"There's another player in the game."
"That's what I was thinking. This isn't Londo's style and he couldn't have done ½ this in the last 8 months. There is no way he could have done it while Cartagia was alive."
"Maybe it was one of Cartagia's projects."
"And then you came back to reality and remembered he was a lunatic who couldn't even tie his own shoes. This isn't Cartagia."
"Just trying to be optimistic. Geez." Everyone laughed but they were still at an impasse. Then someone rushed in frantic.
"Uh, you guys should come out to the lobby now!"
Instantly on alert everyone jumped up preparing for an attack and looked toward Vir. He looked to Tafali and Tafali just shrugged. Seeing he'd get no help from anyone else, Vir turned to the messenger,
"What's going on?"
"Vorlon!" He was practically screeching as he waived his hands around motioning frantically for them to follow him and ran out.
Everyone relaxed and got up to see what the problem was.
"What's Ari'ahn doing? Or did he want something?"
"You're asking me? He's your friend. But Jalese obviously needs a vacation he's way too up tight." All laughter was cut off at Jalese's agitation when the group entered the lobby to see Ari'ahn standing there apparently chatting and acting as social director to 30 Vorlons.
Tafali said nothing and hoped they couldn't read his thoughts cause he was thinking that group sure got around. Sensing exactly where his thoughts were Vir looked at him but neither knew what to make of it.
"What do we do?"
"Again with the questions. Like I'm an expert on Vorlons."
"Fine. But we shouldn't just stand here staring at them."
"You want to offer them a refreshing beverage? They came to us, I think they'll tell us what to do."
"Now you have an opinion."
Before Tafali could offer up a snappy come back Jalese, who has apparently turned into the Z'al messenger de jour, rushed up to both men and said Truladi had an urgent call and said he needed to speak to both of them at once.
Vir hoped he wasn't being rude by just leaving them standing there but something told both men these two events were connected. Tafali wasn't sure why but he got the distinct impression that those Vorlons were waiting for them to take the call before getting down to business. They took off to the office to find out what was going on.
Truladi did not look well at all. And he seemed to be shaking just a bit.
"What's going on?" Tafali didn't even wait for Vir he just jumped in 'cause this was information he was certain he needed and he had a feeling who it was connected to.
"A message from Selene. She said to pack up everything immediately, follow the couriers and head to the docking bay."
Before he could finish Vir broke in to ask---in code---why he was talking so freely over an open channel.
"We aren't on the station. This is THEE most secure channel in existence and you wouldn't believe me if I told you how this call was being transmitted anyway so I won't try."
Tafali had a pretty good idea just how secure the channel was considering their recent arrivals.
"Fine. Where are you and what's going on?"
"We're on a ship. Selene sent for us and we're heading somewhere."
"That's it and you just left with the couriers?" Vir knows she must have had a reason for this but that's not exactly the safest thing for them to do considering Z'al's current position.
"With these couriers? Yeah. Some of Ari'ahn's friends if you understand?"
Ah, yes. He definitely understands. Tafali isn't finished getting his information and doesn't like having his question unanswered.
"Did she give you anymore information? Did she say where she was? I repeat, what's going on?"
"I have no idea where we're heading. Her message was one way but she's with Cole and I get the sense they're into something serious and very dangerous 'cause she did not look like she was playing around. Selene said we were being called to order."
"Called to order?" Tafali isn't sure he likes what he thinks is happening.
"Yes. Apparently a lot of people are. I think some of the Kha'Ri and the special Rangers must have been as well."
Vir scrunched up his face trying to figure out what was wrong with that sentence. When he got it,
"Kha'Ri? Special Rangers?"
"Um, yeah. Kha'Ri. And special Rangers. Can't tell you anything about the last ones because I don't know. My Minbari is obviously not as good as I thought because the only two words I could understand on their emblem were Betla'Nal, Watchers. And Kha'Ri 'cause they are. 50 of them left with 10 of the Betla'Nal yesterday."
Tafali stays quiet cause he's starting to get a serious clue. Vir sees he's out of questions and continues,
"Ok, what else?"
"She said that once I spoke with you we were on permanent blackout from home so if we couldn't handle that we shouldn't answer the call. That there wasn't any need to hide so we should wear our Centauri pins. That she might not make it back from her mission but that we had work to do regardless. That we would get our instructions on arrival and that we should consider our new home our new home. She said you'd need to send station replacements and that there wouldn't be any problems with them stepping in and taking over."
