DISCLAIMER:
Andromeda and it's characters etc are the property of Tribune Entertainmet etc.
I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever
has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters,
situations, and story are the property of me and are not to be used without my
express permission.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story was written in 2001 and first posted to the now closed slepstreamweb.com website, as well as to Steve Bacic's website. At that time, the season 3 episode "The Unconquerable Man" had not (to the best of my knowledge) been written so please do not confuse the two. *********** indicates a change of scene and "Aleya" is pronounced al-eye-ahh
DEDICATION: To Steve Bacic for making Rhade so cool that I wanted to find a way to bing him back and to all those who are working so hard to bring us what is shapeing up to be a fantastic series. Thanks guys!
FEEDBACK: YES PLEASE!!
**********************
The long night has come. The Systems Commonwealth, the greatest civilisation in history, has fallen. But now one ship, one crew, have vowed to drive back the night and rekindle the light of civilisation. On the starship Andromeda, hope lives again
Dylan Hunt stood quietly in the observation lounge, watching the stars slip by as Andromeda cruised slowly through space. His mind was filled with thoughts of the past, of his previous life and of what might have been. His thoughts strayed back to the fateful day his world had been destroyed, remembering how he had been betrayed by the man he had considered his best friend. RHADE. He understood why Rhade had done what he had, but the betrayal still tore deeply into his soul. He recalled Rhade's words moments before they had engaged in a fight, a fight to the death as it had transpired. While his friend had betrayed him, killing Rhade was the last thing Dylan had wanted to do. Rhade's dying words echoed around his mind I'm proud of you. You should be.... but what did those final words mean? Should be what? It was a question Dylan had wrestled with for a long time, trying to find an answer that he would never discover......
**********************
Dylan, what are you doing? Trance's voice floated to him from the doorway, drawing Dylan back to the present. Shaking his head slightly, he turned to look at the young woman, wondering not for the first time what she was. Her lips curved in a slight smile, her purple skin seeming to glow with an inner light as her eyes twinkled with suppressed mischief.
Just thinking Trance. Is something wrong? he smiled in spite of his black thoughts, wondering just how the young woman managed to get those around her to lighten up.
No, I Just wondered why you are here all alone. Were you thinking of the past? her observation was acute, making Dylan again think that her ditzy' attitude was a ruse.
Yes Trance, I was. There are some things that will never be resolved his reply was cryptic but Trance looked at him as if she knew what he was talking about. Smiling to himself, he indicated that they should leave as he pushed the painful memories from his mind.
**********************
Trance sat quietly in her quarters, eyes closed as she hummed gently to herself. Specks of light began to appear, swirling around her with increasing speed as her humming became slower. The specks of light solidified in front of her suddenly, forming a hazy image of Rhade, Dylan's former friend and the man who betrayed him. With a slight smile, Trance blew gently on the image and it disappeared, dissolving like smoke in a gentle breeze.
Good. It's time old wounds were healed she murmured to herself, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
**********************
Andromeda transited out of slipstream and back into normal space, gliding slowly towards the source of the signal they had received. The crew watched cautiously as they approached a small ship bearing signs of weapons fire.
Looks recent observed Harper quietly, checking sensors to make sure there were no signs of another ship in the area.
Magog weapons Rev's remark was a statement of fact rather than a guess, causing Dylan to look at him for a long moment before turning back to the ship before them. The signal they had received had not been a distress call as such, rather a warning not to approach this area of space as it was swarming with an unknown enemy. Rev's comment meant that enemy was most likely the Magog, an enemy Dylan knew well and had fought in his time. It was not, however, an enemy he wished to face at present but the ship before them was obviously damaged and probably in need of help.
Rommie, scan for life signs he requested, not really needing to as Rommie was well ahead of him, as usual.
Two, very weak. Both appear to be human a trace of excitement coloured her voice as the avatar looked at Dylan, causing him to fight back a smile as he caught her glance. He knew Rommie craved new experiences, especially when that meant coming into contact with new life forms, new people.
