Andromeda Gate #4 Calm Before The Storm

Andromeda

Gate Quest:

Calm Before The Storm

Genie Driscoll

Copyright © 2017 Genie Driscoll

All rights reserved. First Edition.

Smashwords, License Notes

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Lulu.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Books by this author

by Genie Driscoll

Andromeda Gate Quests #1 Andromeda

Andromeda Gate Quests #2 Solaris

Andromeda Gate Quests #3 Enemies or Allies

Andromeda Gate Quests #4 Calm Before The Storm

Andromeda Gate Quests #5 Enemy Within

Romance Anthology #1

Romance Anthology #2

Tavonovich #1 : International Intrigue

Tavonovich #2 : Cocaine

Tavonovich #3 : Dirty Wars

Tavonovich #4 : Agent M.I.A

Tavonovich #5 : Trouble in Paradise

Tavonovich #6 : Into Africa

Tavonovich #7 : Family Ties

Conflict of Interest

Neverland Romance

Earthdome Space Fleet

A twist in the Tale

Cleo & The Lawman

Sheriff of Coco Point

Laird of Glencarriagh

Eternal Love

Time Leap

Kissing Bandit

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

—oOo—

The Major sat at the security station in the gate room. He was reviewing the files from the previous night. Ever since the Siobhan had been welcomed aboard Andromeda by Roberts, the Major had been keeping a close eye on their movements. The number of security patrols had been increased as a precaution and any sensitive areas were off limits to their visitors. Leaning back in his seat, he sipped his warm cup of tea.

The previous night he had organized a card game in his new quarters for his UA team. Lt. Masters, Carter and Dr. Chambers had also transferred across from Heliopolis with the Major and he was glad that they did.

They had been an UA team for 6 months now and had been on numerous off-world missions. They had faced the Phantom together and come through in one piece. He had come to trust each one of them.

He had realized that taking this assignment on Andromeda would mean that his regular trips to Earth would be postponed for now. Before the Ancient city had departed, Mike had sent a message to his Family to let them know that he would be out of contact for an extended period of time.

They knew that he had been assigned to the US, but had no idea of his true posting, a galaxy away. The Major was close to his parents, older sister and younger brother. Irish families were like that.

Taking another sip from his mug, he moved onto the next security feed.

2 hours later, the Major was overseeing the final preparations for the 2 week trip to the Andromeda galaxy. Security teams were doing final sweeps and bed checks, ensuring that all personnel were in the quarters.

He strolled along the empty corridor in the habitat section. The place seemed abandoned with nearly everyone in their quarters, preparing for the long sleep. Mike wondered what it would be like, sleeping for 2 weeks.

Pierce only needed at most 2 hours sleep and even less than that on occasion. Military personnel needed to be on guard at all times, so the commodity of a good night’s sleep was a rare thing.

The Major contacted Rico in the control room. Pierce to Bennett, all security teams have completed their sweeps. All personnel have reported to their quarters.

Except you and I, Major. I don’t like the idea of putting everyone to sleep with people on board that we don’t know. Since its only two weeks, I propose that you and I split the time along with each of our teams, just in case. I’ll take the first watch. You should get to your quarters.

On my way there now. See you in 2 weeks Lieutenant, replied Pierce as he made his way to his quarters.

See you, half passed next week.

—oOo—

It didn’t take Andrea long to figure out that Bennett had disobeyed a direct order, when a call came over her ear-mic from her First Prime, My lady, one of the soldiers of the security has been spotted moving through the 2nd level and he is not alone.

Andrea went up to her chair and sat back initiating the mainframe and scanned for non-symbiote life forms. She saw 4 teams spread throughout the city and she glared at the points and tapping some symbols on her small keypad she scanned the ID chips and with an oath, slid up and got off her chair snapping into her mic, Ceti mid’cha Kreel. shor’wai’e! Yas! Yas!

Within 10 minutes her First Prime and 6 Ceti were in the Ops. She gave them redirection orders and they followed her to where she had located Bennett. Using a PFD she located him and his team and she said quietly to her Ceti, Ash’rak Bashaak sha’lokma’kor ki’banja’swei. Kegalo. Bashaak kreel.

The First Prime smiled and replied in English Like a hunt?

Andrea grinned and replied in English, Yes, consider this a training exercise, about who can outsmart the Earthers first.

She and the Ceti had time on their hands and it would be an interesting hide and seek ploy. She contacted Mara and told her what was up and to be aware that the security team might be in to see her.

After all if they were going to disobey her orders…

None of them knew that she and the Ceti would be hunting them…

She took a Laser and she and her Ceti parted company to seek out their prey!

Meanwhile…

Aeclyn stepped into her family’s quarters, pausing just inside the doorway like always. A small light filled orb zipped across the common area and into one of the bedrooms on the opposite side. Good to see some things never change.

