Alright guys, this is my first Andromeda fic, so say about it what you
will! I guess I should prolly explain up front that since Harper's my
favorite character, a good deal of the story will be about events
surrounding him...though the rest of the crew will most definitely be in it
as well. The story is set right about in the same time as where the
episodes are in season 4 right now...on or around Machinery of the Mind...
Now I also need to say that while I absolutely love Andromeda, I haven't seen every single episode ever aired, so please forgive if I make a mistake or two in that sense...I'll try to look up anything I'm not sure about ahead of time...but if I can't find it...that's just the way it goes, hehe...
Oh yeah, and fanfiction.net seems to hate me, but occasionally you're gonna see excessive periods or stuff like that, I'll try to catch it before I actually post it through though.
Hope you all enjoy!
********
"How much longer could this possibly take?" Seamus Harper whined crankily. "I don't know about you, but this place is just too depressing for words, I need to get off this rock!"
"Just be patient," Telemachus Rhade replied calmly from beside him. "Dylan and Beka will be back as soon as possible, until they contact us, there's nothing we can do."
"It's been over two hours," Harper shot back, pointedly. "They shoulda been done by now."
"Dylan requested three hours," Rhade stated quickly. "If we haven't heard from him by then, we will follow his orders, return to the Andromeda, and decide how to continue from there."
"Great," Harper muttered flatly, "Exactly how I'd hoped to be spending my afternoon..."
Rhade offered no response, however, and Harper fell silent as the two continued to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Cimmerii was by no stretch of the imagination, easy on the eyes. Instead, Harper couldn't help but be reminded of Earth. The dilapidated buildings, rubble and debris in the streets, people wearing whatever tattered material they could get their hands on, so long as it looked warm...it made his stomach turn, feeling only sick pity for this planet's inhabitants, mixed with ashamed relief, that he no longer had to dwell in such surroundings.
Harper could feel eyes on he and Rhade as the two continued silently up the street, though he tried to refrain from meeting the gazes of any of the people nearest them...you never knew who would take it the wrong way, and a fight was something they didn't need right now. They were staying close enough to the Maru to play it safe, but, as Dylan requested, they were keeping an eye out as well, for anything that seemed out of place. The reason for their presence here didn't quite seem to sit well with any of the Andromeda's crew, and as such, they were all prepared for the unexpected...whatever it may be.
Less than two days back, a transmission for Beka was received, and the sender hadn't cared to wait for privacy. He stated his business to the occupants of the bridge, which had included the entire senior crew at that time. Needless to say, Beka had been less than pleased, and her mood only became worse as the man's message became clear.
The name he'd given them was Roman Delacroix, and according to Rommie, that at least, was true. He wasn't exactly a big name in his little part of the universe, but he managed to secure himself a nice piece of land on the otherwise decrepit planet of Cimmerii, as well as a regular flow of trade. The planet had almost no natural resources left, but in exchange for the weapons that Roman's crew manufactured, he would receive what was necessary in order to survive. Of course, distributing this wealth of food, water, clothing and other luxuries that many take for granted was another matter entirely, and one that would only be considered for a very expensive price; not in currency, at that.
His identity and status on Cimmerii was all Rommie could confirm for them, however, as the reason for his contacting Beka was quite sudden and unexpected.
Harper stifled a laugh as he remembered the tall blonde's expression when Roman had delivered his request.
********
"I will not!" Beka cried angrily, her fierce eyes glaring at Roman's image onscreen. "Whatever raw deal my father cut you, it has nothing to do with me!"
"I'm afraid it has everything to do with you, Captain Valentine," Roman replied, unsuccessfully hiding a smirk as he spoke. "It is your responsibility to take care of what your father no longer can, and that includes the money he never repaid."
"Why are you only coming to Beka for this now?" Dylan spoke up from beside his first officer. "It's been years since that money was borrowed-"
"Stolen," Roman interrupted curtly. Dylan paused only half a second before continuing.
"What I'm trying to figure out," he stated seriously, "Is why this is the first Beka is hearing from you...it's quite a large sum of money. I would think you would have tried to collect much sooner."
"I only collect on my debts when it is absolutely necessary," Roman stated nonchalantly. "And my personal reasons for needing this money promptly are mine alone."
"And what exactly are you meaning when you say 'promptly'?" Dylan asked. "A month? Two?"
"Not that it matters," Beka muttered darkly, clearly intending to be as uncooperative as possible.
"No of course not," Roman smiled, ignoring Beka's words, keeping his gaze on Dylan. "I would be needing it much sooner, no later than the end of this week, most definitely."
"What?" Dylan and Beka exclaimed in unison.
