Another World
Disclaimer: The characters of Hercules and Iolaus are owned by Renaissance Pictures while the characters of Dylan Hunt and the crew of the Andromeda are owned by Tribune Pictures. No money is being made from these stories. These stories are written for entertainment purposes only.
Summary: What happens when Hercules and Iolaus are accidentally whisked to a parallel universe?
Author’s note: This is a Andromeda/Hercules crossover. This story is a sequel to To Tell the Truth Part II. The party in Chapter 1 of this story refers to the party at the end of To Tell the Truth Part II. You need to read both To Tell the Truth stories to understand this story. Happy reading!
CHAPTER 1
“You know Iolaus..I’m glad we got everything out in the open..it’s good to have you back again old buddy..after 300 years..I’ve missed having our long talks to clear the air..you’re the only person I can be totally myself..especially now..since my crew doesn’t even know I’m Hercules..and I have to go by the name of Dylan Hunt!” Hercules has that ‘I want to hug you again’ look on his face.
“Look Herc..it’s good to be honest with you..but let’s not hug in front of all these people..it’s embarrassing..people will think something is going on!”
Hercules gives Iolaus a purely “who me? would I do anything to hurt my best friend’s reputation look?” as he approaches Iolaus anyway and gives him one big bear hug. “I don’t care what people think..you are my best friend and I want everyone to know it..”
Iolaus blushes to the roots of his hair as he pulls away from Hercules’ mushy show of affection “Alright..alright..” as Iolaus tries to fix up his hopelessly curly messy hair after having his face rearranged by Hercules’ bear hug. “okay..you know Herc..you’re a sentimental fool..but who am I to fight a sentimental demigod?”
“You know Iolaus this is a fun party..I haven’t relaxed like this since I’ve come back..it’s been one crisis after another on the Andromeda..” Hercules complains.
“I guess it’s like another day at the office for you Herc..but that’s one thing Raisa is famous for..parties..festivals. and nude dancing girls..Herc..stop being such a prude and enjoy the dancing girls..the blonde has been eying you all evening..”
“Iolaus..it’s too soon..” Hercules’ face darkens. “I still love Sarah..” Hercules moves away from Iolaus in a dark brood.
Aphrodite appears “Give him time..for him..it was just yesterday that he was engaged to Sarah..he lost 300 years in just a few seconds..he’s still disoriented..even though he’s trying his best to look tough..inside he’s a scared kid.”
“I know Dite..I just worry about him..after the shock of finding out what happened to me with the Magog..I know he still feels left out of history..I was just trying to get him to…ah..enjoy the present..and put the past behind him.” Iolaus gives Hercules a worried look.
“He just needs time to get to know us all over again..300 years of history..and to get to know his crew..it’s hard on all of us..he’s still the same Hercola..he’ll come around..maybe what you two need is a fun adventure..hunting..fishing..I could arrange it for you guys..” Dite raises her hand to transport her two favorite men when Iolaus stops her.
“No..you’re right..give Herc..some time..he’ll come around..come on Dite..let’s join the party..I just have to remember he still feels engaged to Sarah..poor Herc…”
“You know Harper..Dylan looks broody..” Beka gives Dylan a worried look.
“I’ve got just the thing to cheer old sourpuss up..” Harper finds Dylan seated on a bench with his head buried in his hands staring out at the partygoers.
“Dylan..I’ve got just the thing to cheer you up..” Harper announces.
“Better make this quick..I’m not in the mood..” as Hercules misses Sarah. He watches as Iolaus takes one of the dancing girls by the arms and disappears into a hut and he misses Sarah all over again.
“Listen Dylan..hello..Earth to Dylan..are you there?” Harper tries desperately to get his morose Captain’s attention.
“Look Harper..whatever it is..can it wait til morning..I’m awfully tired..you enjoy the party okay?” Dylan rises, stretches, yawns and retires early.
(The following day)
Hercules gives Iolaus a firm warrior handshake. “Listen Iolaus..we have plenty of room on the Andromeda..my offer is open..”
