After clearing customs Susan was making arrangements with a porter to secure all of her bags. She would wait. There was no way she was going to let them out of her sight. Apparently Michael Garibaldi, Babylon 5's Chief Snoop, rigged it so that he was notified the moment her identi card was swiped.
"Susan, glad you're back. We missed you."
"Hey Michael. Thanks. Good to see the station is still in one piece."
"Not for lack of people trying. You'll just love catching up on reports. Its been...more strange than usual."
"More strange than usual for this place is pretty damn strange. You can't be serious."
"I wish I were kidding. Between the Centauri and Narns and everything else, it's a mess around here."
"Garibaldi, why are some of your men wearing arm bands? Protest in the mess or somebody die?"
"Neither. That would fall under the category of everything else and should be discussed privately."
"I see."
"So, this is a lot of luggage. You must have done a hell of a lot of shopping."
"Why do you say that?"
"Cause you only had a back pack when you left. And now you're traveling with more stuff than the Centauri Emperor."
"Well, you probably wouldn't understand, it's a girl thing."
"Oh, um yeah probably wouldn't. Look, I'll see you later I gotta get back on patrol."
"Ok, thanks for walking with me."
{Wonder how long I can use that? Thank you Stephen.}
Once safely back in her quarters Susan contacted Stephen to let him know she'd arrived. Though her leave was technically over, the CMO still had to sign her off as fit for duty. He told her to sit tight and he'd be by about an hour. With a little bit of time she showered and changed into the gown and robe she'd worn her first night on Minbar. She had time to unpack everything as well as find a secure place for her Ranger items. Then she went over to check her messages.
Not surprisingly the first few were from the captain and Garibaldi. Ironically enough both Delenn and Lennier sent their concerns for her health and wishes for a speedy recovery. This followed by well wishes from G'Kar, Londo, Vir, and Corwin.
{Corwin?? He couldn't possibly have missed me.}
Apparently Susan Ivanova on medical leave was news. Susan Ivanova leaving the station was cause for an interstellar crisis. Thankfully, Lennier and Delenn would not ask any questions.
{Hopefully the others won't press. I'm gonna get tired of the 'female problem' schtick soon enough.}
She still had some time so she settled in to read some of information Kailenn put together for her. 20 minutes later her door chimed and Stephen came in. Their eyes met and he gave her an appraising look. His only notice of her clothes was a slight nod of his head in approval. Then he sat down in front of her.
"You're healed."
"Yes."
"Anything you want to tell me?"
"Anything you want to tell me?"
The next morning Anla'Shok Susan Ivanova rose at 04:30 and headed to the garden in standard Earth Force workout clothes. She spent ½½ hour sitting quietly by the Japanese Stone Garden contemplating her new life and her work on the station. Then she moved into an open space and committed the next hour to Katas. It wasn't the same but it wasn't meant to be.
Commander Susan Ivanova stepped into C&C before her official shift began and strolled into the captain's office to report for duty. The captain was pleased to see her and made all the necessary inquires after her health. Then they got down to business. Things on the station and back on Earth were heating up. She'd studied Michael's reports on Night Watch and couldn't suppress a shudder at the thought of history repeating itself. Earth sent a Political Officer to the station and she was really eating at the captain. Susan couldn't blame him, she felt the same way.
A few weeks later, the captain sent Susan down to meet with Draal. She really didn't want to go. Aside from the fact that any opportunity to take her Starfury out was a good thing, she had things to do. Of course with Mary Sunshine still dogging his heels spouting Earth's new brand of political correctness, Susan couldn't actually refuse, it had to be done. What she found in the Great Machine was beyond anything she imagined. They all suspected up until this point, but now she had gotten them proof. Vice President Clarke orchestrated the assassination of President Santiago. Draal's words rang in her ears long after she returned to the station,
"No normal human mind should be able to do that."
{You don't know the half of it buddy.}
But when she strayed from the path and they came after her, she couldn't help wondering what was coming next. "They know your name." Draal's words echoed Jeff's.
[You know their name, what makes you think they won't know yours?]
{Would they come for me?}
Anla'Shok on the station! Or rather Anla'Shok on the station openly because Susan had no doubt about the 'cargo' Jeff was moving through Babylon 5. It was so difficult for Susan to stand there in the captain's office while Delenn presented them to him and gave him joint authority.
{Well, he already has authority over me so it won't be a big change when this gets out. I didn't consider how John would react to my place in the Anla'Shok. Hopefully he won't have a fit.}
His reaction to finding out Michael knew and was acting as Entil'Zha's point person on the station went over with a thud. The captain really wanted to be pissed for being kept him in the dark on that one. One of them was very cute in a Swash Buckler sort of way, complete with British accent. Marcus Cole. She really couldn't deal with that right now. There were too many things going on. She didn't remember seeing him at Tuzanor so she assumed that he either came before her or some time in the months following her departure.
Susan made discreet eye contact with one of the Rangers she knew from her time at Tuzanor.
{Don't blow my cover.}
He got the message and passed it on. For the first time, Susan wondered how Delenn will react. Now that she learned of Garibaldi's role in Entil'Zha's operation, she knew that as soon as she came out of the Anla'Shok cloakroom Garibaldi would figure it out. Stephen already knew everything. Susan took comfort in the fact that Stephen was 1) too discreet to say anything and 2) ecstatic about knowing something else before everyone.
{Gotta love the guy.}
The Captain brought Talia into our little circle awhile back. I've never seen her so serious and giddy at the same time. She felt like she was finally doing something to help. She just knew Psi Corp was up to their eyeballs in the problems on Earth and Mars. Martial Law really put a chink in the Underground Railroad tracks and both she and Stephen were extremely vexed by the time things reached a flash point. Because of their work they were able to see things, learn things we might not have. Now there was a large group of rogues on the station that they couldn't funnel out because of the embargo and blockade. They were working over time trying to fix that. Talia was scared that the Corp would recall her back to Mars. That was the last place she wanted to be with Earth and the gates of hell tying for a close second.
There is symmetry in life. The day that Captain Sheridan declared Babylon 5 an independent station and broke off from Earth came on the heels of another monumental event. It was no surprise, Susan already knew. The Grey Council was broken. Delenn had fulfilled Valen's prophecy. Susan saw it. Things were moving fast, very fast. There they were defending the station from Earth Force ships. Fellow officers were firing on the station. And she was out in her Starfury leading the defensive squadrons. Right in the middle of things.
Earlier Rathenn stood in the gathering of the Nine and watched in abject wonder as two prophecies were fulfilled simultaneously. The Council was broken. Delenn spoke the words and his heart clenched.
"Three years... for three years I warned you this day was coming. But you would not listen. Pride you said, presumption, and now the Shadows are on the move. The Centauri and the younger worlds are at war, the Narns have fallen, even the Humans are fighting one another. The pride was yours, the presumption was yours. For a thousand years we have been awaiting the fulfillment of prophecy, and when it finally happens, you scorn it, you reject it, because you no longer believe it yourselves. 'We stand between the candle and the star, between the darkness and the light.' You say the words but your hearts are empty, your ears closed to the truth, you stand for nothing but your own petty interest. `The problems of others are not our concern.' I do not blame you for standing silent in your shame, you who knew what was coming, but refused to take up the burden of this war. If the Warriors will not fight, then the rest of us will! The Council has lost it's way, if it will not lead, if we have abandoned our covenant with Valen... then the council should be broken! As was prophesied. We must stand with the others now, before it's too late. Between the Worker Caste and the Religious Caste we control two-thirds of our forces. And to you I say: Listen to the voice of your conscience. Break the council, come with me, our time of isolation is over. We move now, together, or not at all!"
Rathenn remembered what he watched that distressed child on the data crystal tell Entil'Zha,
"And as for Delenn, her time hasn't come but when it does, it will be obvious. I don't know when exactly but its after she dissolves the Grey Council so its not time."
[She knew. The young one knew. I heard it a year ago. I was warned.]
When Rathenn followed Delenn and the other 4 members out he was certain he would never see the chamber again.
When Corwin announced a second wave of Earth Force Destroyers coming through the Jumpgate Ivanova's heart seized.
"This can't be how it ends!"
Susan ordered the squads to break formation and prepare to engage. The captain was contemplating the lives of all those civilians on board under his protection. It turned his stomach but he would have to surrender to protect them.
And that's when it happened. Susan could hear Corwin over the com,
"Jump points forming on all sides of the station sir."
When the first Minbari War Cruiser jumped into orbit around the station Ivanova's words were garbled so no one picked them up, "In Valen's name." There was thunder and lightening in Delenn's voice when she faced off against Earth Force.
"This is Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari Federation. Babylon 5 is under our protection. Withdraw or be destroyed."
"Negative, we have authority here. Do not force us to engage your ship."
"Why not? Only one human Captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari fleet. He is behind me, you are in front of me. If you value your lives... be somewhere else."
Anla'Shok do not bluff. They are trained to follow through on exactly what they promise. Apparently Satai are trained in the same manner. If anyone doubted it that day, Susan Ivanova was not one of them. She knew with as much certainty as her own name, Delenn would have fired on those ships until they were little more than space dust. She didn't and the War Cruisers weren't the only gifts she came bearing. The White Star was the most beautiful ship any of them had ever seen. It is true the Minbari make something functional and a work of art. The best present of them all was wrapped inside the White Star. Fannol. He'd even brought a few friends along. When she returned to her quarters late that evening she had the messages. They would all get together soon.
Delenn wanted to conduct a Rebirth Ceremony. She felt it was needed and I agreed in my heart. Would've been a little strange for me to chime in. It wasn't time. It was almost time, but it wasn't time. Reluctantly, everyone agreed. We weren't able to continue when Delenn was hurt. That was a surprise. Boggs was his name. Told Delenn that some Minbari think she's the second coming. I wondered what he could possibly know about what or how Minbari think. The captain wanted to post pone the remainder of the ceremony until Delenn was released from Medlab. She said no, it had to continue. I agreed. It was time. Apparently I wasn't the only one done cooking. One by one we all went to her and told our secret. I'm not sure but I think Stephen & Talia pretty much managed the impossible. Whatever they told Delenn was enough to shock her into stuttering. We all seemed to have the same idea without discussing it. We gave up our uniforms. I knew when I took mine off that day it was the last time I would ever wear an Earth Force uniform. Now was the time, now was the hour. I would not go back.
When Talia marched into Medlab she went straight to an isolab and no one knew what she was doing until she came out in her bare feet wearing surgical scrubs. My heart rejoiced for her when she lay her uniform, gloves and Psi Corp pin on the side of Delenn's bed. When she walked out she was practically skipping and you could've parted the Red Sea with the smile on her face. All she said to those of us standing around gaping at her was,
"I'm free."
My time came last. Carrying my Earth Force uniform I leaned in close to her,
"A' fa'an esan de'fala."
That definitely shocked the hell out of her. Mouth gaping open, eyes wide all Delenn could do was nod. I smiled a small smile, placed my uniform down and walked out. My thoughts mirrored Talia's words.
{I'm free.}
Delenn anticipated everyone because Lennier had new uniforms for us all. When I saw them my mind reflected back to Entil'Zha's words.
"Your purpose is with the Army of Light you will serve and you will lead from Babylon 5. This I have seen in my dreams and I know it to be true with everything in me. Your strength is the Anla'shok. It is Tuzanor."
He saw it. He said as much and Entil'Zha is never wrong.
I'm not sure she anticipated Talia's actions, none of us could have known she would do something that would bring the full force of Psi Corp down on her if they ever caught her. One thing I'm certain of, if Lennier hadn't had a uniform in his little Minbari elf bag for Talia they would have heard her back on Minbar. Talia Winters was on the team and she was playing for keeps.
{You go girl!}
The next morning everyone on the station got a huge surprise. I stepped into C&C in my very distinct, very unique Anla'Shok attire. I managed to find a way of blending Delenn's gift with Entil'Zha's. They complemented each other perfectly. Ranger pin gleaming over my breast, robe flowing gracefully with every step I took, denn'bok firmly anchored to my Ranger belt. We're talking the full regalia. It spoke purpose, it spoke power, it spoke prepared, it screamed Anla'shok. The captain didn't know what to say, neither did anyone else when I walked into his office for our Code 7R meeting. Delenn was in greater shock than after my revelation in Medlab. She seemed to be torn between disbelief and the firm knowledge that I wouldn't desecrate the sanctity of the Anla'Shok. The other station Ranger, Marcus Cole, abandoned ALL of his Anla'Shok training and stared open mouth. He was in good company with the exception of Stephen who just smiled like a Cheshire cat.
I headed straight for Delenn, bowed and produced my denn'bok. Nosey little Ranger isn't he? Marcus was near enough to Delenn to lean over in an unconvincing attempt at discreetly reading over her shoulder because he gasped at the same time Delenn did. They both looked up at me in awe. Yes, the only human to be trained by Sech Durhan. But it was more than that. He knew what he was doing when he fashioned that denn'bok for me. He took me into his family and he claimed me as a daughter of the Fire Wings as was his right. I am Warrior caste.
No words were spoken between the three of us. Marcus really had no part in it so he hadn't much cause to speak anyway. The rest of the room, sensing something very important and very complex was going on, remained silent and watched like spectators at a tennis match. Shifting their gaze from one of us to the other. I did not speak I did not have to, but I held her gaze with all the fire I was trained to project. Then Delenn rose from her seat after reigning in most of her composure. She bowed deeply to me, more than she truly had to considering she was Satai. But Delenn was determined to honor my place. Considering the way I was dressed and the denn'bok I possessed she knew I was chosen by Entil'Zha for a specific purpose. She also honored me as the first an only member of the Fire Wings to enter the order after the Shai Alyt's ban on Warriors.
When Delenn spoke it was with reverence that I did not feel completely comfortable with. In Vik,
"Anla'Shok Ivanova (That was all the others on command staff were going to get.)
I greet you in peace and joy. It is an honor to serve the One with you in our coming battle against the darkness, against the Shadows."
Such an honor could not be refused. I bowed to her and in Andorando,
"Satai Delenn, for you will always be Satai in my heart. I greet you in the name of the Fire Wings and the Anla'shok. We will serve the One together as we carry the light to drive the darkness from our presence once again. Entil'Zha veni."
And then we smiled at one another and turned to our stunned and captive audience. I could see the wheels going round and round in Michael's head. He almost had it and then, CLICK, SNAP, BAM, GOTCHA. He shook his head and wiggled a finger in my direction. A lazy smirk was all he was getting out of me in return. Marcus Cole was still reeling from the initial revelations on my denn'bok but the combined actions of Delenn and I were enough to send him into hyper space. He truly had reason considering his front row seat and the fact that he'd been on the station for months and never had a clue. I think it was an affront to his Anla'Shok enhanced powers of observation.
Apparently my fellow Anla'Shok standing around felt that they certainly got their money's worth. They didn't even try to hide everything they heard. Even the ones who knew me at Tuzanor got a few surprises. Sech Durhan fook a human into his house and his clan.
{Oh yeah, the Ranger grapevine will be on fire before lunch.}
Only when I glanced up did I notice Fannol standing in the corner off to the side. In our time apart he had perfected his smirk. He truly did it justice. Perhaps it was a small laps in protocol but with everything else that happened I figured one more wouldn't hurt. I turned to him and strode over with determination. We locked eyes for the barest of instants and then embraced each other as old friends. This opened the door to the other 3 Rangers I knew and we all embraced now that the secret was finally out. After that, Delenn and my fellow Babylon 5 officers understood that my secret was well kept but perhaps not such a secret after all.
Fannol spoke in English for the benefit of all.
"Ivanova is always right."
"I told you, you would learn."
Sensing the need to get down to the business at hand we disengaged ourselves and I took my customary seat to the captain's right. I knew it was coming soon. He cleared his throat, picked up a stack of flimsies, leaned in ever so slightly and hissed.
"We are going to talk."
All I could do was nod.
{Valen give me strength!}
Captain John Sheridan didn't know what to make of the scene he witnessed in his office. Or rather the scenes because there were obviously many things going on. Most he did not understand. Then again he was still feeling the after shocks of what he had recently done. He was a career military man and a seasoned war veteran. Not just a veteran but a war hero. And yet, he committed the highest form of treason. Cut off from his family, he realized that he had slowly built another one out here in the vastness of space. A family that would develop stronger bonds tested and forged in the blood and tears of two wars. One he wasn't sure he could win and one he didn't want to fight. Had he been ready to do what Delenn stated in the Rebirth Ceremony? The words were just starting to hit him. The meaning becoming clear. Was he ready to put aside old things, old ways, old lives? He had no choice.
And Ivanova! What was that earlier?
[I didn't even know she could speak Minbari let alone considered that she was a Ranger!]
He tried to consider what effect that would have on the command structure.
[Well, we aren't exactly part of Earth Force anymore.]
If he ever forgot that all he had to do was look in the mirror, the uniform was a dead give away. But John Sheridan couldn't help but wonder where her loyalties were.
[She never said a word. Even after Delenn presented the other Rangers to me, she never said a word!]
It was obvious that Delenn didn't even know about it. Nor did the other Rangers.
[Well, except that group of Minbari Rangers she seems so chummy with.]
He couldn't figure out what it meant. Garibaldi's knowledge of the Rangers was a surprise. When he had time to think about it, Sheridan could understand. All he was doing was acting as a go between and getting information. Everything Michael learned he found a way of sharing with the captain. Or so Sheridan thought!
[But what was Susan doing all this time? She's one of them. How long?]
He knew she was close to Sinclair. All roads seem to lead back to that one man. Sheridan still didn't believe the thing about Minbari souls being reborn into humans. Tea leaves. The whole thing was just a little too mystical for him. But what of his time with Kosh? Those lessons were strange to say the least. And whatever his practical military mind told him, he knew exactly what he saw the day he fell from that transport tube. He needed answers and he needed them now.
As the meeting broke up Sheridan could see people passing Ivanova sympathetic looks and tossing her encouraging smiles.
[What do they think I'm going to do to her?]
And that look Delenn just gave him. It had all the classic signs of "be nice".
[When did I get to be the bad guy?]
To top it off, John Sheridan still didn't understand the dynamics of that exchange between Susan and Delenn. The deference that Delenn payed Susan after looking at her fighting pike was obvious. Even Marcus looked like he was going to faint.
[What did that mean?]
Pulling himself out of his musings, Sheridan looked up to see the room clear of all except his second in command.
[If she's still my second in command, that is.]
