Well I finally got it finished. I don't think that it will quite make it for Christmas but as long as it makes
the holidays before the New Year I will be happy enough. Its a long one so run y'all printers on economy
mode. Thanks a lot for my other half for his help in being my beta reader and editor. I hope y'all enjoy
this, the story just won't leave me alone. Never could write some thing that was a short story…never use
one word when ten will do the job. Y'all have good and safe holidays. ckl
A B5 Christmas Tale
by CKL
The daily routine in the large customs area of Babylon 5 really varied from
day to day. The visitors and residents of various races came and went.
Transport ships carrying people and cargo came and went with
monotonous regularity. Three days before Christmas of 2261—it was busy
people and cargo that had been scurrying all day long. C&C was tired,
guiding ships in and out. The docking guild workers were tired, and the
most weary of all were the various security people working the customs
entry and exit areas. It was almost midnight and the very last ship
expected for 13 standard hours had just docked. It was the Persephone
an ex-contract Earth Force cargo and passenger carrier now based out of
Proxima 3. The Persephone's captain Alec Connors had contacted C&C to
notify them that this run she was carrying both cargo and passengers. The
cargo manifest and the passenger list had been dutifully transmitted to
C&C and no objections about either had been raised prior to docking.
Hearing the passenger transfer ramp clamp into place Zack Allan knew to
expect the first of the passengers in 3-4 minutes. Sitting up straighter, he
straightened out the badly rumpled uniform he had been wearing for the
last 16 hours.
"Just these last 10 passengers to process then his relief would arrive and
he could go and see if Garibaldi was ready to knock off for the night.
Maybe the two of them could get some dinner at one of the all niters in the
Zocalo," Zack thought to himself, as he pasted on his welcome to Babylon
5 smile.
As the passengers wearily started down the ramp the docking guild quickly
assembled their team to unload the cargo. Calling to each other in the
cavernous docking bay their voices echoed eerily around the descending
passengers. Three groups of three people walked towards the incoming
customs area were chatting wearily among themselves. The finale
passenger departing the Persephone this night was a lone woman. Straight
backed, striding purposefully down the docking ramp, she entered Babylon
5. Stopping for a moment at the end of the ramp she to look about.
"This way to the customs check point miss," called out the Persephone's
pursers.
Turning towards him the woman looked up towards the Persephone's
purser. He was again astonished by the woman's beauty. She was six foot
tall red hair plaited into dozens of long plaits gathered up around her head
so that the ends gently caressed her shoulders. But the most arresting of
her attributes were her eyes. The most astonishing shade of violet that he
had ever seen. Striding down to her, the purser again wondered what this
woman was doing on Babylon 5 at this time of year. Remembering the
extremely efficient way that she had evaded his questioning during the
voyage. Slowly the woman turned and walked confidently to the doorway.
Watching the easy strides and the sensuous movements to her stride the
purser silently envied the man she was meeting on Babylon 5.
"Ramón this box is marked for delivery to Captain Sheridan—and needs
special handling—hands only," yelled Dave Jackson the burly dock worker
unloading the smaller cargo from the Persephone's hold.
Ramón Santos the short stocky Docker's Guild foreman walked over to the
cargo hold door and held out his hand to the special handling package.
"I'll take it through customs and get it to Sheridan. I have to get this
completed paper work to Commander Ivanova. I'm sure that she can get it
to the Captain."
Reaching the customs check point the tall red-haired woman stepped up
the Zack Allan hold out her Indentacard for him to scan. The scanner
beeped completion and Zack looked down and read the information before
him: name: Nirashonn Garibaldi
race: Human, female
age: 23 years standard
status: married
Residence: Minbari colony of Zandur
Occupation: Military Historian
Looking up at the woman before him Zack was surprised into
speechlessness.
"Could you direct me to where I may find Mr. Garibaldi?" she asked with a
deeply husky voice lightly accented.
"Um the Chief was in the station house half an hour ago……wait just a
minute and I'll check for you and see if he's still there," he stammered.
"Zack to station house."
"Garibaldi go" came the reply.
Holding up a cautioning hand and shaking her head no, she silently
mouthed "a surprise, do not tell him."
"Yeah Chief, just checking. When is my relief coming?" Zack quickly
improvised.
"The passengers of the Persephone unloaded?" Garibaldi asked, the tired
gruffness evident in his voice.
"Yeah just finished Chief," Zack replied.
"Okay Zack, night I'll see you tomorrow," Garibaldi terminated the link.
"Thank you, Sergeant?" she softly said with a question in her voice.
"Allan, Zack Allan ma'am."
"I wish to surprise him Sergeant Allan. It is as your people say his
Christmas gift," the softly accented voice continued. "Thank you once
again for all of your assistance."
Wondering only for a second at the meaning behind the woman's words,
Zack quickly filed the thought for later exploration. Giving over his station
to his Narn relief G'Don. Waving eagerly Zack moved off towards the
Zocalo, his dinner and the his bed.
Stepping cautiously through the open hatchway of C&C Ramón Santos
looked for Commander Ivanova. "Depending on that one's mood it would
be a good meeting or a stormy one," he thought to himself.
"Mr. Santos, you have all the necessary paperwork for today already
completed, I see," Ivanova looked up from her command console smiling.
"Yes Commander I have. I also have a special handling package addressed
to Captain Sheridan," Ramón held out the small box he carried in his
hand. "Could you see that he gets it?"
"No problem Mr. Santos. He's still in the war room with G'Kar, Marcus
and the Brakiri representative. I'll see that he gets it within the hour,"
Ivanova replied taking the offered package and examining it thoroughly.
"It's been through a security scan Commander. Everything is on the up
and up." Ramón told her.
"Thanks again Mr. Santos," Ivanova said dismissing the dock foreman.
"Have a good night, or what's left of it."
Turning Santos quickly left the C&C deck, thanking all the stars in the
universe that the interview had gone so well and so quickly, as his feet
swiftly carried him away from the command area of Babylon 5.
Striding confidently from the customs area, Nirashonn walked over to the
first Babcom console and requested the location of the security office.
Immediately the display on the terminal changed to reveal a map of
Babylon 5. Marking the location of her destination Nirashonn terminated
the display and set off to the security office location.
Ivanova picked up the mysterious package addressed to Sheridan. "Corwin
I'm off to the war room and then to my quarters. Keep it quiet."
Sure thing Commander" Corwin eagerly replied to the exiting Ivanova.
Walking down the narrow accessway from C&C Ivanova wondered about
what the package was and the contents of the little box that she carried.
Intently examining the small box when she literally ran full tilt into another
being using the same accessway between C&C and the war room. Looking
up Ivanova found herself reflected in the deep gray eyes of Marcus,
Babylon 5"s resident Ranger.
"Sorry," she apologized breathlessly.
"Not a problem," came the suave reply. "As a matter of fact I was coming
to see you."
"Oh, what can it for you?" she asked.
"I wanted to know if you would be attending Delenn's ceremony that will
be held on Christmas day?" Marcus asked her.
"Yes Delenn had mentioned it to me already and I told her I would attend,"
Ivanova answered with a questioning look at Marcus.
"It is traditional that all attendees come as a pair," he replied with a shrug
to his shoulders. "I wondered if you would attend with me?"
Ivanova's mouth hung open at the conclusion if his words. "Ah, well, I
guess so," she stammered, snapping closed her lips.
"Thank you. I will wish you a restful sleep," Marcus told her with a bow
and walked away his dark coat billowing out behind him.
Ivanova stood there just watching after him as he walked away. She was
still standing there when a voice behind her caused her to jump around
and confront the speaker.
"You planning to wander these hallways all night long?" Sheridan asked her
jokingly.
"Oh John, here this is for you. I'm going to get a real strong shot and then
I am going to bed," Ivanova said thrusting the small box at him.
Sheridan stood there watching Ivanova walk away with a bemused look on
his face. "It must be the time of the year," he mused aloud. " Everybody is
definitely acting stranger these days." Looking down at the package he
smiled tenderly and caressed the top of the box. "Delenn you're going to
love this," he whispered as he entered the open doorway of the transit
tube. "Green 5" he addressed the computer, as the door hissed closed
behind him.
"This traveler wishes to enter, and bring good wishes to your house and all
who dwell within," Garibaldi's head jerked away from his security camera
display at the sound of the softly accented voice in his doorway.
"Nirashonn, what the hell," as he scrambled to his feet. Holding out his
arms he was amazed at how quickly she flung herself to him. Pulling her
close, Garibaldi lowered his head to passionately kiss the beautiful red
haired woman in his arms. Burrowing closer Nirashonn caressed his face
as the kiss quickly deepened into stormy passion. She whimpered softly as
Michael moved his hands slowly down her back to draw her even closer in
his embrace.
"Chief –wow, sorry about that Chief," the night security officer said, as the
couple sprang apart.
"Okay John. I'm out of here. I'm going to let Zack know I'm not going to
be in for a few days," Michael said, watching the colour flow up her
cheeks. "Come on Nia, let's go home."
Shaking his head at the sight John Marshall, the night security officer, was
reaching for the link even before the couple had left the room.
"Marshall to Allan,"
"Yeah Allan here."
"You'll never guess what just happened at the station house?"
"The Chief had a beautiful red headed visitor right?"
"How the hell did you know, you related to Ivanova or something?"
"I worked customs tonight, and I logged her in. Her last name is Garibaldi
, just like the Chief's."
"Well it ain't his sister, I er interrupted a seriously tight clinch."
"Well I guess we'll hear an explanation in the morning."
"Chief said he was going to call you to let you know that he was taking
some time off."
"With the woman I guess? Sounds really interesting I'll let you know what
I find out. Allan out."
Sheridan walked to Delenn's door and pressed the chimes.
"Yes, who is it?" came Delenn's questioning voice.
"A very tired man who would love 5 minutes with the most beautiful in the
universe," Sheridan replied.
The door cycled open and Sheridan stepped through to find Delenn smiling
lovely at him.
"Come sit and eat, it is ready," she told Sheridan as she slipped his jacket
off of his shoulders, throwing it to the low couch behind her. The room was
dimly lit with her low round table laden with covered dishes giving off
tantalizing aromas.
"I know you have not eaten, and I hoped you would come," she told him as
she led him unprotestingly to the table.
"Delenn you shouldn't have. You should be sleeping, you work every bit as
hard as I do," Sheridan replied as he settled himself at the low table.
"There is no ceremony tonight my love. Only eat what you need and then
you will rest," Delenn said as she began to serve portions from the various
covered containers before him. Reaching out Sheridan caught her hand
and brought it to his lips. Turning her hand palm upwards and softly
placed a kiss.
"I love you so Delenn. I want you to know every moment of every hour of
everyday," he told her.
Delenn smiled tenderly at him, letting her green eyes tell him of all the
feelings she sometimes still could not put words to. Silently the lovers ate
the dinner Delenn had set before them. Finishing his last bite Sheridan
reached for the box on the floor beside him. Holding it out to Delenn he
said, "This is for you my love. Your wedding and Christmas gift."
Reaching for the small box in his hands, Delenn carefully turned it over in
her hands. Carefully she reached for the corner of the paper and began to
open it. The plain brown paper fell to the floor beside the place where she
gracefully knelt by the table, revealing the gaily colored paper with a red
ribbon encircling the box. Slowly Delenn's anticipation built as she
removed first the ribbon and then the Christmas paper with it's stylized
reindeer and snowmen. Reaching into the opened paper, she removed the
even smaller box from within it resting place in layers of white tissue
paper. Delenn looked up at Sheridan with a puzzled look "So much
wrapping for such a small package," she said.
"Its to make sure that it gets to its destination without any damage,"
Sheridan replied watching her closely.
Opening the small rectangular box Delenn gasped in wonder for within the
box lay an exquisite gold bracelet. Closely she examined the design
worked into the gold links. Stylized J's & D's with small hearts
surrounding each link.
"It is a joining bracelet," she exclaimed. "John," she cried as she leaped
towards him. Falling backwards to the floor Sheridan cushioned her fall
with his body. Cradling her tenderly Sheridan looked up into Delenn's
shining face. "Like your gift?" he asked."
"Yes it is very beautiful," Delenn told him huskily. "You seek to blend our
cultures as well ourselves," as she lowered her head to kiss him.
Sheridan was surprised by the skilled passion she displayed in the kiss.
"You must have been studying kissing very thoroughly to have mastered
the skill so well," he told her. Raising her lips away from his, she smiled,
"It is the skill of the teacher and the attentiveness of the pupil," she
whispered to Sheridan as they both realized that passion would out weigh
exhaustion at least tonight. Delenn decided then to give him his Christmas
gift, something she was sure he would appreciate as the evening went on.
Leaning her head down she kissed him a soft gentle kiss of promise and
murmured, "Will you stay the night, and I will show you how dutifully I have
learned the lessons you have taught."
Sheridan locked his arms around her and drew her head to run the tip of
his tongue over her passion swollen lips. The soft bonfire of passion
exploded to a searing open flame. Easily he drew her white meditation
robe aside to find much to his delighted surprise that she wore only her
skin beneath it. "You definitely have been paying attention to the lessons
haven't you." He panted as he revealed more of her body to his eyes. It
didn't matter how other times they had made love and how many times he
had touched her in love, passion and lust, he marveled at the softness of
her skin, and firmness of her breasts against his chest and the soft gentle
roundness of her hips against his lower body. Meanwhile Delenn's hands
were deftly unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it away from his chest. Both
of them hissed in deeply when skin met skin. Running her hands
passionately over him, she undid his trousers. And then finally there were
no barriers between them. Sheridan dexterously turned to his side
carrying her with him. Trading kiss for kiss, caress for caress, they fell
deeper into the well of passion. Familiarity with each other's bodies helped
then to intensify their passion until they were moaning and panting in each
other's arms.
"My God Delenn we're not children that we should be playing such games
on the floor." Sheridan groaned as he moved his stiff shoulders and back.
"We're going to have to get dressed and go over to my quarters so that we
can make love in a bed like the grownups that we are."
Delenn placed her finger against his lips to stop his words. She smiled
provocatively at Sheridan and said, "Come now and see your Christmas
gift."
Rising gracefully to her feet, Sheridan stood in awe at the fact that this
beautiful, strong and still in many ways mysterious woman loved him.
