Secrets have a way of getting out when you least expect them. Some times its for the best. Some times not. Marcus was added to are weekly dinners ages ago. It's a real party when Garibaldi shows up 'cause then we play poker. He still can't understand why Talia is so bad if she's a telepath. She keeps telling him she doesn't cheat. After she lost so much he finally suggested that she start. This was the night we knew Delenn would be starting her 3 night ritual with the captain. A Minbari female must keep 3 nights watch over her potential future mate so that she can see his true face while he sleeps. Of course we had to get together and talk about them. That's the night Delenn learned that a Minbari half truth is a human lie. Its also the night she learned the hard way that she should have trusted John with the whole truth from the beginning instead of trying to shape an outcome by controlling his actions, limiting his choices. That's the night I wanted to smack her upside the head for everything she did, for everything she didn't do. That's the night the captain's dead wife came back from the grave.
We were sitting around in the private dining room at Earhart's having some much needed fun laughing at a story Stephen was telling about the Drazi ambassador after finishing a trade negotiation with the Luminati. If the ambassador had asked me I would have told him that they closed all deals with sex. People should really seek me out before going into strange situations. Apparently, this one required the ambassador to seek medical attention. In the middle of his story Stephen stops. We all thought he was building up for the punch line but he went rigid. We could not shake him out of it and all started to get scared. Then he snapped out of his trance like state, bowed his head and said, "they have come" in the saddest voice I have ever heard. It was full of dread and resignation. We were all still and wondering what he meant. It was Tailia who put the pieces together first. She looked scared and turned to Stephen with an unspoken question on her face. He merely nodded yes and she whispered the mantra of our rag tag freedom fighting group, "In Valen's name". What we didn't notice at first because all eyes were focused on Stephen during the story was Marcus standing in the corner. Lit up like a Christmas tree, he was glowing. I knew the sign, the winds of change had just blown over the station. What I didn't know is that they brought quiet thunder that would set off the biggest BOOM of our lives. Michael and Talia were shocked by Electro Ranger but Stephen did not seem to be. He said nothing. Finally, Michael found his voice,
"What in Valen's name is going on?"
That was a surprise to me. Didn't know Michael had it in him. Stephen, Marcus and Talia all spoke one word that had me trembling,
"Shadows."
Immediately, Michael realized they were the ones who had come and he looked to me. I gave him my best, 'Ivanova obviously doesn't know everything' look 'cause I didn't have a clue. And that's when all our individual secrets came out. Talia, Marcus and I were holding our heads trying to shut out the screams raging inside. It took several minutes for any of us to get ourselves together. That's when Michael linked to C&C asking if any 'ship' had just come through the jump gate.
"One, sir. A private passenger ship."
This confused everyone except Stephen because we didn't know Shadows traveled on luxury liners. Obviously we were missing something big.
"Stephen?"
"Shadow agents are never alone. They always have keepers."
Now I remember what Delenn said so long ago and I ask,
"Morden?" Some time soon I hope to learn NEVER to ask questions. I thought my heart would explode when he answered. Stephen only shook his head in resignation and deep despair,
"Anna Sheridan."
No one knew what to do. Our hearts collectively stopped. Then as one we started coming back to ourselves. Michael yelled,
"the captain" at the same time Marcus hollered, "Delenn" cause they remembered they were together.
That got our collective cardiac arrested hearts beating and our feet moving. Michael slapped his link and started yelling for a security team to proceed to the captain's quarters but not to enter. He sent another one to the docking bay to guard the ship but not to get close or speak to anyone who got off. We were too late on that one. The 'passenger' had already cleared customs. Marcus linked into the Anla'Shok on station and told them ALL to haul ass (yes, he said haul ass)to the captain's quarters immediately, start praying, watch and wait. I contacted the White Stars and War Cruisers in orbit around the station and told them to go on Red Alert in case they were planning to attack the station. All this took place while we were running through the station trying to get there in time. We didn't know what would happen, what she might do to him but none of us had hopes that it was good. Stephen no longer spoke. I knew he knew a lot and that this was something he could not change or interfere with when he met my eyes.
Once we rounded the corner to the corridor near Sheridan's quarters we gave everyone the shock of their lives. We had to look scared, dazed, and bedraggled. This made the Rangers really step up their praying 'cause they figured if something had all of us looking terrified it had to be bad. Michael got a quick report from security. The entire way there he tried the captain's link but he wasn't responding. Neither had Delenn. Security said they didn't see anyone enter, neither did the Rangers. That meant we were too late, she was already inside. Station security was dismissed and they RAN from whatever could spook Michael Garibaldi. I turned to the Anla'Shok and said there was a Shadow agent inside, to spread out and that we weren't sure what we could do but we had to protect the captain & Entil'Zha. I've never seen so many denn'boks whip out so fast at once. Not even Fannol and company moved like them.
Talia and Stephen were quiet. Michael couldn't get the door open no matter what security overrides he used. Talia decided to come out of the closet because she was focused on the door trying with all her telekinetic might to open it. It budged a little. Michael and the Rangers gasped. I sent them the 'you never saw anything' look, they got it. Michael didn't care what super powers anyone had at this point, he just wanted to get in the room. The door started really moving then it met stronger resistance, stopped and started to close. She was so focused that her nose started bleeding but she wouldn't give up. A few gasps later, I saw what the others did. Apparently Marcus' glowing schtick has more to it because he pressed himself up against the wall to the right of the door and started---melting into it? NSPA, shit he can walk through walls!! Talia obviously gave up on the door because a huge section of the wall to the left came tumbling down. This was at the same time Marcus went through the wall---dragging me with him. It was a mess.
There were Shadows moving around in the room. The captain stood stock still in front of Anna with his hand outstretched like he was warding her off. And Delenn! My word, Delenn was lying on the floor and we all learned a little something extra about her. She had a little hidden triangle on her forehead that glowed. I knew what that was, the mark of the Triluminary! Marcus did too. Delenn looked deathly pale and I don't know that she was breathing. Stephen ran in with two Rangers and motioned for them to cover her forehead and carry her to Medlab 3. About 4 other Rangers were hot on his heels and had taken up a perimeter around her body. This was not good. The captain still wasn't moving. The Shadows were walking around him and the wench that was not Anna Sheridan was still talking. Something about her voice must have been holding him. She didn't sound like the Anna I knew. Well, she wasn't the Anna I knew. She was trying to seduce him into leaving with him. Talking about how they were obviously still married, how she loved and missed him. It was too much.
I didn't need telepathy or the ability to see the future to know what to do next. The old angry Russian came flying out and I hauled off and clocked her cold. She was out before she hit the floor. And only then could John move. A few weeks later we learned that apparently super power telepaths and Shadows do not get along in the least. We didn't know that the closer we got the weaker they were and they had used whatever it is they had on Delenn, the captain and to keep the door shut. Once Anna hit the deck they were shrieking. Later we guessed she was also their protective coating or stay fresh seal or something. The remaining Anla'Shok took up sentry around the thing that use to be Anna. When she woke up she'd be staring up the business end of a hell of a lot of denn'boks. I had absolutely no problem with that. Michael grabbed the captain and hussled him off to Medlab with some of the Rangers. I knew they were warring internally with guarding or avenging him. Training made them follow Garibaldi's directive. That left Talia, Marcus and me. Along with remaining Rangers who were spoiling for a fight. I wanted answers but I also wanted her off the station. Then I realized that if she had done something permanent to John we needed to know. When she came to, I would be ready. I didn't just want to kick her ass and throw her out of an airlock. I hoped G'Kar would say this qualified as a really big BOOM and we could use my suggestion about depressurizing the shuttle bay. I doubted if there'd be any objection this time. Talia said we had to get her off the station immediately and both Marcus and I looked at her like she had lost her mind. That's when she brought us back to reality.
"She's a Shadow agent, they are never alone. The others will know her Keepers are dead and they will come to her."