She was standing at attention patiently waiting for whatever was to come. When he first arrived on Babylon 5 he could tell that there were some definite changes to her personality since they'd last served together at Io. She was still a top rate officer, nothing about that had changed. And she still had a bit of a hard edge, but other things were there. And the last several months had been so hectic he really hadn't had time to address the additional changes in her. Changes in her speech and demeanor. In the way she walked and the way she interacted with others. Ever since she had gotten sick she seemed so different. He really didn't want to pry because he didn't want to put her in the awkward position of explaining her illness but he knew she had been a changed person since. Garibaldi had informed him that shortly after her return he noted that she spent the early hours of the morning doing Tai'Chi and Japanese Katas in the garden. He couldn't find fault with that. Perhaps Stephen's 'Zen thing' as Michael called it was rubbing off. He also knew that people changed after near death experiences or sever illness. But she wasn't changed like anything he had seen before. She was acting like a Minbari. BAM!
Captain Sheridan looked up at his XO and simply stared.
[She wasn't sick, she was on Minbar!]
Susan watched him closely and could just follow the path his thoughts were taking. When he got to the end he didn't look pleased at all. He looked like he'd been betrayed.
{If he breaks out with Et tu Brute, I'm gonna explode.}
"What's going on and why didn't you tell me?"
"Before we get into that, do you have any complaints about the way I've performed my duties or the running of C&C?"
"Of course not. You've been a fine officer. But I'm not talking about that and you know it."
Susan reached into the folds of her cloak and produced a data crystal.
"Entil'Zha gave me this and told me to give it to you once I revealed myself. I don't know what's on it but he said that you should view it alone in the privacy of a secure location. He also said that he's trusting you with something that is not for public knowledge or anyone other than yourself and that you'd understand once you saw it. I'll get back to C&C and when you're ready we can talk, sir."
With that she placed the crystal in his hand and dismissed herself.
[Same old Ivanova.]
He turned the crystal around in his hand a few times wondering what could be on it before he realized there was only one way to know. With a sigh, he left his office and headed to his quarters to find out.
[All roads keep leading back to Sinclair.]
John Sheridan saw many things in his life but he had no idea what to make of what he'd just witnessed. When the face of Jeffery Sinclair popped on the screen he supposed he would get a lecture on the importance of the coming war and some kind of vindication of Ivanova's actions. Maybe his stamp of approval that she was a loyal first officer. He got none of that.
"Captain Sheridan, if you're viewing this then I suppose Susan has revealed herself. The time to do so was hers alone for many reasons. She does not know what is on this recording and I beg you not to tell her. What follows is a recording of a conversation between the two of us that neither knew was being made. No security breach on your end. I have over zealous advisors. When you finish watching it you will know why it is imperative that you destroy this evidence. I'm trusting you to do so. You can't possibly be aware of certain implications arising out of things she unknowingly said at the time but if they EVER became public knowledge there are many who would kill her.
Susan is special. More special than I ever imagined. More so than any of us were prepared to deal with when she arrived, but we made a way. A time may come when you will be faced with undisputable, undeniable proof of just how special she is. Do not be angry because she did not tell you on your time table instead of her own. She is the Unicorn, the Pegasus, and the Fairy Folk of eons ago. As each of these mystical creatures were found by man, they were destroyed. This cannot be allowed to happen to her. We need her. Whatever your personal beliefs, please allow her to be who she is. She made her peace and returned to her home on Minbar. Please accept it at that.
You are her captain and her friend. She trusts you. She also looks up to you as a big brother. If you know her then you know the love she had for Ganya. To think of you in those same terms speaks volumes of her affection, loyalty and trust. Those things don't come easy for her but she's opened herself up to you. Please be kind to her."
"You have a dangerous road a head of you. But you also have a higher calling. The Universe is counting on you. We are all counting on you. I've worked with all of those on your staff. They are my friends. They are your friends as well. Where you lead, they will follow or die trying. Of that fact I am absolutely certain. Cherish the moments as they come because that may be all we have."
Good luck Captain, Valen guide you.
Captain Sheridan thought that was strange but what followed was staggering.
[How did she know?]
He played it over and over again. He highlighted certain sections running back to back. He got up from the monitor and paced the floor several times.
[She knew a year ago that Delenn would break the Grey Council. From what Delenn's told me of the prophecies of Valen no one knew when it would happen and he never said who would do it. So, how did she know?]
The most unsettling part of all was the mention of his name.
[If Susan was right about Delenn, is she right about me? What else does she know?]
"John's time is not now. He is, Jeff, and he will be. Great things. He will stand between the Darkness and the Light. But it isn't time! And as for Delenn, her time hasn't come but when it does, it will be obvious. I don't know when exactly but its after she dissolves the Grey Council so its not time."
John Sheridan sat in the quiet of his quarters while his mind and his heart warred against one another."They would kill her." He desperately wanted to know who "they" were. The thought of some group coming after his friend chilled him. Sinclair's words rolled around in his head like rocks clanging from side to side.
Sheridan could see that she was clearly agitated by the dreams. And the things she spoke of in her nightmares. Shadows! She was dreaming of Shadows that long ago. Unbelievable. Some things were starting to become clear. Either the Shadows or certain Minbari would kill Susan if they found out she dreams the future.
[Gives a whole new meaning to 'Ivanova knows everything']
Captain Sheridan resolved that would not happen.
"Not on my watch!"
Obviously Stephen's diagnosis had been a complete fabrication as a means of getting her off the station. He wanted to be upset with Stephen for lying but as he turned that conversation over in his head he realized the doctor had bested him. He never said she was suffering from 'female problems' all he said was we should consider it one of those times.
"You missed your calling as a lawyer Stephen."
And that's when the guilt set in. She was having debilitating nightmares for 2 weeks and he had no clue. The woman in that recording looked like she was about to fall apart.
"Perhaps she was."
[What would I be like after 2 weeks of Shadow infested nightmares?]
That thought almost made him ill right there.
"She was suffering and I didn't know."
How did Stephen figure it out? Those two are very close, did she confide in him? He was the one person who didn't seem shocked to see her walk in dressed like a Ranger.
"Wait a minute. If she's a Ranger why is her uniform different than all the others? I've never seen Delenn bow that deeply or pay that level of respect and deference to anyone before. Why Susan?"
[Probably another mystery I'll never get answers to. And if she's a Ranger then she's damn near Minbari herself which means I'll never get a straight answer.]
He walked back over to the monitor and sat down. He played Sinclair's message to him one more time and fast forwarded to Ivanova's conversation. It was the truth, all of it. And he held her life in his hand. He would protect her. Captain Sheridan also resolved that he would not resent her going to Sinclair instead of him. He would not have been able to help her. Stephen knew and that's why he got her off the station ahead of schedule.
"Stephen knew I wouldn't believe anything other than the concrete here and now and she might have gotten worse if he hadn't intervened."
He pondered Sinclair's other words,
"She is the Unicorn, the Pegasus, and the Fairy Folk of eons ago. As each of these mystical creatures was found by man, they were destroyed. This cannot be allowed to happen to her. We need her."
John Sheridan erased the data crystal and smashed into near dust. Then he erased his console to insure the was no trace someone else might try to pick up. And then he poured himself a drink.
C&C had experienced many changes over the past few months. The faces of those working betrayed their situation. They were all growing up too fast. All learning things about the Universe and themselves and wondering if they were truly ready. When Captain Sheridan had announced that Babylon 5 was seceding from Earth Alliance to stand with Orion 7 and Proxima 3 most of them didn't know what to do. They had no clue who the enemy was when they all wore the same uniform. Susan wondered how they would take the change. Yes, many got up and walked out as soon as the captain said what was going to happen. The ones that stayed didn't have all the facts. Not the knowledge that the command staff held. But, they weren't stupid either. Night Watch, they might as well have been wearing swastikas. Dissolving the Senate. Bombing Mars Dome. Martial Law, Clarke's Law. It was too much for them to handle. So when their commanding officers laid down the terms to Earth and said we will not stand for this anymore they followed him.
Susan Ivanova was very much aware of the thoughts going though their minds. They had no idea what to think of her. They'd seen the other Rangers, they understood what they did. How long had she been one of them? How long had she been silently leading a double life? Were there anymore they didn't know about? Its not as if they thought there was anything wrong with the Rangers. Its just they didn't understand what drove humans to join. With the coming of the Shadows, they would.
She caught the occasional glance in her direction. And for some 'unknown' reason off duty personnel seemed to find reasons to drop by C&C.
"Just checking the duty roster."
{And you couldn't have done that from the com in your quarters?}
Garibaldi was smart enough to keep silent from the moment his brain processed all the information. He knew of the Anla'Shok. He knew who Jeff was and what was going on. His only problem with her had been trying to figure out the mystery. If he had known it was Ranger business, he would never have said a word. Like the captain, Michael's thoughts turned to Stephen. If Susan had gone to Minbar for training, then Stephen knew she wasn't sick. So, did he know what was going on as well? "Jeff, you sure know how to keep secrets and stack the deck." That was Garibaldi's only comment which he found extremely amusing.
The captain sent a message, audio only, that he was off duty for the rest of the day and was not to be disturbed. He told her that she had command and to carry on as usual.
{He doesn't sound good, what did you say to him Jeff?}
Stephen sent a text message that he was fresh out of secrets that he alone would know before everyone else and asked if Susan would be so kind as to give him more juicy bits of information. The last one kept him happy for a whole year. He also said he was cooking and dinner would be at 19:00 hours. She had to bring dessert and to remind Talia to bring the wine. Susan replied that she thought he was a bit too twisted and needed to seek professional help.
Somehow the three of them fell into an easy pattern months ago. Susan was the only one not allowed to cook but was free to order take out when she hosted dinner. Delenn's physical transformation not withstanding Susan believed Talia had changed the most out of all of them in the shortest time period. When she first arrived she was as loyal to the Corp as any recruitment poster. Then Alisa made her pause to question why it had to be the Corp. But the change in her after Ironheart was unmistakable. When she showed up at Susan's door with a bottle of wine in the middle of the night and said she needed a friend, Susan could see it. She still kept her distance because of the Corp but she started to see the person behind the badge.
At some point earlier the year Susan was forced to sit down with Talia for a heart to heart talk. It seemed to Susan that Talia was getting a bit too intense in her James Bond role as super secret agent telepath number 9. I tried to explain to her that she wasn't the most inconspicuous person on the station so she should probably leave the tailing to others. She did not seem pleased with my observations. Talia was loving all the covert operations and Code 7R meetings. She started bringing snacks for us to munch on but when she showed up with a Coffee Cake and Minbari pastries I had to let her know this was not a sewing circle. For my effort, she informed me that I was no longer on the "snack list" and would have to bring my own. No one stuck up for me because their greedy little eyes were screaming "more for me."
Talia and Stephen managed to get a way off the station for all the telepaths hiding down below. Only problem was they needed new identi cards. I could have smacked Talia upside the head for that little undercover caper of hers. She risked her life doing business with people I think even Michael would be scared to meet in church. She, however, was bouncing off the walls when she made her report. It was infectious. We all congratulated her but I was extremely thankful for Delenn's censure on the dangerous risks she took. But Delenn soften it with a warm smile.
I should have felt it coming. Even with the drama of demons of darkness looming somewhere out there, being Earth's public enemy number one, the typical station drama, and the Narn-Centauri issue, I should have realized we were way over due for one. Today we got it and it was BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!!!!
Normally composed and the picture of timeless grace, everyone in the conference room was stunned when Talia stalked in cursing the Psi Corp about a month after we broke off from Earth. She just plunked down a data crystal on the table and started having what could only be called a hissy fit. Garibaldi tried to console her but she was having none of that. Susan and Delenn could see that she was on her way to full a ballistic explosion. The captain and Stephen just watched. Their new found respect for her sailor's mouth ever increasing. Just when she looked like she was going to smash something, Susan prepared to intervene.
{It wouldn't do for her to let her secret out and I lay odds 10:1 that desk is about to go flying out the door.}
"Talia Winters control yourself!"
That stopped her pacing and ranting simultaneously.
"Huh?"
"What is the meaning of this?"
And the rant started up again. This time she was adding a few well placed French, Drazi and even Gaelic curses. But Susan's esteem for her rose several degrees when she let out a particularly nasty Russian curse as well. Finally out of steam,
"Just watch it."
And we did. The bright and shining face of Alfred Bester. Since no one at Psi Corp headquarters was able to get in touch with Talia the last few weeks he thought he'd send her a personal message. The rumors couldn't be true that not only was she still on board Babylon 5 after having been sent recall orders, but she's apparently been seen without the required pin and gloves. Some nonsense report about her wearing a different uniform now. The same as the traitorous command staff. It must be a mistake. Either that or she's simply been influenced by the riff raft on the station. No matter, they'd help her. They understood that Commander Ivanova had problems with telepaths and perhaps in fear for her safety Talia had submitted. She had nothing to worry about as Mother and Father would take care of eveything.
Everyone was stunned. Bester was being too nice and he mentioned Susan by name. All but two people in the room thought this was his way of letting her know that the Corp considered her rogue and would bring her in. Susan and Stephen had come to their own conclusions. Susan jumped into action.
"Where'd you find the crystal?"
"It was on the console in my quarters."
I grabbed a tissue from the captain's desk. "There might be something on there DNA, prints. Stephen, can you move this to the top of the pile?"
He took the tissue wrapped crystal without a second thought. Our eyes met. He knew.
"Michael, can you get a forensics team that you trust to sweep Talia's quarters? It doesn't matter how insignificant it might seem. Consider it a major crime scene. If the messenger was Corp they were wearing gloves but there might be hair or fibers. Also, get Murphy to go over the arrival & departures for the last 72 hours to see if any new Corp people were around. You'll need to put feelers out in down below. They could have been here awhile. Or they might have hired a third party."
Then I turned to Talia.
"You're going to have to change quarters to a more secure location. Any objections to putting her in Blue Sector with us? Other than Green with the Ambassadors I can't think of any place with less public access. Talia before you pack ANYTHING, security is gonna have to go through your stuff with a fine tooth comb. There's no telling what they left in your quarters. And, if they got in today, they could've gotten in last week or last month."
At this Talia's face displayed every emotion known to humans. She now realized the significance of what was happening but couldn't believe it. At the last part of my statement she paled and looked scared. She was about to faint.
[They could've gotten to me anytime!]
Everyone was looking at me like I grew a second head. Sensing where my mind was going Stephen turned to me and nodded then looked at Talia who was actually holding on to the captain for dear life. As gently as he could,
"Talia, when we finish here you and I will go to medlab for a full physical. If its there, I'll find it."
Perhaps Stephen and I were giving ourselves away too easily but no one seemed to notice. I nodded at Stephen, smiled at Talia and said everything would be alright. Then I turned to Delenn.
"Would it be possible for you to send for two Minbari telepaths and at least one mind healer?"
A bit shaken by the things Stephen & I were saying and thoroughly confused, Delenn said she'd do that immediately and then stepped to the console to ask Lennier to make the arrangements.
Stephen walked over to where the captain had managed to settle Talia on the couch and held out his hand. She was shaking, her face was red and was in tears. In the most gentle voice I have ever heard he said,
"Talia, I think we should go now."
She looked to me and her expression was so pitiful and freighted for more reasons than the obvious to Stephen and I. She thought I would hate her. I walked over and pulled her into a warm embrace and stroked her hair. When we separated I wiped away some of the tears and said, "It'll be ok." She seemed desperate to believe that so she nodded and took Stephen's hand as they left.
I didn't wait for the explosion and activated my link. "Ivanova to security."
That made Michael jump considering he is the chief.
"Security, go."
"Zack, I need you to go to Medlab. Stephen and Talia Winters are on their way there. There was an attack on Ms. Winters and while Stephen examines her I'd like you to stand guard. No one gets in his way, no one gets near her. No one touches any equipment he's using. Understood?"
"No, but like you told me last week, understanding is not required, only obedience."
"You're learning, Ivanova out."
At this point I had used every ounce of strength and mental energy to get through the last half hour. I felt my legs go weak and then a strong hand on my arm and warm gentle pressure on my back. The other arm wrapped around me tightly and didn't let go. I indulged the strength of someone else for a few moments by leaning into the broad chest behind me until I could get my bearings straight. I closed my eyes for a few moments.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Marcus is ever the gentleman and apparently has quick reflexes.
And that's when the room erupted. Between Talia's earlier very uncharacteristic display and my unusual response with rapid fire orders and questions that made no sense to anyone they just sort of sat there looking lost. Now they wanted answers. The captain started first.
"What the hell is going on here? Why did Stephen take her to medlab? Why did you ask Delenn for Minbari telepaths? And why are your ordering security around? Breaking into her quarters is hardly an attack so why the hell did you tell Zack she was? She's rouge now, we all knew that would happen . And what the hell were all those looks between you and Stephen?"
No one could ever accuse John Sheridan of not being orderly and thorough.
They were all looking at me like I'd grown a third head by this time. Delenn knew something was very wrong. When I mind healer is called, there is a grave problem.
"She's been orphaned."
I heard and felt the sudden intake of breath from Marcus.
"In Valen's name."
He understood. Both arms went around me tighter now.
Apparently Marcus's reaction told them I'm not crazy. Cause now the captain no longer looks like he wants to throw me out of an airlock. Even Michael straightens up and looks ready to listen. He needs to get that forensics team together now.
"The Corp is Mother the Corp is Father. She's not classified as rogue. Talia is outcast now. They've declared she has no family and no protection. Bester's message was her eulogy. If we don't find out what they did to her, she'll be dead in less than a week."
The room was still. Everyone was trying to process what I said. They wouldn't put it past the Corp but they still couldn't imagine that they did that. Breathless, they looked to me for instructions.
I repeated my orders to Michael adding that they need to test air ventilation system, food, water, and her console. I explained that it could be in shampoo, toothpaste, or dust on the wall. I feared it was most likely that they laced her home with a virus specific to kill telepaths. Its how they eliminate orphans. That would have no effect on non telepaths. I also said that since she viewed the crystal first it could have an imbedded command to trigger something they might have planted in her head.
The possibilities are endless. But that last one scares me most.
Once he got the gist of the situation, Michael took off to get things in order and begin setting up the forensic tech guys. G'Kar went to help him. I had intended to go to security and start reviewing the logs, cross referencing them with shipping manifest and place a hold order for the ship.
That's when things went SUPERSONIC BOOM!
The captain ordered me to Talia's quarters to help Michael. I stiffened.
{This is not good!}
"I'd be of more use with security and actually tracking the person who was in her quarters."
