Disclaimer: Tribune Entertainment owns the characters of Andromeda. No
profit is being made.
NOTE TO READERS: This is chapter 18. I hope to finish in either one or two more chapters and then the story will be complete. I will try not to make you wait very long. Your reviews and comments have been great! Thank you.
** Read and Review **
***************************** Still Waters Run Deep
By Dawn Nyberg
****************************
"The slip fighter is docking in Bay 12, Captain Hunt."
"Thank you, Andromeda," Dylan replied as he turned to leave Command. "Care to join me, Beka."
"Yeah, why not. I was starting to wonder if Tyr was going to come back."
"I told you he would. I didn't expect him to be gone two weeks, but he's back now."
The door to command opened and Trance walked in, "Meeting Tyr?"
"Yeah," Beka answered. "Want to come?"
"Sure."
The crew entered Bay 12 as Tyr was exiting the slip fighter. "Welcome back, Tyr." Dylan stopped speaking as he noticed another person was following Tyr out of the slip fighter. "And, who do we have . . ." Dylan halted his words. Everyone stood in silence as all eyes fell on Tyr's flying companion. And, despite the longer hair and the yearlong absence they all recognized the mystery person as Seamus Harper.
"Seamus?" Beka's voice was tentative.
"Hey, Beka. Long time no see." Before he could say another word he was consumed in Beka's arms. Beka released him and stepped back looking him over. She reached her hand up and brushed back his bangs, "looks good on you kiddo. I'm sure you've had to beat the ladies off with a stick." Harper offered a small grin. Trance stepped forward.
"I've missed you." She pulled him into a hug.
"Missed you, too." He said quietly. He stepped out of her long embrace and she looked into his eyes. They had aged - and something else she couldn't quite define.
"Mr. Harper," Dylan said as he offered a hand and then pulled the kid into a hug. "It's good to have you back." His eyes switched to Tyr, "I'm not even going to ask. I'm just glad you're both back. Welcome home both of you."
"Thanks Dylan," Harper offered.
Tyr nodded.
** Two Hours Later **
Harper sat in his quarters. There hadn't been much to unpack. He traveled light and had only brought one gear bag of various items and clothing. He looked around his old quarters - nothing had changed. He was surprised to see that they had kept everything as he had left it. A signal at his door brought his attention away from his unease at settling in. "Come in."
Tyr walked in, "Andromeda, engage privacy mode."
"Engaged."
"What is it?" Harper asked.
"I offered to bring you to the Mess deck. They have created a welcome back dinner for you."
"You needed privacy mode for that?"
"No, I wanted to speak with you."
"About?" Harper's eyes narrowed on the Nietzschean.
Tyr just raised an eyebrow. "What do you plan to tell them?"
"As little as possible. I'm not ready to tell them yet."
"As you wish. But, you know what I think - the sooner you free yourself of the secrets the better off you'll be."
"I'm fine."
"You're deluded."
"I came back didn't I?"
"Yes, but it isn't as if I gave you a choice."
"Tyr, don't kid yourself if I had truly not wanted to return - you would not have been able to keep me." Harper's tone dropped low and his eyes took on a serious look.
Tyr chose not to comment. "They are waiting for you."
"Fine, I just want to get this over with. They are doing some family dinner type thing and you call me deluded!" Tyr knew the kid had a point, but he hoped that Harper would drop his guard now that he was back on the Andromeda.
They both left Harper's quarters and headed for the Mess deck.
** Dinner **
The food had been distributed and Harper looked at his plate - the food replicator had prepared meatloaf, mash potatoes, green beans and apple pie. "Here Harper, ice cold just how you like it," Beka said as she passed him a cold can of Sparky Cola.
"Thanks maybe I'll have it later. I'd like some Enzo."
"Enzo! Dipping into the hard stuff, huh?"
"It's just a drink Beka." Harper's tone was matter of fact.
"Yeah, if you're looking to get bombed out of your mind."
"I can handle my liquor, Beka. Anyway, since when do I need permission to drink whatever I want?" He got up from the table and went across the room to the replicator to request the Enzo. The table was silent. Beka bristled in her seat. Harper had changed in the time he had been gone.
