Until the light

Summary: Dylan, once again, has to fight for Andromeda's survival.

Pairing: Rommie/Dylan

Spoilers: Nothing that springs to mind.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters and I don't make any profit with my little fic. That's why I'm not going to tip myself for finally getting back to writing again.

AN: This is set two years after Andromeda and her crew defeated the Abyss. Andromeda is sent to observe a star going supernova; I'm not going to say anymore than that, except that I really like reading reviews.

That's the last of the escape pods. Well, at least my crew is safe, all but one anyway. I don't have to look up, the sound of his forcelance working away at the seal of command's main access is all but clear, even without my android hearing. If only I knew a definite way of getting him off the ship, of getting him to safety.

He is almost through now…

I brush away a single tear from my cheek and stare towards the hatch. Command is basked in crimson light from the main viewer, not only making it feel, but also look like my own personal hell. The sparks flying up from where the door panels connect aren't helping either.

The seal finally gives way and he is already straining to force open the door.

I wonder how I ended up in this mess. My memory serves me right as it always does, but when I look for the reasons, the decisions I made that were wrong, I'm not sure I know where to start. I take a deep breath, I need to regain at least some semblance of composure if I'm to get him out of harm's way.

"Ok Andromeda! What the hell is going on?" Dylan almost shouts as he storms onto command, rushing towards me. Despite that, just the sight of him sends that mess of emotions gushing up in my chest. Even after all this time.

"Radiation from the star is interfering with propulsion control," I have to look away, I've never lied to him before, at least not outright, not like this. But I need him to leave, "I can't engage sublight engines and we're too close to the gravity well for slipstream."

I look up to find him furiously tapping commands into the console at his station. Moments later he thumps the console angrily and steps back. I wince just a little as his fist connects, even though it won't matter soon enough. Then he looks down to where I'm sitting and his eyes go wide, as if surprised to see me, "Rommie?"

"Dylan?"

He raises his eyebrows at me, "you know you could help here."

I swallow hard, how much I wished my next statement wasn't true. "There's nothing you can do."

"I can't believe that, Rommie. There's got to be something, we just haven't figured it out yet." He says, with the resolve I've come to expect from my captain. "If it comes down to it I'll have Beka tow you clear with the Maru." My mouth is already open with the next problem to his plan, but I shut it quickly, I just can't lie to him again. I'm not sure how long I can hold on, before the tears that are forming behind my eyes run free.

"Just leave," the statement as which it was intended turns into a hoarse whisper as my voice breaks. I'm certain he didn't hear it. He is most likely too caught up in whatever is going through his head. He is staring down at me now, still waiting for an answer. "Just leave." I manage to repeat, louder this time.

"What?" he utters in what seems like disbelieve, "Rommie, in case you haven't noticed, there's a red super giant out there that could turn nova any minute."

"I know." I answer rhetorically. Of course I know. How could I not know?

"So what are we going to do about it?" He asks patiently.

"Like I said, there's nothing you can do." A tear makes its way down my cheek and I turn away quickly before he sees. "So just leave," I whisper.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" He stops then and gazes at me speechlessly for a long moment. His question is more to point than I had hoped to take this conversation, and I curse myself for not being more careful with what I say, and judging from the look on his face, he's figured it out as well "That's it, isn't it? Oh my god, Rommie."

I can't answer. My gaze drifts down to my lap for a second. I stand up and walk behind the pilot's station, putting it between us. I rest my hands on the smooth but cold metal rail. I still cannot bring myself to look at him, I simply wait.

"But why?"

I'm not sure I know how to answer that question. The truth? I doubt that. I can't admit that to him, not after everything that's happened. So what's the alternative? I suppose the partial truth will have to do, even if the truth part is miniscule. "I'm sick of the constant fighting, the struggle…" I offer.

"We're soldiers Rommie, it's part of our job description. And the way you always point out that you're a warship? Besides, I thought since we defeated the Abyss we've been fighting less and less?"

Is there any way I can make this believable to him? "Still—"

"What's the real reason?" He cuts me off and I hear him step closer. I look up into his blue eyes and merely find myself staring. "Rommie?" He says that special way that's always sent a shiver down my spine. And with that he covers one of my hands with one of his.

As much as I want the touch, I really can't handle this now. I draw back my hands and back up until I feel my back pressing into the main display so hard I think it might break. "Don't!" Is all I can manage.

"Rommie, I'm sorry." He says and takes a few steps backwards. "But you should know that I'm not going anywhere," he adds and looks at me worriedly, then he sits down at the base of the pilots station in front of me. "Look, I really think we should talk about this. It might help, but the choice is yours."

I can't help but sigh. I can't imagine how talking this out might help, or that it offers another resolution? Besides, I'm not opening myself up to him again. Though, my embarrassment is hardly an issue, it won't matter when that star does finally go nova. The only thing that really matters is that Dylan isn't onboard anymore. Maybe the truth can accomplish that. So I swallow down my pride, closing my eyes tight against the tears I feel welling up inside of me, "ever since you broke up with me, my life has been one gigantic mess."

TBC.