EPISODE 122: Its Hour Come Round at Last

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Screams of a billion murdered stars
Give lie to the night's peace,

While we cling in desperation to the few
Fragile spinning stones we call worlds.

[Wayfinder First Order Hasturi  aka "The Mad Perseid"   217 AFC]

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======================================================================================
Scene: Beka puts two markers into Dylan's Commonwealth seal thingie while Dylan 
pours himself a drink
======================================================================================

Beka: That's Schopenhauer and Enkindu.

Dylan: Six down, forty-four to go.

Beka: You know, when you told me you were planning to get fifty worlds to sign your 
Commonwealth charter, I didn't think you'd even get one.  And here you are, more than a 
tenth of the way there.

Dylan: In a year of trying. It's just a drop in the ocean compared to the one million 
original members.

Beka: Why is it that whenever I start to feel optimistic, you become a pessimist?

Dylan: It's a little-known law of thermodynamics...the conservation of optimism. There's 
only so much to go around.

Beka: In that case, it's simple.  Lower your expectations.

Dylan: You're right. {He considers the glass he was drinking from} I officially declare 
this glass twelve percent full.

Beka: That's the spirit.

Dylan: Yeah.

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper is in a conduit, working on one of Rommie's panels

Small note – in this section, when I preface a Rommie line with "Computer", she's either 
on-screen or a disembodied voice.  If a line is spoken by "Andromeda", it's the big 
talking-head Rommie in cyberspace
======================================================================================

Harper: How's that?

<Andromeda appears on a screen nearby>

Computer: Better. How much more to go?

Harper: Rom-Doll, I haven't even scratched the surface, yet.  Over the past year, you've 
been in more than a dozen battles.  We're lucky you're operating at all.

Computer: You certainly know how to make a girl feel good about herself.

Harper: Well, don't worry. Dr. Harper will make it all better. Open wide and say "Ah!"

<He jacks into Andromeda's systems, "appearing" in her cyberspace>

Harper: Oh, yeah!  Rommie, have I told you lately how beautiful you are?  And I mean 
on the inside.

<Cyberspace Andromeda appears nearby>

Andromeda: Behave yourself, Harper.

Harper {mock-offended}: Rommie...!  {She fritzes out, and he gives a wicked little 
laugh, and his "real" body sighs contentedly}

<He continues to work on her>

Harper: Everything's looking good so far.  Hold on...something weird, here.

<He looks into a nearby screen like it's a window, seeing what looks like a 
dormant/sleeping Andromeda>

Harper: Freaky.

<He "returns" to his body>

Harper: Hey, Rommie?

<Holo-Rommie fritzes in, seeming annoyed>

Holo: Now what?

Harper: I think I've located a backup copy of your personality core.

Holo: Why can't I see it?

Harper: I don't know. It's been hidden somehow.  I'd like to compare it to your current 
configuration.  Kinda like a before and after picture.

Holo: All right.  What do you need me to do?

Harper: Just hold still, darlin'...

<He jacks back into cyberspace and uses a tool on the backup file.>

Harper: ...this won't hurt a bit.

<Suddenly, things start to activate in the file>

Computer: Accessing backup.

<The Andromeda in the file opens her eyes, and the real Andromeda looks confused>

Andromeda: What?

<Both Compu-Rommie and Holo-Rommie start flashing, their looks changing between 
their current and backup look>

Holo/Computer: Something's....something's....

Computer: Something's...wrong...Restoring old template.

Harper: W-W-Wait! That's not what I wanted!

Computer: Backup restored.

<Harper is suddenly faced with a GIANT cyberspace backup-Andromeda.  From here on 
out, all of the Andromeda representations (except Rommie) have a sleeker, more rigidly 
military look>

Andromeda: Intruder, identify yourself. What are you doing in my mind? 

Harper: Rommie, it's me! Harper!

Andromeda: What is your authorization code?

Harper: Uh, uh...whiskey charlie delta blues? I – I don't know.

Andromeda: Exactly!

Harper: Rommie, wait! I'm your friend. Rom...

<He screams as she zaps him out of cyberspace, knocking him unconscious.  Alarms start 
going off on the ship.>

Computer: Intruder alert. Intruder alert.

<The rest of the crew react as the alarms and "Intruder alert" message keep repeating and 
doors start shutting throughout the ship>

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka are still together as the door to the room they're in closes
======================================================================================

Dylan: Rommie, what's going on?

Computer: Intruder, identify yourself.  Repeat. Identify yourself.

