Communicate between AIR/AS3 and dll using a single application

Hi,

I want to run certain dll/exe from my AIR app such that I am able to send/receive data from them. I know we can do so by using External API or Java or Merapi project but they require that we start 2 different applications ( or I loose the custom chrome of AIR). What I want is that the user starts just one application (i.e a single exe/air).

If .air file is not possible, then can we retain the custom chrome of AIR and do something.

Also, its better if the solution is open source and free ( unlike Shu).

Please help me as I am very confused and even after searching a lot haven’t been able to come up with a satisfactory solution.

Thanks.