Corona Astralis
Title: Corona Astralis
Author: Cherubino
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Dylan's and Gillian's relationship persists, but will it be torn apart by unexpected events? Sequel to "Windmills of Your Mind."
Disclaimer: Andromeda is property of Tribune.
Gillian woke up to the sound of shower running. She stretched lazily and then made herself get up. She was not due in Medical for another few hours but she wanted to spend morning with Dylan. He was away most of the past two months on various diplomatic missions and she missed him. She walked into the bathroom. Dylan has already got out and stood in front of the fogged-up mirror, towel wrapped around his hips. He reached out to wipe the moisture off the glass when Gillian came closer and snaked her arms around his waist, kissing lightly between his shoulder blades. Her lips touched a scar, one of so many, too many for one man. She could read his body like a map; she made a point to know and remember each and every one of his marks.
"Good morning."
He turned around and pulled her close, nuzzling her hair. "Good morning. You didn't have to get up yet."
"I wanted to. I missed you."
"I missed you too."
"Wanna play hooky and stay with me?"
He looked thoughtful, like he was actually considering her suggestion. "Guess I could get a doctor's note that I am..."
"In dire need of bed rest? Yes, I think you could. Actually, I think you should get to bed immediately. Doctor's orders."
Dylan gave her a mock salute: "Yes, Ma'am." Turning, he headed towards the bedroom. "Are you coming?"
"Be right there, go on."
Gillian went to the kitchenette. One of the perks of Captain's quarters was not having to go to Mess Hall for food. She made a quick work of eggs and toast and coffee and went in to the bedroom with a tray. Dylan was sprawled across the bed, still wrapped in the towel. He sniffed the air and looked up:
"Ahh, breakfast in bed. You know, maybe I should go away more often if I get a treatment like that every time I leave?"
"Captain Hunt, you are turning into a hedonist."
"And it is all your doing, Doctor Ratischer. You know, I think I would like Doctor Hunt better."
"It'll still be Doctor Ratischer."
"You don't want to take my name?"
"I do, but I am keeping mine as well. So officially it'll be Doctor Gillian B. Ratischer Hunt."
"Hmm, I could live with that. What's "B" stand for?"
"My middle name."
"And that would be...?"
"Never you mind."
"I do mind, I should know my future wife's middle name!"
"Eat your breakfast before it gets cold."
"Don't switch subjects on me. What is it?"
"I am not telling."
"Oh yes you are!"
"Oh no I am not!"
Gillian put the tray on the nightstand and turned to leave when Dylan suddenly tackled her from behind. She twisted out of his grip but he now held her robe and she was left in pretty much nothing. Dylan's gaze wondered up and down her body and suddenly he forgot all about her middle name, his breakfast and anything else for that matter. He let the silk of her wrap slid out of his fingers and, covering the distance between them in one step he pulled her into a kiss. Without breaking the kiss he backed down to the bed and fell backwards, Gillian on top of him.
She pulled off for air and looking at Dylan suddenly laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"I just had a thought about your High Guard Uniforms."
"Huh?"
"I was just thinking that it's unfair that female uniforms are so revealing and male are way too concealing. It's a shame to hide all this." And she ran her hands over his broad shoulders, arms, chest, reveling in the feeling.
"So, would you prefer me wearing chain mail, like Tyr?"
"Hmm, now that's a thought to ponder... but no. It wouldn't be you. But a nice, tight black jersey paired up with your casual khakis would do beautifully." She painted a mental image complete with boots and hip-holster and looked positively dreamy to Dylan, who started to laugh.
"Hey, what's so funny?"
"I am familiar with expression "undressing with your mind", but "dressing with your mind"? That's new."
"I am picking out what I would like to take off of you later."
"In case you haven't noticed I am laying right here, in only a towel and you are completely ignoring me, busy with my imaginary uniforms. Gillian, you are ..."
He never finished what he was trying to say because Gillian showed him exactly how much she was NOT ignoring him.
Much, much later Dylan looked at his breakfast forgotten and now cold and sighed: "Guess we have to go to Mess after all. I don't know about you, but I am starving."
"I'm famished. Give me fifteen minutes. Think you'll live that long?"
"I need a shower too. Again. Mind if we share?"
"If we do, we'll never get out of here and I don't want you to die of starvation. Wait your turn."
