Echoes of future past, part 25

Dylan was taken aback by what Trance had said, "What do you mean, 'the Spirit is in me'?" Trance smiled slightly, "The Spirit of Light has no physical manifestation as you would understand it: it is an energy field, what you would call a Soul. For 15,000-years it has acted as the inspiration on a dozen worlds: When the Vedrans discovered Slipstream, it was the Spirit of Light that guided the researcher who made the important breakthrough. On the Ayn Rand Station, it helped to create the Nietzscheans. All these little things, leading to this point in time: the final stand against the Abyss, the Adversary."

The twin suns where setting, casting rainbow-like patterns across the planets rings. Trance smiled, "This was always my favourite place." She turned slightly, pointing across the valley to a small wood beyond, "My home-town is just past that forest. I used to play here with my friends when I was a child. I would sit here and watch the sunlight play on the rings as the day ended. In all my travels I'm yet to find a sight as beautiful as this."

Trance turned back to Dylan, "Everything in your life has been pre- determined to bring you to this point: Your birth, joining the High Guard, becoming Captain of the Andromeda, being frozen by the Black Hole, all of it, has happened so that YOU are here to face the Spirit of the Abyss." Dylan was lost for words: his entire life had been pre-arranged so the he would have to fight the Abyss. He turned to Trance, "The Fall, the Long Night, all that has happened, all of it just so I'd be here?" Trance nodded, "Kind of takes it out of you. I've explained this to you over 2,000 times, and you've always had trouble believing it. I know it's a lot to take in, but you have to believe me when I tell you that it's the truth."

Dylan nodded, "What do I need to do?" Trance smiled, "I can't tell you: I wish I could, but there are some things that are hidden, even from me. All I can say is that you will know what to do when the time comes. Everything else, what comes after, still remains to be seen." She looked round, "Time to go: the others are getting worried." The world around them seemed to fade to darkness.

Dylan found himself lying on the deck of the Maru, Rommie leaning over him, a concerned expression on her face, "Dylan, are you ok?" Dylan smiled, "I could get used to this." Rommie relaxed, "Do this to me again and you'll not get the chance." He pulled her head down and kissed her, "Your not getting rid of me that easily." Rommie helped Dylan to his feet, and he saw the Magog World Ship through the Maru's view port.

TBC

Ok, I am now offering a cash reword of the return of my Muse: £50, DEAD OR ALIVE!

That should get her back!