That was a lot to take in but they both just sort of nodded internally, not having the time to work it through.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah. It was creepy the way she said it and none of us understand what it means but she was dead serious. Selene said to prepare because the winds of change are about to start blowing across the universe and that nothing would be the same when they settled."
Both men are silent for a few moments trying to absorb those last words. Neither thought it was an indication of anything good. Vir pulled himself away from those thoughts,
"All of you answered the call?"
"Yes. Considering the messengers and the general feeling we've all been having lately, we knew we were supposed to. None of us has a clue what's going on or why but we all know its serious and that the Universe is obviously moving people in preparation for something. I don't like the idea of never being able to go home again or call but I get the sense that there is a definite plan unfolding. We couldn't turn away from that."
"I agree. You all have done good work and we'll miss you. But, there's obviously something specific you're intended to do. Walk your path while we walk ours."
"Z'al guide your way."
When the call ended both men sat silently for a few moments. As he's gotten into the habit of doing, Vir turns to Tafali.
"That last part of Selene's message, that was a warning for us."
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I hope she doesn't get into trouble for that."
"I don't think so. The Vorlons let her send it."
"Come on, let's go get suited up."
It had been a rough couple of days in Tuzanor. Everyone at the camp was getting used to the new arrivals and the strange assembly of groups. They were briefed by Entil'Zha and Ivanova. Well, there was nothing brief about the things they had to say. Susan called up to all ships in orbit and ordered all Warriors and Rangers to abandon ship and head straight for the camp immediately. Each of them had to get over the shock of just what was being said. The Warrior were mortified. None of them could understand how their clans would keep something like that a secret even if they didn't know what was really going on. They should have suspected that the others up and leaving to follow Shikiri again was nothing but trouble and something they should all be on guard for. None of them even bothered to contact their families or other clan members to find out why. The damage was done and their silence put them all in jeopardy, especially Entil'Zha.
Everyone was on alert and pins and needles as the count down continued waiting to see if Marcus and Selene would succeed or if they would have to fight off attackers right there at the camp. Everyone wanted Delenn to leave but she refused. Everyone demanded that Captain Sheridan be moved immediately. He didn't even bother addressing that and just went back to what he was doing. They got new arrivals and more strangeness. Durhan was starting to understand what Turval meant about people on Babylon 5 not noticing the unusual behavior surrounding that group. He sensed that most of those at the camp were pretty much getting over being shocked and surprised. Well, until what they hoped was the last group arrived.
Nine Vorlons entered the building with men and women from Selene's Order. Most people didn't know her group but they recognized the uniforms and the broaches they wore. This was actually a relief to Zack and Mai'lenn. No one on the station, even the Narns who remained in Grey 17 knew where they were. One moment they were there and the next all of there things are gone and they just disappeared. They did not have a ship in orbit and the Rangers searched for them. Station security checked all passenger manifests but they weren't listed on any departing ship. It was strange. They knew from the Narns that their group was still in hiding from the Centauri. They also knew that the Republic put a price on Vir's head. Nothing. They couldn't find one trace of them and everyone feared what happened to them. Murphy updated Zack that there was no update. Some of those working at the camp wondered how the Narns would feel about Centauri in their presence. G'Kar might get along with Selene, but that didn't mean they all did.
Neither Mai'lenn nor Zack knew why the Vorlons brought them but they weren't going to bother asking. Before either of them had a chance to inform Garibaldi or Durhan so that some kind of accommodations could be secured for them, the Vorlons headed off in the direction they wanted to go. Apparently, they decided this was a self service bed and breakfast and they could just choose whatever they wanted. When everybody thought about it, they supposed they could. The one thing that EVERYONE noticed was that Stephen went with them. They had no clue what that meant and they all caught the way the Vorlons bowed deeply to him then moved aside so that he could pass before them. Kailenn added that little nugget of information to her secret stash and moved on.
Truladi and the others were nervous but getting over it while on the ship that was obviously flying itself. They tried to prepare like Selene said but since they didn't know what was coming none of them were certain they were preparing correctly. Once they realized they were on Minbar their confusion grew but it did explain the Watchers taking off. How the Kha'Ri fit in they didn't know. They made eye contact with each other and were pretty sure they now knew where the other members of the War Council were for the last couple of months. Why Minbar when they were supposed to be preparing to go after Earth they didn't know. But they all figured they'd find out soon enough.