Amai?

Just got here.

A small, eight year old girl stepped into the common area from the bedroom on the left, the light filled orb floating beside her. She smiled at Aeclyn, her blue eyes bright in a halo of soft blonde hair.

She raised her chin ever so slightly to indicate her sixteen year old brother who’d just emerged from the room opposite hers. Xo was playing shouf with me.

Extending her hand, Aeclyn brought the light ball to her fingers.

One of these days you two are going to have to explain to me how this game is played.

For starters, you’re not supposed to hold the ball physically. Xoaln grinned. Why do you think Dhana had it floating beside her head?

Aeclyn studied the ball in her hand. Rohn and Jodh here?

No, they joined General Ilaxi. Xoaln bit his lower lip.

I suppose I knew this day was coming. Aeclyn sighed. There was a time when I hoped that we would someday be able to return to our peaceful existence as simple dwellers, but I’ve given up on that.

Dhana ran towards Aeclyn and threw her arms around her mother, hugging her tight. Don’t worry, amai, they promised to come by and check in from time to time.

Probably right around dinner. Xoaln said with a roll of his eyes.

Probably. Aeclyn agreed with a smile, then looking across at her youngest son, she said, We need to talk.

About?

Aeclyn pulled back and looked down into Dhana’s eyes. I want you to go put on your night wear.

But…

Please, Dhana. Aeclyn insisted.

Yes, amai.

Once her youngest was out of earshot, Aeclyn walked over to Xoaln and pulled him down on the couch beside her. They’re putting us in stasis for two weeks.

Xoaln’s eyes widened. I can’t do that. We’re not permitted to let anything outside of nature affect us directly.

Exactly. I want you to put on your rhe and go find Djet Conil. Stay with him and he’ll keep your way pure. Then when this long sleep is over I want you right here to see me and Dhana when we wake up.

Xoaln got to his feet; leaned over and dropped a kiss on his mother’s forehead; and quickly headed for his room. Minutes later he came out wearing a long white, hooded robe just as his sister entered in her pajamas.

Where’s Xo going?

To see Djet Conil. Aeclyn patted the seat next to her and smiled when her youngest ran over and climbed up on the couch next to her.

Xoaln dropped a kiss on his little sister’s forehead. Be good, bantling.

In response Dhana stuck her tongue out.

—oOo—-

In a room centrally located to all the others assigned to the Siobhan, the Corean religious leaders gathered. Their order did not permit any deviation from the natural.

Though they would not allow themselves to be put under in the usual manner, they had agreed to rest in a deep trance like state that they would induce on their own…

—oOo—

Rising from the bed, Roman approached a monitor station and accessed the Cities Security Grid. The blips on the screen showed the whereabouts of Lt. Bennett’s men as well as Andrea’s Ceti Warriors.

This is Lt Colonel Roman Black to Colonel Roberts. What is the situation? he asked.

Roberts was annoyed to find him awake and said as much when she rebuked him.

I know, I know but I had things set up to alert me if something like this happened. Have your Ceti stand down while I contact Rico. I know how much you love to hunt but they are our men after all, chided Roman.

Roberts snapped, If you had done your job correctly Colonel, neither Bennett nor his team would be running around Andromeda without permission, therefore the answer is a resounding NO. I am ordering you to go back into stasis and do not interfere. If Bennett feels the need to serve and protect then he also needs to understand the chain of command. Since he has elected to forego that status then he deserves what I and my Ceti have in store for him, and anyone else who wishes to cross the line.

Black rolled his eyes at her comment knowing that Andrea was overreacting as usual. Wait for me I’ll join you, he said to her.

Roberts sighed and replied, Don’t make me shoot you Colonel.

She heard no reply and her mood darkened even more. The Earthers were genuinely starting to irritate her beyond words.

As she rounded the corner she saw a member of Bennett’s team and the male turned around and looked at her in surprised shock. She smiled and indicated with her Laser to take a walk to the transporter. When he entered without comment, she looked at him and zapped him. Linking up to Mara she said quietly, Mara there is a security officer in the transport deck, have him placed in stasis please.

No doubts Bennett would be upset to learn that he was a man down and what would probably gall the Lieutenant was the fact that he would not be able to even raise the man. Roberts smiled in the darkened passageways. Sending a message to her Ceti she ordered them to round up the rest whilst she went on the hunt for Colonel Black. She found the thought of her tracking skills on him an interesting endeavor indeed. Too many places to hide in. It was going to be an interesting 2 weeks. Contacting the computer mainframe she said Computer, remove all knowledge of the whereabouts of the portal teams from hand held computer linkups for 24 hours.

