Disclaimer: I don't own Andromeda, nor do I own the characters or planets or ships… well… except the ones I make up myself… I guess I have a right to those. But in any case I write this purely for fun of it, not to make profit.

NOTE: This takes place just after The Torment, The Release, back in the middle of Season 4. I will attempt to revisit Season 4 in my own way, and even maybe Season 5 (yes, Seefra may eventually come into play, but I will try to make it make sense, OK? So please don't shoot me down just because you see that Seefra will come along some time). The calculations for the fleet statistics, I made up - I made up the amount of PDLs, missile tubes, etc. were on each type of war craft and simply multiplied by the amount of each type. Had I been able to use I would have, but it apparently is no longer functioning.
Also, "Andromeda" (non-itallicized) is the on-screen/main AI; Holo-Rommie is the holographic version; Rommie is, obviously, Rommie the android.

Please Read and Review!

The Andromeda exited Slipstream into the Ne'Holland System. Just days ago, though it seemed like moments, the Collectors fired on the Andromeda and the ships under the command of Tri-Lorn: the Commonwealth Civil War had begun in the Commonwealth's own capital system, Tarazed. Ne'Holland was among the systems that sided with Dylan. It was a competition between Castalia and Ne'Holland to be the temporary seat of power for Dylan's Commonwealth… the true Commonwealth.

Such were the ponderings of Trance Gemini as she felt the familiar lurch of the ship that signified reversion to normal space. On the central viewscreen of Command Deck, was the beautiful blue-green planet that was Ne'Holland Prime and an entire fleet surrounding it.

"And there is our new headquarters, ladies and gentlemen," Dylan Hunt said.

"How long was it," Rommie quipped, "since I sent Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum to the planet to secure King Erik's claim to the throne?"

"Two years, Rommie," Beka responded.

"Sad, ain't it?" Harper smirked. Everyone looked at him questioningly. "Well, think about it. Not more than just two years ago, this system was just teetering on the brink of civil war, with assassinations happening left and right, and now we come here for refuge. Shows how desperate we are to come to such an unstable system, I think."

"You forget, Harper," Trance said, "that since the coronation of Erik, Ne'Holland has for the first time in three centuries had a democratic government ruled by and for the people. If you recall, the first Ne'Hollander Prime Minister, Madame Prevor, was a likely candidate for the Triumvirate."

"Yeah, that was before those tunnel aliens killed her and nearly destroyed us," Harper finished the story, "and took Tyr and Beka—" Beka cleared her throat. "—Oh, sorry, boss, forgot you don't want to talk about it."

"You also forget, Harper," Holo-Rommie appeared in front of him, "that Ne'Holland located at a strategic Slipstream nexus. Not only are significant systems like Sinti and Castalia linked by Slip-routes to this solar system, but it is also a place that will be among the first of the Commonwealth worlds likely to be attacked by the Magog World Ship."

"That is why," Dylan added to Harper's lesson in recent history, "the Ne'Hollanders and the Restored Systems Commonwealth have been pumping much money in fortifying it and training the Home Guard, which as you should also know has been established a year and a half ago."

"Alright alright," Harper rolled his eyes, "so the Ne'Hollanders are significant now. It still doesn't erase their unstable past!"

"I doubt they'll be joining the Collectors any time soon," Dylan replied. "King Erik knows that the Collectors are in the wrong, and the Ne'Hollander people also have no sympathies for the Collectors."

"Ne'Holland was, after all, one of the systems in which Tri-Lorn got a majority in the election to the Triumvirate," Rommie added.

"See? We have nothing to worry about, Harper."

Telemachus Rhade laughed under his breath at the crew's joint reprimand of Harper.

"What are you laughing at, uber?" Harper said, irritated, the insult prompting Rhade to fake a backhanded slap – seen as a classic Nietzschean reprimand for slaves and "lesser beings".

Andromedaappeared on the central screen. "Captain, incoming communication from the surface of the planet. It's King Erik."

"On-screen."

King Erik's upper chest, head, and glorious crown appeared on the screen. "Welcome back, Dylan. It's been too long."

"Yes, it certainly has, my friend. Thank you for accepting us."

"It's an honor to host the Commonwealth. Thank you." Erik's smile disappeared. "I hear there is a Collector fleet massing in Urudi, a system connected to ours. And that the World Ship is nearing, months away."

"Yes, your intel is correct, unfortunately."

"Ah," Erik pursed his lips. "Our location at a Slipstream Nexus looks as if it may be our doom. Back in the day of the old Commonwealth, we were a trade center, benefiting from passing merchants. Now… it's a curse, not a blessing."

"Well, I'm sure before the Collector takeover of the Triumvirate, that you have managed to profit again somewhat," Dylan replied, "both economically and militarily."

"Ah, yes, the Home Guard. We are indeed ready to face any attack from any direction. And with the High Guard also stationed here… I'm sure we can defeat any fleet – Magog or Collector – that comes in here."