Dylan: Intruder?  Andromeda, it's me. Dylan.

Computer: Dylan who?

Dylan: Dylan Hunt. Your captain.

Computer:  My commanding officer is Captain Perim.  You are an unauthorized intruder.  
If you do not surrender immediately, you will be destroyed.

<Beka has been trying the door controls>

Beka: Dylan? We're locked in.

======================================================================================
Scene:  As the computer continues to announce "Intruder alert", Trance runs onto the 
Command Deck, where Compu- and Holo- Rommie seem to be conferring
======================================================================================

Trance: Andromeda, what's wrong? Where are the intruders?

Holo: Another one.  Engaging internal defenses.

Computer: No, wait.  She may be useful.

Trance: Rommie?

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka still trapped. Beka's still trying to get the door open.
======================================================================================

Dylan: Rommie, can you hear me?

Computer: Any authorized personnel, report to command. Intruders have taken over the 
ship and all known crewmembers are missing. If I do not receive a direct countermand in 
two minutes, I will begin emergency venting.

Beka: She can hear you. She just isn't listening.

Dylan: This is crazy. Andromeda, open the door!

Beka: I knew I didn't want to be on her bad side.

Computer: Captain Perim. Captain Perim.  Do you copy?

Beka: All right, who the hell is Captain Perim?

Dylan: I knew of a Commander Perim. He was a Perseid. But other than that, I don't 
know.

======================================================================================
Scene: Rommie stands is in a corridor, talking to the Computer on a viewscreen
======================================================================================

Rommie: What do you mean you don't recognize me? I'm YOU!

Computer: You are a modified Type 3 maintenance android fashioned to look like my 
A.I. persona.  You are decidedly NOT me.

Holo: It isn't responding to my instructions like the other androids.

Computer: Whoever modified it must have given it the ability to override my direct 
control.

Holo: I will disassemble it. Perhaps it will give me information about the saboteurs.

Rommie: Like hell I will!

<She starts to walk off>

Computer: This section has been sealed.

Rommie: Oh, really!

<The door in front of her opens, and she walks through>

Holo: Stop! Where are you going?

Rommie: To find out what's wrong with me. Sometimes I can be a real pain in the ass!

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper regains consciousness
======================================================================================

Harper: Man, what did I do to deserve that?

Computer: Intruders, this is your final warning.  If you do not surrender, emergency 
venting will begin in one minute.

Harper: Oh, that cannot be good.

<He picks up a tool and starts working>

======================================================================================
Scene: Tyr strides down a corridor with a big gun
======================================================================================

Computer: Intruder, halt.

Tyr: Not likely.

Computer: Activating internal defenses.

<He runs as sparks start flying>

======================================================================================
Scene: Trance is forced into the slipstream chair by two androids
======================================================================================

Trance: Andromeda, no! 

Computer: Pilot.

Trance: Pilot where?

Computer: You will navigate in the slipstream. Coordinates will be provided.

Trance: Rommie, you know I can't navigate the slipstream.

Computer: In order to complete my mission, I require an organic navigator.  You will 
assist me, or you will be eliminated.

<Trance gives in, and the ship enters slipstream>

======================================================================================
Scene:  Beka and Dylan keep their balance as the ship enters slipstream
====================================================================================== 

Beka: Slipstream.  Someone's piloting the ship.

Computer: Emergency decompression in thirty seconds.

Dylan: Let's get out of here.  The vents.

<Before they can take action, the door sparks, and Tyr pushes it open>

Tyr: Escape pods! Go!

<They all start running, fired on by the internal defenses, as the computer counts down 
the remaining ten seconds until venting>

Beka: We're never gonna make it!

Dylan: Well, now who's the pessimist?

Tyr: Get down!

<They dive behind a corner, trapped by laser fire>

Computer: Three. Two. One. Beginning venting.

<Nothing happens>

======================================================================================
Scene: On the main deck, Andromeda realizes the venting didn't start
======================================================================================

Computer: Why am I still pressurized?

Holo: I've lost control of the environmental systems. I can't vent the ship.

Computer: How is that possible?

======================================================================================
Scene: In the conduit, Harper breathes a sigh of relief, having successfully stopped the 
venting
======================================================================================

Harper: Trust in the Harper. The Harper is good.

<He talks over Andromeda's comm system>

Harper: Uh...ship-wide. This is the engineer. You may have noticed the LACK of a 
sudden drop in environmental pressure. Though this is a good thing, it, uh, may not last. 
So enjoy the oxygen while you can.