"You've gotta be kidding!" Harper spoke up from his console, unable to remain silent in the discussion any longer. "You're asking for an amount of money that could buy about fifty nova bombs on the black market and you want it in two days?"
"Fifty-seven, to be exact." Rommie supplied for him quickly. "In the Cimmerii Galaxy, at least."
"Whatever, the point is it's not enough time," Harper said quickly.
"No the point is none of that matters," Beka stated angrily. "'Cause I'm not paying you anything."
"Fine," Roman replied a bit too quickly, his eyes narrowing. "But I assure you it will become known, that the first officer of the Commonwealth's flagship refuses to pay her debts."
"It's not my debt," Beka shot back angrily, "It's my father's, and go ahead, tell the universe for all I care. It won't make any difference."
"Actually, you might want to reconsider," Rhade spoke up calmly from his station. "We do have enough support so that this probably won't do too much damage if word of it started getting around, but it could sew the first seeds of distrust, which will only build up over time."
"Who asked your opinion?" Beka asked icily. "And besides if anyone asks we tell them the truth."
"That might work," Roman stated, looking quite pleased for a man who wasn't going to get his money. "But...stories can be...exaggerated..." he trailed off, a small smirk playing on one corner of his mouth.
"So, what you're saying is, you'll lie?" Dylan asked knowingly.
"Not at all, Captain Hunt," Roman replied innocently. "But I cannot stop the way rumors spread, and grow...into very ugly things. They're horrid, wouldn't you agree? In the past they've ruined lives..."
Dylan glanced around at the rest of his crew. Beka remained stiff, her expression defiant and cold, while the others were simply at a loss for suggestions.
"Fine," Dylan said at last. "Can we at least meet with you, to discuss the matter in person?"
"What! Dylan what are you-?"
"Beka, it's just to talk," Dylan cut her off, his expression serious. He didn't need something like this ruining anything for them, not when they'd come so far.
"Talk about what? I'm not paying him, even if I had the money - which by the way we have no way of coming up with that quickly, and besides I-"
"This doesn't feel right," Trance spoke up then.
Both Dylan and Beka stared at the golden alien for a brief moment, uncertain.
"Do you know something we don't?" he asked seriously.
"Nothing," Trance replied honestly. "I just believe something about this feels wrong."
"Join the club," Harper remarked sardonically.
********
Roman had been most willing to have Beka and Dylan meet with him planetside, to further discuss the issue. Not entirely trusting the situation, Dylan asked Harper and Rhade to keep watch while he and Beka were in their meeting.
"This sucks," Harper spoke up again as they continued their walk around the area, "I'd feel a lot better if Rommie were here..."
"You know she couldn't come, nor could Trance," Rhade stated. "The people of this world would be more of a danger to them than to us."
"Rommie could take 'em" Harper replied with something close to pride in his voice. He had, after all, created the android that graced each and every pleasant dream he had.
"That's not the issue," Rhade said quickly. "We don't want to bring on any unnecessary attention. The people of this world are naturally suspicious of anything that was built, instead of born. The reason their world is in such disarray, after all, was all the fault of machines."
"Rommie's not just a machine," Harper stated matter-of-factly. "She thinks, feels..."
"All that is irrelevant, Mr. Harper," Rhade interrupted curtly. "All it would take is for just one person to realize what she is...it would start a panic. And with all the black market trade going on here, they're bound to have something that would tell them she isn't human."
Harper opened his mouth to interject, but Rhade pushed on.
"It's better this way, Mr. Harper. As I said, we don't need the unnecessary attention that either Rommie or Trance would bring..."
"Yeah well then what about the attention you're drawing?" Harper asked snidely. "Cause all these people sure aren't staring at me as we walk by. If we couldn't bring an android or a ...Trance...then how is a Neitzchean any better?"
"As much as this place must resemble Earth, it isn't," Rhade said simply. "While you spent your childhood hating Neitzcheans and Magog, these people spent theirs hating machines. Besides, we couldn't send you here by yourself, no matter how well you'd fit in..." he trailed off, a tiny smirk barely showing through.
"Hysterical," Harper remarked flatly. "Really, you're a one-man comedy act, you oughta go on tour."
Rhade opened his mouth to reply, but was abruptly cut off at the sounds of shouting which erupted from a nearby alley. Exchanging a brief glance, Harper pulled out his gauss gun while Rhade charged his forcelance, and the two immediately started towards the disturbance, keeping out a cautious eye as they went.
"Get down!" Rhade cried suddenly as the sounds of gunfire filled the air. Harper obliged without hesitation, shielding his head as he ducked down behind a large pile of rubble. Rhade was beside him in half a second, as the bullets flew through the air above them.