That's all I needed to hear, she was as good as gone. I linked into the docking bay and dismissed the guards telling them to clear it immediately of everyone else. Then I contacted C&C and put a hold on all departing or arriving ships until the recent passenger liner cleared the jump gate. None of us wanted to touch her and were hoping she'd wake up quick. Talia didn't want to but she was prepared to float her all the way there. Marcus got practical and threw water over her face then stepped out in the hall to organize the Rangers for the transfer. The thing that was not Anna Sheridan was royally ticked off when she came to. She started yelling,
"You have no idea what you've done! You shouldn't have interfered." Then she looked at me and smiled. {Ok, I creeped out now.}
"Susan, its been a long time. Its good to know John's had a friend with him." Then she stared at me and I started to get sick on the inside.
"Susan, I had no idea! All this time. Come with me. You can join us. There's definitely a place for someone like you." {Um, yuck!}
"Sell it somewhere else sister. I don't know you and I don't want to know you. Leave or die."
"Susan, that's hardly a way to treat your captain's wife..." I didn't let her go any further with that.
"Anna Sheridan is dead. If she was weak and stupid enough to bow down and serve the Shadows, she's dead. Leave or die."
Realizing that she was out of super powered Shadow back-up she turned and walked to the---humongous hole in the wall Talia made. Then she turned around and snarled that we would not win and that John would join her or he would die. Then she told me to watch my back.
The three of us and the remaining Anla'Shok silently escorted her to the docking bay and watched her get on her ship. Not until C&C informed us that she had entered the jump gate did any of us exhale. Marcus, the master of understatement,
"That wasn't good."
"No, it wasn't. The Shadows are going on the attack. They want the captain and they want him bad. Enough to pull out their ace in the whole now. Anna's been with them for years but they sent her now."
The general response,
"This is not good."
By the time we reached Medlab 3, there was quite a crowd along the way. Babylon 5 really doesn't have any secret passage ways between the captain's quarters and the Medlab so many people got a show that night. If the way we all tore out of Earhart's wasn't enough to raise a few eye brows, then station security and more Anla'Shok than anyone previously knew were on board running to Blue Sector, later followed by Stephen running next to Rangers guarding and carrying what everyone suspected was Delenn, then the sight of more Rangers guarding Captain Sheridan as Michael Garibaldi escorted him to Medlab did. Next they see the rest of us racing at break neck speed in the same direction. Talk about a circus. Between residents, guests and station personnel everyone got their monies' worth. It also scared many of the races because they knew about what the Shadows could do and nothing we would've said would have changed their minds.
Lennier was beside himself with worry and ticked at ALL of us for not protecting Delenn properly. He is extremely protective of Delenn. {Yeah, we're gonna hear about this later.} Marcus was fully in charge of crowd disbursement and organizing the Rangers. I don't know how he thought so quickly but his rapid fire directives were met with even more rapid response.
Talia thought to contact the White Stars and War Cruisers before we took out the trash in the shuttle bay and quietly requested that all Minbari telepaths, healers, and mind healers get down to Medlab 3 immediately. The only word of explanation she gave was, "Entil'Zha." Oh yeah, they hauled ass at that word.
Medlab was a virtual zoo. Delenn was stable but Stephen couldn't find any medical reason why she wouldn't wake up. When he touched her forehead he had confirmation of what he suspected. They had created chaos and trapped her inside her own mind. The other healers where checking on the captain in response to Michael's telling of how we found him. He was scanned deeply and extensively, the Minbari would take no chances with the leader of the Army of Light. They finally said his mind was clear and he wasn't Shadow infected but that he was suffering from a mild case of shock. {Mild! Anyone else would have been hysterical.} He started coming around and wanted to know if Delenn was alright. No one wanted to tell him but he had to know. Something else was going on in his head besides concern. G'Kar arrived and the two of them went off to speak privately. No one knows what was said between them but G'Kar took off in a flash of lightening 15 minutes later without a word to anyone.
Finally, Stephen cleared the room of everyone except the Minbari telepaths, mind healers, Talia, Marcus, and myself. The Rangers started to protest but apparently Talia has a developed some of that good old Minbari thunder and lightening herself 'cause when she spoke, EVERYBODY moved. John wanted to stay but the look Stephen gave him said this won't be pretty and it would take concentration. When we were alone he looked to Marcus and me and said,
"I'm sorry but you're needed."
He knew he had probably exposed us but after the little show Talia and Marcus put on earlier I really didn't see the big deal. Plus, she is Entil'Zha. We live for the One. We die for the One. We definitely come out of the telepathic closet for the One.
"There's more than just the mind chaos. I can feel her presence slipping away. Her soul is basically dying."
{Not something you say to a Minbari!}
Apparently, Stephen doesn't just see and feel the spirit he can heal it. He needed Marcus and Talia to work together in clearing what was the combined horror of the Darkness from her mind with the assistance of the mind healers while the rest of us sent up some kind of protective boundary around he and Delenn so that he could go into her soul. Definitely not conventional modern medicine. I turned to the others in my group and said,
"I practice F'hursna Na'Rek I can reverse the principle here on Delenn."
Ok, don't drop news like that on this group unexpectedly. They ALL looked at me like I was Shadow infected until I explained,
"F'hursna Leroon was my teacher." A slight misdirection in tribute to the Nine since I don't think they'd have anymore confidence in me if I said I taught myself. They agreed. Really there was little else we could do.
I started and Stephen could feel and see the separation of her mind,spirit, and soul from the body. I sent a telepathic note to Marcus telling him the separation was complete and they could go for it. That was the only thing I could do for the next hour or so because I was completely focused on keeping Delenn separated. {Leroon's gonna give me a gold star and a cookie for this little diddy when he finds out.}
Two hours later Marcus whispered in my mind that they were finished and he'd send me an all clear from Stephen when it was time. That took about 45 more minutes. The soul is not something to play around with. This was the craziest plan to ever be put into practice. If not for the fact that we actually had a Soulwalker among us, Delenn would have died. Telepaths can heal the mind but we aren't licensed or certified for souls. After that it took another half hour to get Delenn reintegrated. I've never tried this on someone else before. Plus, she was little aware that she was among friends and now that she had her mind back somewhat she remembered Anna and couldn't tell friend from foe. She was fighting me, convinced it was a Shadow trick. I had to call in Marcus to sooth and reassure her.
This was heavy work and everyone was exhausted. I, evidently, passed out 'cause I woke up on the bed next to Delenn the next morning. Talia told me later that John came in and sat with Delenn until Stephen shooed him out for the night. He shuttled up to White Star Prime and my fellows informed me that he was in the chapel all night. The crew of John's ship have become VERY protective of him since he started changing after Babylon 4. They are also very scared for him. It was obvious to all that the Shadows want him badly. Nobody was getting near him as far as they were concerned after being informed of what happened in his quarters earlier. They insisted that he allow at least one of them to stand guard inside the door. They assured they wouldn't interfere and he relented.
All of these events weren't the BOOM, they weren't even the boom that came with the thunder on the winds of change. The Army of Light is strong but the Shadows have many allies. It would be much later before we realized just who some of their allies were. After getting out of Medlab I had a stop to make. One I wasn't really looking forward to. I really felt bad about blind siding Talia with this. To her credit she didn't react while we were focused on helping Delenn. Stepping out of the lift heading to Talia's quarters trying to prepare to take it like a woman.
"I really hope she's not mad." Susan rang the door chime and waited for what was either going to make or break their friendship. Then the door opened.
Talia just scrunched up her face and tilted her head. She said nothing while trying desperately and unsuccessfully to keep the hurt expression from her face. Susan took a deep breath and initiated a telepathic conversation right at the door.
~Forgive me. I hid from myself and I feared getting caught. I was cruel to you when we first met because I feared you finding out and turning me in to the Psi Corp. I know we've come a long way since then but remember how we fought over Alisa Bedwin?~
~Yes, I remember that but a lot has changed since then. Its none of my business. I don't have the right to~
~Yes, Talia, you do have the right. We have fought together for over a year. There are other reasons why I kept it a secret. The only reason John and Delenn know is because he ordered me to your quarters to investigate after the Corp attacked you. If my life hadn't depended on it I never would have told him. I said exactly that to him. He was not happy with me for awhile.~
~I bet~ At this Talia stepped aside and allowed Susan to enter, then motioned for her to take a seat.
