Thanks for all the really sweet comments.sorry it took me so long to get
this piece up but it's a bit longer so I hope that will make up for it
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Three hours later ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Harper sat at the helm of the Maru and unconsciously scratched the small bandage on his forehead. Usually he loved going on field trips but this time was way different. He was leaving Rommie behind and he didn't like it. Guilt washed over him like a breaking wave .fast and powerful. He had let her down. This was ridiculous. Tyr didn't need him. Dylan was just trying to prove a point. Harper got up and headed towards the airlock. The memory of Rommie's prone body caused him to jog. She needed him. He had just pushed the airlock release valve when an arm reached out from nowhere cloths lining him.
"Ackk" he coughed.
"And just where do you think you're going?" It was Beka.
"This is stupid!" he growled. "I'm going to help Rommie."
"Dylan put me in charge of making sure you two left. You're not going anywhere. Tyr will be here in a minute." She reached over and resealed the door preventing any fast getaways.
He was getting angry and started to pace. Beka stood there and seemed content to watch him as she leaned on the door. He sighed getting angry wasn't going to convince Beka. She wouldn't stand for it. Angry drunks had bullied her a lot in the past. So his ranting would not impress her. "Beka she's degrading. I'm not sure if I can save her completely now. I certainly won't be able to later...."
"Harper stop. You are not the only one who cares for her. She's my friend. And certainly Dylan won't let her go with out a fight. Dylan wants to save everyone but he won't sacrifice her to do it . even in a war zone. Have a little faith okay?"
"But."
The door hissed open. Beka hadn't heard Tyr coming. She had been leaning on the door and gave a small yelp as she stumbled. Tyr caught her before she hit the floor.
Harper scowled at Tyr. But Tyr ignored him and gave Beka a sly smile. She gave a quick smirk back as he helped her to her feet. Harper wanted to gag.
Tyr let go of Beka and with out a word headed for the cockpit. He bumped Harper on the way by nearly bowling him over. "Hey!" complained Harper indignantly. "That was on purpose! Did you see that Beka?"
She shrugged. "You two are on your own.play nice." She started to leave when Harper's heart went in to over time.
"Beka wait! Please, don't make me do this!!" He pleaded. She just walked away and closed the door behind her and didn't look back.
"Dammit!" He sunk to the floor in frustration and closed his eyes. He banged his head lightly against the airlock door. He couldn't believe this was happening again just like on earth. How had he allowed it to get this far he should have."
"BOY!" Tyr yelled breaking his thoughts. He ignored him. He could feel the Maru shake as it took off. He stood and looked out the window as the Andromeda started to drift away. She wouldn't be the same when he returned. No one knew her like he did. He made her and she was apart of him.why couldn't they understand?
"HARPER!"
"WHAT??!!" he screamed back.
"Get up here now!"
He grumbled and made his way to the front as slowly as possible. "I'm here master." He intoned sarcastically.
Tyr ignored the snide comment. "Check the sensors. What do you detect?"
"Just a second." He scanned quickly and picked up the Andromeda. They were now nearly ten light minutes out and she was nearing the outer regions of their sensors. "She's under attack.Dragos again. We should go back!"
"Though I'm not one to be commanded. Dylan is right. We need to find out why they have been more aggressive then usual. They are hiding something. we need to complete this task. If we don't there will be nothing left to save.
He fidgeted at the sensor council. "They could die."
"Unless we get the parts they will die either way at least this way they can die proudly."
"How can anyone be proud if they're dead! Aghhh. I mean you talk of survival but do you really mean it? How can you? You cave when ever your ego gets in the way!"
"There is more to surviving then just simply continuing to breath."
He threw his hands into the air. "Fine! Believe what ever is convenient for you! But I won't be doing this for my survival I'll be doing it for theirs!" He stormed off towards the engineering area where he could figure out the best course of action would be. He was pretty sure it wouldn't involve Tyr.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tyr sat in the cockpit. The boy was a menace and would surely slow him down. Hunt would be upset if Harper was some how damaged. Perhaps the best thing would be to seal him in the engine room. He sighed. No, he needed the boy to distinguish what parts they would need. They would have land on the planet Grolla. The conditions would be harsh there. Though, the boy was used to planets. But his love for them would distract them from their goal. Harper would surely want to stop and gawk at every tree and beach they came across.
Harper returned from the back of the ship now covered in various spots of grease and he smelt of perspiration.
"Look Tyr." He stumbled over his words then began again. "I don't want to do this anymore then you do."
Tyr grunted an acknowledgment.
"We both know how much it sucks but we have to deal with it lets just try and get along okay?"
