Disclaimer and stuff: See first chapter or failing that, take an educated guess.
My brilliant plan failed miserably. Not only did I not get my chapter up but I also didn't manage to take over the world. I can't believe I have so many reviews! You are all so great reviewers and I am really happy about the response to this story! Anyway, here is chapter 10....
"That's the thing about equations. You find x, add it in and you solve your equation and everything works out okay. But sometimes it happens that you end up taking away the value of x and suddenly your equation looks very much like it did at the start. When faced with algebra you long for the days of one plus one equalling two. Most people want life to be simple, but in reality, it's not."
Dylan was surprised when the communication came in from the Maru. Probably to ask Trance to join them now that Harper was okay, or maybe to ask both of them to leave. This worried Dylan, he really didn't want to lose those two as they had become part of his crew now.
So when he heard Tyr and Rev's story of Beka abduction he was surprised and more worried still. He needed a plan, a very good plan at that if they were to get Beka back. He held a brief meeting with Trance and Harper.
"So now we have to come up with a plan to rescue Beka without losing the Andromeda or getting anyone killed. Unfortunately we don't really have enough man power, Tyr and myself are really the only people who can actually board the Nietzchean ship."
Harper spoke up nervously. "Actually boss, I think I have an idea about that."
Harper knew what kind of defences the Neitzcheans had and he knew what it would take to penetrate them. It was becoming more and more apparent as Harper came out of his shell that he was a bright and intuitive individual with a head for problems.
Both Trance and Dylan had noticed the change in him, however slow, in the last few days. He no longer feared being hurt at every opportunity and he spoke up a bit more when his opinion differed. He still had a long way to go but Trance felt they were getting there.
Of course Trance had a vested interest in getting Harper wherever 'there' was. And hopefully everyone else with it. She just fervently hoped that Beka was still okay and they'd be able to bring her back safely. Her intuition wasn't always clear but she had a bad feeling about this.
***
Beka had been sitting in this cell for days. She wondered how long it would take her to die of starvation or dehydration. Or hell, she was even dying slowly from persistent blood loss on a lot of her injuries.
A slow death and no way to hurry it. She reflected on all her failures because that was all she had to do, reflect. She knew there was no hope, no hero coming to save her 'cos there weren't heroes anymore. She used to think her Dad was a hero.
She hadn't been able to help or save him either. Not her dad, not Dale, hell she couldn't keep her brother on the straight and narrow and she certainly didn't seem to be doing a good job at looking after herself.
She had abandoned a member of her crew on the Andromeda, and left that kid there too. She had made a small connection with him and then she'd just upped and left. She was sure that had really helped his confidence in trusting people.
The Nietzcheans hadn't been too happy when she'd given them those false co-ordinates for the Andromeda. Eventually she'd given in and told them the last know co-ordinates. Another failure. But chances are they weren't still there and the trail was very, very cold.
There was nothing more she could give them. She knew nothing else. Well she knew a lot of crap but she didn't really think they wanted to know where they could buy flash or illegal weapons but it gave her something to say at least.
She hated this, the uncertainty of life, living and working for your existence every single moment of every day. In the end there didn't seem to be a point to life, not really. You lived, you died and in between you screwed up. That was the truth, the cold, harsh truth and no way to deny it.
She was sure the universe was having a good laugh right about now.
***
Dylan had a plan. It wasn't a great plan and maybe it didn't live up to his special forces training but it was a plan.
"Okay, here's the plan people. Trance will hold fort here, keeping the Andromeda out of sight. Harper and I will join you and Rev on the Maru and we'll go after the Nietzchean ship. We'll convince them to let us dock - Rev can offer information on the Andromeda's whereabouts in exchange for Beka and while Rev is negotiating you and I will be rescuing Beka. Harper will stay out of sight on the Maru. Any Questions?... Good."
The people filed out of the briefing room, Dylan stopped Harper and asked him something and Harper nodded in agreement. His part of the plan would give them an advantage, that is, if it worked.
Three hours later and they had set off. Trance wasn't too happy about being left behind and had made Dylan promise to be careful, to rescue Beka and to look after Harper.
And Harper, well Harper wasn't doing too good. He was now in close proximity to a Nietzchean and a magog. It was only Dylan's presence that kept him from screaming and collapsing in terror. And the fact that they were both keeping their distance.
Besides he had work to do or they'd never rescue the funny hair colour lady. He hoped she was okay cos he knew what the Nietzcheans could do, especially to a pretty woman like her.
***
Just before they came into range of the Nietzchean ship (that they'd luckily managed to track down again) Dylan revealed his secret weapon. Or more correctly Harper's secret weapon. Which to be perfectly honest wasn't a weapon at all.
