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: *********** indicates a change of scene and "Aleya" is pronounced al-eye-ah. The name of Aleya's ship, "Pertho", is the name of an Elder Rune, as is "Berkana", Rhade's first wife. Pertho is the Rune of Secrets, Surprises, Mysteries, Initiation and Occult Powers, while Berkana is the Rune of Fertility and Birth.
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!!
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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
Gaheris Rhade stood quietly in the corridor, his seemingly relaxed posture belying the fact that every molecule in his body was tensed and ready for action. He silently sized up his opponent, a slight sneer pulling at his lips as he realised the Nietzschean before him was not as good a fighter as he was. Rhade had had many years of training and yet more years of combat experience, while the man before him looked as if he had just been released from school. He was slightly younger than Rhade but appeared to be no match for him.
You think you can beat me? Tyr caught Rhade's sneer and it angered him
You're little more than a child. Of course I can beat you, the reply was swift, Rhade's tone mocking the other man in an attempt to put him off balance.
Then why don't we see? the bait taken, Tyr rushed at Rhade, who moved easily out of the way, bone spurs becoming fully erect as a rush of adrenaline shot through him. He straightened, casting a contemptuous look at the younger Nietzschean as he once more assumed a fighting stance. Tyr came at him again, his anger rising as he caught Rhade's look. He swung his fist towards Rhade, the blow parried easily by the more experienced fighter who turned slightly to one side and delivered a round house kick, the heel of his boot catching Tyr square on the jaw. The blow sent Tyr flying to the hard metal floor, winding him for a moment. The pause was all Rhade needed, as he moved in to finish off his opponent. Tyr was not unprepared however, slamming his boot fully into Rhade's face as the older man came close enough for the move to be effective. Rhade reeled backwards, taken by surprise by a move he had used himself a thousand times, one he should have seen coming. Making a mental note not to under-estimate the younger Nietzschean, Rhade readied himself to do battle once more, muscles tensed as he waited to see Tyr's next move. That move did not come though, for just as Tyr was about to launch himself at Rhade, a fist connected with his jaw and sent him flying back to the floor. Wondering who he would have to fight now, Rhade turned to see Dylan standing in the corridor, a look of disgust on his face.
I knew it was a mistake to leave you alone, the statement was snarled not at Rhade but rather at Tyr, a turn of events neither Nietzschean had expected.
This does not concern you. This is between me and him, Tyr's pride hurt, he lashed out verbally at the man he had begun to trust, wondering how he could take the side of a man who had betrayed him.
It concerns me when I find two of my crew fighting on my ship! the snapped response drew startled looks from both men. Rhade was about to remind Dylan that he was no longer part of this crew when Trance appeared, slightly breathless from running. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before she told them her news...
**********************
The three rushed into Medical, Trance laying her hand on Dylan's arm to prevent him going further as Rhade crossed swiftly to Aleya's side. Trance had come to tell them that her friend's condition had worsened while they had been gone, a fact that Rhade felt he was partly responsible for. She had however, regained consciousness though she was incredibly weak.
the name was whispered, Aleya not having enough strength left to make her voice any louder.
I'm here Aleya. Don't try and speak. You need all your energy to get well, his voice held concern as he reached her side, gently taking her hand in his as he brushed a lock of hair from her face.
I'm dying Rhade. I don't have enough energy left to repair the damage I did to myself by saving you. Was my effort wasted? her breathing was becoming more laboured with every word but she needed to know that her sacrifice was not in vain.
No, your effort has not been wasted. Dylan and I have come to an understanding. But you must rest if you are to recover, his refusal to admit her condition cut deeply into Aleya's heart.
Rhade, I am not going to recover this time. I want you to do something for me..... her sentence was unfinished as a spasm of coughing racked her body, Rhade's hand tightening around hers as if he could give her some of his own energy to help her survive.
What do you want me to do? despair laced his voice as he was finally forced to admit that she was indeed dying and nothing he could do could change that fact.
I want you to stay here, on this ship. I brought you here for that reason Rhade, her admission cut him to the quick, for her request meant he could not do as he had planned.
