Intolerance, Part 2: New Salem
The entire crew assembled in Command in time for arrival at New Salem.
They each reacted in there own way: Beka saw it as just another dirt-ball, Tyr made a note of the impressive orbital defences, Trance said it looked pretty, Harper said he liked the look of the beaches, Dylan was wondering what he should look for in a potential Commonwealth member, and Rommie was wondering if she could arrange some time off with Dylan, away from the others.
Andromeda appeared on the main screen, "Dylan, we are receiving a transmission from Mr Cain." Dylan straightened his uniform, "Put him through." Andromeda disappeared, and was replaced by Ulysses Cain, "Captain Hunt. I am so glad you where able to find time to visit our world so soon." Dylan smiled, "We where in the neighbourhood. I'd like to invite you to a reception onboard the Andromeda tonight." Cain nodded, "Why thank you captain, that is most gracious of you. I will be up shortly. I will see you then." He broke the connection. Dylan turned to Rommie with a smile, and she nodded, "I know: arrange a formal reception, full pomp and circumstance. I'll get right on it." 20As she went to leave, Trance grabbed her arm, "I'll help you." Rommie smiled, "Why thank you Trance. I'd appreciate that."
As the two of them walked down to the observation deck, Trance turned to Rommie, "So, you going to try and get some time away with Dylan planet side?" Rommie laughed, "What are you, a mind reader?" Trance smiled, "No, but since you and Dylan got together, we've spent all our time on ship or at Drift stations." Rommie stopped and nodded, "It would be nice to spend some time alone with him. As much as I like being on ship, there's not much privacy, even with a crew as small as ours." Trance smiled, "If you need help arranging something, let me know." Rommie returned the smile, "Thank you, I will."
It took Rommie and Trance two hours to arrange the reception, even with the help of half the service robots. In the end, Trance collapsed into a chair, "Don't you ever get tired?" Rommie thought for a moment, "I don't get tired like you and the other do, but it does wear down my batteries quite a bit. I suppose you could say I was tired." She fell into anther chair, deliberately exaggerating Trance's own actions, making both of them giggle.
Dylan walked in, and was taken aback with the work they had put in, "Wow! You to did a really good job." Rommie smiled mischievously, "You can thank me later." Trance giggled again, making Dylan blush. Even he had to admit that Rommie had grown as a person in the last six months: she was much more sure of herself, and acted so human that at times he could forget she was an android. He lifted her to her feet, "Well, now you can help me get into my dress uniform: you know I have trouble with cuff-links." Rommie smiled softly, running a hand along his cheek, "What would you ever do without me?" Dylan kissed her, "I never want to find out."
TBC
