Author's Note: I wrote this because I was stuck with Chapter 11 of "Omega Blue" & figured I could act it out in front of the mirror, so I'll have stage directions in :these: This is a short one-shot of Gaheris Rhade before he goes to kill Dylan. (Not from the Unconquerable Man, but the first time. When I finish Omega Blue I'll probably do one from the end of TUM) Please R&R!!!

Explanation

By Meg Jordan

:Speaking to a recording flexi: "Dylan." :Hesitates: "I realize that if you ever see this flexi, it means I have failed and am most likely dead by your hand. I am sorry circumstances have forced me to do this, but it is my duty to the Nietzschean people. I regret that it has come to this, that I must betray your trust, your friendship in this way, but it-must-be-done." :clenches fist:

"You know what the Magog did! Over a billion people, dead on Brandenborg Tor, an entire colony of my people dead on Hawking. And the Commonwealth makes a treaty with them."

:Growls, shakes head: "You must see it, Dylan! If the Commonwealth would not fight against a clearly visible foe, how do you expect it to fare when faced with a more subtle enemy? The Commonwealth has become a corrupt group of peace-mongers!" :Takes deep breath, calms: "It is for everyone in the Known Worlds' sake. The Commonwealth is dead; it's just no one has noticed yet. :sighs sadly: I wish there was another way Dylan, truly I do. I am sorry. This is my explanation."

:stands up straight, salutes sadly: "For the last time, Commander Gaheris Rhade... out."