I can't. I don't belong here any longer, his blunt denial of her request angered her, for she had done everything, sacrificed her own life, so that Rhade could re-join his former friend and help Dylan with his dream to restore the Commonwealth.
You will stay here. I know what you are planning Rhade and it's not going to happen. I didn't forfeit my own life to save yours just so that you could leave here and end it again! the fury in her voice stunned them all, but the energy it was taking to try and make the Nietzschean understand was more than she had to use and she slumped back against the bed, moving closer to death as Rhade looked on in anguish.
Aleya, I'm sorry. But you're wrong. I wasn't planning on killing myself. I was going to return to my own kind, his plea for forgiveness did not sway her, any more than his obvious lie fooled her into believing he was telling the truth.
Liar. I'm disappointed in you. It looks like I was wrong to bring you back. Leave. I don't want the last thing I see in this life to be the face of the ungrateful wretch who's life I saved at the cost of my own! her words were harsh, stabbing into Rhade like a thousand daggers as the young woman stripped away his lies and exposed him to the truth. Unable, and unwilling, to do as she demanded, he stayed where he was. With a disgusted growl deep in her throat, she turned away from him, closing her eyes as her breathing became slower and she lost consciousness once more. Casting an unfathomable look at Aleya, Rhade turned and stalked from the room, muttering under his breath at her stubbornness. Dylan turned as if to follow but Trance's hand on his arm stopped him, a slight shake of her head telling him to leave alone that which did not concern him. Casting a last, sorrow filled, glance at Dylan, Trance made her way to her friend's side and began her vigil once more as Aleya slowly slipped further towards death....
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Sitting in his former quarters for the first time since he, and many of the old crew, had died, Rhade closed his eyes as he fought the overwhelming desire to die once more. Aleya had been right when she had accused him of deceiving her, and everyone else, by saying he was only planning to return to his people. He had no people any longer. His wives, his children, everyone he had know besides Dylan was dead and had been so for hundreds of years. His mind strayed back to his Alpha wife Berkana, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He had loved her, in his own way, and she had borne him four strong sons and two beautiful daughters. His other seven wives had also given him many more children but those out of Berkana were the ones he had treasured the most. All were dead now, long since returned to the void from which they had all come, and to which they would all return one day. His family, his pride were all gone and he had no way of knowing whether any of his line remained, nor whether he would be accepted by them should he seek them out.
No. I'm better off dead. You should never have brought me back Aleya, his tone was harsh as he muttered to himself, and to the dying woman in Medical. He looked up as he heard a noise, not really surprised to see Tyr standing in the doorway. With a sigh he looked at the younger Nietzschean, wondering how long it was going to be before they finished their fight. Tyr made no move to pick up where they had left off however, surprising the older man. He just stood in the doorway and studied Rhade, an unfathomable look on his face.
What do you want? no emotion coloured his voice as he returned Tyr's gaze.
You realise what is was you did now don't you? And now you're all alone, the observation was acute, a statement of fact said with no satisfaction but a great deal of understanding from the younger man.
What do you care? Rhade's response was automatic, a remnant of his past.
I know how you feel Rhade. My pride was destroyed, betrayed by it's allies during battle. I have nothing. No wife, no child to carry on my line. At least your line may have continued after your death, the admission surprised Rhade, who looked at Tyr in a new light as he assessed the information supplied.
But why curse the woman who brought you back?
Because she should have left well alone. She had no right pulling me back and bringing me here. I was content where I was, his voice held a note of uncertainty, hidden within his anger. The younger Nietzschean was no fool however, and spotted the look in Rhade's eyes as he spoke.
You couldn't move on could you? The issues you have with Dylan, that were left unresolved when you died, prevented you from passing on didn't they? Tyr's voice was almost kind as he tried to show Rhade the reason he had been returned to life.
She should not have interfered! there was something the older man was hiding and Tyr, guessing what it might be, decided to play with Rhade to see if he could draw out that which was hidden.
Maybe not, but I can't say I would have minded her interfering with me, as he spoke his lips curved into a small smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
What do you mean? his tone was wary, his eyes slightly narrowed as he wondered where Tyr was going with his comments.