The computer complied. Now everyone was even. Nobody could spot anyone else. Smiling she thought about the fact that she could sense them so in effect she was cheating. She slipped into the ships air duct and began walking through the bowels of Andromeda.

Black slipped on his jumpsuit and picked up a Laser gun. Using the last known location of Bennett’s men. Roman set out to find his Security Chief and stop his CO from a little bloodletting.

Rico was checking the force field with Colliers and Pedowski when they appeared. Four Ceti with staff weapons lowered, marching toward them in a straight line. Rico turned to see them and asked, What’s up, guys? There was no answer as they continued to advance.

Their weapons clicked open.

SHIT… COVER!

From sheltering doorways, Rico looked at Colliers across the corridor with a confused expression on his face. Using sign he asked if she had a smoke grenade. She did not but Pedowski did. Rico signed that he should throw it.

When the corridor was densely smoked. The three commandos ran full speed into it. The surprised Ceti were knocked over before they knew what was happening. The three were down the hall and around the corner before the Ceti could recover.

From the safety of a darkened storage room Colliers asked, What’s going on, loot?

Those Ceti are the Colonel’s personal guard. They don’t go off on their own which means they were sent. Pausing to think, Rico said to no one in particular. The Colonel is supposed to be Shadow Warrior but to tell you the truth, I don’t trust anyone with a snake in them and this action is certainly more like something a Rhesus would do. I think we should wake up the XO to see if he knows anything.

Roberts heard back from her Ceti and was not pleased at the results. With obvious annoyance she snapped out instructions for them to at least behave as if they were at war with the Earthers. Not attack in groups like amateurs… she shook her head in disgust. Her First Prime asked about firing on the Earthers and she snapped out, This is an exercise for all of us to determine how good or bad we are at security First Prime, so far we are not winning. Do better.

The First Prime knowing his reputation was suddenly on the line started sending out instructions to the rest of his Unit.

Meanwhile Roberts paused; she had heard something inside the air ducts.

Closing her eyes she concentrated and in the darkness she heard a pitter patter of feet. Small feet. The only children on the base were Siobhan and they were supposed to be in cryo right now. Tapping her com she whispered, Mara please locate the Siobhan and see that they are adhering to instructions.

It had been months that Roberts had gone inside the ducts; in fact the last time was when they cleared out the ship in the first place. With apprehension she carried on through the ship watching the various tunnels disappearing off on either side of her into the rest of the ship. Pausing at a dual viaduct that had water pipes running through it she heard a click sound tapping its way towards her. Like little feet but metallic and suddenly the darkness wasn’t something she wanted to play with anymore.

Her heart in her mouth almost she began making her way back the way she came as hurriedly as she could. However, whatever was in the tunnels with her began following her. Swallowing instant fear she opened dialogue to the mainframe and enquired who was in the tunnel with her… ominous silence greeted her before the computer replied, Replicator security.

She greeted that answer in fear. Her next question was how many. The computer replied 1500.

1500 security replicates? She was in trouble. She asked why they were there and why she had not been informed of their whereabouts. The computer replied, It is precaution against intruders.

Startled at the reply Andrea was shocked at the blatant disregard the computer had responded to the order that all the replicates be destroyed. To find that the mainframe had taken it upon itself to disobey a direct order from her did not bear thinking about. Even if they were confined to the tunnels. Then the remembered little feet of the Siobhan came to hit her and she knew the Siobhan were in danger on a grand scale. Oh crap! she muttered. Other than Bennett and the rest of his security team and her Ceti and Black, the whole base was in cryogenic sleep. Hitting her comm. she snapped to her Ceti, Stand down from exercise, we have an intruder alert. All Ceti meet me at section 3 near the fountains.

Her First Prime acknowledged the order reluctantly in one way and yet intrigued the next. Intruders?

Next she contacted Black and Bennett and informed them of the replicate intruders in the bowels of Andromeda. As she rounded a corner she came to a stop, when the thing she most feared stood in her way. Standing at 5ft with 8 legs and many eyes that glowed red in the dark, she swallowed, and knew that somehow the replicates had found her. She opened fire on it and watched in horror that the ammo bounced off its metallic hide and she turned and fled.

She pounded through the tunnels as fast as she could go knowing that the replicates were not far behind her as she could hear their pursuit loudly clanging off the metal deck walls. Calling the mainframe she requested help in navigating through the tunnels to safety when to her astonishment she heard, Colonel Roberts, this is a game and should not be disrupted until there is one winner. Therefore request denied. No communications.

Andrea was stunned, what had happened to her mainframe? Her exercise had turned into reality and the ship thought that it was just a game? She felt like stopping and stamping her feet in a tantrum. Crap, crap, crap… she muttered in hostility. She now wished she had Vargo awake, so that he could purge the computer and return it back to her command. Currently they were at war with the Andromeda. How was she going to warn everyone else? Especially as the computer had now rendered them all with a communications blackout.