“Herc..I would love to come with you..but the people of Raisa need me..there are no warriors on this planet and well..I have to stay here for now..I’m sorry Herc..”
“I understand Iolaus..I’m proud of what you’ve done..you’ve made Raisa a tranquil piece of space where anyone of any planet can congregate to..a..”
“Herc..you can come out and say it..I can’t believe you’re related to the Goddess of Love!” giggles Iolaus brightly.
“Iolaus” begins Hercules in a baritone emotion-filled voice “I’m going to miss you..it’s not the same..”
“I know Herc..but I’ll be there in spirit..watching your back..I promise that as soon as the cosmos is a calmer more peaceful place to live..I’ll be right back out there with you..the long night is not over..if you know what I mean..”
“..yeah I know..after I reestablish the Commonwealth..when Raisa is perfectly safe..you’ll come with me..I understand..believe me..Iolaus..I had to leave Morgan for the same reason..Greece needed me..just as much as Raisa needs you now..”
Harper runs to Dylan as he is saying his goodbyes to Iolaus “Look Dylan..I want to show you something I’ve been working on..it’s a slipstream transporter..instead of..”
“Harper..can’t this wait until we board Andromeda so that you can get the undivided attention of the whole crew?” Dylan interrupts.
“Oh..Beka and the others already know about the transporter..you’re the only one I haven’t shown it to..so anyway. Tyr is skeptical and he walked away. Beka thinks she can make a million off of it..she wants me to make more of them..I told her it’s not like I’m an assembly plant..this baby is unique..it will revoluionize space travel..imagine space travel without a starship..it can even put Rommie out of a job..” Harper continues as he sees the expectant looks on both Dylan and Iolaus to continue “ This slipstream transporter..can transport people through space..using slipstream tunnels..”
Iolaus’ eyes dawn with recognition as he understands the principle “Ah..Dylan..like the Stargates..”
Dylan eyes the transporter with more curiosity now “A mini-Stargate..does it work?”
“Well..” Harper continues “All you have to do is to think about where you want to go and this transporter will open a portal to your destination and take you directly there..” Harper crows proudly. “BUT you have to keep your mind clear of any other problems or else there will be complications..!”
Iolaus takes the slipstream transporter from Harper’s hands
and starts to play with the flashing colorful buttons with the curiosity of a
small child.
Harper warns “No Iolaus..don’t touch those buttons..I haven’t tested those..only
touch the red ones..No..” Harper yells at Iolaus as if he were yelling at a
small child to not touch objects in a store without paying for it..
Iolaus looks up innocently, his cerulean eyes glistening with mischief “What harm could I do to just push this yellow button here and..”
Harper mutters under his breath “Iolaus must have been a real pain in the ass to his mother..must have taken everything off the store shelf”
Hercules with his keen demigod hearing picks up Harper’s mutter and sardonically remarks “You don’t know the half of it..half the bakeries in town found their sweetest pastries missing because baby Iolaus would snatch the pastries to his mother’s eternal embarrassment” Hercules whispers into an amused Harper’s face. Harper expression turns from amusement to alarm in a split second as the device begins to vibrate uncontrollably and a giant vortex opens up sucking both Hercules and Iolaus into its center like a giant cosmic vacuum cleaner.
Hercules and Iolaus’ eyes widen with surprise as they feel themselves being transported. Both our heroes feel their bodies being hurtled through space as a feeling of neverending falling besets both our heroes. Several things happen at once. Harper yells at Iolaus “Don’t touch those buttons” Both Dylan and Iolaus disappear and appear to be sucked into a giant vortex. Tyr tries to make a grab for Iolaus’ vest and comes up with a handful of empty air.
At the exact moment that Dylan and Iolaus seem to wink out
of existence..Two Magog dressed in Commonwealth uniforms appear with equally
astonished looks on their faces.
Harper runs his hands through his short blonde locks and exclaim “This can’t be
good!”
Tyr, Beka, Rev Bem and Trance all give Harper a look of daggers as in their eyes they all seem to ask the obvious question 1) What happened to Dylan? 2) How do they get him back?