"Confidence is good. I've always said that pessimism is not a survival trait," Dylan remarked, reflecting at what he said to his best friend and would-be best man just before killing him. "But do not underestimate the Magog. Their numbers are their forte. And the Collectors… well, there is a reason they used to be librarians – they've got terrific intelligence."

"Well, not enough to realize that the Magog will come whether they rule the Tri-Galaxies or not. And certainly they are stupid enough to believe that the Abyss will help them."

"With that, I agree."

Rhade cut in. "Your Highness, can you tell us the composition of the armed forces currently in this system?"

"Yes, Commander Rhade," King Erik looked down, apparently punching in some commands on a control pad. "I am sending you Ne'Hollander Home Guard fleet statistic now, as well as the record of the High Guard ships that entered with Tri-Lorn yesterday."

Dylan thanked him, and asked if they can continue the conversation later, to which the King responded with a nod. The comm-link clicked off and the digital schematic of the Andromeda Ascendant rotating returned to the screen.

"The Home Guard of the Ne'Holland System," Rommie began, "is composed of 79 Frigates, 30 Light Cruisers, and 4 Heavy Cruisers, as well as a total complement of 400 Slipfighters. Total combined firepower: 8,380 PDLs, 76 AP Cannons, 5,280 offensive missile tubes and 5,280 defensive missile tubes, 80,000 offensive missiles and 80,000 defensive missiles."

"Whoa, that is a lot of firepower," Harper sighed in awe.

Rommie continued. "The High Guard fleet that arrived consists of 1 Siege-Perilous Destroyer – we all know him: Ryan, in the Wrath of Achilles – as well as 20 Light Cruisers and 40 Frigates. And… well… you all do the math. I got tired of reciting the ship specs," Rommie said with a frown. "It makes me jealous."

"Oh, don't worry Rommie," Harper walked over to the android and started massaging her synthetic shoulders. "I still love ya."

Rommie reacted quickly, smacking his hand away. "Shut up, Harper!"

"Sheesh! A guy tries to cheer you up…"

"Do we know how large the fleet is that's coming out of Urudi?" Beka asked.

"According to a report by Indra Xicol, our operative in Tri-Jema's office, the Collector fleet is 75 of the size of the fleets here," Holo-Rommie answered.

"But in terms of firepower, ours and theirs is even," Rommie finished and again pursed her lips. "I'm jealous."

"Wait a minute!" Harper again interrupted. "We have Indra Xicol working for us? The Indra Xicol?"

"Yeah," Beka replied nonchalantly, "we do. Wondrous, isn't it?"

"Ummm, well duh!" Harper said as he walked toward the Slipstream controls were Beka was still standing. "Indra Xicol is only the most famous spy in the Tri-Galaxies. One of the greatest oxymorons I have ever heard, but I digress… She is better than the Collectors' entire spy network! She's assassinated more political leaders than the Leper and his sister combined! I bet you she could've assassinated Ka-Lupe if she was hired to."

"Harper! Don't talk like that!" Trance stepped in. "He is a very generous and idealistic way! And you talk about the assassination attempt on him like it was a joke!"

"Relax, sweetie. I'm just sayin'. Indra Xicol is the greatest spy since Mata Hari."

Dylan looked at Harper, confused. "Mata who?"

"She was a spy on Earth back in the pre-Commonwealth days," Harper briefly explained, "who used her womanly charms to get military plans from the enemy. Anyways, noone has even seen Indra Xicol's real face! The woman has had more plastic surgery than Michael Jackson's nose!" Again, Dylan looked confused. "Ancient Earth, Dylan, ancient Earth."

"Well, then it's a great thing that we got her working for us," Rhade remarked. "She is an asset that may help us defeat the Collectors."

"Unless…" Trance started.

"Unless what?"

"Well, she could be working against us. She is the most renowned spy of the Tri-Galaxies. She's fooled entire planets into believing her. How hard can it possibly be to fool us?"

"Well, Tri-Lorn trusts her," Dylan dismissed the doubts, "and so do I. As the only Triumvir to defend me at that show trial on Tarazed, Tri-Lorn would know who's on our side and who's not."

Noone saw the look of frustration on Trance's face. When will you learn to trust my intuitions!

"Was Indra able to find out when the fleet will attack?" Beka asked.

"Unfortunately, no, not directly," Dylan answered, "but an agent in Urudi told her the fleet will launch an attack on Ne'Holland in 3 days. That gives us a day to compose a defense strategy, a day to ensure that the fleet knows exactly what to do and when to do it…"

"What about the third day?" Beka asked.

"Well, today, we have a little relaxation time on the planet." Dylan smiled.

"I think I'm going to stay here, actually, look after my plants," Trance said.

"OK, anyone else staying up here?" Dylan looked around Command Deck. "Beka?"

"Eh, I guess I could use some relaxation time, too, even though it's on a planet."

For the next few hours, the crew went planetside to have some relaxation time at the Royal Palace. Trance, however, stayed behind on the Andromeda, tending to her plants, as well as her bonsai.

I try to help and they don't listen! Why can't they heed my warnings? Does he still have doubts about me since the Pyrian attack on Samsarra? I thought we already buried that hatchet! I trusted him enough to show him what I was! Why can't he TRUST ME?