Half an hour later they showed up at the Mess Hall and found the entire crew sans Rev there. They got their food and joined the others at the table. Tyr sniffed the air and made a face. Dylan actually blushed and Gillian gave Tyr a look and said: "Can it." He raised his eyebrows and she added "I said put a lid on it." It would have been insulting if at the same time she didn't come over and gave him a quick hug: "Good morning," and barely audible, for him only, "Uber." He pretended to growl indignantly but couldn't help smiling: "You too," and then theatrically whispered, "Kludge."
Beka turned to Dylan: "You know, Dylan, we are really close to the Big Easy. What do you say we take a quick stop? We could all use some down time."
Gillian was excited: "Big Easy? Wonderful, do you think we could make a stop there? I haven't been there in ages!"
Tyr looked perplexed: "What are you talking about? What is Big Easy?"
Beka and Gillian laughed and Beka explained: "The New Orleans Drift. On Earth, in the old times, may cities had nicknames. New York was called The Big Apple, Chicago -- The Windy City and New Orleans was The Big Easy. So everyone calls the New Orleans drift that. It's a great place to relax at. Mostly bars, restaurants, hotels, casinos, jazz clubs..."
"And I know just the place to go to," Gillian chimed in. "The Blue Note bar. They have the best jazz band in the galaxy."
"Man, I heard this place was good! You think we could go, Boss?" Harper's face was absolutely child-like with expectation and anticipation, Beka and Gillian gave him their best puppy-eyed faces and he crumbled. After all, tomorrow was his birthday. He didn't tell Gillian, he didn't want to put her on the spot, but he thought he could use some R&R.
"Ok, ok, we'll stop there tomorrow. I think we could spare a day or two." The crew erupted with cheers; Dylan and Tyr looking indulgently at them for a moment and then Dylan switched back to his Captain mode:
"Ok, people, let's get something done before tomorrow. We all have work to do, so let's get moving." When everyone was leaving the Mess Hall, Tyr pulled Beka aside.
"I am still waiting for your answer, Rebecca. It has been over two months and you keep telling me you need more time. How much more? I ache for you, Rebecca, don't play with my feelings and my pride."
"I am worried, Tyr. I am worried that if I become your mate it will ruin your life."
"What? How did you come up with this idea?"
"Tyr, you want to re-build your Pride, restore your legacy. How are you going to accomplish anything with human mate? You will be seen as weak or aberrant, I can't allow that to happen to you. I don't want to destroy your dreams."
"Is this a "no", Rebecca?"
"I don't know. I want to say "Yes", I feel the longing for you I have never felt for anyone else, but I don't want to stand in your way. I love you too much to do that to you, Tyr. That's why I need more time. Just a little more."
"I told you already, but I will say it again, Rebecca. The past several months have changed my life irreversibly. I am not the same person any more, my priorities are not the same, my goals are not the same and my loyalties are not the same. I have my Pride now; I have my family now. It is here, on the Andromeda. I need my mate." He took her face in his hands and spoke very quietly, so quietly that she didn't realize he was reading her a poem until the third verse:
"Then hate me when thou wilt; if ever, now;
Now, while the world is bent my deeds to cross,
Join with the sprite of fortune, make me bow,
And do not drop in for an after-loss:
Ah, do not, when my heart hath 'scaped this sorrow,
Come in the rearward of a conquer'd woe;
Give not a windy night a rainy morrow, To linger out a purposed overthrow.
If thou wilt leave me, do not leave me last,
When others petty griefs have done their sprite,
But in the onset come, so shell I taste
At first the very worst of fortune's might,
And other strains of woe, which now seem woe,
Compared with loss of thee will not seem so."
He finished, kissed her lips lightly and left. Beka stood absolutely stunned for a few moments before asking tentatively:
"Rommie? Where you listening?"
"The privacy mode was not engaged, so yes, I was aware of your conversation."
"What was the poem he read?"
"It was Sonnet number 90 by William Shakespeare, an ancient English poet. He was also called The Bard. He authored a great number of plays -- tragedies mostly, but comedies as well..."
"Yeah, right. Thanks, Rommie." Beka was glad she was not on duty. She had some serious thinking to do.