Rev Bem approach the startled Magog offices and remarks “It seems there has been a swap…I think Dylan and Iolaus..are in a parallel universe..like these two gentlemen here..”
Harper has only one word to describe the situation “SHIT!”
CHAPTER 2
As the vortex closes, Hercules ducks and rolls and lands on his side. Iolaus, on the other hand lands directly on his butt. As the dust settles, Hercules turns his head and feels his world tilt wildly and he sees Iolaus land beside him in an undignified fashion.
‘Thud’”Ouch” cries Iolaus as he rubs his sore butt.
“Don’t you remember you’re supposed to duck and roll when you land hard?” Hercules teases.
“Not now..Herc..ah..” before Iolaus can find an entertaining ripost to Hercules’ barb..an overwhelming stinking smell overcomes Iolaus as he gags at the stench..” Aw shit..Iberia again..” Both our heroes lose whatever lunch they had at the glorious party on Raisa.
Both Hercules and Iolaus are horrified at what they see. Dead bodies are everywhere. Dead Magog bodies with stomachs ripped open to reveal growing larvaie and eggs of some sort. Greenish looking ooze protrude from the bodies. Blood everywhere on every body limb. Limbs have been ripped and thrown about as if some monster had been carelessly dining and forgot to clean up after himself. Some of the Magog victims are still alive but they are in such pain from the eggs incubating in their bellies that their eyes beg for death..for release.
Holding his hand to his nose to avoid breathing in the stench, Hercules points out to Iolaus “The victims are all Magog..what kind of monsters would reproduce like this?”
“Herc..this doesn’t make sense..humans are the usual victims..while the Magog are usually the monsters laying the eggs..I don’t understand..did the other Magog attack these Magog?”
“Iolaus..the answer to your question is right behind you?”
“Huh?’
“No, Herc..those are a bunch of dirty humans..a bit smelly and unwashed..but they’re humans..humans don’t lay eggs and stick the eggs into..”
“Iolaus..this is no time to argue..and I don’t want to stick around to find out..RUN!”
The humans all have blood all over them. Their mouths still have pieces of their victim’s body parts in them. Their clothes are ragged and almost non existent. For communication they grunt at each other. The humans sniff the air and look directly at Hercules and Iolaus, their mouths salivating in anticipation of their kill as eggs come out of their mouths instead of saliva.
“Dear the gods..Herc..the attackers are HUMAN! They are the ones who..”
“Stop babbling Iolaus..RUN!”
“Right behind you!” as a panicked Iolaus bolts like a frightened rabbit behind Hercules as one of the human barbarians reaches to grab Iolaus and only manages to grab a piece of Iolaus’ colorful purple vest.
Iolaus hears the fabric of his vest rip as one of the smelly savages barely miss him and in his panic his usually deep tenor voice rises several octaves as he announces to Hercules “Come on Herc..let’s get out of here..get that slow demigod butt moving..they’ve picked up our scent..they want to EAT me!”
Hercules on the run ahead of Iolaus yells “Where do we go? Should we head for those caves?”
Iolaus yells a thunderous “ NO! Been there done that..remember Iberia..no caves are out..I got eaten by the Magog in cave..been there done that..”
“Iolaus..look..an abandoned shuttle..let’s make a run for it!’
“Herc..what if the occupants are hostile?”
“Iolaus..can’t be any more hostile than these human Magogs!”
“Yeah I’d rather be shot at than eaten..let’s head for that shuttle!”
“You know Iolaus when I said I wanted an adventure with you..I didn’t mean this!”
“Yeah..Herc..I’m with ya there..I would have rather gone fishing!”
“Come on Herc..just a few more kilometers..hurry up..eating too much fancy foods on the Andromeda? Pick up the pace..those animals are right behind you!” as Iolaus as outraced Hercules to the shuttle.
One of the smelly humans grabs a piece of Hercules’ flying chestnut hair as Hercules huffs and puffs to the shuttle. Hercules lets out an involuntary yelp as the barbarian takes a huge piece of Hercules’ hair right out of his head. Hercules now runs so fast that he now outpaces Iolaus as they both more or less jump at the same time into the shuttle’s open door.
