Trance, Rev, Tyr, Rommie's avatar, and Harper are gathered in Command, standing around Dylan.
Dylan: I want someone with her at all times.
Rommie: I can keep an eye on him.
Dylan: Do that, too, but I want someone physically with her.
Harper: Beka's a big girl. She can take care of herself. She fended off guys who were very interested in her before, and no doubt she'll do it again. Man, have you ever seen her in action? She's great! One time, she-
Rev: (Cuts him off) She will notice.
Dylan: I don't care. I don't think Mr. Havanna will do anything, but I don't want to give him a chance.
Tyr: (Sarcastically) Would you like one of us to sleep across her door?
Dylan: No, Tyr, I don't believe that will be necessary.
Harper: She's been sleeping on the Maru, anyway.
Everyone turns to look at him.
Harper: What? I'm just keeping an eye on her! Hey, I don't trust that Havanna guy.
Trance: I don't like him, either.
Tyr: Harper is right. For once.
Dylan looks exasperated.
Dylan: Then why didn't anyone say anything before we agreed to the deal?
Trance: Because we have to help those poor people!
Harper: My mouth was full.
Tyr: If you recall, I did.
Dylan looks close to rolling his eyes or screaming.
Dylan: Well, you'll just have to put up with him for a few more weeks.
Harper: No problem. As long as he doesn't bother Bek.
Dylan: So, do you agree that we should keep an eye on him? Like I said, I'm sure he won't do anything, but it's better to be prepared.
Harper: Whatever, Dylan. But if she gets mad, this was all your idea.
Trance: I'll go find her now. (Leaves with a worried expression on her face)
Rev: It is a good idea, Dylan.
Rommie: I'll keep an eye on Mr. Havanna at all times.
Tyr doesn't look convinced.
Dylan: Tyr?
Tyr: I will asist you in this foolish endeavor, but I have better uses of my time than to fend off Beka's lovesick boyfriend.
Harper: Ahem. Ex-husband. Different breed.
Tyr doesn't respond. He shakes his head and walks off Command.
Tyr: (Muttering) I am glad I am not human.
**************************************************************************
Beka is making coffee on the Maru. She sits down-on Trance's tail.
Trance: Ow ow ow ow!
Beka jumps up.
Beka: Oops, sorry, Trance. I didn't notice you were there.
Trance: I've been sitting here for five minutes!
Beka: Well, you should have said something.
Trance: I did! I said hello!
Beka: Whatever. I didn't here you.
Beka slumps more than sit down on a chair.
Trance: Are you okay, Beka?
Beka: Just tired. Nothing a little coffee won't fix.
Trance: (Quoting Beka from many times back) Did you "have a late night?"
Beka: Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Vic couldn't sleep, so he came and hung out here, and we talked for awhile.
Trance: Did you have a nice time?
Beka looks surprised at the question, and as surprised at the answer.
Beka: Yeah, I guess so. He's just like I remember him. Very sweet, and very chivalrous. But he's different, too. (Beat) Maybe better.
Trance: How? Better than what?
Beka: Mmm, never mind. Want something to drink?
Trance: No thanks.
Beka: Oo-kay, I'm going to go work out.
Trance: (A little too quickly) Can I come?
Beka: (SLightly suspicious) Um...
Trance: I want to work on...my fighting techniques!
Beka: Alright, come on.
They start walking off the Maru.
Beka: (Voice trails off as she leaves the ship) Ya know, I never liked Tyr teaching you how to fight...
**************************************************************************
Harper is sitting and working on some part of the Andromeda.
Victor comes up next to him.
VEH: Hello, Mr. Harper.
Harper: Oh, hi, Mr. Havanna.
VEH: Victor, please.
Harper: You can call me Harper. What can I do for you?
VEH: I was wondering if you could take a look at my ship. Make sure it's in top condition before I start transporting little children.
Harper: Well, I'm kinda busy...