We're receiving a transmission, audio only the avatar's excitement seemed to be spreading to the rest of the crew as Harper informed Dylan of the contact. Dylan nodded as the young engineer opened a channel.
Please, leave now before you are destroyed. An unknown enemy attacked us and may still be in the area. You must leave now if you are to survive came a woman's voice, weak and barely audible. Dylan looked at Rommie, knowing the channel would still be open.
This is Captain Dylan Hunt of the Systems Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. We picked up your last message and came to see if we could offer our assistance to you. Do you still have power enough to make it to the hanger bay? We can help you
We may still have enough power but why would you want to help us, unless you mean to capture and kill us, or sell us to the nearest Nietzschean slaver the reply came swiftly, the woman's voice laced with anger and loathing, making it obvious she had come across the slaver's in the past.
We mean you no harm. We just want to help. We are not going to kill you or sell you to the slavers. You have my word as an officer if the Commonwealth his pledge made Tyr look at him in surprise, wondering how Dylan could be foolish enough to offer to bring them aboard when it may be a trap.
Very well Captain Hunt. I shall take your word as bond that no harm shall come to us while aboard your ship. But be warned, if you break your bond and try to hurt us, I will kill you the last words were not a threat, just a statement of fact.
Agreed, Hunt out he tilted his head to one side slightly as he watched the ship power up it's engines and slowly head for the landing bay Rommie had instructed them to land in.
Harper, would you be kind enough to meet our guests and bring them up here please? his request was not really necessary as he knew the young man would be only too willing to be the first one to meet a new human female, a relatively young one by the sound of her voice.
Of course the young man replied, eyes shining with anticipation as to the appearance of their guests. He turned quickly and made his way from the room, a spring in his step as his mind went over all the possibilities.....
**********************
The airlock circled open to reveal two figures standing before it. One was tall but the race and sex could not be determined as the figure wore a hooded robe that hung down to it's ankles. The other was a petite young woman who appeared to be human. Though an ugly bruise covered one side of her face, it did not mar her beauty and Harper could not take his eyes off of her. She looked him up and down, her expression amused as she reached out and gently placed her hand under his chin, closing his mouth as he stood mesmerised. A chuckle began to bubble up in his chest as he snapped back to reality at her touch, shaking his head at his behaviour as his laughter became to much to hold in. His humour was infectious and soon the stranger woman was laughing with him, though her companion remained still and silent. Harper indicated they should follow him, his manners returning even though his laughter still had the better of him. Still laughing, the woman laid her hand briefly on her companion's arm before they made their way back to the command deck and the waiting crew.
**********************
Harper entered the command deck, the huge smile spread across his face causing the others to roll their eyes in resignation as they guessed the woman had taken his fancy. The look on his face told them all that the engineer was very much in lust with their guest and his reaction amused them. The young woman and her mysterious companion followed him into the room, the hooded stranger staying just inside the door as the woman made her way down do greet Dylan.
Captain Dylan Hunt, at your service as he introduced himself, the woman held forth her hand in greeting.
It's a pleasure to meet you Captain. My name is Aleya her voice was filled with warmth and traces of her previous humour. Dylan bowed slightly, taking her hand and kissing it lightly as he proved that, contrary to popular belief, chivalry was not dead. Aleya blushed, unaccustomed to such a gesture, though she certainly wasn't adverse to it. Dylan took a moment to study the woman before him, noticing the bruises that bore evidence of a fight. A delicately boned face was framed by dark hair which streamed down her back, a stray curl falling across her face that she absently brushed back behind her ear. Eyes as blue, and as deep, as an ocean sparkled with suppressed humour and full lips curved slightly in a half smile. A slender frame, though a little skinny from lack of decent food, belied the fact that every inch of flesh on her was actually muscle. Dylan made a mental note not to under-estimate her strength as his eyes travelled down her body. Though thin, she was curved in all the right places, and was a very attractive woman. Get a bit of weight on her and..... his thoughts wandered as his human desires surged to the forefront for a brief moment, quickly suppressed as he finished his examination of her and looked her in the eye.
