Disclaimer: I don't own Andromeda or its characters so please don't sue.
A/N: Thanks to all of you who posted reviews. Please continue to read and revue.
Storm Silverhand: Thank you for your suggestions. I tried to make this chapter a little longer than the others but if I make the chapters too much longer I won't be able to update as often so it's kind of a trade off. I hope you aren't too disappointed. I also tried a little more character development here too. There should definitely be more of that in future chapters.
Pete: Thanks for the title suggestion. I plan to use it in the future. Stay tuned and you'll see why I'm not using now. ************************************************************************
Chapter 6
Harper led Kim and Paris two floors below to Machine Shop 4 where the engineer had left his tool belt. The two Voyager crewmembers looked at each other and rolled their eyes each time they approached the stairs and ladders.
"Have you ever considered putting in elevators on this ship?" Paris asked between gasps for air.
A lopsided grin played across Harper's face. "I know what you mean Paris my man. I think High Guard ships were built this way just to make the crews suffer."
Paris and Kim smiled at the joke as they entered the machine shop. The two Voyager crewmembers came to a dead stop. Paris and Kim's eyes opened wide as they looked around the room.
Kim let out a low whistle. "This is some machine shop Mr. Harper."
"What, this old machine shop? This is just something the High Guard engineers threw in," Harper announced with a wave of his hand. "And call me Harper."
Paris picked up a nanowelder and briefly examined the tool. "This is something we don't have on Voyager. What does it do?"
Harper took the nanowelder from Paris and turned the devise on. A small flame came out of the narrow tip. "This my friend is called a nanowelder and it. Well, it welds things. It's one of my favorite tools so be careful with it."
Harper grabbed a pair of goggles and scrounged around for two more pairs. Andromeda's engineer found them in a drawer and handed Kim and Paris each a pair. Harper found a small piece of scrap metal and began soldering with nanowelder.
After a few seconds Harper turned of the nanowelder and pulled off his goggles. "So what do ya think guys? Pretty neat little tool huh?"
Paris and Kim nodded in unison. "I've never seen a welder like that. It looks compact but powerful," Kim surmised as he watched Harper put the nanowelder in his tool belt.
Harper put on his tool belt and gestured towards the door. "Shall we go have a good look at you shuttle?"
Kim and Paris took off their goggles and handed them to Harper. The engineer tossed the three sets of goggles onto a nearby counter as he left the machine shop.
***
Dylan Hunt offered to give Kathryn Janeway an official tour of Andromeda. Janeway accepted as she had now had free time. Voyager's captain also felt it would give her a chance to get to know Andromeda's captain. Janeway had to admit she liked Captain Hunt and his crew so far, even if they were a bit rough around the edges.
Beka and AI Rommie accompanied Hunt and Janeway on the tour, adding their individual expertise.
"Your ship is very impressive Captain Hunt," Janeway remarked, forgetting about Andromeda's artificial intelligence.
AI Rommie had tagged along on the tour and now gave Janeway a disapproving look. Dylan Hunt immediately caught the avatar's look and gave AI Rommie a warning look, which she ignored. "Yes I think I am pretty impressive,"
Beka thought this guided tour would be rather boring, but it might just turn out to a little more interesting than any of them had expected.
Janeway was skilled in diplomacy and quickly realized she had made a faux pas in forgetting that Andromeda had an artificial intelligence. The Voyager captain quickly attempted to defuse the situation. "I apologize Rommie. I keep forgetting Andromeda has artificial intelligence. I honestly meant no disrespect."
AI Rommie smiled at Janeway saying, "Apology accepted Captain Janeway. I must remember that you and your crew aren't accustomed to ships having artificial intelligence."
Hunt breathed a sigh of relief that Rommie hadn't remained angry. At first he wasn't sure Rommie would be so understanding. However, AI Rommie was the avatar of a High Guard warship and was programmed for diplomacy. Hunt was just happy that AI Rommie remembered that fact. The avatar could be quite stubborn at times.
