Setting of next scenes: during episode 16 ("Interludes and Examinations"), before and after John's confrontation with Kosh. So how did Delenn know John wasn't resting in his quarters? I have an idea about that.

The Shadows have effectively managed to get most of the other races to use up their resources fighting each other, and now they are sitting ducks for the Shadows, unable to defend their worlds properly anymore. And still, they refuse to work together to take a stand. It's so frustrating. And on top of that, John can't seem to find any strategy in what the Shadows are doing. They are out in the open now, and that's what is most concerning. He had thought that the loss of the shipment of telepaths, that they had managed to intercept with the help of Bester, would at least make the Shadows pause. They have to know that Babylon 5 is now in possession of part of their technology, and that they're figuring it out. But the Shadows seem undeterred. If only they could figure out what they were up to, they'd be able to plan some kind of strategy.

Delenn knows John is busy and she tries to help wherever she can by talking to the other Ambassadors, but she had been looking forward to seeing him this evening. He hasn't really said he would be over but it is becoming a habit to find each other two or three times a week at the end of their work day and it is a habit she has come to enjoy.

She finds him poring over reports in the war room and tells him that it's late and he should rest, but John is too busy trying to make sense of it all. She joins him and they talk about the Shadows for a while. What they need is a victory, to motivate the others to join them. If they could form one big, cohesive force, then they'd stand a chance.

"Then perhaps we should give them a victory," Delenn says.

"Just like that?" John asks.

"Just like that."

"And how do you suggest we do that?"

She puts her hand on his arm and stands up, telling him sweetly,

"I'm sure you'll think of something."

The look in her eyes tells him that she's still hoping to see him later and he smiles. Maybe he should join her and spend some quality time with her on her sofa. It's becoming his favorite place on the station to unwind, being close to Delenn and going over everything that's on their minds quietly. Stealing kisses and just being. Being with her, even if they don't talk or do anything, makes him feel whole. Alive. Even in the middle of all these tensions and the threat heading their way.

He thinks Lennier is catching on because he's seeing less of the Ambassador's aide these days. Maybe the man has finally realized he doesn't stand a chance with her, John thinks and he grins smugly at the thought. She's his now, no ifs or buts about it.

He sighs and returns to his papers, thinking how even Delenn starts to sound as mysterious as Kosh these days, and then it hits him. The Vorlons. If anyone can give them one small victory over the Shadows, it's them. He's going to talk to Vorlon Ambassador Kosh right now.

"John!"

Delenn rushes over to him when she sees the injury on his cheek.

"I'm fine," he says quickly, walking into her quarters. "It's nothing."

"What happened?" she asks him while taking his hand and guiding him to her sofa.

"I had a chat with Kosh."

Delenn whips around and stares up at him in shock.

"Kosh did that to you?"

John nods and they sit down.

"Yeah. I got him mad. I did it on purpose. It's about time he starts doing something instead of letting us do all the work for him. It's his fight as much as ours."

"That is true. But if he hurt you … does that mean he will not help?"

"Oh no, he will, now. Just said something about not helping me when I go to Z'ha'dum. Well, screw him if he won't help us by the time we head over there. The Vorlons need to get with the program."

Delenn frowns slightly at his language but does not comment. The gash on his cheek worries her. It looks like a burn and she wonders if it will ever fully heal.

"I have an ointment that may help with that," she tells him, and she walks off to her bathroom to get it.

"Is it Minbari?" he asks her when she returns with a small jar.

"Human, actually," she says with a smile. "I bought it at the Zocolo a while ago. It would seem that my skin no longer tolerates Minbari skin care products."

When she sits down next to him, jar in hand, he gently touches her cheek with his fingers.

"Your skin is amazing."

Delenn chuckles.

"I think you are a little biased when it comes to me."

"Abso-fraggin-lutely," he admits readily and they both laugh at that.

"Hold still," Delenn instructs, turning serious again, and he watches her face as she concentrates on applying the ointment on his wound.

When he first got to know her, he never could have dreamed she'd fuss over him like this but they really are getting very close. It's as if he's known her for a lot longer than two years and it feels good. Right. As if he's right where he's supposed to be. The right people in the right place at the right time indeed.

They got their victory. The Vorlons pulled it off, but it has come at a high price. Ambassador Kosh is dead. He was assassinated in his quarters.

They're keeping it a secret for now. The Vorlons are sending a replacement and nobody will even know that the Vorlon isn't the same one inside his encounter suit. All the other races have now signed on with the Army of Light. It was the push they needed and if they learn that Kosh has been killed, it would demoralize them instantly. John appreciates it a lot that the Vorlons are agreeing to keep Kosh's death under wraps, but he has a hard time accepting it himself. He realizes that it hadn't been a threat from Kosh that he wouldn't help him at Z'ha'dum. The Vorlon had known what was coming and he simply won't be there to help because he's dead. He remembers his own angry words, hurled at the Ambassador when he said he wouldn't be there to help him.

"You already said if I go to Z'ha'dum, I'll die."

"Yes. Now," had been the Ambassador's cryptic reply. Suddenly those words are not so cryptic anymore.

Seeing his ship off after putting all of Kosh's effects inside had even been a little emotional. It looks like his ship is actually mourning him and it's now off to perform its last duty. On top of that, Stephen Franklin has resigned as head of the Medlabs to work on his personal problems and his addiction to stims. It's a lot to take in and he longs for a good night's sleep. Preferably with Delenn in his arms. What he wouldn't give to just be able to hold her now. There are no ulterior motives there. He just wants to have her close to him. He tosses and turns in his bed and shakes his head at himself. He's slept alone for over four years and aside from that one night on the White Star, she's never been with him during the night. And yet, he misses her and he wonders if she thinks of him as well, or if she's sleeping peacefully after meditating on everything that's happened for a while. Maybe he should try it too sometimes. He might benefit from it, and the worst case scenario would be that he'd fall asleep again. And he desperately wants to sleep.

John gets up and rummages through his kitchen drawers until he finds a tiny candle. It's a tea light really, but still. It has a real flame. He sets the small light on his coffee table and sits down on the floor to look at it. His thoughts are a jumbled mess, but gradually, he notices that they are beginning to arrange themselves.

They've scored a decisive victory against the Shadows. All the other worlds have signed on. Kosh knew that there would be a price but he did it anyway. He knew that it's not about them as individuals but that they need to fight for everyone, and he himself had been no exception. And the Vorlons have agreed to keep his death a secret, so the fragile new alliance won't be jeopardized. They're on their side, the side of light.

The small flame flickers and he can't help wondering if their light is as fragile as this small candle. But then he realizes that the flame will never die, as long as they keep lighting each other up. There are millions, billions of them, not just one. They're not alone anymore. They're taking a stand together, passing the light on to each other as they go. And that light will last, maybe for another thousand years.

As the flame dies, he thinks of Stephen and he sends a silent prayer up to the stars for his friend. When he finally gets up to go back to bed, he feels more peaceful than he had thought possible. He smiles and closes his eyes. Delenn isn't there with him, but in a way she is. She's teaching him, even when they are apart. And it's enough for now.

To be continued next Saturday. Meanwhile, I love getting reviews!