VEH: Oh, whenever you get the chance will be fine. There is still time before we get to the system, after all.
Harper: Okay, I'll check it out when I have time.
VEH: Great, great. You might want to check Rebecca's ship as well.
Harper: Beka's ship is fine. If it wasn't, she'd freak.
VEH: (Sits down next to Harper) She still spends a lot of time there?
Harper: Are you kidding? It's practically her life! She keeps her stuff there, she showers there, she even sleeps there!
VEH: Doesn't she have quarters on the Andromeda?
Harper: Yes, of course, but she likes the Maru better, sometimes. I don't know why. I mean, rooms on the Andromeda are bigger, and you don't have to guess if the showers are going to be warm unless Rommie's mad at you, and-(Cuts off abruptly. Harper is starting to get suspicious) But why do you care?
VEH: I just want to make sure my Becky is living in comfort.
Harper: You know, you aren't married to her anymore. She isn't yours.
VEH: Of course not! But I've always felt bad. I've only been looking for her all these years because I'd like to help support her, you know. I though that this deal was a chance to make it up to her, but it looks like she's been doing fine on her own.
Harper: Yeah, Beka's like that.
VEH: Anyway, I understand she still believes that I want to marry her.
Harper: Sort of.
VEH: I'm sorry to hear that. This has all been a misunderstanding, really. I would love nothing more than to make it up to her and set things straight. Do you know where she is?
Harper: Rom doll, what's Beka up to?
Rommie: (V.O.) She's currently lifting weights.
Harper: (To Victor) That's three decks up, third door on your right.
VEH: Thank you, Harper.
Victor leaves as Harper goes back to work.
VEH: (Out of Harper's hearing) For all of your help.
********************************************************************************
Beka is working out in a tight tank and shorts. Trance is fighting the punching bag. It's winning.
Beka: Do you want me to hold that for you?
Trance: Nope, I'm fine! (Gets hit by the punching bag) Oof!
Beka: Try moving out of the way next time.
Trance gives Beka a "thumbs-up" sign and gets hit by the punching bag again. Beka tries hard not to laugh.
Trance: Ow! I think-I think I'll go practice my...forms now.
Beka: (Still trying not to laugh) Good idea.
Beka shakes her head and turns back to the weights. Victor, having entered the room when she was occupied with Trance, is now standing in front of her.
Beka: Victor!
Trance: Victor?
VEH: Beka, you look wonderful! So grown up and fit!
They stand there looking at each other for awhile. Trance is looking at them, ready to call for help at a moment's notice if needed-or attack Victor.
Beka: (Turns away) I'm busy. Could we talk later?
VEH: Oh, Becky-Beka, I wanted to say this right away. I want to apologize for what I've put you through all these years.
Beka: (Glances at Trance) It's-Vic, it's okay. I'm fine. No scars. (Under her breath) None that anyone can see.
VEH: Still, I'd like to make it up to you. How about we start over dinner tonight?
Beka: Sure. I guess.
VEH: Great. I'll see you at seven?
Beka: (Very unsure) Great. See you then.
Victor leaves.
Trance: Are you sure about that, Beka?
Beka: (Not sounding very convincing) Yeah, I'll be fine. Why?
Trance: Never mind.
Beka: And if you tell Dylan, you will feel pain. And that includes you, Rommie.
******************************************************************************
Beka is sitting in her room on the Maru, talking to Rommie.
Beka: I had a great time! I haven't laughed that hard in years! And it was nice to talk with someone who remembers my father the way I do. (Beat) I don't see why everyone's so concerned.
Rommie: Dylan just doesn't want Mr. Havanna to bother you, that's all.
Beka: So Dylan's behind all this. I knew I shouldn't have told him.
Rommie: Told him what?
Beka: Nothing. Nothing important, anyway. Something that happened a long time ago and will never happen again. Goodnight, Rommie. Lock the door behind you.
Rommie: Goodnight, Beka.
Rommie leaves. Beka lies down in her bed.
