Author: Laumae

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: none of it is mine, except the story.

Author Notes: I've only seen b5 and crusade, so everything else that's happened in this universe is unknown, sorry if I mess it up. And thanks to Lilandriel my beta.

They met in the docking bay at the set time. Eilerson had three guys with him. Sarah came alone, figuring that Eilerson would take too many. All in all, including Trace, there were seven people going down to the planet.

"John." Matt said walking over to Matheson.

"My mission?" He asked with mock seriousness.

"Yeah, I'd like you to keep an eye on Dureena while I'm gone."

"She's not going with you?" John asked a little surprised.

Matt shook his head, "That's what worries me. She's been a little off for a good month."

"I'll make sure she's ok. Have fun, sir."

"Thanks."

"Captain," Eilerson interrupted, "Sometime today would be nice." He seemed unusually anxious to go. Like something else I know, Gideon thought to himself. The box had also made a point of being included in their little party. Gideon had reluctantly agreed. He knew it was dangerous, but he figured that as long as he knew it was a trap he could be prepared.

They arrived on Sylvella, and Sarah stepped out first. The number of plants surprised her; she began to wonder whether or not Trace had landed in a clearing. The rest of the crew followed her example, except Trace.

"You've got half and hour to get all of your junk out!" Trace yelled at them from his seat.

Eilerson made a face, "Come on guys, let's get to work."

"Sarah, have you ever noticed that on every planet there's the same plant?" He asked her while pulling out his supplies.

"I guess, with all the trade roots the more hardy plants become very common." She said, distracted, too busy to pay him much attention.

Gideon went away a little ways till he found a suitable place to set camp. He set down his things, and led Eilerson and Sarah there. After everything was set up and the tents were pitched, Gideon gathered everyone in the middle of the camp.

"I'd like to visit the locals. Now, until we get permission to poke around, don't do anything that might upset these people, and that includes taking samples. Just wait until we get back. Sarah, Max, and Stetson with me." He finished. He lead his team in the direction of the village, hoping that Matheson had been correct.

They found it after ten minutes, and were warmly greeted by the elder, who was not Minbari.

The elder bowed, "My name is Valex of the Durians. I am the elder of this tribe. How may we be of assistance to you?" He asked bowing.

"I wish we were greeted like that on every planet." Gideon smiled. "My planet's been infected by a plague, and we are looking for a cure. We aren't infected, but we think your planet may have some of the resources we need." He said diplomatically.

"Of course. We shall do all we can to help you."

"Right now, we only need to take a sample of the plant life around here-"

"NO!" Valex interrupted, "You can not harm the plants! I will not allow to hurt them in any way." The elder's face was a mixture of shock and worry.

"We didn't mean to offend you." Sarah said hastily.

"You have not offended us. You do not know our culture. The plants are sacred, they speak to us. On our planet if you kill one of these plants you are subject to death as well."

"I give you my word, that none of my people will harm the plants." Gideon said, slightly disappointed. "May we take a look around, though? I promise we will be very careful not to harm anything."

Valex bowed again, "If you need any assistance, let me know and I will arrange help for you."

Gideon noticed that the sun was getting low on the horizon. "It's getting too late to explore tonight, but I'd like to start in the morning."

"Sir, we should be getting back to camp." Sarah suggested.

"Agreed. Thank you Valex for your help." Gideon nodded to Valex.

As they turned to leave, one of the other Durians spoke up. "Please, do bring yourselves and the others for our evening meal. It's the least we can do for you this evening."

Gideon nodded. "Stetson stay here while Doctor Chambers and I return to camp." Gideon ordered.

They returned to camp, and Gideon practiced his captaining skills by ordering the team around.

"I want two of you to stay here and guard the camp," he began, nodding to two of the security guards. "I'll have some one relieve you in a couple hours. The rest follow Sarah to the Durian camp." He went into his tent and pulled out the box. Realising that there were too many people around to talk with it privately, he took the case out a ways from the camp till he reached a safe distance, and set it down. Taking out the box, he asked, "We can't take a sample, what should we do next?"

The box laughed at him. "You will tell the truth- or die." It sneered. Gideon looked around just in time to be knocked out