"Maybe, maybe not. But you obviously have a nose for what's going on. Why don't you & Marcus put your Ranger training to use."
{Did his back just stiffen?}
"Sir, I cannot enter Talia's quarters."
{Dammit John, don't give me shit.}
"I can't go in either, captain."
"Ok, tell me this isn't against some ancient Minbari tradition or is this Anla'Shok taboo?"
I turn around and look Marcus in the eye questioning with a raised eyebrow. He nods.
"Valen give me strength."
{Its quickly becoming my mantra.}
Delenn's looking extremely confused by our actions. The captain is about to blow a gasket but Marcus and I are still looking at each other trying to decide what to do by reading each other's facial expressions. Never even dawned on either of us there was an easier way.
"No." I release a breath and nod a thank you for his taking over. I didn't know how to answer that.
"Then unless you give me a damn good explanation, you are both going down to Talia's quarters and investigate!"
"Sir, if it's there, the virus is specifically designed to kill human telepaths."
Its all I can say then I just stand there and wait. I start to feel a little guilty 'cause Marcus keeps holding me tighter & tighter. I keep leaning in and nobody's holding on to him.
"Well, what the hell does that have to do with anythi.... No. You are not saying what I think you're saying. You are not telling me that all this time, all these years you've been a rogue telepath?"
"Yes."
Now that he's gotten the answer the captain doesn't know what to do so he sinks in the seat next to Delenn. She, however, gets it and merely nods. As if her physical movements are connected to his higher brain functions, now he can speak again.
"Marcus, you too?"
"Yes."
"Susan, were you ever going to tell me?"
"Obviously not until my life depended on it."
{Well its true!}
The wheels are turning in the captain's head but I haven't a clue what he's thinking. He opens his mouth to say something and then snaps it shut. He looks at me, but not at me. At my Ranger pin.
[I've know her for almost 10 years. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed. Now I see why she hated to be around telepaths. Afraid she'd be caught.]
Words and images start floating from the back of the captain's mind. "She's special. More special than any of us were prepared to deal with....She is the Unicorn, the Pegasus, the Fairy Folk."
[Obviously Sinclair wasn't just talking about her telepathy. She dreams the future! There must be much more to her.]
"Bester mentioned you by name. Its no secret you don't get along. Could he know about you?"
"I don't know. I don't see how. Until a few minutes ago only one human knew."
"But you're untrained. He's been on the station several times in the last few months. Maybe he scanned you."
"No, I've been trained. He didn't scan me."
"Susan, he's a P12! Of course he could have scanned you."
{How much do I say? Trust. But, I'm not stupid. Just enough to ease his mind that I haven't given up Resistance secrets.}
"In the strictest of confidence sir, a P12 can't scan me."
Now both Delenn and the captain are looking at me like I'm having delusions of grandure or am in serious denial.
Delenn goes for a neutral question. Perhaps hoping to reconnect me with reality.
"You said you have been trained. By whom? Was it Talia? Has she been helping you?"
{I don't want to get into this.}
"Talia doesn't know. My teacher is F'hursna Leroon."
At this new twist she gasps rather loudly and damn near shouts,
"In Valen's name!"
Not to be left out of the loop in case there is cause for more shocking noises to be made, John wants to know who that is. When Delenn tells him he goes white and looks inward, then nods his head like, "ah now I get it." For his part, Marcus just gives the Minbari equivalent of wow.
I know the captain wants to ask the question. Its burning in him. He goes for it.
"Susan, do you know your Psi rating?"
"Yes."
"Will you tell me?"
"No."
{And if you ask again I'll give you a hell know in all three Minbari dialects.}
The captain appears to be getting smarter because he doesn't ask a follow-up question.
Then both beady pair of eyes turn on Marcus and I'm glad to be out of the hot seat except both of them are still looking at us like we're the surprise in Tuna Surprise.
{In a way, I guess we are.}
"Marcus? Does anyone know about you?"
"Only one human until today."
This kind of offends the captain I think. Apparently he wanted to be patriotic and wave the EA flag at us for dismissing humans. Then I think he considers that Babylon 5 is viewed as anything but patriotic. Then he seems to remember Psi Corp.
{Finally catching up with the rest of the class?}
"Do you think you've been scanned since you've been here?"
"No. I would've known it."
"Let me guess. No P12 can scan you either?"
The sarcasm is dripping and oozing from the captain at this point. Marcus isn't phased in the least and responds with a smirk.
"They can try."
{Confidence & a bad ass. I think I like this guy. Not just a pretty face}
That gets the captain's attention and perhaps gets his back up as well. I don't know why.
"Alright. Until we know what we're dealing with I want both of you off the station immediately. Get what you need and get up to White Star 3 within the next 15 minutes. Don't come into contact with anyone working the investigation. Report to the healers on board and let them start checking you both out just in case. You were both in contact with Talia and if its something airborne I don't want either of you dying from it."
{How do I say this without calling you an idiot?}
"Captain, I can't speak for Marcus but for reasons I cannot go into at this time, no one can know what I told you."
"Susan, I know you are a private person and have kept this secret a long time. But we'll probably need to use your talents. Maybe in the investigation. I can't guarantee that it won't be brought up amongst the command staff. With all the secrets we're already keeping, what's one more?"
As he tries to ease my concerns thinking I'm still hiding out of shame or fear of getting caught.
"You misunderstand me captain. That wasn't a request, it was a statement of fact. NO one can know."
{Yeah, this is bordering on insubordination but he doesn't have all the facts.}
"Susan, I said we'll keep it low key and I meant that. Right now there doesn't seem to be any real need but..."
"With all due respect captain you are not hearing me. This is not something that can be revealed. It is not something that can be whipped out in case of emergency."
He's about had it with me and is about to jump all over me. Delenn let's it play out but I think she has a better idea than the captain what's at stake.
"Commander..."
"Excuse me sir, I didn't want to get into this and I'm not going into specifics but I suppose I need to break it down for you. You will NOT discuss what I told you with anyone, ever. Unless you want this station CRAWLING with Shadows!!!!!"
I hissed with pure venom and enough Minbari thunder and lightening to almost match Delenn's showdown with Earth Force.
{That got both their attentions quick. Marcus are you snickering back there? Where is Fannol when I desperately need him?}
I look Delenn straight in the eye and repeat in Andorando what I told her at the Rebirth Ceremony.
"I have seen what was and what is to come."
She is visibly shaken and I think she was just starting to recover from the bomb I dropped about Shadows when I spring that on her. To her credit, she gets it. One thing I can count on with Delenn, Minbari know how to keep secrets. Satai invented the concept.
Then for the captain's benefit,
"I am not ashamed. I know who I am. There are more things in Heaven and Earth, captain. I am one of them."
It finally sunk in. Captain John Sheridan had a flashback to Sinclair's words. Why the captain refuses to believe or understand is beyond understanding. The conflict with Earth is more real to him than darkness and light. But its all starting to come back to him with a vengeance.
[Damn, how could I be so blind? I keep forgetting and she doesn't even know I know some of what she can do. If she found out I did and still dismissed her like that, she'd hate me. Heaven & Earth hmm.]
Delenn, ever mindful of her Religious caste training is compelled to intervene lest something tempt the Universe. A month later she's still trying to make sense of my role in the Anla'Shok but is convinced that I am the Entil'Zha's chosen for a purpose he has not revealed. She will do nothing to disturb that.
"John, we have heard enough. Perhaps too much. More than we were ever meant to know. What was spoken in this room will not be discussed again."
Then she turns to Sheridan, "With anyone."
"Anla'Shok Ivanova has her reasons and we are not intended to know them. We will do nothing to change the course of destiny."
"Delenn, I wasn't trying to do that. I..."
She obviously wasn't interested in whatever John was about to say because she gracefully dismissed him.
"You two may go. Our silence is assured."
We both bowed to her and practically ran from the room.
{There she goes bowing all deep and meaningful to me again. I think Marcus got a little something extra too.}
"John, I know there are many things that you either do not accept or will not see. That does not make them any less true. She is special. More special than any of us ever realize but I am coming to see the wisdom and necessity of certain actions. She was chosen. She is chosen for something very specific. I suspected that the day she revealed herself as Anla'Shok. I am convinced now. Rangers were openly on this station for months and yet she did not speak. Friends she obviously wanted to acknowledge she could not for a reason. There is more. We must not, we will not interfere."
[She is special. More special than any of us ever realized. Why do Sinclair's words keep coming back?]
"Fine. I don't see and I also don't know what she said to you in Minbari to make you react the way you did. I suppose you aren't going to tell me?"
At Delenn's shake of the head in the negative he gets upset.
"Dammit. What is it about spending time on Minbar that makes people cryptic? The Susan Ivanova I know would never have kept me out of the loop like that!"
"She is changed. She is changing. She is becoming."
"Don't start with me Delenn."
At this she only smiles.
"Right now Talia's survival and protection against those who are clearly determined to kill her is our first priority. That and making sure that Marcus and Susan are shielded from whatever may be."
"You're right, I don't know why I reacted that way. I'm just so used to looking at things in a concrete manner. Time with Kosh aside. I don't get too many opportunities to see the supernatural."
I really couldn't get out of there fast enough. He was getting me ticked. Marcus met me in the shuttle bay and we headed to White Star 3, my ship. We hadn't spoken a word to each other since I thanked him for holding me up. Once we arrived we went straight to the Healers and let them work their magic. Stephen's a great doctor and a great friend but if he weren't who he truly is, I wouldn't let him near me. He's the only human doctor I'll deal with now. I don't have time for people who only consider what they can see under a microscope. Nope Minbari medicine is just fine with me.
An hour later we were both given a clean bill of health. Body taken care of, time for me to work on the soul. After 3 hours of meditation I looked up to see Marcus standing in the doorway. I suppose we need to talk.
{Really, do we have to?}
"Do you want to get in some sparring time? I think I might want to see this happy dance?"
"Marcus the Happy Dance is only done over my victim's prone body. Though I'm really out of practice so I doubt they'll be any dancing today."
"Sech Durhan thinks so."
"That's only because he wants me to do it over someone else's body instead of his own. When you're a Ranger in hiding you don't get much denn'bok practice in, it might blow your cover."
"Is that why you did Tai'Chi and Katas?"
"On station, yes. I have to keep the movements, it was the only thing I could get away with. But I started it in earnest as a way of working out the knots and kinks that formed overnight after Durhan threw me around like a rag doll for 5 hours a day."
"5 hours a day! You must be a glutton for punishment."
"Nope, just stupid. That was how he set up the lessons. He's not a man to negotiate with. If I complained he might have made it 6."
"What's going on in that head of yours? What are you thinking?" {What's he doing?}
"Why don't you take a look and tell me?"
"Oh no. I barely like listening to my own thoughts. I don't ever listen to others. You never know what scary things are lurking there." {Londo flashback eew}
"You and Fannol seem pretty tight."
{Major detour. What game are you playing?}
"Yes."
"I saw you guys in the garden a few times. You got some sparring time in with him when he was here."
"Yeah, mornings are...were a good time for us. Sparring we rarely get to do. He just wanted to remind me that I was getting soft."
"Oh, guess that makes sense with you two being so tight and all. You probably miss him."
At that thought my mouth quirks up in a wry smile. Then I think back on my BIG fun torturing him in the early days and most of our good times, laughs, and talks.
"Yeah, I do. I can't wait for him to come back."
"I see."
"You're asking an awful lot of questions that make no sense. What do you want to know?"
"Are you two together?"
"Huh?"
"Are you in a relationship? Are you dating?" He asks a bit agitated.
"Not that its any of your business but as I said we're friends. We aren't dating."
"Because you don't want to or because you haven't had the time?"
This makes me think. I never considered that possibility before.
"Why are you asking these questions?"
"I'm curious."
"Well, the truth is I never actually thought about it before. Dating that is. Friends are a rare and precious thing Marcus."
"I know."
"Interrogation complete?"
"Yeah."
"Alright let's go. I haven't had a opportunity to get my ass kicked lately."
And when all was said and done, Susan Ivanova did a Happy Dance over the prone body of Marcus Cole...twice.
While we were stuck on the White Star for the foreseeable future completely cut off from what was happening on the station, things were really heating up. When it was all over Stephen had to take time off. Three guess where he vacationed. It was too much for him. He did too much. He did not rest or sleep. He would not stop. He was afraid any minutes away from saving Talia would kill her. And the whole time I was up on my ship with nothing but the power of prayer to contribute. I was scared that he'd put himself at risk somehow. Empathic-Telepathic. How close might the virus be? But he's the best damn doctor I know and there was no way he would put his own safety above treating someone in need. Damn him sometimes.
Fannol passed through here on White Star 14 with some information on their latest covert expedition into Shadow activity outside Drazi space on the way to Minbar. Sensitive communications are never send through space. Its always on encrypted data crystals that we pass by hand to one another. At least this gave me two things to do. First Marcus and I were able to retrieve the information and prepare a report for the captain. After getting his orders on what we were going to do about it I prepared a report for Entil'Zha.
I also took the liberty of preparing a second crystal encrypted and marked personal for Entil'Zha's eyes only. This included an update on the Talia situation——I know he always liked her and would want to know——as well as my thoughts about what would happen to Stephen when it was over. When we were done I gave both to Fannol. We only had a few hours together while he was waiting for "supplies" to shuttle back & forth from the station but it was enough for one quick ass kicking and a talk. As one of Durhan's students I prefer him to others because I know what he can do. If I take him down it means I'm doing something right. Obviously I didn't do anything right 'cause he decided to sit down on the floor next to me to talk instead of helping me struggle to stand.
"Anla'Shok Cole appears more intense then the last time I was here."
"Really? It must be because of this whole Talia situation. They're friends and we're quarantined or banished from the station unable to help. I told you telepaths on my world were not free. Psi Corp did this to her."
"Perhaps that is the reason for his actions but I'm unconvinced. There seems to be more."
"Well, with Marcus you can never tell. I don't know. He was acting a little weird when we first got here. Asked a few questions about you."
"About me? What?"
"Mostly about us sparing. He saw us doing Katas a few times when you were here last. He asked about that. Oh, and he wanted to know if we were dating. He's weird some times."
"I see."
Fannol hid his smile. He saw perfectly well what Susan did not. Fannol realized that this intensity toward him was jealousy. Deciding not to share any of this with Susan, he changed the subject.
[There are plenty of air locks on this ship. I wouldn't want to lose a Ranger in these times if Susan does not react well to the revelation.]
"There is free and there is free. From what you told me, I'm free, were her only words after the Rebirth Ceremony when she gave up the Psi Corp."
"Yeah but..."
"No but. She was in the Corp her entire life. You said they took here from her parents as a very small child. It was all she knew. BUT, she finally found her purpose in life. She answered the calling of her heart. For months she worked covertly serving two masters. A day came when she would have no more. When her path became clear. She chose her place in the Army of Light. You said she practically demanded that place. Demanded the chance to serve. You cannot think that was an easy decision or even one she made lightly?"
"No, I sensed her struggle for months. And even before that when Entil'Zha was still here, she had no love for the Corp."
"Just like you struggled before to understand and to find your place for quite some time before you surrendered and returned to Minbar."
At this I turned to look at him with narrowed eyes.
"I can say to you now what I could not them. I know you have a Minbari soul. And I know it was one of the things driving you to return to your home on Minbar. To the Anla'Shok.
"Yes, it was a long journey. Not a pleasant one at times. And it is true. Anla'Shok are born and then we are made."
"Exactly. I do not know Talia but I understand. I believe she knew the risk but answered the call regardless. She is no different than any of us. There is a chance she will survive, but if she does not, she dies with honor and the knowledge that she fought against tyranny and Darkness by standing with the Light."
"You speak the truth my friend. I have meditated on this situation extensively. The Warrior within cries for justice to be served against those who used trickery and cowardice against her. But, I know that we are all subject to that. I keep praying she will survive."
"Faith manages, Susan, you know this to be true."
"In Valen's name I do."
It felt good to have time with Fannol. Most of the Anla'Shok who weren't privileged to witness the seeds of our friendship find our interactions puzzling. Especially Minbari. There are growing numbers of Anla'Shok training camps throughout many different sectors. The number of humans finding there way to them is increasing steadily. Just as Worker & Religious caste had to find ways to interact and become one in the beginning, humans and Minbari are doing the same. New levels of understanding grow with the number of missions these pairs survive. But the truth is, for some reason, Fannol and I continue to be a mystery to just about everyone. Even Delenn who spends an extensive amount of time with humans can't get us. I think she's stopped trying and just accepts it.
Two days later the call came. It was literally the last minute. Stephen isolated the virus and was able to create and antidote. He didn't stop there. My friend could never be accused of being stupid in the least. He created a vaccine. Apparently, he's decided that we should all take a time out from hiding certain things about ourselves or pretending we don't know certain things about each other in the name of staying alive.
The mind healers, Delenn was taking NO chances and sent for 5. Three would remain at the station indefinitely`, got here just in time. Valen seemed to be guiding all of us in this one. They had also implanted her. When Stephen did a CAT scan during his initial exam he noticed oddities in her brain waves and patterns. He checked her records and it wasn't there a year ago during her last physical. A lot of double checking revealed something that made all of us immediately ill.
About 7 months ago Talia was attending a conference on Mars. {Apparently they DO have conventions.} While there she got what she thought was stomach flu and was rushed to the 'emergency' room and stayed in the Psi Corp owned hospital for 3 days. That's when they did it to her and she wasn't even aware. It was supposed to be an alternate personality that would take over once a command word was sent. This would completely destroy the Talia we know. What they hadn't counted on and didn't realize was good old Jason Ironheart. Because of him, the program was incomplete and no matter how many times they shouted that code word, it wouldn't have taken over. The stress & strain would have caused a aneurism and she would have died. The "THING", and that's about the best way I can describe it, was a menace. I am so thankful they didn't realize what Jason did or the fact that her Psi abilities have been 'powered up' as we like to call it. If so, we would've never gotten her back. They would've had her in the lab for sure if they couldn't break her.
It took all 5 mind healers working with the 2 regular telepaths Delenn ordered to save her. Stephen said that he had to put her on life support, that her heart stopped and they lost her twice on the table. This was not good. The worst part is that because of the top secret nature of the situation it was just him for awhile so he was doctor, nurse, lab tech, and everything else. Its not that he doesn't trust his staff, these are serious times and we all don't know who to trust outside the circle. Stephen called for Healers from two of the White Stars and asked that they be prepared to stay indefinitely. What is the universe coming to when we realize none of us have much faith or trust in humans and will only deal with Minbari? Stephen wants those two healers to work with him from now on treating those of us on the War Council. He doesn't want us seeing ANY other doctors. Can't really say that I blame him. Medlab 3 is now our official home. No other patients, no other staff.