* * *
Gillian practically ran to her quarters. It was too perfect! She went to the comm screen and punched in the numbers. The screen lit up and a face of an old man appeared and split in the widest of grins:
"Gillian, baby, I haven't seen you in God knows how long! What's going on? How are you?"
"Mose, it's good to see you too. I need a favor."
"Anything for you, sweetheart."
"Ok, here's what I need you to do..."
When Gillian finished the conversation she turned off the comm screen and called: "Rommie!"
"Yes?" The hologram appeared next to her.
"I trust you to keep this a secret. I don't want to spoil Dylan's surprise."
"Neither do I. Now all we have to do is to convince Rev Bem to come with us. The party will not be complete without him."
"You are right. Let's go talk to him."
* * *
The Big Easy buzzed and hummed with life. Bright with lights and smelling of every spice and spirit in the known world it was a delight for Trance and Harper, an amusement for Dylan, Gillian and Beka, and an annoyance for Tyr since his extra-sensitive nose couldn't tolerate the onslaught of sensations. Rommie appeared mildly interested in her surroundings and Rev Bem was outright surprised that he was not ostracized here. He even heard a few friendly greetings regarding him and the Way. Gillian leaned to him and whispered:
"I told you you'd like this place, Reverend."
"And you were right. I thank you for convincing me to come, Doctor."
They approached their destination; a jazz bar named The Blue Note. Upon entrance they were greeted by an old man in a crooked hat. He rushed towards Gillian and grabbed her in a bear hug.
"Baby, I am so glad to see you! It has been too long! Come, sit, and bring your friends in!"
Dylan and the others were surprised to witness this exchange but followed them inside. They walked through already very crowded room and sat at the table obviously prepared for them, right in front of the still-darkened stage. The waitress brought their drinks without asking but getting exactly what they wanted:
"Ok, let's see, Scotch for you, sir," and she handed Dylan his glass filled with amber liquid, "Tequila Slammer for you," and the drink slid towards Beka, "Weissbrau for young man here," Harper got his ale and just stared, Trance carefully lifting his jaw closed, "fruit juice for young lady", she smiled at Trance and got a shining grin in return, "water for Reverend and club soda with lemon for the gentleman here", Rev nodded his thanks and Tyr just looked at her, nonplussed. The waitress turned to Gillian and smiled: "Your gin, dear. It is so good to see you again." She squeezed Gillian's shoulder affectionately and turned to leave, but stopped by Rommie: "Are you sure you don't want anything?"
Rommie smiled "Yes, I am sure. AIs don't need food or drink."
"Well," the waitress answered, "You might not need it but still like it!" And she left the table.
Dylan turned to Gillian: "Give." He tried to sound severe but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed him. Beka joined in on the interrogation:
"Yeah, what's going on?"
"Nothing, I know the owner, I used to hang out here years ago. I just called ahead and made sure he was prepared for us, 'tis all." She saw something or someone and turned to the group:
"Excuse me, guys, I'll be right back." She disappeared in the crowd.
Everyone was relaxing and enjoying their drinks when the now-familiar old man in his crooked hat came up on stage and stood there for a second in front of the black velvet curtain. From behind it sounds of the instruments tuning and music sheets rustling could be heard. The man cleared his throat and spoke:
"Good evening, folks, and welcome to The Blue Note. I am very happy that you could come here tonight, especially since it is a very special night, I have a big surprise for all of you."
"Where is she," Dylan whispered to no one in particular, "It is about to start and she wanted to see the show so much!"
"Don't worry, Boss, she'll be here," Harper tried to appease Dylan when the curtain slowly opened and the audience could see a figure sitting on the bar stool in the middle of the small stage. When the single blue spotlight hit the stage, Dylan's mouth gaped open in total astonishment, because there was sitting and smiling none other but Gillian. The rest of the crew were no less surprised. She nodded to the band and they started to play something very bluesy and slow. She brought up the microphone and said:
"Hello, folks. It's good to be here. Tonight is a very special night for me and for someone very special in my life. Tonight is for you, my love, so I hope you will enjoy it."
Loud cheers sounded form the audience, mixed with applause and "We missed you!" "Where have you been hiding all this time!", and more. Gillian raised her hand and the music became slightly louder and she began to sing. The first song she chose was a classic Saint Louis blues; "The Blues Are Brewin'". Her voice was surprisingly low and sultry and seductive and Dylan was in total owe. When she got to the lyric "And when the lord God above you/ Sends someone to love you / The blues are something you loose" she looked straight at Dylan and stretched her hand out to him and everyone in the audience applauded. The object of her affection turned red but smiled nevertheless.