~Talia, please forgive me. I'm not hiding from the Corp anymore. Anla'Shok training took care of that for good. I learned that my fear wasn't getting caught---yes I feared that----but I was terrified of the abilities. I convinced myself that I was merely a latent telepath and spent 25 years with shields so tight NOTHING got through. Only I could tell if someone were trying to scan me. Technically, I'm not hiding. I've got some, uh abilities that make me Shadow feed. That's why I've remained silent.~
~Stephen knows~
~Come on Talia, he's a SOULWALKER, he figured it out a long time ago. He's good at keeping secrets 'cause he never told me he knew. He only called a time out on the pretending we didn't know stuff about each other when he had to give me the vaccine after you got sick. Geez, think about it. If the Corp knew, they could've taken almost the whole team out.~
~I forgive you but it really isn't like its any of my business.~
~Thank you. And, it is. You are only the 4th person I've ever let into my mind. My mother, my teacher, and one other person.~
~You can say it. I kind of figured out Marcus is a telepath considering we were working together to TELEPATHICALLY heal Delenn's mind.~
Susan had the good grace to blush and look down sheepishly. Talia took a moment to savor her torment and then laughed out loud.
~You are powerful Susan. I can't believe you pulled off some crazy convoluted version of F'hursna Na'Rek. Our teacher would be proud.~
~No, first he will yell at me a great deal. Then he will yell at me some more. Then he will give me a cookie and make me explain. I really can't~
~Ok, just so I know not to make a mistake---Stephen was ticked at me for a whole week---who knows?~
~Well like I said, John, Delenn---cause she was in the room while Marcus & I were trying to fast talk our way out of going to your quarters--Stephen, cause he just knows stuff, and you. I can only speak for myself, I don't know about Marcus. But considering that little show he put on last night, I'd say the Anla'Shok know something. But they'll never tell~
~What show? I was too busy fighting with the stupid Shadows who were holding the door.~
~That reminds me. Way to go Talia. Love how you just let them keep the door and took down the wall! I don't know how that was explained away to maintenance. (mental laugh) Ok, I'll say it only 'cause every Ranger on the station and Michael saw it. Marcus' NSPA---he can walk through walls. That's how we got in the room at the same time you were tearing the place apart, he dragged me through the wall with him~
~In Valen's name!~
~You said it. But I don't think he would have tried anything like that in front of so many people without it being such a desperate situation. He never told me and unless he brings it up, I'll never ask.~
~What about the glowing? I literally saw the light? You didn't look surprised.~
~No, I saw it once before by accident. It indicates that the winds of change are coming. Hey, with this group, in this war, we need all the warning we can get!~
At this they both break out into peels of laughter and spend some down time together just talking. It made their friendship stronger.
No one wanted to be around when Delenn was released from Medlab and she would have her talk with John. Everyone knew that wouldn't be pretty in the least, though none except Susan and Michael knew the real reason. Two days after she was brought in Stephen gave her a clean bill of health and she left with the captain---Lennier and Marcus a not so very discreet distance behind them.
"Why?"
"Why did I not tell you about Anna?"
"No. Why do you insist on not trusting me? Why do you insist on lying to me? And don't tell me Minbari do not lie. Minbari half truths are human lies. I thought you would've learned that by now."
"John, I did not intend to lie to you. Spare you, yes, but not lie to you. I wasn't certain that she...."
"John, your wife may be alive. Five words. You could've even left my name out and made it four."
Delenn is a bit shaken. She feared this day. Dreaded it so much she'd convinced herself that it could not be a possibility. Now she had to face it,
"As I said then, those who do not serve them die. I could not be sure your wi...Anna would actually decide to serve them. If I told you then that she might be a Shadow agent of her own free will would you have believed me?"
"No, not then. But we've come a long way since. I've come a long way since and you know that. I can know that Jeffery Sinclair is Valen and that Susan is who or whatever she is, but you didn't think I had the right to know about own my wife? This is my personal life we're talking about not Minbari prophecy or the fate of the galaxy in a holy war between Darkenss and Light!"
"She is a part of that war, John. She is a Shadow agent."
"Just once Delenn, I'd like to hear 'I'm sorry, I was wrong'. Is that against the ways of the Satai? Or are you an exception?"
She really sees the damage that's been done and can't figure a way out of it.
"I am sorry for the pain. I am sorry for not telling you this sooner. I wasn't sure. I knew it was a possibility but I did not want to think that she would actually agree to serve them."
"Remember this, 'no John, your wife is dead. She died on the Icarus'?"
"The Anna Sheridan you know IS dead. The thin...being that came to your quarters is NOT your wife and never will be. She is the shell, the body with implanted memories who walks around with Shadow Keepers."
"I am well aware who or what was in my quarters two nights ago. That does not excuse you Delenn. I don't trust you. I can't love without trust. And, you obviously don't trust me."
With that he got up and walked out with a broken heart. Marcus met his eye and knew exactly what happened. He sent a telepathic message to Susan that the captain was probably going to need a friend. Message sent and received she got dressed and headed out of her quarters knowing exactly where he would be.
Because Susan had been the only person to visit the captain in the past, the crew 'allowed' her entry to the chapel. {Ok, I'm just glad they didn't frisk me and take away my denn'bok.} She crept in softly and sat beside him without saying a word. They did not speak for over ½ hour. Then he reached over and clasped her hand. They stayed like that for several hours until he turned to her,
"Its past your bed time Susan."
At this she couldn't help laughing.
"John, I'm a little old for bed times. But if I have one, so do you."
"I'm tired. On the inside. The pressure. Uncertainty. Other things."
"And she was your refuge from the...other things?"
"Yes."
"She still loves you. You still love her. That hasn't changed."
"No, it hasn't. But I don't know if its enough."
"A very wise man once told me that my Russian pessimistic ways would have to take a back seat to my Anla'Shok training because life is too short and the darkness too near so we have to take happiness or pleasure whenever we can."
"Yes, he said something like that to me once."
At this his face clouded over and he looked at Susan deeply. There was all the affection of an older brother pouring into her from his eyes. Not to be out done, she gave as good as she got. They both smiled and embraced.
"Faith manages, John. I know you've changed. Grown. I've seen it, everyone's seen it. I know you are a believer. Faith manages."
Susan stood up and clasped his hand tugging him to his feet.
"Come on, time to put the captain to bed."
The next day Delenn called on every shred of grace and dignity she could summon to prepare for the meeting. She knew that Susan would know what the others would not. That she had indeed lied to John through misdirection and half truths about his wife. She feared what Susan would think of her. She feared the questioning looks she would get from the others. Most of all she feared facing John Sheridan. She had no idea how he would treat her. Her heart was breaking and she knew it was of her own making. When she opened her door she was not surprised to find Marcus standing there.
"Just happened to be passing by on my way to the meeting. Fancy running into you here."
"Fancy indeed since the War Room is in the opposite direction and closer to your quarters." She gave him a soft appreciative smile.
At that Marcus held out his arm for her and they walked the rest of the way in silence.
Everyone was present except Michael Garibadli which caused some concern since he knew how important this meeting was. They had spent the last 2 days trying to gather information they could on Shadow activity. The night G'Kar shot out of Medlab he left the station without a word to anyone. That was strange but considering the station was his only sanctuary and that the Centauri would capture and execute him on site, they knew it had to be BIG. No one was in the mood for anything big let alone BIG.
Marcus sat next to Delenn, Susan to the captain's right. Their eyes met across the table and no telepathic communication was necessary. They were worried for their friends. On a personal level, Susan was down right ticked at Delenn. But Susan Ivanova was Anla'Shok and she would not be ticked at Entil'Zha. She turned to Delenn and saw the pain, confusion, sadness and fear in her eyes. She saw that some of that fear was directed at her and she resolved immediately to squash it. She looked Delenn in the eye and smiled a warm, genuine, forgiving smile. At that, Delenn was visibly surprised and relaxed noticeably.
Moments later Garibaldi burst into the room in a flutter they hadn't seen since Talia's Psi Corp incident.
He was waving around a book hollering,
"I got it!!! I got it!"
"Well don't give it to us, we've all got problems of our own." Stephen drawled out with a good natured smile.