Dylan leaned over to Beka and quietly spoke, "don't take it personally Beka. This is his first day back with us. Give him a few days to assimilate back to life on the ship and with us.
"I know. I will." Beka's voice was still tense, but she'd rather put up with an obstinate Harper than no Harper at all. Trance had watched Seamus walk across the room toward the replicator. He moved differently - stealth like - too quiet. He no longer ambled along like he used to - carefree and happy. Now, his movements were fluid and methodical. He had changed so much in the time he had been gone.
** 30 minutes into the dinner **
"So, Mr. Harper, where have you been spending your time over the past year?"
"Different places."
"That's specific," Beka inserted with a hint of sarcasm. She couldn't stop herself.
Trance tried to disarm the possibly volatile moment. "Hey, I'm sure Harper saw his fair share of places and he just doesn't care to name them. Anyway, he's home now, so, who cares." Harper looked at her and a very slight grin curled up one corner of his mouth. He knew what she was trying to do and he appreciated it.
The group had settled back after finishing dinner to talk. Harper mostly listened and had little to donate to the conversation. He watched everyone walk around and talk. He walked back over to the table and sat down in a chair - he was hoping this evening would end soon. A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder and without hesitation he grabbed the wrist belonging to this mystery hand and pulled roughly as he slammed the person face down onto the table. "Harper! It's me!" Trance shouted as he twisted her arm.
"Trance? Oh, God, I'm sorry . . . I didn't . . ." Harper released Trance.
"Harper! What in the hell were you thinking?" Dylan shouted. Beka walked over to Trance.
"You okay Trance?"
"I'm fine. It's my fault," she offered. "I surprised him that's all. I grabbed him by the shoulder."
"Don't make excuses for him," Dylan said as his eyes shifted back to Harper. "You didn't answer my question." His tone was serious. The others just looked at him.
"I said I was sorry. It was automatic, okay. It won't happen again." Harper didn't back down from Dylan.
"You're damn right it won't happen again. You need to get your head on straight Mr. Harper." Dylan's tone angered Harper.
"I'm going to my quarters." He answered his voice tense.
"I'm not through speaking to you." Dylan grabbed Harper by the arm and spun him around and was quickly welcomed by a fist. Harper hit him square in the jaw. The young man spun in behind Dylan and knocked his legs out from him and the Captain fell to the floor.
"Don't ever touch me again." Harper spat out as he looked down on Dylan and walked away.
Tyr looked at everyone and nodded at Beka and followed shortly after Harper. Dylan got up and started after the two men, but Beka's hand stilled him. "Dylan, please. You said yourself he needs to assimilate back to life on the ship. We don't know what he's been through over the past year."
"His behavior is completely unacceptable." Dylan was still irritated. "I should lock him up in V-deck for a day or two."
"Don't - it won't help matters. Maybe he'll talk to Tyr."
Tyr caught up to the boy, "Harper! Wait!" Seamus spun around to face Tyr.
"I tried to tell you, Tyr! I shouldn't have come back. You saw what I did to Trance."
"She is fine," Tyr tried to assure him.
"Yeah, this time, but what about the next time someone catches me by surprise. I could really hurt someone one even kill them."
"Harper you have to let the past year go. You don't have to watch your back very second now - not on the ship."
"I can't turn these reactions off like a light switch Tyr."
"You did once before."
"Huh? You mean when I joined Beka on the Maru?"
"Yes."
"That was different, Tyr. I had been out of it for a while and I wanted to forget and it was easy then. It's not now."
"Why is it so different?"
"Because," Harper began as his voice trailed off.
"Because, why?" Tyr was going to push the subject.
"Because - before when I was what I was, I was fueled by revenge and pay back. This past year - I didn't do what I did out of revenge Tyr, I didn't even do it because I had too; I did it because I wanted too. My mind is still in it, Tyr. I can't stay here. I'm a danger to them and anyway I'm sure Dylan is going to drop my butt off at the next drift."