***
Trance offered to show Tuvok around hydroponics and medical while Tyr went for his customary workout. Tuvok was slightly amused that the Nietzschean wanted to be by himself. He thought Tyr would be curious enough to hang around one of the away team. Tuvok had also hoped to talk to Tyr and learn more about Nietzscheans. However, Trance was the more fascinating member of Andromeda's crew, so he chose to stick by her.
"Well, Ms. Gemini you have an impressive array of horticulture. I applaud your so-called green thumb," Tuvok remarked.
Trance curtsied to the Vulcan saying, "Thank you kind sir. I adore flowers and plants. They are so nice to look at. Don't you agree?"
Tuvok removed his Tricorder from its case. "I would have to agree that some flowers are aesthetically appealing. May I take some readings of your plants and flowers?"
The golden-skinned alien woman smiled. "Of course you can. I am rather proud of my flowers and plants. I'm glad you're taking an interest in them. Dylan and the rest don't seem to take much of an interest in horticulture."
"That is unfortunate. I myself find that flora and fauna can be quite telling in regards to a planet," Tuvok added as he began scanning a deep blue flower.
"I quite agree Mr. Tuvok. I'm not so sure that the only reason you came to hydroponics is to get readings on my flowers and plants. I believe your curiosity about my origins has gotten the better of you. Am I right? ," Trance asked.
The Vulcan was forced to admit that there was some truth to the golden woman's statement. "I must agree that I am more than slightly curious as to your origins and your abilities Ms. Gemini. However, I am also genuinely interested in your horticulture as well."
Trance handed the Vulcan one of the deep blue flowers. "Then I would love to answer any questions you may have Mr. Tuvok."
Tuvok raised an eyebrow at the remark. "Do you mean questions about you or your plants and flowers Ms. Gemini?"
"Why my plants and flowers of course," Trance giggled as she returned to tending her leafy charges.
***
Harry Kim opened the shuttle's hatch began to walk up the ramp, followed by Paris and Harper. Harper grinned as he walked around the conn area. "Nice shuttle ya got here guys."
"Thanks, we kinda like our Delta Flyer,' Paris remarked proudly. The lieutenant was indeed proud of his major role in rebuilding the Delta Flyer.
Harper didn't pay the helmsman much notice. He was more interested in the engineering aspect of the Delta Flyer. "So where is the engine on this baby? What type of engine does it have?"
Harry Kim directed Harper to the aft section of the shuttle where engineering was located. Kim and Paris chuckled silently at Harper's enthusiasm. Andromeda's engineer was a man after their own heart.
"The Delta Flyer is powered by a matter/anti-matter warp drive. It can reach up to warp 10, which is as fast as Voyager herself," Tom Paris announced with a proud smirk on his face.
Harper looked up and down at the warp core with a confused expression. "Matter/anti-matter, huh? It's still not too late for your Captain Janeway to let me install a slipstream drive on this baby."
Paris actually thought it was a good idea. Traveling through slipstream was uncharted Starfleet territory, but it couldn't be any worse than trying to break the warp 10 barrier. If it worked the way Harper had explained it, a slipstream drive might be Voyager's ticket back to Earth. But there was just one catch. "Well, as much as I'd like to try out a slipstream drive, I'm afraid Captain Janeway outranks me."
"Your Captain Janeway sounds like Dylan. Dylan is such a Boy Scout sometimes," Harper complained. "I don't suppose Captain Janeway would object to the two of you taking a ride through the slipstream?"
Paris and Kim looked at each other and shrugged.
"I don't suppose it would hurt to ask," Paris replied.
Kim was rather taken about by Harper's use of Captain Hunt's first name. 'I noticed you referred to Captain Hunt by his first name. Does he allow his crew to be that informal?"
Harper laughed out loud, not bothering to hide his amusement. "We're a rather informal crew. You see, only Dylan is High Guard. The rest of us just happened by and were crazy enough to say yes when Dylan asked us to become his crew."
