"Yes, I have the perfect solution. Mollari will be punished and I will still be able to talk to him when it is finished."
With that ridiculous thought, Cartagia order Ambassador Londo Mollari confined to his suite indefinitely. Well, Cartagia did have to take away his toys so, he had no form of communication with anyone and no way to leave. Truth be told, Londo fared better than anyone else. Rumor has it even Lord Refa won't leave his position on Narn because he fears coming too close to the palace. So, while the Army of Light was out fighting Shadows, Vir Cotto was building his own army, and G'Kar walked around free, Londo Mollari was sent to his room and stayed there for several months.
Selene and Vir were able to get Ari'ann inside of headquarters and up to his apartment without anyone knowing. Malcolm was curious to know why Selene had returned but figured that it had something to do with G'Kar. Things had been very quiet in and around the palace after the initial surge of beheadings. Vir was relieved to learn that Londo was unharmed and simply locked away. He thought it was the mildest form of poetic justice considering G'Kar's situation though Londo's silk sheets and 6 star meals were a far cry from what G'Kar endured. That is a sight Vir would never in his life forget. It is the thing that galvanized his commitment to guiding the Centauri to the place of understanding that reparations were not only due the Narns but crucial to their own growth.
G'Kar was a busy man. His company arrived and he ditched his guards like a pro. Each of them had heard of G'Kar. They knew him as a former statesman of their people, an ambassador, the last of the Kha'Ri, a member of the War Council and one of the leaders of the Army of Light. Every single one of them had heard about his capture and torture at the hands of Cartagia. To know that he was finally freed by friends on Babylon 5 was a relief to all of them. But once they were freed and sat on those ships watching a recording of him explaining their situation and the efforts being made to free as many of their people as possible they were eager to meet him.
The man they encountered was a surprise. Yes, they knew he was of the Kha'Ri but they also knew all the other things he had been. To hear him speak as he did of his time of enslavement as the most liberating experience of his life was beyond shocking. He left nothing out. He did not hide the truth of his entertainment sessions with Cartagia or the pain he endured. They had been enslaved and they had been harmed but not one of them experienced anything like that. To hear him say that he had no hatred of the Centauri and that it was wrong to hate all members of a specie based on the actions of the loudest and most powerful was too much. They required more information on this. And G'Kar gave it to them. He quoted from the Book of G'Quon and explained how he had fallen from grace years ago by obsessing over revenge for the Centauri instead of keeping close and careful watch for the Shadows. A few were less than concerned about what the Shadows would do to them considering what the Centauri had already done.
"And that attitude will signal the death of our specie. It will lead to the loss of our soul. The balance of the universe is being shifted. Old things pass away as new thing are created. Great change and progress are born in pain. But hope for the future heals the wounds. Which is worse to loose your life or to condemn your soul?"
They don't know what to say to this. None of them had thought about any of this. All they wanted was to be free. Now they were, though they were in hiding. But, they had no idea that he was working to help them and still harbored no hatred against the ones who tortured him. Now they were demanding that he continue with his thoughts and feelings. He was to leave nothing out.
"You all have noticed, I lost my eye. Cartagia did not like the way I looked at him. He said it offended him and ordered the guards to pluck it out."
Gasps and sounds of sympathy and outrage.
"Don't be so dramatic. It was my eye, not yours. The point is, it took losing my eye to be able to truly see. The doctor on this station gave me this replacement but it really wasn't necessary. I have already seen all I need. I have looked into the face of my greatest enemy and conquered him."
Now they are all sure he attacked Cartagia and they had not heard of his death.
"No. I looked into the mirror."
"What do you mean? Explain this."
"The greatest darkness that we must fight is the darkness of the soul that has lost its way. The war we fight is not against powers and principalities –– it is against chaos and despair. Greater than the death of flesh is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril we can never surrender."
G'Kar met with them daily. They talked of their times in captivity though most of them were more interested in G'Kar. But he needed for them to see parallels and what they might have missed. He wanted them to see it as a place for them to start their understanding, growth and development. Slowly they began to sift through their own lives to see where they had gone wrong or missed out on some important lesson.
And he spoke of Shadows and the real and symbolic hand of darkness. They demanded to learn of the Kha'Ri and G'Quon's charge to them. So he taught them. They demanded that he teach them his philosophies and insights gained during his enslavement in greater detail. It would be much later before G'Kar realized that he taught them a little too well.
