A Beautiful Destiny

Chapter One: Painful Memories

Summary: The Commonwealth is finally reestablished and Harper heads to Earth. Seventeen years later he returns with a son who immediately takes an interest in Dylan's daughter.

Disclaimer: The only characters that are mine are Jacob Harper and Tearna Hunt. (This list will be revised as the chapters progress.)

A/N: This story assumes that the crew never gets trapped on Seefra because, frankly, I do not feel like thinking up a reason for their escape. (Hey if Harper can't figure it out why should I?)

Also, I know that this sounds Harper/Trance centric right now, but it is also going to be evenly Jacob/Tearna centric. That will become evident in upcoming chapters. Also, I know this seems pretty angsty right now, and don't get wrong I'm a girl that likes her angst, but I'm also going to include some plot about the new Commonwealth and its inner dealings, giving Dylan some face time.

Harper stood in command, trying desperately to avoid eye contact with Trance. He couldn't stand the sadness in her eyes.

"You're really leaving Harper?"

Harper heard the pain in his friend's voice

"The whole point was to reestablish the Commonwealth. Mission accomplished, right?"

"This isn't the end of something Harper; it's just a new beginning. We still need you."

Harper turned to face Trance head on. He stared into her eyes and she stared into his. He felt her tremble a little in his grasp. There was something new in his eyes she had never seen before, a sense of pride, and courage, as well as a silent pleading.

"Look Trance, all my life I've been running… running from what scared me. I've always looked out for number one first. But these last five years, they've taught me that sometimes there are more important things then self preservation. Dylan, crazy and suicidal that he is, taught me that. I'm proud that I've helped to reestablish the Commonwealth… the Commonwealth Trance! When I was a kid the stories of the Commonwealth were like fairy tales. My father would tell me of the brave soldiers and of thousands upon thousands of planets working together to help one another. And now because of things I've done planets that thought they were alone out there can get the help and protection they need. But you know what Trance, when ever I heard those stories as a kid, that's all they were to me, stories, because on Earth, the idea of someone helping someone else, of self sacrifice for someone you don't even know, the idea of fraternity, is ludicrous. That's why I have to go. Earth, my very own home, isn't getting the help it needs. I want…no Trance, I need to go back there. Being part pf the crew of the Andromeda was one chapter in my life, but now its time for a new chapter. I Don't expect any of you to come with me. Earth is nothing to anyone anyway, but it's important to me. This isn't an option; this is something I've got to do."

Hearing himself talk in this manner, Harper almost broke out in laughter. He couldn't help but think that if the him from ten years ago could hear what he was saying now, he wouldn't believe it.

"Seamus Zelazny Harper, this is no time to laugh!"

Harper shifted his attention back to his friend to see two tears slowly running down her cheeks. He reached out and brushed one away from her golden cheek.

"Seamus, are you aware of the impact you have on this crew. Do you know how special you are to all of us; do you know how special you are to me?"

As she spoke that last word she turned, she tried to leave quickly, (she knew that any moment she wouldn't be able to contain her tears,) but she was abruptly pulled back by her wrist. He turned her back around to face him.

"Do you know how special you are to me?"

Trance could barely catch her breath as she felt Harper's lips gently brush hers. She stood still, wrapped in his arms; she couldn't get over how safe she felt in them.

"Come with me he softly whispered in her ear."

Quickly she pulled away from his embrace. Harper listened to her answer, knowing that each word hurt her to say.

"I can't."

"Why not? Trance. I love you. I know you love me Trance Gemini"

"Harper, please understand, it's not that simple. I must stay with Dylan, its imperative I make sure he reaches his destiny."

"And what about me?"

Trance saw the pain in his eyes as he asked her. She understood his ache; she felt it too, every time she looked at him. She hadn't meant to fall in love. It defiantly did not equate into any scenarios of a perfect future. But there was no telling her heart that, so instead she mustered up all the strength she had.

"Harper, your destiny is beautiful, and strong, and brave. But Dylan… if his isn't met as it should be, it could mean horrible things for the universe. It's my duty to make sure that happens. Please, please understand."

"I do Trance, I do."

He hugged his friend, his love, one last time and placed a soft kiss on her forehead."

"Goodbye my angel."

As Harper turned to leave the room Trance caught him suddenly, fear in her voice.

"Harper! I do love you. I need you to know that. I do."

Harper shook the painful memory from him as he sat in the pilot seat of his small craft.

"Dad?…Dad?...DAD?"

"Hmmmmm?... Ohh sorry Jacob, what is it?"

"Are you okay Dad? You've been acting weird ever since you told me we were going to visit your old crew."

"Yeah Jake…I'm fine. Why don't you make sure all your stuff is together, we should be there soon?"

Harper returned to messing around with the gadget in his hand. Jacob started to return to his quarters, but instead he lingered for a moment. He watched as his father dropped the metal pieces once more and stared off into space. It wasn't often he saw his father look so confused. There was sadness in his eyes, and a fear he had never seen before. It scared him.