Tyr didn't trust the boy's sudden change of heart. What was he up to? "Have you so quickly forgot your dying toy?"
The boy winced. It was his soft spot and Tyr knew it. "You know I was trying to be nice but you really are a jerk! All you freakin Nietzscheans really are the same."
"Yes we are all superior. You will take heed of my word boy! I am in charge here. Be careful or your beloved ship will have no one to miss it." A dangerous smirk crossed Tyr's face as he watched Harper Unconsciously take a step back.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Harper's voice was low and cold.
"Shall I explain it to you like a child?" Maybe he really had gone too far. May be he had said something he should not have. But he had no time to regret it before Harper pulled out an over sized wrench and swung it at his head.
Tyr caught the swing in mid air. He thrust the boy back and held him against the bulkhead by the throat and arm. This was how the animals established who was in charge. It was the rules of the pack. Maybe the boy could relate to that. Then Harper would see there could only be one leader. The boy struggled the fury evident in his face. After a few minutes the boy ceased his fight. Tyr held on for a moment longer then he needed to so there would be no confusion as to who was in charge. The minute Tyr let go the boy gave him a small shove and twisted away. Harper swore at him but he ignored it. This was far from over but Tyr had won the first battle. "We'll land on the planet tonight. You'll do as I say or I'll seal you in engineering and throw away the key." The boy swore at him again but didn't disagree. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Harper watched as Tyr landed the Maru. He placed his hand lovingly on the ships bulkhead. At least this old warhorse had made it through. His brow wrinkled with worry. He wondered if Rommie fared as well. His other hand clenched in a fist. Right now he hated the whole universe. He took a deep breath hiding his angry. He would go along with Tyr but he would not forget what had happened between them. And Dylan dammit forcing him off the ship! Even Beka the person he trusted more then anyone. She betrayed him. She had sided with the others. But what could he do? He needed to get back to Rommie. After that.well everything had changed now. The Maru shuddered slightly as it touched down. "Where are we?" It was the first civil words he had spoken to Tyr in hours. "The Tibroan desert. Only three kilometres from a small town where I think we will be able to get parts and possibly some information." "You think!" Harper swore again. For all his posturing the Nietzschean wasn't sure! "Will you be quiet and get ready to go!" Harper's lip curled up but he did nothing. He would wait for his opportunity. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The two unwilling partners stepped out into the blowing sands. Harper pulled his welding goggles down over his eyes as Tyr put on his sunglasses.
Harper shouted over the winds. "I grew up in South Boston near the water. But as you got farther out of town towards Charlestown it was like this." He might as well have been talking to a wall. Tyr grunted at him and indicated that he should take point. At least he was pretending to try and get along.Tyr couldn't even do that. Right now Harper wasn't sure how happy he was to have a Nietzschean at his back. Harper talked little during their hike. He kept his lips sealed to keep the sand out and his anger in. Tyr walked stoically behind keeping his distance. Just when Harper was about to suggest a water break he saw the town lights glowing in the distance. Thank the Divine they were almost there. He picked up the pace.. Visions of Weissbrau danced through his mind. Twenty minutes later they reached the edge of town. Tyr grabbed Harpers shoulder now indicating he would take the lead. Tyr kept one hand on his gauss gun at all times. There were only a few lights flickering in the small desert town but the ones that shone the brightest were at the local Tavern. Harper shivered as they headed towards it. He had an uneasy feeling about this. "Tyr?" He whispered. "What?" "Why is there no one on the streets?" "It's late." "Yeah but.something is creepy" "You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you." "Is that Nietzsche?" "No, Eric Hoffer. Now quiet and stay close." "This isn't my first time on a planet you know!" Tyr pulled him towards the side of a building and crouched down. "This town is unlike any you've been to I wager. It is crawling with Nietzscheans. It's the only town that I know of in the know universe where there is a Nietzschean truce. This is neutral zone. But the peace agreement is weak. Many prides battle for supremacy here. Yet it is the only place where for the most part the battle is fought with words not brawn." "It's like Switzerland!" Harper brightened up suddenly understanding. "Only more dangerous. Especially for you. so for once I beg you listen to my advice and follow my lead" Harper relented he really was out of his league for the moment. "Tyr I don't like this one bit and any trust I once had for you is long gone. I'll follow you but if you betray me I will find away to kill you." Tyr smiled unexpectantly. "Agreed." They moved again towards the Tavern. Harper eyed the shadows with even more suspicion. They stood before the doors and looked in. It looked like any other bar on any other world. Noise from the rowdy clientele spilled out in to the street. Tyr pulled him self to his full height. Something that had always impressed Harper. They both stepped in to the light. Before Harper could even blink. The room stopped and fell silent. Every eye turned and focused on them. No one was smiling. TBC
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Three hours later ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Harper sat at the helm of the Maru and unconsciously scratched the small bandage on his forehead. Usually he loved going on field trips but this time was way different. He was leaving Rommie behind and he didn't like it. Guilt washed over him like a breaking wave .fast and powerful. He had let her down. This was ridiculous. Tyr didn't need him. Dylan was just trying to prove a point. Harper got up and headed towards the airlock. The memory of Rommie's prone body caused him to jog. She needed him. He had just pushed the airlock release valve when an arm reached out from nowhere cloths lining him.