At first I thought Michael was going a little bit over board when he said he'd be placing 24 hour guard on Medlab 3, even when no one was there. That's until I heard his report. Two guesses as to where those guards are coming from. Here's a hint they wield denn'boks and have a unique fashion sense.
It was Dr. Hobbs. She was Psi Corp's OTHER contact on the station. She saw Talia change in the Isolab and reported it. She's also the one who informed them that she was now decked out in the uniform of the Army of Light since that very day. None of us understood why she did it since she isn't in Psi Corp, isn't a telepath. But she is in Earth Gov and apparently the two are working hand in hand to bring us down. Talia was the first. They were coming for all of us. Hobbs prepared the virus on station when instructed and handed it off to an undercover Psi Corp member that came in 36 hours before he dropped that little bomb on her. Michael caught them both. Personally, I wanted to tie them up in the shuttle bay, depressurize it and then open the doors. Air locks were too good for them. They all vetoed my suggestion though G'Kar gave it a lot of thought before saying no. I was gratified to note that he felt we should save something like that for the really big BOOM. Start small, then work our way up he said. G'Kar and I speak the same language some times.
After that was cleared up I went to the captain and told him what I decided on the White Star. He looked like he was going to protest a great deal until I reminded him what both Talia and Stephen had just been through. He reluctantly agreed but did admit that he saw the wisdom in my plan. So, as soon as Talia was officially released from Medlab she and Stephen boarded White Star 9 for a non stop flight to Minbar. I offered to take them but the incredulous look he gave me and the fact that we were losing two major players on the team for 3 weeks meant that I wasn't gonna get my quicky vacation. Then he winked at me, tossed me a crocked smile and said nice try. Gotta love him.
Delenn told the John that it was the right thing to do when she saw him brooding one day. We were both thinking the same thing. He was afraid they'd come back Rangers and he wouldn't be able to get straight answers or hold a meaningful conversation with anyone but Michael. Garibaldi wondered if he should be offended by that but we laughed and assured him not.
Tuzanor:
Talia needed rest and apparently she took to the Garden of Eden immediately. They started referring to it as that when I was there and it kind of stuck. Turval was wondering if it was a human female thing because we both reacted the same way there. The whole orphaned experience really rocked Talia's world. She didn't know anything anymore as much as she was putting on a brave face in front of us on the station, the mask cracked in Tuzanor. It should really make people stop and wonder what it is about that place that compels one to strip away all the protective layers and get down to the truth. I wonder if Jeff is going to start charging admission because it really does seem like the B5 staff is treating his place like a vacation resort and convalescent home.
It didn't take Kaileen long to get her hands on Talia. Once she heard what happened to bring her to Minbar and who sent her, Kailenn was on a holy quest. Yes it is true. Minbari have missionaries because Kailenn was primed to convert Talia. For her part, Talia was ready and willing. Lennier taught Talia Andorando after she joined the team. It made Kailenn's mission easier. The healers monitored her progress and she had some private sessions with a mind healer to help her work through the pain of the implant and learning what the Corp had done to her. It was through their work that Talia was able to unlock the memories of everything that happened on Mars. It was pretty bad. I think what helped her the most was spending time with Entil'Zha. It was good for both of them because he opened her eyes to many things and she added a different perspective.
On the third day Talia had the test for her Psi abilities. Apparently they've made a few adjustments to the way they convey certain information as a result of what they now refer to as the 'Ivanova incident'. Minbari are nothing if not polite. They were visibly relieved when she quietly absorbed the information and thanked them. When they finished all her tests they contacted Entil'Zha to see if he thought F'hursna Leroon should be contacted for her as well. He agreed to pass the information on to him and allow him to make up his own mind. Leroon arrived the next day.
Entil'Zha thinks Leroon is secretly hoping that he'll get a steady stream of these unusual human telepaths. After talking to Talia in great deal about her encounter with Ironheart he decided he needed to study the phenomenon closer. He was also pleasantly surprised to learn that Talia had no problems what so ever with her Psi abilities and eagerly wanted to explore them in a safe environment. When the war is settled and life returns to normal he wants Talia to come spend time at his school for a while. She agreed readily. It was her telekinetic ability that they worked on the most. Micro versus Macro movement of objects and the like. Entil'Zha had to intervene when Kailenn and Leroon disagreed about how her time would be better spent. It seems they both wanted the bulk of the day.
Stephen had a rather interesting conversation with Entil'Zha one evening.
"You know that I was in prison during the war, Jeff?"
"Yes, I read your file before you came on staff at the station but it had no specifics."
[I'm finally going to get the answer to a question I always wanted to ask.]
"The reasons were classified. I was never court martialed or officially charged."
"That's most unusual. Even during a war as unusual as that one. It must have been something."
"I was drafted. I never signed up for Earth Force. I heal the sick, I don't fight wars except against illness."
"It's a noble profession. I think most doctors feel that way."
"Perhaps. Xenobiology has always interested me. One of the reasons I jumped at the chance to go to Babylon 5. Right after I finished my residency I left Earth. I wanted to travel the stars and explore other races and civilizations."
"Understandable. Most of us joined Earth Force for the same reasons."
[He's got something important to tell me. Why now? How is it relevant?]
"I used to trade my medical knowledge and skill in exchange for passage on ships. Didn't matter the species or where they were going. As long as I was welcome I considered every offer an opportunity. Then I encountered an unknown race. I'd never heard the language. I found them fascinating. Very distinctive species."
"The ship was attacked and severely damaged. It crash landed on an isolated uninhabited planet. What was to be a short ride to another destination ended up being a year recreating Robinson Caruso."
"Amazing, Stephen. I've never seen anything like that in your file."
"Because you weren't meant to. Their ship's doctor died in the crash and I took over. I considered it a wonderful opportunity at the time. Well, right after I over came my fear of the responsibility.
This made them both laugh at the irony of a new doctor having the sole care of a completely alien species and none of the language skills.
"Needless to say I grew up quickly and also learned the language fast. I needed to if there were an emergency, there'd be no time to spare.
During that time we shared responsibilities, chores, and information about our culture. I learned many things from them and I tried to represent all sides and faces of humanity. They were a more homogenized specie than humans. Though most are. If I hadn't been a doctor and they hadn't been in need of one, I seriously doubt they would have given me the time of day. Anyway, I learned that they had a special role in their society and a special mission."
[Where is he going with this?]
"They taught me many things. Many principles and customs. I found most of them fit with my own. A few of them decided that I also needed to learn how to fight. We were stranded on a deserted planet but there really was no way to ensure it stayed that way until help came along."
"Understandable. But you don't like to fight Stephen. I know this, you've as much as said so."
"True. Just because I don't like to fight, doesn't mean I can't. Besides it was a challenge most of them thought I wouldn't be able to learn their fighting style. Uh, I admit it was VERY alien to me and I didn't think I could as well. But the days were long and we had to have some thing to do."
"So, what was this unique fighting style? Its been over 10 years, we must have encountered this race by now."
"Oh yes, we encountered them a few years after we were rescued. Earth Force made first contact. And the fighting style was with the denn'bok."
At this, Sinclair stared. Minbari. Stephen was the first human to make contact with the Minbari! [Why does everyone from Babylon 5 insist on showing up here and shocking me?]
"Minbari."
"Yes. I said they were on a special mission. They were Anla'Shok."
Sinclair blew out his breath and then made an uncharacteristic whistle. [And the hits keep coming.]
"Wow. I never would have guessed. That's why you had no problem treating Delenn initially?"
"Yes."
"Ok, but how does this relate to you being sent to prison?"
"During the war I worked at a hospital on Earth. Doctors were in short supply considering the sheer number of casualties we had. One day General Adamson came barreling into the clinic I was setting up demanding to know why I hadn't informed them that I'd made first contact with the Minbari years before Earth Force. And that I treated members of their specie for an entire year. He wasn't pleased when I told him I didn't think it mattered."
"I have a sinking feeling I know where this is going."
"You are not a stupid man. I was ordered to create a biogenetic virus to be used as a weapon."
"In Valen's name!"
"You said it. Our conventional weapons weren't any match against the War Cruisers. They were killing us off without thought. I suppose some people got a little too desperate. Anyway, I refused. They attempted to ease my conscious by explaining that it wasn't a violation of my Hippocratic Oath because I'd be saving billions of human lives."
Stephen couldn't keep the disgust out of his voice at this point. His revulsion showed.
"That's when I was ordered to turn over my notes so someone else could do it. More attempts to ease my conscious. When I refused that they arrested me. My home and office were searched, they wanted my notes."
"But we didn't create a virus."
"That's because I am not a stupid man. As soon as I learned that we were at war with the Minbari I destroyed all of my notes. The only knowledge was in my head so they couldn't kill me. Otherwise I wouldn't still be here."
"I had no idea. How did you get out? Or did they keep you until the war ended?"
"Peace talks. The Minbari secretly contacted Earth using the Narns as intermediaries. A secret meeting was to take place so that some kind of peace could be negotiated without either side losing face. That's how I met John Sheridan and G'Kar."
"All this time I never knew you & G'Kar went back that far or Sheridan either."
"That's because its highly classified. None but a few know."
"Ok, so why are you telling me now? Or better, what aren't you telling me?"
"Smart man. Sheridan, G'Kar and myself were to meet with a Minbari representative selected by the Grey Council."
At Sinclair's raised eyebrow Stephen just smirked.
"Yes, I've known about them all along. There are a great many things I know. I'm a doctor. I'm use to keeping other people's secrets."
[Cryptic even for me.]
"They tapped me to go on the mission because I was the only human to actually have seen a Minbari. They knew I'd be able to confirm whether it was a hoax by another race or a legitimate attempt at peace. Because it was in the name of peace and saving lives I agreed.
But something went wrong. The bunker we were meeting in was attacked. The Narn ship in orbit was destroyed. We never had a chance. The sad thing is that we were just sitting down and talking for the first time. Really talking. I hoped something would come of it. They asked G'Kar to come because he spoke Minbari. I never told anyone that I did. No telling what they would have tried to get me to do."
"Smart man. They could've tried to use you to send false messages, anything."
"I know. I just didn't trust them after the virus thing. And quite frankly, I was prepared to rot in jail for eternity before I did that."
"You're wondering why I'm telling you this." At Sinclair's nod he continued.
"Because the Minbari contact was Lenonn. Your predecessor."
Floored. Sinclair had not been told this information. It didn't change anything significantly but it put a lot of things into perspective.
"Lennon was mortally wounded. I didn't have any medical supplies with me. It was supposed to be a peace mission. There was nothing I could do except make him as comfortable as possible and that wasn't even good enough. He died in my arms and we all thought it was a sign that all chances for peace died as well."
"Lenonn. He died in your arms?"
"Yes, I did Ish'tara for him as best I could with what little we had."
[What is it with my friends and death rituals?]
"Ish'tara."
"I told you I spent a year living and learning with Anla'Shok. A few of my patients died from the crash or disaster later. It was a harsh planet. There's more to this story but something I should tell you first. Then something I should probably give you. By right, I suppose its yours. Before the war, before the Shai Alyt's ban on Warriors entering the Anla'Shok.."
At this, Sinclair's head snapped up. Question unasked screaming for an answer.
"I know a lot of things Jeff. I told you I'm good at keeping secrets. Comes with the profession." That was all he said to that.
"Before the war, the Rangers were Warriors. You know 'you pray, you work, we fight' and all. Too bad Earth didn't have that rule. Anyway, I developed a few close friendships during our time stranded on the planet. Actually they were the closest friendships I've had until coming Babylon 5. Gedroon gave me this."
With that, Stephen reached into his cloak and pulled out a Ranger pin.
"She said that I'd know she lived until it cried tears of blood and water. I was shocked that she did that. She placed it in my hand and I didn't know what to say."
Stephen stopped for a few minutes to relive memories past and suppress a pain that was clearly written on his face. Sinclair allowed him to work through it in silence. He collected himself and moved on.
"I always remember that day. But its clouded by the memory of the day the tears fell. I don't know if I ever actually believed they would until I saw them. I didn't want to believe that. But as you can see, they did."
"How did you manage to keep it all this time? The metal and stone are distinctly not indigenous to Earth or any colony world. Only Minbar. Only Tuzanor."
"Once the war started and I learned it was the Minbari I told you I destroyed my notes. Well I hid the pin as well. I didn't think anyone would be able to make the connection but I didn't want to take any chances. I kept it hidden on me the entire time. It was while I was in prison that it cried and I knew she was dead. I was going to give it to Lennon when we had a private moment together because I saw his pin and knew he was Anla'Shok but we never had time. So, Entil'Zha, I guess it goes to you."
Sinclair didn't miss Stephen's address, the way he said the name with respect and deference, or his obvious reluctance at returning the pin.
[Honorable to the end. He doesn't want to let go but feels he has a responsibility to give it to me.]
"Stephen, the pin is yours. It was given to you by a Ranger as was her right. You don't have to return it."
The relief on his face would have been funny if the situation weren't so serious or painful for his friend.
"Thank you."
"None is required."
Sinclair knew he'd have much to think about later. About everything Stephen said. After a few moments he prompted Stephen to continue.
"You said there was more."
"Yes, this is were things went from bad to worse, to really awful then down right strange. Once he knew he was dying he said they would blame us for his death. They'd say it was a trap and that we planned it. He was right 'cause that's exactly what they did. Anyway he told Sheridan something. I didn't hear because I was too caught up in trying to keep him alive. He gave him a message and said that he must repeat it exactly, that it would be our only chance for survival."
"They came for us shortly after Lennon died. They beat all three of us pretty bad. G'Kar was hit for associating with humans. I'm surprised he still speaks to John or me." He chuckled at that.
"They took us on board the Valen'Tha. In between random beating just for the hell of it I guess, Sheridan tried to tell them the message. Each time he spoke Dukhat's name they got more and more angry."
"Wait, Dukhat? Why was he mentioning him?"
"John didn't speak Minbari. Lenonn gave him the message in English. It's the only word the Minbari soldiers understood and I suppose they were offended by his using it."
"If they didn't speak English how did Lenonn expect them to understand the message?"
[I'm getting a bad feeling about this. Why do I think I know where this is going?]
"Because the message was intended for only one person and that Minbari did speak English. The only Minbari on the ship. The Grey Council's ship. Are you following me so far?"
"Unfortunately, I think I know where this is going. Continue please."
"The message was a statement that required a question as a response and then Sheridan was suppose to give the answer. Which was also code but the one who it was intended for would know. Lenonn and that person were the only ones who knew EXACTLY what was going on. It seems that Dukhat was very good at keeping secrets too. He didn't tell either of them. Lenonn found out after Dukhat died and he only shared it with that one person."
"I'm getting a VERY bad feeling about this."
"You should. Anyway, John was determined to shout that message until they shot him, beat us to death, or threw us out of an airlock. Good thing he did 'cause we finally came face to hooded face with the intended and he said it."
"What was the message?"
A rather huge lump was growing in Entil'Zha's throat.
"And I quote, 'I know what's in Dukhat's sacred place'. The Minbari was very surprised but finally said, 'what is in Dukhat's sacred place?'"
"Sheridan answered one word that he didn't understand. He said, 'Isil'Zha'. Apparently encouraged that our beating had stopped momentarily while everyone looked around surprised that he said a Minbari word and surprised what that word was, he kept shouting it."
"By now I was getting tense because several things were going on. The intended looked around at everyone in the room, did a full 360 turn just to see everyone's face. Finally, all that person said was for them to let us go because they'd seen enough killing for the day. There was protest, but the steely dismissal snapped everyone in line and they let us go. We were in the hospital for a few weeks. Some peace mission!"
"What are you not telling me?"
"That as soon as John said Isil'Zha, I knew that it meant the future."
Sinclair struggles but manages not to roll his eyes. [Why are they all so reluctant with me?]
"And?"
"And that it took almost 10 years but I learned everything in one day."
[How do I say this? Why do I feel the need to say this?]
Sensing his deliberation, Sinclair decided to help him out.
"It's ok Stephen. You can tell me anything. I'm ready."
"It was Delenn on the ship. She was the one Lenonn intended the message for and she is the only person who knows what was in Dukhat's sacred place....except me."
Stephen took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then he shifted in his seat, got up and walked the room. Sinclair let him do what he needed to do. Then Stephen turned around and said,
"A Vorlon. Dukhat had hidden a Vorlon on the ship. Not just any Vorlon but Kosh."
This was a surprise. Sinclair had no idea what to expect. Scrolls, hidden text of Valen's writings, something other than what his friend just revealed.
"A Vorlon? Kosh?"
"Yes and yes"
"You're sure?"
"Absolutely."
"How?"
"When we boarded the ship I....."
{Maybe this was a bad idea. He'll think I'm crazy.}
"You can tell me anything."
His firm gaze and soft open expression was enough to convince Stephen to continue what he started.
"When we boarded the ship I felt something. I heard something very distinctive. Something similar to what I've heard other... times in...other places."
"What was it?"
"The song. Order, harmony, and complete peace. I didn't hear that particular version of the song again until I met Kosh on Babylon 5."
"How could you be sure it was him? That it was same?"
"When you know the song. When you can hear it you know that each one is sung a bit differently depending on certain...circumstances. Also...look I really can't explain it to you other than to say that it was identical."
This little revelation was confusing. He didn't know what it meant. But it was significant in some way.
"Are you sure? I know I asked you that but how many Vorlons have you spent time with? They might all sound the same. For all we know all Vorlons are one Vorlon in pieces."
"He recognized me on the station."
"What!"
"Kosh recognized me when I first came to Babylon 5. He came to see me one night."
"What did he say?"
Sinclair had no idea why his heart was racing, thundering in his chest.
"Hello old Friend."
Shaken and stirred beyond anything he thought could come out of this evening's chat.
[What is it about my friends? Must they all have supernatural experiences and abilities? Is it me or does Babylon 5 attract all the unexplainable?]
"Hello old friend?"
"Yes."
"How did he recognize you?"
[He's taking all of this pretty well. Does he believe me or think I'm crazy? Does he really want to know? Can I trust him?]
"You can trust me." No room for doubt.
"Do you believe any of what I'm saying? You're taking it too easily."
"I believe you. I definitely believe you."
"He heard my song."
Bam it was out there. Stephen had said what Sinclair already knew from Susan but now what? And what does it mean?
"He heard your song."
