Chapter 4

Beka Valentine stood by the window overlooking the Tarn-Vedra's plush landscape, she had to concede it was a beautiful sight as admired it, lost in its wonder. The door behind her opened and she smiled on seeing Dylan Hunt enter, looking only slightly older with his hair longer, she greeted him warmly.

'It's good to see you Beka, it's been too long,' Dylan offered.

'Yeah, we should really do this more often,' Beka agreed and then glanced over to the door as it opened again, this time her smile turned to a beam as Trance walked in all smiles. 'Oh my god, I have missed you!' Beka stressed and moved quickly to embrace a surprised Trance.

'Beka, I have missed you too!' Trance exclaimed and then warmly embraced Dylan. 'Are we the first ones?'

'So far,' Dylan agreed.

'Is everyone coming?' Trance then asked eagerly.

'Not everyone,' Beka frowned slightly and then saw the door open again and this time they saw Rhade and Rommie step inside, and another series of warm welcomes and hugs were exchanged before they all settled down.

'I just felt we needed a small reunion, it's been a year since I retired and I wanted to mark our special friendship in some way and this seemed a good idea,' Dylan announced, taking his time to look upon his former crew with fondness. 'Obviously there are a couple of people I would have liked to have seen here, but sadly either word didn't reach them or they've decided for their own reasons not to show up.' For a moment faces fell slightly as they acknowledged the absentees but Dylan was quick to speak again and not dwell. 'But I have organised the best table on Tarn-Vedra for a feast beyond imagination for this evening, but I thought now we'd just catch up with what everyone has been doing,' Dylan glanced to the door as it opened again and then smiled. 'Rev, we weren't sure if you were coming!' he exclaimed and greeted their old crew mate, now looking more human than Magog but still as distinctive as ever.

'I'm sorry I didn't reply, I wasn't sure until the last moment if I would make it and I didn't want to mess up any plans,' Rev greeted each crew member in turn. 'We're missing young Harper are we not?' he noticed and saw the flash of sadness from Beka.

'He's out of contact, we've not heard from him in six months,' Beka offered, trying to sound casual. 'He's on a planet cut off from the universe, it's hard to get messages through,' she finished by way of further explanation.

'I see,' Rev simply answered and took a seat. 'I'm sure he's doing well, he always seems to adapt and land on his feet,' he then added by way of encouragement to Beka as he settled down.

Dylan then began proceedings by explaining his retirement activities that to the others seemed to be as hectic and full as when he was captain of the Andromeda. His words sounded bright and positive but they could see he was missing his old life, as he finished his turn in the spotlight. Rommie then spoke of her activities as part of a diplomatic functions ship, travelling between planets offering a meeting place for Commonwealth functions and conferences and generally staying out of trouble and needing less maintenance. She seemed to be enjoying the quieter life much to everyone's surprise.

Rhade went next, the only one still on active service and in the front line with many men under his command and relishing it. He explained with great detail his missions to keep strongholds in certain regions, and the more volatile races in check. An hour had almost passed when attentions turned to Beka who was adding her brief update before it was the turn of Trance, as she explained how she had used the time to travel dimensions and appreciate the universes around her a little more, feeling more grown up now and less of a child and it was only when Rev stood up to offer his update that the door opened suddenly and Seamus Harper almost crashed into the tranquil atmosphere.

'Harper!' Beka sprang to her feet and embraced the human tightly.

'Hey, sorry I'm late,' Harper offered with a grimace. Trance grabbed him next followed by Rommie, before he was greeted by Dylan and Rhade, finally Rev stood before him and Harper didn't hesitate to embrace his old friend.

'I can't believe you're all here,' Harper enthused. 'I wasn't disturbing anything was I?' he then thought to ask.

'We were just catching up, Rev was about to update us on his activities since we last saw him,' Dylan offered.

'Of no significance now young Harper is here, we were all feeling his absence,' Rev stated glancing at Beka who looked away.