This is my First Officer, Beka Valentine he indicated the Maru captain who inclined her head slightly in greeting.
Fire control officer, Tyr Anasazi the Nietzschean looked at her, interest obvious in his eyes. You've met Harper, our engineer the younger man grinned at Aleya, drawing a friendly smile in response. Rev Bem, our science officer and resident linguist the Magog met her stare evenly, seeing no trace of fear in her eyes though it was obvious she knew what he was. And last, but certainly not least, our Arms master....
the young woman interrupted, her dark hair flying as she rushed over to the purple alien. The two embraced for a moment, moving apart and touching the backs of their right hands together in a gesture of greeting.
Hello Aleya. It's been a long time the other woman's tone made it clear that the two knew each other well and were probably friends.
Too long, my dear pixie the comment caused the two to collapse into giggles, embracing again as they renewed their bond.
I take it you two know each other? Dylan's query brought them both back to the present and they turned to the captain, their eyes sparkling as they controlled their mirth.
We do captain. We have known each other most of our lives the human confirmed as the two made their way down to stand before Dylan.
Aleya, where did that come from? Trance indicated the bruise that covered most of the left side of her friend's face.
A Nietzschean slaver. He caught up with me a few days ago. Apparently, he could get a good price for me as a slave but I didn't like the idea. He thought a beating would make me more to the idea but all it did was get him killed her voice held no emotion as she answered her friend's question. Still, I had to make it to this region of space or I'd have missed you.
Missed us? You knew where we were? Dylan demanded, a trace of anger seeping though the surprise in his voice.
I did. I would have been here sooner had it not been for that damned Nietzschean she confirmed, meeting Dylan's gaze.
And just how did you know where we were going to be?
Trance. She and I bonded a long time ago when she saved my life. Her species has telepathic abilities and when one of them establishes a bond with another being, a link of sorts is also made between the two. It's a genetic thing, but it allowed me to track her whereabouts, as she can track mine, and so I knew where to find you. All I needed was a way of getting your attention the revelation stunned Dylan, who looked at Trance accusingly.
I didn't do anything she protested, though Dylan was not sure if she had been actively involved.
So, the next question is why? Why did you need to find us? And why the signal? Was that just a ruse? he wanted answers, and he wanted them immediately.
No, the signal was not a ruse. My ship was attacked by Magog and, though their ships were no match for mine, the situation worked out to be just the excuse I was looking for to contact you. The signal was a means to an end her explanation was incomplete and Dylan was not about to let her get away without answering the biggest question, why had she needed to find them in the first place?
You didn't answer my initial question he prompted, arms crossed over his chest as he loomed over the petite woman.
I wanted to find you because I thought it was about time you laid your ghosts to rest came her cryptic reply, confusing Dylan even more as to her reason for being here.
What ghosts? What are you talking about? he demanded, growing impatient with Aleya's games.
The ghost of the past that gnaws at your soul. The betrayal of everything you knew, by the one you considered your closest friend she told him, her expression serious as she revealed the purpose of her visit.
Rhade? In case you didn't know, Rhade is dead. He forced me to kill him, moments before I, and this ship, were frozen in time on the event horizon of a black hole. There is no way to put that ghost to rest he snarled, the pain of that wound still cutting deep into his soul. His reaction drew startled looks from the rest of the crew, especially Tyr who had heard of the Nietzschean about which they spoke.
I know Dylan. Which is why I had a hard time doing what I have done. It took a great deal of skill, time and energy but it was worth it for the end result....... she informed him as she indicated her silent companion, who still stood in the doorway, to come forward. The hooded figure stopped a few feet from them, head bowed as he waited for Aleya to complete her sentence. ......behold, Gaheris Rhade! she finished as her companion brushed back his hood. Dylan stared in disbelief as he saw the silent stranger was indeed the dark haired Nietzschean who had betrayed him, and he was very much alive...........
