After lunch Lucas had Ms. Winters going over several business deals that he wanted her opinion on. She had a quick mind for it and he could see why she had been successful as a commercial telepath. Most of the afternoon had passed and he was debating over whether to act on the information he had in his possession. It was obvious that both Ms. Winters and Captain Ivanova were suffering. His telepath was making a better show of it than the Captain. He was afraid it was going to impact her performance and one thing he needed was Susan at her most efficient.

"Talia, I'm going to tell you something in confidence and I expect you to keep it that way." Lucas paused watching as Talia came to sit across from him. He could tell he had her immediate attention. "Tell me what you think of this report?" Braden handed her a coded and encrypted data reader. The blonde haired woman stared at the contents and then reread it.

"How many other people know about this?" Talia asked, her voice choked with emotion. She suddenly felt as if a giant abyss had opened up beneath her feet and she was about to take the plunge into Hell.

"Only one other besides us. I took care to make sure no one else left with that knowledge." Braden stated not disclosing what measures he took to ensure their silence.

"Are you sure this is accurate?" Talia asked still not quite believing what she had read.

"Very sure. As you can see, the Captain almost assuredly has her secrets. No doubt having the two of us roaming around her ship is going to have her ill at ease. I propose you go down planet side where she is no doubt drinking copious amounts of Vodka and cursing her luck. I want you to let her know that we both know and her secret is safe." Braden leaned back in his chair.

"This doesn't mean Susan is a telepath. There is just the possibility," Talia said grasping at straws. Susan, a telepath, which would explain so much; that had to be the reason why she hated the Corps and refused to have anything to do with any telepath. It also explained why she had pulled away from her at the last moment when they were on the station together before her world had fallen apart.

"The study was conducted at my behest. It was something I had suspected for a long time. The testing we currently have will let those with this genetic marker pass by. I checked Sophie Ivanova, and I also ran the test against her daughter, Susan. She is a telepath. She may not have manifested, but she carries within her the capacity for it. Sophie was strong, the potential to be a P9. No doubt that is what finally convinced her to end her life; I imagine the silence from the sleepers was unbearable." Braden looked saddened, as his voice became quieter as he related his knowledge.

"What are you going to do to Susan?" Talia asked worried for her safety and blanking her mind in case she had to do something she really didn't look forward to so that she could protect her.

"Nothing. Look at the date stamp on the data," Braden stated and Talia looked down. "As you can see it was done over twenty years ago, more than enough time to have used it against the Captain. No I need her abilities as a military officer." Braden paused and then continued, "It is obvious that she is torn. You care for her deeply, and I believe she returns that regard. She isn't going to make the first move so I am giving you the key to do so. Let her scan you. I don't want you to keep her out. I know you are adept at doing so, even with me." Braden finished smiling.

Talia couldn't detect any deceit from the man but that didn't mean anything.

"I have a private transport waiting to take you to the surface," Braden stated standing. He grabbed his cane out of habit.

Susan sat at the bar. She knew she should probably get something to eat. It had been a while and she had been drinking since early that afternoon. The trip to Io was uneventful. It was fascinating watching the volcanoes erupt. They used Io's internal heat to feed the mineral springs and that was the first place she went after arriving. She had always found them relaxing but nothing could remove the tension from her weary body. She had a light lunch and went shopping, then after trying several different outfits she finally settled on a shimmering black dress, understated in what it displayed but it definitely accentuated her assets. She had never been good at casual sex but she needed something, no someone and she didn't have the courage to approach the source of her distress. She had to do something to take her mind off of all the annoying things that had been going on since she had made it back to the Sol system. It was amazing that she had faced down countless enemies, fought against the shadows, helped overthrow an illegal government and cheated death and she couldn't face her fear of discovery. It was always present, and she didn't know if she could trust Talia. God she wanted to, so much. It almost killed her walking out that day when she first came back into her life after a four-year absence.