Michael just glared at him without stopping and carried on with several more, "I got its". The captain even smiled at this but finally asked,
"Michael, what exactly have you got and why are you swinging that book around like a dead cat?" Delenn did not understand the reference but thought that it was meant to be humourous by the smile on his face.
"The answer to defeating the Shadows!" This got everyone's attention.
"Ok, well maybe not defeat them but definitely kick their asses and take a lot of them out." He continued his gesticulating hand movements looking comically in the absurd.
"Mr. Garibaldi, as much as we are entertained by your---floor show, you've peeked all of our interests with this Shadow ass kicking weapon."
"Impatient much Anla'Shok Ivanova? Fine, I'll tell you. Telepaths!"
No one knew what he meant by that, was it an exclamation or an accusation. Seeing their confusion he added for good measure,
"Tel-a-paths!"
"Oh good, cause now we all un-der-stand. NOT!"
At this even the captain snickered finding the exchange between Michael and Susan a welcome reminder of days long past before the darkness--before the break with earth--when they still had innocence. Eyes twinkling Sheridan broke in,
"Michael how about you explain it for the rest of the class, slowly. Start with the book."
"The book is The Book of G'Quon..." Marcus can't help himself and breaks in just as Michael was getting on a roll,
"Why do you have The Book of G'Quon?"
"If all comments from the peanut gallery would cease, I could finish." At the word peanut gallery he turned a glare on Susan and rolled his eyes.
Sheridan felt that he should interrupt before it escalated into a 'did not, did too' argument.
"Michael, I guarantee that the peanut gallery is closed, you can continue." At the words peanut gallery he turned a light glare on Susan & Marcus. At their sufficiently chastised nods, Garibaldi gave a self satisfying smile and continued,
"As I was trying to share before I was interrupted so RUDELY----both times, the Shadow ass kicking weapons are telepaths. I've been studying The Book of G'Quon and I found the answer there. Remember G'Kar said that there haven't been Narn telepaths in 1,000 years. Well people, what happened 1,000 years ago?"
"The last Shadow war." Everyone broke out in a sing song manner. Garibaldi was not amused,
"If you all are finished, there haven't been telepaths and the gene isn't there anymore for the last 1,000 years. G'Quon talks about the Shadow base on their planet. At the time, they weren't a space fairing so there wasn't anything they could do about it. On an off note, VALEN is mentioned quite a bit in here. Did anyone from the peanut gallery know that VALEN and G'Quon were friends? That VALEN traveled to Narn with the Anla'Shok to make them aware of the nature of the Shadow war?"
"Michael, at some point could you please stop rubbing our noses in your new found infinite knowledge about VALEN and get on with the first story. Then you could tell us about the other things you learned." While the first part was obvious sarcasm, the last sentence was said with enough quiet reverence to snap Michael back to the task at hand.
"Sure Talia, I'm sorry. I'll get on with it." He tossed her a sly smile and she returned it warmly.
"Anyway, G'Quon talks about something that made the Shadows sick, caused the ships to fall from the sky. Literally crash and fall from the sky while taking off from the planet or trying to land. Mindwalkers! A group had gone out on recon to the Shadow base after a meeting with Valen. There were telepaths in the group. A few were holding their hands to their heads [like I saw a few people in this room do the night John and Delenn were attacked] and mentioned something about the screams in their minds." When Michael was thinking back to the night Anna Sheridan came on board he looked directly at Marcus and Susan, turned his head to the side and gave off a crooked smile in her direction.
"Move along Garibaldi." That was all he got. But they both knew he knew. Talia wasn't as discreet,
"That's what that was? When we---I felt that high pitched scream in my head that night we were at dinner! Its because of the Shadows that were with her. And when we all went to the captain's quarters, it was---my being a telepath that uh killed them?"
At this point Susan and Marcus were snickering, and nodded to each other. Then Marcus spoke.
"Thank you for your pitiful attempt at discretion Talia. It would have gone unnoticed if the others hadn't already known or MacGruff the crime dog over there hadn't just sniffed it out and put it together. You can say it. Its alright." He smiled and winked at her. Talia blushed and looked away.
"Ok, if true confessions is over with, might I get back to my report?" Not waiting for an answer he barreled on,
"Yes, according to what G'Quon said, the telepaths were responsible for driving them off their world. Uh, but then they all fell down and died taking the telepathic gene with them. So, that might put a tiny crimp in the plan, but over all it's a good plan."
"What plan?"
"Sorry captain, we put a telepath on every single one of our ships going into battle!" The captain simply looked at him, Delenn did not seem pleased, all the others in the room had Psi abilities and were staring at him like he lost his mind. Then as one they jumped on him,
"Are you crazy!!! You want to ask for volunteer telepathic kamikazes?"
"That's what happens when you don't let me finish!" Michael Garibaldi stood there silently scolding each of them with his glare while shaking his head.
"The reason I was able to recognize the Shadow ship before any of you is because I'd seen one before, remember? Entil'Zha Sinclair and I both saw it when we were on Mars. And the one thing I retrieved from the wreckage was a melted Psi Corp pin."
"Not really going a long way to convincing us that it isn't a one way ticket across the veil Michael." Susan rolled her eyes with that.
"Morden people. Think what he said 'the badges hurt us'. And can we all just remember that there were SEVERAL Shadows here a few days ago and you, you, you, and you were all in the room with them. All of you walked out, all of them died. Hmm."
{I hate when he makes sense.}
Marcus doesn't actually know how to put it, "Michael, wouldn't Psi ratings have something to do with that? You can't ask a P1 to go up against a Shadow ship?"
"Nice try at deflection, I saw the light show and the wall bit. I know you ain't a P1. Besides, there was always something bothering me about the time I got stuck having Bester on the White Star with me. That Shadow ship came out of hyper space, came right at us and then turned tail and ran. I couldn't figure out what made it not engage us. Jump engines were off line, we weren't going anywhere. That's the ONLY time I've seen that happen."
Not completely convinced but they're starting to come around. Still they all know Bester's a P12. John & Delenn look confused about the reference to Marcus' abilities but are wise not to ask after the last time.
"Oh yeah, I believe I mentioned something about VALEN being mentioned in The Book now, didn't I? Hmm, seems like someone decided to leave us a veiled message addressing this very point. The translation is a little hokey but basically it says safe for non Narn telepaths. After the Narn incident Minbari telepaths of all levels went out on ships. There were quite a few in the Anla'Shok. Seems some things haven't changed huh?" He can't resist another dig. All he got were a lot of groans and rolled eyes in response.
Delenn decides to intervene to cut off anymore bickering between them. [They are playful today. It has been such a long time.]
"Now we know about Minbari telepaths for certain. Humans are different I believe? We would not want to endanger them by mistake."
"Yes, I thought of that and so did---Valen (out of respect for Entil'Zha Delenn he decides to back burner the gloating) he makes another veiled reference to a specific "distant" close ally of the Minbari dear to his heart. Anyone who's.....how did he put it? Anyone of their telepaths who's in trade can fight the Shadows."
Talia picks up on this immediately,
"Commercial Telepaths! P5s or higher. That's got to be what he means!"
Susan is now convinced. Jeff would never make a mistake or lead them astray when sending them a message like that. He knew that The Book of G'Quon was copied exactly, word for word. Down to any stray ink marks to torn or ripped page from the original. She was awed,
"Talk about a message in a bottle." That's enough for everyone to agree this was their fighting chance. Too much proved it true.
"Fine. Delenn can you contact the Anla'Shok and try to find out how many Minbari and human telepaths you have at or above P5?"
Delenn was surprised. These were the first words he spoken to her since he walked out of her quarters. She didn't show it and simply nodded,
"Yes, I will see to it after we finish here."
"Ok, where's G'Kar? Its not like him not to be here." Stephen had been silent on this waiting for the right time to ask.
"I don't know. He sent a message and he said he would be back 2 hours ago but hasn't returned. I sent a White Star out to his last known location to track him." So, the captain knew where he was and obviously why he'd gone. But that's all he said.
Everyone but Delenn knew he took off after speaking to Sheridan. No one wanted to even think why. Delenn didn't know not to ask,
"Why would he leave sanctuary?"