She did not realize that in her anger she chopped off a branch of an Anastarian Tundra Flower, one of the few remaining since the atmospheric destruction of Krrendar, the Nightsider homeworld.

Well, good thing that wasn't the bonsai I just chopped off.

Meanwhile, on Ne'Holland Prime, Beka and Rhade looked at the sunset of the star Ne'Holland.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Rhade said, his eyes focused on the blue lakes and the green hills against the orange-tinted sky of the setting sun.

"Yeah, sure," Beka said nonchalantly, with a little bit of sarcasm, as she sipped her drink.

"So why do you hate planets? I mean it must be a strong hatred if you can't even enjoy the sunset. And if it's a strong hatred, then there must be a strong reason."

"I told you. I was born in the 'stream."

"But why?"

"Rhade, there are people who were born on a planet and can say 'I am a Ne'Hollander' or 'I am a Castallian', or 'I am an Earthling'. Well, what I am is a Slipstreamer. Slipstream doesn't' just run through the universe, it runs though my veins. Slipstream doesn't like planets – if a planet is too close to a Slip-portal, it can get torn apart. If a planet gets too close to me, I can tear it apart, too."

"It's your mother, isn't it?"

"Rhade, I already told you before when we were looking for that princess Aleiss! I do not want to talk about her!"

"Well, fine. But know that if you ever do need to talk, I will be here for you."

"What? On a planet? Don't hold your breath waiting for me to come."

"Beka…"

"Just – Just enjoy your sunset, OK?" Beka flashed a smile that didn't seem sincere and held up her empty glass of Ne'Hollander Royal Champagne. "I'm gonna go get another of these." She left Rhade alone and instead of going to the guest room's auto-refreshment console, she set the glass down and left the room, heading toward the Maru. My real home, she thought, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

Rhade just kept on looking at the view. I lost someone, too, Beka. I understand.

In another room was Harper, looking at specs of the orbital defense satellites that were being installed in orbit of the system's 5 inhabited worlds.

"Pretty nice, pretty nice."

Then, he went on to inspect the specs for the Heavy Cruisers of the Ne'Hollander Home Guard. Or rather, he inspected their avatars. Lifesize likenesses appeared in front of him as holograms… Harper was dismayed. Three of them – Demos, Cassius, and Villem – were buffed up likenesses of King Erik, and one – Villemina – was based on the late Madame Prevor.

"Ugh! Nasty! Who would wanna look at that?"

Then, Erik, Dylan, and Rommie walked into the room. Harper quickly shut off the holograms but mentally compared the avatars to the real-life Erik. Wow, he actually started working out. I remember he used to be scrawnier than I was.

"Thank you for the ego boost, Mr. Harper," Erik said with a smile. "We didn't have minds like yours on hand when constructing the ships and their avatars. Our engineers chose to honor me, and our first Prime Minister, May the Divine Watch Over Her."

"Ummm sorry Your Highness," Harper bowed nervously.

"Don't worry about it," Erik said calmly, "I've been wanting to see an attractive avatar myself. But, alas, my engineers want to honor me and our other political leaders, and not all of us are blessed with good looks such as mine."

Well, I see your ego is more bloated than ever, Erik. "I'm sure. Well, anyway, have you three been discussing a defense strategy when the Collectors attack?"

"Yeah, Rommie's sending messages to the fleet regarding coordination," Dylan answered.

Suddenly, Rommie had a startled look. No, not just startled… Scared.

"What's the matter, Rom-doll?" Harper asked, fearing what the answer may be.

"The sensors of the Heavy Cruiser Royal Demos have detected multiple inbound Slipstream events." Rommie paused and closed her eyes, eyelids shifting subtly but frantically. Then, she opened them again. "Collectors – 30 Heavy Cruisers, 70 Light Cruisers, 60 Frigates – and… and Nietzscheans – 40 Destroyers and 100 Garuda-class Fighters."

King Erik frantically grasped for his flexi. He punched in commands and within seconds, alarms rang throughout the palace and spread across the planets of the system. The ODS's, only 50 of them fully operational, activated across the systems. Even as Erik punched in the commands, the crew of the Andromeda ran toward the landing port, to the Eureka Maru, where Beka was already preparing the ship for take-off.

In orbit, the Andromeda was extending Battle Blades, and the Home Guard and High Guard fleets moved on either side of the Andromeda – the ships were not fully detailed on the plan and could not implement it.

On the Andromeda, the AI's voice rang through the corridors. "Battle stations! Battle stations! All crew! Man your battle stations!"

Trance ran toward Command Deck. The door opened in front of her as the first salvo was fired by the Andromeda at a small squadron of Garuda-class Fighters.

The battle began… early.

I knew this was coming! I knew it! Trance went to the fire control station.

To Be Continued…

Preview: The battle for Ne'Holland… Will Dylan and the true Commonwealth be able to defend the capital? Or will the Collectors and the Nietzscheans triumph in the first major battle of the Civil War and smash their enemies' morale and military?

(Will only continue if I get some reviews, people, so please review!)