Love's Journey Part 2
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13. Contains Slash of the m/m variety. If this will offend you turn back now.
.... denotes thoughts
After entering the Ingata, I assumed Neroon and I would part ways shortly thereafter. I quickly realized that wasn't to be the case however, when most of the other Minbari cleared the hallway, save Neroon and two others. I wasn't sure if it was reassuring or insulting that Neroon obviously felt safe in my presence, when I felt anything but. I felt the engines safely take us away from Babylon 5 while we continued walking down the corridor. I used the following quiet interlude to study Neroon's physique which, due to the fact that I was fighting for my life, I hadn't taken the time to observe in detail before. It's a good thing too. What was I thinking? The man is stacked like a house, all muscle and bone, yet he moves with the grace of a cat. God, I must have been nuts to challenge him the way I did, I'm lucky he didn't finish it when he had the chance. Although I did manage to get a few well-placed blows in myself. Serves the arrogant Minbari right. It must have looked a bit ridiculous the way I was staring at Neroon and smirking, but I couldn't bring myself to care. As we entered, what I could only assume to be a briefing room, I finally got my facial expression back into some semblance of order. After automatically scanning the room for hidden dangers, I took my seat at the corner of the table between Neroon, the door, and the two other Minbari, and waited for Neroon to speak. If any of the warriors in the room noticed my actions, which I am certain they did, none mentioned it, nor the fact that I had my right hand carefully placed on my pike, and an alert readiness in my seemingly casual sprawl.
"Marcus on your right is my XO Shamar and seated next to him my First Guard Maiko." Neroon gestured to each in turn as he continued speaking. "It was agreed upon that your presence at my side would illustrate the willingness of the Anla'shoc and StarRider Clan to work together toward a common goal, thereby helping to end the ongoing conflict." Definitely a diplomat! "Maiko will continue to handle my day to day safety, while you will be needed more behind the scenes, except of course for the Ascension."
"Of course. One question though, how long will it take the Ingata to turn around and head back to Babylon Five? It's obvious that you're looking for a token Anla'shoc, and it's equally obvious that that is not me. I was entrusted to protect you, and I can't in good conscience do that without being by your side at all times. So let's keep the political stunts to a minimum, and I will give you a name of a fellow Anla'shoc to assist you." I could barely keep the annoyance out of my voice, as I made a move to rise from my chair. As luck would have it I happened to notice Maiko openly sneering at me. "Something you would like to say First Guard?"
"Just that your arrogance astounds me Anla'shoc Cole. I have the situation well in hand, and besides, what could a tiny human such as yourself know about protecting the Alit? The only reason you are alive at all is because Alit Neroon granted mercy to such a pitiful excuse for a warrior. A more likely story is that you were sent as a distraction, for an assassination attempt by the Rangers." Maiko growled while staring at me with his beady little eyes.
Under normal circumstances I am a pragmatist and expect a degree of hostility towards me, so I probably would have shrugged the First Guard's remarks off. My nerves were already pulled taunt just being so close to Neroon however, so I wasn't exactly in any mood to deal with such a horses ass. If I wasn't so bloody pissed off I would have noticed Neroon make a move to stand, but halted by Shamar's hand on his shoulder.
"If I wanted to kill Neroon he would be dead already!" I practically snarled, ignoring the incredulous expression on Neroon's face. "And this pitiful excuse for a warrior would be happy to give you a lesson in manners which you obviously lack."
"That will be enough!" Nero on practically bellowed while getting up to stand between us. "We have many enemies without having to worry about you two fighting amongst yourselves." Maiko looked like he wanted to say something else but the acidic glare Nero on sent his way stopped him. During the ensuing stare down I managed to get my reactions into some small semblance of order- namely my dry wit reasserted itself.
"I'm a peace loving guy, I don't have any enemies." I exclaimed, trying to decrease some of the tension in the room, but I only got a sarcastic snort from Shamar's direction for my troubles. "If we are through here, I will send you a list of possible bodyguards once we get back to B5." Perhaps Neroon thought I was bluffing, perhaps not. I myself wasn't too sure but I will never know, because before I could leave the conference room Neroon's voice halts my progress.
"How do you suggest we proceed, Marcus?" I wasn't sure what my reaction should be, so except for stopping, I did nothing. "You will not be able to guard me if you leave the ship." Neroon stated, which was as much a public concession as could be expected from the stern Minbari warrior. As I made my way back to the seat I just vacated Neroon's enigmatic stare unnerved me, it was unnoticeable by my actions however, for which I am eternally grateful. I pride myself on being able to mask my emotions if need be, while I admit I haven't had much cause to employ this particular skill until now, it is comforting none the less.