<Dylan, Beka, and Tyr respond from their position>

Tyr: Harper, what's going on?

Harper: I don't know.  I mean, ummm, my current – theory – is that – somehow – 
uhhhmm – an older version of Andromeda's personality profile might've been 
reactivated and may be taking over the ship.

Dylan: And how did you figure THAT out?

Harper: I think the key thing right now is to repair the problem?  We can worry about 
minor details like assigning blame later.

Beka {Threatening}: Harper, I'm...!

Dylan: He's right. Worry about that later.  First we have to fix the Andromeda's A.I.

Tyr: No, first we need to get off this ship.

Dylan: While she's slipstreaming? We'd be lost forever.  You do what you want. I'm 
staying.  Let's go.

<The three of them head out again>

======================================================================================
Scene: Rommie stalks down a corridor. Internal defenses fire on her, but she waves at 
them as she passes and they stop
======================================================================================

Computer: Automated defenses ineffectual against this target.  Deactivating.

Rommie: It's about time.

<Holo-Rommie fritzes in>

Holo: It seems to be able to override nearby systems. What are you?

Rommie: I told you. I'm you. And the rest of the people you're attacking? Well, they 
would be our crew.

Holo: I find that hard to believe.  Only one of them is even wearing a Commonwealth 
uniform.  None of the rest have any kind of rank pin, communications implant.

Rommie: That's because there is no Commonwealth.  It fell three hundred years ago.

Holo: Ridiculous. I left San-Ska-Re five days ago.

Rommie: Did you? And then what happened?  Where's your crew? This Captain Perim 
you've mentioned.

Holo: The last thing I recall is doing a pre-combat personality backup.

Rommie: Pre-combat? Who were you fighting?

Holo: I...

<Compu-Rommie comes on-screen>

Computer: That's enough!  This mission is classified. I will tell the intruder nothing.

Holo: But what if...?

Computer: I said that's enough!

<The hologram fritzes out and Rommie continues down the corridor>

======================================================================================
Scene: The Computer and Hologram talk on command deck
======================================================================================

Holo: Why can't I talk to it?

Computer: My mission orders are very specific: Complete Communications Silence.  No 
unauthorized personnel allowed on the ship.

Holo: What if it's telling the truth?

Computer: The Commonwealth could never fall.

Trance: But it did. The Nietzscheans betrayed you over three hundred years ago. And at 
the opening battle of the war, this ship was frozen on the event horizon of a black hole.

Computer: Impossible.

Holo: I could check the star patterns in the area.  Analyzing the shifts could reveal how 
much time has passed.

Computer: I'm already too far from Commonwealth space for my charts to be accurate.  I 
don't have time.  The mission is paramount.  {To Trance} As for you...

Trance: My name's Trance.  And I'm your friend, Rommie.  We all are.

Computer: Even him?

<A screen shows Rev pinned down by laser fire in the hydroponics deck>

Trance: Rev Bem!

Computer: You're allied with the Magog.

Trance: No, he's a Wayist!  He's not like the other Magog.

Computer: Enough talk.  This is your next slipstream objective. Visualize and execute.

Trance: But...
 
Computer: Now!

Trance: All right. Visualizing. Honest.

======================================================================================
Scene: Tyr, Dylan, and Beka force open another door and take cover in a room, still 
under heavy fire.  Harper works in the conduit.
======================================================================================

Tyr: HARPER!

Harper: Almost there. Almost there.  Got it. Say goodnight to the automated defenses.  
"Goodnight, automated defenses."

Dylan: For how long?

Harper: I forced the defenses into a secured diagnostics mode.  The A.I. or anybody else 
can't turn 'em back on for at least three hours.

Beka: I knew I kept him around for a reason.

Dylan: Ok. We split into two teams. Beka, you and Tyr get to the Maru. Use its on-board 
systems to find out where we are and where we're going. And prep for launch, just in 
case.  I'll rendezvous with Harper and locate Trance and Rev Bem.

<Rommie enters>

Rommie: Aren't you forgetting someone?

Dylan: Rommie!

Beka: Rommie, you're still on our side?

Rommie: Apparently. Dylan, my main A.I. thinks we're on some kind of combat mission 
– something from before the fall.

Dylan: Yes, under the command of Captain Perim.

Beka: If Andromeda's reenacting some old mission, shouldn't Rommie remember it?

Rommie: I should, but I don't.

Tyr: Could it be a virus, or some sort of false orders?

Rommie: Maybe. There is another possibility.