"Well, there doesn't appear to be too much damage to the warp core," Kim announced.
Harper patted the Asian man on the back. "Good. Let's go up to Command and let Dylan know. Then we can see if your captain will give you permission to go on a little field trip."
***
"So there we were; about to fire on a Dragan ship when Andromeda got sucked into the black hole. So that's how I spent the last 300 years, give or take a year or two," Hunt explained to Janeway."
Janeway was about to comment on Hunt's story when Harper, Paris, and Kim arrived on the Comm. The two captains turned and looked at the three approaching men.
Hunt stepped in between Kim and Paris and put on hand on each of their shoulders. "Welcome back gentlemen. I trust that your shuttle didn't sustain any damage that Mr. Harper isn't going to be able to repair."
"There was very little damage and I think we already have everything we need for the repairs, but Mr. Harper assured us that he would have any tools and parts if I'm wrong," Paris informed.
Janeway smiled at the report. She was glad for some good news for a change. "How long will it take you to make the necessary repairs?"
"Not more than a couple hours," Kim answered.
Harper practically jumped out of the chair he had plopped himself into. "Aren't you being a bit conservative? A repair job like that should take no more than an hour, tops."
Hunt noticed Janeway's doubtful look. "Mr. Harper may sound like he's boasting, but he really is a terrific engineer and very quick. I don't know how he does it but he's managed to work miracles with Andromeda."
"Hey thanks boss. And since you think so highly of me, how about letting me take Paris and Kim here for a little ride in the Maru; slipstream style?"
Hunt looked over at Janeway then back at his engineer. "Paris and Kim are members of Captain Janeway's crew so it's up to her."
Janeway was debating whether to allow the slipstream trip when she was distracted by the sudden appearance of an old acquaintance.
"Come on. Let the kids have some fun Kathy," Q exhorted with a smirk.
Janeway showed no surprise at the sudden appearances of her nemesis. She had almost grown accustomed to his annoying habit of popping in unexpectedly.
Beka's eyes were wide open as she stared at the unexpected guest. "Uncle Sid?"
A/N: Thanks to all of you who posted reviews. Please continue to read and revue.
Storm Silverhand: Thank you for your suggestions. I tried to make this chapter a little longer than the others but if I make the chapters too much longer I won't be able to update as often so it's kind of a trade off. I hope you aren't too disappointed. I also tried a little more character development here too. There should definitely be more of that in future chapters.
Pete: Thanks for the title suggestion. I plan to use it in the future. Stay tuned and you'll see why I'm not using now. ************************************************************************
Chapter 6
Harper led Kim and Paris two floors below to Machine Shop 4 where the engineer had left his tool belt. The two Voyager crewmembers looked at each other and rolled their eyes each time they approached the stairs and ladders.
"Have you ever considered putting in elevators on this ship?" Paris asked between gasps for air.
A lopsided grin played across Harper's face. "I know what you mean Paris my man. I think High Guard ships were built this way just to make the crews suffer."
Paris and Kim smiled at the joke as they entered the machine shop. The two Voyager crewmembers came to a dead stop. Paris and Kim's eyes opened wide as they looked around the room.
Kim let out a low whistle. "This is some machine shop Mr. Harper."
"What, this old machine shop? This is just something the High Guard engineers threw in," Harper announced with a wave of his hand. "And call me Harper."
Paris picked up a nanowelder and briefly examined the tool. "This is something we don't have on Voyager. What does it do?"
Harper took the nanowelder from Paris and turned the devise on. A small flame came out of the narrow tip. "This my friend is called a nanowelder and it. Well, it welds things. It's one of my favorite tools so be careful with it."
Harper grabbed a pair of goggles and scrounged around for two more pairs. Andromeda's engineer found them in a drawer and handed Kim and Paris each a pair. Harper found a small piece of scrap metal and began soldering with nanowelder.
After a few seconds Harper turned of the nanowelder and pulled off his goggles. "So what do ya think guys? Pretty neat little tool huh?"
