in his head. Tyr was relieved that Gavin Calle had stayed away from the Medical facility. After they had taken Harper from the arena Tyr had gone after Gavin. He had grabbed him by the throat - his threat still hung on his lips, "If he dies . I will come calling on you one day. I promise you this. So, know that you're never safe from me. And, I will come." Dylan had pulled him off of Calle, but he himself wanted to beat Calle to a pulp, but he was more concerned with getting to the Medical facility to hear of Harper's condition. Beka's anger at the feelings of betrayal had taken a back seat. She sat with her face in her hands and Dylan trying to calm her by talking to her. Trance had gone in with Harper. She had for all intents and purposes been his doctor on the Andromeda - her knowledge of Harper was needed as the doctors fought to save his young life.
Tyr got up and walked down the corridor to the outside. There was a place they called the tranquility garden. Tyr didn't really care - he just wanted a place to think. He stood looking out over a lush green valley - despite everything. Brescia was a beautiful planet. "Tyr?"
The Nietzschean turned toward the familiar voice - Dylan. "You should stay with Beka."
"I told her she needed to get some rest or she wouldn't be any good to Harper. She's asleep. You okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Harper's a fighter. He'll survive."
"You sound as if you're trying to convince yourself, Captain Hunt."
"Why are you so willing to write him off?" Tyr cast a hard glance at Dylan and turned away. He looked back over the valley.
"I'm not willing to write him off. But, Dylan . you saw the injury the same as I did. It's a mortal wound. It's only a matter of time."
"Tyr." Dylan began, but he really didn't know what to say. Tyr looked at him.
"Tell me I'm wrong Dylan. You can't . can you?" Dylan's eyes dropped.
"No."
**Meanwhile back at the Medical Facility**
"Harper?" Trance's voice was soft. She looked at the monitors that listed all his vitals. "Seamus?" Her hand pushed back his bangs from his forehead. Her fingers shook slightly - she was afraid. A temporary containment shield had slowed the blood loss, but it was only buying time.
His eyes opened slowly. Trance smiled, "Hi there, sleepyhead." Harper was weak and he couldn't manage any words, but it didn't prevent him from trying. "Shh. don't try to say anything. I can hear you." Her voice was soft and low - only for Harper's ears. She had asked to be alone with him. She smiled and laughed quietly, "No, I don't go around reading minds Harper. I have to be touching the person, and I rarely do it." He smiled weakly. He had tested her and she had in fact read his mind. His eyes lit up for a brief second and Trance giggled. "No Harper your horny thoughts are safe with you," but her eyes had a glint to them. Harper squeezed her hand slightly. His eyes were suddenly serious.
He fought to speak - he needed to hear his own voice. "Trance." came out as a whisper.
"Harper save your strength. You don't have to speak."
"Need to." Trance understood. "I'm gonna die aren't I?"
"I don't know."
"Please."
"They need to fix one of your major arteries that was hit. They are going to try a procedure on you when you're stronger."
".Won't get stronger." his voice was weak.
"They know . they are talking over how they want to proceed. They'll do it today, but Harper."
"I know."
"Harper. I ." Trance's eyes shifted away from him.
"What?" His voice was a whisper.
"I..I love you. You know that don't you?" The corners of Harper's mouth turned up.
"Love you, too." He could have sworn he could see a universe in her eyes for a brief second.
A white-hot pain gripped him and he felt the shadows coming again. "Harper! Stay with me!" He fought the darkness, but it enveloped him anyway.
**Two Days Later**
Beka sat at Harper's bedside holding his cool limp hand. "Seamus, you're not aloud to die. Do you hear me!?" He had slipped into a coma two days ago. The medical staff completed their procedure of closing off the puncture to one of Harper's arteries that had been hit by the arrow, but the boy had slipped into a coma and his life signs were slipping. "Seamus, I'm still pissed at you and until we clear some things up - I'm not giving you permission to die. You got it?" Beka tried to will life into him. The life support kept him alive and the electrodes attached to his temples insured his brain continued to make alpha waves. She wasn't going to allow anyone to give up on him.