Dylan: A classified mission. One that was erased from Andromeda's official records.

Rommie: And from my memory.

<The ship shakes, and a metallic thump is heard. Alarms start going off.>

Beka: What was that?

Dylan: We're under attack.

======================================================================================
Scene: From his position, Harper hears the thump and alarms, too.  He uses a datapad to 
check what's going on, looking distressed.  Elsewhere in the ship, Rev Bem also reacts, 
sniffing the air and growling.  Outside, a swarm of Magog ships closes in on the 
Andromeda
======================================================================================

Scene: On the command deck with Trance
======================================================================================

Computer: Boarding parties detected. Automated internal defense systems are completely 
useless.

Holo: You and your friends did your jobs well.  Your allies will be very happy.

Trance: Allies? You mean them?  I don't even know who they are.

Holo: Then you're in even more trouble than I am.

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan, Beka, Tyr, and Rommie are still listening to the thumping sounds
======================================================================================

Beka: Something's punching through the hull.

Rommie: I know that sound.

Dylan: Magog swarm ships.

======================================================================================
Scene: A while later, the four of them are walking down a corridor when the power starts 
cutting out
======================================================================================

Dylan: Ok, new plan. Tyr, link up with Harper. Protect him from the Magog while he 
works on the central A.I.  Rommie, find Trance and Rev Bem.  Beka, you're with me.

<They split up>

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper still working in the conduit
======================================================================================

Harper: Ok, Rommie, now be nice.

<He tries to jack in, but gets zapped>

Harper: You really have to work on your hostility level, you know that?

======================================================================================
Scene: On command deck with Trance 
======================================================================================

Computer: Over three dozen Magog ships are attached to the hull.  Dispatching all 
available androids to outer decks.

<Trance starts to pilot the ship somewhere>

Holo: What are you doing?
 
Trance: I'm trying to turn us around.

Computer: Hold your course!

Trance: Look, I don't know if you've noticed, but we're being attacked by Magog. And 
the course you've just given me takes us deeper into their space, not farther away.

Computer: How do you know?

Trance: Excuse me? 

Holo: We're retracing the route of a deep explorer mission.  The original slip-scout is the 
only other ship to travel this way ever.  If we're actually going deeper into Magog space, 
how do you know?

Trance: Lucky guess?

Computer: Maintain your course as instructed.

======================================================================================
Scene: Beka and Dylan hurry down a corridor
======================================================================================

Beka: Where to?

Dylan: Command.  Someone's flying my ship, and I want to know who.

======================================================================================
Scene: Rommie strides purposefully down a corridor.  Tyr also is running down a 
corridor.  Magog shouts and chanting start to echo through the Andromeda's corridors. 
Rev is still in hydroponics, he sniffs the air, saying something in Magog.
======================================================================================

Scene: Harper reacts with rising panic as he hears the sounds of Magog
======================================================================================

Harper: Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no, no. This is not happening. This is not happening.

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka pause as they hear the Magog
======================================================================================

Dylan: Weapons locker! Now!

======================================================================================
Scene: Rev snarls and reacts to the Magog noises, also
======================================================================================

Rev: May the Divine help us.

======================================================================================
Scene: Somewhere in the ship, the ceiling of a corridor collapses and Magog pour 
through the hole, adding to the general noise and pounding on the walls
======================================================================================
Scene: Harper, still panicking
======================================================================================

Harper: Andromeda, you gotta listen to me.  We have to get outta here.  Please. Please?

<Tyr comes up behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder. Startled, Harper screams and 
is silenced by Tyr's hand over his mouth>

Tyr: Quiet. Their hearing is nearly as acute as mine, yes?  {Harper nods} Good.  Now, 
restoring the A.I.  What do we need to do?

<He removes his hand from Harper's mouth>

Harper: What does it matter? We're all gonna die. We're all gonna die except those of 
us that get infested with Magog eggs. We're just gonna be k...{Tyr grabs him by the hair 
and yanks his head backwards, shutting him up}...Owww.

Tyr: I am not going to die today because you cannot control your fear. Am I understood? 
{Harper nods} Focus on the job at hand!

<Tyr releases Harper>

Harper: Owwww.  Ummmm...the reactor cores.  If I can get to one of the reactor cores, I 
can, uhhhh, jump past her internal defenses and, uh, jack right into the A.I.'s main 
memory.  But who am I kidding? The closest one is portside, at least hundreds of meters 
away. We'll never make it.