"Ackk" he coughed.
"And just where do you think you're going?" It was Beka.
"This is stupid!" he growled. "I'm going to help Rommie."
"Dylan put me in charge of making sure you two left. You're not going anywhere. Tyr will be here in a minute." She reached over and resealed the door preventing any fast getaways.
He was getting angry and started to pace. Beka stood there and seemed content to watch him as she leaned on the door. He sighed getting angry wasn't going to convince Beka. She wouldn't stand for it. Angry drunks had bullied her a lot in the past. So his ranting would not impress her. "Beka she's degrading. I'm not sure if I can save her completely now. I certainly won't be able to later...."
"Harper stop. You are not the only one who cares for her. She's my friend. And certainly Dylan won't let her go with out a fight. Dylan wants to save everyone but he won't sacrifice her to do it . even in a war zone. Have a little faith okay?"
"But."
The door hissed open. Beka hadn't heard Tyr coming. She had been leaning on the door and gave a small yelp as she stumbled. Tyr caught her before she hit the floor.
Harper scowled at Tyr. But Tyr ignored him and gave Beka a sly smile. She gave a quick smirk back as he helped her to her feet. Harper wanted to gag.
Tyr let go of Beka and with out a word headed for the cockpit. He bumped Harper on the way by nearly bowling him over. "Hey!" complained Harper indignantly. "That was on purpose! Did you see that Beka?"
She shrugged. "You two are on your own.play nice." She started to leave when Harper's heart went in to over time.
"Beka wait! Please, don't make me do this!!" He pleaded. She just walked away and closed the door behind her and didn't look back.
"Dammit!" He sunk to the floor in frustration and closed his eyes. He banged his head lightly against the airlock door. He couldn't believe this was happening again just like on earth. How had he allowed it to get this far he should have."
"BOY!" Tyr yelled breaking his thoughts. He ignored him. He could feel the Maru shake as it took off. He stood and looked out the window as the Andromeda started to drift away. She wouldn't be the same when he returned. No one knew her like he did. He made her and she was apart of him.why couldn't they understand?
"HARPER!"
"WHAT??!!" he screamed back.
"Get up here now!"
He grumbled and made his way to the front as slowly as possible. "I'm here master." He intoned sarcastically.
Tyr ignored the snide comment. "Check the sensors. What do you detect?"
"Just a second." He scanned quickly and picked up the Andromeda. They were now nearly ten light minutes out and she was nearing the outer regions of their sensors. "She's under attack.Dragos again. We should go back!"
"Though I'm not one to be commanded. Dylan is right. We need to find out why they have been more aggressive then usual. They are hiding something. we need to complete this task. If we don't there will be nothing left to save.
He fidgeted at the sensor council. "They could die."
"Unless we get the parts they will die either way at least this way they can die proudly."
"How can anyone be proud if they're dead! Aghhh. I mean you talk of survival but do you really mean it? How can you? You cave when ever your ego gets in the way!"
"There is more to surviving then just simply continuing to breath."
He threw his hands into the air. "Fine! Believe what ever is convenient for you! But I won't be doing this for my survival I'll be doing it for theirs!" He stormed off towards the engineering area where he could figure out the best course of action would be. He was pretty sure it wouldn't involve Tyr.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tyr sat in the cockpit. The boy was a menace and would surely slow him down. Hunt would be upset if Harper was some how damaged. Perhaps the best thing would be to seal him in the engine room. He sighed. No, he needed the boy to distinguish what parts they would need. They would have land on the planet Grolla. The conditions would be harsh there. Though, the boy was used to planets. But his love for them would distract them from their goal. Harper would surely want to stop and gawk at every tree and beach they came across.
Harper returned from the back of the ship now covered in various spots of grease and he smelt of perspiration.
"Look Tyr." He stumbled over his words then began again. "I don't want to do this anymore then you do."
Tyr grunted an acknowledgment.
"We both know how much it sucks but we have to deal with it lets just try and get along okay?"
Tyr didn't trust the boy's sudden change of heart. What was he up to? "Have you so quickly forgot your dying toy?"
