" An Affirming Flame " - Episode #102 (spoilers below!) (Click here for review)

Written By: Robert Hewitt Wolfe     Directed By: Brenton Spencer

The episode opens where "Under the Night" left off. The mercenary soldiers hired by Gerentex (John Trench) are shown rapidly securing the Andromeda as they blast the security robot drones.

However, as Captain Hunt finds out what is going on he begins to take a hand in defending his ship. In a number of scenes Hunt uses his knowledge of the ship and the element of surprise to fight a successful 'guerilla' war. In the process a number of the mercenaries are either put in cryogenic suspension or sent out in escape pods.

Tyr Anasazi (the Nietzschean mercenary) comments to Gerentex concerning his respect for Hunt as a 'survivor' type and a competent foe. He also mentions he hopes to prove himself a genetically acceptable member of his race.

Beka Valentine's crew begins to wonder if they are on the right side and when Trance vocally attacks Gerentex he shoots and kills her as an example. This only serves to anger the salvage crew, especially Seamus who is hot for revenge. However, when Seamus attempts to gain control of Andromeda' s computer (via a socket in his neck) he finds that 'it' is 'alive'.

Andromeda in fact begins to infiltrate the salvage ship, causing Gerentex to flee in it. He takes along Seamus and two mercenaries and proceeds to push the incapacitated Andromeda toward the black hole.

On board Andromeda, Beka challenges Tyr to come up with a way for them to survive and his only idea is to try cryogenic suspension and hope the ships makes it through the black hole to the possible 'other side'. They end up finding the two other mercenaries who Dylan had put in suspension. These two decide to try an escape pod and are killed in the black hole.

Dylan watching the pod's destruction is determined to stop further deaths and confronts the others, who all agree to follow his lead. It turns out the ship carries 40 Nova bombs (each can "blow up a star") which Dylan and his temporary crew shoot into the black hole. This converts it into a 'white hole' spewing matter/energy which both the Andromeda and the Maru escape from using Slipstream drive.

Once safe, Dylan agrees to assist Beka in retrieving her ship in return for an unspecified favor. They find and board the Maru and easily defeat Gerentex and his two remaining mercenaries. Over Tyr's objections Dylan lets Gerentex live and sends him off in a crippled shuttle to limp his way back to civilization. Dylan then calls in his favor by asking everyone to meet him back aboard the Andromeda.

Back on Andromeda Dylan reveals his plans. He knows the Commonwealth is gone and conditions have turned brutal, but has a vision to use the Andromeda to seek allies and restore the Commonwealth. He calls on them to become his crew and help in this quest.

Each of her crew and finally Beka and Tyr agree to help. Their only condition is that they do not have to salute him or call him 'Captain'!

Synopsis 10/17/00 by Larry Kramer       Updated 10/05/01.

© 2001 Larry Kramer (See Copyright Disclaimer)