"Looks like we walked in on a war!" Harper yelled to be heard over the noise. "Don't suppose they'll let us through if we explain we aren't part of it..."
"I'd imagine this isn't uncommon for these people," Rhade yelled back.
"Yeah, I guess not," Harper replied somberly, remembering all that he himself had to do in order to survive on Earth. This place was feeling more like home by the minute. "So, what's the plan?" he asked hopefully.
"Get back to the Maru," Rhade stated quickly, then added, "without getting shot."
"Good, thanks for clarifying that," Harper stated sardonically.
"Let's go," Rhade said suddenly, and before Harper could protest, the larger man had jumped up from behind their pile of rubble, and let loose with a surge of covering fire. Harper scrambled quickly to his feet, following Rhade and firing into the barrage of bullets still whizzing through the air, but something immediately felt wrong. The moment they had jumped back into view, the firing around them increased, and he couldn't see who was responsible, where were all the people?
He put on a burst of speed to catch up to the Neitzchean, who was trying to get towards the nearest corner...to the docking area where they'd left the Maru, but it was no good, their was too much firepower and not enough cover.
"Fall back!" Rhade yelled fiercely, and Harper made no argument, heading back to the far side of the street. They moved further and further away from the source of the fight, and yet the bullets still came. A pile of rocks wasn't what they needed now, and Rhade realized this, leading them towards one of the few buildings still standing. Harper was less than thrilled as he ran through the crooked stone doorway and into the darkness beyond, but at least they were out of the immediate fight for the moment.
Trying to calm his rapid breathing, still holding tensely to his weapon, Harper waited until Rhade turned away from the door to face him.
"Something you want to tell me?" he asked, his blue eyes flashing.
"What?" Rhade replied, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean they weren't really aiming at me out there, but you were being overrun.I was covering you, not defending myself! Nothing was heading my way, that's what I mean, why were they trying to kill you?" Harper spat out quickly, glancing nervously towards the door as more firing erupted from outside, definitely closer.
Rhade's eyes squinted in concentration, before realization seemed to dawn on him.
"You're right, I was drawing more fire than you."
"Try all of it," Harper shot back curtly. "So who'd you piss off last time you were here and exactly how bad was it?"
"I've never been here before," Rhade replied simply.
"Well then got any ideas on who might wanna take you out?" Harper asked.
"We all have our enemies," Rhade stated indifferently.
"Great," Harper muttered, tensing and raising his weapon as the fight once again drew closer to their position. "Well if they really are after you...they're taking their time with doing it. Do you think maybe they didn't see us come in here?"
"Possibly," Rhade replied quickly. "Or maybe there's another way in that we're unaware of..." he trailed off, slowly beginning to turn, cautiously scanning the darkness behind them. They could see nothing aside from burnt and broken debris in what could only have been the lobby of a hotel one very long time ago.
"Yeah," Harper nodded faintly, feeling the beginning twinges of dread in his gut. "I'd say there are at least three or four more ways into this place...and that's not accounting for the possibility that there could be holes blown through some areas...they could be coming from anywhere..."
The gunfire nearest the entrance they'd come through grew louder once more; they were closing in on them.
Rhade seemed to consider his options for a brief moment, before raising his forcelance again.
"We're not going back out that way. Even if they didn't see us come in, there's no chance they wouldn't see us leave. I'm going to check down this way," he said, indicating with a gesture the hallway to their left.
"Rhade, they could be anywhere in this building right now!" Harper tried to explain. "You don't understand, that's how these places were built, so you could get in from any side..."
"That still doesn't change the fact that we need to get out, and we need to do so now."
Harper opened his mouth to argue, but shut it quickly, realizing there was no point; Rhade was right. He thought about suggesting contacting the Andromeda, but pushed the idea aside as well. If these people had anything with them to try and locate either he or Rhade, a transmission to the ship would definitely aid their attackers in finding them. If they could just make it back to the Maru...
"Now," Rhade began again. "I'm going to check down this corridor, if it's clear, I'll signal for you to follow. Just stay alert and keep quiet."
"Gee, thanks for the tip," Harper replied scathingly, already scanning the opposite side of the corridor while Rhade started forward.
Less than a minute had passed before he could no longer see Rhade, but all he could do was wait, hearing only the all-too-close gunfire as the seconds ticked by.
After several minutes passed, however, Harper was worried. Rhade wouldn't have gone too far if he was supposed to get a signal back to him without alerting anyone else that might be in hearing range...something he would have done by now, Harper was certain, unless he was prevented...
Deciding he had no other choice, Harper quickly stepped to the opposite wall, before slowly starting down the corridor after Rhade, when a heavy hand clapped down over his shoulder from behind.