To be continued.........
AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story was written in 2001 and first posted to the now closed slepstreamweb.com website, as well as to Steve Bacic's website. At that time, the season 3 episode "The Unconquerable Man" had not (to the best of my knowledge) been written so please do not confuse the two. *********** indicates a change of scene and "Aleya" is pronounced al-eye-ahh
DEDICATION: To Steve Bacic for making Rhade so cool that I wanted to find a way to bing him back and to all those who are working so hard to bring us what is shapeing up to be a fantastic series. Thanks guys!
FEEDBACK: YES PLEASE!!
The long night has come. The Systems Commonwealth, the greatest civilisation in history, has fallen. But now one ship, one crew, have vowed to drive back the night and rekindle the light of civilisation. On the starship Andromeda, hope lives again
Dylan Hunt stood quietly in the observation lounge, watching the stars slip by as Andromeda cruised slowly through space. His mind was filled with thoughts of the past, of his previous life and of what might have been. His thoughts strayed back to the fateful day his world had been destroyed, remembering how he had been betrayed by the man he had considered his best friend. RHADE. He understood why Rhade had done what he had, but the betrayal still tore deeply into his soul. He recalled Rhade's words moments before they had engaged in a fight, a fight to the death as it had transpired. While his friend had betrayed him, killing Rhade was the last thing Dylan had wanted to do. Rhade's dying words echoed around his mind I'm proud of you. You should be.... but what did those final words mean? Should be what? It was a question Dylan had wrestled with for a long time, trying to find an answer that he would never discover......
Dylan, what are you doing? Trance's voice floated to him from the doorway, drawing Dylan back to the present. Shaking his head slightly, he turned to look at the young woman, wondering not for the first time what she was. Her lips curved in a slight smile, her purple skin seeming to glow with an inner light as her eyes twinkled with suppressed mischief.
Just thinking Trance. Is something wrong? he smiled in spite of his black thoughts, wondering just how the young woman managed to get those around her to lighten up.
No, I Just wondered why you are here all alone. Were you thinking of the past? her observation was acute, making Dylan again think that her ditzy' attitude was a ruse.
Yes Trance, I was. There are some things that will never be resolved his reply was cryptic but Trance looked at him as if she knew what he was talking about. Smiling to himself, he indicated that they should leave as he pushed the painful memories from his mind.
Trance sat quietly in her quarters, eyes closed as she hummed gently to herself. Specks of light began to appear, swirling around her with increasing speed as her humming became slower. The specks of light solidified in front of her suddenly, forming a hazy image of Rhade, Dylan's former friend and the man who betrayed him. With a slight smile, Trance blew gently on the image and it disappeared, dissolving like smoke in a gentle breeze.
Good. It's time old wounds were healed she murmured to herself, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Andromeda transited out of slipstream and back into normal space, gliding slowly towards the source of the signal they had received. The crew watched cautiously as they approached a small ship bearing signs of weapons fire.
Looks recent observed Harper quietly, checking sensors to make sure there were no signs of another ship in the area.
Magog weapons Rev's remark was a statement of fact rather than a guess, causing Dylan to look at him for a long moment before turning back to the ship before them. The signal they had received had not been a distress call as such, rather a warning not to approach this area of space as it was swarming with an unknown enemy. Rev's comment meant that enemy was most likely the Magog, an enemy Dylan knew well and had fought in his time. It was not, however, an enemy he wished to face at present but the ship before them was obviously damaged and probably in need of help.
Rommie, scan for life signs he requested, not really needing to as Rommie was well ahead of him, as usual.
Two, very weak. Both appear to be human a trace of excitement coloured her voice as the avatar looked at Dylan, causing him to fight back a smile as he caught her glance. He knew Rommie craved new experiences, especially when that meant coming into contact with new life forms, new people.