This latest twist definitely raised a few eyebrows and caused more than a little quiet speculation among everyone. 6 days! No one else was gathered for that long. The 19 of them did not leave that room for 6 days. The others wondered what sign that was. This was the day Shikiri was supposed to come for Delenn and their were 9 Vorlons and a Soulwalker hold up in a suite with 9 Centuari. Then Garibaldi sent out the word for everyone to stand down. They all knew how to follow orders but none of them wanted to take the chance and called in for individual confirmation. Its something he would have done but after he had to tell the 20th person to stand down he sent out another message and it was obvious he was annoyed. Michael Garibaldi isn't really the type of person you annoy without a good reason.
Half an hour later everyone started to exhale. Word spread quickly that Selene and Cole re-entered the building. But neither went to their quarters or to check in with the others and make the report everyone wanted to hear. After a few minutes checking and double checking they learned that both of them had gone to the healer, Talenn. That wasn't a good sign. When Delenn and the others rushed to check on them, they were blocked from entering. Talenn was firm that they could not pass. That made no sense. Especially for her to be standing outside when two people were in there. Their concern grew when they turned and saw Stephen racing down the hall toward them. He said nothing and Talenn moved out of his way as he ran in. G'Kar was more than concerned and did not do a very good job of concealing it. Na'Thal wasn't any better. All of them went to an even greater state of alarm when all 9 Vorlons rounded the corner a few moments later and entered the room. Before the last one entered it turned to them and said, "Go!". They went.
Mai'lenn and Zack had no clue what was going on and felt they were doing a poor job as Watchers not to be on top of the situation. None of those from Z'al left their room to see what was happening so everyone assumed the Vorlons and Stephen warned them not to. Delenn was beside herself with worry as she and G'Kar kept some silent vigil together waiting for any news. But then things just got even more weird. Less that 10 minutes after the Vorlons dismissed everyone, another guest arrived. No uniform this time and she obviously wasn't a member of one of the various specially trained groups now in residence. All those at the camp, every Minbari Anla'Shok and Warrior immediately recognized her. Delenn's mother entered the building and bypassed those who rushed to greet her without a word. They assumed she was here to visit her daughter. When Delenn got the word she came out to meet her but did not have a chance to speak to her because her mother did not stop. Delenn, along with everyone else, watched her move purposefully and with great haste through the building as if she'd been there before and knew her way around. Everyone knew she was at the Sisters of Valeria and hadn't left the convent in over 10 years! She carried a box of some kind wrapped in cloth and headed straight to the infirmary. That was beyond strange. Delenn was on alert as her suspicions grew but had no clue what any of this meant. Before she reached the door, Talenn moved and let her pass without a word. Three hours later she exited the room and left the building without speaking to anyone.
Some time after that, the Vorlons came out and went back to whatever they were previously doing with those newly arrived members of Z'al. Stephen nor his patients left for the rest of the night. It was quiet throughout every hall at the headquarters. People seemed to appreciate the gravity of the situation. They knew those two had gone after Shikiri. Because they returned, they knew he was no more. But, they also knew that Deathwalker had left her vile formula for him. Whatever happened to the two of them was serious and whatever they went through dangerous. They all prayed for their safety and recovery.
Captain Sheridan simply watched those around him covertly. He had some time to think about those two, the things Stephen said, and the things he knew. It was obvious that Talia and Fannol had no idea what was going on. One look at Susan and she confirmed she knew nothing and had seen nothing. She was just as blind on this one as everybody else. Kailenn was thoughtful and quiet. Sheridan gathered that she did not know anything for certain but was thinking on things she did know. He wondered if she knew what was in that box Delenn's mother obviously brought from the convent but couldn't tell for sure. Then he accidentally stumbled upon some information from two unlikely suspects when he happened to catch them giving each other knowing looks later as someone mentioned the situation in the medical facility. His first thought was that they were concerned for their friends. But John Sheridan knew his parents just as well as they knew him. And when he sized them up he realized they knew exactly what was going on!