She's a very beautiful woman. Shame she's not a Nietzschean or I might have chosen her as my mate. One the other hand, her genes may be as good, if not better, than ours. If she recovers, I think I will approach her about the possibility, the desire in Tyr's voice was un-mistakeable and it angered Rhade. Losing his usual calm, in one swift movement he was on his feet and had Tyr pinned against the wall, bone spurs held to his throat.
You'll do no such thing! She will never be your mate! She deserves far better than you! the words were snarled, bone spurs pushed further into Tyr's throat until they began to draw blood.
Like you? his question already answered, Tyr made no move to fight back as he waited for Rhade to admit to himself that was the reason he was so angry about having been brought back. Shock registered on his face as Rhade pulled away, releasing the younger man as he came to the same realisation Tyr had already reached.
No. She deserves better than me, great sadness coloured his voice as he denied the obvious implications, shaking his head as if to dispel the thoughts contained within.
Rhade, would you please report to Medical immediately, the sound of Rommie's voice distracted both from their thoughts. Dread filled Rhade as he knew, without knowing how, that the end had finally come for Aleya. Without another word, he left the room and headed for medical, breaking into a run in a vain effort to get there before it was too late. Watching from the doorway, Tyr decided to leave this situation well alone....
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Slightly breathless, he entered Medical to find Dylan, Rev and Trance waiting for him. The latter was seated on Aleya's bed, her head buried in the pillow, her anguished sobs muted but still audible. Dylan stood, head bowed, beside the bed. The magog stood a few paces to one side, eyes closed as he muttered something Rhade couldn't quite hear. But there was no sign of Aleya. Realising she was missing, and seeing a magog in the same room, his old hatred surfaced and he immediately leapt to the seemingly obvious conclusion. A snarl rose deep in his throat as he stared at the creature he believed had killed her and he darted forward, bone spurs erect as he raised his arm to deliver a fatal blow. Rev made no attempt to get out of his way as Rhade dropped his arm, bone spurs coming within an inch of Rev's face as Dylan's hand wrapped around his wrist, preventing him from delivering the blow.
Don't. He didn't do anything to her. Trance called me and said Aleya was gone. She came in to check on her and she'd vanished. Rev was with me when I got Trance's call Dylan's voice was quiet, his sadness evident.
He's a magog! How do you know he didn't kill her before he came to you? the Nietzschean's voice was filled with hatred and loathing, as it had been when he had explained to Dylan why he was betraying him.
Because I know he didn't have anything to do with this. Rhade, you have to trust me, as he said those final words, he almost laughed. They had trusted each other once, and Rhade had betrayed that trust. Now he was asking that Rhade trust him and trust a magog, the race Rhade despised completely. Rhade looked at his former friend for a long moment, a slight nod of his head acknowledging he did indeed trust Dylan but also conveying that he would never, could never trust Rev. With a disgusted snarl cast in Rev's direction, he strode from the room, leaving those remaining to wonder what his next move would be....
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Once back on the Pertho, Aleya's ship, Rhade made his way slowly to the command room and slid reverently into Aleya's seat. Closing his eyes, he slowed his breathing in an effort of calm himself as he tried to think what his next move should be. Now that Aleya was gone he had no reason to stay, except that his remaining here had been her express wish, had been the last thing she had said to him. Shaking his head, he made up his mind to leave and turned to the panel on his left, brushing his hand over it as he had seen Aleya do many times. Nothing happened. He tried it again and still nothing. Growing angry, he tried once more and this time a light began to glow on the panel. Suddenly a hologram of Aleya appeared before him, a slight smile on her face.
I thought you might try something like this. That is why I left this message for you, to tell you that the ship will not work unless I am at it's helm. I know you don't want to stay Rhade but you have no choice. You will stay here, until such time as I choose otherwise her voice was calm as she delivered her message, the hologram shimmering slightly and disappearing as soon as it was finished. Rhade stared at the empty space where it had been a moment before, stunned by her manipulation and by the realisation that he was trapped here..........