“Quick..find the control panel..close that damn door..before those dogs come in..” Iolaus yells in a panicked voice as he searches in the dark for the main control panel.
Hercules searches the shuttle for the main control panel as he finds the button that turns on main power. Hercules pushes a few more buttons as the ship’s artificial gravity and lights come online.
“I’ve got it..the commands for closing the shuttle doors..closing shuttle doors NOW!” Iolaus announces as he quickly presses buttons on the lighted console panel.
“Iolaus behind you!..Some barbarians have boarded!” Iolaus quickly swivels around and gives the dirty human a quick kick to the groin and kicks another barbarian unconscious.
Hercules seeing Iolaus outnumbered smashes two barbarian heads and smashes a third out against the shuttle door. The whole ship moves at the impact of the bodies hit the door. Iolaus quickly opens the shuttle doors and throws the barbarians out the door.
“Quickly raise shields..more barbarians are coming..they’re trying to ram the ship..hurry Hercules..you..”
“Got it..shields raised”
From the outside, several barbarians run into the invisible shield and are quickly incinerated. The other barbarians retreat.
Iolaus tilts his head to listen. “Herc..do you hear it?”
Hercules is preoccupied trying to press various buttons on the console. “Hear what..Iolaus?”
“That’s the point? The barbarians are gone!”
Suddenly the lights go out in the ship. Both Hercules and Iolaus can feel the cold tip of a laser gun pointed at their bellies.
“Alright..intruders..stay where you are or else we will shoot you..human intruders..step away from the control panels.I have the laser gun set on KILL..so no funny tricks! Or quick movements..” Both Hercules and Iolaus put their hands in the air as they surrender.
Iolaus giggles involuntarily as one of the lasers tickles his ribs “Hey..that tickles..do you mind pointing your laser somewhere else?”
Suddenly Iolaus feels the laser pointed somewhere else and he blanches. Iolaus stutters “Ah guys..I want to someday have a family..I didn’t mean there..I will cooperate..guys..have a heart..Please?”
The Magog officer continues to point the gun at our two heroes as he continues “What are you two human barbarians doing on my ship?”
Hercules is the first to recover from the surprise ambush as he answers “We were just trying to run away from those barbarians outside..it seems they wanted to lay eggs in us and have us for dinner..not a pleasant way to die if you ask me.”
Iolaus backs up Hercules with “Been there done that..trust me..those eggs hurt..I have no intention of reliving that experience again..”
Both Magog officers wear puzzled looks on their furry faces as they withdraw their weapons to contemplate their new prisoners. “ I don’t understand” one Magog remarks to another “These humans are not like the others..they are civilized and when I pointed the gun at the little one..he squeaked something about losing the ability to have children…they must reproduce like we do..”
The Magog officer asks “Do you reproduce by laying eggs and eating your victims?”
Iolaus clearly incensed that anyone would accuse him of being a Magog answers “No WAY! I prefer a lovely lady any day of the week..I don’t eat..UGH” as Iolaus spats out the word in disgust “people..Hercules and I are NOT cannibals”
Hercules chimes in with “Listen guys..Iolaus and I are sorry we boarded your ship without your permission..I assure you we mean you no harm..we just needed a place to hide..”
“Wait a minute..” looking at Hercules “You called HIM Iolaus?”
Iolaus takes this cue to introduce himself and Hercules “My name is Iolaus..Erik Iolaus Erikson..formerly Captain of the Washington Ascendent..and this big guy here is Hercules..I mean Captain Dylan Hercules Hunt..Captain of..”
The Magog finishes the sentence “Captain of the Andromeda Ascendent..oh my God..you’re from a parallel universe..that’s the only explanation…we are so sorry..where are our manners?..My name is Beka Valentine..and this is my crew: Trance, Tyr Anastasi, and Harper.
Both Hercules and Iolaus are astonished to see that each crew member on this ship is Magog. The Magog Beka Valentine is a beautiful tall Magog female with blue eyes and a mane of blonde hair. Harper is a shorter Magog male with shorter blonde hair and grey eyes. Tyr is an extremely tall Magog with dark curly hair from head to foot and Trance..is purple in any universe..is a short purple female Magog...