The next morning was a relief to all as Marcus and Selene were spotted walking down the hallway to their rooms. Delenn and G'Kar were informed first but they each felt they should give the young people some time to themselves and to rest properly so they did not go to them. Neither of them were in their room for very long. 1 ½ hour later they each stepped out in their regular uniforms and headed off to check in with the others. No one but those 10 knows what was discussed at the meeting but by the way Stephen, the Vorlons and even Entil'Zha's mother shut them out, nobody really expected they would learn anything about their injury or what happened in that room. The captain was determined to keep speculation away from their medical condition during the meeting so he moved the conversation along. They got it and they would play the game.
"Selene, Marcus, can you make a report?"
Marcus nodded, "We found Shikiri. He's dead. They won't be coming for Delenn."
Captain Sheridan had to admit it was factual, logical and to the point. He'd hoped that after being gone a week and obviously having been to hell and back they would have shared one or two more details. Everyone else seems to be a bit uncomfortable asking what they are certain was nothing more than the hit squad for more. The captain gets that so all he says is,
"Anything else?"
Selene shrugs, "Now we fight."
Knowing when he's beat John Sheridan doesn't ask anything else and hopes the others don't either.
"Good work both of you and we're all glad you're back." That's as close as he would get to referencing their injuries.
Hoping to move the meeting onto something either of them would be more apt to discuss he turns to Selene.
"You probably already know but station Z'al arrived 7 days ago." The fact that they still hadn't come out of the room with the Vorlons or that Stephen only left to attend to them and then come to this meeting went unspoken. Sheridan wasn't sure why he felt like he was walking on egg shells but if she wouldn't give him anything on this he was going to adjourn the meeting and go get something to eat.
"Yes. They are no longer assigned to the station and Minbar is to be their new home. They will be fighting in this war because they are supposed to. They are the only ones besides myself who will. They are still being briefed on their permanent assignment following the war. Their location is known only to those who have seen them with their own eyes and needs to remain that way."
She knows it's a delicate situation but after a few moments contemplation Delenn decides she's going to risk it,
"Does that mean that Vir and the others do not know where they are? I am curious why Minbar is to be their home. They are always welcome among the Anla'Shok, of course."
"Vir knows that they were called to something specific and he knows who sent the message. Obviously, you all have seen the messengers so you can guess where their new orders have come from. He does not know where they are because they did not know where they were going until they arrived. So, they were unable to tell him. All they knew was that they were being called to order. The condition was that they can never return home again and can no longer have contact or communication with anyone else from Z'al. They had a choice. They accepted the condition and answered the call. They are on Minbar because it is a part of the Universe's plan."
Everyone is silent as they take in what she just said. It was direct and very clear. It was also explicit and full of information. The problem is they really got no understanding from that at all. The captain wouldn't question her. Instead, he moved everyone else along. No one said anything but they all found out later that Delenn left the camp immediately after the meeting and went to Valen's home. Garibaldi informed the captain that she was sitting alone in the garden and asked not to be disturbed.
Delenn was concerned about many things after that first week when they were all moved to Tuzanor. She still had not gotten answers or understanding as to how the Centauri but she knew it was the truth because Stephen said so. When she first started checking the ancient texts it was for information as to why things and people before the time of Valen started popping up. She knew there was much she did not understand and many more things she was not intended to know. Delenn never felt herself above others and never felt she had a right to information that was not meant for her. The only things she sought were patience, acceptance and guidance to help her deal with the things she did not know. After Selene and Marcus gave their first report on the extent of darkness within Earth Alliance and their ties to the Wind Swords, she felt she needed to go back and review the texts armed with this new information. She also knew she needed time with the Triluminary. She knew it would get more and more difficult to visit with it if she were to keep her secret. Yes, if she were still one of the Nine or even the chosen she could have daily access but that was not her path. Besides, she went to it rarely and only in the times when the greatest need for understanding arose. Or when she was summoned to it. That, she learned long ago.
Delenn did not know of her personal connection to the Triluminary until she advanced her studies under Dukhat while he led the Grey Council. It was unusual for a member of the Council to teach while they served but for the one to stand beside the Nine to have a student was unheard of. But, he was Dukhat and no one would question his decision. Because of that, Delenn spent a considerable part of her life on board that ship. Before she completed her studies at temple she was taken aside and told that she was to leave soon to go to the Nine. That surprised and pleased her that she was selected to be an aide for one of the members after graduation. When the priests corrected her and explained that Dukhat had decided to take Delenn as his personal student she could not speak. It was quite some time before she regained the ability to speak, several days in fact. She did not know what to do or say. When she informed her parents, her father said little except to congratulate her and to impress upon her the honor Dukhat was bestowing on her. He reminded her to take every opportunity to learn all that he tried to teach her. Delenn's mother said nothing. She merely smiled, nodded then gave her daughter a hug and left.
