Page 657 (1/2)

Chapter 657: The Proposal

“You came?”

“I did”

The dry, somewhat aloof conversation was between two Reflections of Protogenia The Epochrion regarded the Terminator warmly, while the Terret For the first time in my life” The Terminator said softly

The Epochrion paused Was this the sa, inflexible ret was part of his vocabulary

The Terminator’s dark and creviced features broke into a s up soI couldn’t cut out – feeling I realize now that you’ve always had a special place in h for you”

He spoke frankly, holding nothing back At their age and station they didn’t need to be coy He wasn’t telling her this because he wanted soh the Epochrion’s eyes, and she sighed “Davis, you’re a good ret The situations life put before you left you few choices, but you did the best you could and became a national hero You have always been a close friend, a brother That will never change As I told you when I left the Conclave, no matter what happens you will never be my enemy These last years you’ve have to shoulder incredible burdens You must allow yourself time to relax sometimes”

The Terminator chuckled wryly “I’m afraid I’ll have to rest when I’hed yourself doith sovital crystal and handed it to hiathered it with a nod “I’ll have my people send over a Capital ship”

But the Epochrion shook her head “No need This is a gift from me After all the years you looked after me, it’s the least I can do I hope it can help heal you”

“I can’t accept such a gift without payment,” he replied “Besides, the politicians will find out and grow suspicious I’ht not believe it I hope to see a prosperous East We will need everyone to face the alien threat The politicians don’t see destruction is the top priority The aliens aren’t just bearers of vital crystals”

Admiration was plain on her face “As clear-headed as ever I’lad you understand”

“Anyway, a transaction isn’t representative of our friendship,” he continued “And who knows, maybe if this crystal heals me I will be worthy of you Perhaps by then you’ll want me in the Avenue, and maybe I won’t turn the offer down”

“This will never happen!” There was a flash of silver light Suddenly, another figure appeared beside the Epochrion – the Wine Master The Cosus’ face was a thunderhead

“Huan Xue will be my wife, and no one will take her froressive

A forced smile spread across the Terminator’s face “Is that so? I see no husband – only a coward”

“You!” The Wine Master’s anger flared This man was a rival both politically and for Huan Xue’s affections He found it difficult to contain his te? What has stopped you fro your love? You expect results without the work? If I were you I would have gone to the Conclave years ago to seek out the one I loved, no matter the odds There are no excuses in the face of true love But what did you do? I have never believed es, psychology included In all this tie, to try, because you fear failure Is this not cowardice? Is this not selfishness?”

The Wine Master’s breathing was quick with anger He fixed the Northern Paragon with burning eyes and waves of protogenia pulsed frohter “You le-ed all these years My blessings to the both of you, then But I warn you, if she ever coain” He ended his reproaches there, and left the two of them alone

The Wine Master blinked, stunned The Terminator’s sudden shift in ave in But he turned his focus to the Clocks were most i her lips The Wine Master aardly spoke “I’ently shook her head “I liked seeing the bad side of you A pleasant break from the norm, don’t you think?”

The Wine Master didn’t kno to respond “I…”