"Captain Ivanova?" an Earthforce Colonel asked as he sat down by the dark haired woman.

"Yes," Ivanova replied looking at the man noting that he was several years older than her, his brown hair going gray at the temples. That did not detract from his overall attractiveness or maybe that was just the alcohol talking.

"I'm Joel Thompson. I think we have a mutual friend, Dr. Stephen Franklin." Joel smiled and stuck out his hand. Susan clasped it back and felt his firm grip. "I'm headed back to Earth for General Franklin's retirement and I'm being assigned to Earthdome. I thought you might have talked with Stephen recently. I know things between him and the General tend to be strained."

"Actually it has been a couple of months. I talked to him in December and he said that he was headed back to Earth to work on some specific research," Susan stated still trying to get her bearings concerning this man. Her general paranoia probably picked up from years of hanging out with Garibaldi was sending out warning signals. She knew that many people recognized her, and many had tried to play on her prestige to garner favors or to find out information that should stay private about her friends.

"Well that's good. I tried to find out if he was still on Babylon 5, but I was assigned to the Kitty Hawk in charge of their compliment of Marines. It's a deep space research vessel and we just put into port here at Io. I couldn't wait to come planet side. I've always loved Io. It's the second place I was posted, great assignment. Plus it was nice and boring, it was a good change from being under the then Captain Franklin's command at Janos 7. I was a green recruit straight out of the academy. That was probably one of the best learning experiences I had. Still a nice easy tour is often just what you need after a year of constant warfare. Here I am rambling on. I guess I could tell stories all night but I'm sure you're here to meet someone for dinner." Joel finished with a genuine smile that animated his face.

Susan tried to make sense of his rambling conversation deciding that he had a boyish allure that she had thought was only endemic to her first officer. He often sat down with her in her office and just wanted to swap stories. Susan couldn't help but be caught up in his charm. The two were basically the same rank only he was GROPOS and she Navy. She decided to answer his question, "Actually no, I wasn't waiting on anyone. I was thinking about getting a quick bite to eat and then turn in early."

"I'd say that's a waste of a perfectly good evening." The Colonel stood and offered his arm, "If you'd allow me, I'd be pleased to escort you to the restaurant of your choice."

"Thanks, but not tonight. I'm afraid I've got too much on my mind to be very good company," Susan said reluctantly thinking about the issues that she had came planet side to escape.

"I understand, but if you change your mind I'll be here for two more days before I head to Earth, and you look like you could use a friend. Is there any message you'd like for me to relay to Stephen?" Joel asked.

"Not really, I just hope everything is going well with his research," Susan watched Joel walk away and out the door. The only thing she and Stephen had talked about recently was Marcus. So far Stephen hadn't found anything that might be able to bring the Ranger back and it had made their relationship a bit strained. Susan felt guilty that he had given his life for her and Stephen felt guilty that he had arrived too late and couldn't do anything to bring Marcus back. The mutual guilt had kept the two from talking as much as they had in the past. Besides with Joel she had just passed up the perfect opportunity to lose herself in a convenient diversion.

Talia found her after futilely searching for two hours. She was sitting in the back corner of a bar not too far from where Talia was staying. Susan had numerous shot glasses lined up making a crystal pyramid three layers high and it looked like she wasn't going to be stopping anytime soon. Talia couldn't help but notice that she looked under dressed in her plain black slacks and dark green long sleeved blouse when compared to Susan. Although after looking her over she could tell that the pleasant flush to her skin was from too much alcohol. Talia absently wondered exactly how long she had been at it. From where she was observing her she didn't know if Susan would make a scene or not. Steeling her nerves, she gingerly sat down in the seat across from Susan.

Susan looked up and the corners of her mouth took a decidedly downward turn. "I definitely didn't want to see you."

Talia could tell that this wasn't going to go well; Susan had certainly been drinking for quite a while. "Are you finished wallowing in self-pity? If so we need to come to some sort of understanding." There, it was out, best to anger Susan in a public place and deal with the outburst here.