The time she spent with Dukhat was strange to her in the beginning. He was Dukhat, the best of them. Why he insisted on her looking him in the eye when they spoke was beyond her. She was a simple novice. And that was even more confusing as she was not sure what he wanted to instruct her in so she opened herself up and followed his lead. Quickly, Delenn learned that he was so unlike any priest she had ever met. Aside from having a sense of humor, he encouraged her natural curiosity and inquisitive nature. He challenged and he questioned her. For some reason, Dukhat seemed determined that Delenn accept that it was ok to think differently than others and to hold fast to her convictions even in the face of superior forces or opposition when she was following the will of the Universe. There were some things that they did not discuss. Why she was there was at the top of the list. She never asked and he never alluded to it in any way.
Dukhat understood the concept of a field trip just as much as Kosh and Kailenn because he took her on one a few years after she arrived. They did not have to leave the ship as he led her to a secret vault. She had been there for years and explored as much of the ship as she thought she could get away with. Never had she even seen that area of the ship. Following her thoughts, Dukhat decided it was time to let her in on a few secrets.
"No one except the one who leads the Nine knows of its existence or location."
That amazed her and then her mind processed what he just said and she wondered why in Valen's name he would share this great secret with her. She would not ask and tried not to fidget as she remained silent. Dukhat knew her too well and it was all he could do not to laugh at her efforts. Finally deciding to put her out of her misery,
"You will stand beside the Nine after me. I am simply showing you in person instead of leaving a message on some dusty data crystal for you to find 10 years after I am gone."
She would never admit it but Delenn seriously disliked the way Dukhat seemed to take great pleasure over the years in rendering her speechless. She would almost swear it was his hobby. Because she could not speak she simply turned to him with narrowed eyes demanding that he explain this nonsense.
"Do not give me that look Delenn. You heard me quite well. The others do not know yet because you are not far enough along in your studies and preparation. Though you are close, we have much more to discuss and you have a great deal to learn. You are the one I have chosen to follow me and lead the Nine."
"Master....why?"
"Because you are suppose to."
[That is your explanation? That is all I am to have?] Then she quickly pulled herself away from those thoughts and reminded herself that he is Dukhat and she knows better than anyone why he is the best of them. She will not question him on this and simply nods her agreement. Then she realized that was unnecessary because he'd already proclaimed it to be without her consultation or consent.
Dukhat really did enjoy watching her struggle with all of the changes he put her through some times. But, he understood that she needed it. He was certain that her time would be difficult and she would have to be strong and prepared. Dukhat was not certain of many things but he was positive that she would lead Minbari during the return of the Shadows and that time was growing closer each year. He knew that he would not live to guide his people through it and he wanted them to have someone who was strong enough to meet the challenges and prepared enough to help them fight.
Long ago, when he was merely one of the Nine, he saw Delenn's face in his dreams and he searched for her. He saw that she was special and that she would bare the mark of the Triluminary. That was confirmation to him. He kept an eye on her progress over the years without getting involved or alerting anyone to her gift. Once he was elevated to lead the Council he felt that was a sign that she would follow him. He simply continued to watch and wait until it was time to intervene. He knew some other things about Delenn beyond the Universe's gift to her. He knew she would be the one to fulfill the most unusual of Valen's prophecies and directives. Dukhat would never dare question Valen's words even if he was not certain how this one would play out. Still, he accepted it and moved on. Others would not understand why it would have to be her but he did. She bore the mark. The Triluminary was a part of her. She was the only one who could.
Finally, Delenn's curiosity helped her overcome her inability to speak. Dukhat never said anything but he knew that was the case with her. The desire to know would burn a hole in her and always loosen her tongue before she burst into flames.
"Why is it here? What is this? Why is it a secret?" Her eyes were wide as she combed every corner of the room. "Oh, and what are we going to do?"
At that, Dukhat did laugh. "Come Delenn, let's begin."
