Chapter 32: Salia

Related to episode "The Dauphin "

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Her choices were never easy. If she ever had any!

She was compelled to accomplish the destiny that had been planned for her since the day she was born. 16 years of study, training, learning all the diplomatic intricacies so that her new world could live in harmony. Nevertheless, she felt as if the final goal she had been prepared to achieve was nothing more than a cruel trap, as was the appearance she never dared to show to the young ensign she had become more attached to that she wanted to admit.

Because, thanks to him, she had finally discovered all the opportunities she was going to miss, the galaxies she would never travel to, the species she would never encounter... the chocolate mousse she would never taste again. Her hidden only wish was to stay here, aboard this ship and escape the fate she was destined to.

She knew her dream would remain a sheer utopia. Being isolated again on her new home planet was more of a heavy burden now, after the thrill she had felt on Rousseau 5, after she had understood what Wesley's life would be and the fact she would be denied such a future.

Her will had been torn apart for far too long. Whatever the damage done to her heart, her dreams, she hoped she had made the best decision. She would be a leader, as planned. If only Wesley's last words had not been "please go!", rejecting her.

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And the light comes back in her soul when he suddenly appears in the transporter room, as she is about to beam down, holding in his hands the most precious and sweetest goodbye gift.

Now she is ready to go... ready to offer him her own farewell gift, to illuminate his memories of her.

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