14 - The Decision Made
Rommie gazed at the screen, not really believing what she had found in the computer. Suddenly she couldn't control her thoughts any more, she felt like being caught in the hurricane carrying her away. Her eyes revealed her total confusion, disbelief and hurt. She forgot to close her mouth and she sure wasn't able to speak any more.
"What, what is it that you found Rommie?" insisted Dylan and looked worriedly at her. It had been an instant change in her mood and he really was concerned about her. She was suddenly completely different person, not the one he had just kissed, and not the one who looked at him with huge, dark, pleading eyes. He leaned over her to see what she'd found. But, not being a computer expert, he just saw the screen, filled with different schematics, various numbers and remarks. He looked at it for the moment, not really understanding what he's been looking at, so he asked again: "What is this, Rommie? I don't know what I'm looking at. Would you please explain it to me? Please?"
She still didn't respond and he grabbed her at the shoulder and shook her a bit: "Rommie, wake up! Hey, look at me!"
She finally stopped staring at the screen and turned slowly to him, eyes and mouth still wide open. As she noticed his worried eyes, requesting some explanation, she finally managed to pull herself together and slowly, life returned to her eyes. She stuttered for a second and then started in a small, very thin voice: "Dylan, this program here ...... it's something I never would expect to find. It's ...... horrible! It's beyond your wildest fantasies. It's a program ...... which allows a personality to be transferred from one body to another!" She looked at him with shocked eyes, not really knowing how to react.
"WHAT?" cried out Dylan and gazed in her eyes, not least shocked as she. They kept silent for a moment; no sound disturbed the complete stillness in the room. Then she slowly, very slowly and vaguely nodded and added: "Yes, Dylan it's true. It's the program, which enables someone to transfer personality. I guess it's the program, which the Elyans used to transfer my personality from my avatar body into this one, human."
"But ..... that's impossible!" mouthed Dylan, still not believing her words, he'd just heard. Somehow her words seemed to float in the space, not reaching his mind and not being fully comprehended by him. He looked again at the screen, although he knew perfectly well, he wouldn't find any solution, any explanation there. "You got to be kidding, Rommie!"
"No, Dylan, I'm telling you the truth," slowly answered Rommie. Her eyes gradually lost the shock and it made place to something else; grief, hurt and sorrow.
They kept looking at each other and eventually, Dylan did understand what she said to him. He began to think about it. It would mean, they no longer were dependant on Elyans to transfer Rommie's personality back to an android body. Now they could do it by themselves, once the body is created. But, a second thought crossed his mind: does he want it? Is it really necessary to transfer Rommie back to an android body? Wouldn't it be better, to keep her the way she is right now? After all, he finally admitted to himself, he had fallen for her so deeply, that it hurt just to think he might loose her again. But, on the other hand, what did she want? Did she want to be an android again? Was it necessary to have an avatar again? His thoughts stumbled one over another and he couldn't sort out a clear point to help him further.
She looked at him and saw this fight in his eyes. Well, she had been confused too, just as Dylan was. She somehow accepted the fact, she was human and, to be honest, she began to like it. Especially now as Dylan finally admitted that he has feelings for her. Wouldn't it change everything, should she be transferred back again? Wouldn't it be a huge set back, a huge step backwards, if she'd turn out android again? She admitted to herself, that her desire to be android again has almost vanished.
Confusion was written in their eyes and they just continued staring at each other, without being able to speak. Slowly, Dylan sighed and looked down. He will have to make a decision right here and now. Does he really want an android Rommie again? He wasn't sure. In fact, he was almost sure, he didn't want it at all. Before, as he kissed her, he felt such beautiful emotions, that he didn't want to let go of it right now. He was finally in a position, to let his feelings fly, not to be inhibited by the protocol, not to have to think about the negative consequences. If she'd stay human, he really wouldn't confront any obstacles to be happy with her. But, on the other hand, it wasn't his choice. It was a choice, which Rommie had to make. It was her life, her existence and he wouldn't dare to interfere with her decisions, with her choice. He looked at her helplessly and slowly asked: "Rommie, do you want to be transferred back into an android body at all?"