When the song was finished, the small club drowned in applause. Gillian raised her hand again and started to leave when the same old man came up on stage again.
"Hey, lady, where are you going? At least you can tell me your name!"
She sat back down and looked at him: "I'm Gillian. And what's yours, Grandpa?"
"Me? I'm Mose, don't ya know?"
"Say, Mose? I heard about a man named Mose. With a very crooked nose." This exchange would have passed for a casual conversation, but Gillian started snapping her fingers in an interesting rhythm that band picked up quickly. She turned to the band and asked: "Ya know? Old man Mose? With a very crooked nose? I heard that old man Mose was dead!" The band answered Gillian in a five-man-harmony style: "Yes, we believe that old man Mose is dead!" And exchange continued, a Dixie dialog on the subject of Mose's demise. By the time they were finished, everyone was laughing despite the morbid contents of the song.
When the room once again quieted down, Gillian got up and walked over to the piano. She sat down and touched the keys lightly. Pulling down the microphone she spoke:
"I already told you that tonight is special, but I didn't tell you why. You see, tonight is my love's birthday. He thought I didn't know, but I do. So I want to say to him, " she took a few cords and started singing an ancient Earth song "Happy Birthday To You, My Darling." When she was finished, Mose (and it actually was his real name) brought out a huge cake lit up with candles. Everyone cheered and applauded and wished him a happy birthday. Gillian came off the stage and over to Dylan. He looked at her with misty eyes:
"This is the best birthday I have ever had. How did you find out?"
"I should be insulted by this question, but I forgive you. How could I not know about your birthday! Anyway, I have one more song I want to sing and then I'll come back."
Gillian went back to the piano and sat down. She spoke again: "The next song is very special. I just want you to know how I feel about you, Dylan." And she began to sing:
"When the night has come,
And the land is dark,
And the moon is the only light,
I will not be afraid
As long as you stand by me..."
When she was finished and came down from the stage Dylan just hugged her and held her tight. He rested his chin on the top of her head and said:
"I guess I must've had done something good in my life to deserve you."
They sat down and she was barraged by questions from everyone about the club, Mose and her singing. She told them that years ago she hung out here, became friendly with the band and occasionally sang with them when she was in the mood. Over time she even acquired her own audience. When Mose learned she was coming tonight and that she wanted to sing, he let people know.
The evening continued, the band played all kinds of oldies and everyone enjoyed themselves. Only Tyr seemed a little broody, but that was his usual countenance, so it went without much notice by anyone except Gillian. But she decided to talk to him later. She reached fir her bag under the table and pulled out a box. Handing it to Dylan, she said:
"Here, I hope you like it."
He took it, untied the ribbon and opened it. From under the layers of tissue paper came up a clear glass globe on a metal stand with a small replica of an elaborate building inside. The building was surrounded by miniature gardens with tiny figures appearing walking or playing there. Some of the figures looked like people, others like feathered horses. The trees were in full bloom and when the globe was shaken the miniscule petals fell off in white flurries, like snowflakes. Dylan looked at Gillian and barely managed to say:
"This – this is the Vedran Imperial Palace and Gardens! How – where – how did you find it? It mast be hundreds of years old!"
"Look at the date on the bottom of the base," Gillian said.
He complied and looked back at her: "It was made in the year I was born. This is incredible. Gillian, thank you! You don't know how much it means to me!"
"Oh, I think I do. That's why I was searching for it high and low for months. I was lucky I found it."
"How did you manage that?"
"My father collects antiques. I enlisted his help and Daddy came through for me."
"Speaking of your father, does he know about our engagement?"
"Yes, but he still wants to meet you before giving his final blessing."
"Should I be worried?"
"No. He is just being fastidious. We can plan our visit to him for the next time you can take leave, the planet he lives on is a small paradise with beaches and jungle and lots of fun stuff to do."
"How about we leave next week? Andromeda is due for an overhaul and I was planning to take her to Sinti to dock and repair, so we can go and meet your father."
"We could take Tyr and Beka with us too. It'll be fun!"