Beka: Lights off.
Beka lies there for awhile in pitch blackness. She hears noises.
Beka: Rommie, is that you? Haven't you left yet?
No response.
Beka: This is not funny. I'm tired. I'm sure Victor isn't going to come hit on me in the middle of the night. Go away!
Beka hears quiet laughter.
Beka: (Starting to sound scared) Lights. Lights on!
She remains in darkness.
Beka: (Now sounding very scared) Hello?
****
The Maru is still in pitch darkness.
Beka: Okay, whoever you are, I have a gun. A big gun. And I'll use it, no matter who you are.
Voice: Hello, Beka.
Beka: Victor? (Relief fills her voice) Victor, it's you. Listen, I'm really tired, and I don't want to talk right now. You can let yourself out, right?
Whoever it is doesn't respond. Beka groans, and gets up. She looks for a flashlight, very noisily.
Beka: I never get any sleep anymore, dammit. Where did I put my forcelance?
Beka gasps. Sounds of struggling.
Beka: Vic, get the hell off of me! What are you doing? Victor, stop it.
More struggling and a thud. Noises like someone is tying someone to a chair.
VEH: You never could sit still, Becky.
Beka: (In pain) What the hell are you talking about? And what are you doing?
VEH: Shh, shh. We can get to that later.
Sound of a slap.
VEH: Now, Rebecca. Shall we begin?
Beka: Begin what, you creep?
Victor slaps her again.
VEH: You never screamed, Beka. (Hits her) Not once. (Hits her again) Every other girl did. (And again) But never you. (Again) You were too good, weren't you, Beka?! I screamed when my father hurt me. I screamed every time. (Kicks her) I screamed a long time, Rebecca, until I couldn't scream any more. And then I kept screaming.
Beka: (Whispering) I didn't know.
VEH: Shut up! And my mother never did anything! Not once! She sat back, glad it wasn't her he was hurting, that he had me! (Punches her several times) And then my mother died, and I was glad. My father never had time for me; he was busy with his company, doing all the things my mother used to do. (Hits her again) Then you came. With your blonde hair. You looked so much like my mother, Beka. I knew, I knew that this was my chance to get my life back. (Slaps her) To start over with you. I loved you, Beka. And you betrayed me.
Beka: (painfully) H-how?
VEH: You left me, Rebecca. I never meant to hurt you; I couldn't help myself. It wasn't my fault. But you couldn't handle it, you were too weak. I bore the pain for twenty years, but you couldn't even handle it for three days! And my father blamed me. He started all over again. But I was ready. (Hits her) I killed him.
Beka: (Confused) But your father was a nice man. A good man.
VEH: (Screaming, hitting Beka again and again) No he wasn't! You didn't know him! He beat me every night! Just like what I'm going to do to you.
Beka: (Out of breath) You don't have to become your father.
VEH: (Calmer) You don't know how hard it is. (Beat) Maybe you do, Booster Rocket.
Beka: Don't call me that.
VEH: I heard what happened to your father, Beka, when I was following you. Flash overdose, right?
Beka: Shut up, you asshole.
VEH: (Laughs) Have you ever tried Flash, Rebecca? (Beat) Answer me! (Hits her)
Beka: (Very quietly) Once.
VEH: What happened, Beka? You can tell me, sweetie.
Beka: It was an almost impossible piloting mission. I took Flash to enhance my abilities. I got hooked, things got ugly, I shot one of my friends, and I OD'd.
VEH: Just like your dear old dad.
Beka: Just like my father.
VEH: You see? That wasn't so hard. You're just like your father...and I'm just like mine. Let's get on with it.
Beka starts screaming.
*************************************************************************
Dylan is sitting on Command in the pilot's chair. Rommie's face appears onscreen.
Rommie: Dylan?
Dylan: Hm?
Rommie: I'm not picking Mr. Havanna up on my sensors.
Dylan: Is his ship still in the hangar bay.