Paris and Kim nodded in unison. "I've never seen a welder like that. It looks compact but powerful," Kim surmised as he watched Harper put the nanowelder in his tool belt.
Harper put on his tool belt and gestured towards the door. "Shall we go have a good look at you shuttle?"
Kim and Paris took off their goggles and handed them to Harper. The engineer tossed the three sets of goggles onto a nearby counter as he left the machine shop.
***
Dylan Hunt offered to give Kathryn Janeway an official tour of Andromeda. Janeway accepted as she had now had free time. Voyager's captain also felt it would give her a chance to get to know Andromeda's captain. Janeway had to admit she liked Captain Hunt and his crew so far, even if they were a bit rough around the edges.
Beka and AI Rommie accompanied Hunt and Janeway on the tour, adding their individual expertise.
"Your ship is very impressive Captain Hunt," Janeway remarked, forgetting about Andromeda's artificial intelligence.
AI Rommie had tagged along on the tour and now gave Janeway a disapproving look. Dylan Hunt immediately caught the avatar's look and gave AI Rommie a warning look, which she ignored. "Yes I think I am pretty impressive,"
Beka thought this guided tour would be rather boring, but it might just turn out to a little more interesting than any of them had expected.
Janeway was skilled in diplomacy and quickly realized she had made a faux pas in forgetting that Andromeda had an artificial intelligence. The Voyager captain quickly attempted to defuse the situation. "I apologize Rommie. I keep forgetting Andromeda has artificial intelligence. I honestly meant no disrespect."
AI Rommie smiled at Janeway saying, "Apology accepted Captain Janeway. I must remember that you and your crew aren't accustomed to ships having artificial intelligence."
Hunt breathed a sigh of relief that Rommie hadn't remained angry. At first he wasn't sure Rommie would be so understanding. However, AI Rommie was the avatar of a High Guard warship and was programmed for diplomacy. Hunt was just happy that AI Rommie remembered that fact. The avatar could be quite stubborn at times.
***
Trance offered to show Tuvok around hydroponics and medical while Tyr went for his customary workout. Tuvok was slightly amused that the Nietzschean wanted to be by himself. He thought Tyr would be curious enough to hang around one of the away team. Tuvok had also hoped to talk to Tyr and learn more about Nietzscheans. However, Trance was the more fascinating member of Andromeda's crew, so he chose to stick by her.
"Well, Ms. Gemini you have an impressive array of horticulture. I applaud your so-called green thumb," Tuvok remarked.
Trance curtsied to the Vulcan saying, "Thank you kind sir. I adore flowers and plants. They are so nice to look at. Don't you agree?"
Tuvok removed his Tricorder from its case. "I would have to agree that some flowers are aesthetically appealing. May I take some readings of your plants and flowers?"
The golden-skinned alien woman smiled. "Of course you can. I am rather proud of my flowers and plants. I'm glad you're taking an interest in them. Dylan and the rest don't seem to take much of an interest in horticulture."
"That is unfortunate. I myself find that flora and fauna can be quite telling in regards to a planet," Tuvok added as he began scanning a deep blue flower.
"I quite agree Mr. Tuvok. I'm not so sure that the only reason you came to hydroponics is to get readings on my flowers and plants. I believe your curiosity about my origins has gotten the better of you. Am I right? ," Trance asked.
The Vulcan was forced to admit that there was some truth to the golden woman's statement. "I must agree that I am more than slightly curious as to your origins and your abilities Ms. Gemini. However, I am also genuinely interested in your horticulture as well."
Trance handed the Vulcan one of the deep blue flowers. "Then I would love to answer any questions you may have Mr. Tuvok."
Tuvok raised an eyebrow at the remark. "Do you mean questions about you or your plants and flowers Ms. Gemini?"
"Why my plants and flowers of course," Trance giggled as she returned to tending her leafy charges.
***
Harry Kim opened the shuttle's hatch began to walk up the ramp, followed by Paris and Harper. Harper grinned as he walked around the conn area. "Nice shuttle ya got here guys."