AUTHOR'S NOTES: *********** indicates a change of scene and "Aleya" is pronounced al-eye-ah. The name of Aleya's ship, "Pertho", is the name of an Elder Rune, as is "Berkana", Rhade's first wife. Pertho is the Rune of Secrets, Surprises, Mysteries, Initiation and Occult Powers, while Berkana is the Rune of Fertility and Birth.
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
Gaheris Rhade stood quietly in the corridor, his seemingly relaxed posture belying the fact that every molecule in his body was tensed and ready for action. He silently sized up his opponent, a slight sneer pulling at his lips as he realised the Nietzschean before him was not as good a fighter as he was. Rhade had had many years of training and yet more years of combat experience, while the man before him looked as if he had just been released from school. He was slightly younger than Rhade but appeared to be no match for him.
You think you can beat me? Tyr caught Rhade's sneer and it angered him
You're little more than a child. Of course I can beat you, the reply was swift, Rhade's tone mocking the other man in an attempt to put him off balance.
Then why don't we see? the bait taken, Tyr rushed at Rhade, who moved easily out of the way, bone spurs becoming fully erect as a rush of adrenaline shot through him. He straightened, casting a contemptuous look at the younger Nietzschean as he once more assumed a fighting stance. Tyr came at him again, his anger rising as he caught Rhade's look. He swung his fist towards Rhade, the blow parried easily by the more experienced fighter who turned slightly to one side and delivered a round house kick, the heel of his boot catching Tyr square on the jaw. The blow sent Tyr flying to the hard metal floor, winding him for a moment. The pause was all Rhade needed, as he moved in to finish off his opponent. Tyr was not unprepared however, slamming his boot fully into Rhade's face as the older man came close enough for the move to be effective. Rhade reeled backwards, taken by surprise by a move he had used himself a thousand times, one he should have seen coming. Making a mental note not to under-estimate the younger Nietzschean, Rhade readied himself to do battle once more, muscles tensed as he waited to see Tyr's next move. That move did not come though, for just as Tyr was about to launch himself at Rhade, a fist connected with his jaw and sent him flying back to the floor. Wondering who he would have to fight now, Rhade turned to see Dylan standing in the corridor, a look of disgust on his face.
I knew it was a mistake to leave you alone, the statement was snarled not at Rhade but rather at Tyr, a turn of events neither Nietzschean had expected.
This does not concern you. This is between me and him, Tyr's pride hurt, he lashed out verbally at the man he had begun to trust, wondering how he could take the side of a man who had betrayed him.
It concerns me when I find two of my crew fighting on my ship! the snapped response drew startled looks from both men. Rhade was about to remind Dylan that he was no longer part of this crew when Trance appeared, slightly breathless from running. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself before she told them her news...
The three rushed into Medical, Trance laying her hand on Dylan's arm to prevent him going further as Rhade crossed swiftly to Aleya's side. Trance had come to tell them that her friend's condition had worsened while they had been gone, a fact that Rhade felt he was partly responsible for. She had however, regained consciousness though she was incredibly weak.
the name was whispered, Aleya not having enough strength left to make her voice any louder.
I'm here Aleya. Don't try and speak. You need all your energy to get well, his voice held concern as he reached her side, gently taking her hand in his as he brushed a lock of hair from her face.
I'm dying Rhade. I don't have enough energy left to repair the damage I did to myself by saving you. Was my effort wasted? her breathing was becoming more laboured with every word but she needed to know that her sacrifice was not in vain.
No, your effort has not been wasted. Dylan and I have come to an understanding. But you must rest if you are to recover, his refusal to admit her condition cut deeply into Aleya's heart.
Rhade, I am not going to recover this time. I want you to do something for me..... her sentence was unfinished as a spasm of coughing racked her body, Rhade's hand tightening around hers as if he could give her some of his own energy to help her survive.
What do you want me to do? despair laced his voice as he was finally forced to admit that she was indeed dying and nothing he could do could change that fact.
I want you to stay here, on this ship. I brought you here for that reason Rhade, her admission cut him to the quick, for her request meant he could not do as he had planned.