By the time Dukhat explained that these were the remaining records from Minbar's ancient past not preserved at the Sisters of Valeria and that Valen ordered such a vault to be constructed on every ship for as long as the Grey Council was in existence she was wide eyed and speechless again.
"Yes, for some reason, he felt that Minbari would destroy the old records and forget our history before his arrival. He wanted it preserved so that we would have record of it. Obviously, he was right. But I suspect it was something more."
That last part was the only thing to pull her attention away from the shelves her greedy little eyes were raking over hungrily.
"Yes? What do you think?"
"He said that only the one to stand beside the Nine should know of its existence. I think there is something written in one of those records intended for that person alone."
Knowing the greatness of Dukhat, Delenn is absolutely convinced that Valen wished for these records to be preserved for him. She forgets her place with him at times, occasions such as this the most. But, Dukhat really isn't all that concerned with standing on too much ceremony and formality with her. He mostly does it out of tradition and discipline. Plus, he does not wish for anyone to question the propriety of their relationship.
"What have you discovered? Surely this must have been left for you!" She is practically dancing from side to side by this point at the prospect of having some small kernel of wisdom from whatever knowledge he has gained.
"No Delenn. I am not the one that these were intended. I've studied them because it is my responsibility to do so. History is very important. It is a guide to the future because we can see evidence of actions from the past. That, and I have a natural thirst for knowledge in general."
This confuses her greatly. Who could possibly be special enough for Valen to have preserved information for other than Dukhat! She contorts her face trying to understand what Valen was thinking bypassing him but then lets that go completely and hopes the Universe doesn't mind that slip.
"These are not for you yet Delenn. But they are for you. You have an inquisitive nature which I am certain has gotten you into trouble in the past. I encourage it because it is necessary for your growth and development. It is also a part of you and I wish for you to understand and embrace all of your personality. But you must not search the ancient past just yet. Not these records. Feel free to study what is available to everyone under general Minbari history and folklore. In fact, I insist that you do so. But these records are off limits to you for a long time. Not even once you take your place beside the Nine. After the Shadows return, things will change within the Federation and Minbar. After the time all of Valen's prophecies are fulfilled. When you are faced with more questions and no answers. When something comes to you beyond all hope of you understanding, that is the time. You will know. Do not come here until then."
His words were so grave and intense she knew she would obey that directive. She is certain it will be ages before that day arrives and she will be an old woman because the time of Shadows is nearing and Dukhat is their leader. Delenn just knew he would lead them for a very long time.
Dukhat was a patient man but he knew his time was drawing near. He was not certain when and did not wish for Delenn to be caught unaware. Some precautions would have to be taken and she would have to learn some things on her own because he could not teach her. He allowed the revelation of the secret vault to settle knowing that she would immediately start studying everything she could find in the public data bases. Delenn was very predictable when you understood her. Fortunately or unfortunately, Dukhat could not decide which, he was certain that there would be very few people in her life to come who would understand her. No, he was certain that most of the things she did would remain a mystery to Minbari in general for ages to come. He was also certain that once she took her place among the Nine, the Council would never be the same again. He's wondering how that shift in her position will affect their relationship. He does not want her to continue in a teacher student relationship and not voice her opinions. Then he stopped and considered that Delenn always finds a way to voice her opinions to him now. [She will be fine.]
The day finally came. Dukhat prepared her by requiring that she brush up on her understanding and knowledge of the Triluminary. Two of them would be used to fulfill prophecy and one would remain in its place for Minbari. One thing Delenn began to understand as the years went by, there was much more to Valen's prophecies and much more to the Grey Council. She was not sure but she realized that many of the secrets to understanding prophecy were held by the Council alone. She accepted that, it was their place as both leaders and those chosen to follow in one of the creations of Valen. When Delenn entered Dukhat's suite for her lesson she noticed that the room was rearranged and there was a box of some kind on the table. He was not present so she assumed he was still meeting with the Council. She took a seat and waited. After about 15 minutes one of the aides came to say he would be detained for at least another hour, perhaps more but that she should continue to wait.
Delenn had already spent the last 15 minutes trying not to look at the box on the table. Then she decided that it would be an acceptable use of her time to study it. Without rising from her seat she took in the details of its shape, general appearances, size, color and attempted to determine the material it was constructed from but could not. 10 minutes later she was up from her seat, nonchalantly strolling around the table trying to get a closer look. Finally, she could take it no more. She reasoned that if it were something she was not to know about, it would not be there in plain view on the table. Then she thought on it more.