"Thanks, we kinda like our Delta Flyer,' Paris remarked proudly. The lieutenant was indeed proud of his major role in rebuilding the Delta Flyer.
Harper didn't pay the helmsman much notice. He was more interested in the engineering aspect of the Delta Flyer. "So where is the engine on this baby? What type of engine does it have?"
Harry Kim directed Harper to the aft section of the shuttle where engineering was located. Kim and Paris chuckled silently at Harper's enthusiasm. Andromeda's engineer was a man after their own heart.
"The Delta Flyer is powered by a matter/anti-matter warp drive. It can reach up to warp 10, which is as fast as Voyager herself," Tom Paris announced with a proud smirk on his face.
Harper looked up and down at the warp core with a confused expression. "Matter/anti-matter, huh? It's still not too late for your Captain Janeway to let me install a slipstream drive on this baby."
Paris actually thought it was a good idea. Traveling through slipstream was uncharted Starfleet territory, but it couldn't be any worse than trying to break the warp 10 barrier. If it worked the way Harper had explained it, a slipstream drive might be Voyager's ticket back to Earth. But there was just one catch. "Well, as much as I'd like to try out a slipstream drive, I'm afraid Captain Janeway outranks me."
"Your Captain Janeway sounds like Dylan. Dylan is such a Boy Scout sometimes," Harper complained. "I don't suppose Captain Janeway would object to the two of you taking a ride through the slipstream?"
Paris and Kim looked at each other and shrugged.
"I don't suppose it would hurt to ask," Paris replied.
Kim was rather taken about by Harper's use of Captain Hunt's first name. 'I noticed you referred to Captain Hunt by his first name. Does he allow his crew to be that informal?"
Harper laughed out loud, not bothering to hide his amusement. "We're a rather informal crew. You see, only Dylan is High Guard. The rest of us just happened by and were crazy enough to say yes when Dylan asked us to become his crew."
"Well, there doesn't appear to be too much damage to the warp core," Kim announced.
Harper patted the Asian man on the back. "Good. Let's go up to Command and let Dylan know. Then we can see if your captain will give you permission to go on a little field trip."
***
"So there we were; about to fire on a Dragan ship when Andromeda got sucked into the black hole. So that's how I spent the last 300 years, give or take a year or two," Hunt explained to Janeway."
Janeway was about to comment on Hunt's story when Harper, Paris, and Kim arrived on the Comm. The two captains turned and looked at the three approaching men.
Hunt stepped in between Kim and Paris and put on hand on each of their shoulders. "Welcome back gentlemen. I trust that your shuttle didn't sustain any damage that Mr. Harper isn't going to be able to repair."
"There was very little damage and I think we already have everything we need for the repairs, but Mr. Harper assured us that he would have any tools and parts if I'm wrong," Paris informed.
Janeway smiled at the report. She was glad for some good news for a change. "How long will it take you to make the necessary repairs?"
"Not more than a couple hours," Kim answered.
Harper practically jumped out of the chair he had plopped himself into. "Aren't you being a bit conservative? A repair job like that should take no more than an hour, tops."
Hunt noticed Janeway's doubtful look. "Mr. Harper may sound like he's boasting, but he really is a terrific engineer and very quick. I don't know how he does it but he's managed to work miracles with Andromeda."
"Hey thanks boss. And since you think so highly of me, how about letting me take Paris and Kim here for a little ride in the Maru; slipstream style?"
Hunt looked over at Janeway then back at his engineer. "Paris and Kim are members of Captain Janeway's crew so it's up to her."
Janeway was debating whether to allow the slipstream trip when she was distracted by the sudden appearance of an old acquaintance.
"Come on. Let the kids have some fun Kathy," Q exhorted with a smirk.
Janeway showed no surprise at the sudden appearances of her nemesis. She had almost grown accustomed to his annoying habit of popping in unexpectedly.
Beka's eyes were wide open as she stared at the unexpected guest. "Uncle Sid?"