(Ok, I've finished The Hunter, so now I can get back to this story)

Echoes of future past, part 8

Ryan sat in Dylan's office, rubbing his eyes, "I'm sorry captain Hunt, but I don't know how to defeat the Magog: any plan I give you could make things worse. I was only sent back to tell you not to go through with your plan as it stands now, not to give you some master strategy." Dylan nodded, "I'm sorry, I'm clutching at straws."

Tyr sat in the corner, deep in thought, "You said that the Than Hegemony and a Nietzschean Alliance fought, but only after the Commonwealth had lost. Could we convince them to join us in our attack?" Dylan leaned back in his chair, "We might be able to convince them, but would it be enough?" Ryan shrugged, "It's worth a try."

Dylan watched from the observation deck as the two slip-courier shot away from the Andromeda, one headed for Enga's Redoubt, the other for San-Ska- Re. A third ship had already left for the Pyrian's base on Krrendar IV, but he had little help that they'd find any help there. He noticed that Rommie was stood nervously in the doorway. He smiled at her, "What's wrong?"

Rommie slowly walked up to him, "Harper and me, we, well, we asked Ryan what we where like in the future. He said that I was sad because I left something undone." Dylan was confused, "Did he say what?" Rommie nodded, "Yes he did. Dylan, I need to say something to you, and I need you to listen to me without saying something or trying to stop me. Can you please do that?" Dylan just nodded.

Rommie took a deep breath, "I've wanted to tell you this ever since Harper built me, but I've never had the guts to go through with it, I've always chickened out at the last minuet, but given what may happen soon, it's now or never." She wringed her hands nervously "Dylan, I love you! I always have, and I always will love you. I know that the High Guard has rule about Avatars not being aloud to get involved with crewmembers in this way, but I cant hide the way I feel anymore." She seemed relieved to finally have it out in the open.

Dylan stood still for a minuet, shocked, then smiled. He gently rested his hands on her shoulders, "Rommie, you have no idea how happy you've just made me! I've loved you since we first met, but I was always afraid that you didn't feel the same, and I didn't want to risk upsetting you, especially after what we found on the Pax Magellanic. I love you more than I've ever loved anything."

Rommie face erupted in a huge smile as Dylan leaned down and kissed her.

TBC