"So what you're saying is that you got blown up?" Dylan asked the 'high guard'.
"Well, when you put it that way we sound inferior. Which I assure you we are not." Dylan frowned at the voice. He had had quite enough of High Guard wannabes.
"You can leave now." Dylan said quietly, trying to be composed.
"But sir, we needed to-"
"Leave." Dylan paused. "And don't come back until you act like the High Guard too." The 'guard' that he was talking to had just blown up a small slave world, and then proceeded to get smashed by the respective planets' defence forces.
Dylan signalled to Rommie for her to cut the communication. She did, and he sighed.
"Dylan, I know that this isn't what you expected but-"
"But what?" Dylan countered, angry and completely out of character.
"But you've got to realise that they were just mislead. A lot like you Dylan."
He smiled faintly and looked towards her face. "Thanks. I think. Can you do me a favour Rommie?" He asked, a hint of sadness painting his face.
"Yes Dylan. Anything." Rommie looked at him with curiosity.
"Can I have a hug?" Dylan stood up and opened his arms. Rommie nodded softly and embraced him. Even though she was an android, Dylan could feel all the love and affection of a normal hug. He rested his chin on the top of her head. "Thanks Rommie," He said quietly.
"Anything for you, Dylan."
"So, we blew up a few ubers. Who cares?" Harper shrugged. "Am I right Rafe?" Rafe nodded and then looked back to the box. Beka was with them in the cargo bay now, and they were surrounding the box like little kids crowd around a campfire. Harper realized that no one was listening to him and popped the top of another Sparky Cola can.
"So," Beka said, mesmerized by the ornate beauty of the box. "Should we open it?" She made no attempt to move though.
"Actually, from my angle it says no." Harper said nonchalantly. Beka shot him an ugly look. "Well it does!" Harper whined. "I swear! It says here, in human English, that the only one that can ever open it is…" He trailed off, squinting at the box.
"Is who?" Rafe asked impatiently.
"D… No… Riley? No. That's not it. D… Dylan. Dylan who? Dylan T… no… oh my god!" Harper inhaled violently. "The only person who can open it is Dylan Hunt!" He looked up at Beka, who gasped dramatically.
"Wow, good job Harper. Where is he?" She looked around the cargo bay expectantly. "Oh, wait, that's right. He gave up. He's as good as gone." She hated the way the words made her feel about Dylan.
"Boss, I-" Harper stuttered. "I think we should find him. I mean, if what's in the box is so important. And… I miss him." He looked at Beka with wide eyes.
"I miss him too."