He'd found some specs on a flexi when he'd been searching through a bunch of stuff they'd taken from an old commonwealth station. He'd asked Dylan permission to build what they suggested and he'd agreed. Harper had had a lot of fun with this project and it took a lot of skill.
It was actually a her. And she was an android. 'The ship made flesh' as the flexi had referred to it. And she did look like Andromeda AI. Identical to her and even wearing the standard highguard uniform that Dylan had remembered to bring along for her.
When she walked into the cockpit where Dylan, Rev and Tyr were, there was complete silence. She marched straight over to Captain Hunt. "I am ready to follow your orders Captain Hunt.'
Dylan wasn't really sure what to say being suddenly faced with an almost live version of his ship. "Uh...very good. Has Harper briefed you on the mission?"
"He has."
Just then Harper appeared in the doorway. He was reluctant to come in. "Rommie is finished and ready to go, sir"
Dylan looked at him questioningly. "Rommie?"
Harper studied the floor in fascination. "I, uh, thought we could call her that to distinguish from the one on the ships computer..maybe."
Dylan smiled. "Not a bad idea Harper. What do you think Andromeda?"
The android looked momentarily puzzled. "I think it sounds fine, sir."
"Rommie it is then."
He looked towards Tyr and Rev who had regained some of they're composure. "Are we ready?" The both nodded.
***
They gave Rev some time to negotiate with the Nietzcheans before they left the Maru. They all carried force lances. The plan was for Rev to eventually agree to give the co-ordinates of the Andromeda in exchange for Beka's release. They didn't expect the Nietzcheans to live up to their part of the bargain though.
They set off, leaving Harper behind on the Maru. Tyr managed to determine Beka's location so it was just a matter of getting there without being scene or incapacitating anyone who did see them. Easier said than done.
Rommie was a very valuable asset. She was able to detect Nietzcheans corridors away and so they were prepared and never surprised. She was also a very skilled fighter. They moved as fast as possible knowing they didn't have much time. Rev would be returning to the ship soon too.
Eventually they reached the cells. Beka's was the only occupied. As they got there a Nietzchean had just entered Beka's cell. Dylan and Rommie stood guard outside while Tyr went in. The fact that Tyr was Nietzchean might confuse the guard and buy Tyr some time.
The door opened and Tyr with his weapon out strode in. Just in time it seemed. The Nietzchean had Beka on the floor and was pinning her hands above her head. She was struggling weakly and it was clear what his intentions were. Tyr pulled him to his feet and slammed him against the wall.
Dylan rushed in and helped Beka to her feet. She pulled away first, afraid and not knowing who he was. But he spoke to her, calm and assuringly and got her outside.
Dylan had to almost tear Tyr away from the Nietzchean that he was busy attacking.
They rushed back to the Maru, Dylan and Tyr were supporting Beka and Rommie was leading. Alarms started sounding, blaring everywhere. They had to shoot their way out, literally. But they managed.
They stumbled into the Maru, shutting the airlock quickly, Rev had arrived back just behind them and got in before it closed.
Tyr ran to the cockpit and undocked. They were going to have some fun trying to leave without getting blown up. But Harper had given them a handy little gadget to attach to the ships systems that temporarily put the weapons and propulsion systems offline. He flew to the nearest slipstream point and they escaped.
Beka was lying in what was supposed to be the Maru medbay. She would be okay or so Rommie's inbuilt medical scanner said.
Dylan went to the cockpit to see Tyr and Harper. He wanted to congratulate everyone on the successful mission. He walked in and immediately had another question.
"Where is Harper?" Tyr looked questioningly at him and Dylan walked over to the nearest console. There were only four lifesigns on board. There should have been five. They had lost Harper.
He walked quickly back to the med-room. "Harper not here." Rommie looked up and checked her own scanner confirming what Dylan had said. Beka sat up and Rev tried to push her back down. "What do you mean he's not here?" She froze for a moment and then she looked horrified. "Are you telling me that we let those bastard get their hands on him? That we just put Harper back in hell??"
Beka looked ready to pass out. Dylan felt sick to his stomach. He went and contacted Trance.
"We managed to rescue Beka and we were careful but...... Trance I'm sorry, they took Harper."
Trance just stared at him. He had promised. The hero and saviour of the universe had promised to keep Harper safe and not Harper was back in hell. He'd broken his promise and all Trances good futures were gone once more. They seemed to be having so many defining moments and they all seemed to be going wrong.
Every time they gained something they lost something bigger. They gained Harper, lost Beka, Tyr and Rev. She had gained Harper's trust and now she'd lost Harper. She prayed and wished and hoped for Harper's safe return, somehow they would get him back.
Dylan wasn't happy either. He was angry and disappointed - with himself. He had failed Harper and Trance. And where he was standing now looked very, very like square one.
***
So.... surprised? Comments and constructive criticism is always appreciated!!
