Chapter 3

Dylan, Rhade, and the crew of the Maru soon learned to work well together. Their personalities also seemed to click when it came to their off-duty time. Dylan and Tyr played basketball together. Rhade had many philosophical discussions with Rev Bem. However, one such discussion was not quite so philosophical, as it concerned Trance.

"Rev, I have discovered that I have... a regard for Miss. Gemini. How am I to proceed in a courtship?"

"Ah... Rhade... Trance is an independent woman. You need to ask if she would allow you to proceed in this. The Divine will bless a relationship that is built on honesty and love."

"I do love her; Rev... Do you think she would be willing to accept me as a mate?"

"I have seen that you are a man with honor. Go talk to her; she's on Medical deck."

Rhade smiled, and thanked Rev for his patience and sage advice. Then he hurried to Medical deck to find Trance.

Trance looked up and smiled when Rhade entered Medical. "Hi, Rhade; how are you?" she chirped in her sweet way.

"Hello, Trance. I'm fine. How are things going with your work here? Are you still doing inventory?" asked Rhade.

"I'm all finished," she said. "I can go off duty now."

"That's good," said Rhade. "Would you like to go for a walk through Hydroponics with me?"

"Oh," she said shyly. "I'd like that. Thank you for asking me."

The two walked through Hydroponics and other places on the ship through the months to come.They talked about their hopes and dreams.

One day, Rhade asked Trance if she would be his mate. "Yes!" she squealed, and threw her arms around Rhade's neck, nearly knocking the tall man over. Their delighted laughter filled the ship, and it wasn't long before everyone on the ship knew about the couple's engagement.

Everyone was very happy and excited for the new couple. Sometime later, Rhade noticed that Dylan didn't seem to be himself. Rhade could sense Dylan's loneliness, and in the midst of his joy, Rhade grieved for his brother, friend, and captain. He wanted him to have the same joy that he felt with his Trance. He told her how he felt, and she smiled mysteriously. "What makes you smile?" he asked, surprised that she could smile about this.

"Umm, sweetie, you know how I find things that are lost... and I kinda know things?"

"Yes."

"Well, I kinda know about someone, a warrior lady, that's lost, and she's Dylan's... I mean he belongs to her... um..."

"You mean they are meant for each other."

"Yes!" she exclaimed happily. "Just like us!" She gave Rhade a big kiss, which of course he didn't object to, wrapping his arms securely around his purple sweetheart. He reluctantly pulled his lips away, and asked Trance where this warrior lady was to be found. Trance's eyes filled with tears, prompting Rhade to hold her tighter. She said, "I'm okay. I was just thinking of the poor lady. She's trapped inside the computer core of the Andromeda."

"How can this be?" said Rhade with a frown.

"A Nightsider wizard did it 'cause she wouldn't fight for him. It happened just before Dylan took over command of the Andromeda."

"I didn't think magic was real. How do we get her out?"

"It's real all right," said Trance, shivering. "But it shouldn't be used doing for bad things. We have to guide her spirit out of the computer. Then her body will reconfigure itself with the spirit inside."

Rhade and Trance continued their discussion with Dylan and the rest of the crew on hand. Dylan was worried about the safety of the crew, but Trance assured him that they would be fine. To the shock of her listeners, Trance explained, "I have the power to link all of us together. The result will be that our minds, hearts and bodies will work together as one, producing enough power to free the woman that is trapped. Dylan will be the focal point because his heart is already linked to hers." After much discussion, they all agreed, and began the rescue process.

They formed a circle with Dylan in the center. Trance closed her eyes and began to glow. A beautiful golden light emanated from her, and spread to the others through their linked hands. Dylan was surrounded by the light and began to call the warrior maiden in his thoughts, as Trance had instructed, to draw the maiden into the circle. Suddenly a beautiful dark-haired woman was inside the circle with Dylan. He was dumbstruck as he looked at her, feeling an instant connection with her.

Trance opened her eyes, and the light disappeared. "You're safe, now," she said to the woman. "What is your name?"

"My name is Rommie. Thank you for... my life." She turned to Dylan, and quietly said, "I've been a part of the ship for so long that it feels like you are a part of me."

Dylan smiled back and took her hand. "I know what you mean. I've always felt that I had a tie with this ship, but now I know why. You say I'm a part of you... I'm your heart, Rommie. Will you be mine?"

Rommie was actually extremely shy for a warrior maiden, and blushed deeply. But, she agreed to be Dylan's bride.

The two couples, Trance and Rhade, Dylan and Rommie, were married by Rev Bem.

Rommie was a welcome addition to the crew, as the quest to restore the Commonwealth continued......

-The End-