We're receiving a transmission, audio only the avatar's excitement seemed to be spreading to the rest of the crew as Harper informed Dylan of the contact. Dylan nodded as the young engineer opened a channel.
Please, leave now before you are destroyed. An unknown enemy attacked us and may still be in the area. You must leave now if you are to survive came a woman's voice, weak and barely audible. Dylan looked at Rommie, knowing the channel would still be open.
This is Captain Dylan Hunt of the Systems Commonwealth Starship Andromeda. We picked up your last message and came to see if we could offer our assistance to you. Do you still have power enough to make it to the hanger bay? We can help you
We may still have enough power but why would you want to help us, unless you mean to capture and kill us, or sell us to the nearest Nietzschean slaver the reply came swiftly, the woman's voice laced with anger and loathing, making it obvious she had come across the slaver's in the past.
We mean you no harm. We just want to help. We are not going to kill you or sell you to the slavers. You have my word as an officer if the Commonwealth his pledge made Tyr look at him in surprise, wondering how Dylan could be foolish enough to offer to bring them aboard when it may be a trap.
Very well Captain Hunt. I shall take your word as bond that no harm shall come to us while aboard your ship. But be warned, if you break your bond and try to hurt us, I will kill you the last words were not a threat, just a statement of fact.
Agreed, Hunt out he tilted his head to one side slightly as he watched the ship power up it's engines and slowly head for the landing bay Rommie had instructed them to land in.
Harper, would you be kind enough to meet our guests and bring them up here please? his request was not really necessary as he knew the young man would be only too willing to be the first one to meet a new human female, a relatively young one by the sound of her voice.
Of course the young man replied, eyes shining with anticipation as to the appearance of their guests. He turned quickly and made his way from the room, a spring in his step as his mind went over all the possibilities.....
The airlock circled open to reveal two figures standing before it. One was tall but the race and sex could not be determined as the figure wore a hooded robe that hung down to it's ankles. The other was a petite young woman who appeared to be human. Though an ugly bruise covered one side of her face, it did not mar her beauty and Harper could not take his eyes off of her. She looked him up and down, her expression amused as she reached out and gently placed her hand under his chin, closing his mouth as he stood mesmerised. A chuckle began to bubble up in his chest as he snapped back to reality at her touch, shaking his head at his behaviour as his laughter became to much to hold in. His humour was infectious and soon the stranger woman was laughing with him, though her companion remained still and silent. Harper indicated they should follow him, his manners returning even though his laughter still had the better of him. Still laughing, the woman laid her hand briefly on her companion's arm before they made their way back to the command deck and the waiting crew.
Harper entered the command deck, the huge smile spread across his face causing the others to roll their eyes in resignation as they guessed the woman had taken his fancy. The look on his face told them all that the engineer was very much in lust with their guest and his reaction amused them. The young woman and her mysterious companion followed him into the room, the hooded stranger staying just inside the door as the woman made her way down do greet Dylan.
Captain Dylan Hunt, at your service as he introduced himself, the woman held forth her hand in greeting.
It's a pleasure to meet you Captain. My name is Aleya her voice was filled with warmth and traces of her previous humour. Dylan bowed slightly, taking her hand and kissing it lightly as he proved that, contrary to popular belief, chivalry was not dead. Aleya blushed, unaccustomed to such a gesture, though she certainly wasn't adverse to it. Dylan took a moment to study the woman before him, noticing the bruises that bore evidence of a fight. A delicately boned face was framed by dark hair which streamed down her back, a stray curl falling across her face that she absently brushed back behind her ear. Eyes as blue, and as deep, as an ocean sparkled with suppressed humour and full lips curved slightly in a half smile. A slender frame, though a little skinny from lack of decent food, belied the fact that every inch of flesh on her was actually muscle. Dylan made a mental note not to under-estimate her strength as his eyes travelled down her body. Though thin, she was curved in all the right places, and was a very attractive woman. Get a bit of weight on her and..... his thoughts wandered as his human desires surged to the forefront for a brief moment, quickly suppressed as he finished his examination of her and looked her in the eye.