"He had some things to do." The way he spoke left no room for further discussion on the matter, polite as he was they got the point.
Susan was restless. The dreams were reeking havoc with her once again. They started after the Shadow agent left the station. These she didn't know what to make of. They just didn't make sense. She saw something very clearly but then she saw something else and it didn't fit with the rest. She was nervous and anxious once again. It was too much. She couldn't believe what she was seeing and yet she could. She didn't want this. Didn't want to know this and wasn't sure she should intervene. She remembered the things both Sinclair and Sheridan had said to her. She didn't like it. She now had a pretty clear idea what the captain saw in at least one of his time jumps. It also explained his behavior over the last few months.
"This can not be and yet it is to be. Do I interfere?" No. She realized that was the reason she had no prior warning of Anna Sheridan's existence or arrival on the station.
Over the next week her friends started seeing a repeat of her behavior leading up to the Babylon 4 mission and none were happy about it in the least. The only two who made no comment where Stephen and Sheridan. In fact, they tried to pretend like they didn't notice. G'Kar had not returned. They had no clue where to look for him. Sheridan had said nothing on the matter. Garibaldi did some checking and found out that the captain and G'Kar had spoken for ½ hour from his ship so it wasn't simply an 'I'm on my way back' message. G'Kar had been on a mission and he found whatever the captain wanted----or needed. As would seem the case with the nature of whatever Susan was, her outbursts started happening again. When the full revelation occurred, just as before, she wasn't alone but in full view of those who witnessed the last.
It never ceased to amaze Susan how this man would just keep showing up in her life in her hour of need and she commented on it. She'd taken to her old ways of shuttling up to White Star 3 as soon as she had some time or when she was ready to sleep. The crew were all too aware of the signs that something was about to happen. They witnessed her wanderings months ago before the secret mission at the same time Entil'Zha left. One moment they were preparing for an attack, the next she's clears White Star Prime of all crew and they take off to parts unknown. She was sleeping on the White Star then, spending her time in the garden or the chapel. Now its only in the chapel. These days its very quiet when she comes on board. Anla'Shok do not gossip but they do watch, wait, gather information, and prepare to intervene. White Star 3 exchanged information with White Star Prime over the last few months. The months since Captain Sheridan started to change. The months were he rapidly learned all three dialects of their language though he had years to do it before. The months since he started spending many nights in the chapel or walking the garden. They saw this same behavior in Ivanova before the mission that he displayed afterwards.
And White Star Prime informed White Star 3 that Ivanova was the only one from the station welcome to sit with him in the chapel. They knew. White Star 3 said nothing of the way the First Ones called her by name. That they would take to their grave, but everyone knew she was special. Touched in some way, called for something they didn't know. It was obvious to them all now that Entil'Zha Sinclair knew. They had also started getting that feeling from the captain as well. His speech and demeanor had changed so much that they had to double take, "Is he turning into a Minbari before our eyes?" [No, something more than that.] They saw a man preparing for...something. So, considering these recent actions of Ivanova, the crew of White Star 3 was both elated and anxious when out of the blue and completely unscheduled they saw White Star 14 emerge from a jump point. EVERY Anla'Shok within jumping range of Babylon 5 knew who that was. If anyone would have an effect on her, this one would. Though they still do not know what to make of them. And they did not know what to make of his abrupt departure from the station those months ago when he returned to Tuzanor. He's been there ever since. They all had to wonder, "What is going to happen now?"
That's what they all thought when they watched---discreetly, they are Anla'Shok after all---Fannol's shuttle dock and saw him stride through the ship without asking where she was. [Yes, this is something big. He did not even check in with the station first. His timing is amazing. She just ran in there distressed not ½ hour ago!] They are so very confusing to most of the Rangers--human and Minbari---don't seem to know what to make of them. Except that they understand each other.
Susan did not turn around when the chapel doors open. She did not raise her head. "Hello old friend" told him that something was going to happen and that she was well aware of it. He sat quietly beside her and she leaned into him. He brought his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"I am here to give the report. Or so I thought before I left."
"Yes."
"I could feel your distress once we entered orbit. I am not a telepath. You are in extreme pain."
"You know me too well. I am sorry that I infected you with it . I didn't mean to do it."
"You infected me a long time ago, at Tuzanor. There is no cure. I might as well enjoy it."
This brought a smile to her lips and she couldn't help the bubble of laugher that escaped her.
"I am glad you are here. We should get down to the station. The meeting will start soon."
Fannol was concerned. He knew that look in her eye, the inflection of her voice. She was having the dreams again. The dreams of what is to come. Rathenn, Turval, and Durhan decided to bring him into their confidence after they returned from Entil'Zha Delenn's ceremony. They knew he and Susan were very close and they wanted information. He flatly told them he had nothing to say. [Technically not insubordination, just misdirection.] Apparently it was the correct answer for they were assured of his loyalty to her and that he would not betray her. They were too obvious, too conspicuous. She would need someone who could blend in and not call attention to anything that might happen. Everyone knew they were close. No one would think anything of him watching over her.
When they told him all that they knew. When they showed him the data crystals, including the one Entil'Zha Delenn secreted to Rathenn they told him that the four of them were the only ones alive who knew they existed or the uniqueness of her gift. Others might suspect, Delenn only had sketchy facts and did not know this information, but they would be the only ones who knew. He was not surprised. It was hard for him to be. He knew her too well, watched her too closely. When Turval explained the Gathering of Souls that they witnessed along with showing him the section of Entil'Zha Sinclair's conversation with the human healer explaining the gathering months before Susan made the public revelation, he was shocked. He saw her, watched her trance like state of chanting, heard her proclaim to the Vorlon that the Gathering of Souls was near. He remembered her on the planet stepping into that strange Great Machine with Draal managing it but said nothing because he felt even they did not know about it. But when he watched the recording of Susan blessing Entil'Zha [Susan blessing Entil'Zha!!!] his mind started to click pieces of the puzzle into place. He noticed that they sat quietly while his mind raced. Finally, when he looked up in abject amazement and said,
"She is the Oracle of Minbar!" The others knew they were correct to take him into their confidence.
The crew of White Star 3 were rejoicing silently when they saw Fannol lead Susan from the chapel. She was smiling for the first time since the night before the Shadow agent attacked Captain Sheridan and Entil'Zha. As they walked along the corridor she laughed at something he said and then poked him in the rib. Yes, Fannol has magical powers indeed because they saw her little more than ½ hour before. From the ship all the way to the War Room they gossiped---exchanged colorful information---on various Rangers and activities back home. He teased her gently about Anla'Shok Cole and said that they had come to an understanding during his time in Tuzanor. She snorted that he should hush and not start anything or she would take it in her head to find him someone to give her Delight in tormenting him over.
"Consider the subject closed Susan. I do not have the strength to fight the Shadows and you."
"That's what I thought."
The meeting was normal and productive for about 45 minutes. Fannol had just started reporting in on the Anla'Shok telepaths as well as the status of getting volunteers from the Religious and Worker castes to increase the numbers. Delenn did not have to convince anyone. If they were needed to fight the Darkness, they would answer her call. 15 minutes into Fannol's report, everything changed. That's when it started up again. Susan's new mantra was disturbing to everyone but also confusing. Fannol's only thought [must the Universe torment her so] as he got up and moved a discreet distance behind her and to her right. It was clear to everyone from his quick reflexes that he was acting as her protector and that he was expecting this.
"Z'ha'dum, Z'ha'dum, Z'ha'dum." Over and over she chanted this.
No one noticed that the two people who knew exactly what she was talking about were the two people with plastered on impassive masks. She was rocking back and forth in her seat, a new twist from the last time, chanting. Marcus was looking quite ill because it was definitely not a good sign when one of the team is chanting the name of the Shadow home world repeatedly. Marcus truly couldn't object to Fannol' actions since 1) they had come to an understanding and 2) Delenn was in growing distress he could feel it coming off of her and moved closer to her for strength. He would be ready in case she needed assistance.
Then Susan added something even worse to her chant in Andorando,
"If you go to Z'ha'dum you will die."