I can't. I don't belong here any longer, his blunt denial of her request angered her, for she had done everything, sacrificed her own life, so that Rhade could re-join his former friend and help Dylan with his dream to restore the Commonwealth.
You will stay here. I know what you are planning Rhade and it's not going to happen. I didn't forfeit my own life to save yours just so that you could leave here and end it again! the fury in her voice stunned them all, but the energy it was taking to try and make the Nietzschean understand was more than she had to use and she slumped back against the bed, moving closer to death as Rhade looked on in anguish.
Aleya, I'm sorry. But you're wrong. I wasn't planning on killing myself. I was going to return to my own kind, his plea for forgiveness did not sway her, any more than his obvious lie fooled her into believing he was telling the truth.
Liar. I'm disappointed in you. It looks like I was wrong to bring you back. Leave. I don't want the last thing I see in this life to be the face of the ungrateful wretch who's life I saved at the cost of my own! her words were harsh, stabbing into Rhade like a thousand daggers as the young woman stripped away his lies and exposed him to the truth. Unable, and unwilling, to do as she demanded, he stayed where he was. With a disgusted growl deep in her throat, she turned away from him, closing her eyes as her breathing became slower and she lost consciousness once more. Casting an unfathomable look at Aleya, Rhade turned and stalked from the room, muttering under his breath at her stubbornness. Dylan turned as if to follow but Trance's hand on his arm stopped him, a slight shake of her head telling him to leave alone that which did not concern him. Casting a last, sorrow filled, glance at Dylan, Trance made her way to her friend's side and began her vigil once more as Aleya slowly slipped further towards death....
Sitting in his former quarters for the first time since he, and many of the old crew, had died, Rhade closed his eyes as he fought the overwhelming desire to die once more. Aleya had been right when she had accused him of deceiving her, and everyone else, by saying he was only planning to return to his people. He had no people any longer. His wives, his children, everyone he had know besides Dylan was dead and had been so for hundreds of years. His mind strayed back to his Alpha wife Berkana, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He had loved her, in his own way, and she had borne him four strong sons and two beautiful daughters. His other seven wives had also given him many more children but those out of Berkana were the ones he had treasured the most. All were dead now, long since returned to the void from which they had all come, and to which they would all return one day. His family, his pride were all gone and he had no way of knowing whether any of his line remained, nor whether he would be accepted by them should he seek them out.
No. I'm better off dead. You should never have brought me back Aleya, his tone was harsh as he muttered to himself, and to the dying woman in Medical. He looked up as he heard a noise, not really surprised to see Tyr standing in the doorway. With a sigh he looked at the younger Nietzschean, wondering how long it was going to be before they finished their fight. Tyr made no move to pick up where they had left off however, surprising the older man. He just stood in the doorway and studied Rhade, an unfathomable look on his face.
What do you want? no emotion coloured his voice as he returned Tyr's gaze.
You realise what is was you did now don't you? And now you're all alone, the observation was acute, a statement of fact said with no satisfaction but a great deal of understanding from the younger man.
What do you care? Rhade's response was automatic, a remnant of his past.
I know how you feel Rhade. My pride was destroyed, betrayed by it's allies during battle. I have nothing. No wife, no child to carry on my line. At least your line may have continued after your death, the admission surprised Rhade, who looked at Tyr in a new light as he assessed the information supplied.
But why curse the woman who brought you back?
Because she should have left well alone. She had no right pulling me back and bringing me here. I was content where I was, his voice held a note of uncertainty, hidden within his anger. The younger Nietzschean was no fool however, and spotted the look in Rhade's eyes as he spoke.
You couldn't move on could you? The issues you have with Dylan, that were left unresolved when you died, prevented you from passing on didn't they? Tyr's voice was almost kind as he tried to show Rhade the reason he had been returned to life.
She should not have interfered! there was something the older man was hiding and Tyr, guessing what it might be, decided to play with Rhade to see if he could draw out that which was hidden.
Maybe not, but I can't say I would have minded her interfering with me, as he spoke his lips curved into a small smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
What do you mean? his tone was wary, his eyes slightly narrowed as he wondered where Tyr was going with his comments.