Rommie looked at him astonished. This was the question she hadn't been expecting. She knew, that, before today, Dylan was strictly for the retransfer. But now? This brief kiss had changed everything. She realized she'd have to make a decision, with which she will live till the end of her days. And she didn't know if Dylan wants her that much. But, again, this question gave her at least a vague idea, what was going on inside Dylan's mind right now. So she looked at his eyes, trying to find an answer there. She answered very quietly: "I don't know, Dylan. Had you asked me this question two days ago, my answer would be firm 'YES'. But now ..... I'm no longer sure. Please, tell me one thing: do you want me to be human or do you want me as an android again?"
Dylan felt miserable. He just gained hope to establish a deep bond with this wonderful woman, and yet, they had the means to reestablish the former status. He looked deeply in her eyes and saw something there that made his heart skip a beat. He saw deep emotions there, love, he'd almost given up hope to find, and these eyes were pleading ..... pleading to be loved, to be cheered, and to be kissed. He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes with a hand. The most important decision of his life was to be made. If he looked at it from purely logical view, it was quite simple: he needed an avatar back. But, from his emotional view, from the look in her eyes, he couldn't possibly wish for her to vanish out of his life again. Seconds ticked off, while he was still thinking about it. He knew that Rommie was awaiting his answer. But he still didn't know what was her wish. Slowly he looked up into her eyes again and started: "Rommie, this situation is so perplexed, that I'm terribly afraid of making a wrong decision. That's why I asked you if you wanted to be transferred back into android body. Look, to be honest, I am so damn confused; I don't even know what's right and what's wrong anymore. My mind tells me one thing, while my heart tells me completely the opposite. I ...... I, as captain, need an avatar. But, as Dylan Hunt, I need you. And, it's more than obvious we can't have both. So, if you were asking me, what I wanted, I'd go for you. But, the decision is completely yours. You are the one who's most deeply involved into this and you have to decide what you want. I told you my wish, now it's your turn to decide."
Rommie's eyes lit up und she suddenly felt a wave of emotions, overwhelming her and taking control of her mind. She knew, Dylan was right about the need for an avatar. But ..... she thought ..... avatar could easily be built and her AI could be transferred into the body. This, human body, however, was unique. Should she decide to reject it, she probably would never get a chance again to live with the loved one. She looked into Dylan's eyes and in that very moment she made her decision. "Dylan, maybe I'm wrong about this. But, my wish is, to stay human." It has finally been said and now it was up to him to accept it or reject it.
Dylan's face lightened up as he heard her words. It was the decision he was hoping to hear. He nodded and answered: "Thank you Rommie! I was hoping to hear these words. Although they may be wrong, although it may be a bad decision, I still hoped for it. I don't want to loose you the way you are now. I don't want to be thrown back again into the state of ignorance as before."
Rommie smiled at him, first smile since they'd discovered the program and leaned over to him. Her lips again touched his and this time he didn't back up. She felt his arms, wrapping around her shoulders as he pulled her into his embrace. She simply closed her eyes, embraced him and enjoyed the kiss. As they finally broke apart, she asked: "What shall we do with this program? Should we erase it or keep it? And, what about the others? Do they need to know about it?"
"Know about what?" came question across the room. They both jumped a bit scared and looked into direction from where the voice came from. They saw Tyr and Trance, entering the room with guns in their hands, heading towards them.
Dylan didn't know quite well how to respond and he looked at Rommie helplessly. She was equally confused, so Tyr repeated his question: "What is it that you don't know if we should know about it or not?"
Meanwhile they came up to Rommie and Dylan and Trance looked at the screen. Suddenly, her face grew dark and she said: "They've found a personality transfer program!"
Tyr opened his mouth in astonishment and asked loudly: "WHAT! Don't play with me, Trance!"
She looked at him and repeated, stressing each and every word sharply: "They have found a personality transfer program!"