"Ok, we are settled then, next week it is. Now, would you dance with me?"
"It's your birthday, Dylan, your wish is my command!"
"Now, that's a thought! I could think of a few things to wish for..." Laughing, they went to the dance floor.
They left among the very last patrons, when Mose and his staff were closing up shop. The drift was still very much alive, this place never slept. The group was walking towards the docks to board the Maru; Dylan was talking to Beka and Gillian caught up with Tyr. He put his arm around her shoulder.
"Dylan is on Seventh Heaven. I told you would be good as mates. You are the woman for him." His lips twitched and he looked away.
"Beka still didn't give you the answer?"
"It's been over two months. I think she wants to refuse me but afraid to say so."
"She loves you. She is worried that having human wife will ruin your plans for the future."
"Have you been talking to her?"
"No. Am I right?"
"She said exactly the same thing to me yesterday."
"And what did you say to her?"
"I didn't. Shakespeare did."
"Let me guess, Sonnet number 90?"
"You know me too well, Kludge."
"It's one of my favorite ones."
Tyr was about to say something when someone yelled "Die, you Nietzschean bastard! Die with all you Nietzschean-loving lap dogs!" Tyr whipped his head about and saw a young man with a Gauss rifle aimed at him and Gillian. By the time he pulled out his weapon the youth pressed the trigger. Tyr tried to cover Gillian, but she shoved him aside to the left and made a pushing motion with her right hand, like she would do to splash the water. Suddenly the shooter fell back, sending his shot upwards and the rifle exploded in his hand, killing him instantly. Tyr ran over to Gillian who was kneeling on the pavement and covering her face with her hands. She was shaking. Tyr tried to get her up, but she couldn't. Dylan ran over and put his arms around her but she screamed:
"Don't touch me! Stay away from me, just stay away!" The next moment she lost consciousness. Tyr caught her and picked her up. Beka was already talking to the security guards who showed up seconds after the incident. She turned to Dylan:
"Take Trance with you and go, Harper, Rev and I will straighten this out." He nodded his thanks and followed Tyr and Trance to the Andromeda.
In Medical Trance was with Gillian behind the curtains and Dylan was pacing the anteroom. Tyr was standing like a statue, motionless, arms folded on his chest. Finally Trance came out.
"She is asleep now."
"Is she alright?"
"I don't know."
Tyr was in her face in a split second: "What do you mean you don't know, girl?" Dylan just looked at her.
"I mean that everything seems to be normal, but there is this strange energy fluctuation around her and neither I nor Andromeda know what it is."
"I suggest that Gillian be allowed to rest. Everything may clear up in the morning." Holo-Rommie appeared next to them. "All of you should do the same. Beka and the others are coming aboard now. Talk to them and rest, I will monitor here."
Dylan shook his head: "I will stay here. I'll return after I talk to Beka."
"I do not think it will be advisable, Dylan." Hunt looked at Anasazi with surprise. Tyr continued: "We don't know why she had such strange reaction to you back there. But should she wake up and see you it may happen again. I think I should stay here tonight."
"Tyr is right, Dylan." Rommie looked compassionate. "If anyone stays here tonight it should be him." Dylan nodded his acquiescence and left the Medical.
* * *
Dylan woke up around 0500 hours with uneasy feeling. "Lights on, low." He sat up in bed. "Andromeda, how is Gillian?"
After an unusually long pause, Rommie answered: "Dylan, Gillian is not on board. Neither is Pegasus."
"What? Where is Tyr?"
Another pause. "Medical. Dylan, he is unconscious."
"Andromeda, how did you miss all that?"
"My sensors around the Medical and the Hangar Bay are jammed. The controls on the docking doors are overridden. And before you ask, it was not Harper. Looks like Gillian did it all on her own."
Dylan was already dressed and headed for Medical. "Rommie, get Trance and Beka here now."
"Aye, Captain."
By the time Dylan got to Medical Trance already came and was scanning Tyr. "Dylan, he was injected with a strong tranquilizer. He should be up soon; it usually wears of in a couple of hours." No sooner then she finished talking Tyr came to with a growl. He rubbed his neck, still sore from the injection.
"This woman will be the death of me yet."
"Tyr," Dylan was going crazy, "what happened?"