Selene returned a week after the new arrivals started coming in and would sneak away to meet with them. She was G'Kar's personal assistant, getting whatever materials he needed and preparing any notes for his lectures and talks with the group. They were slightly curious about her but assumed she was one of the Rangers assigned to G'Kar. Selene never hid herself in their presence and always kept her gloves and hood off. She talked with them, shared meals with them and even ended up babysitting on more than a few occasions. She was a permanent fixture in all of their lives and most of their quarters. She shared some stories of her travels and former life with her uncle as a trader but stayed away from specifics of late. She knew they all assumed she was human and not Centauri but they could not be told. Not yet. She also took requests from them. Things they said they needed or wanted. She made lists, ran their errands and did her absolute best to make them all comfortable and at ease.
She did warn them that when they went out into the main areas of the station they should do so in small groups and not attract attention to themselves because their goal was for them to blend in. G'Kar had not informed anyone in charge of the station that he had them here or that he had taken over this are so they must be careful during their travels. She was certain to make sure they understood that all Narns had sanctuary on Babylon 5 and were free. They would not be detained or deported. But they also did not want to alert the Centauri Republic that Narns were escaping and if they started popping up on the station in large groups, people would figure it out. They understood. They noticed that Selene always spoke to them in Narn, was extremely pleasant, and paid G'Kar the highest respect they had ever seen anyone outside their race pay to any of them. It was odd but it also made them feel a sense of pride on his behalf.
Two months later during one of G'Kar's evening talks Selene came in a bit breathless,
"Excuse me sir, I apologize but I needed to give you a message."
"That's alright, Selene. What is it?"
"Something has happened and the others want to make sure that our friends here are comfortable and secure. That everyone is prepared."
With those words, every single Narn turned to her and had not the least bit of shame listening to her report.
"You don't sound alarmed but I know you Selene, you are nervous. Can you tell me what has happened?"
"Z'al is going to move. They will arrive here in secret. But I have been instructed to make a report to the Council at the next meeting with your permission."
G'Kar has his suspicions on the nature of her report based on her slight agitation but notes that she did not request he call an emergency meeting. The group needed time. He can also tell this means Vir has instructed her to reveal herself publically to all and that means the Narns will know. He's sure she is concerned that they will not accept her. And he realizes this means that no new arrivals will be coming for a while since recently freed Narns would not accept her at all.
"Can you tell me the nature of your report now or does it require privacy?"
"I am to inform them of our work. All of our work. They are to know that we have been working for over a year freeing Narns and I've been instructed to tell them how we've taken over this part of the station without their knowledge—but only with your consent. Lastly, I must report our specific findings for the war effort."
G'Kar caught that last cryptic comment. They would all know about the nature of whatever Cartagia agreed to and what they have been doing to fight them.
"I see. Things must be heating up."
"Yes sir."
G'Kar takes his time thinking about this. The others are listening and have heard so it really isn't going to matter what he says, they've heard enough to be very interested. He just hopes that they have learned enough about themselves over the last few months to be open and accepting.
"The Council has a scheduled meeting in two days. You will make your report then. Start taking inventory of everything we have here just to be sure. Once they learn of our presence here, it really won't matter the others can walk openly and freely throughout the station. But, I will caution everyone not to admit where they came from or their true names. The identities they have now will remain. There's no sense in us advertising to the universe that we've been freeing Narns if we want to keep doing it."
Selene thinks about this for a few moments. "Yes sir. If you have anything you want me to ship out, Shanmal arrives tomorrow. It was thought best that he take some of the heat off of me but I really don't mind doing this alone."
"Selene, you are not alone. We are all in this together. You have done your duty, you have worked hard fulfilling your mission and you have upheld the values and convictions of your Order. There will be no heat. I will see to it personally."
She can't help but laugh at that last part though his words were reassuring and appreciated.
"Thank you sir. You always know the right thing to say. Now, remember that when or if I should move to stand behind you!"
They both laugh at that and Selene turns to the nosey gathering and starts taking requests for anything they need or want. G'Kar figures they should keep a low profile until after she makes her report. That way they can gauge the reaction of the others.
Babylon 5 is a very strange place. C&C noticed that the jump gate started opening and closing at random times. There was nothing wrong with it and sensors picked up nothing. Ivanova shared that with the captain but he had no clue what it meant either. Garibaldi was suspicious but the other two pointed out that was a constant state of being with him. In the back of her mind, Susan always hoped that White Star 14 would come through the jump gate during one of its mysterious openings but it never did. She has no idea where he is or how he's doing. [No, I know exactly where he went, I just don't know if he'll ever come back. And we never got to say goodbye.] It finally stopped and nothing else happened.