"Keep repeating it, it won't change. Yes, he said that he heard my song. He heard me when I came on board the Valen'Tha just as I heard him. He heard me when I arrived on the station just as I heard him but I didn't know where he was. He found me."
"I have no idea what to say. I want to ask you how you have a song but its none of my business and I wonder if I'd even understand if you did tell me."
He added a self deprecating smile for good measure.
Stephen laughed.
"Good, then don't ask. I don't think I could explain it to you."
"You've heard others? Their songs I mean."
"I was hitchhiking the galaxy. I passed many things, many beings in my time. I forgot that for awhile. Once I'd gone back to Earth and we were trying to undue all the damage from the war, I became a scientist for awhile and forgot that healing isn't always found science or medicine. I got my wake up call on the station. I put science ahead of everything else. Perhaps I wanted to forget what I know. I'm not sure. Faith and spiritual beliefs are just as important as modern medicine. You remember what happened. You were angry with me for weeks."
"Yes, I remember now. I'd forgotten, its been a couple of years and I've been kind of busy." Smile, chuckle.
"I didn't forget. I'll never forget."
"That's when things started to change for you? When you started to remember and accept?"
"Yes. It's also the night Kosh finally decided to drop by and get reacquainted."
"Must have been something."
"Undescribable. I'm sorry, I can't go into the details of what we talked about. But mostly we just listened to the song and not the music."
Nonplused, Sinclair couldn't help the squeak that came next.
"You can communicate with Vorlons?"
"If that's what you want to call it. There is information transferred and understanding received."
"Amazing."
"I don't know. There are many different levels and way of communicating. Ours is direct. I communicate with Kosh the same way Vorlons do with each other. But, Captain Sheridan obviously found a way to communicate with Kosh considering he's Kosh's student."
"What!"
"The captain is Kosh's student. You didn't know that? I thought you knew everything."
"That's Susan, not me. How did this happen?"
"Not too long ago Kosh just set up a meeting with the captain. Asked him to come over to discuss something. Didn't tell him what. Then he told the captain that he wasn't ready yet but he was ready to learn. How did you NOT know this?"
"I take it its public knowledge then?"
"Uh no."
"And you've noticed that I don't actually LIVE on the station anymore?"
"Point taken. Sorry. As for who knows. I do, Susan does. Delenn knows that he spends time with Kosh regularly so I guess she knows. And Michael. But he's not convinced that it isn't just some Jedi mind trick."
This causes them both to laugh.
"Yes, I love Michael but some times he has a way of putting things."
"Right. He's accused me of 'going Zen' a lot lately."
"Let's go back to one of your MANY revelations of the evening. How did you know it was Delenn? The incident was 10 years before you came to the station. And from what you said, you didn't see her for very long."
"Entil'Zha, I know you believe that it was Delenn even though you just heard this today."
"So humor me."
He's trying to decide whether and how to answer the question.
"You know that you can tell me anything."
"True, but you're going to get tired of saying that tonight. I felt her presence when she walked into Medlab the first time we met. I recognized or remembered it. I knew it was her and I knew what she was hiding. I've always known she was Satai. But since she seemed to want to keep it a secret, I didn't say anything to her. She tried to find out if I knew or suspected when she realized who I was. I didn't play her game. She still doesn't know I know. Only you."
Sinclair had no idea what to make of that. He tried to think of an intelligent, coherent question.
"Huh?"
"Huh? Which part didn't you understand?"
"The part about her presence. One meeting a decade ago and you felt her presence?"
"There are certain beings who's souls resonate a particular type of....presence. Its not the song. Not everyone has one. Only the Chosen. Some are quiet whispers like Delenn's. Steady, consistent and timeless. Some roar. If I've encountered them at least once, I can distinguish it again. No matter the time or distance. The presence is the spirit."
This was too much to process.
[I can't process. What does that mean?]
"You might not want to hear this but I feel its time I say it. Your presence is roaring. It's so loud it is a little nerve racking at times when I'm not expecting you. It has gotten louder over the years. You never felt like this before. I think it gets louder the closer you get to...where you're supposed to be. It's practically screaming now. I hadn't expected this when I arrived. Its..."
Stephen closes his eyes for a minute and Sinclair knows that he's gone somewhere else in time or space for a moment. Then he finished,
"Clarity. Peace. Purpose. Order. Its ready."
[I'm going to stop saying they can come. If they do I'm going on vacation. Does he know what I suspect? He hasn't mentioned dreams. Is he like Susan? What is he?]
"Sheridan's feels almost like a Vorlon's but VERY different. Its MORE than a Vorlon's. Older than a Vorlon's. STRONGER than a Vorlon's. There's only one being in the universe who I've ever encountered who felt like that. Some Minbari call him Starkiller and hate him still. Within 5 years they will wish they hadn't. In 10 years they'll be ashamed to admit they ever did. In 20 they will ache for him. The Universe will ache for him. For his presence."
Sinclair was sitting here listening to revelations on a time table of people he knew.
"You're empathic."
Impassive mask firmly in place. He says nothing. Merely looks at Sinclair.
"You can tell me anything."
"Yes."
"You're not like other human empaths."
"No."
"Not like other empaths regardless of species?"
"No."
"Do you know who you are?"
[What you are? If not, I don't know if I can help you.]
"Yes."
"We've almost come full circle. All of us have stood in the same place. You, Susan, Delenn, Sheridan and myself. In one way or another, we've all spent time on the ship with the Grey Council within weeks of each other, days perhaps. We've all intersected at some point. Then we all found our way to Babylon 5. That station has connected us as well. It's purpose was to be a place of peace, or so we thought. No, its true purpose was to host the Gathering. The Gathering of certain Souls. It served that purpose. Now it is to become a fortress of Light against the coming Darkness."
Sinclair said these words to Stephen and to no one in particular. Perhaps he felt he needed to clarify the path for the Universe. Perhaps it was for himself.
Stephen Franklin nodded, leaned back in his chair and smiled.
The three men in the quiet room sat silently for some time. "What is with these human friends of his? They all seem to know more about our history than we do! They all seem to possess knowledge we do not. Why are they coming now? Why are they sharing now?" Turval could hold his peace no longer and erupted, breaking the uneasy stillness in the air.
"I do not know my friend. We seem to learn more each time one of them visits." Rathenn answered.
"Even if we perhaps were not meant to know these things?" Durhan had remained in thoughtful silence while the other two speculated.
"How can you say that? Even as Satai I am certain that Rathenn did not know Dukhat had a Vorlon on board the ship. It was there the entire time! Throughout the entire war if this human is to be believed, for we all know when Lenonn died." Turval still can't wrap his mind around this.
Rathenn didn't know why that truth bothered him.
Durhan became the voice of reason. "Friends, Dukhat was the best of us. He had reasons we can never know. Remember he did not go into Vorlon space so the Vorlon must have come to him. We know that is a sign."
"Do we believe this human? Do we believe that Lenonn and Delenn learned of it. That he knows the Vorlon?" Turval couldn't handle this much information.
"Yes. He speaks the complete truth and we all know it. For some reason the Universe saw fit for him to be the first human to have contact with Minbari. Not just Minbari but the Anla'Shok. He lived with them in isolation for a year! He learned the ways of the Anla'Shok from them. And he's held on to Gedroon's pin all this time. I know her family. Then years later he is the one who held Anla'Shok Na Lenonn's dying body in his arms. He had the power and the knowledge to kill us, every single Minbari with a biogenic weapon, yet he chose to go to prison rather than harm one of us. Even while we were slaughtering his own people in a fit of madness he was sane. How was he thanked? He was beaten by us. You know what those Warriors were capable of. And Rathenn, YOU were there. You saw what they did.
Now he sits with Entil'Zha and makes confession of things he has told no one. He kept silent for over 10 Earth years but he speaks now because he is compelled. I do not know what all of this means. I am but a Warrior, Rathenn you are the priestly one. What are your thoughts?"
Rathenn didn't want to be in this position. The Nine were broken. He had grown accustomed to sharing his thoughts with them. Seeking their counsel. Now he was expected to give it.
"I do not know. These things we have seen and heard from Entil'Zha's friends are not in Valen's prophecies. Yet each of them has knowledge of things connected to the prophecies. Each of them is somehow connected to Valen because they are connected Sinclair." This was all Rathenn had to say.
"What of the song? WE all know what it means. Do they? Susan did not seem to. Vorlons are the Light beings. The Light bearers. This healer can and does communicate with at least one. His words were veiled. He knows more. He has seen more." Durhan chimed in.
"We know that Delenn was the chosen of Dukhat. That there is more in her or for her to do. She has fulfilled two of Valen's prophecies herself. There will be more from her. If we are to believe him about feeling a quiet spirit in her, and we know that Entil'Zha at the very least possess the soul of Valen, then what are we to think of his words about Starkiller?" Turval was agitated but he continued,
"Starkiller. A student of the Vorlon? Starkiller, the one whose presence all Minbari will ache to feel in 20 years. The one who will make us ashamed to have called him by such name!"
"Well, if this is so, Turval my good friend, perhaps you ought to start practicing NOT calling him Starkiller so much?"
Durhan could make the devil himself blush at times.
In response, Turval merely glared across the table at Durhan.
To ease the tension in the room Rathenn continued,
"I find it interesting that both Dukhat and Sheridan were students of the same teacher. Do you not?"
At this Durhan even was a bit miffed. "Satai, you are not suggesting that they are equals?"
"I have said nothing. I am merely observing what is before our eyes. What we, as you pointed out, know is the truth. Entil'Zha said they have almost come full circle. Each of them is connected. It is too much to be random that each of them had a hand in stopping the war. Of ending our murdering and destroying Minbari souls. To this day I shudder to think how many souls we lost. Perhaps there was a reason we do not understand why Valen said that they were important. Perhaps there is a reason why our lives continue to cross paths. We do not know the future. We do not know all that is to come. Yet two of them have stood before Entil'Zha and confessed what they know. None of us know why some humans certainly do have Minbari souls. There is no question about that. Perhaps we should start thinking on that more. They find their answers on Minbar at Tuzanor, might we find our answers on Babylon 5?"
"A Gathering of Souls. Perhaps we should see this Babylon 5?" Durhan said.
"You are serious? What could we hope to learn?" Turval felt he should offer up some protest though these were his secret thoughts as well.
The day finally came for Stephen and Talia to return. They were sorely missed. It really wasn't the same not having them around. Life went on, well whatever passes for life on Babylon 5. Marcus and I seem to be paired for missions often. We do work well together. And, he's the only person I've let into my mind except for my mother and Leroon. Being telepathic has its advantages when you have to maintain radio silence. The captain never mentioned this but I'm certain that was in the back of his mind. Marcus and I have a groove I guess. We can anticipate each other's reactions and play off one another. We've also taken to sparing together regularly and we meditate some times. Lennier, bless his little heart, has struggled with the changes in me. I can see it in his eyes some times when we interact. To his credit, he's very good at hiding it . That's one of the reasons I like having Lennier on the White Star when we go out. Plus, he knows enough of my 'Ivanova ways' to help the crew adjust.
In honor of their return, we all met them in the shuttle bay. As soon as Talia stepped out the captain groaned in a not so hush voice,
"Oh god, not another one! What is it with Minbar?"
I caught Delenn's eye as she tried to hide her smile and simply rested her hand on his arm. Michael had no such reserve and laughed out right. To John's relief, Talia did not come back as a Ranger but he and Michael weren't sure if that would have been better. The cause for their distress? She was decked out in Religious caste robes. Stephen simply wore a cloak over his casual civilian clothes. We all crowded around them to give our welcome home.
"Its good have you both back. Things haven't been the same without you."
Captain Sheridan is gracious even while contemplating his suspicions. I walk Talia to her new quarters. After thinking about it long and hard, we decided on Blue Sector rather than Green for two reasons. It would have raised a few eyebrows and station security was responsible for guarding the Ambassadorial wing. As much as Michael weeded out those he couldn't trust from security he still couldn't be sure and didn't want to take any chances. Blue Sector was different, command staff always had the larger quarters and they were near each other. Garibaldi decided he wanted Rangers guarding that area as well but in a low key sort of way. It made sense. We all knew we could trust the Rangers.
Later, at the welcome home dinner, smooth and discreet as ever Garibaldi asked Talia about her clothes. Its true that she didn't have anything after she got out of Medlab. The only thing she asked for was her lucky penny. When it came back clean she said that was all she needed. Michael was a bit suspicious about that since it was imbedded in the wall and had to be dug out. He didn't ask and she didn't offer any explanation. So, when she checked out of Medlab she only had the few things I purchased for her. Before Talia could answer Michael's question Stephen pipes in with,
"It's a good thing we came back when we did. I think she was about ready to take vows at the Sisters of Valeria."
Delenn looked at Talia for a long moment but said nothing. Then smiled knowingly.
"Kailenn?" was all I asked.
"Kailenn." Her response said it all. Then we both laughed.
Talia turned a mock glare at Stephen and addressed him,
"Be careful Stephen, I might tell your secret."
The captain was looking a bit uncomfortable, Garibaldi and Marcus looked curious, Delenn intrigued, but I stiffened until I caught his eye and he shook his head. My relief was noticeable and I could tell that piqued more interest so I changed the subject.
That's when I mentioned how difficult it was getting the Voice of the Resistance message out to those who really needed to hear it because we couldn't boost enough power to get it through Earth Force's jamming signal. I shared how we'd been working on the problem for weeks but there wasn't a solution. Everyone nodded that our efforts had been in vain. Out of the mouths of babes. Stephen was idly helping himself to a second serving of flarn, not really paying much attention and then said,
"Draal's got that Great Machine, why don't you ask him to do it. Someone pass the rolls."
Just like that. We all looked at him, then we each felt the full weight of our stupidity. Stephen's only comment, "What?" went unanswered.
Calm doesn't stay long on Babylon 5. Things with the Centauri were getting out of hand. To top that off a Ranger training camp was mysteriously destroyed. And, when Stephen and I returned from a rescue relief mission we found out a dead man had come to the station. This did not bode well. Its also when the captain started to consider that his wife was still alive. I knew Anna, I knew what her death did to him. I also know that nothing but trouble will come from this. He's gotten close with Delenn. She assured John that Anna was dead. I felt a big old righteous BOOM, BOOM, BOOM coming. The big ones take time to simmer. This pot was on low boil for awhile. The other unnerving thing I learned was that the captain heard Shadows in the man's cell. He was convinced. Delenn told him that those who serve the Shadows are never alone. They have Keepers. My physical response to this was obvious as I shuddered and a sliver of ice pierced my heart. They thought I was reacting to the gruesome tale. And perhaps my comment about Shadows crawling all over the station hit home. No, they couldn't know I was remembering Entil'Zha's words to me when he warned me I could end up serving them if I didn't know who I was.
The dreams returned. It took almost four months before a resolution came. Some parts just didn't make sense. I felt like something was very wrong, yet at the same time I knew it was what was meant to be. I don't know what possessed me but one day I shuttled up to White Star 3 and sat in the chapel alone. I surprised the crew as I'm rarely there unless preparing for a mission. I didn't say much of anything to the crew but after two weeks of my unannounced daily visits to the chapel or to walk in the garden, they got used to me. I was disquieted and longed for the peace of Tuzanor. The White Star would have to do. So I started spending more and more off duty time on White Star 3 until it was the only place to find me if I wasn't working. And the only three places I could be found on White Star 3 were the chapel, the garden, or my newly acquired quarters. In the beginning I slept up there just a few nights a week. After the third week I didn't even bother going to my quarters on the station and spent every night there.
As the dreams continued and I tried to make sense of what I knew, I had to make peace with it as well. This was very difficult. I struggled with it. Some very long hours were spent in the chapel. It was quiet and I could pray without interruption. Some nights I couldn't sleep so I just walked the garden. Some nights I spent all night in the chapel praying. There was never anyone there when I arrived and no one ever came while I was there. I guessed it wasn't used very much. I didn't realize its vacancy was by design of my crew. I knew I had to come to terms with this because the time would be soon. In the meantime, I settled into my life on the ship without interference from anyone.
People started to comment on my behavior. I suppose it is a bit strange to be the second in command of a space station but living on a star ship. If that were the only change, I would've gone without notice. I was informed that I started to make unexpected outbursts that were cryptic enough to just convince my friends that I wasn't a babbling fool but that I wasn't telling them everything. Actually, they tell me I wasn't saying much of anything they could understand. This went on for several weeks. Some of them were starting to get scared for me, except for Stephen.
One day we were sitting in the War Room and I was mumbling enough to interfere with the activities report Fannol came to the station to give. My voice got louder and louder until they could all hear me even if they didn't understand. That's when Delenn gasped, Talia put her hand over her mouth and Marcus gave the obligatory "In Valen's Name." Fannol said not one word but he stopped being surprised by me a long time ago. The captain and Garibaldi didn't know what was going on but figured that their reactions meant I said something important. G'Kar understood but he too had no idea what it meant and just shrugged at the captain's questioning look.
I was apparently chanting in Andorando, "Now is the time. Now is the hour. The past is becoming. The future is unmade." over and over again. Someone made a move to shake me but Stephen stopped them. He was firm and just said "its time". This went on for about 10 minutes straight. No one knew what that meant or how he seemed to know what was going on but then I stopped. When I looked up they were all staring. Hey with this group, what's a little crazy among friends is what I really wanted to say. Instead I stood up and walked to the view port and stared out for a minute. No one had said anything since my first outburst. They were all waiting. Then I turned around and Kosh was standing in the room. He did something NOBODY including myself would have expected. He bowed to me. Me! All deep and meaningful like Delenn decides to do some times. A Vorlon bowing to a human? Michael was starting to rethink that whole Jedi mind trick thing. Wondering if it was contagious.
Then everything became clear. My dreams started to click into place. One by one the events I'd seen since Leroon taught me how to separate then from perceptions made sense. I looked at Kosh and said,
"The Gathering of Souls is near."
He did the Vorlon equivalent of a nod I suppose, then responded.
"Yes."
On his way out he looked at Stephen and did something that shocked me along with the rest of them. He bowed to him as well. Michael finally got his wits together quicker than anyone else.
"I think we need a time out."
Everyone seemed to agree but nobody moved. Then, if things hadn't already gone from strange to downright weird even for Babylon 5, we got another visitor. Draal showed up. Or his holographic image anyway. He turned to me and told me to come now. His voice cracked like a whip. Draal was not playing around so I nodded, turned to the captain and left. Fannol was right on my heels. He knew I probably couldn't pilot a shuttle.
