Chapter 11

Later at Cosmos:

"Come on Avent!" Andromeda cheered. "I know you can dance."

"But guys!" Avent countered to his crew. "I can't just go out and dance with any girl. It's just not my style. I'm cheered up right now already," he said and took a bite of his chocolate sunday. "See? Now go have yourself a good time. That's an order."

"This is weird! We're trying to cheer you up—but you'd rather just sit with your chocolate ice cream," Terra put in.

"I'm sorry guys," was all Avent could offer.

"Well, this is hopeless," Savy declared. "Come on girls! Let's get on the dance floor and show him how to have a good time.

By himself for a moment, when all fun seemed lost, a new voice spoke.

"Hey there big fella, can you really dance?"

Avent turned in surprise-- and was startled by a beautiful sight.

It was Mira standing next to their table, dressed in white slacks, and a green pull-over blouse. Her hair was styled back and held in place by a barrette. She wore a little makeup and small earrings that sparkled.

"Mira! You're-- I mean-- Wow!" Avent stammered as his face turned crimson.

Mira was please with his reaction. This had been the best her locker at Star Command could produce. To be honest, it was just a little above casual dress for Mira. But Avent had never seen Mira out of her Ranger armor and uniform.

"Oh yeah, he'll dance!" Andromeda hollered as she volunteered for Avent.

Mira smiled as she reached over and lifted a finger under his chin to close his gapping mouth.

That helped bring Avent out of his shock. "Uh, yeah, what she said," as he stood up.

It was not until they were out on the dance floor that Mira worked up the courage for her confession.

"Avent?" she began, "back there, when I yelled at you and Savy? Well I was trying to keep you from finding Rollmac. And when Rollmac tried to use me for a human shield? I had been trying to talk him in to giving up his contract on that red phone."

"Ah, now that makes sense." Avent answered.

"What, you knew?" Mira asked.

"Well no, but it was your expression when you saw me taking aim; it puzzled me," he explained. "When, I first saw him holding you and waving a weapon, it was a reflex motion to up and fire. But after you foiled my shot, at your own personal risk, I figured there was some major…ah," Avent searched his diplomatic vocabulary for a word. "…misunderstanding," he concluded. "And since I knew you had a good reason for keeping him alive, I didn't try shooting again, and I also ordered a weapons hold."

Once again, Avent's words, and simple trust in her, produced a pang in her heart.

"He was my boyfriend, once. I mean, long ago." Mira squeaked out, and blushed with embracement.

"Oh, wow." Avent was thoughtful. "Wait, you're not being nice to me because you feel guilty about the failed mission, are you?" he asked. "I mean I understand, Rollmac is any girl's dream and I can see why you liked him. I know I'm just--"

Avent's speech was halted by Mira's finger over his lips.

"Okay, let's get a few things straight right now, Ranger Avent," she commanded. "First, I do feel guilty about the failed mission, but that's not the reason I like you. Second, I don't want to hear another word about Rollmac from you, or anyone else! And third, whenever we try talking to each other we end up sounding like idiots." She removed her finger from his lips, and brushed a wrinkle out of his jacket's Star Command emblem.

"So shut-up and dance with me, okay?" she concluded gently.

At last, Avent took her in his arms, "Okay, Princess."