The boy winced. It was his soft spot and Tyr knew it. "You know I was trying to be nice but you really are a jerk! All you freakin Nietzscheans really are the same."
"Yes we are all superior. You will take heed of my word boy! I am in charge here. Be careful or your beloved ship will have no one to miss it." A dangerous smirk crossed Tyr's face as he watched Harper Unconsciously take a step back.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Harper's voice was low and cold.
"Shall I explain it to you like a child?" Maybe he really had gone too far. May be he had said something he should not have. But he had no time to regret it before Harper pulled out an over sized wrench and swung it at his head.
Tyr caught the swing in mid air. He thrust the boy back and held him against the bulkhead by the throat and arm. This was how the animals established who was in charge. It was the rules of the pack. Maybe the boy could relate to that. Then Harper would see there could only be one leader. The boy struggled the fury evident in his face. After a few minutes the boy ceased his fight. Tyr held on for a moment longer then he needed to so there would be no confusion as to who was in charge. The minute Tyr let go the boy gave him a small shove and twisted away. Harper swore at him but he ignored it. This was far from over but Tyr had won the first battle. "We'll land on the planet tonight. You'll do as I say or I'll seal you in engineering and throw away the key." The boy swore at him again but didn't disagree. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Harper watched as Tyr landed the Maru. He placed his hand lovingly on the ships bulkhead. At least this old warhorse had made it through. His brow wrinkled with worry. He wondered if Rommie fared as well. His other hand clenched in a fist. Right now he hated the whole universe. He took a deep breath hiding his angry. He would go along with Tyr but he would not forget what had happened between them. And Dylan dammit forcing him off the ship! Even Beka the person he trusted more then anyone. She betrayed him. She had sided with the others. But what could he do? He needed to get back to Rommie. After that.well everything had changed now. The Maru shuddered slightly as it touched down. "Where are we?" It was the first civil words he had spoken to Tyr in hours. "The Tibroan desert. Only three kilometres from a small town where I think we will be able to get parts and possibly some information." "You think!" Harper swore again. For all his posturing the Nietzschean wasn't sure! "Will you be quiet and get ready to go!" Harper's lip curled up but he did nothing. He would wait for his opportunity. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The two unwilling partners stepped out into the blowing sands. Harper pulled his welding goggles down over his eyes as Tyr put on his sunglasses.
Harper shouted over the winds. "I grew up in South Boston near the water. But as you got farther out of town towards Charlestown it was like this." He might as well have been talking to a wall. Tyr grunted at him and indicated that he should take point. At least he was pretending to try and get along.Tyr couldn't even do that. Right now Harper wasn't sure how happy he was to have a Nietzschean at his back. Harper talked little during their hike. He kept his lips sealed to keep the sand out and his anger in. Tyr walked stoically behind keeping his distance. Just when Harper was about to suggest a water break he saw the town lights glowing in the distance. Thank the Divine they were almost there. He picked up the pace.. Visions of Weissbrau danced through his mind. Twenty minutes later they reached the edge of town. Tyr grabbed Harpers shoulder now indicating he would take the lead. Tyr kept one hand on his gauss gun at all times. There were only a few lights flickering in the small desert town but the ones that shone the brightest were at the local Tavern. Harper shivered as they headed towards it. He had an uneasy feeling about this. "Tyr?" He whispered. "What?" "Why is there no one on the streets?" "It's late." "Yeah but.something is creepy" "You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you." "Is that Nietzsche?" "No, Eric Hoffer. Now quiet and stay close." "This isn't my first time on a planet you know!" Tyr pulled him towards the side of a building and crouched down. "This town is unlike any you've been to I wager. It is crawling with Nietzscheans. It's the only town that I know of in the know universe where there is a Nietzschean truce. This is neutral zone. But the peace agreement is weak. Many prides battle for supremacy here. Yet it is the only place where for the most part the battle is fought with words not brawn." "It's like Switzerland!" Harper brightened up suddenly understanding. "Only more dangerous. Especially for you. so for once I beg you listen to my advice and follow my lead" Harper relented he really was out of his league for the moment. "Tyr I don't like this one bit and any trust I once had for you is long gone. I'll follow you but if you betray me I will find away to kill you." Tyr smiled unexpectantly. "Agreed." They moved again towards the Tavern. Harper eyed the shadows with even more suspicion. They stood before the doors and looked in. It looked like any other bar on any other world. Noise from the rowdy clientele spilled out in to the street. Tyr pulled him self to his full height. Something that had always impressed Harper. They both stepped in to the light. Before Harper could even blink. The room stopped and fell silent. Every eye turned and focused on them. No one was smiling. TBC