Tyr needed a second to process this information and then answered: "You mean like the one, Elyans used to transfer the ship's personality into a human body?"
Trance nodded and looked at Dylan, who was completely astonished: "Trance, how the hell, do you know what this program is for? I newer knew you were a computer expert?" he looked at Rommie, who was astonished as well.
Trance just shook her head and answered: "It doesn't matter. But I suppose, you have been discussing whether to use it or erase it. Am I right?"
Dylan and Rommie both slowly nodded and waited.
"And? What was your decision? I think, you want to erase it and not tell anyone about it," asked Trance, looking questioningly at Rommie.
"Hey, I don't think it's just up to them to decide!" protested Tyr and looked at them. "This decision really affects us all, not only the two of you."
"Wrong, Tyr!" answered Trance firmly. "It's Rommie's decision and not yours. And, knowing Rommie, and considering her development as a human in the last few days, I guess, she made the right decision. And we should all respect her decision, whatever it may be!"
Rommie looked thankfully to Trance and relief was written in her face. She was really afraid of her being against her decision. But now, she saw a hint of understanding in Trance's eyes. And she was a very mighty ally.
Tyr grumbled a bit, but then Dylan grabbed the word: "Tyr, believe me, we had a long conversation about this before you came. By the way, what are you doing here in the first place? Weren't you supposed to investigate the other corridors?"
"Yes, and we did it. We found nothing interesting. Besides, you weren't responding to our calls and so we broke off and went to find you."
Dylan looked surprised and then checked his communicator: "Damn, it's off! I must have forgotten to switch it on as we parted."
Trance smiled and then asked: "So, what's our decision regarding this program? I believe you two already made your decision - to erase it. Well, I'm with you. I really like the new Rommie, especially because she makes our captain happy."
Dylan blushed a bit, but regained self-control quickly and answered: "Yes, Trance, you're right. We don't want to use it. But we do have a problem!"
"Meaning?" asked Trance curiously.
"Meaning, that we would have to hide it from the others. At least for a while. I'm not blind, you know! I know that Harper wants his android Rommie back. And Beka ...... well, she looked strange at me in the last days. I can figure out, she's not exactly happy with the present situation, especially regarding the fact that she envies Rommie for coming closer to me. For them, I'm sure, they want Rommie to be an android back again. I don't care for Rev. He really understands us the best and I think, he was the first one to notice, Rommie adapted perfectly well to her new condition. And he, in my opinion, regards it with understanding." cleared Dylan.
Trance nodded and smiled again: "Just as I'd say it. I think they really shouldn't find out about it right now. Perhaps later, but not now. So, what shall we do about the new android body, being constructed by Harper?"
Rommie raised her head and looked at Dylan: "Well, I think we should let him do it. I mean, we do need another avatar, don't we? And, because he is already at work, we might just let him finish it. Then we could transfer the AI into the new body and have a new avatar. Although, there would be some changes necessary."
Dylan looked at her confused: "I don't understand what you're up to? Are you really speaking of a new avatar for Andromeda? And what changes would be necessary?"
Rommie smiled at him: "I don't want the new avatar to look like me. Simple like that."
Dylan laughed, suddenly understanding her point: "Well, Rommie, you're damn right. We already have three of you, and for sure, we don't need a fourth one." He looked at her and noticed he'd said something wrong. And he realized right away, which mistake he had made: "Sorry, Rommie, it just came out that way. I know you're not Andromeda any more. I was just implicating, that we already have three, physically identical incarnations. I really didn't want to hurt your feelings, you must believe me that!"
Rommie smiled again and nodded: "I know what you meant, but it did sound strange. Yes, that's what I was trying to say."
Tyr looked at them, not really knowing if he'd heard right: "Hey, are you talking about the fourth Andromeda incarnation? I don't believe it! I'll go nuts with them. I have troubles with three of them, and now the fourth one ....."