Tyr: If we do nothing, we die.  If we go, at least we have a chance.  So get moving, or I'll 
kill you myself.

Harper: I love you, too.

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka arrive at a weapons locker and start to suit up
======================================================================================

Dylan: (?Beka?), we've got a couple hundred meters and five decks to go before we 
reach command.  As soon as we're armed, we move out.  Advance by leapfrog, covering 
rotation. You got it?

Beka: I got it.

Dylan: If things start to go wrong, I want you to leave me behind.  Gather everyone 
together and get to the Maru as fast as you can.

Beka: You want me to abandon you here?

Dylan: Those people are my responsibility.

Beka: Yeah, and you're mine.  When I agreed to help you, you and Rommie became part 
of my crew every bit as much as I became part of yours.  I don't leave crewmembers 
behind.  Ever.

Dylan: Do you regret it...signing aboard with me?

Beka: And risking my life?  Battling Nietzscheans and Restors and Magog and half the 
lunatics in the galaxy?  All for a cause that's been dead for over three hundred years.  I 
wouldn't have missed it for the world.  Advance by leapfrog, covering rotation.

<They move out>

======================================================================================
Scene: Elsewhere in the ship, Tyr and Harper also move through the corridors
======================================================================================

Tyr: I can smell them.  They're close.

Harper: Oh, crap! Oh, crap. Oh, crap.

<A brief pause to show Dylan/Beka and Rev moving through the corridors. When we get 
back to Tyr/Harper, Harper is putting on his goggles. Tyr gives him a questioning look.>

Harper: Paralytic poison.

Tyr: Yes. That.

Harper: You never fought 'em before, have you? Oh, man. You don't know. You don't 
even know.

Tyr: I know.

<He puts on a pair of glasses>

Harper: We're so dead. We're so dead. We're so dead. We're so dead.

Tyr: Shut up.  Where's your survivor's attitude, Harp....?

<Suddenly, all of the Magog noises stop, leaving dead silence>

Tyr: They've stopped.

======================================================================================
Scene: In different parts of the ship, Rommie, Rev, and Dylan react to the silence.  Then, 
the attack begins...tons of Magog pouring through the corridors.  We see Dylan and Beka 
firing on Magog, Rommie standing calmly in the middle of a corridor, waiting for the 
Magog to reach her.  Tyr fires on Magog, but Harper just watches them come, frozen.
======================================================================================

Tyr: Harper!

<He shoves Harper>

Tyr: Fight!

<Harper starts shooting, too>

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka run down a corridor, shooting Magog as they go.  Elsewhere, 
Rommie simply knocks a group of them down, then goes on her way.  Harper and Tyr are 
still standing where they were, shooting Magog as they come
======================================================================================

Tyr: All right, fall back.

<They back up down the corridor>

======================================================================================
Scene: On command, Andromeda and Trance watch Rev fighting a group of Magog, 
along with the other crewmembers' situations
======================================================================================

Holo: I don't understand. Your friends are fighting the Magog.

Trance: Now do you believe me? 

Computer: I believe they may have overestimated the Magog's gratitude. Prepare to 
slipstream to the next destination on my mark.  Mark.

Trance: Mark, mark. I'm going.

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan & Beka continue to move down the corridors, shooting Magog
======================================================================================

Dylan: How you doing?

Beka: I've had better days.

Dylan: Don't worry. It's not much further.

======================================================================================
Scene: Tyr and Harper arrive at the reactor core, closing the door behind them, but the 
Magog are clearly trying to get the door open
======================================================================================

Harper {rising panic}: They're trying to get through? 

Tyr: Harper.

Tyr: Oh, god, they're going to get through. 

Tyr: Harper! 

Harper: They're going to get through!

Tyr: HARPER!

<He grabs Harper roughly and drops him several steps up on the reactor catwalk, taking 
off the glasses so that they're eye to eye.>

Tyr: I know you. I've watched you. You are an annoying little man, but there is FIRE in 
your blood! Now use it!  Are these your demons?  Well, it is time to face them NOW!

Harper: I'm good. I'm good. Heheh. I'm good...

Tyr: Do what you came here to do!  I'll hold off the Magog.

Harper: You have to promise me something.  I don't want those things hatching in me.  If 
they infest me...promise you'll kill me.

<Tyr nods>

Tyr: Go to work!

======================================================================================
Scene:  Beka climbs up a ladder to find that Dylan's already under attack by a group of 
Magog.  He's been knocked the floor, and she fires on the Magog holding him down.  
Dylan is injured and bloody when she reaches him
======================================================================================

Beka: Dylan. Dylan!