When Malcolm walked into Vir's apartment to borrow a clean shirt he got the shock of his life. Vir was down the hall meeting with Tafali, who'd just returned from a few of the training camps after being away for a month. When Vir heard the scream, he was certain what had just occurred. Thankfully, he had already had time to brief a surprised and excited Tafali on the cargo Selene dropped off two weeks ago. They both decided that no one should know how long Ari'ahn had been there. After hearing Malcolm running down the hall shouting his name, Vir decided it was time for Ari'ahn to have free reign of the place. Tafali had long ago converted the nightclub and coffee house into a private, members only establishment. Its not their fault that the only ones who qualify for membership happen to be Z'al. Vir told him that he need not worry about losing money because this was official Z'al property and they would pay the bills. Tafali didn't mind that but they did have to keep up appearances. No matter how remote they were, they couldn't take any chances and there was always taxes and licensing fees.
"Vir, I don't know if you know this but there's a Vorlon in your living room."
"From the way you were screaming like a girl and running down the hall, I assume you've met Ari'ahn."
"You KNEW there was a Vorlon in your living room???"
"Malcolm, I live there. The place isn't huge. Of course I know he's in there. And now thanks to your shouting, so does everyone else. Try to keep it down, I don't think they heard you at the palace."
"That's not funny Vir. What's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how come you have a Vorlon in your living room? Why is a Vorlon on Centauri Prime of all places? And what does this mean?"
"Ari'ahn has always been here." Vir was really impressed when Ari'ahn said it so he figured that Malcolm would be too.
"Huh?"
[Guess not.] "Just what I said."
"No, don't you start speaking like a Vorlon. You've got to do better than that."
He sat down because he thought that would make understanding easier. It didn't. So he just turned a blank stare on Vir. What did that mean? Was the Vorlon here to help them fight the Shadows? Vir really only wanted to tell the story once as a way of introduction. He decided on technical misrepresentation but technically it wasn't. Ari'ahn is a Vorlon, he is here to help and he always walks in the presence of Z'al. He's just gonna leave out the recent date of arrival.
"Come on Malcolm, I'm gonna go get Ari'ahn and bring him downstairs to meet everyone. Try to pull yourself together in the meantime."
Why Vir Cotto thought that any of them would have a better reaction than Malcolm he didn't know. Vir forgot that, unlike him, they didn't spend a few years on a strange space station with a Vorlon ambassador. They all freaked out. The Rangers weren't really of any help to him at all. If the others didn't know what that meant, the Rangers did.
The only person capable of following Vir's story was Tafali and that's 'cause he got a heads up and time to collect himself. Plus, he has a natural poker face. By the time Vir finished explaining that Ari'ahn was the same Vorlon who blessed and walked with Z'al over 3,000 years ago every single one of them lost the power of speech for a considerable amount of time. When he was done, Vir realized he should have left out the part about his lessons with the Vorlon. They all knew who the Light beings were even if the others within the Republic had failed to embrace the Light in favor of Darkness. They all came to the same conclusion as the Rangers. And they all kept looking at Vir out of the corner of their eyes.
It took some time, but they finally settled into the fact that there was a Vorlon walking among them. After a few weeks, Tafali said it was time for Vir and Ari'ahn to make the rounds to other training camps and outposts so that they could understand just where they were and that they actually had Light within their group.
"I feel like a circus side show act."
"Vir, you are the leader. The others need to see and hear from you on a regular basis. And, they all need to meet the Light being. Our new headquarters are ready for the others to move into. Our ships are almost ready to be unveiled. Everyone has had pilot and combat training, its time for them to start practice runs on the real thing. Our people are going to start moving openly. At least on Babylon 5. Right after that, the fighting starts and we all know it. They need to see you both as a symbol and confirmation."
"Why can't they see YOU as the symbol and confirmation? Why can't YOU parade around Centauri space with Ari'ahn?"
"Cotton in your ears? YOU are the leader. YOU are the one who started this and have done all the building and planning. Oh yeah, YOU are the one the Vorlon came to."
"No need to get testy. Where do you want me to go first?"
"That's more like it."
Vir just groaned and Tafali laughed.