Slowly he followed her up and took her hand as she led him further into her
quarters. Stopping at the door to her bedroom, Delenn opened the
previously closed door. Standing back away from the door Delenn
motioned Sheridan to proceed through the door. Caressing her cheek as he
passed through the door Sheridan stopped dead in astonishment. Instead
of Delenn's inclined Minbari sleeping couch there stood a king-sized
human style bed, the covers drawn back invitingly. Sheridan turned to
Delenn still standing uncertainly in the doorway, her hands clenched
together in obvious nervous anticipation of his reaction. He had noticed
before whenever she was worried about something she clenched her hands
together. Opening his arms widely he said, "Well Ambassador don't you
think that we might try out this new fangled contraption in your quarters."
Delenn flew to his arms, embracing him tightly, " I was afraid you might
think it too forward of me to have you stay here," she murmured.
"Delenn I very much doubt that there are too many beings on this station
that don't know that we are in love with each other. And whether its you
staying with me or me staying with you doesn't matter in the least. Unless
its something that bothers you?" Sheridan asked as he eased up her chin
meeting her still passion glazed green eyes.
"No there is nothing that bothers me about our love and the physical part
of it. I would not wish any one to think less of you for staying in my
quarters," Delenn retorted. "I do not wish to displease you either."
"Delenn nothing you will ever do will displease me. You are wonderful. I'm
the luckiest man in the universe. After all you are the only thing that
helped me to live through Z'ha'dum. Now we have a comfortable place to
make love and sleep together. We are after all getting too old to be trying
to play on the floor," he concluded jokingly.
Pulling her close to him, Sheridan turned to tumble them both to the bed.
Rolling over so that Delenn lay beneath him he eagerly began to re-engage
them in making love.
Garibaldi and Nirashonn walked arm and arm to his quarters through the
deserted hallways of the station, to the crew area Blue sector housing .
"It's not what you're used too," Michael told her as he inserted his cardkey
to cycle open the door.
"Michael, I can not change who and what I am. But where you are is also
my place, as is yours where I am," Nirashonn reached out for Garibaldi's
arm. Taking his hand in hers, she placed against her breast, "Feel my
heart, see how it beats for you. You are the other half of my soul. I can
not be without you for very long. It is why I came now," she spoke
passionately having reverted to her native warrior caste Minbari dialect.
Brushing her lips with his Garibaldi led his wife for the first time into the
place on Babylon 5 that he had called home for so long. Nirashonn looked
around her as she dropped the carry bag she had brought with her.
Nodding her head she looked at Michael leaning against the closed
doorway and said, "It is as you are my love. I can feel your presence here
strongly. I will be pleased to stay in this place when I come to you here."
She turned to him and slowly began to slide down the fastener of the gray
colored jumpsuit that she wore. "Perhaps now I can interest you in
something that will occupy both of us with pleasure. I have missed laying
with you and the ways that you can make this warrior's body feel."
Straightening away from the doorway, Garibaldi quickly began to unfasten
his jacket as he walked towards the place Nirashonn stood waiting for him.
Already he could see the passion blazing in her violet eyes. The only
sounds in the room were the sounds of clothing quickly removed and
discarded. Nirashonn stood unabashedly naked before him. Her body
gleaming whitely in the half light of his quarters. Holding out his hand
Michael led her to the bed and sat down on the edge to pull her down to
her knees before him. Reaching out with his hands, he cupped her face
delicately and leaned forward to kiss her. Rubbing his lips over hers, he
found her hands reaching for his chest and caressing him eagerly. Falling
back onto the bed the couple quickly found passion's familiar fiery sport.
Ivanova wearily entered her quarters. Walking over to her kitchen area she
pulled out a glass from the cupboard she poured a large measure of the
liquid into her glass and took it with her to the shower.
"I'm going to end up talking to myself," she muttered removing her
uniform and throwing it to the floor. "And what's even worse I may even
start answering myself," she concluded talking a deep draught of the drink
she carried with her. Treating herself to a long very hot shower she tiredly
moved her shoulders under the hot water. She felt almost happy for a
moment under the water. Stepping out she quickly dried off and dressed
into her nightgown and slowly climbed into her bed. "Lights out, set alarm
for 0600 hours. Meeting reminders war council meeting at 0830 to
discuss the refugee problem in sector 23. Second meeting with command
staff at 1130 hours to discuss the next 2 months duty roster. Remind
Garibaldi that he will have to shift more of the Narn security guards to
general duties. End of reminders," Ivanova concluded settling down into
her bed.
Sheridan turned on to his back breathing deeply. He was still awed at the
passion between Delenn and himself. He lay there remembering how it had
been between him and Anna at the start of their marriage, and how the
passion had changed with the years. Even though he and Anna had often
been separated by long periods he never felt the hot hard need for her, the
way that he felt it for Delenn. It never failed to amaze him. Part of him
wondered at the strength of the feelings that he felt for her. He wondered
at how strong the feelings on Delenn's side of the relationship was. He
know that she loved him, but occasionally wondered how much. But
discretion being the better part of valor he thought it best not to ask.
Turning his head, he met the remarkable green eyes that Delenn had, even
in the aftermath of passion it was her eyes that always stirred his soul.
They were deep, radiant and wiser then all of the wisest beings in the
universe. "I love you do you know that Delenn?" he asked in the silence,
the both of them just looking at the other.
"Yes," she replied, her voice warm with all the feelings she did not give
sound to. "I know John, and what I feel for you often defies words. .
Minbari do not speak often of their feelings for their mates, families or
children. They attempt to show the most important people in their lives
how they feel. I know that this is not the human way, and your people have
the need to hear the words John so I will try for you."
"Delenn you don't need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or
that you can't do. I understand, my love. I do. You show me in so many
ways the way you feel. And one thing you may not know humans
sometimes say the words by rout not really meaning them, but saying them
because they think that the other person needs to hear them. I would
much rather you showed me how you felt. It would be a true
representation of you and your feelings," Sheridan leaned on his elbow
looking intently at Delenn.
Delenn reached up her left hand and gently traced Sheridan's lips with her
fingers. He noted with pride she wore his wedding ring and now his joining
bracelet. No one human or Minbari could doubt the commitment they had
to each other.
"John there is another gift I have to give you, one that I do not know if you
are either ready for, or have any want for," Delenn started anew into the
companionable silence in the dimness of the room. She had been laying
with her head cradled on his shoulder, her body arranged comfortably next
to his in the big bed.
At the start of her words Sheridan joined his fingers to hers and said,"
Delenn any gift you give me I will treasure all the years I have with you. As
if I need anything more then your love though."
Abruptly Delenn sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, standing up she
picked up a crimson colored robe and put it on. "I am not sure of this gift
as yet and I am not sure you will want it," she said. "I am to return to see
Dr. Franklin in the morning and he will have the results of all the tests
then."
"Delenn are you trying to tell me or not tell me that you might be
pregnant?" Sheridan asked leaving the bed to come and stand behind her.
Turning quickly to him, Sheridan noted that her eyes were now glazed not
with passion but tears. Reaching out he pulled her close and whispered,
"You are pregnant and we're going to have a son. His name is going to be
David. You and he (and should there be any others) will be the light of my
life."
"How could you have possibly known? Had Dr. Franklin talked to you? I
asked him to keep this confidential," she cried out in agitation.
"No Delenn Stephen hasn't talked to me at all today, or rather yesterday.
Remember when we were on Babylon 4 and I told you I had a time flash
forward and that's when you told me not to go to Z'ha'dum. Well that's not
all you told me about. You told me that we had a son David, and that you
had hidden him well so that no one who should not find him would. That's
how I knew that one day you would be pregnant. And once we get the
official word I'm going to yell the news from one end of Babylon 5 to the
other. I want everyone to know how happy and proud I am. Besides
Delenn making love is how babies are made," Sheridan smiled down at her.
"Now let's go to bed, this time to sleep, you're going to need all of your
rest."
"Michael I still do not understand this between us, how I lose such control
of myself. It is the not the way of my people." Nirashonn lay with her head
over Garibaldi's still rapidly beating heart.
"Which people Nia, you are both Minbari and human. You were raised
Minbari, warrior caste at that, but half of your make up is human,"
Garibaldi replied stroking the soft bone crest and the hair wildly tangled
around it. " Besides I wouldn't have it any other way. You are a wonderful
lover, and the best wife I ever had," he smirked at Nirashonn.
"It was my understanding Mr. Garibaldi I was the only wife you have ever
had," Nirashonn voiced deepened to a more forceful tone.
"I love when you get all tough and warrior caste on me. Think I might
persuade you to get alittle more aggressive?" Garibaldi smiled
suggestively at the frowning woman sitting up in his bed. "I might even be
persuaded to give you your Christmas gift a little early."
"You are terrible. Do you not have to work in the morning?" she asked
looping her arms around his neck.
"Nah, I'm going to call in sick. You don't think I'm going to be in any
condition to do anything more then sleep half the day away."
"Will they not know you are not ill?" Nirashonn asked.
"Baby by now the entire security night shift knows I've got special company
and I'm sure that most of the others have heard , or will hear shortly. As
for Sheridan and Ivanova, I'll deal with what ever comes of that later."
Silence except for the soft words of passion, the sounds quickening
breaths and the occasional breathless moan were the only sounds in
Garibaldi's quarters for the rest of the night.
Ivanova kept tossing and turning. No matter how hard she tried she just
could not seem to be sleepy. Exhausted, irritated and rapidly getting
furiously angry, but not in the least sleepy. It was going to make for a very
long night, Susan thought to herself, wearily getting out of bed. Maybe I
should go for a walk in the garden, maybe the exercise will calm me down
enough to sleep. Walking over to her closet Ivanova selected a casual blue
silk shirt and some black linen pants to go with the shirt. Not bothering
but with the bare minimum of red satin underpants she pulled on the
clothes ran a comb through her hair and replaced her link to her right hand
and walked out of the door of her quarters.
Walking quickly down the deserted corridors of the Blue sector command
staff residence she wondered at the restlessness she felt. Susan had never
felt like this before, not even in the horrible aftermath of her mother's
suicide did she feel this deep pit of restless darkness in her soul. Maybe
she should talk to someone but who she wondered. Ivanova knew that
Sheridan and Delenn were wrapped up in each other and did not want to
add their already overburdened lives. Stephen was still trying to straighten
out his own life, and really did not need a depressed woman on his hands
as well as the constant flow of wounded refugees fleeing the Vorlon
crusades.. Garibaldi, she suddenly thought, now that's an idea. He would
know how to help her cope with these feelings. And if they couldn't get a
handle of them, maybe he would come with her to the nearest rankest bar
on Babylon 5 and then pour her into bed after she got drunk enough.
Pressing a button on her link she said clearly," Ivanova to station house."
"Station house, Marshall here. What can I do for you Commander?" replied
the voice of the night security officer.
"Mr. Garibaldi is off duty?" Ivanova asked.
"Yes sir, the Chief's been off duty for a couple of hours," came the reply.
"Do you happen to know if he's in his quarters?" Ivanova again asked.
Ah yes sir he is. But Commander unless this is a real emergency I uhmm
wouldn't disturb the Chief if I were you," Marshall stammered acwardly .
"Why not?" Ivanova demanded back.
"Well its like this Commander, its not official yet but the Chief isn't feeling
too well. He's probably not going to be in for a couple of days," Marshall
answered. "He's not going to want any visitors either, Commander, all I
kind of heard is that he's going to be staying in his quarters until he gets to
feeling better."
"What in the hell Marshall is going on with Mr. Garibaldi?" Ivanova
demanded.
"Look Commander the Chief is going to have my head for saying anything
to anybody ."
"And I'm going to tear it off and hand it to him, if I don't get any answers
real soon Mr. Marshall," Ivanova inserted tersely.
"Commander," Marshall complained. "It's like this the Chief has company
visiting him. A lady, Commander and her name is Garibaldi. Zack said her
identacard read married as well. So we figure she's the Chief's wife and
she came over for the holidays to spend them with Mr. Garibaldi."
"Michael has never said anything about a wife, or any permanent
relationship period," Ivanova mused outloud.
"Well Commander I looked up the Chief's service file and I found that when
he came back from his leave 2 months ago he changed his status to
married and named the lady as his wife."
"Hummmm," Ivanova thought out loud, "Thanks for the info, and I'll cover
it with the Captain in the morning. Goodnight Mr. Marshall." Ivanova
terminated the link.
Meandering through the main hallway of the Zocalo Ivanova wandered over
towards the gardens. Ivanova found that she was starting to enjoy the
quiet activity of the station at this time of night. She found that despite
the depressing feelings that were still nagging at her consciousness, she
was starting to feel better. At least two of her dearest friends seem to have
found themselves some happiness in the mess that all of their lives had
become. Sheridan & Garibaldi had had more then their share of disasters
in their lives. Ivanova looked up and found that she had arrived in the
gardens without even realizing it. She sat down on the nearest bench and
just looked around. It never failed to amaze her that this paradise existed
in the overgrown tin can they lived in. That even in the deepest coldest
black of space this place flourished. Slowly getting up she wandered
through the various different flower beds, she decided it would be a good
idea to check on her coffee tree. The last time she had gotten the
opportunity to visit the gardens the coffee was starting to blossom. If the
tree did anywhere nearly as good as last year she would have enough coffee
to share with both Garibaldi and Sheridan.
"Hello what are you doing here at this time of night," quietly inquired
Marcus Cole from just behind where Ivanova had jerked to a stop at the
sound of his voice.
"What the hell are you doing here at this time of night?" she shot back.
"Meditating in preparation for the Ceremony of Lights, that's now only 2
days away. The ceremony commemorates the end of the shadow war of
1000 years ago, when Valen had the chance to gather all the people for a
celebration ending the war. It is also a celebration of what was supposed
to be a 1000 years of peace and growth in people's well being. To the
religious caste Minbari this is one of the most important celebrations in
the year. On Minbar the preparations for the ceremony would have started
over a month ago. Special foods are prepared in advance and stored
ceremonially to be eaten at the reception following the religious services,"
Marcus explained.
"Why is it traditional for all attendees to come as a pair," Ivanova asked
curiously.
"It is also the day that Valen blessed many of the couples that had come to
the celebration to have their relationships acknowledged before the people.
The old stories say that many of these couples came complete with the
children that had come to them. It is a very beautiful and fun ceremony."
"Sounds like a lot of fun," Ivanova replied. "What happens at the reception
later?"
"You eat all of the foods prepared, and many exchange small gifts. Little
things that you choose with the recipients sheer enjoyment in mind. It's
for religious caste Minbari a very lighthearted assembly." Marcus pointed
out to Ivanova.
"Not to change the subject, but have you told the woman that you want to
have a relationship with how you feel yet?" Ivanova asked looking up at
Marcus as she knelt by her coffee plant weeding the grass blades away
from it.
