"Double Helix" - Episode #105 (spoilers below!) (Click here for review)

The Andromeda responds to a signal from Thann ships battling Nietzscheans since Dylan hopes to negotiate a peace and build a basis for a restored Commonwealth. The Nietzscheans have a powerful plasma cannon on their asteroid colony which destroys all Thann ships except for one that escapes. The Andromeda is attacked while rescuing the Thann (an insectoid race with a large fleet) who signaled them, but responds by sending out drone weapons causing a standoff.

The Nietzchean leader ('alpha') suggests Dylan negotiate, but Tyr warns him that his people often used this as a ploy to gain hostages. Instead, Tyr goes and is attacked. He eludes his attackers, holding one hostage, which wins the admiration of the hostage's future mate (Freya).

Freya decides that Tyr likely has superior genes and offers herself as mate! The female leader of the (Orca) 'pride' determines his lineage and genes makes him a suitable. He must prove himself by finding a way to defeat the approaching Thann fleet, which will require the Andromeda.

Tyr gives Dylan specs for the plasma cannon, suggesting they modify their ramscoop to neutralize it. However, this will also block their sensors. Tyr alleviates Dylan's suspicions by saying the Orca pride had betrayed his (Kodiak) pride and he doesn't care what happens to them.

On the asteroid Tyr tells the Orca's alpha that the Andromeda's sensors are down and there are only five crewmen. He modifies the cannon to fire a less potent blast to avoid damaging the ship (and perhaps trick them into thinking their ramscoop modifications actually worked).

Freya gives Tyr the 'double helix' bracelet that signifies her desire to have him as husband and father her children (the highest goal of a Nietzchean male). She describes her lineage (from a line of alphas) as does he (his pride was the keepers off the remains of the Nietzchean progenitor' until betrayed by allied prides who did not assist them under attack). They have a sexual encounter, and and Tyr asks if she would be willing to have him 'alone' as alpha of a pride.

Meanwhile, Dylan remembers a game with his Nietzchean first officer and friend who betrayed him. Rhade explained winning is crucial since it proves his genes are desirable, and when found cheating he was unashamed. Dylan realizes Rhade was warning him that he couldn't be trusted. He orders Rommie to increase the anti-proton flow by 10% an hour unless he countermands this.

The Nietzscheans fire their cannon as a diversion and board the ship. Beka and Rev Bem fight but are taken hostage. However, the Nietzscheans are thwarted when Dylan reveals the ship will soon explode due to the increased anti-proton flow, which he refuses to countermand. The alpha has no backup plan, but Tyr does and uses a remote device to detonate the plasma cannon.

The Nietzscheans flee, vowing vengeance on Tyr who is undaunted by this. The Thann retrieve their comrade, acknowledging the Andromeda as a force for peace which they appreciate.

Tyr speaks to Dylan and claims he always meant to betray the Nietzscheans. Dylan says Tyr did what was best for Tyr, perhaps planning on the Andromeda becoming the base for a new pride with Freya. When asked if he trusts him Dylan replies that he trusts "Tyr to be Tyr".

Synopsis 11/07/00 by Larry Kramer.       Updated 10/11/01

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