This went on for a few more minutes and then she stopped and released a blood curling scream. Now everyone, including the two, were shocked. She didn't stop screaming. Fannol wanted with all his heart to stop this madness, but he understood who she was and that it had to play out. She kept screaming bloody murder until she finally went hoarse. She was so loud that security came to the door. Michael turned them away. Shaking, tears running down her face she eventually came back to herself. Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. This was the scariest thing any of them had ever seen including the aborted Shadow attack and destruction of the station. While his mind was absorbing this and watching those around the room, Fannol missed what was happening just to her left. Out of concern for her friend, Talia instinctively reached over and placed a hand on Susan's shoulder then snatched it back screaming as if she had been burned.
Whatever fleeting image she picked up caused all the color to drain from her face before she fainted. Stephen moved to Talia and helped revive her. She wouldn't look at anyone though their eyes were all focused on her. She closed her eyes and prayed harder than she ever had in her entire life. [This cannot be!!!] Susan's silence was obviously a pause in whatever she was seeing in her mind because she started screaming again. Everyone but Talia turned to Susan. Delenn had no idea what Susan was seeing but she heard the words like the rest of them, she knew someone was going to die and Susan was most likely watching the gruesome scene over and over again. They looked to Stephen, he did not react. He would give them nothing.
Disturbed was not the word to describe Delenn's emotional state. She was Satai, she remembered the last journey to Z'ha'dum and her mind could not pull away from the events that followed. She was lost, she had no prophecies to guide her in these things. Only Susan's words and actions gave her any warning or clue as to things to come. [She IS the Oracle!!!]
As before, Susan came back to herself once again. This time apparently for good because she got up and started for the door. Fannol was hot on her heels. Before they reached it— half way across the room—Kosh entered. He bowed to Susan as he had the last time and said,
"Darkness calls."
Susan responded, "Light answers."
Then Kosh stood aside and allowed them to pass. He followed. When the door closed behind them both everyone including the two who knew exactly why that happened were rattled. Michael was the first to recover this time as well and in a soft voice asked,
"Talia, what did you see?" At this Sheridan and Stephen stiffened involuntarily but no one noticed as they stared at Talia.
She shook her head emphatically and said "No. I'll never tell." Then she got up and left without looking at anyone. Captain Sheridan looked at the remaining and just said they should call it a day.
Michael Garibaldi is not a stupid man. No, he is very shrewd. Very cunning and very clever. When he left the War Room he went straight to his office and began to think. He was missing something but there were two mysteries to solve. Did they even know where Z'ha'dum was? Well the Minbari knew, so Delenn would know. The Fleet was not nearly ready to engage an advance on their home world. It was taking all they could just to gather information. So, who would be going to Z'ha'dum? Susan could have been speaking about anyone. Yeah, but the last time it was about us. Jeff too, mostly. She knew ALL that was going to happen before it happened. Not just the Shadow attack. He rolled a few things around in his mind and still couldn't get the pieces to click so he moved on to the next mystery. G'Kar. Where did he go? Why did he leave the station and what were he and the captain up to? Obviously he got some mission from the captain while we were all in Medlab. That private chat. No, the captain would NEVER send G'Kar into certain capture by the Centauri he was too valuable, too needed. But, G'Kar would volunteer. That's when Michael thought back to the last time when G'Kar announced he was going to Sector 14. "That's when... Oh, hell no!"
Round and round the scenes played themselves out in Garibaldi's mind. "Who does Susan know who would go to Z'ha'dum? She hasn't had a—whatever those are in months." He's pacing his office now, trying to work it through. "What's changed since the last time? What major event could prompt someone to travel to the demon planet? Who would be that brave or stupid enough to...shit! Dammit, this is NOT happening."
With those words Michael Garibaldi raced from his office trying to link in with his prey who refused to answer the call. When he got to the Observation Dome he was completely out of breath but this was the last known location. [There you are!] Michael walked up to him and cleared his throat. When the captain turn to him the look in Michael's eyes said that he knew.
"You're very good. It only took you 20 minutes including the time you spent tracking me I suppose."
Not one word. Michael Garibaldi did not utter one word as he tried to work out what could possibly be going on in his captain's-his friend's mind. [No, you won't do this without telling me why and you won't do it alone.]
"I have to go and I have to go alone."
[Damn, is he a telepath too?]
"No Michael, we've been friends a few years now. I'm starting to figure out how your mind works. Just like you obviously figured out mine."
He didn't like it one bit but Michael Garibaldi had to concede that point on merit.
"Do you trust me Michael?"
"Of course."
"Will you follow an order without question or comment to anyone?"
Not liking where this was going, he was very careful as he tried to dodge the mind fields and mental loop holes. Finally, he had to concede that this was his commanding officer and he didn't seem off balance. Then thought back to the changes in the captain, changes since returning from Babylon 4. [He time shifted! He saw something BIG. Was this it? Does he think he's completing his destiny?] On more than one occasion he asked himself why the captain seemed in a hurry to do everything. Why he was pushing, organizing, delegating more. Why he was spending so damn much time with Kosh in secret. Michael knew he was spending his time on White Star Prime in the chapel. He then realized that he must have seen this, must have understood his death and that he was trying to make peace with it. [Get his soul in order?] Would he trust him as the captain asked, to follow whatever order was coming?
Sheridan knew how Michael Garibaldi's mind worked generally. No one could truly understand the complexities of it but he knew Michael was turning over all things. Considering all angles including his sanity. Sheridan also knew that Michael was able to understand that whatever the order was would be huge. There could be no other conclusion after he'd gone so far as to ask the question.
"Yes."
Relief washed over him. He knew he could count on this man to do what had to be done. There was no way he would ask Susan. Not after what he witnessed in the War Room. He feared it would give her nightmares for a life time and he didn't want to add to that with this. Didn't want her to feel like she had a hand in his death. Whatever she saw terrified her enough to scream so horribly. [It isn't going to be an easy death I gather.] Sheridan made peace with this. He knew it was coming, but he didn't know when until Anna walked into his door. He wanted to tell Delenn earlier that this wasn't her fault. That he wasn't chasing after his dead wife. [Well actually, I am chasing after her.] But not to hurt Delenn. He thought that there still might be a slim chance for survival. [She's not pregnant yet. We have a son in the future so I've got to return.] But, even if he didn't he felt that it was the right thing to do. The only thing to do. [Self fulfilling prophecy? Susan said that I'd stand between the Darkness and the Light. That is what I'm doing. Hopefully, the Darkness will end now.] He heard Susan's exchange with Kosh. Creepy. "Darkness calls. Light answers".
Sheridan looked at Michael, his friend, for a long moment. [Yes, he speaks the truth.]
"No questions asked. Your silence is required forever, no matter what others say. Nothing in this order can be repeated. Though I think its pretty obvious Susan already knows." At that he couldn't resist a sly grin. Morbid sense of humor is contagious, Garibaldi couldn't help himself and returned it.
"No matter what you might think Michael, this is what I was supposed to do. Help Susan if you can."
Michael nodded, "I think Marcus has called dibbs on that." Again with the smiles and grins. "He's got it bad. I don't think she's noticed. That's pretty pathetic considering her----talents." They both found that extremely amusing.
Then captain Sheridan handed Garibaldi a data pad with the orders on it. No sound was made except the sudden intake of breath. Finally he looked up at the captain, stared into his eyes for a long moment and said,
"I have to ask. Are you SURE you want to do this?"
"Yes."
"Then consider it done." He held his friend's gaze for a few minutes more. Placed a hand on his arm and the captain return the gesture. They nodded to each other and Michael left to do what had to be done, he didn't have much time.
When Michael Garibaldi shooed his station security away from the War Room door he didn't notice something else that was going on, too caught up in Susan's situation. After the last unusual "incident" (well for that group anyway) Zack decided to take no chances when C&C contacted him about what sounded like screams from the War Room. He linked to his Anla'Shok contact and informed her of the report he just got. She thanked him and rounded up some troops fearing that another Shadow agent had managed to sneak on the station. [But how could it get by the Soulwalker? Unless he has been eliminated.] She would take no chances. Station Rangers exchanged information with White Star Prime and White Star 3. We are all very aware of the changes in the captain and the recent actions of Anla'Shok Ivanova. A station Ranger is on the look out for either of them heading near the shuttle bay and always contacts their ships to let them know of their impending arrival as well as their...condition.