"No not yet but I had hoped that by taking her to the ceremony on
Christmas day I could show her how I felt. I don't say the words really well.
And besides something tells me you've heard all the words in the past and
still got hurt. Like many of the rangers I believed that my actions would
speak louder and better then any words that I could have said to you,"
Marcus earnestly told her.
At the start of his words Ivanova sat down onto the slightly damp soil.
She stared at Marcus slack jawed. "I never even thought. When we talked
on the White Star I had no idea," she stammered in confusion.
Holding out his hand Marcus helped her to her feet and leaned down to
help Ivanova brush of the dirt from her pants. "I don't know what to say.
I'm not a good partner in any relationship Marcus. I've had too many of
them that have all gone to hell in a hand basket leaving me and if I am real
honest the other person too, totally devastated by the end," she concluded
sadly.
"Remember when I offered to teach you Minbari. I asked you how old you
would be in a year's time, if you attempted to learn Minbari and then how
old you would be in a year's time if you didn't try to learn Minbari. It
works the same way with relationships. If you don't try, you'll never know if
you could have succeeded," Marcus told Ivanova.
"Marcus you deserve some one special for your first time. Some one who
will feel the same way about you that you feel………………" she trailed off at
the light of growing passion in the dark gray eyes boring into her soul.
"AH hell we're both going to regret this, I know it in my Russian bones,"
she grumbled as she turned away from Marcus. "You coming or not?" she
asked.
Quickly covering the feeling of amazement Marcus followed her from the
garden. Side by side they walked back through the largely deserted
corridors of Babylon 5. Susan walked briskly back to her quarters with
Marcus in tow. "This is a bad idea, I know it," she muttered to herself. "Oh
well at least he wouldn't be able to say that I didn't warn him."
Reaching the door to her quarters, Ivanova quickly activated the door and
turned to Marcus reaching for his hand. She moved through the open
doorway leading him unprotestingly behind her. Removing her link she
placed on the end table by the couch.
"Would you like a drink," she asked suddenly shy as the situation really
closed in on her.
"No thank you I don't drink any hard liquor, a habit I picked up while
training on Minbar. Do you know that the Minbari can't drink alcohol, it
makes them totally crazy and very dangerous." Marcus replied.
"Marcus I think that we can both do without the xenobiology lessons right
now. Right now I think that we both have other things on our minds. And I
think that I really want to get started, don't you?" she asked moving closer
to him on the couch they had seated themselves on.
Reaching out Marcus ran a very gentle hand over Susan's cheek and
cupped her chin with his hand. "Since you're the expert, where shall we
start?" he asked with a smile.
Ivanova leaned forward and gently kissed him with softness and
tenderness, a test of a kiss to gauge his response to her lead in the game
of love that had started between them. Not in the least surprised she
received back a kiss of the same tender exploration as she had started out
with.
"Promising," she whispered reaching forward to wrap her arms around his
neck, "very promising."
"You talk too much," he said leaning closer to Ivanova, "I was always under
the impression it was actions that counted at this time."
Moving abruptly Marcus found himself laying back on the couch with
Ivanova leaning over him was a glint of retribution in her eyes. "You
haven't seen nothing yet. I'll knock your socks off before its over," she
vowed.
Laughing softly Marcus returned her kisses as passionately as she gave
them out. "I'm a quick study you'll find."
Sitting up Ivanova slowly unbuttoned her shirt revealing to his eyes the
body he had been seeing for so long it seemed in his dreams. Marcus
slowly in turn sat up and removed first his coat and the quickly the shirt
beneath it. Ivanova looked pleased at the form revealed to her eyes as
Marcus removed his clothes . Feeling pleased at his nonchalance Marcus
held out his hand to her. "Can I help?" he asked.
Smiling Ivanova stood before him and removed the black pants that she
wore to reveal the red satin underwear hidden. Marcus hissed in a sharp
breath at what was totally in that moment laid bare to his passion inflamed
eyes.
"This will be much easier in bed," Susan stated turning towards her
bedroom.
Marcus followed without hesitation, never thinking of either of their
motives, only being caught up in the moment with the woman he loved
more then his own life.
Reaching the bed both sat down and reached for each other
unselfconsciously. It was almost as though they were established lovers
and had traveled this way before together. Coming together in a burst of
need they feel back to the bed and began a mutual exploration of one
another's bodies. The silence in Ivanova's quarters was deafening, only
the occasion moan and soft whispered word of passion or encouragement
voiced in the long hours of love that Susan and Marcus eagerly shared.
Only after they bodies were totally weary were the lovers moved to words.
"Thank you," Marcus softly whispered to Susan.
"For what, being selfish and giving into my own wants and needs," she
replied.
"No for making this a very special experience for me. Even though you
don't share my feelings, I understand and this will be the only time that I
tell you this, unless you asked me to. I love you, totally completely. I
know you will say that I don't know you enough to say this. But the part
that I do know is the part I fell in love with. And I will be what ever you
want in your life. But I will say that I do want to play a big role. After all
neither of us has any idea of what will happen in the coming conflicts. We
still have a great deal to resolve to get the League and all the other worlds
back on their feet."
"Marcus, I've told you I've a real bad track record for relationships. And I
won't belittle your love. I will treasure it very much. It's probably time
that I too tried to get out of the shell I've been living in. We have the
opportunity for so few tomorrow's, that regret is the one thing that I doubt
we will have time for. And besides I do like you a great deal and greater
things have come from smaller beginnings." Ivanova stated as she leaned
on her elbow over Marcus. "I think that I'm now going to take advantage of
you."
"Oh you are, are you. Well we'll just have to see who takes advantage of
whom in this bed tonight Commander," Marcus returned with a lustful
gaze at her.
Laughing softly in response Ivanova wrapped her arms around his
shoulders and lay back on the pillows as Marcus commenced his well
learned lesson in love.
The next morning Garibaldi sat up and reached for his link. "Garibaldi to
station house."
"Station house Allen here. Morning Chief how you feeling?" Zack asked
with a tinge of a smile in his voice.
"Not to good this morning Zack, let the Captain and Ivanova know I'm
going to be off for a few days. I'll check in with Medlab alittle later today,"
Garibaldi replied laughing. "I'll get the Doc to let everybody know when I
can go back to work."
"No problem Chief, I'll cover it for you. By the way the only thing that you
have to attend is this ceremony that Ambassodor Delenn is holding on
Christmas day."
"Well since everything looks to be covered for the moment, I'll just rest up
and get over this bug I've got. Thanks a lot Zack, I'll probably check in
later," Garibaldi concluded.
Rolling over Nirashonn slowly sat up and stretched moving sensuously
against the pillows. "Michael, it is such a pleasure to awaken at your side.
A pleasure that we do not share often enough," she smiled at him.
Sitting back on the edge of the bed Garibaldi handed her the cup of coffee
he had made after concluding his chat with Zack Allen at the station house.
Taking a generous sip Michael reached out with his hand and gently
caressed his wife's cheek. "Well Mrs. Garibaldi what are we going to do
today."
"I had not thought beyond just coming to you here and staying for the time
that I am able to stay with you," she replied. "But I am sure that we can
come to some agreement as to what we can do for the next few days."
Nirashonn placed the empty cup that she was holding on the table and
moved closer to Garibaldi and began to softly to nibble kisses against his
neck. "There is one thing that I am sure that I can convince you that we
have to try again," she breathed against his skin.
"Oh and what is that?" Garibaldi asked pulling her closer and moving his
hands downward over her back and moving to kiss her. "I think you're
going to have to do a lot of explaining to this little security slug, you know
we're a little slow on the uptake on some thing's."
Falling back onto the bed the two lovers re-engaged themselves in the
sensual dance of love.
Turning over Ivanova sat up abruptly, at the touch of her leg against
Marcus' legs spread widely. He slept in the same he did anything else,
openly and confidently . Looking down at his sleep relaxed face she finally
understood most of the things about him that she could never quite put
together. She slowly leaned back against the pillows that she had pulled
up against the head of the bed. Thoughts of a relationship that she was
not sure she wanted a part of start growing in her mind. After that terrible
debacle with Malcolm and then Talia's inadvertent betrayal she knew that
she was not going to have an easy time in this relationship either. Ivanova
shook her head, there it was she wasn't sure how it had slipped in but there
it was she was acknowledging to herself there was a relationship between
them. Not the one night stand that she thought that she might get away
with when she first impulsively decided to give Marcus the one thing she
had to give him…….a night with the woman he had admitted to have strong
feelings about. She knew that he had not told her all, she knew he felt a lot
more for her then he had admitted too. Marcus watched her sitting in a
deep silent contemplation. He knew that she was thinking about what had
happened earlier in the night between them. Even untutored in the skills of
love he knew that her actions in their love making had meant more then
just giving him some thing he wanted on a purely sexual level, with all the
feelings, touches and actions that had gone in this bed he knew that on
some level her emotions were already involved. The trick he thought to
himself was to get her to admit it not only to him but to herself. Susan
Ivanova was a very complex woman, one with many levels, he thought
much like the intertwined poetic thoughts of the Minbari writers he had
studied while in his training on Minbar. Opening his eyes he looked up at
her and said, "Penny for your thoughts."
"They're not worth even that much," she replied. " Marcus much as I don't
want to do this now, we will need to talk, about how we're going to deal
with this."
"Susan we will deal with this relationship, and I know you didn't want that
word, but for me it was necessary. If we must tread on this journey only
half a step at a time we will. Neither of us is coming to this with clear
hearts and an idealistic view of the universe. But working together we can
make a place for us, and maybe we can find something alittle more then
that," Marcus told her taking her hand in his two and clasping it to his lips.
"Who knows you might even find that you like having me around," he joked
lightly.
"Well since you did so well in your first lesson, I thought perhaps I might
interest you in another?" Ivanova asked as she slid down the pillows and
moved closer to Marcus.
"Of course," he replied gravely, " I am always ready for more study in any
subject, on Minbar they taught to always look for opportunities for
learning. Knowledge is the one of the most precious gifts that the universe
gives us."
"Marcus," she laughed out loud, " this is hardly the time for a lecture in
Ranger training techniques," as she glided her hand down his chest
caressingly effectively bringing a halt to his words, as Marcus returned the
gesture sensitively moving his fingers over her breast. Ivanova leaned over
and began to feather kisses across his face, moving slowly and tantalizing
towards his lips. Soon these lovers also were deeply entrenched in
furthering their exploration of each others bodies. The rest of the talking,
reasoning and building of the relationship would wait until later.
Jumping at the sound of her link activated Ivanova grabbed it and stabbed
at it to activate it.
"Ivanova here," she gasped out, while Marcus took full advantage of kissing
her shoulders lightly, with the occasion sweep of his tongue tasting her
essence.
"Commander the Captain just linked in and he's going to be unable to
meet with you until some time later this afternoon. He said he sends his
apologies," Lt. Corwin earnestly reported.
"Thanks Lt., I'm not able to get away myself at the moment. Is everything
quiet in C&C this morning?" she inquired.
"All quiet Commander, no scheduled docking until 1200 hours. All the
duty rosters submitted and on your desk. One thing Mr. Garibaldi is ill
and is taking a few days off, the station house reported this morning.
Other than that everything is status quo. No reason that you should hurry
what ever you are doing Commander. If we need you we can give you a
call," Corwin finished.
"All right Corwin, I'll get back to you later. If anything comes up let me
know," Ivanova terminated the link.
Reaching up she twined her arms around Marcus' neck and shifted her
shoulders deeper into the pillows she lay in. Placing his mouth over her
ear Marcus quietly quipped, "Commander I do know something that is up."
"Marcus," she hissed back pulling him closer still, "That's not funny."
Smiling innocently at her Marcus replied, "but it is."
Reaching forward she captured his mouth with hers in a kiss that drove all
thoughts of conversation from either of their minds. For the longest time
the only sounds heard were the soft sounds of lovers.
Delenn snuggled deeper into the covers at the sound of Sheridan's link
going off with the preprogrammed alarm he had set when they had finally
settled down to sleep the previous night.
"John do you have to get up now," she inquired.
"I can check with C&C and see with anything urgent is up. If there isn't I
think that I can given myself the better part of the day off. How about
that?" Sheridan responded smiling at the lovely picture of Delenn laying
next to him. It never failed to amaze him how lovely she was physically as
well as spiritually. She had a glow about her, a glow that radiated all the
beauty of her spirit and the love she felt for him.
"I will contact Lennier to take the day off also. There is nothing pressing
that I must accomplish today as either an ambassador or as Entil'zha. We
can spend the day together here quietly." Delenn whispered enticingly.
"Sounds like the only thing in the universe that I want to do today,"
Sheridan returned. Activating the link Sheridan spoke, "Sheridan to C&C."
"C&C online Captain, this is Lt. Corwin sir," came the voice of Ivanova's
protégé.
"All quiet up there Lt.," Sheridan inquired frowning slightly at the absence
of Susan Ivanova's voice answering his link in.
"All quiet sir. Nothing scheduled to dock until 1200 hours. Docker's Guild
reports all quiet. Security station house reports all quiet. Only thing there
is Mr. Garibaldi is reported ill and will be out for a few days. " Corwin
concisely reported.
"Well if anything comes up let me know. Let Commander Ivanova know that
I can meet with her later on this afternoon, baring any emgerancies. Other
than that Sheridan out."
"It looks like you picked the perfect day for us to spend some extra time
together," Sheridan smiled at her.
Delenn gracefully left the bed and walked over to her closet and put on her
morning robe. "I shall just let Lennier know that he can enjoy this day
without any duties to intrude," she said as she walked through her
bedroom door. "I will also make us some tea. It will only take a moment.
The tea will refresh us and then we can plan our day," she continued over
her shoulder.
Deftly arranging the pillows behind his shoulders Sheridan leaned
comfortable back to await Delenn's return. He would drink the tea she
made, but he already had plans for the next hour or so that would occupy
them both with a great deal of pleasure. Beaming with a sensuous
tightening to his face Sheridan knew that his plans would be met with a
great deal of enthusiasm on Delenn's part, once he started to put it into
action. Looking up at her entrance Sheridan watched her unconscious
sensual grace as she shrugged the robe she wore onto the bed and once
again revealed to his eyes the beauty of her body. He examined her form
even more closely as she moved to hand his cup of the tea she had
prepared. As yet there were no hints physically of the pregnancy he was
now sure that had begun. Smiling deep in thought he continued to look at
her trying to image how she would look heavily pregnant with his child.