Barely containing his cry of surprise, Harper spun around in an instant, wrenching free from the grasp and bringing up his gun, only to feel a flood of welcome relief.
"Rhade...you scared the crap outta me!" he said unevenly, breathing quickly, before a questioning look crossed his features. "Hey how'd you get behind me anyway? What happened to the signal?"
"No time to explain," Rhade said curtly, motioning for Harper to follow him as he started back to the right. "But you were correct, this place is full of openings that probably shouldn't be there."
"Did you find a way out?" Harper asked immediately, hopeful...though a definite feeling of unease began growing within him...something didn't feel right all of a sudden.
"Yes, hurry," Rhade replied, and fell silent.
Harper moved along swiftly through several corridors, trying furiously to figure out what was wrong, but was unable to put a finger on it...though as they made their way along at such a quick pace, he noticed that Rhade seemed to know his way around all of a sudden. They came to a cracked opening in one of the walls after several moments more, however, and he came to a stop behind the Neitzchean.
"This way," Rhade ordered, before quickly stepping through the opening. It was in that moment, that Harper abruptly realized what was wrong. The gunfire...it was gone. There was only silence outside.
Suddenly overwhelmed with a very bad feeling, Harper took one step back from the opening, unsure of what to do. Rhade was trying to get them out of there, he should follow him...but something inside was telling him not to...
"Harper, come on," Rhade's voice floated through to him as the larger man motioned to him from the opening. "Hurry."
Harper hesitated.
"Why do you think they stopped shooting?" he asked, trying not to sound suspicious.
"Obviously the fight ended, now move!" Rhade replied, impatiently.
"But what about-?"
"Mr. Harper, we don't have time for this!" Rhade interrupted tersely. The nervous engineer remained where he was, however, wanting a bit more assurance.
"How'd you get behind me?" Harper repeated his question from earlier, his expression one of uncertainty. He was determined not to follow the larger man any further until he had an answer.
But instead of replying, Rhade's eyes narrowed in undisguised anger, before he pushed himself forward through the crack again.
"Rhade! What's going on?" Harper cried, jumping backwards to keep some distance between them. The larger man gave no indication that he intended on replying though, and started for Harper the moment he cleared the hole. Cursing vehemently under his breath, the small human turned on the spot, before setting off as fast as he could run, in the opposite direction. He didn't know what was wrong with Rhade, but he didn't exactly get the feeling that the Neitzchean wanted to sit down and chat about it.
Reaching the first corner, Harper barely slowed as he skidded roughly around it, continuing on with a burst of speed. He didn't need to look back to know the larger man was behind him, he could hear him all too clearly.
"Come back here kludge!" an angry cry called out to him, which only caused Harper to run faster. Rhade would never call him that. He didn't know what had happened to the Neitzchean in the few moments they'd been separated, but he hoped he could get out of here in one piece so he could find out.
Breathing heavily and wiping sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand, Harper turned the next corner, seeing the entrance they'd come in through only halfway up the corridor and put on a final burst of speed. He still heard no gunfire from outside, and if the area truly was clear, this was his fastest way back to the Maru. There was no guarantee, but this was about the best chance he had, given the options.
Barely five feet from his escape route, however, Harper skidded to an abrupt halt, raising his gun again, as Rhade came out of a side passageway, blocking his path.
"Get out of my way," Harper shouted, trying to mask the fear in his voice and stepping backwards so as not to be in easy reach of the Neitzchean. "I don't know what happened to you, but I promise to get you help...don't make me shoot," Harper pleaded, as the larger man seemed unconcerned by the gun aimed at him, continuing towards the human.
"I'm not the one in need of help," Rhade stated evenly, leering at the smaller man as he advanced steadily. Harper took several steps back once more, wondering if he could make it back to the crack in the wall before Rhade could cut him off again. At least outside there'd be more room to work with.
Rhade was closing the distance between them quickly now, and Harper knew he couldn't shoot.this was his crewmate, not an enemy...he had to help him. Once again he started to turn, ready to break into another run, when without warning, he was grabbed from behind, and his gun was knocked from his hands.
His arms were immediately pinned to his sides as a large hand was clapped over his mouth, and he immediately began to struggle against his captor. He realized with a growing sense of hopelessness how futile his efforts were, however, as the grip on him didn't give in the slightest.
Rhade walked towards him again, a triumphant expression on his face as he reached into his pocket, pulling out something that made Harper's insides turn to ice. He wriggled furiously in the unknown person's grasp, but was unable to do anything to prevent it, as Rhade lifted the injector to Harper's neck.