This is my First Officer, Beka Valentine he indicated the Maru captain who inclined her head slightly in greeting.
Fire control officer, Tyr Anasazi the Nietzschean looked at her, interest obvious in his eyes. You've met Harper, our engineer the younger man grinned at Aleya, drawing a friendly smile in response. Rev Bem, our science officer and resident linguist the Magog met her stare evenly, seeing no trace of fear in her eyes though it was obvious she knew what he was. And last, but certainly not least, our Arms master....
the young woman interrupted, her dark hair flying as she rushed over to the purple alien. The two embraced for a moment, moving apart and touching the backs of their right hands together in a gesture of greeting.
Hello Aleya. It's been a long time the other woman's tone made it clear that the two knew each other well and were probably friends.
Too long, my dear pixie the comment caused the two to collapse into giggles, embracing again as they renewed their bond.
I take it you two know each other? Dylan's query brought them both back to the present and they turned to the captain, their eyes sparkling as they controlled their mirth.
We do captain. We have known each other most of our lives the human confirmed as the two made their way down to stand before Dylan.
Aleya, where did that come from? Trance indicated the bruise that covered most of the left side of her friend's face.
A Nietzschean slaver. He caught up with me a few days ago. Apparently, he could get a good price for me as a slave but I didn't like the idea. He thought a beating would make me more to the idea but all it did was get him killed her voice held no emotion as she answered her friend's question. Still, I had to make it to this region of space or I'd have missed you.
Missed us? You knew where we were? Dylan demanded, a trace of anger seeping though the surprise in his voice.
I did. I would have been here sooner had it not been for that damned Nietzschean she confirmed, meeting Dylan's gaze.
And just how did you know where we were going to be?
Trance. She and I bonded a long time ago when she saved my life. Her species has telepathic abilities and when one of them establishes a bond with another being, a link of sorts is also made between the two. It's a genetic thing, but it allowed me to track her whereabouts, as she can track mine, and so I knew where to find you. All I needed was a way of getting your attention the revelation stunned Dylan, who looked at Trance accusingly.
I didn't do anything she protested, though Dylan was not sure if she had been actively involved.
So, the next question is why? Why did you need to find us? And why the signal? Was that just a ruse? he wanted answers, and he wanted them immediately.
No, the signal was not a ruse. My ship was attacked by Magog and, though their ships were no match for mine, the situation worked out to be just the excuse I was looking for to contact you. The signal was a means to an end her explanation was incomplete and Dylan was not about to let her get away without answering the biggest question, why had she needed to find them in the first place?
You didn't answer my initial question he prompted, arms crossed over his chest as he loomed over the petite woman.
I wanted to find you because I thought it was about time you laid your ghosts to rest came her cryptic reply, confusing Dylan even more as to her reason for being here.
What ghosts? What are you talking about? he demanded, growing impatient with Aleya's games.
The ghost of the past that gnaws at your soul. The betrayal of everything you knew, by the one you considered your closest friend she told him, her expression serious as she revealed the purpose of her visit.
Rhade? In case you didn't know, Rhade is dead. He forced me to kill him, moments before I, and this ship, were frozen in time on the event horizon of a black hole. There is no way to put that ghost to rest he snarled, the pain of that wound still cutting deep into his soul. His reaction drew startled looks from the rest of the crew, especially Tyr who had heard of the Nietzschean about which they spoke.
I know Dylan. Which is why I had a hard time doing what I have done. It took a great deal of skill, time and energy but it was worth it for the end result....... she informed him as she indicated her silent companion, who still stood in the doorway, to come forward. The hooded figure stopped a few feet from them, head bowed as he waited for Aleya to complete her sentence. ......behold, Gaheris Rhade! she finished as her companion brushed back his hood. Dylan stared in disbelief as he saw the silent stranger was indeed the dark haired Nietzschean who had betrayed him, and he was very much alive...........
To be continued.........