Shanmal arrived under the cover of darkness. Or whatever passes for that on Babylon 5. All that meant was that only ½ the Rangers knew he was there and it took an extra 15 minutes for Cole and Garibaldi to know he was on the station. He went straight to Selene's.
"Make yourself comfortable."
"You are nervous."
"You are a master at stating the obvious."
"No need to be sarcastic. But, I understand. You have done nothing wrong. Z'al has done nothing wrong. Malcolm, Lydia, Adam and I have done nothing wrong."
"You didn't sound so sure about that last part."
"You know your boss better than I know mine."
"Well, G'Kar already said I could stand behind him. Feel free to stand behind me."
"I will if it becomes necessary."
Mai'lenn wasn't too enthused when she learned of Shanmal's presence on the station considering what happened the last time. When she was notified that both he and Selene went to meet with G'Kar she just knew a repeat performance was bound to happen. That meant she made a point to be early and in place for the Council meeting. Sure enough, G'Kar strolled down the hall with Shanmal and Selene in tow. [This better not lead to another one of them taking off] Fannol's departure was a mystery to them all but Captain Sheridan banned them from speaking about it even amongst themselves. It didn't stop them from wondering or worrying. They all assumed that based on Ivanova's initial reaction, it was not planned and none of them had any knowledge. That's what concerned them the most. If SHE did not know, it must be huge.
Once again, everyone was assembled when Selene walked in. Their expressions were guarded but curious. She did notice that neither Cole or Mr. Garibaldi looked like they wanted to grill her. Honestly, ever since she returned from the Vorlon cargo run, she noticed that they didn't seem the least bit interested in her. She was not wearing her gloves and had removed her hood in the hall but kept her cloak on. She was nervous but she was determined to do her duty. G'Kar motion for both of them to take a seat against the wall and wait. Remembering her last visit, Sheridan had to wonder what this one would lead to so he brought the meeting to order quickly.
"G'Kar, I see we have guests. I'll assume one or both of them has a report to make?"
"Yes, captain. Selene is here to make a report. Its rather extensive and I ask that you all listen carefully to the things she says. Of course, you can ask questions but I believe we all witnessed that there are some things she won't be allowed to share no matter what."
Everyone chews on that for a few moments. Delenn turns to her and offers a warm and encouraging smile.
[You're smiling now because you think I'm one of your Rangers, wait til you find out I'm the enemy.]
"Alright, why don't we try it one more time. Selene, welcome. Please step up and give your report. We don't bite." She relaxed at the captain's tone and his way of trying to ease her mind.
She stood from her seat and removed her cloak then moved to the center near them. When she turned around, everyone saw that she was not in Ranger uniform and thought that odd, but when they realized that she WAS wearing a uniform they were at full attention. Then they noticed her broach. Selene didn't think anyone but G'Kar with his enhanced vision could read the inscription from that distance and wasn't sure if any of them other than he or Delenn recognized Centauri but she knew they were staring.
"As you know, my name is Selene. I was instructed to make a report to you all on various activities and situations. Some are related, some are not. I was assigned to this station to work with Citizen G'Kar in addition to a few other things." She waited to see if anyone of them would interrupt but since they were all staring at her puzzled, she went on.
"I was instructed not to make my report until you each understood and agreed to silence outside of this room on all that I have to share." Then she turned to Captain Sheridan to get his assent. His instincts told him this was also a part of his plan and he knew about her long meeting with Lorien. He spoke highly of her.
"On behalf of everyone in this room I assure you that what you have to say will go no further until you inform us that it is public knowledge."
"Thank you. First, you know that a select group of Rangers began working with Vir Cotto over a year ago. You do not know what that project was. We have been activity smuggling Narns out of Centauri space and occupied territories into freedom. That was his plan and he reached out to the Rangers on Minbar to assist him."
They are all shocked. Now they understand why she was meeting with G'Kar all these months!
They want to interrupt but see she has much to say.
"I cannot go into the specifics of the operation for obvious reasons. The Rangers involved in this project maintained their silence at Vir's request. They will continue to do so. If his activity or involvement is revealed he would be executed, without trial, for high treason. His life is on the line and we will not allow anyone to betray him. That is why you must forget what you think you know about Vir Cotto."
Yeah, they got it. Michael and Marcus are looking at each other thinking they REALLY should have noticed the real Vir years ago.
"At this point, we've managed to free several hundred thousand Narns from under the Republic's nose. You can all understand why this cannot become public knowledge. Once those in the Republic find out they will crack down and hunt the source. That cannot be allowed to happen."