'No, speak, Rev, please, I didn't mean to crash the party,' Harper eagerly took a seat. Rev reluctantly resumed centre stage and Harper glanced at Beka offering the briefest of 'I'm ok' smiles. He could sense Beka still staring at him along with the others when they thought he wasn't looking, and he focused on Rev learning about his many retreats and missions to spread the word. Once Rev had finished Harper felt all attention on him.

'Harper, wish to update us?' Dylan offered finally.

'Hey no fair, I missed all your updates,' Harper moaned.

'You were late,' Rommie pointed out.

'Not my fault, not like Edenia is packed with transports,' Harper stated as he got to his feet. 'It's not easy getting a ride off that planet,' he added followed by a hearty cough, as he stepped forward.

'So you are still on Edenia?' Beka asked.

'Yeah,' Harper nodded his head offering no more as he looked around the room. 'Where's Doyle?' he asked Beka.

'Joining us later for the meal, she had to run an errand in the Maru that couldn't be avoided, she wanted me here just in case,' Beka hinted.

Harper partly smiled, understanding. 'She never did feel truly part of this crew did she,' he offered and everyone seemed to agree.

'So come on, tell us what's going on in the world of Seamus Harper,' Trance enthused.

Harper cleared his throat again, for the past six months he had lived on Edenia and felt he had nothing much to say. 'Well, I'm now living in Edenia, which is a hell of a lot better than the last time we were there,' Harper began. 'I'm not being held hostage for one, and they've not tried to kill me or torture me once,' he stated with a smile and then relaxed. 'I've found a home,' he simply said and paused for a moment almost disbelieving his own words. 'I have a fantastic house, you wouldn't believe it to see it, or that its mine,' he enthused. 'And the people are so friendly and helpful, I've made so many friends and they have made me feel so welcome,' Harper offered with fondness.

'You look really happy,' Beka was forced to admit.

'Because I am,' Harper smiled broadly. 'And you'll be pleased to know Zal has calmed down enough to not only be off the drugs, but to also be married now to Junia and a father to boot,' Harper announced. 'We were celebrating the announcement last night that he's to be a dad again, so maybe that also contributes to me being late today,' Harper admitted with a sly grin.

'Zal has a kid?' Beka stated.

'Zelazny, he's such a handful,' Harper grinned fondly.

'Aww, named after you, that's so sweet,' Trance smiled warmly causing Harper to squirm slightly.

'So no trouble at all?' Rhade asked.

'I know, hard to believe I've found a place to keep out of it,' Harper smirked. 'Not much else to add, I've been keeping busy checking the Edenia systems and generally adapting and settling in,' he shrugged.

'So you're going to stay?' Beka asked.

'Erm…probably, at least for the short term,' Harper agreed looking a little unsure as he shrugged. 'The past six months seriously have just flown by,' he enthused.

'Is that why you didn't keep in touch?' Beka asked pointedly.

Harper lost his smile and sighed. 'Communications are an issue, I didn't get the chance, I didn't think, things have been crazy, and I didn't get this invite till a couple days ago,' he explained hurriedly.

'It was sent six weeks ago,' Dylan stated.

'Something would have been nice, just to let me know you're ok,' Beka stated and got to her feet. 'I don't mean to bring the mood down but I need some air,' she stressed and quickly left the room.

'Crap,' Harper hissed and sighed heavily. 'Thought she'd be pleased to see me, trust me to mess up again and upset her.'

'She is pleased to see you, Seamus,' Trance assured him as she got to her feet.

'She's been worried,' Rhade offered. 'I mean no word at all, come on Harper surely you can see that hurts,' he added softly.

'I kept meaning to, but I don't know, I'd think it and then, forget, I just lost track, stuff you know?' Harper attempted to explain. 'It's nothing personal, just,' he paused. 'I'll go speak to her,' he offered and left the room.

Dylan waited until Harper had left before speaking. 'He looks well at least,' he remarked.