Trance smiled at Tyr and answered: "Tyr, we don't have three incarnations. We have only two, and a woman, a crewmember, who just LOOKS like Andromeda. It wouldn't mean you'd have to deal with four of them - just three. And, as Rommie said, I agree, the new avatar shouldn't look like her. It could be a problem to explain it to Harper, but I think I can manage that."
Rommie smiled shyly at Trance, thanking her with her eyes. Then she said: "OK, if we all agree on the fact, we should erase the program, I'll do it right now." She looked at everyone present and they all nodded, giving their approval. So she turned to the console and started working at it. After a while the screen went blank and she turned back again: "So, the program has been erased. I destroyed every single bit of the information, so that it's irretrievable now. I just hope we didn't make a mistake. After all, this program could be very useful."
"Yes, in the right hands! But, which are the right hands? I don't know if there's anyone in this universe, who would know how to handle it properly, withstanding the desire to rule over billions of sentient beings. Just imagine what terrible weapon it could present. Just imagine the most corrupted personalities, the criminals, killers and others could have been transferred into android bodies and made almost indestructible. What a threat would that present to the universe," softly said Dylan, looking at Rommie's questioning eyes.
"But, don't forget, the Elyans do have such program," argued Rommie.
Dylan nodded and answered: "Yes, and that's one problem we'll have to solve very soon. But we will wait until the time, you are supposed to be transferred back and do it then. In the meanwhile, we have to work out a plan, how to do it. We do have a little time, still. However, I think we should go further. We still have a job to do."
Everyone agreed and Tyr and Trance went as first. As they stood up, Dylan grabbed Rommie by the hand, pulled her closer and whispered in her ear: "Just one question, Rommie. Why do you want a new avatar to look different as you?"
Rommie smiled happily and whispered back: "Because I don't want you to fall for it. I had a hard time to win your affection and I don't want to loose it now to someone else!"
Dylan smiled back and kissed her on the cheek. In that moment, Trance turned and saw him kissing Rommie. A huge smile appeared on her face, but she managed to hide it very quickly.
TBC
Rommie gazed at the screen, not really believing what she had found in the computer. Suddenly she couldn't control her thoughts any more, she felt like being caught in the hurricane carrying her away. Her eyes revealed her total confusion, disbelief and hurt. She forgot to close her mouth and she sure wasn't able to speak any more.
"What, what is it that you found Rommie?" insisted Dylan and looked worriedly at her. It had been an instant change in her mood and he really was concerned about her. She was suddenly completely different person, not the one he had just kissed, and not the one who looked at him with huge, dark, pleading eyes. He leaned over her to see what she'd found. But, not being a computer expert, he just saw the screen, filled with different schematics, various numbers and remarks. He looked at it for the moment, not really understanding what he's been looking at, so he asked again: "What is this, Rommie? I don't know what I'm looking at. Would you please explain it to me? Please?"
She still didn't respond and he grabbed her at the shoulder and shook her a bit: "Rommie, wake up! Hey, look at me!"
She finally stopped staring at the screen and turned slowly to him, eyes and mouth still wide open. As she noticed his worried eyes, requesting some explanation, she finally managed to pull herself together and slowly, life returned to her eyes. She stuttered for a second and then started in a small, very thin voice: "Dylan, this program here ...... it's something I never would expect to find. It's ...... horrible! It's beyond your wildest fantasies. It's a program ...... which allows a personality to be transferred from one body to another!" She looked at him with shocked eyes, not really knowing how to react.
"WHAT?" cried out Dylan and gazed in her eyes, not least shocked as she. They kept silent for a moment; no sound disturbed the complete stillness in the room. Then she slowly, very slowly and vaguely nodded and added: "Yes, Dylan it's true. It's the program, which enables someone to transfer personality. I guess it's the program, which the Elyans used to transfer my personality from my avatar body into this one, human."
"But ..... that's impossible!" mouthed Dylan, still not believing her words, he'd just heard. Somehow her words seemed to float in the space, not reaching his mind and not being fully comprehended by him. He looked again at the screen, although he knew perfectly well, he wouldn't find any solution, any explanation there. "You got to be kidding, Rommie!"