Dylan split his time between Brescia and making sure things were staying up and running on the Andromeda. He had sent Rommie back to the Andromeda and she monitored things for him. Tyr had stayed on Brescia, but he had kept a low profile. Beka was tired and a hand on her shoulder startled her. She looked up and it was Trance. "You need to rest Beka." Trance urged her.
"I can't leave him Trance. What if." She wouldn't finish her sentence, but Trance knew. Beka was afraid Harper would die and he would be alone.
"He won't be alone Beka. Let me sit with him. Go rest." Beka reluctantly agreed to go sleep for a couple of hours. Tyr saw Beka leave the Med area. The door to Harper's room opened. Trance looked up. "Tyr?"
"Hello."
"I was wondering when you'd come to visit him."
"Why are you permitting this?" Tyr looked at Harper with gentle eyes and then back at Trance.
"Permit what?"
"You know damn well. This," he motioned to all the machines and monitors. "He wouldn't want this. Not any of it."
"Tyr."
"No! None of this makes him alive Trance. Are you all so blinded by denial that you can't see he's all ready gone," his voice cracked against his best efforts.
"There is brain activity. He hasn't let go, not yet." Tyr's eyes were serious and his next comment almost came out as a growl.
"Because you won't let him let go. These damn machines are keeping him alive. Trance, can't you see that? Would he want any of this?"
"He can still pull through."
"In what? One of your perfect futures? Well, this is reality, Trance."
"No! He could survive." Trance raised her voice in defiance.
"Fine, let's say he does, but as what? You know the probability there is severe brain damage is high."
"He'll just need help that's all."
"That's all!" he bellowed. "I heard what the doctor said the other day to you."
"That was in private."
"All of us are entitled to know that status of Harper and you forget I have very good hearing. I know the doctor said during the procedure to fix his artery there was an extended period that his brain was deprived of oxygenated blood. If he does wake up, what will he be? Who will he be? Not the Harper we know. Not he Harper he'd want to be."
"He could be. We just have to give him time."
"At what cost, Trance? Can you honestly bet the quality of his life on a maybe?"
"Tyr."
"No! Get out! If none of you will do this for him . I will!" He forced Trance out and shut the door. He enabled the security locks and then opened the panel to the locking system and disconnected a wire. A little trick he had learned from Harper once upon a time.
"Tyr!" Trance shouted and beat on the door with both fists. "Please! You can't! Just give him a chance, please!" Tyr listened to her pleas. He knew it would be a while before they made it through, but he also counted on the fact that Trance would stop anyone from trying to break in to get to him and Harper fearing that action would only hasten his resolve to end Harper's pain. He sat down next to Harper - his eyes solemn. He felt a weight in his chest and a mixture of emotions ran through him. These emotions seemed foreign and strange, but he decided not to deny them - in honor of Harper . the little man had grown on him despite his best efforts.
Anasazi watched Harper - there was no movement . even the breath's the boy took were not his own. Tyr hated seeing the young man like this. The Nietzschean smiled and shook his head slightly as warm memories of Seamus Harper passed through his mind. He could hear the kid calling him 'Big Guy' and saying 'Trust in the Harper.'
"Harper?" Tyr spoke doubting he was being heard, but hoped. "I always knew there was a fire in you. Humans seldom surprise me, but you have been an exception to the rule. Trance and the others can't do what has to be done. I know you wouldn't want this." Tyr looked around again at the machines and sensors. "I will miss you, Little man." Tyr stood up and reached for the life support controls. His hand shook above the control panel to the life support and as a memory of Harper once again teased his mind and he pulled back his hand. He became frustrated at his wavering resolve to terminate Harper's life support. "Damn you boy!" He hissed under his breath as he looked at Seamus. He sat back down. "All right, prove me wrong child," he urged. "Fight Harper! Are you hearing me? Fight!"
**Meanwhile out in the corridor**
"Get in there!" Beka yelled.
