"Kalen Davis, you have been brought before this council to answer for your conduct in the Earth-Minbari war and acknowledge what you have done."
She knew the voice, of course. Neroon. He had been quiet since the conversation near the temple and she had thought that was an ominous sign. She was right.
"You stand accused of crimes against the Minbari." another voice announced. Rathenn.
"How do you answer?" a third voice she did not recognized, she presumed one of the worker caste. She knew the Council was represented by three members of each of the three Castes.
"What crimes? If you are referring to the Prometheus I was merely following orders given by my commanding officer."
"You could have removed him from command." Neroon accused.
"You could have taken control and refused his orders."
"I had a lot of respect for Captain Jankowski. I would have given the same order in his place," she admitted.
"So you would have fired on an unarmed ship?" Neroon asked snidely.
"We didn't know if they were unarmed, our sensors could not determine if there was a weapons lock."
"A convenient excuse," Neroon said. "Why should we believe you?"
"You know everything else about us, you must understand our technology at the time." She returned the glare he was giving her, meeting his piercing gaze and not looking away.
"So you say you have no responsibility? You are placing it all on the shoulders of your dead Captain?" Neroon asked.
"No. There were a lot of factors. Your gun ports were open. We didn't understand your policies. We perceived such a move as a threat. I would have given the same order Jankowski did, to fire on the ship before they had a chance to take us out. We didn't know the capabilities of that ship."
She lowered her gaze to the floor.
"It would have been a mistake, but I would have given the same order. I'm sorry. If you wish to hold me responsible for the war in that sense, fine. Do what you will with me."
"Remain," came the voice from the Vorlon, and then all of the lights went out.
Kalen frowned. Was that it? She heard the soft sounds of movement, rustle of robes and soft footsteps, and then nothing. For a long time she waited, unable to see anything in the total darkness beyond the column of light illuminating her. She didn't understand the point of all of this. She had the feeling that she had been tested as to how she would respond, and she was not sure whether she had passed the test.
It was ten minutes before anything happened, and Kalen found herself waiting impatiently. She was, she realized, afraid. Were they going to imprison her here? Was this some sort of trial? Or were they testing her for something else? Then, just when she thought she could not stand it any longer, a single column of light appeared and the figure it illuminated moved towards her.
"Congratulations. You passed." Neroon said.
"Passed what?" she asked, staring at him, as he took her elbow and indicated the direction from which they had come in. They went back out into the hallway and sat on a bench in the corridor. She blinked in the light.
"Their test of your integrity. They wanted to determine how much honor you have, Kalen Davis, which would determine your suitability for this position, and whether or not they believe you will, as you say, follow orders from your President Clark. Tell me, what do you think of this Sheridan starkiller?"
"Star Killer?" she questioned.
"My apologies. He was responsible for the destruction of the Minbari vessel Black Star, a cowardly attack, achieved by deception."
"I don't approve of some of his methods, but I think he's a good leader and a good man. I've met him once or twice. Don't tell President Clark I said that, though," she said. "Respect when it comes to Sheridan is a dirty word these days."
To her surprise Neroon laughed, a full, deep, cheerful belly laugh that warmed her heart.
"And so tell me, Kalen Davis, if it came right down to it, whom would you support in the fight? Would you stand by your president and follow your orders? Or would you do what is right for your people?"
"You... will not report this to my government?" she asked nervously.
"You have my word."
"I would be in big trouble from the Ministry of Peace for this," she said quietly, "but if it came right down to a decision, I would support Sheridan. I like President Clark, but I believe he is going mad," she said. Again, Neroon laughed, lightening the moment, and she found herself smiling in spite of everything. She was beginning to genuinely like this Minbari.
"Perhaps he is, Kalen. Much as I object to Sheridan's history, he does seem to be doing the best thing for his people, as I would for my own, and I believe that you have made the right choice in supporting him." He paused, then grinned. "Do not tell Delenn." It was Kalen's turn to laugh this time.
It was with a twinge of regret that she saw Rathenn emerge from the chambers of the Grey Council, there to escort her back to the planet. She stood.
"Tell me, Satai Neroon of the Star Riders Clan. Will I ever see you again?"she asked, still smiling. Neroon's mouth softened into a smile, a humorous one that warmed his eyes, and her heart did a flip-flop. She sighed inwardly. This was the last thing she needed now.
"Do you wish it?" was it her imagination or was there a touch of hope in his voice.
"I do," she admitted.
"Then you can be assured, you will see me. Soon." Neroon bowed in a gesture she knew to be one of affection, mirth still reflected in his eyes. She nodded.
"Good. I'll look forward to it." She nodded to Rathenn, who, though he looked mildly confused, indicated the way back to the transport. She would indeed look forward to their next encounter.
To be Continued...