"She woke up, we talked for a while, and then she got up and said that she needed to use the bathroom. Next thing I know the hypo is in my neck and she is saying, "I am sorry it has to be this way." I should have never let my guard down. Where is she?"
"She took the Pegasus and left." Tyr covered his face with his hands.
"Rommie, get Harper and see if you can find where did she go."
"Aye, Captain."
"Beka, I need to talk to you."
"Sure."
"My quarters."
They entered Dylan's quarters and sat down at the bar.
"Beka, do you know anything I don't? Was there something bothering Gillian, something that she wouldn't talk to me about?"
"No, not that I know of. But I was thinking..."
"What?"
"Dylan, remember what happened on Jaguar Prime? In the cave, when she destroyed that creature?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, to me it looked the same last night. Was she behaving any different after the incident on Jaguar?"
"She was uneasy for a while, but then we wrote it all off on to the creature itself. Are you saying that it was Gillian?"
"Looks like it."
"For a while she entertained the idea to talk to her father about it but then she dropped it altogether. She mentioned something about finally finding out about her mother."
"Well, maybe she went to see her father after all? Why don't we take a ride there? We can take the Maru and be there in a day."
"Beka, you are a genius."
"No, Harper is a genius. I am simply a miracle." Dylan smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Coffee?"
"Sure, thanks."
Dylan went to the kitchenette to get the pot brewing and suddenly saw an envelope laying on his desk. He picked it up and saw that it was addressed "To Dylan" in Gillian's handwriting. He sat on the edge of his desk and opened the letter.
"My love,
By the time you find this letter I will be long gone. I am sorry for leaving like that, but I can't go through good-byes now.
I hope you understand why I have to go. I still love you; I love you so much it hurts. But right now I don't know who I am any more. I am not the person you met few months ago, I am not the woman you fell in love with and want to marry. I am someone else, and I fear I am dangerous to you and others. I have to find out who or what I am. I don't know where to start and whom to ask, but I will figure it out. When I do, I will come back. Please don't hate me.
Gillian."
When he accidentally turned the envelope, he saw the ring fall out. It was the engagement ring he gave Gillian two months ago on Jaguar Prime.
He looked so devastated that Beka came over and touched his arm:
"Dylan, what is it?"
Unable to speak he handed her the letter and the ring. She took them and skimmed the letter. "Dylan, I – I don't know what to say."
"Say that you help me find her. Say that you help me convince her that I love her no matter what."
"I will, Dylan, I will do anything to help you." She took a chain off her neck and put the ring on it, that she fastened the chain around Dylan's neck.
"There. It's against the regulations, but this way it'll always be with you. You must keep it safe for her."
"Thank you, Beka. If you don't mind, I need to be alone for a while."
"Sure, I understand. But promise me, if it gets too tough to handle you talk to me. Or Rev, or Tyr, anyone, ok?"
"I promise."
"Ok. First thing tomorrow we are leaving to Gillian's father." Beka hugged him briefly and left. She left his quarters and headed for her own rooms. Suddenly she stopped and turned around. She marched down the corridor and halted in front of Tyr's door. After a second of hesitation she pressed the access button.
"Enter."
The door slid open and she walked in. The room was almost dark but she could still make out Tyr sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Ship, lights on low" he commanded and stood up.
"What can I do for you, Rebecca?" He sounded tired and a little colder then usual.
"It's yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes. As in "Yes, I will be your mate."
He covered the distance between them in on stride and took her by the shoulders: "Are you absolutely sure? You know there will be no way back. I may have picked up more human traits then I cared to, but I still do not agree with the practice of divorce. If we mate, it will be for life."
"Did you want me to say "No"?"
"No, I wanted you to say, "Yes"
"Then what's with the third degree?"
"I want to be sure that you are sure. What about other wives? What if I have to take a Nietzschean wife? How would you feel about that?"
"Would I still be your First?"
"Yes."
"Will it change the way you feel about me?"
"Never."
"Then I say, "Mine be thy love and thy love's use their treasure."
Tyr smiled his shining white-toothed smile that could melt ice. "I love you, Rebecca. You could be rest assured that no Nietzschean woman will ever hear that from me. My DNA I may have to share in the future, but my heart is yours."
He put his arms around her and kissed her deeply, holding her close. When she broke off for air she said:
"The only thing is – I want to wait with the Helix Ceremony until..."