'He's hiding something,' Rommie spoke up to the surprise of the others.

Rhade got to his feet. 'What do you mean?'

'I'm not sure, but there's something not right,' Rommie answered. 'I've been reading his signatures and they don't match up.'

'Don't match up?' Dylan sat forward. 'That is Seamus Harper, right?'

'Yes, of course it is,' Rommie answered mildly amused. 'But there's something different, I'm just unsure what.'

'He's happy?' Trance offered.

'He was happy before,' Rommie returned.

'Was he?' Trance asked and no one answered for a moment. 'Those last couple of years we spent with Harper, he wasn't entirely happy,' she offered.

'Maybe that's all it is, he has less stress now, he can finally relax,' Dylan agreed.

'It could be an explanation,' Rommie was forced to concede.

'But he's living in that place, Edenia,' Rhade reminded them.

'Maybe we should try and talk to him before he returns, make sure he's not covering something up,' Dylan suggested and everyone seemed to agree.

'Sorry,' Harper offered as he slowly approached, showing some caution.

'Just one message, is that too much to ask, doesn't our friendship mean anything anymore?' Beka asked without turning around.

'You're right, you deserved at least that, and more,' Harper agreed as he moved next to her. 'Just didn't seem so important when I was there, I'd think of it and then it would just as quickly disappear,' he sighed. 'I'm crap, and I'm sorry.'

Beka let her head drop before she turned to him. 'You wouldn't believe how much I've missed you,' Beka then embraced Harper and he returned the hug.

'I've missed you too, Beka,' Harper offered softly, as he rested his head against her shoulder and held onto her tightly.

'Have you? Really?' Beka asked feeling the hug tighten like Harper wasn't going to let go anytime soon.

'Yeah, of course I have,' Harper pulled back slightly to look at her. 'Look, seriously I wish I could turn back time and fix this, send you that message you deserved but things kept coming up, stuff and before I knew it six months had passed and I found out a reunion was happening in under forty-eight hours, time has just flown,' Harper explained.

'I'm just glad you're ok,' Beka smiled. 'I feared the worst, especially when we didn't hear back from you about today, I was just about ready to head down there and blast my way in,' she added defiantly.

'I've strengthened the shields, I'd like to have seen you try,' Harper challenged lightly, with a smile and still wrapping his arms around her. 'So I missed your update, what are you up to now?'

'Not much,' Beka admitted. 'Been spending most of my time planet side would you believe, hanging out at Rhade's place, Doyle takes the Maru out on small relief missions but now I have Uncle Sid's credit chip my desire to make money and find treasure just isn't there, especially with you not by my side anymore, it's not the same,' she admitted.

'I do believe I sense someone is growing old,' Harper teased and Beka lightly hit his shoulder, and panicked on seeing him wince and back away.

'You ok?' Beka asked with concern.

'Yeah,' Harper rubbed his shoulder. 'Just got a knock, been learning the art of Zodd, it's actually not a bad game when you take the hitting and kicking out of it,' he partly smiled remembering his first brief introduction to the game and how Rhade had to pull him to safety before they killed him.

'You play Zodd?' Beka frowned, with her own memories of the game or as she would more accurately describe it as a mass brawl with rules. 'Why?'

Harper looked around and shrugged uneasily. 'Yeah, all the guys do, every Sunday afternoon across the city we congregate in the squares and games happen, I usually represent the palace team and I have to say I'm becoming quite the player, but bottom line, my ass gets kicked more often than not and I keep asking myself why I do it,' he smiled broadly. 'Sunday just gone I got flattened and I think I ripped a muscle,' he rolled his shoulder and grimaced again.

'You really are happy there, aren't you?' Beka realised.

'I guess I am,' Harper admitted with a genuine smile looking towards the horizon. 'Hey, why don't you come and stay with me? You said you hang out at Rhade's place, so why not mine?'

'I'm not sure,' Beka hesitated.