"Beka," Trance pleaded. "The doctor said Harper is still alive. Tyr hasn't turned off the life support. If we force our way in there ." She left the sentence unfinished.
"If he hurts him." Beka paced.
"Beka. calm down." Dylan tried to calm her. She didn't think clearly when it came to Harper.
**Back inside Harper's room - Four hours later**
Tyr leaned forward and looked at Harper. He reached out and touched the youth's arm. It was cool to the touch. "It's okay." he whispered. "I won't let you stay like this and I know you fought." Tyr took in a deep breath and stood. He walked over to the control panel for the life support. His finger poised over the power button. His eyes were drawn away and back toward Harper. He couldn't let the boy down . he wouldn't let him be kept alive by machines . he wasn't going to allow this to happen - not to this boy - not to Harper. Tyr's heart pounded against his chest as he turned back toward the power panel. He whispered, "Harper," as his hand began to shake. A battle raged inside him. He turned back to Harper, "Please . Little Man." His voice cracked with emotion.
Harper heard a familiar voice break through the shadows, but he was lost in the dark and there was something safe in the dark - something peaceful and warm. Tyr's voice sounded pleading. Harper began to fight the shadows .
Tyr turned his focus back to the power panel .
By Dawn Nyberg
Disclaimer: Tribune Entertainment owns the characters of Andromeda. No profit is being made.
READ AND REVIEW!!! Thanks :)
************************************************************************
Tyr sat with his back against the wall thinking. He looked up every time one of the doors to the Medical area opened. His mind couldn't escape the hours before. His mind went back to the arena .
**Four Hours Earlier**
Tyr vaulted over the roping surrounding the arena. He caught Harper before he was able to hit the ground and shove the steel arrow back through himself causing more injury. "Little man?" Tyr supported Harper's head in his hands. The young man's eyes opened and he fought to focus on the Nietzschean. Trance knelt next to Tyr and Harper. There had all ready been a call for a medical response team. Gavin Calle was being held by security.
"Tyr."
"Don't talk Little Man."
"Harper just relax," Trance touched his cheek.
"No. need to say something."
"What?" Tyr's eyes were intense.
".Not his fault," it was an effort to speak and Harper felt himself being pulled toward darkness, a place of shadow.
"Harper, he is guilty!"
"No more, Tyr. No more placing blame." Harper forced his voice higher. "I want him released."
Harper's words had been heard and Gavin was released by the security that held him. The medical crew arrived, but Harper had something to say. "Tyr?"
"Yes?" Harper was weak and his voice a mere whisper. He leaned down toward the young man's face.
"Take care of them. Especially Beka." Tyr pulled back - his face serious. His jaw tightened at the implications of the boy's request. He watched Harper mouth the word, "promise."
Tyr nodded his head and spoke, "I will."
Harper's eyes slid closed.
**Back to the Present**
Tyr shook his head slightly trying to clear the rest of the images from his head - the profound request from the boy ringing in his head. Tyr was relieved that Gavin Calle had stayed away from the Medical facility. After they had taken Harper from the arena Tyr had gone after Gavin. He had grabbed him by the throat - his threat still hung on his lips, "If he dies . I will come calling on you one day. I promise you this. So, know that you're never safe from me. And, I will come." Dylan had pulled him off of Calle, but he himself wanted to beat Calle to a pulp, but he was more concerned with getting to the Medical facility to hear of Harper's condition. Beka's anger at the feelings of betrayal had taken a back seat. She sat with her face in her hands and Dylan trying to calm her by talking to her. Trance had gone in with Harper. She had for all intents and purposes been his doctor on the Andromeda - her knowledge of Harper was needed as the doctors fought to save his young life.
Tyr got up and walked down the corridor to the outside. There was a place they called the tranquility garden. Tyr didn't really care - he just wanted a place to think. He stood looking out over a lush green valley - despite everything. Brescia was a beautiful planet. "Tyr?"
The Nietzschean turned toward the familiar voice - Dylan. "You should stay with Beka."
"I told her she needed to get some rest or she wouldn't be any good to Harper. She's asleep. You okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Harper's a fighter. He'll survive."