She needed alternate route topside, coming to a standstill she paused and thought about the layout of the city. Her eyes lit up Of course

It took a little dodging and remembering of the layout before she got to the object of her thoughts and looking at it she swallowed hoping that her First Prime would know what to do, she climbed up a short way on the girders holding the pipes and looking carefully down the length she found the access point and began unbolting the screws. At least the flow was fast and constant.

Taking a huge breath and at the same time hearing the arrival of the replicates down the passage from her, she slipped her laser into her pocket and zipped it closed, then with a huge concentration and request of her symbiote, she forced the creature out of herself and tucked it into her breast pocket where it would be safe, closed the pocket and then swung her legs up and over and into the pipe hole she had opened and dropped into the icy cold water below. The cold almost made her lose her air supply. Frozen almost, it swallowed her up and flew her down the pipes towards the fountain.

Andrea felt the air leaving her and hoped her wrist symbiotes would at least keep her body safe enough. Lapsing into unconsciousness and drowning in the dark water tunnel Andrea did not know how long her body was finally pushed out into the open ground and directly into the fountain and waterfall.

The First Prime was getting nervous, where was the Colonel? He stood at the fountain waiting, the waterfall cascading gently down into a hip deep pool to disappear under the city again to be recycled.

He heard a huge splash near him and turning was horrified to see the lifeless body of his Commander floating inside the pool. With a cry of horror he climbed inside and rushed as fast as he could to her side and lifted her out.

She was not breathing. He remembered once before something like this happening and with careful fingering he searched for the symbiote and found the little creature inside the pocket. He had trained with Colonel Black and Commander Tighe and had begun CPR first, before allowing the symbiote access back into Andrea. The Symbiote would take care of her from then… But she needed to get to the medical department also. Lifting her body up, he ordered his Ceti to stay on watch.

Carrying her gently but quickly he ran with her to the transporter and got back to sickbay as fast as he could.

Looking over at Mara as he laid her on the bed he said, Water shock Knowing she would understand.

20 minutes later Andrea opened her eyes and blinked up at the ceiling. She stared at Mara and said, Good to see you. Didn’t like the last experience though. Remind me not to try and drown myself next time. Where Kreel?

Her First Prime stepped forwards and touched his fist to his chest said, I am thankful you have recovered my Lady.

She grinned and replied, How goes the war with the ship?

He replied, The ship is winning.

She scowled and rolled off the bed and stood up replying, Not if I can help it. Thanks Mara. I am okay. Kreel let’s go kill the replicators if we can.

Mara knew better than to object and nodded her head replying, Good luck Andrea.

—oOo—

Roman rounded the corner with his Laser in front of him and heard what could only be described as scraping noises inside the walls and around him. He pressed his mic and asked Rico for his location but received no reply. He tried again then sent word to Roberts wondering if she had set up some type of dampening field. When he didn’t hear from her, Roman became worried.

Using his uplink he activated the main computer and found that he was locked out and that a new security protocol was in place. He recognized the algorithm as that of an Ancient subtext that he and Miguel Sanchez had discovered several months ago.

Shit!! snapped Roman.

He knew at once what the scraping noise was and began to double time it to Rico’s location. As he rounded the end of the corridor he nearly collided with Bennett and his team who were heading towards him.

"New Security protocol Rico, we’re going to need a big nuclear can of RAID for this one.

When Rico looked at him puzzled, Black pointed at the far wall. The bulkhead burst open like someone ripping open a beer can. What looked like two hundred spiders spilled out of the opening. The bugs were a form of Nanite technology with self-replicating capabilities. Andrea had told him about them when they had first come aboard Andromeda. In fact she had assured him that they had all been eliminated.

If they are here than they could be everywhere. We need to protect the City as well as its inhabitants. Fan out and use deadly force the Lasers will neutralize them but we will need energy weapons to do the job properly, Black said.

Head for the armory and make your way to the Siobhan encampment. We need to protect our new allies as well as the other citizens of Andromeda. Use battery mics for communication, ordered Roman.

If things are getting bad sir, perhaps we should wake Major Pierce and his crew. Why should we have all the fun?

Roman considered this option and told Bennett that he would have Mara wake up Pierce and three of his best team members. I’ll have them watch out for Medical and the crew compliment in the East quadrant. The automated weapons turrets should be more than enough to hold off the bug threat in that area, offered Black.

As Bennett and his men headed off, Roman took two men and made his way to the bridge. Along the way they encountered several groups of the bugs and blasted them out of existence. They used the tunnels to travel to the main OPS section and soon discovered that the Ceti had the place locked down.