"No actually I've got a bit more wallowing to do so if you'll just leave me to it; I'll catch up with you on the Mediator." Susan replied beyond caring that Talia was baiting her.

"So if things get a little uncomfortable you hide behind the bottle? We are going to be spending several months together and you've got to pull yourself together. Why don't you come with me and we'll get you some real coffee?" Talia looked over at Susan trying to break through her shell of disinterest.

Susan sat for a moment looking at Talia. She slowly nodded her head yes and stood. Talia moved to her side after she saw that Susan was slightly unsteady on her feet. The two went to Talia's rented room and Susan took a moment to stare at the furnishings. They were much better than her rooms. Obviously either the Corps or Braden was paying her well. She sank down into the couch, which molded itself to the contours of her body. Talia came back a few minutes later with a steaming cup of coffee. Susan took the cup from her naked hand and just let the smell permeate her senses as dulled as they were. She could still tell this had to be very good coffee. She took a sip and she wasn't disappointed. Talia placed two oxypills on the table in front of Susan.

Talia couldn't help but smile at the expression on Susan's face. "Susan, how are you feeling?" Talia asked as she sat beside her on the couch.

"Umm… the coffee is great. Where did you find this?" Susan took another sip refusing to make eye contact with the telepath as she reached down to take the pills to counteract the effects of the inebriation.

"Actually I got it with you in mind." Talia paused as Susan mumbled in reply. "The unresolved issues between us need to be discussed. It is affecting your ability to do your job."

"Talia, what can I say, you left. I don't know if I can trust you. I hate the Psi-Corps and I'm being sent on a mission that I have no control of so yes I guess I have a few unresolved issues. Don't worry I'll get over them. Thanks for your concern and as soon as I finish the coffee I'll be on my way." Susan stated defensively.

Talia could feel the irritation and distrust roiling out from Susan. "You know there is a way to find out if I'm telling you the truth. You can go into my mind and look for yourself." Talia stated throwing down the gauntlet.

Susan put down the coffee and looked up angrily at Talia. "There is no way you're going into my mind."

"Susan I not talking about me going into your mind. I'm giving you permission to enter my mind." Talia watched as Susan went from confusion to stark terror in the space of a heartbeat.

Susan recovered and stood to leave, "I don't know what you're talking about but I'm not going to have anything to do with you or the Corps."

Talia grabbed Susan's arm making skin-to-skin contact. She was shocked at the emotions swirling around and closed herself off before she picked up more than she should. "Susan, I know you're a telepath. I am not going to tell anyone, if you'll just go inside my mind you'll see what I'm telling you is the truth. It's me. I know it was hard for you to trust me before, but if you ever felt anything for me just do what I'm asking."

"I'm damned to hell," Susan said as she stopped struggling abruptly, her defensive walls crumbled around her as she slumped in defeat. "How did you find out?"

Talia pulled Susan closer. She could tell Susan was reeling from the realization. "I don't know what your abilities are but if you will let me guide you in, I'll show you what you need to see."

Susan tentatively reached out trying to do the one thing she had always been warned against. She could feel some of Talia's emotions, foremost was love, then concern for Susan, and a growing fascination that Ivanova really had been able to hide for so long. She felt a gentle tug and then she was viewing a conversation between Talia and Braden. It was weird; she was seeing and hearing everything from Talia's perspective. She felt a deep-seated fear enveloping and taking hold as Braden went over the results of the research. She wasn't sure if was her own or Talia's. The boundaries between the two were becoming muddled. She felt her body coiling to use her telekinetic abilities to strike out but then relaxing as Braden explained himself. Susan wasn't sure if it was her or Talia who broke contact, but she felt Talia's arms and something else holding her steady as she almost fell.

"Susan, I'm sorry. That was maybe too much too soon." Talia lead Susan to the bedroom. "Here sit down." Susan slumped down on the bed and grabbed her head.