"No, Dylan, I'm telling you the truth," slowly answered Rommie. Her eyes gradually lost the shock and it made place to something else; grief, hurt and sorrow.
They kept looking at each other and eventually, Dylan did understand what she said to him. He began to think about it. It would mean, they no longer were dependant on Elyans to transfer Rommie's personality back to an android body. Now they could do it by themselves, once the body is created. But, a second thought crossed his mind: does he want it? Is it really necessary to transfer Rommie back to an android body? Wouldn't it be better, to keep her the way she is right now? After all, he finally admitted to himself, he had fallen for her so deeply, that it hurt just to think he might loose her again. But, on the other hand, what did she want? Did she want to be an android again? Was it necessary to have an avatar again? His thoughts stumbled one over another and he couldn't sort out a clear point to help him further.
She looked at him and saw this fight in his eyes. Well, she had been confused too, just as Dylan was. She somehow accepted the fact, she was human and, to be honest, she began to like it. Especially now as Dylan finally admitted that he has feelings for her. Wouldn't it change everything, should she be transferred back again? Wouldn't it be a huge set back, a huge step backwards, if she'd turn out android again? She admitted to herself, that her desire to be android again has almost vanished.
Confusion was written in their eyes and they just continued staring at each other, without being able to speak. Slowly, Dylan sighed and looked down. He will have to make a decision right here and now. Does he really want an android Rommie again? He wasn't sure. In fact, he was almost sure, he didn't want it at all. Before, as he kissed her, he felt such beautiful emotions, that he didn't want to let go of it right now. He was finally in a position, to let his feelings fly, not to be inhibited by the protocol, not to have to think about the negative consequences. If she'd stay human, he really wouldn't confront any obstacles to be happy with her. But, on the other hand, it wasn't his choice. It was a choice, which Rommie had to make. It was her life, her existence and he wouldn't dare to interfere with her decisions, with her choice. He looked at her helplessly and slowly asked: "Rommie, do you want to be transferred back into an android body at all?"
Rommie looked at him astonished. This was the question she hadn't been expecting. She knew, that, before today, Dylan was strictly for the retransfer. But now? This brief kiss had changed everything. She realized she'd have to make a decision, with which she will live till the end of her days. And she didn't know if Dylan wants her that much. But, again, this question gave her at least a vague idea, what was going on inside Dylan's mind right now. So she looked at his eyes, trying to find an answer there. She answered very quietly: "I don't know, Dylan. Had you asked me this question two days ago, my answer would be firm 'YES'. But now ..... I'm no longer sure. Please, tell me one thing: do you want me to be human or do you want me as an android again?"
Dylan felt miserable. He just gained hope to establish a deep bond with this wonderful woman, and yet, they had the means to reestablish the former status. He looked deeply in her eyes and saw something there that made his heart skip a beat. He saw deep emotions there, love, he'd almost given up hope to find, and these eyes were pleading ..... pleading to be loved, to be cheered, and to be kissed. He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes with a hand. The most important decision of his life was to be made. If he looked at it from purely logical view, it was quite simple: he needed an avatar back. But, from his emotional view, from the look in her eyes, he couldn't possibly wish for her to vanish out of his life again. Seconds ticked off, while he was still thinking about it. He knew that Rommie was awaiting his answer. But he still didn't know what was her wish. Slowly he looked up into her eyes again and started: "Rommie, this situation is so perplexed, that I'm terribly afraid of making a wrong decision. That's why I asked you if you wanted to be transferred back into android body. Look, to be honest, I am so damn confused; I don't even know what's right and what's wrong anymore. My mind tells me one thing, while my heart tells me completely the opposite. I ...... I, as captain, need an avatar. But, as Dylan Hunt, I need you. And, it's more than obvious we can't have both. So, if you were asking me, what I wanted, I'd go for you. But, the decision is completely yours. You are the one who's most deeply involved into this and you have to decide what you want. I told you my wish, now it's your turn to decide."
