Disclaimer: Earth: Final Conflict Universe is from Gene Roddenberry.

No copyright infringement is intended. The idea is mine.

Author: Mithril 1999.

Raven

"Will you require my assistance, Zo'or?" Agent Sandoval respectfully asked.

The Synod Leader shook his head. "No. Your presence will not be required until tomorrow. You may spend the night on the planet," the alien said and then raised a hand. "You are dismissed."

After making the 'Taelon salute' -that Zo'or did not bother to answer- Sandoval left and returned to Earth.

******

Once in his apartment, Sandoval changed into more comfortable clothes, grabbed a book and sat on his favorite armchair. He started to read, but he could not focus his mind on the words. He sighed. Something was wrong with him. He knew he had been strangely distracted since a couple of days. It was as if the black ice, that had taken the place of his heart, had began to melt. He shook his head to banish the stupid thought and rose. Still with the book in his hand, he walked towards the window and opened it. He looked outside and took a deep breath. Soon his gaze was drawn to a couple of lovers that tenderly walked on the street. As if a lightning had hit him, Sandoval realized what his problem was. It could be resumed in one word: Loneliness. He, Ronald Sandoval, was completely alone. He bowed his head with resignation. He knew it had been his fault, though. He had almost killed Dee Dee and rejected Siobahnn.

He raised his eyes and watched the stars. *In what minute did I lose my soul?* he thought bitterly, tears falling from his eyes.

The answer came immediately, also in one word: Taelons. He sighed. *If only someone--*

A strong wind interrupted his thoughts.

"You are not alone, Ronald," a sweet voice said behind him.

Startled, he turned around... and the book fell from his hand. He opened his eyes wide in disbelief. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen stood before him. She wore just a white sleeping gown, her long black hair moving with the wind, her black eyes glowing.

He flushed in a deep red. It took him more than a few minutes to recover his voice.

"Who... How... Companion Security," he said at last, raising his arm. He froze. His skrill had vanished! "What--"

"Do not be afraid. I would never harm you," she gently interrupted, slowly walking towards him.

As odd as it was, he believed her. "Am... I dreaming?" he managed to ask.

She smiled and, with a delicate hand, she tenderly dried his eyes. "No, Ronald, I am," she whispered enigmatically. "I am."

To Sandoval's surprise... and delight, she kissed him. Unable to resist her, he returned the kiss. Suddenly, realizing what was he doing, he reluctantly pulled her back.

"Wait... I... I do not even know your name," he said.

She met his eyes. "I am Raven," she whispered. "I will always be with you. I love you, Ronald," she finished, sweetly kissing him again.

Losing all coherent thought and with his heart beating crazily, he embraced her tightly.

******

The next morning, Sandoval woke up on his bed, a wide, dreamy smile on his face. He was alone, of course. He knew it had all been a dream... but what a vivid dream! He flushed at the memory. He shook his head. *Well, it's time to return to reality* he thought. With a sigh, he rose from the bed... and almost fainted... at the sight of a white sleeping gown laid on the floor.

"A dream?" he asked aloud in disbelief.

As an answer, his skrill hissed and glowed... innocently.

Fin