He stood on Obs Deck, watching the stars. They always helped to calm his mind. He could feel her near him, his skin always tingled when she was close. They leaned against the rail in companionable silence, thinking their own thoughts yet somehow in tune with each other. He put his arm around her waist and gently drew her closer. She laid her head on his shoulder, moulding to his body and he rested his cheek on her hair. All was well with the world. Slowly, afraid the break the spell he moved them round so they were almost face to face. He lifted his head and as she turned to look up at him, he kissed her gently. Slowly, sweetly the kiss deepened and they clung to each other.

"Dylan .. Dylan" she whispered "... Dylan ... Dylan"

"Dylan!" He turned and she stood behind him, hands on hips, "Where were you? I had to call five times before you even noticed I was here!"

"Sorry Beka, was in a world of my own. Did you need me for anything?"

"Just wanted to let you know, I have a cargo run to make. And I thought I might drop in on Harper and the gang while I was planetside. So if there is anything you want me to get while I am down there ...?"

"We're OK for supplies at the moment. Thanks"

"No problem" She came and leaned against the rail next to him, looking out at the stars. They stood side by side in companionable silence for a bit. She leaned against him and put her head on his shoulder. He stiffened and she stood up. Why had she done that? It had just felt so right, but obviously not to him. Forget it. She walked towards the doorway, then turned "What were you thinking about that had you so deep in dreamland when I came in?"

"Just daydreaming."

"About who?" she teased. "Oh," suddenly becoming serious "... about Sarah, I'm sorry."

No about you! He couldn't say that, could he. NO!

"No, just daydreaming"

The look on his face told her she had hit a nerve. Damn, she should have kept her mouth closed. Dammit Valentine, when are you going to learn to think before you speak?

"Well, gotta go. See you later. If you're sure there's nothing I can get you."

She turned and left. She guessed now everything was finally over, and there were no immediate battles to plan for he was probably thinking more and more about what he had lost. His fiancée, his family, his time...

I suppose it's only to be expected, but dammit Dylan, can't you see what's right here in front of you. And damn you Valentine, did you really think he might be dreaming of you. That he could picture you melting in his arms the way you dream of sometimes. That he could see a future for the two of you, compared to the future he had dreamed of with Sarah. You have to stop thinking about this. At least he promised we would always fly together. "You were my first friend on this journey, and you will be my last" That would do, wouldn't it. And maybe in time he will forget Sarah and see you. Maybe!

He leaned back against the rail and looked out at the stars. Their long fight was over. The Abyss was gone. The Magog, lost without their god, had scattered and headed back towards their universe. The Nietzschean alliance had broken down and the prides started fighting amongst themselves. Tarn Vedra had rejoined the known worlds and was day by day turning back into the paradise it had been. There were a few battles still to be fought but they were someone else's responsibility now. He had finally been allowed to retire. Rommie had requested decommissioning and been granted it. It hadn't felt right to either of them that she fly with someone else as her captain. He smiled, there was very little they could have asked for that wouldn't have been granted.

He thought about his motley crew. Rhade was at peace, reunited with his wife and children. A Husband and Father, as any good Nietzschean should be. Contentment looked good on him. Harper was enjoying himself hugely. He had got Andromeda back to tip top working condition with a few enhancements, of course. And now he was investigating Vedran technologies, as well as enjoying the improved climate on Tarn Vedra. Not having to worry about the constant threat of Magog and Nietzschean attack were a huge relief to him. Doyle was enjoying being herself and the paradise her home world was turning into. Trance was busy, the Lambent Kith had welcomed her back, had asked for her help rebuilding the council, scared by how easily the Abyss had managed to manipulate and control them. She seemed more at peace as well, she had completed her task, defeated the Abyss, and her friends were all safe and well. Rommie was pleased to be back in prime condition, and pleased at the happiness of her crew.

And Beka .. she seemed happy here. She had all she ever wanted. The Eureka Maru (which was running even better than ever, because Harper had made some upgrades). Her crew were happy, they had won their fight and now they could relax and enjoy the benefits Tarn Vedra had to offer. The only thing that disturbed her peace was that people knew she was the Matriarch. She still lived on the Maru, often docked in Andromeda, after all the Maru and space were her home.

The Commonwealth had been very generous to all of them in appreciation for what they had done.

And him? Well his mission was over, they had won. He had restored the Commonwealth. He was home. Now that Trance's sun was returning Tarn Vedra to its former beauty, it was becoming once again the boyhood home of his dreams. Strangely, as much as he was enjoying the peace, he felt something was missing. He had a pretty good idea what it was though. Now they were no longer fighting for their survival he could no longer push to the back of his mind the attraction he felt for his first officer (ex first officer now). He was even daydreaming about her. But he wasn't sure how she felt about him. She was a good friend, she trusted him with her life and she had proved her loyalty time and again, but did she, could she feel more for him than that?

He had to do something. He couldn't just sit around brooding. But he wasn't ready yet to put this to the test. He had been thinking for a while now of a promise he had made to Rommie years ago. That when this was all over they would explore the stars. He felt a small thrill at the thought, to be back amongst the stars but without the fighting. He would ask Beka if she wanted to join them, she had wanted them to fly together, but the decision had to be hers. Maybe it would help, if she came along he could try and find out if this feeling he had was going anywhere, if she didn't he could use the time to try and forget. Besides, he wanted her near him. OK, he had made a decision.