His struggles weakened instantly as the strong substance hit his bloodstream. Harper could do nothing to fight it as his eyelids flickered involuntarily shut, and unconsciousness claimed him.
Now I also need to say that while I absolutely love Andromeda, I haven't seen every single episode ever aired, so please forgive if I make a mistake or two in that sense...I'll try to look up anything I'm not sure about ahead of time...but if I can't find it...that's just the way it goes, hehe...
Oh yeah, and fanfiction.net seems to hate me, but occasionally you're gonna see excessive periods or stuff like that, I'll try to catch it before I actually post it through though.
Hope you all enjoy!
********
"How much longer could this possibly take?" Seamus Harper whined crankily. "I don't know about you, but this place is just too depressing for words, I need to get off this rock!"
"Just be patient," Telemachus Rhade replied calmly from beside him. "Dylan and Beka will be back as soon as possible, until they contact us, there's nothing we can do."
"It's been over two hours," Harper shot back, pointedly. "They shoulda been done by now."
"Dylan requested three hours," Rhade stated quickly. "If we haven't heard from him by then, we will follow his orders, return to the Andromeda, and decide how to continue from there."
"Great," Harper muttered flatly, "Exactly how I'd hoped to be spending my afternoon..."
Rhade offered no response, however, and Harper fell silent as the two continued to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Cimmerii was by no stretch of the imagination, easy on the eyes. Instead, Harper couldn't help but be reminded of Earth. The dilapidated buildings, rubble and debris in the streets, people wearing whatever tattered material they could get their hands on, so long as it looked warm...it made his stomach turn, feeling only sick pity for this planet's inhabitants, mixed with ashamed relief, that he no longer had to dwell in such surroundings.
Harper could feel eyes on he and Rhade as the two continued silently up the street, though he tried to refrain from meeting the gazes of any of the people nearest them...you never knew who would take it the wrong way, and a fight was something they didn't need right now. They were staying close enough to the Maru to play it safe, but, as Dylan requested, they were keeping an eye out as well, for anything that seemed out of place. The reason for their presence here didn't quite seem to sit well with any of the Andromeda's crew, and as such, they were all prepared for the unexpected...whatever it may be.
Less than two days back, a transmission for Beka was received, and the sender hadn't cared to wait for privacy. He stated his business to the occupants of the bridge, which had included the entire senior crew at that time. Needless to say, Beka had been less than pleased, and her mood only became worse as the man's message became clear.
The name he'd given them was Roman Delacroix, and according to Rommie, that at least, was true. He wasn't exactly a big name in his little part of the universe, but he managed to secure himself a nice piece of land on the otherwise decrepit planet of Cimmerii, as well as a regular flow of trade. The planet had almost no natural resources left, but in exchange for the weapons that Roman's crew manufactured, he would receive what was necessary in order to survive. Of course, distributing this wealth of food, water, clothing and other luxuries that many take for granted was another matter entirely, and one that would only be considered for a very expensive price; not in currency, at that.
His identity and status on Cimmerii was all Rommie could confirm for them, however, as the reason for his contacting Beka was quite sudden and unexpected.
Harper stifled a laugh as he remembered the tall blonde's expression when Roman had delivered his request.
********
"I will not!" Beka cried angrily, her fierce eyes glaring at Roman's image onscreen. "Whatever raw deal my father cut you, it has nothing to do with me!"
"I'm afraid it has everything to do with you, Captain Valentine," Roman replied, unsuccessfully hiding a smirk as he spoke. "It is your responsibility to take care of what your father no longer can, and that includes the money he never repaid."
"Why are you only coming to Beka for this now?" Dylan spoke up from beside his first officer. "It's been years since that money was borrowed-"
"Stolen," Roman interrupted curtly. Dylan paused only half a second before continuing.
"What I'm trying to figure out," he stated seriously, "Is why this is the first Beka is hearing from you...it's quite a large sum of money. I would think you would have tried to collect much sooner."
"I only collect on my debts when it is absolutely necessary," Roman stated nonchalantly. "And my personal reasons for needing this money promptly are mine alone."
"And what exactly are you meaning when you say 'promptly'?" Dylan asked. "A month? Two?"
"Not that it matters," Beka muttered darkly, clearly intending to be as uncooperative as possible.
"No of course not," Roman smiled, ignoring Beka's words, keeping his gaze on Dylan. "I would be needing it much sooner, no later than the end of this week, most definitely."
"What?" Dylan and Beka exclaimed in unison.
"You've gotta be kidding!" Harper spoke up from his console, unable to remain silent in the discussion any longer. "You're asking for an amount of money that could buy about fifty nova bombs on the black market and you want it in two days?"