Ivanova is impressed by this news and Vir's work. But can't help a snort and a snide comment,
"I seriously doubt the Centauri have enough collective brain cells to notice your operation considering everything else they're into. And if they are stupid enough not to have notice that many Narns escaping, chances are they won't find out."
Selene's expression and demeanor does not change. Even as a few of them are snickering at that comment. She continues,
"We have used this station as both a transfer point for several months and a relocation center."
Garibaldi's alert at this,
"What do you mean relocation center? I haven't noticed any influx of Narns. And how did they get onto the station.?"
"Hopefully, you all will not be mad about this part. I am not authorized to say how they have gotten on the station but I assure you that no more will be relocated here. We still may have to use this as a transfer point, but that cargo doesn't actually board the station so it should not interfere with your operation." She waited for the explosion.
The captain asked the question she was hoping they wouldn't,
"Where are you housing them? As Michael said, we haven't noticed any new number of Narns around."
"That's because they are blending in, sir. They don't go out in large groups. If that happened people would figure it out and it would get back to the Republic. As for where they are housed, Grey 17."
Michael's not following,
"There is no Grey 17 on this station."
"Yes there is. But it isn't on any of the blue prints or design schematics. It was constructed as an original section of this station and its quite large. You just can't see the entrance unless you know that you should be able to see the entrance."
That last statement gives everyone pause and none of them know what to think. It sounds too crazy not to be true.
"Ok, I'll accept that explanation on general principle of the weirdness that is this station. Are there quarters? What about system functions?"
"Hopefully, you won't be too upset captain, but shortly after my arrival I began alterations to that section. They've all got pretty nice quarters and some recreation areas, gym, and a chapel. I couldn't grow anything or bring in plants without drawing attention so there's only a stone garden. Maintenance and security were overridden and bypassed in the station's main computer core so that you don't notice the air recycling, sonic shower, water usage etc."
Then she just stood there and waited for him to scream about her messing with his station.
"That is what you were secretly doing around the station that no one could figure out?"
"Partly, yes."
Sheridan laughed and said it was fine. She exhaled noticeably and everyone else laughed. Even Marcus and Michael had to laugh and now understood her secrecy. They were impressed. Finally Michael asked why she was dressed like that and not in Ranger uniform if she wasn't hiding anymore.
"Because I am not a Ranger."
A general round of,
"What!"
"I am not a Ranger."
Delenn is confused as well as Marcus and Susan. Marcus asked,
"Why would you pretend to be a Ranger if you are not?"
"I never said I was and no one asked me."
Years of Satai training honed to perfection, Delenn is highly satisfied with this level of misdirection. She nods her approval,
"If you are not a Ranger, why were you selected to work with them or Vir? It is obvious that you know both Shanmal and Malcolm well. I was unaware that there were humans working with Rangers on Minbar."
"I am not human, I am Centauri."
No one moved, and it seemed to Selene that no one was breathing either. Shanmal wasn't feeling very well at this point. He knew that however they reacted would affect the rest of her report. He was impressed by the fact that she ignored Ivanova's comment/insult earlier.
Susan sits quietly trying not to blush while Marcus is genuinely confused,
"What do you mean you are Centauri? Why are you pretending to be human? What's going on? And why do you act like a Ranger if you aren't one?"
"I mean that I am Centauri. I am not pretending to be anything. The identi card and documents I was given couldn't identify me as a citizen of the Centauri Republic because I have an assignment to complete. I would not have been able to do that using my own identi card because everyone would have been alerted to the presence of a Centauri on the station. Based on other things which I will cover in the second half of my report, many would have suspected me of certain activity soley because of my race and not who I am."
Michael Garibaldi can't help it,
"You have hair. Centauri women don't have hair. Did you grow it just for your cover?"
Everybody was thinking it, nobody else had the—whatever to say it. Before she could answer Shanmal was out of his seat and compelled to respond.
"That is a common misconception. How some Centauri women choose to adorn themselves or style their hair is their choice. Not ALL Centauri follow the majority custom of dress just as not ALL humans dress or look the same."
Then he sat down. Selene turned to him and smiled her thanks. G'Kar was getting ticked off and she could feel it so she turned to him and spoke softly,
"I'm alright, sir. I expected that. Really, its fine." Unfortunately, the room was so quiet she wasn't soft enough and they all heard.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Its just that I never saw...its different."
"Apology accepted. May I continue my report?"