'It's different now and I have more than enough room, it'll be great, come on,' Harper enthused wildly, as if already making up her mind for her. 'Just for a couple of weeks, come and set your mind at rest.'

Beka seemed to be coming around to the idea as she looked at Harper. 'Would be nice to spend some time with you, catch up properly,' Beka admitted.

'Then it's a deal, it'll be a hell of a lot easier getting you in if you come back with me,' Harper stated then frowned. 'But first I want to travel around a bit, you know before I go back, get some supplies, you know they don't stock Sparky Cola on Edenia?' he mocked horror. 'So as soon as I'm done, you can come back with me, but we'll just hang out on the Maru first for a little bit,' he smiled.

'You sure it'll be ok?' Beka checked.

'They are always asking after you, especially Zal,' Harper hinted. 'He asked me to say hi, well actually he asked me to give you a great big kiss on the lips but for fear of major misunderstanding I'm so not going there,' Harper grinned.

'Ok, I will, I'll come and stay for a couple of weeks,' Beka decided with a grin.

'Great! I'm sure the stuff I want to do first won't take long, we'll be back in Edenia in no time,' Harper enthused and turned to return to the reunion but Beka didn't follow.

'Harper,' Beka spoke up causing the younger man to stop and turn back to her. 'Tell me the truth, everything is ok, right?'

'Yeah, of course it is, bar the lack of Sparky Cola, it's great,' Harper returned with some confusion and a convincing smile. 'Why are people expecting the worst? I'm not making this up.'

'You've kept things from me before,' Beka reminded him.

'If I was hiding something would I be inviting you back to my home on Edenia?' Harper asked, and slowly moved towards her. 'If anything I'm worried more about you, Beka, you look down, like you need some Harper cheering up therapy,' he grinned. 'I'm sure having me back on the Maru for a little while will cheer you up, right?'

'Yeah,' Beka smiled genuinely. 'Not had much to get excited about lately,' Beka partly admitted.

'Well, maybe I could stay longer, you know, we could find some old haunts before you come visit?' Harper considered and then noticed Beka was looking past him and he turned to see Doyle staring back at him.

'Doyle!' Harper exclaimed but instinctively didn't move closer when she didn't smile in response. 'You ok?' he asked unsure as she slowly approached him.

'Seamus, it's been so long,' Doyle partly smiled now.

'Yeah, sorry about the lack of contact, I'm just apologising to Beka and you're next on the list, doll, I'm sorry,' Harper tried to win her over with a smile but she remained stony faced, as he put his hand forward to offer a hug but instead Doyle grabbed his wrist and applied pressure.

'Ow, Doyle,' Harper winced. 'Hey come on, loosen up a little,' Harper complained as he tried to prise his hand out of her grip.

'Doyle quit messing around,' Beka stepped forward. 'Let him go.'

'You abandoned me,' Doyle stated.

'What? No I didn't,' Harper argued and then yelped as Doyle twisted his wrist sharply, jarring his arm.

'Doyle, enough, let him go!' Beka ordered.

'You are the only one who can look after me, and you abandoned me,' Doyle responded, and watched as Harper was forced to the ground trying to relieve the pressure she was putting on his wrist.

'Doyle, maybe that was true on Seefra but not here, you have a ton of geniuses just like me to fix you if you need it, Rommie hasn't complained, so what's the big deal?' Harper said with some anger now between breaths, trying to ignore the intense pain he was feeling in his arm from her hold. 'Talk to me Doyle, what the hell's going on with you?'

'Harper,' Doyle suddenly spoke with a hint of despair, the stern look melted and Harper didn't miss the fear in his creation's eyes.

'Doyle, what's wrong?' Harper immediately felt concern when she just stared at him wide eyed, forgetting the pain.

'Stay away from me, it's too dangerous,' her panicked voice stressed before her face flickered and an angry scowl returned, she twisted her grip and the sound of bones breaking was quickly followed by Harper's screaming in agony.