Rommie: Yes. And Dylan, the Maru, I've lost contact with it. And the ship is completely powerless.
Dylan: (Sounding worried) Where's Beka?
Rommie: I left her on the Maru. To the best of my knowledge, she's still there.
Dylan: Tell Tyr to meet me at the Maru, fully armed. Harper as well.
Rommie: Aye.
Dylan runs out of Command.
************************************************************************
Tyr and Dylan are standing outside the Maru. Harper is trying to get in.
Tyr: I still don't see why we are here, Captain Hunt. Beka and Mr. Havanna are most likely procreating.
Dylan: Better to have to explain ourselves to Beka than let her be hurt.
Tyr: Why do you believe she will be injured?
Dylan: Something she told me. Are you finished yet, Mr. Harper?
Harper: Almost. Beka put in a few new security systems since I last hacked into her ship. There.
The door slids open. They hear screaming.
Harper: Oh my god, that's Beka.
Dylan: Tyr, you're the expert. Do those sound like screams of pleasure?
Tyr: (Pushes past Dylan and Harper) Out of my way.
They rush into the Maru, forcelances on flashlight mode.
Dylan: Harper, try to regain power. Tyr, let's go find Beka.
They follow Beka's screams, searching with their flashlights. Suddenly, all of the lights come on. Beka is tied to a chair, slumped over, shaking, and barely conscious. From what they can see, she is covered with blood and bruises. Victor is holding a knife over her.
VEH: And here's something my father enjoyed doing most of all-
Tyr roars and launches himself at Victor. With little effort, Tyr takes Victor down and knocks him out with a few punches and a shock with a forcelance. Dylan unties Beka, who cries out, stumbles away from him, and huddles in a corner. Harper enters the room.
Harper: Oh, god, Beka!
He tries to go to Beka, but Dylan stops him.
Dylan: Harper, wait.
Dylan walks over to Beka, who is crying and umbling incoherently in her corner.
Dylan: Beka. Beka, I'm not going to hurt you.
Beka: (Hoarse, quiet, in a pain and fear-filled voice) Get away from me.
Dylan: (Inches forward) Beka, it's Dylan. You know me. You have to trust me. I won't hurt you.
Beka: Don't touch me! Get away!
Dylan: Beka, it's okay, I'm here. Let me help you.
Beka: (Even quieter) Daddy?
Dylan: I'm here, Beka, it's okay.
Beka lets him near her. Dylan wraps his arms around her. She moves into his embrace, and passes out in his arms.
Dylan: Tyr, put him in V-Deck. Make sure he can't get out. (Speaking into his comm) Rommie, tell Trance to meet me on Med-Deck immediately.
Rommie: (V.O.) Is Beka alright?
Dylan: Just do it. Harper, go tell Rev what happened. I have a feeling that Beka's going to need him. She's going to need all of us.
Dylan picks Beka up and carries her out of the ship. His face is very angry.
****
Dylan is sitting on a chair in Med Deck. Trance is hovering over Beka, who's lying on a bed. There are bruises covering her face, slightly faded but still pretty bad. She doesn't look good at all, more like she's been hit by a truck which then backed up over her and then forward again.
Dylan: How is she?
Trance: (looks very upset and disturbed) Not good, but she'll live. Physically, it's just a lot of bruising, but I don't know how she's going to be emotionally. She might not wake up for a long time.
Dylan: (sighs loudly) That bad, huh?
Trance: Dylan, it wasn't your fault. Everyone thought Mr. Havanna was a nice man, even Beka. We couldn't have known...(She trails off as Dylan's expression bleakens)
Dylan: Trance, it was completely my fault. There were so many warning signs, and I completely ignored them. I was only thinking about the Commonwealth. I made a mistake, and Beka paid the price.
Trance: Beka would have left if she really wanted to.
Dylan: No she wouldn't have. It would have seemed like she was running after what she told me. No, she didn't bring this on herself. I did that for her.