While Susan was en route to the planet, Delenn could not and did not speak for a full ½½ hour. She was still and did not move a muscle. Marcus, ever her protector, went to stand near her unobtrusively. G'Kar was silent and thoughtful. Internally he was going over various passages from the Book of G'Quon. He could not find what he was looking for, no answers came to him. Talia started pacing. She'd spent 8 hours a day every day for three weeks with Kaileen. Since returning to the station she studied the 'homework' and reference materials that Kaileen prepared for her. She wasn't an expert at all in Minbari religion but her faith was strong and she knew enough about her belief in Souls, Rebirth, and Valen's prophecies to understand that's probably what Susan was referring to. She started pacing. She just didn't understand.
Then she stopped pacing, turned to Stephen and stared at him, through him, long and hard. This got everyone's attention. Focused on the two of them, the anxiety level in the room went up several notches. No one thought they could take much more. She stepped closer to him but was still some distance away. Narrowing her eyes she tilted her head as if listening for a whispered answer somewhere in the room. Then her face took on an expression of understanding and awe. She said,
"You are a Soulwalker!"
It was a statement and an accusation without malice.
Stephen returned her stare. Features relaxed but his face was an impassive mask. He responded with simple word.
"Yes."
The meaning was not clear to Michael or the captain but they heard what Susan said about the Gathering of Souls. They knew what Minbari said about souls, they saw how Kosh treated him and how he seemed to know exactly what was going on with Susan. There was only one simultaneous reaction expressed by everyone else in the room.
"In Valen's name!"
From the War Room to the shuttle bay to landing inside Epsilon 3, Fannol held his peace. He felt compelled to take up the role of Susan's protector and silent sentry as he had so long ago. She said nothing either. So much, too much was going on in her head.
{What could have gotten Draal so worked up to demand I come down. Ok, he always demands we come when he calls but he's always light hearted. What's with the urgency?}
Exiting the shuttle they walked to the Machine. Draal was already outside of it and simply motioned for Susan to take her place inside. Fannol was in awe but hid his thoughts well.
[What secrets these people keep! This is amazing.]
This was the first time Draal remained silent during one of her visits. He gave her no instructions, did not tell her where to look, and did not tell her what was wrong. He simply waited while she worked. When she stepped out she was flushed and unnerved. Her worst nightmare come true.
{So it was things to come!}
That was all she could think. Draal waited patiently while she composed herself enough to speak.
"Can you make a copy of that like the last time?"
"Yes."
He returned with a data crystal in a small box and handed it to her. She was about to thank him when he stopped her cold.
"I once told you that no normal human mind should be able to do what you did in that machine——should be able to see the things you make it show you. I should have suspected then but you played the role of the innocent very convincingly. Do you know who you are?"
"Yes."
"Then Valen guide you child. You will need it in the days ahead."
With that Susan and Fannol turned and left. Fannol was absolutely convinced she had the combined souls many Minbari within her. He worried for his friend but he rejoiced in what he felt she was to be. His one fleeting thought was that he was glad he did not try to ward himself against her. Susan returned to silence and did not speak again until she re-entered the War Room. Fannol did not try to break it.
After everyone's combined exclamation every single pair of eyes in the room settled on Stephen. He did not like that one bit. He never liked to be the center of attention but after Kosh and Talia decided to do their absolute best to reveal him, he was resigned. Sheridan finally spoke.
"What is a Soulwalker?"
Stephen turned but did not speak. He looked pointedly at Delenn.
[You owe me for the peace mission debacle and for keeping your secret all these years.]
Delenn had a question of her own and looked more than slightly embarrassed but would not hide from the truth,
"You knew? All this time, you knew it was me?"
"Yes."
"And yet you did not speak?"
"No."
By this time Michael was getting annoyed because Stephen had gone from doing his 'Zen thing' to outright speaking like a Vorlon. He was about to say this when he remembered Kosh's actions.
"Why?"
"You wanted to hide, I let you."
John Sheridan had learned enough from Kosh over the last few months to understand that there were things and beings in the universe we were not always ready or able to understand. Today's events had wiped away all doubt in the supernatural and the unexplainable. He had a better understanding of Sinclair's warning about Susan. 'Undeniable, proof.' Yes, he had that now. There was probably much more to come in the very near future. But he wasn't about to accept this conversation between Stephen and Delenn. [She's always hiding something!]
"I repeat, what is a Soulwalker?"
Stephen crossed his arms on his chest, looked directly at Delenn and raised an eyebrow. [Time to pay up.] Delenn nodded then turned to Sheridan and spoke but her words were meant for all,
"We are all star stuff, the Universe given form. There are those among us who are special, touched with the ability to see and identify the presence that radiates from certain souls. It is the spirit found in lesser beings. In those of us from the younger races. Those of us not of the First Ones. They are Soulwalkers. They can see the Soul. Know the potential of Greater Souls. They are children of the First Ones. Born and reborn. I never imagined that a race as young as humanity would have one born among you. They are in harmony with the Universe. They can hear the song. And because they are children of the First Ones, they have the song within them. They are also empathic. But not like ones we are mostly familiar with. They can also identify the ones who possess no soul. They are the Blessed."
Sheridan said nothing.
[What the hell am I suppose to say to that?]
He had to decide if he believed, then he wondered,
[Does it really matter if I believe? He has some kind of connection with Susan and Kosh. Is that enough?]
What he said out loud was,
"Unicorns, Pegasus, Fairies, and Angels. Is there anyone around here that's just plain old normal?"
At the mention of the mystical beings Marcus got dead serious and looked at the captain,
"What did you say?"
"Just wondering if everyone around here communes with the supernatural." His off handed reply.
Marcus' voice was tight as a drum when he pressed on through clenched teeth,
"No, captain, you gave a list. Fairies, Unicorns and Angels. What made you say that?"
All attention turned on these two.
[Why is he reacting like that? Damn are those code words from Sinclair? I thought he was using imagery.]
But John Sheridan could see that something was troubling Marcus. Whatever it is upset him. No, scared him. He opened his mouth to speak.
Susan marched into the room with fire in her eyes, Fannol less than a step behind her. Anything Sheridan would have said was cut off by her entrance.
"Good, you're all still here. Did we miss anything?"
Always helpful, Michael piped up.
"Actually yeah, Stephen's a Soulwalker and he knows some big secret about Delenn."
"You told them?" Incredulously.
"No. Talia outed me."
"You knew?" Pretty much the group response.
"Ivanova knows everything." Fannol dead panned.
"We've got a problem."
With this everyone groaned wearing the expression that screamed 'not another one'.
Susan reached into the fold of her cloak and produced a data crystal. Without comment she walked to the monitor and said,
"This will happen in 8 days."
Not waiting for anyone to question her she activated the view screen, dimmed the lights & let it play.
They could see Susan in C&C trying to send out a distress call to anyone who would listen. Corwin diving to narrowly escape a falling beam. The background clearly showed the station falling apart. Wounded and dead scattered. And through the C&C view port their worst nightmare given form. Endless numbers of Shadow vessels swarming through the jump gate destroying every ship and Starfury trying to defend the station. Garibaldi could be heard clearly over the intercom link shouting orders as he lead Delta and Alpha squads. Marcus was in the thick of the fight from White Star 2 where he'd taken over after announcing over the com that Delenn was dead. It flashed to an outside view as Shadows fired endlessly at the station. Finally Babylon 5 was destroyed.
When the recording finally ended no one knew what to think. They had too many surprises in too short a period. No one could move. Those who heard their own voices or heard what had become of them could not assimilate the information. It can't be true. Eight days.
Michael Garibaldi was a born cop always suspicious he had to ask the question,
"Susan, are you sure that's real?"
She was not angry. She knew her friend. She also knew that if she hadn't worked the machine enough to know it was the truth or had the benefit of her dreams, she would too. So she said,
"Yes. I have seen it."
Delenn simply shook. Marcus was none too composed either. Their eyes met in a knowing look not lost on the group. They were the only two that heard Susan's pronouncement months ago when she said 'I have seen what was and what is to come' in Minbari. They knew. This was their future.
"We don't have a lot of time. Someone or something is trying to open a time rift in Sector 14."
"That area's banned."
{Ok, captain, come back to the real world.}
"Doesn't make a difference. If its happening. I'm the only one here who's been out there. I know where I'm going and what to look for. I'll head out there." Garibaldi was always quick.
"Michael, it'll take you a day to get out there and back. We don't have a lot of time. 8 days."
The captain felt he should say this because he really didn't want to mention that they weren't equipped to fight off a Shadow attack on the station let alone whatever was coming through Sector 14. What he did say was,
"Susan, did I do this?"
Understanding immediately what he was talking about she looked at her friend smiled warmly and shook her head,
"No John. This wasn't you. But do you understand a little better now?"
"More than I want to, yes."
Then she snapped around and looked at Fannol. There was a pained expression on her face and everyone saw it.
"Old friend, do not think I am sending you from the fight, I am not. Do you trust me?"
"You know that I do."
"Leave. Do not stop for anything or anyone. Do not stop until you reach Minbar. Until you reach Tuzanor. Do NOT leave until I have contacted you. You are needed there more than you can possibly understand. Do you remember the first time I hit you with a dinner roll?"
"I'll never forget it. Or the second time." He drawled with a smirk.
"Remember what I said about hiding your light under a bush. Do not forget that. Say nothing of what you know or why you returned. But you must return to Tuzanor and you must leave now!"
Susan moved quickly to Fannol who was closing the distance as well. They looked at each other deeply and then embraced as if knowing it would be for the last time. Then he turned and left.
Their interaction seemed to bring everyone else out of their stupor. Delenn sat quietly thinking of things only Satai would know. G'Kar seemed to have found what he was searching for inside. The answer to the puzzle that had been going round in his head since the first strange encounter of the day. He was the one who spoke first,
"Mr. Garibaldi, I will accompany you to Sector 14."
It was not a question or a suggestion. Everyone understood that.
"Yes, that seems like the right course of action. Michael, get what you need and prepare to head out as soon as possible. We need scans and any video you can get. Don't take a White Star. They're made with Vorlon technology and I don't want you two drawing any Shadow attention to yourselves if you can help it. Do what you can, but don't take unnecessary risks."
Sheridan said this after having enough time to start putting all he'd learned into some sort of perspective. He continued,
"Stephen, I don't know if there's anything we can do. If we're able to stop this it might not be without lots of casualties. Get all the Medlabs prepared for Red Alert. Grab anyone you need. Talia, work with him.
"Susan, while Michael's gone, I need you and Marcus to work double time with security. Let's do the best we can to make sure they are prepared for whatever's coming."
"Delenn...we need to talk."
And they all set out to do what as ordered. Sheridan didn't have high hopes for straight answers with Delenn so he put that off for a bit and headed down to see Kosh. Why he thought that would help, he didn't know. Kosh was Kosh and simply confused him more.
"Kosh, do you know about the Shadow attack in 8 days?"
"Yes."
"What can you do to help us? Can you get Vorlon ships here to help defend the station?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Can we count on your ship at least?"
"No."
"Why? I thought you wouldn't want the station destroyed."
"The past is becoming. The future is unmade."
"Yes, I heard that from the original source. It isn't an answer."
"Yes."
Sheridan couldn't take it anymore. Kosh was silent apparently he had no desire to say anything else so Sheridan turned and left.
Marcus watched Susan carefully. He still had things to work out on his own. Things relating to some of the many comments and revelations made in the War Room earlier but that would have to be done at another time.
[Stephen's a Soulwalker. That I didn't guess. Balances things. Talia is a mystery to me. Enhanced telepathic abilities? She must have something. I read the Ironheart report. If he hit her with the ball of light like it says it wasn't just to illuminate the room. What does she know and how does she fit in to what's going on?]
They worked in relative silence for the rest of the day. Marcus still couldn't figure out Susan and Fannol.
[Why did she send him away? Protection? And that embrace. We're all friends. I have made close friendships with many Minbari Rangers myself. But they don't act like a human and a Minbari. They act too much like neither and too much like each other. How close are they?]
Susan was still sleeping on White Star 3. Her sleep was restless because the dreams came. They were a jumbled mess of past and present. She understood that they could prevent what she saw in the Great Machine but she wasn't ready for the way it had to be done. She was certain of what was coming in the next day but she was uncertain that she could live with it on a personal level.
{Why act nervous now? This is nothing new. Its been over a year almost 2 years since I've known. My personal feelings can't come before the greater good. There is much more work to be done. Then why am I so sad?}
She couldn't take it any longer. Minbari beds were not conducive to tossing and turning. "No rest for the wicked" she mumbled and got up.
When she entered the chapel she got a surprise. Marcus was there praying.
{Why act surprised? You know he prays, what Ranger doesn't?}
She meant to turn and leave so not to disturb him but then she saw something that caught her eye. Light. There was some kind of light glowing around Marcus. No, not around him, from him. Her breath caught and she gasped. She tried to turn and leave but knew she was already caught. Opting for the offensive,
"Anything you want to tell me?"
"That's rich coming from you."
"That's not an answer."
"Its probably the only one you'll get. Or understand."
"Nah, I think I'm gonna get an answer and I think I might be able to understand. Try me."
"You weren't in the room when Delenn had to explain for everyone what a Soulwalker is..."
"Wait, why didn't Stephen do it?"
"Looked to me like payback for whatever deep secret of hers that he's been keeping for awhile. A secret that he wasn't very happy about and that embarrassed her. Though I can't imagine what would embarrass Delenn."
"I could." Susan mumbled.
"Anyway, go on."
"You know what a Soulwalker is?"
At her nod he continued.
"They aren't the only ones who are Blessed in the Universe. But I guess you'd know about that too."
He paused & gave her a sly grin.
"Move along Cole. Gloating is not attractive on you."
"Really, so what do you find attractive on me?"
"I'm about 5 seconds from the Happy Dance Marcus."
"Alright. I can do some unusual things." That was it.
"That's it?"
"What'd you want???"
"Ok, I walk in here to find you praying and uh let me see, GLOWING, and all I get is you can do some unusual things. That about sum it up?"
"Fine, what are you?"
"Excuse me?"
"That's really the question you asked. I remember you telling the captain that you know who you are. That there are more things in heaven and earth and you're one of them. Wanna explain that?"
"No. Not anymore than you want to explain yourself. Ok, so does this glowing schtick have a practical purpose or are you pretty much just for decoration?"
At that he stared at her shocked. She just saw him glowing and is being a smart ass about it instead of running into the night scared.
[Oh, I definitely like this woman. Gotta love a smart ass.]
He laughed and shook his head at her.
"No, its not just for show. Its energy. You know all matter and anti matter is energy. The Religious caste would probably say that I must have ended up with a REALLY good Minbari soul to do this."
She laughed. "Yeah, Fannol's convinced I have more than one. We're not supposed to know that."
"You scanned him?"
"Of course not! He was broadcasting pretty loud by accident and we were touching at the time so it came through."
Marcus didn't like the way this conversation was going at all. He had no desire to hear about her 'touching' Fannol or anyone else.
[One of these days I should just get it together and ask her out.]
"Hey, Mr. A P12 can try? Do you know your Psi rating?"
"Yeah."
"How did you manage to hide from the Corp your entire life?"
"I should ask you the same thing Susan Ivanova."
"No, I think you already know. And I have my answer as well."
Marcus nodded. They understood one another perfectly. Not wanting to have anymore heavy conversation for the evening they left the chapel and took a walk around the ship. Ending up in the garden they sat together on one of the benches and were finally able to sleep.
Susan was in C&C early. She was nervous. Marcus noticed that when he came in a few hours later. He thought it had something to do with the impossible count down they were facing and her having to work in C&C up until that time.
[That's got to be creepy.]
Then an unscheduled ship came through the jump gate but she didn't look surprised at all. Everyone else was checking and double checking the schedule but the Minbari War Cruiser was not scheduled to arrive at anytime. They weren't sure how she would react. Susan Ivanova shocked people her entire life. None more than she had since returning to Minbar or them finding out she was a Ranger. Truth be told, her staff got over it pretty quick once they remembered exactly where they lived and that they should always expect the unexpected. But one thing she didn't waver on was the tight running C&C and her disdain for ships who attempted to disrupt her schedule. 'Someone's gonna get it' or so they thought.
As soon as the captain appeared on the screen and opened his mouth about to give her registry and request docking she held up her hand to stop him and didn't let him say a word,
"Welcome to Babylon 5 Valeria. You are clear to dock at bay 1."
Even the ship's captain looked shocked. And bay 1, without being expected. That was the prime spot. He simply nodded confused and closed the connection.
"Corwin, take over for the rest of the shift."
She glanced at Marcus knowing she'd never get rid of him and that he'd follow her anyway and inclined her head toward the door.
Once they entered the hallway,
"No questions for the next hour. Don't speak one word unless you're asked a question." When she got in the lift she activated her link,
"Delenn, please notify the guards that you're about to have company. Send Lennier away. We'll be there in 10 minutes."
"We?"
"An Old friend."
"Ivanova to Sheridan."
"Can you clear some time in about 1 hour and come to Delenn's? We need to chat in private."
"Sure, what's this about?"
"The count down, sir."
"Understood. Sheridan out."
Marcus watched her in the lift. Her hands shook. He reached over silently and clasped one with his hoping she wouldn't turn him away. She didn't. She surprised him by lacing their fingers holding on firmly. This assured him that the winds of change he felt coming in the chapel last night had arrived. He hadn't been quite honest when he said it was simple manipulation of energy. But now he was determined to see whatever this was through with her. He suspected that whoever got off that ship was the real reason she sent Fannol to Minbar, not to protect him from the imminent Shadow attack. As they stood in front of the ship in the docking bay his heart pounded in his chest. Whatever was about to happen would be big. How did she know? It was obvious she hadn't had any contact with the ship because they were unexpected. And yet, she knew.
His mind went back to her words, "I have seen it..... I have seen what was and what is to come."
[She is the Oracle of Minbar! How could I not have realized? How could Delenn not have realized it?]
Things were starting to click into place. But she is human. The ancient texts before the time of Valen spoke of an Oracle in the last days. One who would not be born for several millennia. That is what assured all Minbari that it was not Valen. That and Valen stating in no uncertain terms that he was not the Oracle they awaited. But with the arrival of Valen, his work and prophecies they dismissed the old books. The old gods. The ones who brought them the Star Fire Wheel as a means of settling disputes.
[And yet, she is here now. Definitely something big coming.]