What changes would this bring to her body. He knew that what ever the
changes were in his eyes she would still be beyond sheer beauty, she would
become the embodiment of all their dreams.
"You are very quiet this morning John," Delenn noted his preoccupation.
"Actually I have had several thoughts. The first thing that came to mind
was a purely sensual thought, I was thinking about how I was going to
make love to you. The second thought was that I was looking for any signs
in her body of the pregnancy, and on the heels of that I was trying to image
what you will look like heavily pregnant with our child." Sheridan
pronounced with a deep note that Delenn had never heard to his voice.
"John we are not even sure that there is yet a pregnancy to be wondering
over. My symptoms could be caused by many other things. I do not want
to be disappointed if I am not with child," Delenn bend her head forward
over her tea cup not meeting Sheridan's eyes.
Lifting up her chin Sheridan looked deeply into the liquid green of his
beloved's eyes. In them he saw what appeared to be some measure of
apprehension.
"Delenn what's bothering you?" he asked plainly.
"I am not sure of what it is I feel at this moment John," she started her
reply.
"For me," Sheridan asked.
Looking very startled Delenn quickly put down her cup and placed her
hands around Sheridan's face, gently embracing his cheeks. "Never doubt
my feelings for you John. They are more then I can put to words. You are
the other half of my soul. For Minbari that means there is no other for me.
I would be incomplete without you. Bereft and less of a person. It is very
difficult for me to put all my feelings for you to words. Your people's way
of saying 'I love you' does not seem as I have said all that I need to say,"
Delenn began to explain. "It is the thought of a child that causes many
confused thoughts and feelings within me. My people would count me very
blessed that I had found my soulmate to sire my child. Such things are
rare among Minbari. Our people usually join to bear children at the behest
of parents or clan elders. Often those who are joined barely know one
another. They produce the child and often go their separate ways. My own
parents were such. My mother's alliayte , her calling of the heart, was to
join the Sisters of Valeria. But the clan and her family required that she
produce a child. My father was chosen as her mate. They knew each other
somewhat from their individual studies in temple. But they were far from
either friends or lovers. They did as commanded and after I was born and
the required 3 month-cycles old, my mother left for the order where she
had chosen to spend the rest of her life. My father's alliayte was the
learning of the way of Valen. He wanted to live a life as close to that of
Valen. He studied all the writings of Valen and all the writings of those
that either had lived 1000 years ago or had centered their lives on studying
Valen. He was a wonderful man. He loved me greatly and more then made
up for the fact that my mother was not with us but elsewhere," Delenn
paused in her reminisces looking deeply into the past with love and regret
that her father would never know his grandchildren or the man who would
father them. Looking at Sheridan she smiled softly, her mouth trembling
with emotion, and her eyes filling with tears as yet unshed. "I would have
loved for you to have met him. He was special," she whispered.
Sheridan pulled her close to him and gently caressed her back and
shoulders. "Delenn I would have loved to have met him also. To thank
him for my beloved. He unbeknownst gave me a very precious gift, you.
And one day we will travel together to Minbar and maybe we can get the
chance to see your mother. And if we are blessed with a child, children
then we can introduce them to their grandmother," Sheridan ended.
Delenn reached up and drew his head down, surprising him with her
passionate kiss. "John If you do not mind, I would like very much to make
love now," she said against his lips.
Sheridan reached and lifted her onto his lap and proceeded to deepen the
kiss Delenn had initiated. The passion flared rapidly between them as they
both pushed the blankets that covered Sheridan and blocked access to the
skin to skin contact that suddenly was a need that could not be denied.
Rolling over Sheridan captured her body beneath his and trailed his kisses
over every part of her skin that he could reach. Delenn eagerly returned his
kisses and caresses. Soon they too were lost in each other and in the
rhythm of love as old as the universe itself.
Christmas Day 2261
The station hummed with activity. Everyone aboard human and alien
scurried to complete as many of the tasks that they could so that they
could enjoy the rest of the holiday. With the height of the war, there had
been far too few opportunities to celebrate. And now that there was a
chance all were eager to make as much of the situation as they could.
Sheridan turned to Delenn. She looked even more radiant at that moment
then he thought she'd ever had. She was dressed in one of her favorite
robes, a vibrant crimson and blue costume that set of the luster of her face
even better then usual. Over it she would don the white ceremonial
religious caste robe that she needed when she would conduct the
ceremony of the lights in several more hours. 'Delenn, come here, I'll
brush your hair for you," Sheridan called out softly.
Watching the graceful sway of her hips as she moved to him, Sheridan
smiled lovingly at her. The last few days had been absolutely blissful. It
seemed even as though the universe had temporarily called a halt to the
war to allow for the festivities. Gently with slow stokes Sheridan began to
brush Delenn's deep mahogany tresses. The soft curls brushed against his
hands with a life of their own. Seemingly like even her hair took pleasure in
his touch. All too soon in his opinion, Sheridan completed his self
appointed task in brushing Delenn's hair. Smiling both her thanks and her
love at him, she moved to the mirror and deftly arranged the long tresses
into a easy sweep to the left side of the bonecrest and secured them with a
pin. Taking one long last look in the mirror, Delenn nodded her
satisfaction with her appearance and turned to Sheridan. She drew a deep
breath at the sight. He was truly magnificent in her eyes, the black
uniform she had designed for the command staff after their separation
from the Earth Alliance suited Sheridan perfectly. He was everything that
she desired in her mate, and everything that was needed to be the ONE
was to be. Today she would begin her step back from the forefront of the
leadership of the forces of light. It was time to begin to hand over her
share of the reins of power to him.
"Well my love are you ready to go meet Ivanova, Marcus, Stephen, Lennier
and Mr. Garibaldi for our pre-ceremony breakfast. I'm sure everyone is
waiting for us," Sheridan spoke into the silence.
"Yes John, let us go. I find that I am very hungry this morning again,"
Delenn replied happily, picking up her white ceremonial robe.
Hand and hand they left Sheridan's quarters where they had spent the
previous night. Walking down the corridor Delenn was startled to see long
strands of red and green paper hung along the walls. She looked at
Sheridan in puzzlement.
"Christmas decorations. Ivanova said a couple of the young junior officers
were kind of home sick, and as they can't go home, and there are very few
messages from home, they decided that they would decorate as much of
the station as they could. It's harmless and I have no objection to it. And
besides Ivanova said she caught a couple of them up at 3am still
decorating. If that will make this separation from their families easier I'm
all for it," Sheridan explained.
Walking into the transport tube they quietly continued their conversation.
Hearing her door chime go off Ivanova called out, "Come, I'll be with you
in a couple of moments."
"It's all right take your time, we still have some time before we are to meet
the others for breakfast," Marcus replied.
"Breakfast, what breakfast?" Ivanova demanded walking from her bedroom
buttoning the last fastening on her jacket.
"Lennier contacted me last night and invited us to a special breakfast this
morning in the Fresh Air Restaurant for the 'war council' before the
ceremony," Marcus explained as he brushed a kiss across her startled lips.
"Its Lennier's gift to us all. Something he wanted to do special for all the
people that he feels are special in his life."
"Okay I could use something to eat this morning, I'm really very hungry.
Just let me check in with C&C and we can be off. Ivanova to C&C."
"C&C online Commander," replied the disembodied voice through her link.
"Anything to report this morning," Ivanova briskly inquired.
"Nothing Commander, everything is quiet. The night scanners report only
a sleigh with 8 reindeer and one jolly old elf. Logged in at just after
midnight." Corwin lightly joked.
"Noted Lt.. If you need me just link in." Ivanova laughed with genuine
amusement, shaking her head.
Walking out of the door, Marcus held out his hand to Susan, hesitating
only for a moment she placed her hand into his, acknowledging outside of
her quarters the relationship between them.
Joining Sheridan, Delenn, Lennnier and G'Kar at the large table Ivanova
saw the easily relaxed and contented faces of all her friends before her.
Marcus held out a chair for her and easily seated her before taking his
place beside her. Turning he noted the look of inquirery on Sheridan's
face he shrugged and quirked a half smile at him.
"Where's Michael," Ivanova asked. "Don't tell me he's still sick. It's not
like him to miss a meal."
From behind her Franklin replied with a laugh, "Garibaldi might not be able
to walk about now. But I doubt very much he is ill. I talked to him an hour
ago and he said the they would be here," Stephen Franklin concluded as
he reached the table and handed out white roses to the women sitting
there, with a soft kiss on the cheek. Grinning cheekily at the men whose
women he had just kissed without permission he chuckled, " I'm claiming a
new Christmas privilege I get to kiss all the women I give flowers too," he
easily sat down opposite the two couples already seated and beside
Lennier.
"This must be some human ritual that I am not familiar with," G'Kar turned
to Lennier looking for some explanation.
"It's not a human holiday ritual. It's only Stephen's human opportunism
sneaking out," Sheridan explained chuckling richly as the laughter slowly
broke froth around the table.
"By the way Stephen what did you mean about Michael?" Sheridan
inquired.
"Mr. Garibaldi is being worn out. He called last night and asked me for
some stims. I think that he was having a hard time keeping up," Franklin
got out before totally succumbing to laughter.
Delenn looked to Sheridan in puzzlement, he shrugged back his lack of
understanding, as the other 3 humans at the table dissolved into good
humored laughter.
"Would some one mind letting the rest of us in on the joke," Sheridan
asked pointedly looking at Ivanova.
Straightening her shoulders Ivanova replied with her lips still twitching, "Ah
Captain, Mr. Garibaldi has had a special guest on station for the last few
days. Nobody has seen him outside of his quarters for the last 2 days."
Nodding his understanding Sheridan smiled at Delenn and reached out
and clasped her hand in his, "I can understand. I could see doing the
same thing myself," he said looking at Delenn the message in his eyes
unmistakable enough to cause a blush to appear on Delenn's cheeks.
"Well I for one hope he gets here soon, because I am starving."
Hearing the murmur of voices approach the table where they sat, Lennier
quietly interjected, "I believe that Mr. Garibaldi and one other are now
arriving to join us."
Turning to look the 7 beings already seated watched the couple approach
them with easy grace. All eyes were attracted by the woman at Michael
Garibaldi's side.
"Sorry we're late, but we got up later the I had planned," Michael explained
as he seated the woman at his side. This is my wife Nia. Nia, that's
Captain Sheridan, and Ambassador Delenn. Seated next is the
ambassador's attaché Mr. Lennier. Next to him is G'Kar. And our
earnstwhile resident physician Dr. Stephen Franklin. On your left is Marcus
Cole our resident ranger, and last but not least is Commander Susan
Ivanova," Garibaldi concluded his introductions.
Nia Garibaldi had inclined her head with each introduction and
murmured softly a quiet word of acknowledgment. She met each of the
inquiring looks at her with a level look of her own. Each of the others
previously seated at the table looked at the striking red headed woman
seated at the table. It was very obvious by his actions to his friends that
this woman meant a great deal to Michael. Delenn could not help but feel
that she had met this young woman somewhere and continued to look
slightly puzzled as the food began to arrive at the table.
"Great food, I'm starved," stated yelped Franklin.
The company quietly began to eat as the foods were placed on the table.
Once the waiters had left the area, Sheridan cleared his throat to capture
the attention of the people sitting at the table. "Delenn and I have an
announcement to make. We wanted to let all of you know, as soon as we
did, with one notable exception, that we are expecting a child in 7
months." Sheridan reached out and told Delenn's hand in his. " We have a
lot to celebrate this Christmas and at the ceremony of the lights. We have
been very blessed in all of our endeavors this year," Sheridan concluded as
he raised his glass in a salute to all gathered.
The sounds of congratulations erupted from all at the table at Sheridan's
words. Glasses were raised and another toast drunk to the health of the
coming child and mother. The celebration continued with all at the table
contributing equally to the good natured enjoyment of the food and the
company assembled.
Delenn reached for Sheridan's hand and said, "It is time to begin the
ceremony John."
All rose as one from the table and moved to the already prepared
Observation room that opened to the stars. Upon entering the room
Delenn and Lennier donned their white religious caste robes. Nirashonn
covered her head as the other Minbari already gathered with a well
concealed hood on her dress. Delenn and Lennier moved to the raised
area at the front of the room. Sheridan, Marcus, Ivanova, G'Kar, Garibaldi,
and Nirashonn moved to an area at the front where no one stood. As they
took their places a flute and string instrument began to softly play a tune.
At the end of every third bar, cymbals rang out. Lennier moved to the fore
front and raised his hand for silence. The quietly murmuring voices halted
as one.
At the silence Delenn moved forward holding in her hands a large silver
bond book in her hands. Lennier moved a wooden podium to where she
had stopped, and Delenn placed the book upon it. Opening the cover she
quietly murmured a prayer and began to read the words on the page before
her.
"These are the words of Valen recorded on the very first ceremony of lights.
And Valen called together all the people at the end of the war for a
gathering of celebration. His words were to bring joy to all that had fought
so and had lost so many of their family and friends to the enemy. This
celebration was to start the new age of our people. It was to start the
prosperity of a 1000 years. At this time Valen had told the people of the
changes that we had to make in ourselves to make our people strong. That
no Minbari should harm another of our kind. He called forth the first of the
nine to rule our people. The people would not hear of his stepping away
from the fore of our people. But Valen said to them that he would remain
for many years and would continue in residence at the main temple on
Minbar and that the council could come to him for advice when they
needed it. But it was time for the people to begin their journey forward
and his time to retire from leadership. Valen said that he wished to spend
the rest of his life in contemplation of all that had gone before. He also at
that time told us of his thoughts of the universe. His words are directly as
follows: that it is not what we have done in the past or the legacy that we
will leave to our decedents that counts most in our lives. It is how we live
everyday of our lives. It is the little things that we do for one another that
make us whole with the universe. That was the greatest legacy that Valen
left for us to learn and pass on to one another," Delenn's voice trailed off
into the silence of the room where so many stood. She raised her eyes
from contemplation of the pages before her and nodded to Lennier.
Suddenly the room was plunged into darkness, a deep sigh left all those
gathered there. At the signal of the flute the room was lighted by hundreds
of red, blue and green lights. The rest of the ceremony continued in the
soft texture of the three lighting scheme. The ceremony continued those
gathered there in contemplation of the words they had heard and the scene
before their eyes of the fire of the universe made manifest in the hearts of
the stars before them. And so the Christmas of 2261 came and passed
aboard Babylon 5 and all who dwelt there came to feel that there was
maybe a ray of hope yet in this universe, and that maybe the light could
prevail again. Maybe this time for all time.