"Until Dylan and Gillian are back together, right?"
"Right."
"I want the same thing. I want her to be there when we make it official."
"I love you, Anasazi." And she pulled him in for another kiss. Caught up in it, she didn't notice him inching her backwards and realized his plot only when she found herself on the bed, pinned down by his weight.
"You sneaky son of a gun! How..."
"I am a Nietzschean, sneakiness is in my blood. And that was not sneaky, it was just clever. You haven't seen sneaky yet."
"Well, if what you say is true, I have a lifetime to find out more about it. And you other attributes." She accompanied her last words with a sensual caress. Tyr caught the double-entendre and laughed.
"Oh, I am about to give you a demonstration right now."
Hours later Beka tried to get up but Tyr held her close:
"I need you here, Rebecca. Please, stay."
"I am taking Dylan to see Gillian's father. We think he may have some answers. We are leaving in a few hours. I need to go to my rooms to pack."
Tyr sat up: "I will go with you. I am not sure Dylan is thinking rationally now, you may need my help."
"Ok, if Dylan is Ok with it I think it's a good idea."
"Let's get moving."
* * *
Doctor Jonathan Ratischer greeted Dylan, Beka and Tyr and invited them in. He was tall, almost as tall as Dylan, and very good-looking. He had the same stormy-gray as Gillian, but there the resemblance ended. It was obvious that Gillian got her delicate features and slight figure from her mother.
"Please, come, sit. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Captain Hunt, and you, Captain Valentine, Mr. Anasazi. But where is that wayward daughter of mine?"
His question was met by an uneasy silence. Finally Tyr spoke:
"We were hoping Gillian was here. I guess we were wrong."
"Did something happen? Captain Hunt, what is going on?"
"Please, call me Dylan. And yes, something did happen and we are hoping you could shed some light on the events that transpired."
"Talk to me."
And Dylan proceeded to tell Gillian's father everything that took place, starting with the incident on the Jaguar Prime. When he finished, Jonathan's face was grave.
"I was praying it wouldn't come to pass, but evidently my prayers went unanswered. There is something you need to know about Gillian and her mother. I'll get us something to drink, it will be a long story."
He went to the small kitchen in the back of the house. Beka followed,"I'll give you a hand." When they left the sitting area, Doctor Ratischer turned to Beka:
"What is it you wanted to tell me, Captain Valentine?"
"Please, it's Beka. And now I see where Gillian got her smarts. Yes, I actually wanted to ask you to be careful. Dylan is in a very fragile state now. I am sure Gillian told you his story."
"About being frozen in time? Yes, she did."
"He lost everything and everyone he cared about. Before he met Gillian he was like a robot, sometimes our AI was livelier then him. Gillian brought him back to life. I have never seen him so alive in almost two years I've known him. She left him and left his ring. If he doesn't find her – I am worried about his sanity."
"I understand your concern, Beka. But I have to tell him the whole truth to help him understand her and maybe find her. Come, they are waiting."
When they finally settled, Jonathan began his tale.
"First thing first – you need to know that both incidents were Gillian's doing. She is apparently highly telekinetic. From what you said, she didn't only move objects, but used their own energy to counter effect their actions, hence the explosions, because she did it instinctively, not actually knowing what she was doing. I was hoping that she was not born with these abilities, and indeed they did not manifest until two months ago. I am not surprised at this fact because her mother was telekinetic and telepathic as well. Gillian never knew her mother and since she didn't show any sign of possessing her qualities, I didn't feel the need to tell her anything about it.
Marianna, Gillian's mother was born and raised on Samurai Prime. She was human, like me, but a part of selective breeding experiment. As you may probably know, some humans are born with some telepathic and telekinetic abilities. The Samurai were trying to single out the genes responsible for these attributes to incorporate them into their own genetic layout. There was nothing cruel or evil in these experiments up to a certain point, but there is always one scientist who forgets that his subjects are sentient beings. Especially when the researchers are Nietzschean and the subjects Human."