When the four cloaked individuals stepped off the ship the first thing Marcus noticed was their faces shrouded under the hoods. He could not tell if they were male or female but suspected male because of their height and build. Three seemed very surprised to see Susan and Marcus by their movement and misstep. One did not. No words were exchanged. Susan motioned Marcus to take up the rear while she took point.
[Are these friends or foes?]
They did not stop until they reached Delenn's door. Once inside Marcus got another huge shock.
[But that's all I've gotten over the last 24 hours, why am I surprised?]
Delenn held back. The four guests entered the room and stood silently to the side of the door. Susan checked every square inch of the ambassador's quarters to ensure they were alone then reached in her robe and pulled out a jamming device. She held it up so everyone could see before turning to set it on the coffee table. They all nodded appreciatively. Once she turned around she bowed to all of them with great deference to the one in the middle,
"It is an honor."
Delenn did not seem surprised by her actions or words. But Marcus could tell that it was only when Susan spoke that complete understanding set in. As one, the four lowered their hoods and their faces were revealed. Satai Rathenn, Sechs Turval and Durhan, and the major shocker, Entil'Zha! Marcus bowed and held his tongue. But the questioned burned inside of him.
[Why would the Entil'Zha come to the station on the eve of a Shadow attack?]
Marcus was sure that Susan sent Fannol away to guard Entil'Zha.
[Oh, yeah, this is big!]
Delenn gestured for each of the visitors to have a seat. Sinclair moved toward Susan and gathered her in a strong embrace. He whispered something in her ear and she nodded then responded. When they parted she touched his face gently and reverently, nodded yes and kissed his hand. Only then did he turn to take a seat. It was Satai Rathenn who spoke first,
"Anla'Shok Ivanova, I do not know why I was surprised to find you expected us."
She was sure that with the knowing look and shining eyes he knew exactly what happened at Tuzanor and everything that happened between her and Entil'Zha.
Susan simply bowed graciously without a word. Then she stood guard at the door.
Marcus decided he should fill in for Lennier and began preparing the tea. He was here because he happened to be in C&C when the ship arrived. He knew she brought him along to keep him quiet and from snooping around. Which is exactly what he would've done. But since the lift ride he understood that she needed him in a different way. Marcus' feelings for Susan had grown strong over the last year. He couldn't tell her, he feared how she would react. He still wasn't quite sure what the deal with Fannol was and didn't want to risk losing her friendship. Then he considered that they would all be dead in 7 days so if he made a play for her now the rejection would be short lived. And so would he.
As Marcus served the tea he decided to take the temperature of the room by letting his shields down. [Just a quick peek won't hurt.] He was wrong, the only thought that came into his head was a loud,
~I don't think so glow boy. Try it again and find out what it feels like to get powered down~
Marcus had no doubt where that thought came from and looked at her. She dared him with her own.
~you can't possibly blame me for being curious. We are suppose to die later this week~
~wanna die today~
~fine~
During their telepathic exchange, which Sinclair noticed, Delenn greeted everyone and brought them up to speed. When she turned to Rathenn and asked why they had made the trip as well his answer caused both Delenn and Marcus to choke. Susan just groaned.
"We came to witness this Gathering of Souls."
He couldn't understand their reaction. Looking at Susan for permission first, she turned to Rathenn and then set out to explain Susan's behavior over the last 4 months as well as what had taken place yesterday in great detail.
{The woman can keep more secrets squirreled away in that head of hers but as soon as she's allowed to tell a story she's got to tell the WHOLE story.}
Turval, Durhan and Rathenn gapped.
Sinclair looked at Susan with a raised brow and she just shrugged,
"Ok, so I might have left a couple of things out."
"It's a long ride, we'll talk. Where's Michael?"
"He should be on his way back. He radioed in that they would be here in 5 hours."
"They? Back from?"
"G'Kar. Sector 14"
"Did you do that?"
"Didn't have to, he volunteered. But you had to know he would."
"Yes, you're right. Good. It's better this way." Then he handed her a data crystal and she nodded.
"Susan, I'm sorry that you're going to have to take the heat on this. Its up to you how you want to handle it."
"Please tell me this is enough. Enough considering..."
"I hope it will be. I'm counting on you to use your own judgment and I support anything you do."
"Thank you Entil'Zha. I will do it."
No one understood their conversation and they were wise not to ask. Delenn felt silent vindication that she was right.
[Yes, he has chosen her for something special indeed.]
Then Sinclair looked at Susan questioningly,
"Fannol?"
"Already in place."
"As it should be. Good."
The door chimed and Susan opened it without asking who it was. This caused Rathenn a great deal of distress.
When Stephen entered unannounced they nodded in understanding.
"Entil'Zha, sorry I'm late. I had to finish up with a patient."
"That's alright. Delenn and Marcus don't seem surprised that you knew I was here."
"Talia ratted me out yesterday and Delenn explained things––pretty eloquently I might add."
"Talia?"
"Kailenn."
"Ah."
Marcus was pouring tea for Stephen but his thoughts were pretty loud. [No one around here speaks in full sentences anymore!]
Susan turned to Sech Durhan.
"Master, you are aware that Captain Sheridan will be joining us in a few minutes?"
Everyone could see where she was going with this. Everyone but Sinclair and Durhan thought she was crazy to censure his behavior. Durhan knew his student well. Sinclair did too.
"Yes, yes, child. I suppose this is your way of telling me to be nice? I promise not to call him Starkiller to his face but you will have to scold Turval. He has not been practicing."
Susan smiled at this.
"I said nothing of the sort. But, since you brought it up. If you are nice I might let you provide me with an opportunity to practice the Happy Dance."
"Insolence! Scandalous child." Then he leaned over and stage whispered, "We will have plenty of time later. I will see what I can arrange."
And they both looked at each other warmly & smiled.
Delenn and Marcus were amazed at Durhan and Susan. This was the mighty denn'bok Master who had even the Warrior Satai and Shai Alyt in fear of him acting like a doting grandfather!
"Sech Turval?"
Susan narrowed eyes adding to the unspoken question.
"Hush child. And do not look at me like that. I haven't said anything!"
"Of course not. I did not mean to imply you did."
Eyes shining, Susan pinned him with a mock glare. He smiled and nodded. Turval would behave.
This was definitely an eye opening event for Delenn. She had never seen Susan interact with Minbar leaders and here she was chatting playfully with some of the highest. What did they know? And how long has she known Rathenn?
The door chimed and when Sheridan entered he was more than surprised at the gathering.
[Nothing should shock me anymore.]
That's when the nosey little Ranger and the three Minbari Wise Men got the surprise of their lives——to date anyway.
As Sheridan entered the room time seemed to stand still for several minutes as something that could only be described as a light show occurred. Tiny embers of iridescent waves of blue Light appeared to waft out of Sinclair, Sheridan, Stephen, Susan and Delenn. Then they combined into---something. It connected at some point in the room above their heads and grew into a massive cloud or ball. Sparks of white, gold, and red danced along the rim of the mass of blue. It appeared that this light show was now to include sound because gentle music could be heard. It sounded like wind chimes. No one moved. Those providing the entertainment didn't seem to be aware of what was happening. They didn't seem to BE THERE anymore. It was as if they were called from their bodies. The Wise Men and the Ranger stood still in shock, awe or horror for they could not decide which.
The four others in the room knew what they were witnessing and whispered as one,"The Gathering of Souls." Now they understood that this group was intended for something beyond their imagination. That these before them were Chosen and Called for something they did not know or exactly understand. But it was obvious to each of them that the Souls before them were hand picked by the Universe and they should do nothing to interfere with that plan.
Then, as suddenly as it appeared, the sound ended and the Light seemed to retreat back into its respective owner. None of the five seemed to have any awareness of what had just happened between them. The four looked to each other in silent agreement that they would hold their peace on the event. If the Universe did not choose to inform them of their connection, it was not their place to do so. Silently, Turval vowed never to think of Captain Sheridan as Starkiller again.
As if nothing had occurred, Sheridan turned to Sinclair and spoke.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Everyone I know thinks very highly of you. Though I did not know you were here." He glanced at Susan. She made a nod of the head in deference and silent apology.
"The pleasure is all mine Captain Sheridan. I have heard nothing but great things about you. I know you to be an honorable man. And the work you are doing here is commendable."
Pleasantries over the captain sat while Delenn and Sinclair spun an amazing tale about what really happened to Babylon 4. He had to take Sinclair's word because he was there and he was the one who issued the ban on travel into Sector 14.
"Wait, you're telling me that someone stole Babylon 4 and took it somewhere in time?"
"Not someone, us. Six years ago."
"Us? You want us to steal Babylon 4?" Incredulous.
"Captain, believe me I understand. If I hadn't been there before it would seem unbelievable. But we already did it in the past. All we are doing now is doing it again. Temporal Mechanics is confusing."
"Why?"
[Smart man. Kosh's student, let's see.]
"It's the only way to prevent the Shadow attack that will happen in 7 days. They were the ones attacking Babylon 4 when Michael and I were last on it. We have to move it for another reason."
"I'm listening."
"Delenn."
"John, you are familiar with the story of how Valen arrived in our greatest hour of need? How he did not come alone but brought a space station...."
"Babylon 4. But, that's not where it went when it disappeared before completion. Where did it go?"
[Very smart man.]
"This is Sector 14, things get 'unstuck' in time. If we don't move it now..."
Sheridan interrupted Sinclair at this point,
"It won't be there for Valen when he needs it. If that happens the Shadows win the last war and the past 1,000 years will not have happened."
[Yes, Kosh's student.]
Marcus understood why Susan told him not to speak. What he was hearing was too incredible. Things others surely did not know and would never learn. Then Sheridan turned to Delenn.
"Why did the Minbari say nothing when the station disappeared? Why stay silent until now?"
"Records from the last war are 1,000 years old, John. We did not know it was Babylon 4. I did not suspect until I arrived here and saw Babylon 5. They look almost identical. After checking the records I realized where it had gone. I did not say anything because I was instructed not to."
Sheridan was silent. His mind turned over all the things he heard and the reasoning behind them. They were about to be attacked and destroyed in a week. They had nothing else. This couldn't hurt the station was already lost to them anyway. But he knew there was more, they weren't telling him everything and that is something he did not like. Delenn interrupted his thoughts.
"Captain, time is..."
Sheridan politely held up his hand to cut her off. No one in this room would tell him the entire truth. Most times he couldn't trust Delenn no matter how much he'd grown to care for her. There was only one person present who he was absolutely certain understood his thoughts and would not do anything to compromise this station or humanity. He turned to Susan his question silent,
"Yes, we must do this."
He saw what he needed and nodded.
"When do we leave and who's going?" His ever efficient XO was ready for this.
"White Star Prime is standing by."
She did not answer who because she felt he needed to make some decisions in this. She felt that somehow he would know who had to be there.
"Alright. Susan contact the White Star and tell them we'll be leaving within the hour. Marcus head up there now. Delenn?"
She nodded yes. Then he turned to Sinclair,
"I assume that you will be leading this away mission?"
"No captain, this is your mission and your ship, I'm only along for the ride. My traveling companions will remain here on the station."
Sheridan accepted that with a nod. Silently thanking whomever that he didn't have to fight with Sinclair. Then he turned to Susan without asking the question she knew and responded.
"Accommodations have already been arranged for Sechs Durhan, Turval, and Satai Rathenn. Lennier will show you to them once we've finished." Sheridan's head turned at the mention of a Satai in the room. Susan inclined her head and Sheridan nodded to him in recognition.
Rathenn returned the gesture and mumbled something about how he should not be surprised that she would have known to make arraignments for them.
[Why am I surprised by the young one?]
Sheridan heard, filed it away and made no response. Instead he turned to address Stephen.
"Will we need you with us? Were you planning to go?"
"No, I can't be there."
Sheridan scrunched up his face. [What the hell kind of answer is that?]
The three Minbari arrivals looked at one another and Durhan's expression screamed,
I told you all that the healer knows more than he saying.
Sinclair looked a Stephen for a long moment closed his eyes and shook his head.
"While we wait for the all clear to shuttle up why don't you and I take a walk in the garden? We haven't much time."
"No we haven't. You need to be gone within the hour. Talia is going to want to see you for a minute. She won't ask questions about the mission but she'll... you should see her before."
Sinclair heard the words and absorbed the full meaning which was lost on everyone.
"Fine. Let's head over there now and you can tell her to meet us there."
The skeleton crew of Sheridan, Ivanova, Cole, Sinclair, and Delenn took off for sector 14 on White Star Prime. Marcus knew there was something going on. The last time Sinclair was in Sector 14 he was too but he noticed Entil'Zha left that part out. He seemed detached then Marcus considered that it was because this is where he lost Catherine.
[Maybe Entil'Zha is secretly hoping we find her.]
Marcus wasn't sure as his mind kept going back to Susan in the lift. And the way she interacted with Entil'Zha. There's definitely something else. But, if she's the Oracle of Minbar, why is she nervous? She knows what's going on.
[That might be why she's nervous!]
Susan maintained her silence for most of the trip. There were looks past between her and Sinclair. Delenn was extremely nervous. She didn't fidget or display any outward signs but Sheridan knew her well. Once they boarded the station they ran into the funny little creature, Zathras. He came from Epsilon 3 with the time stabilizers they would need and gave some convoluted explanation about the dangers of being unstuck in time. Everything that could have gone wrong seemed to. Sheridan's time stabilizer broke and he was gone in an instant. Zathras said no one would know where or when he went. He wasn't very helpful. Delenn was beside herself with worry. Sinclair was busy making adjustments of some kind. Marcus and Susan finished the false readings to make the crew of B4 evacuate. Sinclair and Delenn had some private moments to talk but Marcus only heard bits and pieces that made no sense to him.
Finally after two hours, Sheridan returned. He would not say where he went or what happened to him while he was gone. He just looked at Delenn for a long moment, then turned and left abruptly. Sinclair saw his face. He knew that look. Sheridan was a haunted man, a changed man. Where ever he went, whatever he saw, changed him completely. [Valen guide you.] Then he thought about what he said.
Sheridan felt he'd just about had enough of everything for the day when Zathras began talking about the One. The captain thought he wasn't understanding because he finally asked why Zathras seemed to talk about Sinclair as the One then at times he spoke as Delenn was the One. Once he got the answer wished he never asked the question.
[I should've kept my big mouth shut!]
This shocked Delenn just as much so what neither she nor the captain noticed was that Sinclair didn't seemed least bit surprised or phased it in any way.
"Sinclair the One Who Was. Delenn the One Who Is. Sheridan the One Who Will Be. All Minbari culture built on three. You three are the One."
Once they'd finished talking privately they returned to Susan and Marcus. After a few minutes Marcus looked up confused. He asked how the station was going to get into position without anyone manning it. It couldn't travel on auto pilot. Sinclair exhaled deeply but didn't respond out loud immediately.
[You are too smart for your own good some times my friend!]
Marcus volunteered. Sinclair refused and said that he would do it. No discussion. Entil'Zha has its privileges. Then he turned to Susan, she nodded and they walked to another room in silence.
This caught everyone's attention. Well, perhaps not Sheridan so much as he was dealing with what he learned and experienced. The one thing he heard over and over was Delenn's voice, "John do not go to Z'ha'dum. You will die if you go." And one of the One. Way too much information!
Curiosity got the better of Delenn. She could stand it no longer. If Sinclair was to leave and Susan to stay how would she know what he intended for her? She glanced around C&C then went to a monitor and started operating the controls so she could see into the room they went. Marcus saw this and stepped closer. Caught, she tried to admonish him but he rolled his eyes, with the utmost respect, and leaned in to watch with her. They did not know what to make of the scene they witnessed. John came over at Delenn's gasp and they all three watched what was not intended for them to see.
Entil'Zha was on his knees in front of Susan. She was blessing him.
[Susan is blessing Entil'Zha! What does that mean?]
None of them could understand the words. Susan took something from her cloak. It was a chain with a pendant on it. Delenn was confused.
[None of this is in the prophecies! But then we never learned of his life before he arrived. What is that pendant?]
Delenn never saw it before. It was only when Susan shifted her hand closer to Entil'Zha moving the dangling pendant in front of his face that it became obvious it was a miniature Triluminary. At this she spoke out loud.
"Where would Susan get a miniature Triluminary? I did not even know it existed. We were told there were only three!!!"
Susan blessed the Triluminary pendant and placed it around his neck. Then, as she had done over a year ago, she placed one hand on his head the other she entwined with his.
"Entil'Zha, Jeffery David Sinclair. Each are called according to their purpose. You have submitted to your destiny by answering the true calling of your heart. It was there this path was prepared. Fear not. This is your destiny. You are the one Chosen by the Universe to build the rock and the sanctuary for what is to come and what will follow. The Anla'Shok is your strength, Tuzanor is your strength and you carry them with you in your heart where ever you go. Remember, you are not going far, you are returning home. And you will not be alone. Watch the stars and the heavens for her, you will not be alone. I have seen this. May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk. Let the spirit of Light and the Soul of Valen guide your way."
When she finished she leaned into him and kissed his forehead. Then she motioned for him to rise. He knew the weight of what she was feeling so he looked at her gently and shared his deepest thoughts.
"All my life, I've had doubts about who I am, where I belonged. Now, I'm like the arrow that springs from the bow. No hesitations, no doubts. The path is clear."
He kissed both her cheeks in recognition of her Mother Land and stepped back. She nodded one last time and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head then turned and walked away.
No one knew what to make of what they were watching. How is this possible? Who or what is Susan? She'd changed so much. What were they doing? She obviously knew this was coming. Then her outburst yesterday in the War Room came back to them as Marcus spoke.
"Now is the time. Now is the hour. The past is becoming. The future unmade."
Marcus inhaled sharply,
"A Minbari not born of Minbari, in Valen's name! Its him. Entil'Zha doesn't just have the soul of Valen, he IS Valen!"
When Delenn met his eye the truth was confirmed. [How did I not see that? They knew and never told us. How long did he know?]
Susan did not look back when she stepped out of the room. Nor did she look at those gathered in the shuttle bay. She stepped past everyone and entered the shuttle. Not a word past between them as they followed her. Once on the shuttle she took her place and piloted back to the White Star. No one tried to speak to her and they knew not to glance at her. They were all feeling a bit guilty and confused by what they secretly watched. Delenn is sneakier than she looks. She made a recording of what happened between Susan and Sinclair and held it firmly in her hand the entire way back to Babylon 5. There was no audio but she knew what she saw. Perhaps Rathenn would as well. She would take no chances, no one would believe her without it. But she wasn't sure what to make of it. The suspicions in the back of her mind had overwhelming implications if she was correct.