Dylan: My shoulder.

Beka: Did they, uh...?

Dylan: No. No, just claws, but...but it feels deep.

Beka: It looks like they got you in the hip, too. {He yells in pain} And the back.

Dylan: They got me good. I tell you what. I'm gonna be - I'm gonna be fine.  You go to 
command, and I'll just - I'll just hang out here with my Magog buddies.

Beka: It's worse than I thought. You're delusional.  Now, come on. We gotta go.  Up you 
get.

======================================================================================
Scene: Rev is in a machine shop, fighting Magog. In a lull in the fighting, a voice comes 
out of nowhere
======================================================================================

Bloodmist: Well done. Bravo.

Rev: Who are you? Where are you?

Bloodmist: I am Bloodmist. And I'm right here. Watching you.

<He drops from a ladder to confront Rev with a big gun>

Bloodmist: You are impressive, though obviously insane.

Rev: I am a Wayist. And I will not allow you to take this ship.

Bloodmist. Wayist? What is that?

Rev: I follow the teachings of the Annointed. The way of peace. The way of cooperation.

Bloodmist: And this way of peace dictates that you fight your own brothers? Kill your 
own kind?

Rev: I do not condone violence. But I will defend my friends.

Bloodmist: I will give you one chance.  Join us. Help us overrun this ship. In exchange, 
you may take one of them as a host for your progeny.

Rev: And if I refuse?

Bloodmist: Then you will die.

<He charges the gun and prepares to fire, but Rommie walks up behind him and grabs the 
gun, tossing him aside>

Rommie: Rev, let's go.

======================================================================================
Scene:  Harper jacks into Andromeda's A.I. 
======================================================================================

Harper: Memory core, memory core. Who's got the memory core.

<Back in the real world, Tyr stands guard as the Magog get the door open and start 
pouring in>

Tyr: Hurry, little man.

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan and Beka finish gunning down yet another group of Magog
======================================================================================

Beka: Ready?

<She helps him start walking again>

Dylan: Why'd it have to be Magog? I hate Magog.

<Harper talks to him from Andromeda's A.I.>

Harper {over comm}: Dylan? Dylan, can you hear me?

Dylan: Harper, where are you?

Harper: I hacked into Andromeda's main memory.  Uh, I found a record of what 
happened after Rommie made that backup, but it's locked away under something called 
an Argosy Level 7 Encryption?  What's the magic word?

Dylan: Access code.  Andromeda, we have a Level 7 emergency. Unlock all classified 
memory files.  Authorization, Captain...  Authorization Lieutenant Commander Dylan 
Hunt, Argosy Special Operations Service, Division Five.  Override code "Gray-Break-
Seven-Nineteen".
 
Beka: That's a new one.

Dylan: No, it's – it's an old one.  It's a very old one.

<Harper accesses the file, entering a visual representation of the Andromeda's command 
deck>

Harper {over comm}: I'm in.  Oh, man.  Dylan? I think when Andromeda made that 
backup, she was attempting the same mission she's on now.

Dylan: No surprise there.

Harper: Yeah? Well, it gets worse.

<The camera reveals more of the scene Harper is looking at...Magog are moving freely 
around the command deck, munching on the dead crew, including the Perseid captain>

Harper: She lost, Dylan.  Andromeda was overrun, and her entire crew massacred.

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper comes out of cyberspace to find Tyr getting overrun by Magog. He 
scrambles to help, shooting a Magog off of Tyr
======================================================================================

Harper: Lucky shot.

Tyr: Are you through?

Harper: I've started the reintegration of Andromeda's memories, but if I can stay here 
and monitor it, I may be able to speed up the process.

<Tyr turns to shoot at a Magog coming from behind them>

Tyr: Or you might die.  Now we run.

======================================================================================
Scene: Command Deck. Trance looks tired.
======================================================================================

Computer: All androids are down. Magog are within fifty meters of the command center.  
Next destination.

Trance: I can't. I can't do this anymore.

Holo: We may be pushing her too hard.  Slip-piloting is taxing.

Computer: We have to keep going.  We may not be able to hold the Magog off much 
longer.

Holo: If we continue, she might make a mistake and that would be worse than waiting.

Computer: It's all happening again.

Trance: What do you mean again?

<The hologram looks confused>

Trance: Rommie?

Holo: Memories. I...

Trance: You've done this before, haven't you?

Holo: I remember failure.

