By Erin_Cale
Disclaimer: See first part.
***
�So what exactly does this say?� Harper asked.
Kathryn blinked, momentarily surprised. �You mean you can�t read English?�
�English? As in old Earth lingo? Nope. I talk Common, just like most of the population of the Known Worlds.�
�Oh. Then I�ll read it off for you.� Harper handed her the piece of paper back and she looked at it. �I made a list of things that we have in my universe that I can help you to make in this universe. First is the holodeck, it�s.... How can I describe it? It�s a place where you can live your fantasies and it feels real. Not to mention that, with the proper safety precautions, nothing in the holodeck can hurt you. Then there are defensive shields, energy weapons for the ship, transporter technology... I can help you to build most of these things and I can describe the rest in detail.�
�Why would you help us?�
�Well, to quote Tyr from earlier, �Your survival is imperative for my own.� Usually, I follow my universe�s regulations, which clearly state giving technology to other cultures is forbidden. But seeing as how you already have advanced technology of your own and, from what I�ve learned, defeating the Magog Worldship will require every advantage that you can get, I don�t see why not.�
Harper seemed to think about it for a moment. �Let�s get cracking. What shall we work on first?�
�Well, the holodeck isn�t necessary, neither are the universal translators-�
�The what?�
Kathryn pointed to the ineffectual communicator pin on her uniform jacket. �This little device allows me to understand anything within a certain radius after it takes the few seconds necessary to process the language. It also doubles as a communicator. Basically, it�s the only thing that�s allowing me to understand you right now.�
�Okay. Go on.�
�Transporter technology would take too long and you probably have very powerful weapons.�
�Yes we do. Andromeda is the most powerful ship in the Known Worlds. The only ship that even comes close is the Magog Worldship.�
�Okay. We work on the shields then.� Kathryn looked up suddenly. �You don�t already have those, do you?�
�No.�
�Good. I wouldn�t want to help you build something that you already have.�
�Okay, so what do we need?�
Kathryn took off her uniform jacket as she considered her answer. �Help, primarily. Then we would need a source of energy that will be totally separate from the AI matrix.�
�So Andromeda�s personality won�t be damaged if this experiment fails,� Harper finished her thought.
�Exactly. Do you know where we can find something like that?�
�Maybe.� After a moment of thought, he smiled. �Come on.� He hurried to the exit.
�Where are we going?� Kathryn asked.
�Just trust in the Harper. The Harper is good.�
***