Rommie's eyes lit up und she suddenly felt a wave of emotions, overwhelming her and taking control of her mind. She knew, Dylan was right about the need for an avatar. But ..... she thought ..... avatar could easily be built and her AI could be transferred into the body. This, human body, however, was unique. Should she decide to reject it, she probably would never get a chance again to live with the loved one. She looked into Dylan's eyes and in that very moment she made her decision. "Dylan, maybe I'm wrong about this. But, my wish is, to stay human." It has finally been said and now it was up to him to accept it or reject it.
Dylan's face lightened up as he heard her words. It was the decision he was hoping to hear. He nodded and answered: "Thank you Rommie! I was hoping to hear these words. Although they may be wrong, although it may be a bad decision, I still hoped for it. I don't want to loose you the way you are now. I don't want to be thrown back again into the state of ignorance as before."
Rommie smiled at him, first smile since they'd discovered the program and leaned over to him. Her lips again touched his and this time he didn't back up. She felt his arms, wrapping around her shoulders as he pulled her into his embrace. She simply closed her eyes, embraced him and enjoyed the kiss. As they finally broke apart, she asked: "What shall we do with this program? Should we erase it or keep it? And, what about the others? Do they need to know about it?"
"Know about what?" came question across the room. They both jumped a bit scared and looked into direction from where the voice came from. They saw Tyr and Trance, entering the room with guns in their hands, heading towards them.
Dylan didn't know quite well how to respond and he looked at Rommie helplessly. She was equally confused, so Tyr repeated his question: "What is it that you don't know if we should know about it or not?"
Meanwhile they came up to Rommie and Dylan and Trance looked at the screen. Suddenly, her face grew dark and she said: "They've found a personality transfer program!"
Tyr opened his mouth in astonishment and asked loudly: "WHAT! Don't play with me, Trance!"
She looked at him and repeated, stressing each and every word sharply: "They have found a personality transfer program!"
Tyr needed a second to process this information and then answered: "You mean like the one, Elyans used to transfer the ship's personality into a human body?"
Trance nodded and looked at Dylan, who was completely astonished: "Trance, how the hell, do you know what this program is for? I newer knew you were a computer expert?" he looked at Rommie, who was astonished as well.
Trance just shook her head and answered: "It doesn't matter. But I suppose, you have been discussing whether to use it or erase it. Am I right?"
Dylan and Rommie both slowly nodded and waited.
"And? What was your decision? I think, you want to erase it and not tell anyone about it," asked Trance, looking questioningly at Rommie.
"Hey, I don't think it's just up to them to decide!" protested Tyr and looked at them. "This decision really affects us all, not only the two of you."
"Wrong, Tyr!" answered Trance firmly. "It's Rommie's decision and not yours. And, knowing Rommie, and considering her development as a human in the last few days, I guess, she made the right decision. And we should all respect her decision, whatever it may be!"
Rommie looked thankfully to Trance and relief was written in her face. She was really afraid of her being against her decision. But now, she saw a hint of understanding in Trance's eyes. And she was a very mighty ally.
Tyr grumbled a bit, but then Dylan grabbed the word: "Tyr, believe me, we had a long conversation about this before you came. By the way, what are you doing here in the first place? Weren't you supposed to investigate the other corridors?"
"Yes, and we did it. We found nothing interesting. Besides, you weren't responding to our calls and so we broke off and went to find you."
Dylan looked surprised and then checked his communicator: "Damn, it's off! I must have forgotten to switch it on as we parted."
Trance smiled and then asked: "So, what's our decision regarding this program? I believe you two already made your decision - to erase it. Well, I'm with you. I really like the new Rommie, especially because she makes our captain happy."
Dylan blushed a bit, but regained self-control quickly and answered: "Yes, Trance, you're right. We don't want to use it. But we do have a problem!"
"Meaning?" asked Trance curiously.