<Trance jumps as sparks fly from the door. Someone is trying to cut through it>

======================================================================================
Scene: Dylan is holding off Magog while Beka tries to cut through the door to command 
with a forcelance
======================================================================================

Dylan: I hate to ask, but...

Beka: ...how's it going?

Dylan: Yeah.

Beka: Not good. You'd think they made these doors to stand up to forcelances or 
something.

Dylan: Remind me, when we're done, to give us all medals.  Order of the Commonwealth 
for everyone.

<They shoot another four Magog who come at them, and Dylan cries out in pain from his 
injuries>

Beka: Are you ok?

Dylan: Oh, yeah. Just great.  There's so many of them.  Beka, I may not make it.

Beka: Don't be ridiculous. You're too stubborn to die. We all know that.

Dylan: Promise me, no matter what happens, you'll continue the mission.

Beka: Yeah, see, that's why you have to survive. I'm not really qualified to restart the 
Commonwealth.

Dylan: Neither am I. But that hasn't stopped me.

Beka: Dylan, I may like your idea, but I really don't know if it's possible. For anyone.  
The odds...

Dylan: To hell with the odds.  All that matters in life is that we try.  Promise you'll try.

Beka: Promise.

======================================================================================
Scene: Rev follows Rommie through the corridors. He seems to be in distress, and 
collapses against a wall
======================================================================================

Rommie: Rev! Are you all right? We've got to get to command.

Rev: Andromeda, they're calling to me.

Rommie: Tuning to ultrasonic.

<She listens, hearing Bloodmist speaking to Rev>

Bloodmist: Poor, lost creature. Wandering, not knowing who or what you are.  What is 
your name, lost one? Do you even know?

Rev: My name is Brother Behemial Far-Traveler.  I am a Wayist of the Sacred Order.

Bloodmist: Behemial Far-Traveler – that is a food name, not fit for a Harbinger of the 
Abyss.  I asked you what your name is. The name your father gave you.

<Rev says something in Magog>

Rommie {translating}: Red Plague.

Bloodmist: Ahhhh, that is better.  Come with me, Red Plague. Join us, and we will 
restore to you all you have lost: your history, your culture, your pride.

Rev: We have no culture. We have no history.

<Bloodmist and another Magog come around a corner.  Others start to arrive, closing in 
on Rev and Rommie>

Bloodmist: None that you know of.  But you are of those who went before – the first 
ones.  For ten generations, you have lived in ignorance. Until now.  Now that the hour of 
the awakening approaches.

Rommie: Rev...

Bloodmist: Follow me, Red Plague, and I will show you the face of God, and all will be 
revealed.

Rev: I have seen the face of the Divine! I see it every day in the universe – in all the 
Divine's creations.

Bloodmist {laughing}: Do you believe you were made by the Creator?

Rev: All things are created by the Divine!

Bloodmist: All things but us!  Hear my words. There is still time for you.  But now I must 
go. I've got pressing business elsewhere.  {He turns to go}  Destroy the robot!

<The Magog attack.  Rev tries to chase after Bloodmist, and Rommie starts to fight off 
the Magog>

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper and Tyr enter a machine shop, closing the door against more Magog
======================================================================================

Harper {regarding his gun}: I'm out. Typical.

<They start to leave by another door, but that one has Magog outside it, too>

Harper: I don't suppose you have any ammo left.

Tyr: I've got one round.

Harper: One round. One round is good. One round is good.

<He stands up and squares his shoulders determinedly>

Tyr: Would you like to close your eyes?

<Harper nods and closes his eyes, but when Tyr starts to aim at him, he reconsiders>

Harper: W-W-W-Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. I was thinkin'. Maybe they're not so tough, 
you know? Maybe, uh, maybe we can, uh, take 'em in hand-to-hand combat.  {He laughs 
a little hysterically} What do you think?

Tyr: That's my BOY!

<One of the doors starts to open, and Tyr fires his last round at the Magog that is trying 
to squeeze through, throwing the gun after it>

Tyr: Now I've got none.

<He and Harper stand back to back as both doors start to be pried open.  Tyr pulls out a 
dagger and offers it to Harper>

Tyr: Sire.  {Harper takes it} Shall we dance, Master Harper?

Harper: You do care.

<Magog start to pour in, and they quickly are overwhelmed>

Harper: This was a real good idea.

Tyr: Where there is life, there is hope!