"You sound as if you're trying to convince yourself, Captain Hunt."
"Why are you so willing to write him off?" Tyr cast a hard glance at Dylan and turned away. He looked back over the valley.
"I'm not willing to write him off. But, Dylan . you saw the injury the same as I did. It's a mortal wound. It's only a matter of time."
"Tyr." Dylan began, but he really didn't know what to say. Tyr looked at him.
"Tell me I'm wrong Dylan. You can't . can you?" Dylan's eyes dropped.
"No."
**Meanwhile back at the Medical Facility**
"Harper?" Trance's voice was soft. She looked at the monitors that listed all his vitals. "Seamus?" Her hand pushed back his bangs from his forehead. Her fingers shook slightly - she was afraid. A temporary containment shield had slowed the blood loss, but it was only buying time.
His eyes opened slowly. Trance smiled, "Hi there, sleepyhead." Harper was weak and he couldn't manage any words, but it didn't prevent him from trying. "Shh. don't try to say anything. I can hear you." Her voice was soft and low - only for Harper's ears. She had asked to be alone with him. She smiled and laughed quietly, "No, I don't go around reading minds Harper. I have to be touching the person, and I rarely do it." He smiled weakly. He had tested her and she had in fact read his mind. His eyes lit up for a brief second and Trance giggled. "No Harper your horny thoughts are safe with you," but her eyes had a glint to them. Harper squeezed her hand slightly. His eyes were suddenly serious.
He fought to speak - he needed to hear his own voice. "Trance." came out as a whisper.
"Harper save your strength. You don't have to speak."
"Need to." Trance understood. "I'm gonna die aren't I?"
"I don't know."
"Please."
"They need to fix one of your major arteries that was hit. They are going to try a procedure on you when you're stronger."
".Won't get stronger." his voice was weak.
"They know . they are talking over how they want to proceed. They'll do it today, but Harper."
"I know."
"Harper. I ." Trance's eyes shifted away from him.
"What?" His voice was a whisper.
"I..I love you. You know that don't you?" The corners of Harper's mouth turned up.
"Love you, too." He could have sworn he could see a universe in her eyes for a brief second.
A white-hot pain gripped him and he felt the shadows coming again. "Harper! Stay with me!" He fought the darkness, but it enveloped him anyway.
**Two Days Later**
Beka sat at Harper's bedside holding his cool limp hand. "Seamus, you're not aloud to die. Do you hear me!?" He had slipped into a coma two days ago. The medical staff completed their procedure of closing off the puncture to one of Harper's arteries that had been hit by the arrow, but the boy had slipped into a coma and his life signs were slipping. "Seamus, I'm still pissed at you and until we clear some things up - I'm not giving you permission to die. You got it?" Beka tried to will life into him. The life support kept him alive and the electrodes attached to his temples insured his brain continued to make alpha waves. She wasn't going to allow anyone to give up on him.
Dylan split his time between Brescia and making sure things were staying up and running on the Andromeda. He had sent Rommie back to the Andromeda and she monitored things for him. Tyr had stayed on Brescia, but he had kept a low profile. Beka was tired and a hand on her shoulder startled her. She looked up and it was Trance. "You need to rest Beka." Trance urged her.
"I can't leave him Trance. What if." She wouldn't finish her sentence, but Trance knew. Beka was afraid Harper would die and he would be alone.
"He won't be alone Beka. Let me sit with him. Go rest." Beka reluctantly agreed to go sleep for a couple of hours. Tyr saw Beka leave the Med area. The door to Harper's room opened. Trance looked up. "Tyr?"
"Hello."
"I was wondering when you'd come to visit him."
"Why are you permitting this?" Tyr looked at Harper with gentle eyes and then back at Trance.
"Permit what?"
"You know damn well. This," he motioned to all the machines and monitors. "He wouldn't want this. Not any of it."
"Tyr."
"No! None of this makes him alive Trance. Are you all so blinded by denial that you can't see he's all ready gone," his voice cracked against his best efforts.