"Meaning, that we would have to hide it from the others. At least for a while. I'm not blind, you know! I know that Harper wants his android Rommie back. And Beka ...... well, she looked strange at me in the last days. I can figure out, she's not exactly happy with the present situation, especially regarding the fact that she envies Rommie for coming closer to me. For them, I'm sure, they want Rommie to be an android back again. I don't care for Rev. He really understands us the best and I think, he was the first one to notice, Rommie adapted perfectly well to her new condition. And he, in my opinion, regards it with understanding." cleared Dylan.
Trance nodded and smiled again: "Just as I'd say it. I think they really shouldn't find out about it right now. Perhaps later, but not now. So, what shall we do about the new android body, being constructed by Harper?"
Rommie raised her head and looked at Dylan: "Well, I think we should let him do it. I mean, we do need another avatar, don't we? And, because he is already at work, we might just let him finish it. Then we could transfer the AI into the new body and have a new avatar. Although, there would be some changes necessary."
Dylan looked at her confused: "I don't understand what you're up to? Are you really speaking of a new avatar for Andromeda? And what changes would be necessary?"
Rommie smiled at him: "I don't want the new avatar to look like me. Simple like that."
Dylan laughed, suddenly understanding her point: "Well, Rommie, you're damn right. We already have three of you, and for sure, we don't need a fourth one." He looked at her and noticed he'd said something wrong. And he realized right away, which mistake he had made: "Sorry, Rommie, it just came out that way. I know you're not Andromeda any more. I was just implicating, that we already have three, physically identical incarnations. I really didn't want to hurt your feelings, you must believe me that!"
Rommie smiled again and nodded: "I know what you meant, but it did sound strange. Yes, that's what I was trying to say."
Tyr looked at them, not really knowing if he'd heard right: "Hey, are you talking about the fourth Andromeda incarnation? I don't believe it! I'll go nuts with them. I have troubles with three of them, and now the fourth one ....."
Trance smiled at Tyr and answered: "Tyr, we don't have three incarnations. We have only two, and a woman, a crewmember, who just LOOKS like Andromeda. It wouldn't mean you'd have to deal with four of them - just three. And, as Rommie said, I agree, the new avatar shouldn't look like her. It could be a problem to explain it to Harper, but I think I can manage that."
Rommie smiled shyly at Trance, thanking her with her eyes. Then she said: "OK, if we all agree on the fact, we should erase the program, I'll do it right now." She looked at everyone present and they all nodded, giving their approval. So she turned to the console and started working at it. After a while the screen went blank and she turned back again: "So, the program has been erased. I destroyed every single bit of the information, so that it's irretrievable now. I just hope we didn't make a mistake. After all, this program could be very useful."
"Yes, in the right hands! But, which are the right hands? I don't know if there's anyone in this universe, who would know how to handle it properly, withstanding the desire to rule over billions of sentient beings. Just imagine what terrible weapon it could present. Just imagine the most corrupted personalities, the criminals, killers and others could have been transferred into android bodies and made almost indestructible. What a threat would that present to the universe," softly said Dylan, looking at Rommie's questioning eyes.
"But, don't forget, the Elyans do have such program," argued Rommie.
Dylan nodded and answered: "Yes, and that's one problem we'll have to solve very soon. But we will wait until the time, you are supposed to be transferred back and do it then. In the meanwhile, we have to work out a plan, how to do it. We do have a little time, still. However, I think we should go further. We still have a job to do."
Everyone agreed and Tyr and Trance went as first. As they stood up, Dylan grabbed Rommie by the hand, pulled her closer and whispered in her ear: "Just one question, Rommie. Why do you want a new avatar to look different as you?"
Rommie smiled happily and whispered back: "Because I don't want you to fall for it. I had a hard time to win your affection and I don't want to loose it now to someone else!"
Dylan smiled back and kissed her on the cheek. In that moment, Trance turned and saw him kissing Rommie. A huge smile appeared on her face, but she managed to hide it very quickly.
TBC