The End………well maybe.
19
the holidays before the New Year I will be happy enough. Its a long one so run y'all printers on economy
mode. Thanks a lot for my other half for his help in being my beta reader and editor. I hope y'all enjoy
this, the story just won't leave me alone. Never could write some thing that was a short story…never use
one word when ten will do the job. Y'all have good and safe holidays. ckl
A B5 Christmas Tale
by CKL
The daily routine in the large customs area of Babylon 5 really varied from
day to day. The visitors and residents of various races came and went.
Transport ships carrying people and cargo came and went with
monotonous regularity. Three days before Christmas of 2261—it was busy
people and cargo that had been scurrying all day long. C&C was tired,
guiding ships in and out. The docking guild workers were tired, and the
most weary of all were the various security people working the customs
entry and exit areas. It was almost midnight and the very last ship
expected for 13 standard hours had just docked. It was the Persephone
an ex-contract Earth Force cargo and passenger carrier now based out of
Proxima 3. The Persephone's captain Alec Connors had contacted C&C to
notify them that this run she was carrying both cargo and passengers. The
cargo manifest and the passenger list had been dutifully transmitted to
C&C and no objections about either had been raised prior to docking.
Hearing the passenger transfer ramp clamp into place Zack Allan knew to
expect the first of the passengers in 3-4 minutes. Sitting up straighter, he
straightened out the badly rumpled uniform he had been wearing for the
last 16 hours.
"Just these last 10 passengers to process then his relief would arrive and
he could go and see if Garibaldi was ready to knock off for the night.
Maybe the two of them could get some dinner at one of the all niters in the
Zocalo," Zack thought to himself, as he pasted on his welcome to Babylon
5 smile.
As the passengers wearily started down the ramp the docking guild quickly
assembled their team to unload the cargo. Calling to each other in the
cavernous docking bay their voices echoed eerily around the descending
passengers. Three groups of three people walked towards the incoming
customs area were chatting wearily among themselves. The finale
passenger departing the Persephone this night was a lone woman. Straight
backed, striding purposefully down the docking ramp, she entered Babylon
5. Stopping for a moment at the end of the ramp she to look about.
"This way to the customs check point miss," called out the Persephone's
pursers.
Turning towards him the woman looked up towards the Persephone's
purser. He was again astonished by the woman's beauty. She was six foot
tall red hair plaited into dozens of long plaits gathered up around her head
so that the ends gently caressed her shoulders. But the most arresting of
her attributes were her eyes. The most astonishing shade of violet that he
had ever seen. Striding down to her, the purser again wondered what this
woman was doing on Babylon 5 at this time of year. Remembering the
extremely efficient way that she had evaded his questioning during the
voyage. Slowly the woman turned and walked confidently to the doorway.
Watching the easy strides and the sensuous movements to her stride the
purser silently envied the man she was meeting on Babylon 5.
"Ramón this box is marked for delivery to Captain Sheridan—and needs
special handling—hands only," yelled Dave Jackson the burly dock worker
unloading the smaller cargo from the Persephone's hold.
Ramón Santos the short stocky Docker's Guild foreman walked over to the
cargo hold door and held out his hand to the special handling package.
"I'll take it through customs and get it to Sheridan. I have to get this
completed paper work to Commander Ivanova. I'm sure that she can get it
to the Captain."
Reaching the customs check point the tall red-haired woman stepped up
the Zack Allan hold out her Indentacard for him to scan. The scanner
beeped completion and Zack looked down and read the information before
him: name: Nirashonn Garibaldi
race: Human, female
age: 23 years standard
status: married
Residence: Minbari colony of Zandur
Occupation: Military Historian
Looking up at the woman before him Zack was surprised into
speechlessness.
"Could you direct me to where I may find Mr. Garibaldi?" she asked with a
deeply husky voice lightly accented.
"Um the Chief was in the station house half an hour ago……wait just a
minute and I'll check for you and see if he's still there," he stammered.
"Zack to station house."
"Garibaldi go" came the reply.
Holding up a cautioning hand and shaking her head no, she silently
mouthed "a surprise, do not tell him."
"Yeah Chief, just checking. When is my relief coming?" Zack quickly
improvised.
"The passengers of the Persephone unloaded?" Garibaldi asked, the tired
gruffness evident in his voice.
"Yeah just finished Chief," Zack replied.
"Okay Zack, night I'll see you tomorrow," Garibaldi terminated the link.
"Thank you, Sergeant?" she softly said with a question in her voice.
"Allan, Zack Allan ma'am."
"I wish to surprise him Sergeant Allan. It is as your people say his
Christmas gift," the softly accented voice continued. "Thank you once
again for all of your assistance."
Wondering only for a second at the meaning behind the woman's words,
Zack quickly filed the thought for later exploration. Giving over his station
to his Narn relief G'Don. Waving eagerly Zack moved off towards the
Zocalo, his dinner and the his bed.
Stepping cautiously through the open hatchway of C&C Ramón Santos
looked for Commander Ivanova. "Depending on that one's mood it would
be a good meeting or a stormy one," he thought to himself.
"Mr. Santos, you have all the necessary paperwork for today already
completed, I see," Ivanova looked up from her command console smiling.
"Yes Commander I have. I also have a special handling package addressed
to Captain Sheridan," Ramón held out the small box he carried in his
hand. "Could you see that he gets it?"
"No problem Mr. Santos. He's still in the war room with G'Kar, Marcus
and the Brakiri representative. I'll see that he gets it within the hour,"
Ivanova replied taking the offered package and examining it thoroughly.
"It's been through a security scan Commander. Everything is on the up
and up." Ramón told her.
"Thanks again Mr. Santos," Ivanova said dismissing the dock foreman.
"Have a good night, or what's left of it."
Turning Santos quickly left the C&C deck, thanking all the stars in the
universe that the interview had gone so well and so quickly, as his feet
swiftly carried him away from the command area of Babylon 5.
Striding confidently from the customs area, Nirashonn walked over to the
first Babcom console and requested the location of the security office.
Immediately the display on the terminal changed to reveal a map of
Babylon 5. Marking the location of her destination Nirashonn terminated
the display and set off to the security office location.
Ivanova picked up the mysterious package addressed to Sheridan. "Corwin
I'm off to the war room and then to my quarters. Keep it quiet."
Sure thing Commander" Corwin eagerly replied to the exiting Ivanova.
Walking down the narrow accessway from C&C Ivanova wondered about
what the package was and the contents of the little box that she carried.
Intently examining the small box when she literally ran full tilt into another
being using the same accessway between C&C and the war room. Looking
up Ivanova found herself reflected in the deep gray eyes of Marcus,
Babylon 5"s resident Ranger.
"Sorry," she apologized breathlessly.
"Not a problem," came the suave reply. "As a matter of fact I was coming
to see you."
"Oh, what can it for you?" she asked.
"I wanted to know if you would be attending Delenn's ceremony that will
be held on Christmas day?" Marcus asked her.
"Yes Delenn had mentioned it to me already and I told her I would attend,"
Ivanova answered with a questioning look at Marcus.
"It is traditional that all attendees come as a pair," he replied with a shrug
to his shoulders. "I wondered if you would attend with me?"
Ivanova's mouth hung open at the conclusion if his words. "Ah, well, I
guess so," she stammered, snapping closed her lips.
"Thank you. I will wish you a restful sleep," Marcus told her with a bow
and walked away his dark coat billowing out behind him.
Ivanova stood there just watching after him as he walked away. She was
still standing there when a voice behind her caused her to jump around
and confront the speaker.
"You planning to wander these hallways all night long?" Sheridan asked her
jokingly.
"Oh John, here this is for you. I'm going to get a real strong shot and then
I am going to bed," Ivanova said thrusting the small box at him.
Sheridan stood there watching Ivanova walk away with a bemused look on
his face. "It must be the time of the year," he mused aloud. " Everybody is
definitely acting stranger these days." Looking down at the package he
smiled tenderly and caressed the top of the box. "Delenn you're going to
love this," he whispered as he entered the open doorway of the transit
tube. "Green 5" he addressed the computer, as the door hissed closed
behind him.
"This traveler wishes to enter, and bring good wishes to your house and all
who dwell within," Garibaldi's head jerked away from his security camera
display at the sound of the softly accented voice in his doorway.
"Nirashonn, what the hell," as he scrambled to his feet. Holding out his
arms he was amazed at how quickly she flung herself to him. Pulling her
close, Garibaldi lowered his head to passionately kiss the beautiful red
haired woman in his arms. Burrowing closer Nirashonn caressed his face
as the kiss quickly deepened into stormy passion. She whimpered softly as
Michael moved his hands slowly down her back to draw her even closer in
his embrace.
"Chief –wow, sorry about that Chief," the night security officer said, as the
couple sprang apart.
"Okay John. I'm out of here. I'm going to let Zack know I'm not going to
be in for a few days," Michael said, watching the colour flow up her
cheeks. "Come on Nia, let's go home."
Shaking his head at the sight John Marshall, the night security officer, was
reaching for the link even before the couple had left the room.
"Marshall to Allan,"
"Yeah Allan here."
"You'll never guess what just happened at the station house?"
"The Chief had a beautiful red headed visitor right?"
"How the hell did you know, you related to Ivanova or something?"
"I worked customs tonight, and I logged her in. Her last name is Garibaldi
, just like the Chief's."
"Well it ain't his sister, I er interrupted a seriously tight clinch."
"Well I guess we'll hear an explanation in the morning."
"Chief said he was going to call you to let you know that he was taking
some time off."
"With the woman I guess? Sounds really interesting I'll let you know what
I find out. Allan out."
Sheridan walked to Delenn's door and pressed the chimes.
"Yes, who is it?" came Delenn's questioning voice.
"A very tired man who would love 5 minutes with the most beautiful in the
universe," Sheridan replied.
The door cycled open and Sheridan stepped through to find Delenn smiling
lovely at him.
"Come sit and eat, it is ready," she told Sheridan as she slipped his jacket
off of his shoulders, throwing it to the low couch behind her. The room was
dimly lit with her low round table laden with covered dishes giving off
tantalizing aromas.
"I know you have not eaten, and I hoped you would come," she told him as
she led him unprotestingly to the table.
"Delenn you shouldn't have. You should be sleeping, you work every bit as
hard as I do," Sheridan replied as he settled himself at the low table.
"There is no ceremony tonight my love. Only eat what you need and then
you will rest," Delenn said as she began to serve portions from the various
covered containers before him. Reaching out Sheridan caught her hand
and brought it to his lips. Turning her hand palm upwards and softly
placed a kiss.
"I love you so Delenn. I want you to know every moment of every hour of
everyday," he told her.
Delenn smiled tenderly at him, letting her green eyes tell him of all the
feelings she sometimes still could not put words to. Silently the lovers ate
the dinner Delenn had set before them. Finishing his last bite Sheridan
reached for the box on the floor beside him. Holding it out to Delenn he
said, "This is for you my love. Your wedding and Christmas gift."
Reaching for the small box in his hands, Delenn carefully turned it over in
her hands. Carefully she reached for the corner of the paper and began to
open it. The plain brown paper fell to the floor beside the place where she
gracefully knelt by the table, revealing the gaily colored paper with a red
ribbon encircling the box. Slowly Delenn's anticipation built as she
removed first the ribbon and then the Christmas paper with it's stylized
reindeer and snowmen. Reaching into the opened paper, she removed the
even smaller box from within it resting place in layers of white tissue
paper. Delenn looked up at Sheridan with a puzzled look "So much
wrapping for such a small package," she said.
"Its to make sure that it gets to its destination without any damage,"
Sheridan replied watching her closely.
Opening the small rectangular box Delenn gasped in wonder for within the
box lay an exquisite gold bracelet. Closely she examined the design
worked into the gold links. Stylized J's & D's with small hearts
surrounding each link.
"It is a joining bracelet," she exclaimed. "John," she cried as she leaped
towards him. Falling backwards to the floor Sheridan cushioned her fall
with his body. Cradling her tenderly Sheridan looked up into Delenn's
shining face. "Like your gift?" he asked."
"Yes it is very beautiful," Delenn told him huskily. "You seek to blend our
cultures as well ourselves," as she lowered her head to kiss him.
Sheridan was surprised by the skilled passion she displayed in the kiss.
"You must have been studying kissing very thoroughly to have mastered
the skill so well," he told her. Raising her lips away from his, she smiled,
"It is the skill of the teacher and the attentiveness of the pupil," she
whispered to Sheridan as they both realized that passion would out weigh
exhaustion at least tonight. Delenn decided then to give him his Christmas
gift, something she was sure he would appreciate as the evening went on.
Leaning her head down she kissed him a soft gentle kiss of promise and
murmured, "Will you stay the night, and I will show you how dutifully I have
learned the lessons you have taught."
Sheridan locked his arms around her and drew her head to run the tip of
his tongue over her passion swollen lips. The soft bonfire of passion
exploded to a searing open flame. Easily he drew her white meditation
robe aside to find much to his delighted surprise that she wore only her
skin beneath it. "You definitely have been paying attention to the lessons
haven't you." He panted as he revealed more of her body to his eyes. It
didn't matter how other times they had made love and how many times he
had touched her in love, passion and lust, he marveled at the softness of
her skin, and firmness of her breasts against his chest and the soft gentle
roundness of her hips against his lower body. Meanwhile Delenn's hands
were deftly unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it away from his chest. Both
of them hissed in deeply when skin met skin. Running her hands
passionately over him, she undid his trousers. And then finally there were
no barriers between them. Sheridan dexterously turned to his side
carrying her with him. Trading kiss for kiss, caress for caress, they fell
deeper into the well of passion. Familiarity with each other's bodies helped
then to intensify their passion until they were moaning and panting in each
other's arms.
"My God Delenn we're not children that we should be playing such games
on the floor." Sheridan groaned as he moved his stiff shoulders and back.
"We're going to have to get dressed and go over to my quarters so that we
can make love in a bed like the grownups that we are."
Delenn placed her finger against his lips to stop his words. She smiled
provocatively at Sheridan and said, "Come now and see your Christmas
gift."
Rising gracefully to her feet, Sheridan stood in awe at the fact that this
beautiful, strong and still in many ways mysterious woman loved him.