—oOo—

Mike sat at a table in an expensive restaurant. It was very busy, with waiters quickly attending each customer’s needs. Across from Mike was a beautiful blond, her shoulder length hair glistened from the restaurants romantic lighting.

The table was located near the establishment’s front, which looked out onto the river Seine. The Paris night-line created a sublime backdrop to their romantic rendezvous.

Taking a sip from his glass of red wine, Pierce could not take his eyes of the woman in front of him. It all seemed so perfect. The musicians playing on the stage, the candles on the table, the sweet scent of her perfume.

He had waited long enough. Rising from is chair, he walked to her side and then lowered onto his right knee. Slipping his right hand into his jacket pocket, he removed a small red case, big enough to hold what it contained.

Her face lit up as she realized what the Major as about to ask her. Those simple yet powerful words would ultimately see them spend the rest of their lives together.

The butterflies played havoc with Mike’s insides as he struggled with the courage to ‘pop the question’. He had been in numerous battles, fought in many countries. Somehow, this was turning into the biggest challenge he had ever faced.

Amy… will you…

The Major’s eyes opened and adjusted to the bright light. It took him a moment to realize that he was on Andromeda, in his quarters. Soon a figure above him came into focus, it was Mara.

Are the 2 weeks over already? he asked.

She shook her head and replied, We have an emergency. The Andromeda has locked down the ship and activated replicator security. It’s malfunctioned and thinks that the crews are intruders.

What? Pierce sat up immediately, Replicators, here on Andromeda? Not good.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed. There was a brief bout of dizziness, before it cleared and he focused on the task at hand. Who else is awake?

She replied, Colonel Roberts, Colonel Black, Lieutenant Bennett and his team and the Ceti. I have also re awakened your team.

Just then Elizabeth Masters, John Carter and Dr. Malcolm Chambers entered the Majors quarters. They had been revived before Mike. How was your beauty sleep Major? asked Elizabeth Masters.

Interrupted, Mike replied. He turned to Mara. Thanks for the wake-call.

She smiled and left.

Pierce moved to his weapons locker and suited up. He grabbed his Laser, P90 and Spas-12 shotgun. Once he had inserted his earpiece, he contacted Black. Pierce to Col. Black, where do you want my team?

Roman pressed his mic and told Pierce that he was glad that he was awake. Major, take your men and guard Medical and the crew barracks. Stay in contact, say every 15 minutes. We’ve met heavy resistance on this end but are handling it. Sensors don’t detect replicators on your end yet but they could head that way without notice

He then turned to Carter. You have point John, lead the way.

Aye, aye, sir. was the privates reply.

Just then Martin piped up. He was still a little groggy after the cryo. I can see why you guys were awakened, but why was I?

Carter and Masters left Pierce’s quarters before he responded to Dr. Chambers. We only have so many bullets to use against the replicators Martin. You’re coming along to find an alternative solution… that sponge of a brain of yours has pulled us out a few close calls before. I know you will do it again this time.

Martin’s raised an eyebrow. Well Major, I have saved your skin on a number…, he stopped short of finishing that sentence when he saw the ‘not another word’ look on the Majors face.

Let’s go, was all Mike said as the pair left to join the others on their way to Medical and the Crew Quarters.

On route they stopped by one of the armories that dotted Andromeda, picking up some extra weapons and ammo. Pierce had read the reports about the Replicators and the methods that UA-1 had used to keep them at bay.

Masters was the only one in their group who had any experience fighting the replicators. She was at Portal Command when they infiltrated the base. The Major would be looking to her experience in helping them set up an adequate defense.

Roman closed the link and continued on to rendezvous with Col. Roberts. He hoped the Siobhan weren’t having trouble…

—oOo—

Roberts watched the replicates disappearing down the corridor past her. She had hid inside a duct above them. She carefully lowered herself down out of the duct and making sure she couldn’t hear any of them, she slipped out and headed in the general direction of stasis pods level 4. Entering the tunnel under the station she paused briefly at the entrance and sensing no movement she opened the hatchway and slipped out and into the level 4 area and closed the hatchway behind her.

Using her Chak’ra she began to scan all the stasis pods looking for Cade and Vargo. Finally she located them and began the level one diagnostics to open the stasis fields and awaken her doctors. Finally she pressed the last digitized code and waited as the computerized pod, began its awakening session. It took 20 minutes before the pods opened up and walking over she looked down at Cade as he blinked his eyes and looked at her.

He asked, Time?

Roberts shook her head and replied, Emergency.

Puzzled and then alarm crossed his face and he asked, Emergency?

Vargo awake by then Vat emergency?

Andrea sighed and replied, The mainframe thinks we are playing a game and inside the bowels of the Andromeda it has awakened new replicates.