He paused for a second: "No offense," he turned to Tyr. "None taken." And Jonathan continued:
"In Marianna's generation the level of their telepathy and telekinesis was raised to dangerous level. When the Samurai realized that these people could manipulate them mentally and control many aspects of their life, they decided to stop the experiment by elimination the study group. Marianna was the strongest of them all and despite all the blocking she learned of these plans and escaped, warning others. They paid her no heed and were destroyed, but not before Marianna's absence was noticed. One of the Samurai was sent to track her down.
Meanwhile she came to T'hara 7. We met by accident and fell instantly in love. She told me her story and when she realized that what she was didn't bother me, she agreed to marry me. We were happy. Whatever time we had together, was the happiest time of our lives. When Gillian was born she was ecstatic. But then I noticed that something was wrong. What we didn't know was she was genetically programmed to die after having a child. It had something to do with the experiments the Samurai ran on her and her people. I couldn't do anything to save her; I didn't have the knowledge of what had been done to her and how to reverse it. We knew she was dying. So one day Marianna came to me and said that she wanted to leave. She said she had some unfinished business to take care of and she didn't want to wait any longer. I couldn't persuade her to stay but she promised to return. However after she was gone I found her wedding band in the envelope on my desk. She released me of our wedding vows. I have never seen her since.
Many years later a Samurai came to T'hara 7. I thought he was looking for Marianna, but actually he was looking for me. He was one of the renegades that left the home world. He brought me a letter from Marianna. She returned to Samurai Prime. The process was reversed and she lived. She told them that the child was dead, so no one would look for Gillian. The new group was formed and new generation of telepaths and telekinetics was born and studied. I couldn't understand why did she do it until I learned that a very stable sun in the Samurai system went Super-Nova."
Jonathan paused and sipped his drink. Tyr looked at him, comprehending. "She paid for one genocide with another."
"Precisely."
Dylan spoke: "So, you are saying that Gillian could have the same ability to destroy worlds?"
"No, she can not be that strong. But apparently she is strong enough. She needs guidance; she needs to learn to control her powers. Ideally she would need a Samurai teacher. Come to think of it, the Samurai who brought me Marianna's last message took quite an interest in Gillian. He probably suspected something."
Dylan stood up and began pacing the room. Suddenly he stopped.
"On Jaguar Prime she met a Samurai, Hirohito Koyasaba. She even did the Dance of the Fans with him. He told her that there was much she didn't know about herself and when the time comes he will find her and help her. She probably went there, to talk to him."
Jonathan and the others agreed that it could be a possibility. Just as Dylan was trying to contact Andromeda, a message screen lit up. Rommie's face looked somber.
"Doctor Ratischer, I need to speak to Captain Hunt. This is urgent."
"He is right here." Jonathan got up to give Dylan and others some privacy, but Rommie stopped him:
"Please, stay. You need to know this too. Dylan, we found Pegasus. Or rather what's left of it. It was blown up by unknown hostile ship approximately two days ago. The debris contains enough DNA material to conclude that Gillian didn't survive the explosion. I am so sorry, Dylan, Doctor."
The silence in the room was palpable. Beka turned to Dylan and saw that is face was ashen. Doctor Ratischer was sitting as he was a minute ago, not noticing the tears rolling down his face. Tyr turned to Andromeda:
"Ship, did you find the body?"
"No, Tyr, but..."
"I refuse to believe she is dead until I see her body."
"The explosion did not leave much, Tyr."
"Collect everything and keep it safe, I want to study it myself."
"Aye."
Beka turned to Dylan: "C'mon, we need to go." Dylan felt frozen; he didn't understand what was happening any more. He looked at Beka and slowly nodded and turned to leave. He paused by the door:
"Would you like to come with us, Jonathan?"
"No, I don't think I can right now. I'll be in touch." Dylan nodded and left, Tyr and Beka followed.
"Beka," Dylan spoke, "I am transferring command to you until further notice."
"Understood"
All the way back on the Maru Dylan didn't say a word. On Andromeda he locked himself in his quarters, engaged privacy mode and didn't come out for three days. In the course if these three days Tyr, Rommie and Harper sifted through the remains of Pegasus. Nothing was found to counter the conclusion that Gillian did not survive. Beka ordered Rommie to monitor Dylan's life signs. She was worried about his mental state but respected his need to grieve. When he finally came out he was as composed and efficient as ever, uniform impeccable, freshly shaven, hair neatly combed. But the right side of his bangs, from brow to temple was absolutely white.
Onward To Part Two!
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