She's a very beautiful woman. Shame she's not a Nietzschean or I might have chosen her as my mate. One the other hand, her genes may be as good, if not better, than ours. If she recovers, I think I will approach her about the possibility, the desire in Tyr's voice was un-mistakeable and it angered Rhade. Losing his usual calm, in one swift movement he was on his feet and had Tyr pinned against the wall, bone spurs held to his throat.
You'll do no such thing! She will never be your mate! She deserves far better than you! the words were snarled, bone spurs pushed further into Tyr's throat until they began to draw blood.
Like you? his question already answered, Tyr made no move to fight back as he waited for Rhade to admit to himself that was the reason he was so angry about having been brought back. Shock registered on his face as Rhade pulled away, releasing the younger man as he came to the same realisation Tyr had already reached.
No. She deserves better than me, great sadness coloured his voice as he denied the obvious implications, shaking his head as if to dispel the thoughts contained within.
Rhade, would you please report to Medical immediately, the sound of Rommie's voice distracted both from their thoughts. Dread filled Rhade as he knew, without knowing how, that the end had finally come for Aleya. Without another word, he left the room and headed for medical, breaking into a run in a vain effort to get there before it was too late. Watching from the doorway, Tyr decided to leave this situation well alone....
Slightly breathless, he entered Medical to find Dylan, Rev and Trance waiting for him. The latter was seated on Aleya's bed, her head buried in the pillow, her anguished sobs muted but still audible. Dylan stood, head bowed, beside the bed. The magog stood a few paces to one side, eyes closed as he muttered something Rhade couldn't quite hear. But there was no sign of Aleya. Realising she was missing, and seeing a magog in the same room, his old hatred surfaced and he immediately leapt to the seemingly obvious conclusion. A snarl rose deep in his throat as he stared at the creature he believed had killed her and he darted forward, bone spurs erect as he raised his arm to deliver a fatal blow. Rev made no attempt to get out of his way as Rhade dropped his arm, bone spurs coming within an inch of Rev's face as Dylan's hand wrapped around his wrist, preventing him from delivering the blow.
Don't. He didn't do anything to her. Trance called me and said Aleya was gone. She came in to check on her and she'd vanished. Rev was with me when I got Trance's call Dylan's voice was quiet, his sadness evident.
He's a magog! How do you know he didn't kill her before he came to you? the Nietzschean's voice was filled with hatred and loathing, as it had been when he had explained to Dylan why he was betraying him.
Because I know he didn't have anything to do with this. Rhade, you have to trust me, as he said those final words, he almost laughed. They had trusted each other once, and Rhade had betrayed that trust. Now he was asking that Rhade trust him and trust a magog, the race Rhade despised completely. Rhade looked at his former friend for a long moment, a slight nod of his head acknowledging he did indeed trust Dylan but also conveying that he would never, could never trust Rev. With a disgusted snarl cast in Rev's direction, he strode from the room, leaving those remaining to wonder what his next move would be....
Once back on the Pertho, Aleya's ship, Rhade made his way slowly to the command room and slid reverently into Aleya's seat. Closing his eyes, he slowed his breathing in an effort of calm himself as he tried to think what his next move should be. Now that Aleya was gone he had no reason to stay, except that his remaining here had been her express wish, had been the last thing she had said to him. Shaking his head, he made up his mind to leave and turned to the panel on his left, brushing his hand over it as he had seen Aleya do many times. Nothing happened. He tried it again and still nothing. Growing angry, he tried once more and this time a light began to glow on the panel. Suddenly a hologram of Aleya appeared before him, a slight smile on her face.
I thought you might try something like this. That is why I left this message for you, to tell you that the ship will not work unless I am at it's helm. I know you don't want to stay Rhade but you have no choice. You will stay here, until such time as I choose otherwise her voice was calm as she delivered her message, the hologram shimmering slightly and disappearing as soon as it was finished. Rhade stared at the empty space where it had been a moment before, stunned by her manipulation and by the realisation that he was trapped here..........