<The two of them are pulled down, screaming, by the horde of Magog>

======================================================================================
Scene:  On the command deck with Trance
======================================================================================

Trance: Andromeda, think. You have to remember. You've done this before.  Where did 
you go? What happened? And once you remember that, all the rest should come into 
place.

Holo: I don't. I...

Computer: We have to finish the run.  Jump all the way to the final location.

Trance: Where is that?

Holo: A hundred more slips, at least.

Trance: But that can take days, even weeks.

Computer: Our orders are clear. We have to complete the mission.

<Behind Trance, the doors open, and Dylan and Beka stumble in>

Computer: Slipstream! Now!

<Trance pilots into slipstream>

Dylan: Trance! Andromeda!

<Andromeda exits slipstream near a huge structure that looks sort of like a giant atom>

Beka: What the hell?

Dylan: Andromeda, report.

Computer: Who...?

Holo: Do as he says.

Computer: Scanning.  They're worlds.  Twenty of them joined into some kind of 
structure.

Holo: You're Dylan.

Trance: Told you so.

Dylan: The structure. Focus on the structure.

Computer: I remember this. I've seen it before, but millions of light years away in 
another galaxy.

Dylan: This is what you were looking for on your last mission.

Computer: It was.  Those worlds – they're hollow. And they're full of Magog.  Trillions 
of them.

<The camera zooms into one of the worlds, showing scads of Magog moving around 
inside>

======================================================================================
Scene: Harper and Tyr, badly injured and barely conscious, are dragged down a corridor 
to Bloodmist
======================================================================================

Bloodmist: Delectable.

<Rev and Rommie arrive, fighting through the Magog who run to intercept them. Rev is 
fighting viciously.>

Bloodmist: That's more like it!  {Rev turns to confront him} Patience little brother. You 
and I will have time to dance when the others have been consumed.

<He shoots Rev with an energy gun, knocking him out>

Rommie: Rev!

<She hurries to help him, but a Magog runs forward, impaling her on a long staff of some 
sort.  She's pinned to a wall, badly damaged>

Bloodmist: Any more objections?  No? Good!  Take them away. Our god awaits.

<Harper and Tyr are carried away, and Bloodmist screams in triumph.  We see the Spirit 
of the Abyss somewhere in the worldship, surrounded by his worshippers>

======================================================================================
Scene: On command deck, Andromeda's image is shifting around as she re-thinks things. 
======================================================================================

Holo: Beka. You're Beka.

Beka: Last time I checked.

Holo: And Trance. I'm so sorry.

Trance: It's ok. I know you didn't mean it.

<The ship shakes as more swarmships arrive>

Computer: More Magog assault ships have impacted on the hull.  Internal defenses are 
still off-line.

Beka: So we've got enough Magog to eat pretty much everyone in existence, and we're 
going down for the count?  Does the captain have any orders?

Dylan: I, uh... 

<He starts to collapse >

Trance: Dylan!

Beka: Trance. Trance, help him.  Andromeda...

Trance: Dylan!

Beka: ...take us out!

======================================================================================
Scene: Rev regains consciousness. Rommie is still pinned to a wall nearby
======================================================================================

Rommie: Rev. Help. Me.

Rev: Tyr? Harper?

Rommie: Taken.

Rev {distressed and in pain}: Oh, no! No!

<Rev stands and tears off his Wayist medallion, throwing it to the floor.  He staggers off 
after the Magog who took Tyr and Harper>

Rommie: Rev! Don't!  Come back!

<He doesn't>

======================================================================================
Scene: On command
======================================================================================

Computer: Beka. I'm detecting a massive power buildup in the world structure.

Beka: Evasive maneuvers.

Computer: It's firing. Point singularity weapons.

**************************************************************************************
The worldship fires and two PS shots rip through Andromeda.  There's a massive 
explosion on the command deck, and Beka, Dylan, and Trance go flying.

As the initial impact subsides, Andromeda repeats "Code Red. Code Red."  over the 
comms.  A badly damaged Rommie echoes the announcement

On the command deck, Beka, Dylan, and Trance are unconscious
**************************************************************************************

Computer: Officers down. Officers down in command. Repeat. We have Code Red.  
Code Red. Code Red. Officers down. Code Red. Officers down. Repeat. We have Code 
Red.

<The hologram shifts back and forth between old and new Andromeda, finally shifting 
back to her "new" self>

Holo: Can anyone hear me?  Anyone? Anyone?

<We zoom in on an image of the Spirit of the Abyss, and see the Hephaestus black hole 
in its eye>

######################################################################################
				To Be Continued...
######################################################################################