1.21 It Makes A Lovely Light
Beka jeopardizes the crew when she takes a mind-altering drug while attempting an exhaustive piloting mission that could bring Dylan to his long-lost home planet
Episode Synopsis
Tricked into believing there is a major mechanical malfunction, Captain Dylan Hunt rushes to the slipstream core, only to be surprised by the crew with a heavily candle-lit cake; it is Dylan’s birthday. Later, Beka hands Dylan a present – slipstream routes that can potentially lead Dylan back to his long-lost home planet of Tarn-Vedra. Dylan is skeptical since the route mapped out is based on the diary of “the Mad Perseid.” Beka’s interpretation maps out a route that travels through some tricky, potentially destructive elements. Rev Bem wonders if Tarn-Vedra intentionally cut themselves off from the rest of the universe, while Tyr voices concern over the potential lethal consequences of the trip. After being reassured by Beka that she can handle the psychological exhaustion such a trip could take on a pilot, Dylan gives her the go-ahead.
Beka wastes no time. Soon after taking over the pilot’s chair, she takes the crew through the first ten slipstream routes. The physical toll is tough on some of the crewmembers, but Beka is ready to continue. Despite her objections that she’s physically fine, Dylan orders Beka to rest. Once she is alone, it becomes clear that Beka is not fine and that the trip is more demanding than she anticipated. Beka climbs back into the pilot’s chair to continue forward with the trip. During one of the slipstream routes, the ride is particularly rough. On the other end of the route, they arrive at the core of the Andromeda galaxy, made up of twin black holes. Much to Beka’s chagrin, the ship is stuck. Dylan orders her to take a break, and Beka feels as if Dylan has no faith in her piloting skills. Reluctantly, she leaves.
Afterward, she overhears Harper and Rommie talk about whether or not Beka should be replaced as pilot during this mission because of the exhaustion. Harper refuses to speak against Beka; she has saved him one time too many for him to not have faith in her. Later, Trance collapses while talking with Beka. Something in her alien makeup is being gravely damaged by the constant trips through slipstreams. Beka, determined to get everyone through this as quickly as possible, turns to making Flash, a mind-altering drug. Trance wakes up long enough to see what Beka is doing, but Beka tells her she has it all under control. Beka argues she’s taking it to boost her reaction time. But Trance is too weak to do anything to stop Beka. She puts drops of Flash in her eyes and returns to the pilot’s chair, successfully freeing the ship from its stuck position. When Dylan compliments her on her improved reflexes, Beka harshly over-reacts not once, but several times. Beka storms off to go over some maps and is interrupted by Harper. He is quick to notice her unusual eye color and they argue over the dangers of using Flash. Beka responds by lashing out at Harper.
Returning to Command, Beka continues to become difficult, and argues with everyone over what course of action to take, especially when Dylan decides to turn back. She spouts insults at Dylan until Tyr reveals his suspicions to all present about Beka’s drug usage. Dylan demands Beka hand over the vial of Flash. Instead, Beka throws it in the air to distract Dylan and then runs to the controls and sends the ship wildly into slipstream. Trance goes into cardiac arrest as Dylan fights to pull Beka off the controls. Finally, he has Tyr take Beka to a holding area. As Trance recuperates from the effects of slipstream, Beka begins going through Flash withdrawal. Rev Bem pays her a visit in hopes of counseling her.
Dylan works on reversing the course of direction. However, after going through a slipstream, it becomes apparent that they are not in control of the ship as it is still heading toward Tarn-Vedra. Beka has escaped from holding after stunning Rev Bem with a tazer. She has gone to the slipstream core and has managed to override Andromeda’s controls and leads the ship on its course toward Tarn-Vedra. The crew debate on how to take control back from Beka before she unwillingly destroys the ship. As Beka takes more and more Flash, Dylan tries to reason with her. Using a hologram of himself, Dylan is able to distract Beka long enough for Harper to tackle her as the others grab her. Beka begins to overdose as radiation levels rise, threatening the ship. Dylan sends the ship into slipstream, taking it out of harm’s way, then collapses next to Beka.
Later, Beka wakens to find Dylan sitting in her recovery room where he has been watching over her during her recuperation. Beka apologizes for everything she has put Dylan and the crew through. Dylan warns Beka that her system may be clean, but she’ll have to struggle with addiction for the rest of her life. Beka resolves to face her demons and win out over Flash. Offering his hand in support, Dylan tells her he will be with her every step of the way.
Synopsis from AndromedaTV