"Fifty-seven, to be exact." Rommie supplied for him quickly. "In the Cimmerii Galaxy, at least."
"Whatever, the point is it's not enough time," Harper said quickly.
"No the point is none of that matters," Beka stated angrily. "'Cause I'm not paying you anything."
"Fine," Roman replied a bit too quickly, his eyes narrowing. "But I assure you it will become known, that the first officer of the Commonwealth's flagship refuses to pay her debts."
"It's not my debt," Beka shot back angrily, "It's my father's, and go ahead, tell the universe for all I care. It won't make any difference."
"Actually, you might want to reconsider," Rhade spoke up calmly from his station. "We do have enough support so that this probably won't do too much damage if word of it started getting around, but it could sew the first seeds of distrust, which will only build up over time."
"Who asked your opinion?" Beka asked icily. "And besides if anyone asks we tell them the truth."
"That might work," Roman stated, looking quite pleased for a man who wasn't going to get his money. "But...stories can be...exaggerated..." he trailed off, a small smirk playing on one corner of his mouth.
"So, what you're saying is, you'll lie?" Dylan asked knowingly.
"Not at all, Captain Hunt," Roman replied innocently. "But I cannot stop the way rumors spread, and grow...into very ugly things. They're horrid, wouldn't you agree? In the past they've ruined lives..."
Dylan glanced around at the rest of his crew. Beka remained stiff, her expression defiant and cold, while the others were simply at a loss for suggestions.
"Fine," Dylan said at last. "Can we at least meet with you, to discuss the matter in person?"
"What! Dylan what are you-?"
"Beka, it's just to talk," Dylan cut her off, his expression serious. He didn't need something like this ruining anything for them, not when they'd come so far.
"Talk about what? I'm not paying him, even if I had the money - which by the way we have no way of coming up with that quickly, and besides I-"
"This doesn't feel right," Trance spoke up then.
Both Dylan and Beka stared at the golden alien for a brief moment, uncertain.
"Do you know something we don't?" he asked seriously.
"Nothing," Trance replied honestly. "I just believe something about this feels wrong."
"Join the club," Harper remarked sardonically.
********
Roman had been most willing to have Beka and Dylan meet with him planetside, to further discuss the issue. Not entirely trusting the situation, Dylan asked Harper and Rhade to keep watch while he and Beka were in their meeting.
"This sucks," Harper spoke up again as they continued their walk around the area, "I'd feel a lot better if Rommie were here..."
"You know she couldn't come, nor could Trance," Rhade stated. "The people of this world would be more of a danger to them than to us."
"Rommie could take 'em" Harper replied with something close to pride in his voice. He had, after all, created the android that graced each and every pleasant dream he had.
"That's not the issue," Rhade said quickly. "We don't want to bring on any unnecessary attention. The people of this world are naturally suspicious of anything that was built, instead of born. The reason their world is in such disarray, after all, was all the fault of machines."
"Rommie's not just a machine," Harper stated matter-of-factly. "She thinks, feels..."
"All that is irrelevant, Mr. Harper," Rhade interrupted curtly. "All it would take is for just one person to realize what she is...it would start a panic. And with all the black market trade going on here, they're bound to have something that would tell them she isn't human."
Harper opened his mouth to interject, but Rhade pushed on.
"It's better this way, Mr. Harper. As I said, we don't need the unnecessary attention that either Rommie or Trance would bring..."
"Yeah well then what about the attention you're drawing?" Harper asked snidely. "Cause all these people sure aren't staring at me as we walk by. If we couldn't bring an android or a ...Trance...then how is a Neitzchean any better?"
"As much as this place must resemble Earth, it isn't," Rhade said simply. "While you spent your childhood hating Neitzcheans and Magog, these people spent theirs hating machines. Besides, we couldn't send you here by yourself, no matter how well you'd fit in..." he trailed off, a tiny smirk barely showing through.
"Hysterical," Harper remarked flatly. "Really, you're a one-man comedy act, you oughta go on tour."
Rhade opened his mouth to reply, but was abruptly cut off at the sounds of shouting which erupted from a nearby alley. Exchanging a brief glance, Harper pulled out his gauss gun while Rhade charged his forcelance, and the two immediately started towards the disturbance, keeping out a cautious eye as they went.
"Get down!" Rhade cried suddenly as the sounds of gunfire filled the air. Harper obliged without hesitation, shielding his head as he ducked down behind a large pile of rubble. Rhade was beside him in half a second, as the bullets flew through the air above them.
"Looks like we walked in on a war!" Harper yelled to be heard over the noise. "Don't suppose they'll let us through if we explain we aren't part of it..."