"Harper, you will never convince me that you like killing. Yes, you were a hit man and in some ways you always will be. But, it doesn't have to be who you are. You are Seamus Harper and a damn good engineer. We all wear masks, Little Man. But, the idea is to wear the mask, but not let the mask wear you. You belong here on the Andromeda." Harper paced around the corridor. He didn't want to leave, but maybe Tyr was right. He didn't have to let the past year control his actions. "Child," Tyr said quietly. Harper stopped pacing and looked at the tall Nietzschean.
"Yes?"
"They need to know. They deserve to know about the past year."
"I know they do, but I'm not ready."
"You may not be, but nonetheless the time is now." Tyr placed a broad hand on Harper's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. "Andromeda," he called out.
"Yes, Tyr?"
"Where is the rest of the crew?"
"Everyone is still on the Mess deck."
"Could you request their presence in the OBS deck in ten minutes?"
"Affirmative."
"Tyr," Harper began. "I don't know if I can do this."
"You can and you will. It has to be done."
"Yeah - yeah, I know. I wear the mask it does not wear me." Harper said in frustration.
Tyr smiled.
"But, what if they want me to leave the Andromeda?"
"They won't."
"But, what if? I'll have to go then." Harper stared down at his hands as his mind reeled from the possibility that he may be back out on his own again.
"You won't go alone Little Man." Harper's eyes shot up from his hand's to meet Tyr's eyes.
"What?"
"If you are asked to leave - I will not let you go alone."
"You'd leave and go with me?"
Tyr only nodded. He looked at this kid and admired him for being the survivor he was and if he were asked to leave the crew - he would not let the boy go back to what he had been doing. He didn't fancy being a babysitter, but he had to make sure the young man didn't return to the life he had just pulled him out of. He would stand beside Harper if he had to. "We should head for the OBS deck. They will be waiting."
They both walked side by side toward the OBS deck. Harper felt like he was walking to the guillotine. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to everyone. The words swarmed inside his head like locusts. He only hoped that when he opened his mouth to speak that he would find the words he needed.
To be continued.
NOTE TO READERS: This is chapter 18. I hope to finish in either one or two more chapters and then the story will be complete. I will try not to make you wait very long. Your reviews and comments have been great! Thank you.
** Read and Review **
***************************** Still Waters Run Deep
By Dawn Nyberg
****************************
"The slip fighter is docking in Bay 12, Captain Hunt."
"Thank you, Andromeda," Dylan replied as he turned to leave Command. "Care to join me, Beka."
"Yeah, why not. I was starting to wonder if Tyr was going to come back."
"I told you he would. I didn't expect him to be gone two weeks, but he's back now."
The door to command opened and Trance walked in, "Meeting Tyr?"
"Yeah," Beka answered. "Want to come?"
"Sure."
The crew entered Bay 12 as Tyr was exiting the slip fighter. "Welcome back, Tyr." Dylan stopped speaking as he noticed another person was following Tyr out of the slip fighter. "And, who do we have . . ." Dylan halted his words. Everyone stood in silence as all eyes fell on Tyr's flying companion. And, despite the longer hair and the yearlong absence they all recognized the mystery person as Seamus Harper.
"Seamus?" Beka's voice was tentative.
"Hey, Beka. Long time no see." Before he could say another word he was consumed in Beka's arms. Beka released him and stepped back looking him over. She reached her hand up and brushed back his bangs, "looks good on you kiddo. I'm sure you've had to beat the ladies off with a stick." Harper offered a small grin. Trance stepped forward.
"I've missed you." She pulled him into a hug.
"Missed you, too." He said quietly. He stepped out of her long embrace and she looked into his eyes. They had aged - and something else she couldn't quite define.
"Mr. Harper," Dylan said as he offered a hand and then pulled the kid into a hug. "It's good to have you back." His eyes switched to Tyr, "I'm not even going to ask. I'm just glad you're both back. Welcome home both of you."
"Thanks Dylan," Harper offered.
Tyr nodded.