Beka rushed forward and tried to physically remove Doyle's grip from Harper's broken arm but she held firm and simply pushed Beka away.

'Doyle,' Harper spoke between pained breaths now. 'Who's got to you, who did this to you?' he asked closing his eyes to the pain before he felt her grip release his arm, only to then grab his neck. 'No, crap, no, not the windpipe, please Doyle, speak to me,' Harper pleaded as he felt the pressure wrap around his neck and his air supply quickly lessen.

'I can't stop this, I'm trying to fight it, Harper, I'm so sorry,' Doyle spoke again in a panicked whisper. 'I'm sorry,' she added before lifting Harper up and throwing him, watching as he landed heavy against the nearest wall and crumpled to the ground. She strode forward and picked his body up, he was heavier now as his dazed form failed to react to her movements. She dragged him up to full height and then pushed him hard against the wall, her hands tightly gripped around his neck.

A sudden force lance blast momentarily stunned her and Harper limply fell from her grip to the floor, another blast caused Doyle to stagger back slightly.

'You will not lay another finger on Harper,' Rommie ordered.

'Help me,' Doyle pleaded.

'Help you?' Rommie showed her confusion and fired again as Doyle turned and ran away, quickly gathering speed and disappearing into nearby overgrowth.

'Check Harper is ok, and make sure she doesn't have another opportunity,' Rommie ordered as she set off in pursuit.

Beka was quickly by his side and checked his vitals, finding them strong but he was unresponsive. 'What just happened?' she asked.

'I was going to ask the same,' Dylan shrugged.

'Doyle nearly killed him,' Rhade showed his shock.

'Harper was asking her who had got to her, he seemed to think it wasn't her doing this to him,' Beka fussed.

'He needs medical attention,' Trance stepped forward and glanced back at Rev. 'The Andromeda is the best equipped facility nearby,' she stated.

'Then lets go,' Rev encouraged.

'No, don't,' Harper suddenly spoke with alert panic, as he groaned and came too. 'Don't move me,' he stressed. 'Not yet, give me a moment,' he added as he tried to compose himself and regain his senses.

'Harper, you're hurt, you need medical attention,' Beka stated.

'I'm ok,' Harper slowly started to move, and wince as he sat up with Trance's assistance. He blinked his eyes a few times before he focused on Beka, and then the others. 'Where's Doyle?'

'Out there somewhere, with Rommie on her tail,' Beka answered.

'I've got to help her,' Harper fussed.

'You're going no where near her,' Beka objected. 'Not after what happened.'

'No one else can help her, I can't abandon her,' Harper returned sharply and then closed his eyes as a shooting pain momentarily distracted him.

'Harper, let's take care of you first,' Trance suggested. 'Do you think you can walk?'

Harper was already nodding his head and accepted the help from Beka and Trance to find his feet. 'Probably looks worse than it is,' he offered as they slowly began to walk. 'No, I need to know she's ok,' he stopped them from moving him any further.

'Harper,' Dylan began.

'No!' Harper snapped, and looked out to the forest around them. 'I'm not going anywhere until I know she's ok.'

'Seamus, this isn't your fault,' Beka offered.

'She said I abandoned her,' Harper disagreed. 'She needs my help.'

Dylan moved to Harper's side. 'She also tried to kill you.'

'Someone's got to her, they are using her to get to me,' Harper deduced with frenzied panic as he glanced around, as if hoping to see his creation.

'That's some accusation, some leap,' Dylan remarked.

Rhade frowned. 'You've been out of the game for over six months, Harper, before that almost three years, who still has a grudge that big?'

Harper shrugged. 'Someone who's got tired of waiting for me to reappear,' he offered distantly. 'I just can't think who,' he added as an after thought. 'Someone who not only knew about Doyle but could get to her, and seemingly reprogram her as well.'

'I think I know,' Beka spoke up. 'I thought someone had got to Doyle, few weeks back,' she added sadly. 'Your old friends the Drago-Kazov pride.'

TBC