Slowly he followed her up and took her hand as she led him further into her
quarters. Stopping at the door to her bedroom, Delenn opened the
previously closed door. Standing back away from the door Delenn
motioned Sheridan to proceed through the door. Caressing her cheek as he
passed through the door Sheridan stopped dead in astonishment. Instead
of Delenn's inclined Minbari sleeping couch there stood a king-sized
human style bed, the covers drawn back invitingly. Sheridan turned to
Delenn still standing uncertainly in the doorway, her hands clenched
together in obvious nervous anticipation of his reaction. He had noticed
before whenever she was worried about something she clenched her hands
together. Opening his arms widely he said, "Well Ambassador don't you
think that we might try out this new fangled contraption in your quarters."
Delenn flew to his arms, embracing him tightly, " I was afraid you might
think it too forward of me to have you stay here," she murmured.
"Delenn I very much doubt that there are too many beings on this station
that don't know that we are in love with each other. And whether its you
staying with me or me staying with you doesn't matter in the least. Unless
its something that bothers you?" Sheridan asked as he eased up her chin
meeting her still passion glazed green eyes.
"No there is nothing that bothers me about our love and the physical part
of it. I would not wish any one to think less of you for staying in my
quarters," Delenn retorted. "I do not wish to displease you either."
"Delenn nothing you will ever do will displease me. You are wonderful. I'm
the luckiest man in the universe. After all you are the only thing that
helped me to live through Z'ha'dum. Now we have a comfortable place to
make love and sleep together. We are after all getting too old to be trying
to play on the floor," he concluded jokingly.
Pulling her close to him, Sheridan turned to tumble them both to the bed.
Rolling over so that Delenn lay beneath him he eagerly began to re-engage
them in making love.
Garibaldi and Nirashonn walked arm and arm to his quarters through the
deserted hallways of the station, to the crew area Blue sector housing .
"It's not what you're used too," Michael told her as he inserted his cardkey
to cycle open the door.
"Michael, I can not change who and what I am. But where you are is also
my place, as is yours where I am," Nirashonn reached out for Garibaldi's
arm. Taking his hand in hers, she placed against her breast, "Feel my
heart, see how it beats for you. You are the other half of my soul. I can
not be without you for very long. It is why I came now," she spoke
passionately having reverted to her native warrior caste Minbari dialect.
Brushing her lips with his Garibaldi led his wife for the first time into the
place on Babylon 5 that he had called home for so long. Nirashonn looked
around her as she dropped the carry bag she had brought with her.
Nodding her head she looked at Michael leaning against the closed
doorway and said, "It is as you are my love. I can feel your presence here
strongly. I will be pleased to stay in this place when I come to you here."
She turned to him and slowly began to slide down the fastener of the gray
colored jumpsuit that she wore. "Perhaps now I can interest you in
something that will occupy both of us with pleasure. I have missed laying
with you and the ways that you can make this warrior's body feel."
Straightening away from the doorway, Garibaldi quickly began to unfasten
his jacket as he walked towards the place Nirashonn stood waiting for him.
Already he could see the passion blazing in her violet eyes. The only
sounds in the room were the sounds of clothing quickly removed and
discarded. Nirashonn stood unabashedly naked before him. Her body
gleaming whitely in the half light of his quarters. Holding out his hand
Michael led her to the bed and sat down on the edge to pull her down to
her knees before him. Reaching out with his hands, he cupped her face
delicately and leaned forward to kiss her. Rubbing his lips over hers, he
found her hands reaching for his chest and caressing him eagerly. Falling
back onto the bed the couple quickly found passion's familiar fiery sport.
Ivanova wearily entered her quarters. Walking over to her kitchen area she
pulled out a glass from the cupboard she poured a large measure of the
liquid into her glass and took it with her to the shower.
"I'm going to end up talking to myself," she muttered removing her
uniform and throwing it to the floor. "And what's even worse I may even
start answering myself," she concluded talking a deep draught of the drink
she carried with her. Treating herself to a long very hot shower she tiredly
moved her shoulders under the hot water. She felt almost happy for a
moment under the water. Stepping out she quickly dried off and dressed
into her nightgown and slowly climbed into her bed. "Lights out, set alarm
for 0600 hours. Meeting reminders war council meeting at 0830 to
discuss the refugee problem in sector 23. Second meeting with command
staff at 1130 hours to discuss the next 2 months duty roster. Remind
Garibaldi that he will have to shift more of the Narn security guards to
general duties. End of reminders," Ivanova concluded settling down into
her bed.
Sheridan turned on to his back breathing deeply. He was still awed at the
passion between Delenn and himself. He lay there remembering how it had
been between him and Anna at the start of their marriage, and how the
passion had changed with the years. Even though he and Anna had often
been separated by long periods he never felt the hot hard need for her, the
way that he felt it for Delenn. It never failed to amaze him. Part of him
wondered at the strength of the feelings that he felt for her. He wondered
at how strong the feelings on Delenn's side of the relationship was. He
know that she loved him, but occasionally wondered how much. But
discretion being the better part of valor he thought it best not to ask.
Turning his head, he met the remarkable green eyes that Delenn had, even
in the aftermath of passion it was her eyes that always stirred his soul.
They were deep, radiant and wiser then all of the wisest beings in the
universe. "I love you do you know that Delenn?" he asked in the silence,
the both of them just looking at the other.
"Yes," she replied, her voice warm with all the feelings she did not give
sound to. "I know John, and what I feel for you often defies words. .
Minbari do not speak often of their feelings for their mates, families or
children. They attempt to show the most important people in their lives
how they feel. I know that this is not the human way, and your people have
the need to hear the words John so I will try for you."
"Delenn you don't need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or
that you can't do. I understand, my love. I do. You show me in so many
ways the way you feel. And one thing you may not know humans
sometimes say the words by rout not really meaning them, but saying them
because they think that the other person needs to hear them. I would
much rather you showed me how you felt. It would be a true
representation of you and your feelings," Sheridan leaned on his elbow
looking intently at Delenn.
Delenn reached up her left hand and gently traced Sheridan's lips with her
fingers. He noted with pride she wore his wedding ring and now his joining
bracelet. No one human or Minbari could doubt the commitment they had
to each other.
"John there is another gift I have to give you, one that I do not know if you
are either ready for, or have any want for," Delenn started anew into the
companionable silence in the dimness of the room. She had been laying
with her head cradled on his shoulder, her body arranged comfortably next
to his in the big bed.
At the start of her words Sheridan joined his fingers to hers and said,"
Delenn any gift you give me I will treasure all the years I have with you. As
if I need anything more then your love though."
Abruptly Delenn sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, standing up she
picked up a crimson colored robe and put it on. "I am not sure of this gift
as yet and I am not sure you will want it," she said. "I am to return to see
Dr. Franklin in the morning and he will have the results of all the tests
then."
"Delenn are you trying to tell me or not tell me that you might be
pregnant?" Sheridan asked leaving the bed to come and stand behind her.
Turning quickly to him, Sheridan noted that her eyes were now glazed not
with passion but tears. Reaching out he pulled her close and whispered,
"You are pregnant and we're going to have a son. His name is going to be
David. You and he (and should there be any others) will be the light of my
life."
"How could you have possibly known? Had Dr. Franklin talked to you? I
asked him to keep this confidential," she cried out in agitation.
"No Delenn Stephen hasn't talked to me at all today, or rather yesterday.
Remember when we were on Babylon 4 and I told you I had a time flash
forward and that's when you told me not to go to Z'ha'dum. Well that's not
all you told me about. You told me that we had a son David, and that you
had hidden him well so that no one who should not find him would. That's
how I knew that one day you would be pregnant. And once we get the
official word I'm going to yell the news from one end of Babylon 5 to the
other. I want everyone to know how happy and proud I am. Besides
Delenn making love is how babies are made," Sheridan smiled down at her.
"Now let's go to bed, this time to sleep, you're going to need all of your
rest."
"Michael I still do not understand this between us, how I lose such control
of myself. It is the not the way of my people." Nirashonn lay with her head
over Garibaldi's still rapidly beating heart.
"Which people Nia, you are both Minbari and human. You were raised
Minbari, warrior caste at that, but half of your make up is human,"
Garibaldi replied stroking the soft bone crest and the hair wildly tangled
around it. " Besides I wouldn't have it any other way. You are a wonderful
lover, and the best wife I ever had," he smirked at Nirashonn.
"It was my understanding Mr. Garibaldi I was the only wife you have ever
had," Nirashonn voiced deepened to a more forceful tone.
"I love when you get all tough and warrior caste on me. Think I might
persuade you to get alittle more aggressive?" Garibaldi smiled
suggestively at the frowning woman sitting up in his bed. "I might even be
persuaded to give you your Christmas gift a little early."
"You are terrible. Do you not have to work in the morning?" she asked
looping her arms around his neck.
"Nah, I'm going to call in sick. You don't think I'm going to be in any
condition to do anything more then sleep half the day away."
"Will they not know you are not ill?" Nirashonn asked.
"Baby by now the entire security night shift knows I've got special company
and I'm sure that most of the others have heard , or will hear shortly. As
for Sheridan and Ivanova, I'll deal with what ever comes of that later."
Silence except for the soft words of passion, the sounds quickening
breaths and the occasional breathless moan were the only sounds in
Garibaldi's quarters for the rest of the night.
Ivanova kept tossing and turning. No matter how hard she tried she just
could not seem to be sleepy. Exhausted, irritated and rapidly getting
furiously angry, but not in the least sleepy. It was going to make for a very
long night, Susan thought to herself, wearily getting out of bed. Maybe I
should go for a walk in the garden, maybe the exercise will calm me down
enough to sleep. Walking over to her closet Ivanova selected a casual blue
silk shirt and some black linen pants to go with the shirt. Not bothering
but with the bare minimum of red satin underpants she pulled on the
clothes ran a comb through her hair and replaced her link to her right hand
and walked out of the door of her quarters.
Walking quickly down the deserted corridors of the Blue sector command
staff residence she wondered at the restlessness she felt. Susan had never
felt like this before, not even in the horrible aftermath of her mother's
suicide did she feel this deep pit of restless darkness in her soul. Maybe
she should talk to someone but who she wondered. Ivanova knew that
Sheridan and Delenn were wrapped up in each other and did not want to
add their already overburdened lives. Stephen was still trying to straighten
out his own life, and really did not need a depressed woman on his hands
as well as the constant flow of wounded refugees fleeing the Vorlon
crusades.. Garibaldi, she suddenly thought, now that's an idea. He would
know how to help her cope with these feelings. And if they couldn't get a
handle of them, maybe he would come with her to the nearest rankest bar
on Babylon 5 and then pour her into bed after she got drunk enough.
Pressing a button on her link she said clearly," Ivanova to station house."
"Station house, Marshall here. What can I do for you Commander?" replied
the voice of the night security officer.
"Mr. Garibaldi is off duty?" Ivanova asked.
"Yes sir, the Chief's been off duty for a couple of hours," came the reply.
"Do you happen to know if he's in his quarters?" Ivanova again asked.
Ah yes sir he is. But Commander unless this is a real emergency I uhmm
wouldn't disturb the Chief if I were you," Marshall stammered acwardly .
"Why not?" Ivanova demanded back.
"Well its like this Commander, its not official yet but the Chief isn't feeling
too well. He's probably not going to be in for a couple of days," Marshall
answered. "He's not going to want any visitors either, Commander, all I
kind of heard is that he's going to be staying in his quarters until he gets to
feeling better."
"What in the hell Marshall is going on with Mr. Garibaldi?" Ivanova
demanded.
"Look Commander the Chief is going to have my head for saying anything
to anybody ."
"And I'm going to tear it off and hand it to him, if I don't get any answers
real soon Mr. Marshall," Ivanova inserted tersely.
"Commander," Marshall complained. "It's like this the Chief has company
visiting him. A lady, Commander and her name is Garibaldi. Zack said her
identacard read married as well. So we figure she's the Chief's wife and
she came over for the holidays to spend them with Mr. Garibaldi."
"Michael has never said anything about a wife, or any permanent
relationship period," Ivanova mused outloud.
"Well Commander I looked up the Chief's service file and I found that when
he came back from his leave 2 months ago he changed his status to
married and named the lady as his wife."
"Hummmm," Ivanova thought out loud, "Thanks for the info, and I'll cover
it with the Captain in the morning. Goodnight Mr. Marshall." Ivanova
terminated the link.
Meandering through the main hallway of the Zocalo Ivanova wandered over
towards the gardens. Ivanova found that she was starting to enjoy the
quiet activity of the station at this time of night. She found that despite
the depressing feelings that were still nagging at her consciousness, she
was starting to feel better. At least two of her dearest friends seem to have
found themselves some happiness in the mess that all of their lives had
become. Sheridan & Garibaldi had had more then their share of disasters
in their lives. Ivanova looked up and found that she had arrived in the
gardens without even realizing it. She sat down on the nearest bench and
just looked around. It never failed to amaze her that this paradise existed
in the overgrown tin can they lived in. That even in the deepest coldest
black of space this place flourished. Slowly getting up she wandered
through the various different flower beds, she decided it would be a good
idea to check on her coffee tree. The last time she had gotten the
opportunity to visit the gardens the coffee was starting to blossom. If the
tree did anywhere nearly as good as last year she would have enough coffee
to share with both Garibaldi and Sheridan.
"Hello what are you doing here at this time of night," quietly inquired
Marcus Cole from just behind where Ivanova had jerked to a stop at the
sound of his voice.
"What the hell are you doing here at this time of night?" she shot back.
"Meditating in preparation for the Ceremony of Lights, that's now only 2
days away. The ceremony commemorates the end of the shadow war of
1000 years ago, when Valen had the chance to gather all the people for a
celebration ending the war. It is also a celebration of what was supposed
to be a 1000 years of peace and growth in people's well being. To the
religious caste Minbari this is one of the most important celebrations in
the year. On Minbar the preparations for the ceremony would have started
over a month ago. Special foods are prepared in advance and stored
ceremonially to be eaten at the reception following the religious services,"
Marcus explained.
"Why is it traditional for all attendees to come as a pair," Ivanova asked
curiously.
"It is also the day that Valen blessed many of the couples that had come to
the celebration to have their relationships acknowledged before the people.
The old stories say that many of these couples came complete with the
children that had come to them. It is a very beautiful and fun ceremony."
"Sounds like a lot of fun," Ivanova replied. "What happens at the reception
later?"
"You eat all of the foods prepared, and many exchange small gifts. Little
things that you choose with the recipients sheer enjoyment in mind. It's
for religious caste Minbari a very lighthearted assembly." Marcus pointed
out to Ivanova.
"Not to change the subject, but have you told the woman that you want to
have a relationship with how you feel yet?" Ivanova asked looking up at
Marcus as she knelt by her coffee plant weeding the grass blades away
from it.