Ivanova's station Ranger (yes, we quietly decided to make the assignments for their own protection since the Shadow agent attack) has reported disturbing information over the last week. It matches her behavior before that mysterious mission to some unknown place. That was the day after those strange events where the Vorlon entered the War Room for the first time ever. And Fannol! That trip to the strange planet below that only seems to allow Ivanova's shuttle to land on it. After returning to the War Room he stays for ½ hour then RUNS from the room through the station ordering White Star 14 to prepare for immediate departure on his arrival. Non stop to Tuzanor. The bridge crew said he informed them to wait no longer for jumping than it would take to close the shuttle bay doors!
Then Ivanova orders all White Star and War Cruisers to Red Alert indefinitely with no specifics. White Star 3 did not miss that she and Cole were in the chapel late into the night or that they slept in the garden. Only then did we suspect that Fannol had left to protect Entil'Zha. Oh, but that was not to be the case! We were informed that Rathenn, Turval, Durhan, and Entil'Zha secretly left Tuzanor and that 4 persons matching their description debarked the Valeria unscheduled the next morning after being cleared immediately to docking bay 1 as if expected. It was not lost on any of us that Ivanova cleared White Star Prime of ALL crew prior to the Valeria's arrival and that it took off with only herself, Cole, Sheridan, Delenn, and a hooded person. Only to return without him and that the other three left for Tuzanor as if nothing happened. No, we all know something happened. We know now that Ivanova expected it to happen. NOTHING else could explain her all night vigils in the chapel or walking the garden. No, whatever is to come we know will be worse than that because she now maintains constant prayer vigils in the chapel when she is not on duty or finally allows herself restless sleep. White Star 3 monitors her. She has dreams and nightmares. She has had them every night this week. She had them every night up until the day of White Star Prime's secret mission months ago. When the Captain came back a changed man. When Ivanova brought the Soulwalker on board with her.
Anla'Shok Cole is a rock. Steady as they come and loyal to Entil'Zha long before she was. When he linked into EVERY station Ranger (open and hidden) and told us to 'haul ass' to the captain's quarters but not to enter we were concerned by his tone. But when he said to take up position to watch, wait and start praying we feared what was to come. The station security teams were apparently given the same order by Mr. Garibaldi but he did not require they pray. But when we looked up and saw them running around the corner we knew it was trouble. And the gifts this group has. It must be divine choosing. A Soulwalker among them! A P5 commercial telepath is revealed now as much more than any of us thought. She moved that door. She tore down that wall to get in the room. And Cole!!!! We know what we saw. He and Ivanova walked THROUGH that wall to get to them. No, we know. When I was informed that Talia called for every healer, telepath, and mind healer from every Minbari ship in orbit, we feared for Entil'Zha and Captain Sheridan's lives. These dreams of Ivanova, these restless nights, they are signs of things to come and we are all more diligent in their protection. I heard her say that the Shadows want Captain Sheridan and they want him desperately. That was ALL I needed to hear!
We were ready this time. Both White Star Prime and White Star 3 informed me that White Star 14 jumped into station orbit only ½ hour after Ivanova came on board and RAN to the chapel shaking and distressed. White star 14 means Fannol and that means Ivanova. This was not a good sign. I waited for Fannol to board the station, even went so far as to head to the shuttle bay to greet him. I would know what was to happen! When he did not come I was concerned until White Star 3 informed me that he shuttled directly there without checking with the station and that he stopped for no one but went directly to the chapel for some time then left with Ivanova for this meeting. Yes, they are connected somehow he knew where to find her.
I saw Mr. Garibaldi send his security away. We would not be moved. We heard the screams. I have never in all my years heard anything so horrifying. Then the Vorlon returned. I saw Fannol take up guard around Ivanova, she looked awful. I saw the Vorlon bow to her and let her pass before it. No, I alerted White Star 3 to be on the ready and to watch. It was good I did because that is exactly where they went. But when the telepath who tore down the wall ran from the War Room shaking and in tears we all felt that more changes were coming. This followed by Cole nearly carrying Entil'Zha back to her quarters and not leaving for the rest of the night. Mr. Garibaldi running through the station as if there was another attack was enough to put everyone on higher alert, if that is possible. His meeting with Captain Sheridan looked intense and sad. The captain looked like he was resigned to his fate. And the Soulwalker was said to have sat in the Japanese Stone Garden for 5 hours without moving. The Narn took off after meeting with Sheridan privately in medlab. He has not returned. A White Star was sent to his last known location, they have found nothing. We suspect the Shadows have him and that means he is dead. Something BIG is going on.
They are all in grave danger and we did not know just how much until the Entil'Zha and Captain Sheridan were attacked under our very noses! That was a shame on our part and we will not allow it to happen again.
When Fannol landed in White Star 3 shuttle bay the monitors were already on. Who thought to do that it is unclear but it is considered a blessing that they did or Anla'Shok might not have known how to prepare any better for what was to come. What the others saw made their hearts sink and toughened their resolve. Fannol exited carrying Ivanova in his arms like a child. She was still and did not move. A healer ran to intercept them in the corridor but Fannol shook his head and did not speak. He also did not stop until he reached the chapel doors. Someone anticipated this and was there to open the doors, then took up guard outside to wait. They remained in there for several hours. There are no cameras in the chapel so White Star 3 could not make a full report. But they waited patiently, quietly, reverently. Reports from the station started coming in. None of them were encouraging at all. Talia sealed herself in her quarters and has not been seen since. Mr. Garibaldi is doing something that none of the station Anla'Shok can figure out no matter how hard they try. Discreet yet vigilant attempts to crack into his security system all failed. Captain Sheridan remained in the Observation Dome for another hour after his meeting with Mr. Garibaldi then went to his new quarters and put a privacy seal on the door.
Lennier is beyond distressed. He was informed of Entil'Zha's condition upon leaving the War Room and was ready to assist on their arrival. It is considered a good thing because Cole did not look to be in much better shape than Entil'Zha. Only his duty to her kept him from falling down or falling apart. Lennier informed his Ranger contact that he would attend to both of them. They were silent and they simply sat together on the couch in the greeting room holding hands. After an hour they began to meditate . That was several hours ago and neither one has stopped. This is almost too much for Lennier. They do not speak, they have not spoken, he has no way to assist.
Mr. Garibaldi finally contacted White Star Prime and told them to prepare to dock on the station. He does not mean to imply any offense or slight toward Anla'Shok preparedness, but he feels that he must do a personal inspection of Captain Sheridan's ship. He said it is something he feels he must do in his heart. Quarters are arranged for the crew and they may debark on arrival. White Star Prime did not fault him for this considering all that has occurred and all that is unknown about what happened in this recent meeting or the last before Entil'Zha went away and the captain returned a change man. Too bad the Anla'Shok did not realize that Mr. Garibaldi is as sneaky as a Minbari and as misdirecting as Satai.
None of the Anla'Shok know who to be scared for the most. Entil'Zha was attacked but healed. She is in distress and disquiet right now. The others are so far beyond themselves it is difficult to know. When a Soulwalker is rigid and detached there is a grave problem. But most of the attention is focused on the movements of Ivanova and the captain. It is too much! They are the only two who have been consistently driven from the station for several months. Their actions are too much alike. Their hours spent in prayer and the agony written on their faces is too intense. They know something and whatever it is, it is very bad. Fannol's unexpected arrival is proof of that. No one knows how long he is to stay but if Ivanova's condition does not improve we are sure he will go no where. White Star 14 was contacted and asked to give a report on Fannol. They were offended at first but when the actions of ALL the leaders of the Army of Light were made known to them, one of the station Rangers was asked to shuttle up for a private discussion.