"Please go on." The captain is very impressed by her and so is Delenn. They still want to know how and why this Centauri acts like a Ranger and so unlike any Centauri they've ever met. They also note both G'Kar and Shanmal's protectiveness of her.
"Hopefully we can put this Ranger issue to bed once and for all. I am not a Ranger. I do not act like a Ranger. I am Z'al."
Marcus, Michael and Susan think they've got it now,
"So that's what they've been doing on Centauri Prime. Helping create some Centauri version of Rangers?"
Her patience has about worn thin but her training is complete and she does not show it.
"Z'al is not a Ranger creation or a Centauri version of it. We are 2,000 years older than the Anla'Shok."
Then she stood silently while they ingested that little morsel. Susan's, "huh" was the only sound. It wasn't Selene who answered this time. Before she could Stephen spoke,
"2,000 years before the arrival of Valen, the Centauri had their own enlightenment. Z'al was blessed and taught by a Light being. I warned you all before that there was symmetry in the universe. Let this be another lesson for you all. I'm assuming, Selene, that you are of the Order of Z'al?"
"Yes."
"Then the Vorlon walks with you all openly now?"
"Yes. How did you know that?"
"Its complicated but I know a lot of things."
She accepts that cause she's seen her own mysteries and wonders lately. Everyone else is confused and needs more detail. Sheridan sees the delicate situation and asks if they could know more.
Stephen realizes this is information they need but might not believe coming from her so he jumps in and gives the history and teachings of Z'al and they are all amazed. Then he turns to Selene and asks if he got it right.
"You got it perfectly. Thank you. I couldn't have explained it better myself."
Marcus doesn't really want to ask a question since he wasn't so nice to her before but is curious,
"You mean that you have a Vorlon with you all right now? Among your Order?"
"Yes. But I can't talk about that."
Everyone kind of just nods to that cause they're still amazed. Until Stephen picks that day to decide to finally volunteer additional information.
"Z'al was the origin of the candle and the star."
"What!" That was, without question, the most undignified response Delenn has ever made in her life. She did not care and made no pretense of being ashamed of her outburst. Stephen knew she was the only person in that room who would understand what he just said. She said nothing but turned an intense glare on him. Her eyes demanding that he tell all.
"I can't and won't explain that one and neither will Selene."
Then he turns to Selene. "I'm assuming you all are working to restore the balance?"
Selene can't help it, she likes this one a lot. Though she does not reveal that she has no idea what he meant by the candle or the star. She has no clue why Delenn had such a reaction to it and her confusion is obvious to everyone.
"Yes. That is the most difficult part of my report and I ask that you all wait to hear me out." They just nod.
"Circumstances within the Republic are such that until now we have moved in secret. We will still be secret but I was instructed to reveal myself for various reasons. The Rangers on Centauri Prime were invited to share information as we gathered it. They have not made reports of their findings because we knew you all would be compelled to act on it and we could not allow that. Those Rangers among us, and there are 3 within Centauri space, have been protected by our Order. No harm has come to them and their identities are hidden. They have each been assigned to certain scouting teams so that they could gather first hand information and assure you all of its truth and veracity. They were also invited so that they could have an understanding of who we are."
"That sounds reasonable. What is this information?" Delenn has recovered to participate but is still looking at Stephen out of the corner of her eye.
"Now that Z'ha'dum is gone did any of you ever wonder where the other Shadows would gather? Where they would select their new home?"
"In Valen's name." That was pretty much the group response.
"You aren't saying that the Shadows have taken over Centauri Prime?"
"That's exactly what I am saying."
The room is silent and no one really understands how to process that.
"Why was this kept secret? This is something the Fleet needed to know!"
"If I were Fleet commander, I suppose I'd have the same reaction but I am not. I am Centauri and I have a responsibility to drive the Darkness from my world without allowing it to be blown up."
[Yeah, I know that was a little harsh but I think she deserved it.]
"No offense to you captain, you did the right thing. Z'al is doing the right thing."
"What are you doing?"
"I can't go into all the specifics. But, we have spent a considerable amount of time gathering information on the exact location of their various bases within our space and the number of ships they have. We want to drive them from the planets so that we can fight them in space. We'll do it within Centauri boarders or we'll drive them out into neutral space. At that point, its open season on Shadows and the Army of Light is obviously welcome to help take out as many as you like."
For some reason, only G'Kar finds that funny. He knew Cartagia was stupid enough to do anything. He hadn't considered that the fool would actually give Shadows sanctuary.