"There is brain activity. He hasn't let go, not yet." Tyr's eyes were serious and his next comment almost came out as a growl.
"Because you won't let him let go. These damn machines are keeping him alive. Trance, can't you see that? Would he want any of this?"
"He can still pull through."
"In what? One of your perfect futures? Well, this is reality, Trance."
"No! He could survive." Trance raised her voice in defiance.
"Fine, let's say he does, but as what? You know the probability there is severe brain damage is high."
"He'll just need help that's all."
"That's all!" he bellowed. "I heard what the doctor said the other day to you."
"That was in private."
"All of us are entitled to know that status of Harper and you forget I have very good hearing. I know the doctor said during the procedure to fix his artery there was an extended period that his brain was deprived of oxygenated blood. If he does wake up, what will he be? Who will he be? Not the Harper we know. Not he Harper he'd want to be."
"He could be. We just have to give him time."
"At what cost, Trance? Can you honestly bet the quality of his life on a maybe?"
"Tyr."
"No! Get out! If none of you will do this for him . I will!" He forced Trance out and shut the door. He enabled the security locks and then opened the panel to the locking system and disconnected a wire. A little trick he had learned from Harper once upon a time.
"Tyr!" Trance shouted and beat on the door with both fists. "Please! You can't! Just give him a chance, please!" Tyr listened to her pleas. He knew it would be a while before they made it through, but he also counted on the fact that Trance would stop anyone from trying to break in to get to him and Harper fearing that action would only hasten his resolve to end Harper's pain. He sat down next to Harper - his eyes solemn. He felt a weight in his chest and a mixture of emotions ran through him. These emotions seemed foreign and strange, but he decided not to deny them - in honor of Harper . the little man had grown on him despite his best efforts.
Anasazi watched Harper - there was no movement . even the breath's the boy took were not his own. Tyr hated seeing the young man like this. The Nietzschean smiled and shook his head slightly as warm memories of Seamus Harper passed through his mind. He could hear the kid calling him 'Big Guy' and saying 'Trust in the Harper.'
"Harper?" Tyr spoke doubting he was being heard, but hoped. "I always knew there was a fire in you. Humans seldom surprise me, but you have been an exception to the rule. Trance and the others can't do what has to be done. I know you wouldn't want this." Tyr looked around again at the machines and sensors. "I will miss you, Little man." Tyr stood up and reached for the life support controls. His hand shook above the control panel to the life support and as a memory of Harper once again teased his mind and he pulled back his hand. He became frustrated at his wavering resolve to terminate Harper's life support. "Damn you boy!" He hissed under his breath as he looked at Seamus. He sat back down. "All right, prove me wrong child," he urged. "Fight Harper! Are you hearing me? Fight!"
**Meanwhile out in the corridor**
"Get in there!" Beka yelled.
"Beka," Trance pleaded. "The doctor said Harper is still alive. Tyr hasn't turned off the life support. If we force our way in there ." She left the sentence unfinished.
"If he hurts him." Beka paced.
"Beka. calm down." Dylan tried to calm her. She didn't think clearly when it came to Harper.
**Back inside Harper's room - Four hours later**
Tyr leaned forward and looked at Harper. He reached out and touched the youth's arm. It was cool to the touch. "It's okay." he whispered. "I won't let you stay like this and I know you fought." Tyr took in a deep breath and stood. He walked over to the control panel for the life support. His finger poised over the power button. His eyes were drawn away and back toward Harper. He couldn't let the boy down . he wouldn't let him be kept alive by machines . he wasn't going to allow this to happen - not to this boy - not to Harper. Tyr's heart pounded against his chest as he turned back toward the power panel. He whispered, "Harper," as his hand began to shake. A battle raged inside him. He turned back to Harper, "Please . Little Man." His voice cracked with emotion.
Harper heard a familiar voice break through the shadows, but he was lost in the dark and there was something safe in the dark - something peaceful and warm. Tyr's voice sounded pleading. Harper began to fight the shadows .
Tyr turned his focus back to the power panel .