"This is the time for my lesson. This is the table where we work and the box is on it. Surely it is something I was intended to study or it would not be here."
She was starting to do a very good job of convincing herself that it was alright to do what she knew deep down in her heart she was about to do. Still she did not open it. Then she leaned in as close to it as she could as if that was somehow connected to the reasoning she was working on. She tapped it a few times with her fingers and decided the foreign material was made of good quality. Finally, she was unable to contain herself any longer and sat down in front of it. She glanced around quickly, though she was certain she was alone so she had to spend a few more seconds convincing herself that reflexive movement was not a sign of guilt. Satisfied, she lifted the lid and got the shock of her life. Thinking she had done something horrible ranking up there with the greatest of sins she slammed the lid shut and jumped up from the table. Delenn was not prepared to see a Triluminary! That was not for her. She realized her curiosity had gone too far and that she had surely gotten herself into trouble with this. She paced the room for several minutes trying to get a handle on her agitation. Then she stopped and considered the situation and worked through her logic again. Funny, it sounded suspiciously similar to what she used the first time.
"This is the time for my lesson. This is the table where we work and the box is on it. Surely it is something I was intended to study or it would not be here."
That was pretty much all it took and she rushed back to the table and took her seat. She was not sure what it was used for. She did not know if it had a specific purpose other than what they all knew it represented. She was about to reach out and touch it when she thought it might be harmful to it and pulled her hand back. Once again, Delenn's powers of logic and critical thinking prevailed.
"I could not harm it by simply touching it. Somehow it got into the box!"
More shocks and more surprises before she touched it, it started to glow. Unsure if it was suppose to do that or if she'd just signaled some self destruct program she took her hand away slowly and simply stared at it. Then she began to feel something and she was not sure what that was all about but it was calling to her and it did not scare her in the least. Without realizing what she was doing or even noticing the unconscious actions she closed her eyes and began to pray. That's when she felt something greater. Something seemed to pour through her and from her at the same time. It was peace and it was clarity and Light. Then she began to have some kind of understanding as she heard and felt information and something else that she could not name but recognized instantly. Delenn remained that way for nearly an hour. Finally, she opened her eyes, waved her hand in front of it again and closed the lid on the box. She sat back in the chair and simply leaned against the back rest for several minutes with her eyes closed. She understood what just happened but she was not sure why it happened. She was also certain that Dukhat knew many more things about her than she did. This had to be either a test or a lesson of some kind. She just did not know which. So, she got up from his seat and left, knowing he would contact her soon.
Delenn knew Dukhat just as well as he knew her because it was a lesson and a test. Though the test had nothing to do with the Triluminary, he knew who she was. No, he wanted to test her actions and reactions to that type of situation. [Really, she is predictable!] He knew what she was thinking the entire time she sat there trying in vain not to look at the box. By the time she started rationalizing her actions out loud he was laughing. Dukhat is certain that if she were his daughter she would bring him much joy and many headaches. The teacher set up the lesson but learned a great deal about the student as he watched her covertly over the monitor in his office. Knowing who she was and seeing evidence of it were two different things. He saw it glow and that amazed him. She seemed surprised but then he was sure she considered that it was probably supposed to do that. What Dukhat saw that she did not was the mark appear on her forehead and he knew the potential danger of that in the future. He also saw the Light being appear after some time and abide with her for over ½ hour then disappear. He did not know all but he knew enough to help guide her. The rest she would have to do on her own. And, he realized he would have to start teaching her many things that were secret to the Grey Council alone. He had a responsibility to her and could not risk that his time should come before she learned things that she needed to know.
As she sat alone in the garden at Valen's home, Delenn was causing those guarding and watching her some concern. They looked to Lennier, who rarely let Delenn out of his sight these days, because he, Cole, and Captain Sheridan knew her better than anyone. When she returned to her suite after the meeting, Lennier was in the greeting room updating her schedule and going over many of the messages that were pouring in for her. Entil'Zha had both her place and her responsibilities but both of them realized that there were some things coming to her instead of the captain. They both understood that everyone else was a bit confused about how to or if they should approach him. He is Isil'Zha and Minbari knew what that meant but they did not. They gave him his honor and his due respect but they also understood that he was among the Anla'Shok and that is where he intended to stay.