** Two Hours Later **
Harper sat in his quarters. There hadn't been much to unpack. He traveled light and had only brought one gear bag of various items and clothing. He looked around his old quarters - nothing had changed. He was surprised to see that they had kept everything as he had left it. A signal at his door brought his attention away from his unease at settling in. "Come in."
Tyr walked in, "Andromeda, engage privacy mode."
"Engaged."
"What is it?" Harper asked.
"I offered to bring you to the Mess deck. They have created a welcome back dinner for you."
"You needed privacy mode for that?"
"No, I wanted to speak with you."
"About?" Harper's eyes narrowed on the Nietzschean.
Tyr just raised an eyebrow. "What do you plan to tell them?"
"As little as possible. I'm not ready to tell them yet."
"As you wish. But, you know what I think - the sooner you free yourself of the secrets the better off you'll be."
"I'm fine."
"You're deluded."
"I came back didn't I?"
"Yes, but it isn't as if I gave you a choice."
"Tyr, don't kid yourself if I had truly not wanted to return - you would not have been able to keep me." Harper's tone dropped low and his eyes took on a serious look.
Tyr chose not to comment. "They are waiting for you."
"Fine, I just want to get this over with. They are doing some family dinner type thing and you call me deluded!" Tyr knew the kid had a point, but he hoped that Harper would drop his guard now that he was back on the Andromeda.
They both left Harper's quarters and headed for the Mess deck.
** Dinner **
The food had been distributed and Harper looked at his plate - the food replicator had prepared meatloaf, mash potatoes, green beans and apple pie. "Here Harper, ice cold just how you like it," Beka said as she passed him a cold can of Sparky Cola.
"Thanks maybe I'll have it later. I'd like some Enzo."
"Enzo! Dipping into the hard stuff, huh?"
"It's just a drink Beka." Harper's tone was matter of fact.
"Yeah, if you're looking to get bombed out of your mind."
"I can handle my liquor, Beka. Anyway, since when do I need permission to drink whatever I want?" He got up from the table and went across the room to the replicator to request the Enzo. The table was silent. Beka bristled in her seat. Harper had changed in the time he had been gone.
Dylan leaned over to Beka and quietly spoke, "don't take it personally Beka. This is his first day back with us. Give him a few days to assimilate back to life on the ship and with us.
"I know. I will." Beka's voice was still tense, but she'd rather put up with an obstinate Harper than no Harper at all. Trance had watched Seamus walk across the room toward the replicator. He moved differently - stealth like - too quiet. He no longer ambled along like he used to - carefree and happy. Now, his movements were fluid and methodical. He had changed so much in the time he had been gone.
** 30 minutes into the dinner **
"So, Mr. Harper, where have you been spending your time over the past year?"
"Different places."
"That's specific," Beka inserted with a hint of sarcasm. She couldn't stop herself.
Trance tried to disarm the possibly volatile moment. "Hey, I'm sure Harper saw his fair share of places and he just doesn't care to name them. Anyway, he's home now, so, who cares." Harper looked at her and a very slight grin curled up one corner of his mouth. He knew what she was trying to do and he appreciated it.
The group had settled back after finishing dinner to talk. Harper mostly listened and had little to donate to the conversation. He watched everyone walk around and talk. He walked back over to the table and sat down in a chair - he was hoping this evening would end soon. A hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder and without hesitation he grabbed the wrist belonging to this mystery hand and pulled roughly as he slammed the person face down onto the table. "Harper! It's me!" Trance shouted as he twisted her arm.
"Trance? Oh, God, I'm sorry . . . I didn't . . ." Harper released Trance.
"Harper! What in the hell were you thinking?" Dylan shouted. Beka walked over to Trance.
"You okay Trance?"
"I'm fine. It's my fault," she offered. "I surprised him that's all. I grabbed him by the shoulder."
"Don't make excuses for him," Dylan said as his eyes shifted back to Harper. "You didn't answer my question." His tone was serious. The others just looked at him.
"I said I was sorry. It was automatic, okay. It won't happen again." Harper didn't back down from Dylan.