“Aw..Herc..everyone is Magog..this universe is completely opposite of ours..I mean complete opposite..”
The Magog Beka explains “It would seem. Our Dylan Hunt is also Magog. But his assistant is human and calls himself Iolaus. Our Iolaus controls his carnivorous urgers to eat people and lay eggs through..”
Iolaus finishes the sentence “No..don’t tell me..through Wayist religion..and he is also called Rev Bem to his Wayist friends right?”
The Magog Harper sees the transporter device in Hercules’ hand as he gets excited and proclaims “Look Beka..this Dylan has the same transporter device..our Dylan had in his hand this morning..”
The Magog Beka is not looking at Hercules’ hand but into his eyes “You know Harper..even though this Dylan is human..and our Dylan is Magog..his eyes..those blue eyes..are exactly the same..it’s like the soul is the same..I don’t understand that..”
The Magog Trance explains “The Magog Beka..it’s not the body that makes the person..it’s their soul..both Dylans have the same souls..just housed in different bodies..Beka..their history is the opposite of ours..”
The Magog Tyr reorients the conversation away from Dylan’s blue eyes but to a more practical matter “We need to get our Captain back and I think I know where Harper is going..if we do an even swap..if both Dylans and both Iolauses initiate transport at the same time..both will be swapped back to their worlds..”
The Magog Harper takes the transporter from an unresisting Hercules’ hands as he fumbles with the buttons a bit “Okay..that was a cinch to recalibrate these..obviously their Harper thinks exactly the same way as me..it’s as if I built this transporter myself..” says the small blonde Magog obviously proud of his achievement..
“Just think this handy dandy transporter will revolutionize space travel..why even Rommie will be out of a job” crows the Magog Harper.
“Ah Herc..he sounds exactly like OUR Harper..word per word..now THAT’S EERIE!”
Hercules looks at the Magog Harper and is astonished to see the same mannerisms as the human Harper complete with that strange plug in mouse device by his ear as well as his gaudy taste in Hawaiian t-shirts. The Magog Harper wipes his dirty hands on his jeans as he remarks “The only drawback is..how do we know EXACTLY when our Captain is going to transport? In order for this to work, they all have to transport at the same time!”
The Magog Beka suggests “Why don’t we send them a message? We can use that new transmitter array you’ve been working on Harper..you know the transmitter that can send messages through shields?”
The Magog Harper actually blushes and says “I haven’t actually tested it yet..I don’t know if it works..”
The Magog Tyr picks the Magog Harper up by his shirt and literally barks “Well I guess NOW is a good time to test it..We NEED our Dylan back just like they need to get back too! You know I can’t stand to be around humans..so get to work on it as Tyr literally shakes the stuffing out of a frightened Harper.
Beka steps forward and in a very Captainlike voice she announces “PUT HIM DOWN TYR if you hurt him..he won’t be able to fix anything!”
Tyr unceremoniously drops Harper on the floor as Harper lands like a heap on Andromeda’s cold floor.
Hercules whispers into Iolaus’ ear “You know..despite everything..some things never change..”
Iolaus chuckles “If it weren’t for all that dark fur..I’d swear that this Tyr is our Tyr..”
Hercules gives Iolaus a knowing look as he amusingly adds “Yep..molecule by molecule..that’s Tyr to the core..I don’t know how many times he’s thrown Harper around and Harper always comes back for more!”
The Magog Beka eyes her two guests amicably as she suggests “While we wait for Harper to send the message through subspace to see when our Captain wants to transport..why don’t you and Iolaus wait in the Captain’s quarters and rest? Food is in the replicators..ah not flesh though..”
Hercules gives Beka a kind compassionate look as he says “My fiancée used to tell me to eat more meat..since I tend for the vegetarian..” Hercules points to Iolaus and accuses “His wife..tries to tell him to eat less rabbit..and more vegetables.. and just for the record..I do not lay eggs..but I don’t know about HIM..”