Alarm crossed their faces and swallowing Cade asked, Please tell me it’s none of those spider things.

She nodded and replied, These however are not small, and they are the same size as a grown man.

Vargo groaned Fine. Zen ve need to find a metal insect repellant da?

She smiled and replied, Yes. I need you to work with Bennett.

He nodded and then asked, Und vere is ze Lieutenant exactly?

She winced and Vargo groaned answering the question himself. In ze tunnels!

She handed him a laser. And he left to go find the Security Chief.

Cade looked at her and asked, What do you need me for?

She replied, I need your help shutting down the Andromeda and rebooting the ship, so we can purge the mainframe of this current crisis.

He nodded and climbed out the pod. She handed him a Laser and he looked at her in askance and she said, Just in case. We can’t go the normal route through the ship because the mainframe has shut down all non- essential parts and secured the OPS. We have to go through the maintenance tunnels and the replicates are guarding them.

He stared at her and said, Oh Swell

She grinned the quicker we can get things back to normal the quicker you can go back to your dream.

He glared at her and she turned and left the same way she had come in…

The tunnels were dark and Cade muttered, Nightmare Alley…

She agreed.

—oOo—

Awaking from stasis, Doc Emerson looked around the room. Scratching his head as he stood up and battling the dizziness from being asleep for so long, he trudged across the floor to the galley area to try to quench the intense hunger in his stomach.

Suddenly, it appeared to him that no one else was where they should be, no one in the galley, not in the stasis pods, the room was silent except for the mild hum of the engines.

Doc picked up his earmic and said Major Pierce?

Pierce replied, Good to hear you are awake Doc.

Doc replied What the hell is going on?

Pierce was moving at a quick pace on his way to medical when he was contacted.

Replicators. Grab your gear and meet me in medical. The Major rounded the last corner before the medical. Carter was already there and was soon joined by Masters, Chambers and Mara.

Doc reached over and grabbed his gear. As he was heading toward the door he muttered, Hmm, this might be a good time to try one of my little toys… Going back to his locker he grabbed a small package off the top shelf and shoved it in his pack, and then he grabbed extra shells for his Mossberg 590 shotgun and stuffed them into his pack too and headed toward the doorway.

Out in the dimly lit corridor, Doc made his way toward medical. Always trying to be vigilant, he paused at a 4-way intersection to listen.

The sound of rapid, metallic clicking faintly started to fill the air.

Doc had heard about this type of sound from others at his indoctrination, and was not pleased to hear it. He then continued down the corridor toward medical.

Outside medical, Doc paused again to listen… Fortunately there were no other sounds except for the hum of the engines and some clattering from inside Medical.

Doc proceeded inside. I’m here Major. Doc said as he looked around the room.

What’s going on and where do you want me?

Although he was new to Major Pierces’ team he felt like he’s known them for quite a while. He received good `vibes’ from them, but he was wondering what Masters thought of him being assigned as XO in her place. After all, she was a SEAL and he was only a doctor, but then again he probably had more combat experience.

Glad you could join us ‘Doc’, began Pierce. Right, it appears that we have a replicator problem on Andromeda. We’ve been tasked with setting up a defense for medical. The Major looked around. We have 2 entry points, he said before looking at the ceiling. ~ Shit~, he thought. And we have vents. Options?

Chambers was first to respond. We can access the environmental systems, seal off the vents that feed medical. It might get a little warm in here, but it will slow the replicator progress via the ventilation system.

Pierce nodded. Hop to it Martin. Chambers left for the nearest terminal and started to work. The Major turned back to Emerson, Masters and Carter. Now, the 2 entrances, suggestions?

—oOo—

Roman acknowledged Roberts message and told the Ceti under his command what their plan was. Roberts had awakened both Cade and Vargo in order to reboot the mainframe of Andromeda. The Colonel wanted Black to ride herd on the replicates until her plan was able to take shape.

Black had no trouble whatsoever wiping out the whole of the replicate populace. He’d always hated bugs and the fact that these were the size of a VW meant that he really hated them.

Kreel, take junction alpha-34 and 35, Krull you take beta 29J thru 29M, Black ordered.

Roman would take epsilon 30 thru 33 which would send the replicates into the refuse section of Andromeda. Black knew that the one thing the bugs hated more than humans was water. It was his plan to purge the bots into the ships refuse section. And dump them all into the ocean. He knew from experience that the replicates bodies would corrode once the salt water hit it. The metal bugs would melt as if they had been dumped into a vat of acid.

Roman readied his custom shotguns equipped with explosive rounds.