Trance: Dylan-
Dylan: No, Trance. She trusted me and I let her down. Just like every other man in her life. (Beat) I'd like to be alone, now.
Trance leaves, shooting a worried look at her friend.
Dylan: Andromeda, engage privacy mode.
Andromeda (V.O.): Are you-privacy mode engaged, authorization Captain Dylan Hunt.
Dylan disappears for a moment, then comes back with a bottle of amber liquid, presumably alcoholic. He pours himself a glass.
Dylan: Here's to the road to hell.
Tosses it back, pours himself another, and stares at Beka.
************************************************************************
Harper is standing in the hallway, talking to Tyr, who is sitting outside a room.
Harper: Let me go talk to him!
Tyr: Talk to him, boy? Please don't tell me you believe I'm that stupid.
Harper: C'mon, just ten minutes!
Tyr: I'd be more than happy to allow you some time alone with our 'guest,' but I doubt our righteous High Guard captain would agree. And besides, boy, you'd probably end up either killing him or not even hurting him.
Harper: I've fought people before.
Tyr: Fighting and torture are two different things, Harper.
Harper: (Sighs and slides down next to Tyr) He hurt Beka.
Tyr: He did more than that, he damaged her. Life will not be easy with her for a long time.
Harper: Like it ever was.
Tyr: You have no idea, boy.
*************************************************************************
Back in Med Deck, Dylan is face down on Beka's bed. She's awake, now, sitting and staring into space like she's trying to remember something. Dylan stirs.
Beka: (She's still very hoarse) Looks like Mr. Hangover is finally awake.
Dylan: (Groans and holds his head) Damn.
Beka: Well, that's what you get for trying to drink yourself into oblivion. That's why I never tried it. (Beat) There're some painkillers over there if I remember correctly.
Dylan: Thanks. (He gets up and takes them, then realize he's not talking to Trance) Beka, you're awake!
Beka: As ever.
Dylan: (Cautious) How are you feeling?
Beka: Like I got run over by the Andromeda Ascendant. Tell me, just what did we do last night? It must have been one hell of a party.
Dylan: (Confused) You mean, you don't remember anything?
Beka: Nope. Was Harper there? Did he get any action? Cause if everyone was as drunk as you probably were, than he probably didn't have any trouble. Did I get any action? What am I thinking, of course I did! Hello, Dylan?
Dylan: Huh? Um...Beka, hold that thought.
Beka: (muttering) And what a very pleasant though it is, too.
Dylan: (Quietly, so that Beka can't hear) Rommie, can you get Trance down here?
Shift to Dylan talking to Trance, Beka looking very bored and tired in the background. She closes her eyes as we focus on Dylan and Trance.
Trance: No, there's no brain damage. I think it's just a repressed memory.
Dylan: What?
Trance: She basically blocked the memory out. It was too painful for her mind to deal with both physically and emotionally, so it refuses to deal with it, and walls it off so she can't remember it.
Dylan: Will it stay that way?
Trance: Possibly, but not definitely. When someone has a repressed memory, it's usually triggered by some situation somewhat related to the event. The person relives the event all over again, only this time, in their mind. It's not very pleasant.
Dylan: Well, I don't think we'll have a repeat of that situation.
Trance: Oh, no, it could easily happen. The trigger doesn't have to be an exact replication; it's usually only a vague relation. The trigger could be anything from someone touching her to someone yelling at her to male abuse.
Dylan: Oh.
Trance: It may never come up, though, so don't be too careful.
Dylan: Oh.
Both turn to look at Beka, who's now sleeping peacefully.
*******************************************************************************
Author's note: Well, I'm not completely happy with this chapter; that's why it was so short. Any suggestions, write in your review or e-mail me at nsane1@optonline.net. Anyhoo, read and review. Oh, and the medical stuff was just some bullshit I made up. Don't take it too seriously. And the next part will be darker, once I get in a dark mood, so be warned. Review!!!!!
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More coming soon!
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