"That was weird. I was living your memories of what happened?" Susan asked still clutching her head and trying to make the room stop spinning.

"Yes, I didn't mean for you to go in so deeply. Are you alright?" Talia asked noting that Susan had turned very pale and she was shivering.

"No." Susan headed to the bathroom and promptly emptied the contents of her stomach. Somehow vodka burned more coming back up than it did going down. Talia quietly followed behind her and got a wet washcloth to wash her face. She left for the bedroom and got a pair of silk shorts and a tank top for Susan to change into. She helped Susan into the clothes and climbed into bed with her.

Susan awoke to find her head on an unusual pillow. She felt warm, soft skin underneath her cheek where it was resting on someone's abdomen. Her arm was wrapped around an equally warm well-muscled cloth covered leg. Well at least that meant she hadn't done anything that she should be worried about, that's what she hoped it meant. She felt a slight throbbing in her head and she couldn't help but to nuzzle into the soft skin under her jaw.

Talia felt a gentle pressure against her stomach and ran her hand through the hair that was wrapped around her fingertips. She was glad she had such a large bed. Susan was straddling her leg and her hand had ridden up very high on her inner thigh. Talia was feeling the stirrings of desire running from her stomach to her pelvis. She tried to quiet the emotional turmoil that Susan's touch had ignited. She still wasn't sure what their relationship was exactly, and right now she was feeling contentment from Susan and just a slight awareness of her surroundings. With the two of them entwined it was impossible for Talia not to pick up on Susan's surface emotions.

Susan became more aware of what she was doing and stopped. The previous night came back to her in a rush. Drinking, Talia bringing her to her room and then the delicious and forbidden touch of mind-to-mind contact. Her secret was out. All her life she had ran from the Corps and telepaths and now she found herself wanting the contact. She wanted to reach out to Talia but she was uncertain. She had felt the love and protectiveness of the night before and then she also remembered the aftermath. She could tell Talia was awake.

Susan sighed and untangled herself from Talia's body with a great deal of reluctance. She was still uncertain what she could trust and where her relationship with the woman beside her was going to go. It would be better to take things slow.

"Susan, how do you feel?" Talia asked turning on her side. She gently brushed aside a stray chestnut strand of hair.

Susan couldn't help but feel a slight shiver at hearing her name come from Talia's lips. She had really missed her, talking to her, and coming to terms with the fact that not all of Psi-Corps was innately evil, or else mindless automaton's to serve the corps purposes. Talia had a hard battle to fight one that anyone with any less patience would have lost. Susan couldn't help but wonder what had really attracted the telepath to her. Was it Talia or the artificial personality that wanted her? This was the same argument that had been ruminating around in her head everytime she thought of Talia. The construct couldn't have picked a better way to poison her memories.

"You're shivering, are you cold?" Talia asked concern mirrored in her gaze. She pulled the bed cover up under Susan's chin and began stroking her arm.

"I'm okay, maybe I just overdid things last night." Susan stated trying to shake off the thoughts that had just been passing through her mind. How was she going to come to terms with this latest revelation? Her secret was out, but was it safe? God, she was only making her headache worse. Better just to face things head on. "Talia, I don't know what I can trust about you. I have gone over every moment we spent together in my head the last three weeks especially the day you left. After last night, I just don't know where to go." Susan finished faltering over the last.

Talia tried unsuccessfully to hide her sorrow at Susan's words. "Susan, we will go wherever you want to. If you don't want a relationship with me, I understand. I'll always be your friend, and I only want what is best for you. There is no way I can make up for what happened in the past. Just know that I am me now. I'm the same person who came back for more after your abrupt brush off when we first met." Talia looked into blue eyes and gave Susan a wry half smile. Lying on the bed she moved her right hand up and out of the bed sheets and put it in front of Susan. "Friends?"

Susan reached out and clasped her hand, "Friends."