Poor Shanmal, he did not know this and he's feeling a little blind sided but he did know they had Shadow activity there and were trying to fight it so he's not upset or offended. He's sympathetic to their situation.
Selene figures she's said enough for the moment and remains silent so that they can either yell at her or ask questions. She doesn't miss G'Kar laughing and couldn't help turn and smile at him. Even with the bleakness of the situation, she thought that was funny too. She's concerned because no one is saying anything. Finally Delenn speaks,
"We are surprised by this revelation, you must imagine, but it changes nothing for me. Based on all that I have seen and heard from you, I believe you are a part of a group working with the same goals as the rest of us. I am sadden to learn of the extent of Shadow activity within your boarders. You mentioned that you have several assignments here aside from working with G'Kar on helping the Narns escape. Am I to assume that you are also to be the liaison between Z'al and the War Council?"
[Finally a question I can answer!]
"Yes. As I said, we are working various locations on various assignments. Our identity needs to remain a secret. Other members of my order will be arriving on the station soon and will not hide their appearance but we will not advertise our mission or our purpose. The ones who have been assigned here were chosen because their—appearance allows them to blend in and not point the finger to Centauri. We are very aware that most if not all others fighting the Shadows assume that all Centauri welcomed them with open arms and agreed to serve willingly. There are many, a great deal of our people, who have no clue as to what is really going on inside our borders. Why they do not know is not relevant.
As information comes to me, I will pass it on to you all. If welcome to join with you, we would like to add a few of ships to your Fleet as you go out in battle. This will allow us to both test their strengths and weaknesses against the Shadows and their other allies while blending in so we do not call attention to ourselves when we engage those within our space. If our ships pop up one day previously unseen within Centauri space, they will know that it is an internal resistance movement and turn over every possible stone until they find our bases, headquarters and camps."
They all listened to her words and knew that she was speaking the truth. If a Centauri had come onto the station they would have been followed or shunned. No one would have taken them seriously, thinking it was some kind of trick. Michael was still feeling bad about the hair comment. He really didn't mean to insult her, it just sort of popped out before he had a chance to think about it. The Rangers were still trying to get over what Stephen said about Z'al's history. Delenn is silent but her mind is working over time. Leave it to Stephen to drop a bombshell like that and then attach a no comment to it. But after the last time he put them all in their place, none of them wanted to go there again.
The captain is starting to see the Universe's over all plan taking shape and, as with Talia and Fannol's actions, knows that he wants to incorporate this into his plan as well. He's quietly turning over the best ways to go about certain things but decides that he needs to address her comment,
"Like Delenn, I am surprised by many of the things in your report. I completely understand your position and what you all are trying to do. You don't need my approval but I support your actions thus far. As for your ships joining the Fleet, of course you are welcome. How soon can you get them here? How many ships? And, how soon will they be ready to join the fighting after they arrive?"
"A handful of our ships are close by. We were hoping that you would not turn us away because we are Centauri. If you accepted us, we wanted to be prepared to move at a moment's notice. But, the origin of our ships need to remain a secret. Shadows are everywhere. We can't afford for them to learn that Centauri are fighting with you, yet. It would be obvious which ships are ours. That would expose the rest of us back home. I do not know what you would tell the others. Malcolm told us that the Anla'Shok have studied and perfected something called misdirection. We do not ascribe to that. We have studied and perfected technical misrepresentation. If you can find anything that meets either of those, I'm sure my superiors would approve."
Everyone laughs at her last statements and see the symmetry in that. No one has a problem with keeping that a secret. Susan is feeling guilty for both her insult and her reaction to her report and resolved to make it up to her.
"Captain, I don't think it would cause much of a problem adding them to the Fleet or preparing them for the next engagement. As for what we tell the others, is it really necessary to tell them anything? Most will make the assumption that they are human. Let them think humans developed some new ships and showed up to join the fight. The writing on your broach is in Centauri I guess?"
"Yes."
"Well, that's a dead give away. Maybe you all could cover them up when meeting with others in the Fleet? No offense, its just a suggestion."
"I'm not offended Commander. As I said, Z'al studied and perfected technical misrepresentation. We have broaches in English as well." And she couldn't help the giggle that followed. That was Vir's idea. He knew no one who know who Z'al was and wouldn't think to connect it with Centauri.