John Sheridan learned many things that day. The most informative, or at least the one he could do something about, was how to get the truth from a Minbari. Delenn's outburst was genuine. All he had to do from now on was give her something shocking along the lines of what Susan just did and he could sit back and watch the truth roll in. But since he wasn't quite sure what exactly it was that Susan did, he didn't know how to make it work.
[Susan, are you finished keeping secrets from me?]
Sheridan knew that no one had lied to him earlier in Delenn's quarters. If Sinclair had said 'I need you all to travel with me six years into the past so that I can steal Babylon 4 and then take it 1,000 years farther into the past so I can become Valen, fight the Shadow war and create the foundation of Minbari society' he would have thought the man was nuts. That's why Susan didn't tell him. All she said is that it needed to be done.
[Well, we changed history. The Shadows won't be coming to attack the station this week. We still need to be ready. We still need to do more. Its time to be more pro active.]
Marcus watched Susan from time to time. He didn't know how she felt or if she was alright. His concern was for her well being. When they jumped into orbit around the station Garibaldi was waiting in the docking bay. No one wanted to tell him anything if he didn't know. "Sorry but while you were out we dropped your best friend off on a space station and right now he's flying it 1,000 years into the past. Too bad you missed him." He'd kill the messenger of that they were sure. They all looked at him in fear but his only response was, "I know." Relief was palpable. Susan reached into her pocket and covertly handed him a data crystal then she leaned in and whispered, "When you're ready come see me." Stephen just arrived and looked over at Susan. She shook her head and he nodded. She turned to the nosey little group and told the captain that she and Stephen would be going up to White Star 3 but she'd check in with him later. Not really a request but who cares. After the day he had, the captain just wanted to be left alone. When she and Stephen were alone in the shuttle she turned to him,
"Hope you didn't have other plans. Sorry about that but I need to hear the song."
He laughed at her and acted offended.
"So that's what I'm good for around here. Just play me like a record and put me down."
As the weeks went by, Susan started seeing the captain change. Nothing overnight like Paul on the road to Damascus. But something happened to him when he made those time jumps on Babylon 4. Nothing else could explain the timing. He must have learned something big because he's changed. He's learning to speak Minbari! Apparently, Lennier has become the official Minbari language instructor of Babylon 5. Talia was a better student, she had more time. The captain was in a rush like he needed to learn everything as soon as possible. But Lennier believed that he was serving his caste in this.
[Captain Sheridan is not really that bad. Just——intense. I really hope I only have to teach him Andorando!]
Lennier was respectfully dismayed when the captain informed him they would move on to Vik next and Lennan last. Poor Lennier took it in stride.
The captain spent more and more time with Kosh. It was having an effect on him. Then he said something that made Susan think. Apparently Kosh understands the concept of a field trip because he took the captain on one. John told how Kosh arranged for him to meet shrouded beings and he was able to hear the song. "One moment of perfect peace." That is how he described it. He struggled for words to explain. He didn't need to, he was preaching to the choir. Susan is almost afraid to know what happened to him on the station, he is a very changed man. Delenn wonders as much but does not pry, nor has she made any comment. There are times when he spends hours standing still in the Observation Dome. She watched him not move once for 3 hours.
He goes to the garden but he is the captain and can't get privacy all the time. Finally, he took a page from Susan's book and started shuttling up to White Star Prime. Anla'Shok do not gossip but Susan was informed that he is either in the garden or in the chapel. This caused a few heads to turn initially. Marcus instructed the Rangers on board that he was never to be disturbed unless a transmission came in as Code7R. Susan disabled his link for incoming calls except for the same. When she commented on the captain's behavior to Marcus all he said was,
"He feels the winds of change."
{Cryptic much?}
Marcus knows something. I think he knows a lot. But I can't exactly fault him considering my own situation.
John was also frustrated. We needed assistance. The Shadows had obviously started to move. Chaos was everywhere. The Centauri had lost their minds attacking and conquering worlds from the League. And Earth, what were they thinking! He was trying to form a coalition with the League worlds. They weren't having it. He tried to explain that they needed to be united. This man I serve has always had a stirring presence and skill as an orator but lately his words send chills down my spine. The League worlds won't move, they are afraid of the Centauri and the Shadows. They want to bury their head in the sand. He says we need friends and that we've got to go find the First Ones, any we can get on our side. I think about it and I tell him about the Walkers of Sigma 957. He only glances at me and nods like I just told him the time of day. Why is he not surprised? He told me to take off on a White Star and not come back til I got someone to agree. When I looked at him like he was crazy he said it was a figure of speech and to lighten up. Why don't I believe that?
Marcus and I are a team now so he came too. I went to Stephen secretly and told him my mission waiting for his reaction. Since he didn't have one, I figured it wasn't time for him to do whatever it is he can do. We were successful enough in getting some of the First Ones who didn't care about the Shadow or the Vorlons in this war to agree to intervene with a little white lie or two. Anla'Shok do not bluff, we never said we don't lie. Lennier made no comment but I was absolutely certain that he witnessed my exchange with a few of the First Ones. He would be deaf, blind and stupid not to have since all we did was go to various locations G'Kar assigned us and hang in orbit. The First Ones came to us. They also called me by name. Marcus turned to the bridge crew the first time it happened and gave the Anla'Shok a look that said, "You never saw that. You never heard anything." Message clearly received.
What I found eye opening is that the last group of First Ones we did not seek out. They followed us and sent their version of a hail. If you call shutting down our engines completely, taking our weapons off line, and jamming our communications hailing. These asked for Marcus by name. He did not say much and did not seem surprised by their actions but their response to him shocked us all.
"When it is time, come to this place. Call our name. We will be here."
{Alright, glow boy, what are YOU hiding?}
I repeated his look for our fellows, they responded with the Minbari equivalent of, "No duh."
There's something going on between Michael and G'Kar. Yes, they're friends and spend time together but there's something else. They had a lot of time together on their mission to Sector 14. Ever since they came back they are just different. The looks, the meetings, the way they seem to be working on some top secret project together. They are definitely up to something. Then I thought back to the way G'Kar stated he would go with Michael, he did not ask. I redeem my wounded Anla'Shok enhanced powers of observation by reminding myself that I was pretty out of it the time. Talia commented that Michael has been studying the Book of G'Quon, the Narn holy text of their greatest religious figure and prophet. I should have made some kind of connection. G'Quon lived during the time of Valen. They knew each other, Valen visited Narn. Nope, didn't have a clue what was going on. Michael learning Narn had its upside as well. No more 'confusion' over orders given to the Narn security members.
Stephen watches the captain a lot. I doubt its out of concern for his medical health and well being. Its not like they have long talks or private discussions. Some times they merely sit quietly alone. I tried to imagine what it must be like for Stephen to be able to watch someone's spirit morph before your eyes or hear the sound of their soul evolve. None of us have spoken to him about it and he does not comment.
The student must have outgrown the teacher because John Sheridan is lecturing Kosh. Somehow he got Kosh to agree to get a Vorlon fleet to attack the Shadows. It was over in an instant. The Vorlons wiped the floor, so to speak, with the Shadow ships. This was the proof the League worlds needed that it was possible to defeat the Shadows and that we have the support of the Vorlons. They all signed on. Captain Sheridan did not inform us that Kosh said there would be a price for this interference. Or just who would have to pay. The captain was even more relieved when the individual governments decided to put their ships under his direct command and authority. That's a lot of power and he wielded it with care. Its also a lot of responsibility and I believe he's feeling the weight of it. I went up to White Star Prime one night to sit with him.
"Susan, is there a problem on the station?"
"No, just thought I'd take a walk. See where it led me?"
"You see the future."
I wasn't going to lie to him. There was no need to anyway since that wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"Have you seen me?"
"Yes. Not all but yes."
He said nothing else for several moments,
"John, is this about Babylon 4?"
He knew I was talking about his time jumps.
"Yes."
"I don't know what you saw, sir."
"And I can't tell you. I can't tell anyone. The burden is mine."
I'm scared now.
"This I know with certainty, you will stand between the Darkness and the Light. Great things were intended for you to do. We are all called according to our purpose by the Universe. Some times that calling has heavy burdens but they pale in comparison to the greater good. Entil'Zha is proof of that."
"Entil'Zha. Yes. The One."
{Ok, now I'm confused.}
"Susan, I might not be here always. I know you have duties to the Anla'Shok---I suspect you have duties elsewhere as well. In my absence you will be called on to lead the Army of Light. There can be no other."
Entil'Zha's words come back on me cold, "You are called to serve and to lead. The Army of Light is your purpose, you will serve and lead from Babylon 5."
Now I'm really scared. He must sense this because he turns to me and takes my hand,
"You are a fine military officer, you are Anla'Shok as well. You will answer the call whatever it may be, whenever it may be."
He is a wise man. He is a changed man. Marcus was right, he feels the winds of change.
Marcus Cole was Anla'Shok in mind, body, soul, and spirit. He was also more than that. His loyalty to Delenn never wavered. He would protect her at all cost. He saw she was struggling with something so he watched, waited, and prepared to intervene. The time finally came and he went to her.
"You have been quiet lately. More quiet than usual."
"Entil'Zha has left us. A replacement is needed to lead the Anla'Shok."
"Has the council made a selection?"
"Yes."
"Will you accept?"
Delenn looked a Marcus for a moment [I should not be surprised by him.]
"I do not know. I am unsure if I am the correct one to lead. I am not qualified. I am not Anla'Shok. They may not wish to follow me."
"You are Satai. You already lead. We will follow you."
"Such certainty. I suppose you see the future too?" She said with a teasing smile.
"No. I do not see the future. I feel it. You build it."
This threw Delenn for a loop. She was only kidding, she did not expect him to admit these things.
[He feels the future, what does that mean? Build the future---that is for Entil'Zha alone, not Anla'Shok Na.]
Delenn started to protest. Even going so far as to open her mouth but snapped it shut when she remembered Zathara's words on Babylon 4, "Sinclair the One Who Was. Delenn the One Who Is. Sheridan the One Who Will Be." After a moment of silence,
"Yes, you are correct. I will prepare to go to Minbar."
"As it should be. There is something else troubling you."
She really doesn't know why he surprises her at times. She noticed from the beginning that Marcus seemed to be in tune with her. He anticipated her reactions, needs and concerns. This made her smile.
"Yes, it is a matter of faith and prophecy I struggle to understand. Questions about things long past and what they mean for the future. I have lived my entire life by and for the prophecies of Valen. I gave no thought to what would happen once they were complete. I do not believe any of us did. 1,000 years is a long time to wait. Now there seems to be something more. Something we never considered. Its connection to the prophecies---its existence period."
"Susan."
With all the practiced grace at subterfuge and misdirection instilled in Satai, Delenn merely looked at Marcus so he would continue.
"The Oracle of Minbar."
"How do you know of that? It is not apart of Anla'Shok training."
"I wasn't aware that ancient Minbari history was a secret. Or off limits to Anla'Shok."
Considering her words carefully,
"I did not intend to imply either of those things. You are Anla'Shok, all Minbari history is your history."
Marcus decided he'd out wait Delenn because asking her a question would be useless, she would not answer. She took the bait.
"Has she ever said anything to you?"
"No. I know what you know because I was there each time. Though I suspect there are some or a few who know more than you or I."
"I have had the same thoughts. But the implication of that. Not just religious. Political. Minbar is falling apart. I fear we are to follow Earth's lead and head into a civil war. Minbari do not kill Minbari but I think--I fear that will change. We cannot fight the Shadows if we fight ourselves."
"That is the design of Chaos Delenn. It is the work of the Shadows."
"I am the one who caused the destruction of our leadership. I broke the Grey Council, no one else. It is my fault."
"It was destiny. You know it was prophecy. All you did was fulfill it. And it was the right thing to do. Remember, I was here on the station when those Earth Force Destroyers attacked. They would have destroyed us if you had not arrived. Just as Valen led the Army of Light from Babylon 4, Babylon 5 is the base of the Army of Light for this war. You know this in your heart as well."
"One so young should not be so wise."
"I am merely a good student of good teachers."
The Warrior caste was not happy about a lot of things. One, being me. Its bad enough Delenn had to go through the change, not only did a human ended up with the soul of Valen but that same human was Entil'Zha. Now, a human in the Warrior caste was not to be tolerated. Apparently it was since they tolerated it for the last year. They were ticked to say the least but there wasn't one Warrior in the Minbari Federation who would go against Durhan on anything let alone who he chose to bring into his family or his clan. The Fire Wings Alyt didn't say a word, neither did the rest of them. But they seethed silently. I thought the reasons were all Durhan, not wanting to risk his wrath. Or grudgingly accepting that I must not be all that bad if I was his student. Once more Ivanova becomes a Minbari curiosity.
Nope, it wasn't me, it was all Valen. Thank you Jeff! The Religious caste aren't the only ones holding records from Valen's time. Nor are those the only ones with a version of what happened. During his time, Valen had many problems with the Warriors. They felt that there was no place for the Anla'Shok since they were the ones who fought. This was before the Nine were created so each caste and clan did their own thing. The first clan to support Valen (after he saved the Shai Alyt of the clan and several of their ships from imminent Shadow destruction) was the Fire Wings. They got on board real quick after that and acknowledged his leadership and authority. There was a debt of some kind to be paid but the specifics of that isn't public knowledge or even general knowledge among the Fire Wings. Durhan knew that. He also knew that the Alyt knew who Entil'Zha really was. A few heated debates and a couple of handy dandy data crystals later and Durhan got everything he wanted. Not just acceptance for me. Nope, the Fire Wings would no longer adhere to the Shai Alyt's ban on joining the Anla'Shok. He played his cards very close to his vest. No one knew what he did, but it proved once again the power he held.
If Fannol thought he had his hands full with me or teaching his HD 101 classes, the Fire Wings were more than he felt the Universe had a right to give him. Its obviously not an easy task teaching Delight and Compassion to Warriors. Respect wasn't a problem and NONE of them wanted to face Durhan. A few weeks after they entered training I was called back to Minbar. I thought it was because they needed to see what they inherited. Durhan had other plans. Plans that made Turval practically squeal with joy and definitely gave Fannol some Delight. This took the edge off of his irritation with the Warrior trainees.
It was show and tell time and I spent many hours sparring against Fire Wings. They really took me as a soft touch. I can't blame them for that, I'm not exactly Minbari made and these weak human bones aren't the same. Brains over brawn. Though I have a little of that too. I could see it in their eyes when we stepped on the mat. They didn't just want to beat me, they wanted to kill me. Word got out of what Durhan was planning and not only did the Fire Wings Alyt show up but the Warrior Shai Alyt too. They wanted to see me go down. That was enough to get me really riled up. Don't they realize I am Russian? They do now. A few days later the Warrior Satai---all four of them came to see this nonsense about a human female taking down Warriors with the denn'bok. They left in a hurry without a word. After that I had to ask Durhan,
"Master, if you're finished proving a point can I PLEASE stop all this sparing?"
He didn't answer me, just turned and walked away laughing.
He proved his point to the Fire Wings. They didn't know everything and here was were they would learn it. There weren't too many problems after that. Though they still had a hard time understanding that the Anla'Shok was their caste now. There was only the one in service to the One. There was no distinction between castes once they walked through those doors and certainly not for the rest of their lives. We are all one. Long before training ended, they got it. We needed the new members. Things were heating up in the galaxy and we didn't have time to fool around with stupidity. However, there was one Satai I just knew was going to be a problem. I didn't realize how much until it was too late.
It was official, the Anla'Shok had a new leader. Delenn's ceremony is something I really wanted to see. I knew we'd never get to go to Minbar for it and was disappointed until I learned it would be held on station. That also meant that all my favorite people would be here as well. We also got some good and bad surprises. As many Anla'Shok as could be spared came. As did the Worker and Religious Satai and all their clan Elders. Nobody was expecting Warrior Satai or the Shai Alyt. For the most part we were right. I was both honored and surprised when Delenn asked me to stand up as her second during the ceremony. I knew she had a point to make. Double point since the Fire Wings had come to terms with my existence and those among the Anla'Shok had already come to terms with my denn'bok. She was showing all Minbari that she had Warriors with her--and giving them a peak at me. Delenn had her own reasons for the later, but I suspected she knew a lot more about me than she was saying.
Everything was going great until we found out that Satai Neroon had found a means to rationalize around the rule that Minbari don't kill Minbari before he came after Delenn. According to his warped mind, since her change she wasn't Minbari anymore. He also added to that a heaping dose of the 'I don't cares'. The mix wouldn't have been complete without Marcus, the protector of Delenn. Add to this the rare but real time that Ivanova didn't know everything and we had a serious problem. Not even I am stupid, brave, crazy, or STUPID enough to go up against Neroon, let alone suffer the required full mental break down needed to invoke den'sha. As it turns out, Marcus was.
He learned that Neroon had come to rid the universe of the freak that was Delenn so that life could return to normal. Instead of, I don't know, calling security he opted to stop Neroon from carrying out his plan. In the end, he did. But not before having to be rushed to Medlab after the ass kicking Neroon gave him. All the time this was going on the rest of us were enjoying the ceremony. If he wasn't so badly injured I would have tried to kill him myself. Male bonding rituals are foreign to me as a woman. Warrior male bonding rituals don't even register. When Neroon realized that Marcus, a human who knew he was not his equal in strength or denn'bok mastery, was actually prepared to die for Delenn as the One...as Entil'Zha he had to stop. Neroon couldn't process that. He was amazed at it and it caused him to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew. So now, Marcus and Neroon are friends and Neroon no longer wants to kill Delenn. He still has no clue what to make of her, but he won't kill her.
The captain was madder than any of us had ever seen him. We didn't blame him since everyone, human and Minbari, felt that was the appropriate response when you find out someone tried to kill your girlfriend. Rathenn, Durhan, Turval, Fannol and I tried to intervene. He looked at us like we were crazy. Delenn had to do some fast talking, eye batting, and serious putting down of the foot to make John Sheridan back off and let Neroon leave . In the end, as always, Delenn got her way. John still had him banned from the station.
There was something about seeing Marcus lying in Medlab that got to me. I didn't understand why. Fannol thought he did 'cause he kept giving me knowing looks and smirks for the rest of his visit. Smart enough not to say anything, but I still got his point. Delenn had Marcus shipped back to Minbar for a few weeks of rest at Tuzanor. Nobody in their right mind turns that offer down, though after his little guardian angel induced nutty I wasn't so sure. He agreed and left with Fannol and the others. I....missed him.