"You're damn right it won't happen again. You need to get your head on straight Mr. Harper." Dylan's tone angered Harper.
"I'm going to my quarters." He answered his voice tense.
"I'm not through speaking to you." Dylan grabbed Harper by the arm and spun him around and was quickly welcomed by a fist. Harper hit him square in the jaw. The young man spun in behind Dylan and knocked his legs out from him and the Captain fell to the floor.
"Don't ever touch me again." Harper spat out as he looked down on Dylan and walked away.
Tyr looked at everyone and nodded at Beka and followed shortly after Harper. Dylan got up and started after the two men, but Beka's hand stilled him. "Dylan, please. You said yourself he needs to assimilate back to life on the ship. We don't know what he's been through over the past year."
"His behavior is completely unacceptable." Dylan was still irritated. "I should lock him up in V-deck for a day or two."
"Don't - it won't help matters. Maybe he'll talk to Tyr."
Tyr caught up to the boy, "Harper! Wait!" Seamus spun around to face Tyr.
"I tried to tell you, Tyr! I shouldn't have come back. You saw what I did to Trance."
"She is fine," Tyr tried to assure him.
"Yeah, this time, but what about the next time someone catches me by surprise. I could really hurt someone one even kill them."
"Harper you have to let the past year go. You don't have to watch your back very second now - not on the ship."
"I can't turn these reactions off like a light switch Tyr."
"You did once before."
"Huh? You mean when I joined Beka on the Maru?"
"Yes."
"That was different, Tyr. I had been out of it for a while and I wanted to forget and it was easy then. It's not now."
"Why is it so different?"
"Because," Harper began as his voice trailed off.
"Because, why?" Tyr was going to push the subject.
"Because - before when I was what I was, I was fueled by revenge and pay back. This past year - I didn't do what I did out of revenge Tyr, I didn't even do it because I had too; I did it because I wanted too. My mind is still in it, Tyr. I can't stay here. I'm a danger to them and anyway I'm sure Dylan is going to drop my butt off at the next drift."
"Harper, you will never convince me that you like killing. Yes, you were a hit man and in some ways you always will be. But, it doesn't have to be who you are. You are Seamus Harper and a damn good engineer. We all wear masks, Little Man. But, the idea is to wear the mask, but not let the mask wear you. You belong here on the Andromeda." Harper paced around the corridor. He didn't want to leave, but maybe Tyr was right. He didn't have to let the past year control his actions. "Child," Tyr said quietly. Harper stopped pacing and looked at the tall Nietzschean.
"Yes?"
"They need to know. They deserve to know about the past year."
"I know they do, but I'm not ready."
"You may not be, but nonetheless the time is now." Tyr placed a broad hand on Harper's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. "Andromeda," he called out.
"Yes, Tyr?"
"Where is the rest of the crew?"
"Everyone is still on the Mess deck."
"Could you request their presence in the OBS deck in ten minutes?"
"Affirmative."
"Tyr," Harper began. "I don't know if I can do this."
"You can and you will. It has to be done."
"Yeah - yeah, I know. I wear the mask it does not wear me." Harper said in frustration.
Tyr smiled.
"But, what if they want me to leave the Andromeda?"
"They won't."
"But, what if? I'll have to go then." Harper stared down at his hands as his mind reeled from the possibility that he may be back out on his own again.
"You won't go alone Little Man." Harper's eyes shot up from his hand's to meet Tyr's eyes.
"What?"
"If you are asked to leave - I will not let you go alone."
"You'd leave and go with me?"
Tyr only nodded. He looked at this kid and admired him for being the survivor he was and if he were asked to leave the crew - he would not let the boy go back to what he had been doing. He didn't fancy being a babysitter, but he had to make sure the young man didn't return to the life he had just pulled him out of. He would stand beside Harper if he had to. "We should head for the OBS deck. They will be waiting."
They both walked side by side toward the OBS deck. Harper felt like he was walking to the guillotine. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to everyone. The words swarmed inside his head like locusts. He only hoped that when he opened his mouth to speak that he would find the words he needed.
To be continued.