"No not yet but I had hoped that by taking her to the ceremony on
Christmas day I could show her how I felt. I don't say the words really well.
And besides something tells me you've heard all the words in the past and
still got hurt. Like many of the rangers I believed that my actions would
speak louder and better then any words that I could have said to you,"
Marcus earnestly told her.
At the start of his words Ivanova sat down onto the slightly damp soil.
She stared at Marcus slack jawed. "I never even thought. When we talked
on the White Star I had no idea," she stammered in confusion.
Holding out his hand Marcus helped her to her feet and leaned down to
help Ivanova brush of the dirt from her pants. "I don't know what to say.
I'm not a good partner in any relationship Marcus. I've had too many of
them that have all gone to hell in a hand basket leaving me and if I am real
honest the other person too, totally devastated by the end," she concluded
sadly.
"Remember when I offered to teach you Minbari. I asked you how old you
would be in a year's time, if you attempted to learn Minbari and then how
old you would be in a year's time if you didn't try to learn Minbari. It
works the same way with relationships. If you don't try, you'll never know if
you could have succeeded," Marcus told Ivanova.
"Marcus you deserve some one special for your first time. Some one who
will feel the same way about you that you feel………………" she trailed off at
the light of growing passion in the dark gray eyes boring into her soul.
"AH hell we're both going to regret this, I know it in my Russian bones,"
she grumbled as she turned away from Marcus. "You coming or not?" she
asked.
Quickly covering the feeling of amazement Marcus followed her from the
garden. Side by side they walked back through the largely deserted
corridors of Babylon 5. Susan walked briskly back to her quarters with
Marcus in tow. "This is a bad idea, I know it," she muttered to herself. "Oh
well at least he wouldn't be able to say that I didn't warn him."
Reaching the door to her quarters, Ivanova quickly activated the door and
turned to Marcus reaching for his hand. She moved through the open
doorway leading him unprotestingly behind her. Removing her link she
placed on the end table by the couch.
"Would you like a drink," she asked suddenly shy as the situation really
closed in on her.
"No thank you I don't drink any hard liquor, a habit I picked up while
training on Minbar. Do you know that the Minbari can't drink alcohol, it
makes them totally crazy and very dangerous." Marcus replied.
"Marcus I think that we can both do without the xenobiology lessons right
now. Right now I think that we both have other things on our minds. And I
think that I really want to get started, don't you?" she asked moving closer
to him on the couch they had seated themselves on.
Reaching out Marcus ran a very gentle hand over Susan's cheek and
cupped her chin with his hand. "Since you're the expert, where shall we
start?" he asked with a smile.
Ivanova leaned forward and gently kissed him with softness and
tenderness, a test of a kiss to gauge his response to her lead in the game
of love that had started between them. Not in the least surprised she
received back a kiss of the same tender exploration as she had started out
with.
"Promising," she whispered reaching forward to wrap her arms around his
neck, "very promising."
"You talk too much," he said leaning closer to Ivanova, "I was always under
the impression it was actions that counted at this time."
Moving abruptly Marcus found himself laying back on the couch with
Ivanova leaning over him was a glint of retribution in her eyes. "You
haven't seen nothing yet. I'll knock your socks off before its over," she
vowed.
Laughing softly Marcus returned her kisses as passionately as she gave
them out. "I'm a quick study you'll find."
Sitting up Ivanova slowly unbuttoned her shirt revealing to his eyes the
body he had been seeing for so long it seemed in his dreams. Marcus
slowly in turn sat up and removed first his coat and the quickly the shirt
beneath it. Ivanova looked pleased at the form revealed to her eyes as
Marcus removed his clothes . Feeling pleased at his nonchalance Marcus
held out his hand to her. "Can I help?" he asked.
Smiling Ivanova stood before him and removed the black pants that she
wore to reveal the red satin underwear hidden. Marcus hissed in a sharp
breath at what was totally in that moment laid bare to his passion inflamed
eyes.
"This will be much easier in bed," Susan stated turning towards her
bedroom.
Marcus followed without hesitation, never thinking of either of their
motives, only being caught up in the moment with the woman he loved
more then his own life.
Reaching the bed both sat down and reached for each other
unselfconsciously. It was almost as though they were established lovers
and had traveled this way before together. Coming together in a burst of
need they feel back to the bed and began a mutual exploration of one
another's bodies. The silence in Ivanova's quarters was deafening, only
the occasion moan and soft whispered word of passion or encouragement
voiced in the long hours of love that Susan and Marcus eagerly shared.
Only after they bodies were totally weary were the lovers moved to words.
"Thank you," Marcus softly whispered to Susan.
"For what, being selfish and giving into my own wants and needs," she
replied.
"No for making this a very special experience for me. Even though you
don't share my feelings, I understand and this will be the only time that I
tell you this, unless you asked me to. I love you, totally completely. I
know you will say that I don't know you enough to say this. But the part
that I do know is the part I fell in love with. And I will be what ever you
want in your life. But I will say that I do want to play a big role. After all
neither of us has any idea of what will happen in the coming conflicts. We
still have a great deal to resolve to get the League and all the other worlds
back on their feet."
"Marcus, I've told you I've a real bad track record for relationships. And I
won't belittle your love. I will treasure it very much. It's probably time
that I too tried to get out of the shell I've been living in. We have the
opportunity for so few tomorrow's, that regret is the one thing that I doubt
we will have time for. And besides I do like you a great deal and greater
things have come from smaller beginnings." Ivanova stated as she leaned
on her elbow over Marcus. "I think that I'm now going to take advantage of
you."
"Oh you are, are you. Well we'll just have to see who takes advantage of
whom in this bed tonight Commander," Marcus returned with a lustful
gaze at her.
Laughing softly in response Ivanova wrapped her arms around his
shoulders and lay back on the pillows as Marcus commenced his well
learned lesson in love.
The next morning Garibaldi sat up and reached for his link. "Garibaldi to
station house."
"Station house Allen here. Morning Chief how you feeling?" Zack asked
with a tinge of a smile in his voice.
"Not to good this morning Zack, let the Captain and Ivanova know I'm
going to be off for a few days. I'll check in with Medlab alittle later today,"
Garibaldi replied laughing. "I'll get the Doc to let everybody know when I
can go back to work."
"No problem Chief, I'll cover it for you. By the way the only thing that you
have to attend is this ceremony that Ambassodor Delenn is holding on
Christmas day."
"Well since everything looks to be covered for the moment, I'll just rest up
and get over this bug I've got. Thanks a lot Zack, I'll probably check in
later," Garibaldi concluded.
Rolling over Nirashonn slowly sat up and stretched moving sensuously
against the pillows. "Michael, it is such a pleasure to awaken at your side.
A pleasure that we do not share often enough," she smiled at him.
Sitting back on the edge of the bed Garibaldi handed her the cup of coffee
he had made after concluding his chat with Zack Allen at the station house.
Taking a generous sip Michael reached out with his hand and gently
caressed his wife's cheek. "Well Mrs. Garibaldi what are we going to do
today."
"I had not thought beyond just coming to you here and staying for the time
that I am able to stay with you," she replied. "But I am sure that we can
come to some agreement as to what we can do for the next few days."
Nirashonn placed the empty cup that she was holding on the table and
moved closer to Garibaldi and began to softly to nibble kisses against his
neck. "There is one thing that I am sure that I can convince you that we
have to try again," she breathed against his skin.
"Oh and what is that?" Garibaldi asked pulling her closer and moving his
hands downward over her back and moving to kiss her. "I think you're
going to have to do a lot of explaining to this little security slug, you know
we're a little slow on the uptake on some thing's."
Falling back onto the bed the two lovers re-engaged themselves in the
sensual dance of love.
Turning over Ivanova sat up abruptly, at the touch of her leg against
Marcus' legs spread widely. He slept in the same he did anything else,
openly and confidently . Looking down at his sleep relaxed face she finally
understood most of the things about him that she could never quite put
together. She slowly leaned back against the pillows that she had pulled
up against the head of the bed. Thoughts of a relationship that she was
not sure she wanted a part of start growing in her mind. After that terrible
debacle with Malcolm and then Talia's inadvertent betrayal she knew that
she was not going to have an easy time in this relationship either. Ivanova
shook her head, there it was she wasn't sure how it had slipped in but there
it was she was acknowledging to herself there was a relationship between
them. Not the one night stand that she thought that she might get away
with when she first impulsively decided to give Marcus the one thing she
had to give him…….a night with the woman he had admitted to have strong
feelings about. She knew that he had not told her all, she knew he felt a lot
more for her then he had admitted too. Marcus watched her sitting in a
deep silent contemplation. He knew that she was thinking about what had
happened earlier in the night between them. Even untutored in the skills of
love he knew that her actions in their love making had meant more then
just giving him some thing he wanted on a purely sexual level, with all the
feelings, touches and actions that had gone in this bed he knew that on
some level her emotions were already involved. The trick he thought to
himself was to get her to admit it not only to him but to herself. Susan
Ivanova was a very complex woman, one with many levels, he thought
much like the intertwined poetic thoughts of the Minbari writers he had
studied while in his training on Minbar. Opening his eyes he looked up at
her and said, "Penny for your thoughts."
"They're not worth even that much," she replied. " Marcus much as I don't
want to do this now, we will need to talk, about how we're going to deal
with this."
"Susan we will deal with this relationship, and I know you didn't want that
word, but for me it was necessary. If we must tread on this journey only
half a step at a time we will. Neither of us is coming to this with clear
hearts and an idealistic view of the universe. But working together we can
make a place for us, and maybe we can find something alittle more then
that," Marcus told her taking her hand in his two and clasping it to his lips.
"Who knows you might even find that you like having me around," he joked
lightly.
"Well since you did so well in your first lesson, I thought perhaps I might
interest you in another?" Ivanova asked as she slid down the pillows and
moved closer to Marcus.
"Of course," he replied gravely, " I am always ready for more study in any
subject, on Minbar they taught to always look for opportunities for
learning. Knowledge is the one of the most precious gifts that the universe
gives us."
"Marcus," she laughed out loud, " this is hardly the time for a lecture in
Ranger training techniques," as she glided her hand down his chest
caressingly effectively bringing a halt to his words, as Marcus returned the
gesture sensitively moving his fingers over her breast. Ivanova leaned over
and began to feather kisses across his face, moving slowly and tantalizing
towards his lips. Soon these lovers also were deeply entrenched in
furthering their exploration of each others bodies. The rest of the talking,
reasoning and building of the relationship would wait until later.
Jumping at the sound of her link activated Ivanova grabbed it and stabbed
at it to activate it.
"Ivanova here," she gasped out, while Marcus took full advantage of kissing
her shoulders lightly, with the occasion sweep of his tongue tasting her
essence.
"Commander the Captain just linked in and he's going to be unable to
meet with you until some time later this afternoon. He said he sends his
apologies," Lt. Corwin earnestly reported.
"Thanks Lt., I'm not able to get away myself at the moment. Is everything
quiet in C&C this morning?" she inquired.
"All quiet Commander, no scheduled docking until 1200 hours. All the
duty rosters submitted and on your desk. One thing Mr. Garibaldi is ill
and is taking a few days off, the station house reported this morning.
Other than that everything is status quo. No reason that you should hurry
what ever you are doing Commander. If we need you we can give you a
call," Corwin finished.
"All right Corwin, I'll get back to you later. If anything comes up let me
know," Ivanova terminated the link.
Reaching up she twined her arms around Marcus' neck and shifted her
shoulders deeper into the pillows she lay in. Placing his mouth over her
ear Marcus quietly quipped, "Commander I do know something that is up."
"Marcus," she hissed back pulling him closer still, "That's not funny."
Smiling innocently at her Marcus replied, "but it is."
Reaching forward she captured his mouth with hers in a kiss that drove all
thoughts of conversation from either of their minds. For the longest time
the only sounds heard were the soft sounds of lovers.
Delenn snuggled deeper into the covers at the sound of Sheridan's link
going off with the preprogrammed alarm he had set when they had finally
settled down to sleep the previous night.
"John do you have to get up now," she inquired.
"I can check with C&C and see with anything urgent is up. If there isn't I
think that I can given myself the better part of the day off. How about
that?" Sheridan responded smiling at the lovely picture of Delenn laying
next to him. It never failed to amaze him how lovely she was physically as
well as spiritually. She had a glow about her, a glow that radiated all the
beauty of her spirit and the love she felt for him.
"I will contact Lennier to take the day off also. There is nothing pressing
that I must accomplish today as either an ambassador or as Entil'zha. We
can spend the day together here quietly." Delenn whispered enticingly.
"Sounds like the only thing in the universe that I want to do today,"
Sheridan returned. Activating the link Sheridan spoke, "Sheridan to C&C."
"C&C online Captain, this is Lt. Corwin sir," came the voice of Ivanova's
protégé.
"All quiet up there Lt.," Sheridan inquired frowning slightly at the absence
of Susan Ivanova's voice answering his link in.
"All quiet sir. Nothing scheduled to dock until 1200 hours. Docker's Guild
reports all quiet. Security station house reports all quiet. Only thing there
is Mr. Garibaldi is reported ill and will be out for a few days. " Corwin
concisely reported.
"Well if anything comes up let me know. Let Commander Ivanova know that
I can meet with her later on this afternoon, baring any emgerancies. Other
than that Sheridan out."
"It looks like you picked the perfect day for us to spend some extra time
together," Sheridan smiled at her.
Delenn gracefully left the bed and walked over to her closet and put on her
morning robe. "I shall just let Lennier know that he can enjoy this day
without any duties to intrude," she said as she walked through her
bedroom door. "I will also make us some tea. It will only take a moment.
The tea will refresh us and then we can plan our day," she continued over
her shoulder.
Deftly arranging the pillows behind his shoulders Sheridan leaned
comfortable back to await Delenn's return. He would drink the tea she
made, but he already had plans for the next hour or so that would occupy
them both with a great deal of pleasure. Beaming with a sensuous
tightening to his face Sheridan knew that his plans would be met with a
great deal of enthusiasm on Delenn's part, once he started to put it into
action. Looking up at her entrance Sheridan watched her unconscious
sensual grace as she shrugged the robe she wore onto the bed and once
again revealed to his eyes the beauty of her body. He examined her form
even more closely as she moved to hand his cup of the tea she had
prepared. As yet there were no hints physically of the pregnancy he was
now sure that had begun. Smiling deep in thought he continued to look at
her trying to image how she would look heavily pregnant with his child.