Iolaus chases after Hercules “I’m going to get you for that” Iolaus promptly tickles Hercules to the ground as Hercules laughs uncontrollably as he is zapped of all his demigod strength writhing on the floor helplessly. “Alright..alright..Iolaus..you win..I’m sorry..you’re a vegetarian too!”
Iolaus relents as he confesses “It was Dite’s idea..she said it would make me lose weight! Come on Herc..let’s go to their Captain’s quarters to check out their salads..I’m starved!”
The Magog Beka gives the Magog Trance a knowing look as the watch Iolaus stomp off towards food “It seems that Iolaus in any universe is hungry!”
CHAPTER 3
“You know Herc” as Iolaus talks between bites of food “I can’t believe how similar and yet opposite our worlds are..I wonder why..there has to be some pivotal event to cause our worlds to be so different..”
“I agree with you there..I think perhaps at some point our worlds were identical..and then something..something big caused it all to change..do you think I would have ended up a Magog?” asks Hercules curiously as he recoils in horror at the thought of being a Magog in his world always having to suppress his hunger for human flesh and suppress his urge to procreate.
“Herc..I think..Beka is right..it’s the soul that makes the person..not the body..I think you’re Hercules wherever you go..you know saving the world..being a hero..that sort of thing..with me to watch your back..didn’t they say that their Dylan and their Iolaus are inseparable?”
“Yeah..I guess you’re right..since we have so much time to kill..let’s look at their historical database to see what we can dig up..you know Iolaus I”ve gotten pretty good at looking at old files..”
“We’re in the same boat now Herc..I don’t know any more than you do.” Iolaus replies as he shuffles through ancient PADDS in search of an answer.
“Look Iolaus..I think I’ve found something..it seems that human history was identical to ours up until the Roman Empire. Then a great beast invaded Earth. Many warriors went to fight it. Warriors from all over Earth; Chin, Greece, Egypt..this beast feeds on..terror..disorder..chaos..and it’s this beast that cursed the humans of this world with this insatiable hunger for flesh..and changed the humans into egg laying..cannibals..”
“Look Herc..I’m looking into Magog history..you’re right..up until the Roman Empire in Magog history..look the beast invaded the Magog homeworld..but the Magog defeated the beast..kicked the beast back into its realm..that’s why the Magog of this world was spared of the curse..”
Now overcome with curiosity..Hercules walks over to Iolaus and starts scanning the Magog database “How did the Magog defeat the beast?”
Iolaus reading from the Magog history pads continues “Two brave warriors..brothers in arms..fought the beast..and sacrificed their lives together..back to back..to fight the beast..these warriors were named..” Iolaus’ mouth drops open as he reads the following lines silently leaving Hercules in suspense.
“Well..Iolaus..what were their names?” Seeing the pale blanched look on Iolaus’ usually vivacious face, Hercules becomes worried and steps over Iolaus’ shoulder to read the PADD for himself “..and the warrior’s names were Hercules, and his ever brave compatriot and brother in arms, a hero in his own right, Iolaus of..”
“Herc..do you know what this means?”
Hercules shakes his head in shock “Dahak..he’s the beast..”
“..it means when we defeated and killed Dahak in Sumeria..we saved humanity from a massive curse..”
“In my dreams I was warned of a great darkness enveloping the Earth..I had no idea..”
“Herc..we don’t need the guilt trip now..we did a good thing..”
“Iolaus..I have one question..what happened to the Hercules and Iolaus of Earth?”
Iolaus gives Hercules a confused look “I don’t know..I just know that the hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end. I don’t think we killed Dahak..I mean look at the Magog in our world..they are still cursed..when I was on Iberia..it was like some evil force was driving the Magog insane..causing them such madness that they would go into a beserker’s fury to lay their eggs..”
“Of course..it all makes sense..Dahak lives off terror and chaos..he feeds off the terror of the victims..the madness of the attackers..he feeds off the chaos of it all..” Hercules’ eyes widen with understanding.
“It means we have to defeat Dahak again to lift the curse off the Magog of our world..so they can be..”