It seems that Fannol has also been affected by whatever is happening to the others. When he last departed the station they say that he ran from his shuttle straight to the chapel and did not check in with his bridge crew or reconfirm his order to jump immediately to hyper space. They said that he remained there for several hours, the majority of the trip. Only then did he come to the bridge to check in but did not remain. We did not know he ordered maximum speed and to push the jump engines as hard as they would go. He did not stop until he reached the training camp at Tuzanor. Someone tried to inform him that the Sechs, Entil'Zha, and Satai Rathenn were missing. His only reply,
"Perhaps it is just that you do not know where they are."
Then he set about organizing the affairs left behind by the others. It was as if he knew they would not be there on arrival and that the Entil'Zha would not return. He has taken on many administrative duties since his return to Tuzanor. This is strange indeed. We thought for sure that he was at least under the impression that he was to guard Entil'Zha. They say that he spent some hours in the Garden of Eden and then went to Valen's Temple. Since his return they report that he goes everyday. They also said that after returning from Entil'Zha Delenn's ceremony he spent much time with Anla'Shok Cole in quiet and very private meetings. After Cole left he met with Turval, Rathenn, and Durhan for several hours. He did not look well when it finished and it is reported that he spent the remainder of the evening and well into the night siting in the Garden of Eden.
But the most troubling thing was his behavior as soon as they jumped into orbit around the station. Initially he was relaxed in the command chair giving directives and stated that he would shuttle down to the station in about ½ hour. All that changed as soon as they entered orbit. He became immediately agitated, exclaimed, "Susan" then leapt from his seat and ran to the shuttle bay. They thought he was heading to the station but became very concerned when they saw he turned to White Star 3 and docked. They were unnerved when they reviewed sensor logs to find that the shuttle bay doors of White Star 3 opened at the exact moment that he exclaimed Anla'Shok Ivanova's name. It was as if they expected him.
After several hours Susan finally spoke.
"Fannol, I'm sorry you had to babysit me."
"I am merely spending time with my friend."
"Every time you come to make a report I seem to put on a show. Not a pleasant one this time."
"Perhaps it is that I am suppose to be here at these times. Would you wish I were not here?"
"Definitely not! I do not know how it is that you always appear in my hour of need."
"The Universe is complex. We do not need to wonder. Just enjoy the time we have together."
"This can't be fun for you. Its going to get worse in the coming days. Things will fall apart in a week. People will begin to go mad. Perhaps you should leave before this happens."
"If what you say is to occur, then I am right where I need to be."
"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you when all hell breaks loose and they all come after me with a hanging rope. I will be blamed by some for what is to come. Or at least for not telling them what I know is to come."
"Are you suppose to share these revelations with others?"
"No. Not this one. Definitely not this one. I wanted to interfere. I wanted to change it. It would have been easy if I did."
"But you did not?"
"No. The greater good. And because I also see what is to follow this. Birth, death, renewal. It is exactly that but they will not know. And the Anla'Shok will come for my head as well, I fear, if they should find out that I know what is to come. I can not tell anyone that I know what is to come after that."
"The Anla'Shok will do nothing, they will say nothing. They will follow instructions and they will carry out their duties."
"You sound so sure. Do you see the future are well?"
"No, but I understand the natural order of things."
"Did you know Draal?"
"Not personally. He is a great master. Everyone thinks him dead. Not...somewhere else."
"Yeah, he thinks that's funny. He's usually a lot nicer to me. Or at least he used to be. I, uh, guess I kind of ticked him off."
"You mean he was extremely displeased with you?" Fannol gave a teasing smile with the tilt of the head.
Susan could only laugh at this. "Yes, I suppose human vernacular is imprecise at times." And she laughed more.
"You have not eaten in several hours. Let's get some food and then you should probably be off to bed."
"Getting a bit parental aren't you?"
"Nah, comes with baby siting duties. I am---full service"
Susan could do nothing about the eruption of laughter this caused.
"I have missed you so much."
"And I you."
Lennier made a follow-up report later that evening, it wasn't comforting in the least. Entil'Zha and Anla'Shok Cole did not break their all night prayer vigil. They would take no food or drink. They would not speak. He stated that whatever is to come is so sever or freighting that he noticed them both crying openly during prayers. Lennier has decided he must offer up prayers on their behalf because they are not well.
The captain left his new quarters after an hour and went to the Vorlon. He has not returned. Mr. Garibaldi is lost. No one can find him. How that is possible the station Anla'Shok do not know. It is cause for great alarm and a search party was dispatched to locate him.
Now in the late hours of the night Mai'lenn has come to a decision that she does not know is the best course of action but she feels that she needs guidance on the matter. Everyone is reporting to her. Even White Star 14 that just arrived is reporting to her. She has decided it is time to seek outside counsel on the matter or at least report the actions of the last few months and weeks to a superior to prevent a misstep in the future. She shuttled up to White Star 14 to use the encrypted channel and program that is restricted except in the most dire of emergencies. She had to think carefully on who should be contacted because Anla'Shok answer to Entil'Zha but she would be making reports about her as well. She thought of Rathenn because they are both Satai but that gave no protection to Cole, Fannol or Ivanova. When she considered Ivanova's special circumstances only one name came to mind. She was Durhan's student, he had taken her into his house and the Fire Wings. It is obvious by their interaction that there is a great deal of affection between them. But, she also had to consider Captain Sheridan in this matter. Would Durhan still consider him Starkiller? If so, reporting to him would be out of the question. Then she thought of the easy interaction between Durhan and Sheridan on his first visit. [His first PUBLIC visit!!!] Yes, Mai'lenn was certain that he was up to his eyeballs, as the humans say, in that secret mission and knows all there is to know. He would be the one.
Before she could open a channel she was informed that White Star Prime just left the docking bay.
"What? How did this happen and who is on it? Contact White Star 3 and get the location of Ivanova and Fannol. Are they preparing to depart?"
Several agonizing minutes later Mai'lenn had confirmation that Ivanova and Fannol were still safely aboard her ship. This eased her mind but there was still no word on White Star Prime. A report came in that Captain Sheridan was still with the Vorlon and it appeared it would be throughout the entire night! Lennier confirmed that he was personally looking at Entil'Zha and Cole, they had not moved. Soulwalker and Talia were together in her quarters. He went there after his silent vigil in the Stone Garden and did not come out. The only one not accounted for is Mr. Garibaldi.
Mai'lenn was nervous and contacted C&C to find out who was on White Star Prime. If she had to she would send War Cruisers in pursuit to guard and she would not think twice about it. C&C responded that Mr. Garibaldi is a perfectionist and is determined to make sure that every piece of equipment on Captain Sheridan's ship is working 110%. He was merely going out to test the jump engines and to insure that all the escape pods were in working order. This made Mai'lenn exhale, "Is he sure he isn't Anla'Shok?" That caused her to smile so she ordered the War Cruisers and White Star 14 to stand down and allowed Mr. Garibaldi to work through his demons in his own way. He would return when he was absolutely sure everything worked or he realized he was being a bit too protective of the captain. This caused her to think of her own actions. [I was going to send War Cruisers out to follow the captain's White Star? No, he must be protected at all cost. That would be the correct thing to do.]
Susan did not sleep that night. Fannol did everything but tuck her into bed. The nightmares came and these were so intense, her screams so loud and bone chilling that it roused all of White Star 3. Her screams were relentless. They sounded like murder, they sounded like death. No one knew what to do. Never had she reacted this way before, whatever is to come is near. A healer rushed to sedate her but did not count on Fannol rising at the intensity of her distress level before she even started screaming. He would allow no one to touch her. The crew were confused that he would allow her to be in such pain and obvious agitation. But he would brook no opposition to his commands. When they took a closer look at him they could see he was in little better shape than she. This was reported immediately to the station and White Star 14. Susan was speaking, it seemed to no one, but they did not understand her words. Fannol quickly supposed it to be Russian and thanked the Universe for releasing only her mother tongue. Since the others had no idea what she was saying or in what foreign language they were forced to make another report. White Star 3 was quickly being tested on all of their Anla'Shok training. Fannol shut himself in the room with her and all was quiet for the rest of the night. The crew made a supplemental report of these actions as well.
No one noticed that the activity on White Star 3 was timed perfectly with White Star Prime's jump into hyper space. This would not occur to them until it was too late. Until after they realized they had lost the captain, the leader of the Army of Light.