What changes would this bring to her body. He knew that what ever the
changes were in his eyes she would still be beyond sheer beauty, she would
become the embodiment of all their dreams.
"You are very quiet this morning John," Delenn noted his preoccupation.
"Actually I have had several thoughts. The first thing that came to mind
was a purely sensual thought, I was thinking about how I was going to
make love to you. The second thought was that I was looking for any signs
in her body of the pregnancy, and on the heels of that I was trying to image
what you will look like heavily pregnant with our child." Sheridan
pronounced with a deep note that Delenn had never heard to his voice.
"John we are not even sure that there is yet a pregnancy to be wondering
over. My symptoms could be caused by many other things. I do not want
to be disappointed if I am not with child," Delenn bend her head forward
over her tea cup not meeting Sheridan's eyes.
Lifting up her chin Sheridan looked deeply into the liquid green of his
beloved's eyes. In them he saw what appeared to be some measure of
apprehension.
"Delenn what's bothering you?" he asked plainly.
"I am not sure of what it is I feel at this moment John," she started her
reply.
"For me," Sheridan asked.
Looking very startled Delenn quickly put down her cup and placed her
hands around Sheridan's face, gently embracing his cheeks. "Never doubt
my feelings for you John. They are more then I can put to words. You are
the other half of my soul. For Minbari that means there is no other for me.
I would be incomplete without you. Bereft and less of a person. It is very
difficult for me to put all my feelings for you to words. Your people's way
of saying 'I love you' does not seem as I have said all that I need to say,"
Delenn began to explain. "It is the thought of a child that causes many
confused thoughts and feelings within me. My people would count me very
blessed that I had found my soulmate to sire my child. Such things are
rare among Minbari. Our people usually join to bear children at the behest
of parents or clan elders. Often those who are joined barely know one
another. They produce the child and often go their separate ways. My own
parents were such. My mother's alliayte , her calling of the heart, was to
join the Sisters of Valeria. But the clan and her family required that she
produce a child. My father was chosen as her mate. They knew each other
somewhat from their individual studies in temple. But they were far from
either friends or lovers. They did as commanded and after I was born and
the required 3 month-cycles old, my mother left for the order where she
had chosen to spend the rest of her life. My father's alliayte was the
learning of the way of Valen. He wanted to live a life as close to that of
Valen. He studied all the writings of Valen and all the writings of those
that either had lived 1000 years ago or had centered their lives on studying
Valen. He was a wonderful man. He loved me greatly and more then made
up for the fact that my mother was not with us but elsewhere," Delenn
paused in her reminisces looking deeply into the past with love and regret
that her father would never know his grandchildren or the man who would
father them. Looking at Sheridan she smiled softly, her mouth trembling
with emotion, and her eyes filling with tears as yet unshed. "I would have
loved for you to have met him. He was special," she whispered.
Sheridan pulled her close to him and gently caressed her back and
shoulders. "Delenn I would have loved to have met him also. To thank
him for my beloved. He unbeknownst gave me a very precious gift, you.
And one day we will travel together to Minbar and maybe we can get the
chance to see your mother. And if we are blessed with a child, children
then we can introduce them to their grandmother," Sheridan ended.
Delenn reached up and drew his head down, surprising him with her
passionate kiss. "John If you do not mind, I would like very much to make
love now," she said against his lips.
Sheridan reached and lifted her onto his lap and proceeded to deepen the
kiss Delenn had initiated. The passion flared rapidly between them as they
both pushed the blankets that covered Sheridan and blocked access to the
skin to skin contact that suddenly was a need that could not be denied.
Rolling over Sheridan captured her body beneath his and trailed his kisses
over every part of her skin that he could reach. Delenn eagerly returned his
kisses and caresses. Soon they too were lost in each other and in the
rhythm of love as old as the universe itself.
Christmas Day 2261
The station hummed with activity. Everyone aboard human and alien
scurried to complete as many of the tasks that they could so that they
could enjoy the rest of the holiday. With the height of the war, there had
been far too few opportunities to celebrate. And now that there was a
chance all were eager to make as much of the situation as they could.
Sheridan turned to Delenn. She looked even more radiant at that moment
then he thought she'd ever had. She was dressed in one of her favorite
robes, a vibrant crimson and blue costume that set of the luster of her face
even better then usual. Over it she would don the white ceremonial
religious caste robe that she needed when she would conduct the
ceremony of the lights in several more hours. 'Delenn, come here, I'll
brush your hair for you," Sheridan called out softly.
Watching the graceful sway of her hips as she moved to him, Sheridan
smiled lovingly at her. The last few days had been absolutely blissful. It
seemed even as though the universe had temporarily called a halt to the
war to allow for the festivities. Gently with slow stokes Sheridan began to
brush Delenn's deep mahogany tresses. The soft curls brushed against his
hands with a life of their own. Seemingly like even her hair took pleasure in
his touch. All too soon in his opinion, Sheridan completed his self
appointed task in brushing Delenn's hair. Smiling both her thanks and her
love at him, she moved to the mirror and deftly arranged the long tresses
into a easy sweep to the left side of the bonecrest and secured them with a
pin. Taking one long last look in the mirror, Delenn nodded her
satisfaction with her appearance and turned to Sheridan. She drew a deep
breath at the sight. He was truly magnificent in her eyes, the black
uniform she had designed for the command staff after their separation
from the Earth Alliance suited Sheridan perfectly. He was everything that
she desired in her mate, and everything that was needed to be the ONE
was to be. Today she would begin her step back from the forefront of the
leadership of the forces of light. It was time to begin to hand over her
share of the reins of power to him.
"Well my love are you ready to go meet Ivanova, Marcus, Stephen, Lennier
and Mr. Garibaldi for our pre-ceremony breakfast. I'm sure everyone is
waiting for us," Sheridan spoke into the silence.
"Yes John, let us go. I find that I am very hungry this morning again,"
Delenn replied happily, picking up her white ceremonial robe.
Hand and hand they left Sheridan's quarters where they had spent the
previous night. Walking down the corridor Delenn was startled to see long
strands of red and green paper hung along the walls. She looked at
Sheridan in puzzlement.
"Christmas decorations. Ivanova said a couple of the young junior officers
were kind of home sick, and as they can't go home, and there are very few
messages from home, they decided that they would decorate as much of
the station as they could. It's harmless and I have no objection to it. And
besides Ivanova said she caught a couple of them up at 3am still
decorating. If that will make this separation from their families easier I'm
all for it," Sheridan explained.
Walking into the transport tube they quietly continued their conversation.
Hearing her door chime go off Ivanova called out, "Come, I'll be with you
in a couple of moments."
"It's all right take your time, we still have some time before we are to meet
the others for breakfast," Marcus replied.
"Breakfast, what breakfast?" Ivanova demanded walking from her bedroom
buttoning the last fastening on her jacket.
"Lennier contacted me last night and invited us to a special breakfast this
morning in the Fresh Air Restaurant for the 'war council' before the
ceremony," Marcus explained as he brushed a kiss across her startled lips.
"Its Lennier's gift to us all. Something he wanted to do special for all the
people that he feels are special in his life."
"Okay I could use something to eat this morning, I'm really very hungry.
Just let me check in with C&C and we can be off. Ivanova to C&C."
"C&C online Commander," replied the disembodied voice through her link.
"Anything to report this morning," Ivanova briskly inquired.
"Nothing Commander, everything is quiet. The night scanners report only
a sleigh with 8 reindeer and one jolly old elf. Logged in at just after
midnight." Corwin lightly joked.
"Noted Lt.. If you need me just link in." Ivanova laughed with genuine
amusement, shaking her head.
Walking out of the door, Marcus held out his hand to Susan, hesitating
only for a moment she placed her hand into his, acknowledging outside of
her quarters the relationship between them.
Joining Sheridan, Delenn, Lennnier and G'Kar at the large table Ivanova
saw the easily relaxed and contented faces of all her friends before her.
Marcus held out a chair for her and easily seated her before taking his
place beside her. Turning he noted the look of inquirery on Sheridan's
face he shrugged and quirked a half smile at him.
"Where's Michael," Ivanova asked. "Don't tell me he's still sick. It's not
like him to miss a meal."
From behind her Franklin replied with a laugh, "Garibaldi might not be able
to walk about now. But I doubt very much he is ill. I talked to him an hour
ago and he said the they would be here," Stephen Franklin concluded as
he reached the table and handed out white roses to the women sitting
there, with a soft kiss on the cheek. Grinning cheekily at the men whose
women he had just kissed without permission he chuckled, " I'm claiming a
new Christmas privilege I get to kiss all the women I give flowers too," he
easily sat down opposite the two couples already seated and beside
Lennier.
"This must be some human ritual that I am not familiar with," G'Kar turned
to Lennier looking for some explanation.
"It's not a human holiday ritual. It's only Stephen's human opportunism
sneaking out," Sheridan explained chuckling richly as the laughter slowly
broke froth around the table.
"By the way Stephen what did you mean about Michael?" Sheridan
inquired.
"Mr. Garibaldi is being worn out. He called last night and asked me for
some stims. I think that he was having a hard time keeping up," Franklin
got out before totally succumbing to laughter.
Delenn looked to Sheridan in puzzlement, he shrugged back his lack of
understanding, as the other 3 humans at the table dissolved into good
humored laughter.
"Would some one mind letting the rest of us in on the joke," Sheridan
asked pointedly looking at Ivanova.
Straightening her shoulders Ivanova replied with her lips still twitching, "Ah
Captain, Mr. Garibaldi has had a special guest on station for the last few
days. Nobody has seen him outside of his quarters for the last 2 days."
Nodding his understanding Sheridan smiled at Delenn and reached out
and clasped her hand in his, "I can understand. I could see doing the
same thing myself," he said looking at Delenn the message in his eyes
unmistakable enough to cause a blush to appear on Delenn's cheeks.
"Well I for one hope he gets here soon, because I am starving."
Hearing the murmur of voices approach the table where they sat, Lennier
quietly interjected, "I believe that Mr. Garibaldi and one other are now
arriving to join us."
Turning to look the 7 beings already seated watched the couple approach
them with easy grace. All eyes were attracted by the woman at Michael
Garibaldi's side.
"Sorry we're late, but we got up later the I had planned," Michael explained
as he seated the woman at his side. This is my wife Nia. Nia, that's
Captain Sheridan, and Ambassador Delenn. Seated next is the
ambassador's attaché Mr. Lennier. Next to him is G'Kar. And our
earnstwhile resident physician Dr. Stephen Franklin. On your left is Marcus
Cole our resident ranger, and last but not least is Commander Susan
Ivanova," Garibaldi concluded his introductions.
Nia Garibaldi had inclined her head with each introduction and
murmured softly a quiet word of acknowledgment. She met each of the
inquiring looks at her with a level look of her own. Each of the others
previously seated at the table looked at the striking red headed woman
seated at the table. It was very obvious by his actions to his friends that
this woman meant a great deal to Michael. Delenn could not help but feel
that she had met this young woman somewhere and continued to look
slightly puzzled as the food began to arrive at the table.
"Great food, I'm starved," stated yelped Franklin.
The company quietly began to eat as the foods were placed on the table.
Once the waiters had left the area, Sheridan cleared his throat to capture
the attention of the people sitting at the table. "Delenn and I have an
announcement to make. We wanted to let all of you know, as soon as we
did, with one notable exception, that we are expecting a child in 7
months." Sheridan reached out and told Delenn's hand in his. " We have a
lot to celebrate this Christmas and at the ceremony of the lights. We have
been very blessed in all of our endeavors this year," Sheridan concluded as
he raised his glass in a salute to all gathered.
The sounds of congratulations erupted from all at the table at Sheridan's
words. Glasses were raised and another toast drunk to the health of the
coming child and mother. The celebration continued with all at the table
contributing equally to the good natured enjoyment of the food and the
company assembled.
Delenn reached for Sheridan's hand and said, "It is time to begin the
ceremony John."
All rose as one from the table and moved to the already prepared
Observation room that opened to the stars. Upon entering the room
Delenn and Lennier donned their white religious caste robes. Nirashonn
covered her head as the other Minbari already gathered with a well
concealed hood on her dress. Delenn and Lennier moved to the raised
area at the front of the room. Sheridan, Marcus, Ivanova, G'Kar, Garibaldi,
and Nirashonn moved to an area at the front where no one stood. As they
took their places a flute and string instrument began to softly play a tune.
At the end of every third bar, cymbals rang out. Lennier moved to the fore
front and raised his hand for silence. The quietly murmuring voices halted
as one.
At the silence Delenn moved forward holding in her hands a large silver
bond book in her hands. Lennier moved a wooden podium to where she
had stopped, and Delenn placed the book upon it. Opening the cover she
quietly murmured a prayer and began to read the words on the page before
her.
"These are the words of Valen recorded on the very first ceremony of lights.
And Valen called together all the people at the end of the war for a
gathering of celebration. His words were to bring joy to all that had fought
so and had lost so many of their family and friends to the enemy. This
celebration was to start the new age of our people. It was to start the
prosperity of a 1000 years. At this time Valen had told the people of the
changes that we had to make in ourselves to make our people strong. That
no Minbari should harm another of our kind. He called forth the first of the
nine to rule our people. The people would not hear of his stepping away
from the fore of our people. But Valen said to them that he would remain
for many years and would continue in residence at the main temple on
Minbar and that the council could come to him for advice when they
needed it. But it was time for the people to begin their journey forward
and his time to retire from leadership. Valen said that he wished to spend
the rest of his life in contemplation of all that had gone before. He also at
that time told us of his thoughts of the universe. His words are directly as
follows: that it is not what we have done in the past or the legacy that we
will leave to our decedents that counts most in our lives. It is how we live
everyday of our lives. It is the little things that we do for one another that
make us whole with the universe. That was the greatest legacy that Valen
left for us to learn and pass on to one another," Delenn's voice trailed off
into the silence of the room where so many stood. She raised her eyes
from contemplation of the pages before her and nodded to Lennier.
Suddenly the room was plunged into darkness, a deep sigh left all those
gathered there. At the signal of the flute the room was lighted by hundreds
of red, blue and green lights. The rest of the ceremony continued in the
soft texture of the three lighting scheme. The ceremony continued those
gathered there in contemplation of the words they had heard and the scene
before their eyes of the fire of the universe made manifest in the hearts of
the stars before them. And so the Christmas of 2261 came and passed
aboard Babylon 5 and all who dwelt there came to feel that there was
maybe a ray of hope yet in this universe, and that maybe the light could
prevail again. Maybe this time for all time.
The End………well maybe.
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