"I'd imagine this isn't uncommon for these people," Rhade yelled back.
"Yeah, I guess not," Harper replied somberly, remembering all that he himself had to do in order to survive on Earth. This place was feeling more like home by the minute. "So, what's the plan?" he asked hopefully.
"Get back to the Maru," Rhade stated quickly, then added, "without getting shot."
"Good, thanks for clarifying that," Harper stated sardonically.
"Let's go," Rhade said suddenly, and before Harper could protest, the larger man had jumped up from behind their pile of rubble, and let loose with a surge of covering fire. Harper scrambled quickly to his feet, following Rhade and firing into the barrage of bullets still whizzing through the air, but something immediately felt wrong. The moment they had jumped back into view, the firing around them increased, and he couldn't see who was responsible, where were all the people?
He put on a burst of speed to catch up to the Neitzchean, who was trying to get towards the nearest corner...to the docking area where they'd left the Maru, but it was no good, their was too much firepower and not enough cover.
"Fall back!" Rhade yelled fiercely, and Harper made no argument, heading back to the far side of the street. They moved further and further away from the source of the fight, and yet the bullets still came. A pile of rocks wasn't what they needed now, and Rhade realized this, leading them towards one of the few buildings still standing. Harper was less than thrilled as he ran through the crooked stone doorway and into the darkness beyond, but at least they were out of the immediate fight for the moment.
Trying to calm his rapid breathing, still holding tensely to his weapon, Harper waited until Rhade turned away from the door to face him.
"Something you want to tell me?" he asked, his blue eyes flashing.
"What?" Rhade replied, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean they weren't really aiming at me out there, but you were being overrun.I was covering you, not defending myself! Nothing was heading my way, that's what I mean, why were they trying to kill you?" Harper spat out quickly, glancing nervously towards the door as more firing erupted from outside, definitely closer.
Rhade's eyes squinted in concentration, before realization seemed to dawn on him.
"You're right, I was drawing more fire than you."
"Try all of it," Harper shot back curtly. "So who'd you piss off last time you were here and exactly how bad was it?"
"I've never been here before," Rhade replied simply.
"Well then got any ideas on who might wanna take you out?" Harper asked.
"We all have our enemies," Rhade stated indifferently.
"Great," Harper muttered, tensing and raising his weapon as the fight once again drew closer to their position. "Well if they really are after you...they're taking their time with doing it. Do you think maybe they didn't see us come in here?"
"Possibly," Rhade replied quickly. "Or maybe there's another way in that we're unaware of..." he trailed off, slowly beginning to turn, cautiously scanning the darkness behind them. They could see nothing aside from burnt and broken debris in what could only have been the lobby of a hotel one very long time ago.
"Yeah," Harper nodded faintly, feeling the beginning twinges of dread in his gut. "I'd say there are at least three or four more ways into this place...and that's not accounting for the possibility that there could be holes blown through some areas...they could be coming from anywhere..."
The gunfire nearest the entrance they'd come through grew louder once more; they were closing in on them.
Rhade seemed to consider his options for a brief moment, before raising his forcelance again.
"We're not going back out that way. Even if they didn't see us come in, there's no chance they wouldn't see us leave. I'm going to check down this way," he said, indicating with a gesture the hallway to their left.
"Rhade, they could be anywhere in this building right now!" Harper tried to explain. "You don't understand, that's how these places were built, so you could get in from any side..."
"That still doesn't change the fact that we need to get out, and we need to do so now."
Harper opened his mouth to argue, but shut it quickly, realizing there was no point; Rhade was right. He thought about suggesting contacting the Andromeda, but pushed the idea aside as well. If these people had anything with them to try and locate either he or Rhade, a transmission to the ship would definitely aid their attackers in finding them. If they could just make it back to the Maru...
"Now," Rhade began again. "I'm going to check down this corridor, if it's clear, I'll signal for you to follow. Just stay alert and keep quiet."
"Gee, thanks for the tip," Harper replied scathingly, already scanning the opposite side of the corridor while Rhade started forward.
Less than a minute had passed before he could no longer see Rhade, but all he could do was wait, hearing only the all-too-close gunfire as the seconds ticked by.
After several minutes passed, however, Harper was worried. Rhade wouldn't have gone too far if he was supposed to get a signal back to him without alerting anyone else that might be in hearing range...something he would have done by now, Harper was certain, unless he was prevented...
Deciding he had no other choice, Harper quickly stepped to the opposite wall, before slowly starting down the corridor after Rhade, when a heavy hand clapped down over his shoulder from behind.
Barely containing his cry of surprise, Harper spun around in an instant, wrenching free from the grasp and bringing up his gun, only to feel a flood of welcome relief.