In the distance he could hear the tapping of the replicates spider legs as they traveled down the corridor. On his signal Dr. Cade threw the switch that began closing off the tunnels careful to leave a trail which led straight towards Black and his team. As the noise grew louder, Rico contacted Black and told him that he was ready with his surprise as well.

ENGAGE!!! shouted Roman.

At once the tunnels were ablaze with activity.

One by one the replicates converged on Black’s location some destroyed as they entered the tunnel. The others charged enmasse towards Black’s position. As he backed down the corridor he heard from both Kreel and Krull that the replicates were heading toward refuse chute17. Black knew that Bennett and his team would be there waiting for them and continued to back toward the tunnels entrance.

Rico, you better fucking be there!! Black shouted over his mic.

Nearly sixty replicates were now converging on his signal and in the distance he could hear hundreds more.

Rico activated his Com, Bennett to Black. Sir, I have a lab cart with an untested device to shoot the replicates. Be there in 2 minutes.

Black to Colonel Roberts, the plan is working I trust that you three are ready on your end?

Roberts paused after hearing from Black and frowned…

Did Black think they were on the oceans in the Pegasus Galaxy still? Of course he would, as he had gone to sleep when they were still attached to the Heliopolis. Darn it!

Colonel Black… if you are hoping to rid the replicates via ocean, sorry but we are halfway back to the Andromeda Galaxy. If you vent them into space we might have a problem as they could find some way of reattaching themselves to the hull of Andromeda, or worst case scenario, find a new planet in the current system and it might be inhabited, in which case those people or that planet will be doomed to extinction. Have you even thought of those consequences?

Black frowned, No oceans? What in the hell is she talking about?

While his Ceti soldiers continued to fight the replicates, Roman stepped over to a nearby monitor and called up an external view of the Andromeda. There was nothing but the blackness of space surrounding them and he felt like an idiot.

Well you have to admit if we were on the water still it would have worked, he chuckled. Then deciding that the replicates needed to be dealt with he asked Roberts what she thought their next course of action should be. You better act fast because Rico is itching to blast the replicates into bits.

She replied, I know Roman, but we need to rethink the problem. Most of the base is in stasis and not in any danger. The computer would not intentionally issue permanent demise on our part; therefore as this is some kind of simulation I suggest we regroup somewhere whilst Cade is organizing the mainframe shutdown. The replicates use microchips and they are in the middle of their biomass structure, we have to get under their bellies and zap the microchips. Don’t worry I am not happy about it either. But I think if we can separate them individually we can take them all out even if it takes us a little time.

Black did not like the idea of crawling under the spiders and began to mutter and complain under his breath.

Andrea smiled at his mutters and agreed with them.

Black had a better idea of how to handle the bugs remembering how he and Tighe had eliminated Andrea’s old symbiote a little over a year ago.

Where should we meet up? he asked.

Roberts ordered that everyone meet back at medical. It was the best place to begin the next strategy.

Roman sent the word for Bennett and his team to stand down and report to Sickbay. He could tell from Rico’s mumbling that he didn’t like the idea any more than Roman had.

I know Rico, let’s hear what she has in mind before we shoot it down, Black said over his throat mic.

He then tapped in a few security commands and a force field snapped into place enveloping the replicates and holding them in place for now. Black ordered Krull to remain on guard and to report if the bugs broke through the barrier.

Roman could tell from the frog size gulp the Ceti swallowed that this wasn’t his idea of a pleasant duty assignment. But to his credit the Ceti stood his ground as Black left to join the others…

Kreel soon joined him and together they unleashed the fires of hell. Roman could see the refuse chutes entrance coming into view. He could also see Bennett and his team readying their explosive surprise..

Rico’s lab cart had mounted on the front a very large circle which was made up of coils of copper wire. Behind it was another dish shaped object and some clear shielding to the rear. Sir, here’s the short version. We know an EM pulse will disable the little so and so’s. I’ve built a large electro-magnet powered by a Thoradaxine generator I got from Quinn. When I power this thing up, the field alone should interrupt their signals. Exactly as I cut power to it I’m going to activate the ultra sound generator. The wave from it should push the magnetic field down the corridor and we have a…

Magnetic pulse weapon.

In theory anyway, sir. I’d stand behind the shielding if I were you

Roman liked Rico’s idea and stepped behind the shielding. As if on cue the spiderbots rounded the corner and charged their position. Rico flipped the switch and wave after wave of the replicates began to fall. In just under five minutes every one of the replicates were nothing more than a pile of burning metal and circuit boards.

However the one downside to the weapon was that it had burnt out every circuit within its mainframe. In order to completely wipe out the Bots they would need to find a steady supply of boards. As Roman was about to tell Bennett this when a burst of static played over his com unit. Then the familiar voice of Dr. Cade played in his ear .