Entil'Zha commanded the Rangers but due to their personal relationship, all Minbari understood that Delenn and Sheridan were a team and would work together. They also knew that he had not spoken as to his place in Minbari society or within the Religion Caste and neither did the others in his company. The Elders and the Grey Council were still recovering from the fact that Ivanova was forced into finally revealing herself and did so willingly. But the Nine and those at the training camp knew what others did not. They watched that recording of Sheridan in the garden speaking with those Light beings. They had all the confirmation they needed of his identity then. Hearing that creature speak about him as the One with the Greatest Soul ever to exist was just more icing on their cake. They each had the sense that if he could get away with never having to answer to the title beyond those in his close circle, he would. They respected that. For now. Because they were all certain that just as the Vorlons exposed him to those at the training camp, the Universe would expose him to the rest of the universe. With what they know is to come, many of them think it will be soon.
Lennier knew the signs. He stopped what he was doing and began to make preparations to leave. He was pretty certain where they would soon be headed. Captain Sheridan spent his time at the Temple of Valen. Delenn went to Valen's home. Lennier was not sure what happened during the meeting but he could immediately sense that this was something that affected her alone. Her expression mirrored the one she wore as she viewed the recording of the captain's return speech in the Zocolo. That meant Delenn had just made some revelation. He could not discern if it was good or bad but he knew it weighed heavily on her and that she wished to flee the confines of her suite but remain out of view of the others. He also knew that the captain would not come to her. They seemed to understand each other quite well. When he suffered through the change after the secret mission, she watched him from a distance but knew that he must work through certain things on his own. She asked no questions, did not pry, and gave him his space. Lennier knew that Captain Sheridan would do the same and that he was definitely aware of her condition.
While she sat quietly contemplating all the things she pieced together and all the things she still did not know, Delenn asked for simple guidance. Nothing more. She did not ask for understanding or acceptance because she already accepted what was and whatever is to come. Her last visit with the Triluminary was intense and confusing. She felt things that disturbed her greatly and made no sense. Now she knew it was because of what she did not know. She could not help thanking Valen for his foresight and understanding of the situation. She wondered just how much he actually saw that he knew preserving those records would be crucial. She also understood Dukhat and thanked him for his wisdom and guidance. She wondered what he saw. Delenn did not know how long Kosh was with Dukhat so she did not know what he taught him. She only suspected that a Vorlon was coming to him shortly before she took her place among the Nine. Dukhat was crafty and wise. He would neither confirm nor deny anything during her inventive attempts at getting him to talk. Many times she felt shame at her actions after his death. That war dishonored him, everything he stood for and everything he taught her. She never stopped to think why she never once went to the Triluminary during that time. [Perhaps that is how it was meant to be.] She understood that the war was necessary and a part of the Universe's plan. Still, she disliked her part in it. Her father died of a broken heart because he could not take the pain of seeing what Minbari had become. Shortly after that her mother entered the convent. This was a source of guilt for Delenn for many years and she still feels responsible for her father's death. All of the years since, she tried to grow from it. She wanted to glean some wisdom from her actions so that she would learn valuable lessons for the future. It took time but she did.
Now she sees more things coming to the Minbari and many more things coming to the universe. She does not want to make any mistakes. She looks up to where she is certain Lennier is waiting while watching her every move for some indication of distress.
"Lennier, I am not returning to the camp this evening."
Before she can continue, she notices Lennier shift his position so that he catches someone's eye.
"I know you just as well as you know me, Lennier. I am certain you anticipated that."
"I will inform the guards immediately. Should I tell Captain Sheridan?"
"Yes, please. I'm sure the guards will give Michael and Marcus full reports as soon as you inform them. But, I would appreciate you telling him in person. I am fine."
"I do not mind at all." Then he turned to inform the guards.
Captain Sheridan realized that Delenn was struggling with whatever she pieced together during the meeting. He knew her and her reactions. She was strong and always in control. Minbari probably invented the concept of keeping secrets but he's sure this goes beyond Delenn's natural inclination to remain silent. When he considers that, some things begin to click into place. He does not have all the pieces yet, but he has enough to understand that the woman he loves is now in possession of a great deal of knowledge and information that she does not wish to have. That alone is reason for him to step up his plan and get things moving. They still have one more dragon to slay but something tells him that the one they are about to face will be the biggest beast of all.