"Rhade...you scared the crap outta me!" he said unevenly, breathing quickly, before a questioning look crossed his features. "Hey how'd you get behind me anyway? What happened to the signal?"
"No time to explain," Rhade said curtly, motioning for Harper to follow him as he started back to the right. "But you were correct, this place is full of openings that probably shouldn't be there."
"Did you find a way out?" Harper asked immediately, hopeful...though a definite feeling of unease began growing within him...something didn't feel right all of a sudden.
"Yes, hurry," Rhade replied, and fell silent.
Harper moved along swiftly through several corridors, trying furiously to figure out what was wrong, but was unable to put a finger on it...though as they made their way along at such a quick pace, he noticed that Rhade seemed to know his way around all of a sudden. They came to a cracked opening in one of the walls after several moments more, however, and he came to a stop behind the Neitzchean.
"This way," Rhade ordered, before quickly stepping through the opening. It was in that moment, that Harper abruptly realized what was wrong. The gunfire...it was gone. There was only silence outside.
Suddenly overwhelmed with a very bad feeling, Harper took one step back from the opening, unsure of what to do. Rhade was trying to get them out of there, he should follow him...but something inside was telling him not to...
"Harper, come on," Rhade's voice floated through to him as the larger man motioned to him from the opening. "Hurry."
Harper hesitated.
"Why do you think they stopped shooting?" he asked, trying not to sound suspicious.
"Obviously the fight ended, now move!" Rhade replied, impatiently.
"But what about-?"
"Mr. Harper, we don't have time for this!" Rhade interrupted tersely. The nervous engineer remained where he was, however, wanting a bit more assurance.
"How'd you get behind me?" Harper repeated his question from earlier, his expression one of uncertainty. He was determined not to follow the larger man any further until he had an answer.
But instead of replying, Rhade's eyes narrowed in undisguised anger, before he pushed himself forward through the crack again.
"Rhade! What's going on?" Harper cried, jumping backwards to keep some distance between them. The larger man gave no indication that he intended on replying though, and started for Harper the moment he cleared the hole. Cursing vehemently under his breath, the small human turned on the spot, before setting off as fast as he could run, in the opposite direction. He didn't know what was wrong with Rhade, but he didn't exactly get the feeling that the Neitzchean wanted to sit down and chat about it.
Reaching the first corner, Harper barely slowed as he skidded roughly around it, continuing on with a burst of speed. He didn't need to look back to know the larger man was behind him, he could hear him all too clearly.
"Come back here kludge!" an angry cry called out to him, which only caused Harper to run faster. Rhade would never call him that. He didn't know what had happened to the Neitzchean in the few moments they'd been separated, but he hoped he could get out of here in one piece so he could find out.
Breathing heavily and wiping sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand, Harper turned the next corner, seeing the entrance they'd come in through only halfway up the corridor and put on a final burst of speed. He still heard no gunfire from outside, and if the area truly was clear, this was his fastest way back to the Maru. There was no guarantee, but this was about the best chance he had, given the options.
Barely five feet from his escape route, however, Harper skidded to an abrupt halt, raising his gun again, as Rhade came out of a side passageway, blocking his path.
"Get out of my way," Harper shouted, trying to mask the fear in his voice and stepping backwards so as not to be in easy reach of the Neitzchean. "I don't know what happened to you, but I promise to get you help...don't make me shoot," Harper pleaded, as the larger man seemed unconcerned by the gun aimed at him, continuing towards the human.
"I'm not the one in need of help," Rhade stated evenly, leering at the smaller man as he advanced steadily. Harper took several steps back once more, wondering if he could make it back to the crack in the wall before Rhade could cut him off again. At least outside there'd be more room to work with.
Rhade was closing the distance between them quickly now, and Harper knew he couldn't shoot.this was his crewmate, not an enemy...he had to help him. Once again he started to turn, ready to break into another run, when without warning, he was grabbed from behind, and his gun was knocked from his hands.
His arms were immediately pinned to his sides as a large hand was clapped over his mouth, and he immediately began to struggle against his captor. He realized with a growing sense of hopelessness how futile his efforts were, however, as the grip on him didn't give in the slightest.
Rhade walked towards him again, a triumphant expression on his face as he reached into his pocket, pulling out something that made Harper's insides turn to ice. He wriggled furiously in the unknown person's grasp, but was unable to do anything to prevent it, as Rhade lifted the injector to Harper's neck.
His struggles weakened instantly as the strong substance hit his bloodstream. Harper could do nothing to fight it as his eyelids flickered involuntarily shut, and unconsciousness claimed him.