Cade thought to himself, ~Uhuh just as I thought. ~ Tapping his radio he said Colonel Black. We have a Code Red.

Black asked Cade what his situation was and where Colonel Roberts was at that moment.

Cade replied, The Ops is wall to wall replicates. The Colonel is keeping them back but when it comes down to rebooting the mainframe, I doubt if she is gonna be conscious. In which case I am on my own against all these metal monsters. Any help to stop the replicates from booting up the mainframe would be appreciated.

Black looked towards Rico and told him to get moving with refitting his amplifier. He told him to take Kreel along if he needed to. Black then heard someone yell and knew that it was Andrea.

Cade heard a cry of pain and looking over the railing he saw Roberts being flung against a wall, then picking herself up began firing her laser at the metal replicates heading in her direction. She dodged them and headed back towards her XM312, slipped in another clip and with desperation began spraying the replicates.

Contacting Black again he snapped, Forget Code Red, it’s down to Code Blue if those replicates get her again.

Black nodded to Krull and told him to get moving. Now on the run, Black contacted Medical and ordered Major Pierce to OPS.

Major, while you’re on the way stop by the armory and equip yourself with the new XM-312’s. We’re going to need all the firepower we can get our hands on if we’re going to beat these things.

Switching over Black yelled to Rico to hurry up with what he was doing and report to OPS.

As he rounded the corner, Roman considered asking their new tenants to join in the fight. After all if they were going to be living on Andromeda they should have to fight for her survival as well.

—oOo—

Doc thought to himself for a moment, each entrance was on opposite sides of the room, if the replicators were as bad as he’s heard, they didn’t have enough firepower to control one side, let alone two.

I believe the replicators are around the Epsilon section, Sir? Doc Emerson said to Pierce. If we concentrate on the main passageway, we should be able to hold `em off and direct them toward Rico and Blacks positions, I believe I overheard a plan they were working on to rid the station of the whole lot of `em, I’ll set up a monitor in the rear passageway to watch our backs, just in case.

Do it, Pierce replied before turning to Masters and Carter to plan their defense of the main entrance. Stopping by the armory on the way to medical had been a smart move as they now had the fire-power to hold off a direct attack by the replicators.

But the Major knew that the replicators would eventually adapt and try to flank them. Hopefully the monitor that Doc was setting up at the rear entrance would be an early warning system.

Doc pulled a little package out of his pack and headed out the rear hatchway while Masters and Carter started setting up the defenses in the main passageway.

15 minutes passed and there was no sign of Roberts, Black or Rico.

A makeshift defense had been set up at the main entrance to medical, while the rear was monitored. Chambers had been successfully in re-routing the environmental systems, to stem the flow of replicators via that route.

The UAA-2 team was hunkered down behind the makeshift barricade, which would hopefully provide them with enough cover when the replicators did decide to assault their position. The Major hated the waiting game. He knew that his team would probably be of better use in taking the fight to the metal creatures, but he also realized that Medical was a vital location on Andromeda and would need to operational, whatever cost.

Carter was in the prone position, with his mounted light machine gun. Masters was to his right and had her P90 at the ready, while Doc and Pierce were to Carters left. Where are they? asked Pierce to no-one in particular.

They would have contacted us if they were delayed… it’s been 15 minutes… something’s wrong. That gut feeling that had kept the Major alive on numerous occasions was back and making itself known.

Noticing the look on the Majors face, Doc placed a hand on the Majors shoulder and said, Ya know Major, I’ve seen that kind of look before. Maybe we should all take a deep breath and relax a bit and focus. I’ve been reading up on that mind over matter stuff, and am quite certain that you are minding the matters of the mind that don’t really matter… Snickering under his breath, Doc looked cross-eyed at the Major in an attempt to lighten his mood, and get him to laugh. Besides, they’ll be here soon enough. Doc added.

Yeah I know Doc. We have our orders… I… , before the Major continued, Black’s voice came through his ear-piece communicator.

Major, we’re going to need all the firepower we can get our hands on if we’re going to beat these things.

Acknowledged, Pierce out. The Major leapt to his feet. Liz, you and John hold the fort. I don’t want to leave medical undefended, should the replicators decide to lose interest in OPS. Doc, you’re with me."

Both men left Medical at full sprint. On their way they dropped by the armory and picked up some extra firepower in the form of the XM-312’s. The Major had tested it on the firing range and was looking forward to putting it through its paces in the field.

He only hoped that they got to OPS in time.

As Doc Emerson and Pierce rounded a corner near one of the armories, it dawned on Doc what they were about to get out of the armory. Doc thought about all the times he had been on the sniper range with the Marines back on Earth, and how fascinated he was with the .50 cal. Sniper rifle. Now, the thought of actually using one in combat brought on an air of excitement. Doc, grinning from