“Herc..I think the word you’re looking for..so they can be civilized..and lead a happy existence..not a tortured one..like”
“Like Rev Bem..”
Hercules locks his eyes on Iolaus and talks from his heart “Iolaus..I can’t let you go after Dahak again..now after what it did to you the first time..I’ll go after it..”
Iolaus can’t tell if he’s trembling from anger or from shock “Herc..you can’t stop me from fighting Dahak again..I’m a grown man..yes..Dahak tricked me once..he even tried to have the Magog lay eggs in me..but I won’t let that stop me..he has to be killed..if it means my death..so be it..Herc..look at how the curse robs people of their essence..their dignity..do you want that for your children?”
“I care about you, Iolaus. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
The discussion remains unsolved as the Magog Harper joyfully exclaims “I’ve got the message from our Captain..transport begins in five minutes..Come on..you’ll be late” as Harper leads Hercules and Iolaus into the engineering room where the crew is assembled.
Dylan gives the Magog Andromeda crew one last salute and the last thing he sees before he disappears into oblivion is how the proud blond tall Magog Beka Valentine gives Dylan a full military salute and says “If anyone deserves the title of Captain, it’s you Dylan..for both you and our Captain have the noble dream of reestablishing the Commonwealth..you’ve given all of us something to believe in..thank you” As Hercules and Iolaus reappear, they see the human crew of the Andromeda in an identical military salute as the human Beka Valentine salutes Dylan “Welcome home, Captain..it’s good to have you back!” The wide grins on the rest of the Andromeda crew express their joy, relief that their Captain and his best friend are finally home..home on the Andromeda Ascendant.
CHAPTER 4—Epilogue
“I agree with Iolaus..YOU are not going to fight that beast alone..” Tyr brings his favorite weapon to show the others how he will defeat the beast.
“This beast affects all of us. According to the Magog Dylan..in order to defeat the beast..we must all stand together and put aside our differences to fight a common enemy..we must not allow the beast to sense any division..”
Harper adds “They don’t call this beast..Chaos for nothing..we won’t give it any Chaos to feed on.”
Rev Bem puts in his two cents “After all, it is my people that this evil creature has cursed..the least I can do is to pray for its’ destruction..that’s how I am going to join in the fight..I intend to rally the forces of the Light as our ally.” Rev Bem looks to Iolaus as he says that last sentence.
“See Her..I mean Dylan..it’s meant to be..according to the Divine Purpose..I am destined to fight by your side..Hercu..I mean Dylan..back to back buddies..” as Iolaus takes out a glistening object.
Hercules recognizes the glistening object as the knife that he had forged for Iolaus..the knife he had forged for Iolaus in friendship..a tangible physical symbol of their eternal ongoing friendship..that nothing..no one..not even Dahak..or time..can destroy.
Hercules acquiesces as he sees that the whole crew has ganged up against him. Captain Dylan Hercules Hunt pats his longtime best friend on the back. A part of Hercules is grateful for Iolaus’ company and the company of the rest of his crew..yet another part of Hercules is deathly afraid of losing everyone that he cares about to this Dahak..part of the price of immortality..losing the ones you love…to old age..to catastrophe..to premature death like the way Iolaus died at the hands of Dahak so long ago..Hercules’ heart still wrenches at that thought of losing Iolaus again..but he knows he can never stop his irrepressible friend from following his own destiy.
Captain Dylan Hercules Hunt look at the assembled people with a heart filled with love and gratitude that in such a short period of time, a group of mercernaries care for each other so much that they are willing to sacrifice their lives to save the world when only a few months ago..the same group of people only cared for their own survival.
Hercules looks at his best friend standing there with the knife of friendship in his hands..stubborn as always..yet ready as always to stand beside his partner and lifelong brother to fight Dahak again. Hercules thinks..’if this is what united is, then we will defeat Dahak and free the Magog people of this terrible curse.
Somewhere in the heavens, Michael smiles as he realizes that Hercules and Iolaus will do it again—save the world, kill Dahak and go home about their regular lives like nothing happened.
THE END
Stay tuned for the next story in which our brave heroes engage Chaos…!