They are all very impressed by this. Delenn is nodding her approval and smiles,
"I believe I would like to learn more of this technical misrepresentation. It seems very effective."
It sounds like a joke but they all know Delenn is serious and that makes them laugh harder.
Captain Sheridan allows them their laugh and is happy that the tension is gone so they can work together,
"That's a good idea. I have no problem with keeping quiet. We will simply call you all our friends and leave it at that. Do you think your people will be able to go out by the end of the week?"
She thinks about that for a second because there's still something she hasn't discussed with G'Kar yet.
"Yes, we can be ready then. When should our captains prepare for a briefing?"
"Three days. Susan will set you up with all the status reports that you'll need to get caught up on to prepare for this. Do you have any telepaths among your crews or your Order?"
She's surprised and a little suspicious? And it shows.
"Why?"
"We have found that telepaths interfere with Shadow technology. Its harmful to them and they will try to run from the fight depending on how powerful the telepath on board is, or their ships will be so severely weakened its easier to take them out. Not easy, just easier."
That's an eye opener for Selene. She had no idea. [Wait until Vir learns this!] They already have telepaths assigned to each unit for security measures. The crews each have two telepaths on board as standard procedure. This won't be a problem.
"I think we can manage to arrange something before it is time to depart. Thank you for that information captain. We did not know that."
"Its all apart of working as a coalition."
"Excuse me captain, do you know if telepaths are harmful to actual Shadows or Keepers?"
"Why?"
"Because we will be entering dark places. We will be fighting actual Shadows and Keepers face to face."
That chills every single one of them. The thought of actually having to stand next to or in front of a Shadow and fight hand to whatever combat isn't something ANY of them want to do. John Sheridan was the only one who'd been in a room fighting against them.
"We know that extremely strong telepaths definitely weaken and can kill actual Shadow Keepers."
She thought about that for a few moments then looked up at him in earnest,
"Thank you. You just may have helped to save a few of our lives. I need to report that as soon as possible to the others."
Once Selene finished her report, she and Shanmal left so that the others could continue with their own business. Delenn was silent for most of the meeting and then headed straight for her quarters to think. All of them learned things from Selene that they did not know and had no idea was possible. Stephen was their authority and if he said it, it was absolutely true. This stirred up much confusion in Delenn and she was feeling more than a bit off balance. She was able to conceal that in front of the others but she knew she had many things to think about.
So many things were changing. Initially, she felt lost and disconnected without Valen's prophecies to guide her. Then Susan appeared and she understood that the Minbari would always have a voice of prophecy. Learning that John Sheridan was the One they awaited for 1,000 years but did not know when he would arrive was astounding. That would be difficult for Minbari. They were conditioned to knowing what was to come. With the arrival of Isil'Zha, all they knew was that change and great things would happen. Now she learns of Z'al. She was pleased that there were Centauri on the path. That they were walking the path 2,000 years before the Anla'Shok was amazing. But, Stephen's revelation was too much! "Why would he say that to me? He had to know I would ask. And yet, he will give me nothing."
Delenn wondered who would have the answers she sought. She suspected that Draal would know because of the Great Machine but she was certain he would not tell her. That makes her stop and think about Draal's appearance in the War Room months ago. The first time that Selene tried to make a report. He demanded that she come down to the planet. He didn't seem shocked to see her. When she thought about his behavior and the things he said to her, she had to sit down. "Secrets have a way of coming out when you least expect them." She wondered what he meant by them having a healthy relationship. As if he expected to interact with her regularly. Then she considered how Selene was on the planet longer than any of them. She wasn't sure what she was thinking, but she was starting to think about many different things. The problem was, she didn't know how she felt about any of her thoughts.
"Stephen said that the Vorlon walks openly among them. Why?" Except for Kosh coming to the station as Ambassador, Vorlons had not walked openly with anyone since they were last on Minbar and that was several Earth centuries ago. [But, Kosh was not open with them on the station. The others did not know what he was until he revealed himself to save John. Only the Rangers and the War Council knew what he was.] But while Selene was on the planet Fannol and Talia left with Kosh's ship. John told them not to speculate but she knew they were headed to the Vorlon Empire. What did that mean? What was that exchange between Fannol and Selene? She could not figure out what these things meant for Minbari or for the future. Delenn felt that too much information, too many surprises from their ancient history was surfacing. She had more questions and no answers. Her thoughts began to settle as she suddenly remembered Dukhat's warning to her so many years ago.
"I think it is time I returned to Minbar."