"I will be within a twenty foot distance to you at all times including but not limited to: any meeting between now and the ceremony, sleeping, eating, physical training and bathing. This is nonnegotiable, I can't protect you if you are further away from me. Once we get to Minbar, I want full access to the meeting grounds and the temple where the Ascension will take place, and a seven-person guard to accompany me on a sweep of the area. Your guard will answer to me, second only to you. Take it or leave it." During my explanations I kept a careful watch on the Minbari's reactions, they were varied. Maiko looked ready to smash my head open with his pike, while Shamar looked vaguely impressed by my confidence. Neroon on the other hand, I couldn't read at all. It seems I am not the only one who has mastered the blank expression. "And if something were to happen to me?" Neroon questioned while still staring at me impassively.
"If you were alive I would find you, and if you were dead I would find those responsible." I answered, still looking into his unfathomable eyes, while ignoring the anxiety thinking about Neroon's death unexpectedly caused me.
"Very well. We are agreed. Now shall we discuss the possible security problems on Minbar?" Neroon asked turning his head to acknowledge the other two Minbari in the discussion. "The main threat will come from Shakiri and his followers. Since Shakiri has convinced them to flout Valen's teachings, they have no regard for their fellow Minbari, which only makes them more dangerous. They will only answer to Shakiri and have no reservations against killing other Minbari. An attack from this quarter could come at any time, most likely before the actual ceremony starts. At the ceremony however, we need to keep a look out for rogue Anla'shoc. As you know, due in part to the Denn'sha challenge, there has been discord between the Rangers and the StarRiders. Perhaps, if they see you in particular guarding me the matter will be put to rest."
"Sounds plausible. I will make sure I meet with the Rangers once we arrive on Minbar. Hopefully I can talk some sense into them." Or if all else fails, I could knock some sense into them.
"The rest of the details can wait until morning when we can go at this problem with clear heads. We should arrive on Minbar in two days time, barring any unforeseen complications. That will give us enough time to come up with a contingency plan. But it has been an overly long and stressful day for all of us, I suggest we all get some rest. Dismissed." Shamar and Maiko left the room with nary a backward glance.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13. Contains Slash of the m/m variety. If this will offend you turn back now.
.... denotes thoughts
After entering the Ingata, I assumed Neroon and I would part ways shortly thereafter. I quickly realized that wasn't to be the case however, when most of the other Minbari cleared the hallway, save Neroon and two others. I wasn't sure if it was reassuring or insulting that Neroon obviously felt safe in my presence, when I felt anything but. I felt the engines safely take us away from Babylon 5 while we continued walking down the corridor. I used the following quiet interlude to study Neroon's physique which, due to the fact that I was fighting for my life, I hadn't taken the time to observe in detail before. It's a good thing too. What was I thinking? The man is stacked like a house, all muscle and bone, yet he moves with the grace of a cat. God, I must have been nuts to challenge him the way I did, I'm lucky he didn't finish it when he had the chance. Although I did manage to get a few well-placed blows in myself. Serves the arrogant Minbari right. It must have looked a bit ridiculous the way I was staring at Neroon and smirking, but I couldn't bring myself to care. As we entered, what I could only assume to be a briefing room, I finally got my facial expression back into some semblance of order. After automatically scanning the room for hidden dangers, I took my seat at the corner of the table between Neroon, the door, and the two other Minbari, and waited for Neroon to speak. If any of the warriors in the room noticed my actions, which I am certain they did, none mentioned it, nor the fact that I had my right hand carefully placed on my pike, and an alert readiness in my seemingly casual sprawl.
"Marcus on your right is my XO Shamar and seated next to him my First Guard Maiko." Neroon gestured to each in turn as he continued speaking. "It was agreed upon that your presence at my side would illustrate the willingness of the Anla'shoc and StarRider Clan to work together toward a common goal, thereby helping to end the ongoing conflict." Definitely a diplomat! "Maiko will continue to handle my day to day safety, while you will be needed more behind the scenes, except of course for the Ascension."
"Of course. One question though, how long will it take the Ingata to turn around and head back to Babylon Five? It's obvious that you're looking for a token Anla'shoc, and it's equally obvious that that is not me. I was entrusted to protect you, and I can't in good conscience do that without being by your side at all times. So let's keep the political stunts to a minimum, and I will give you a name of a fellow Anla'shoc to assist you." I could barely keep the annoyance out of my voice, as I made a move to rise from my chair. As luck would have it I happened to notice Maiko openly sneering at me. "Something you would like to say First Guard?"
"Just that your arrogance astounds me Anla'shoc Cole. I have the situation well in hand, and besides, what could a tiny human such as yourself know about protecting the Alit? The only reason you are alive at all is because Alit Neroon granted mercy to such a pitiful excuse for a warrior. A more likely story is that you were sent as a distraction, for an assassination attempt by the Rangers." Maiko growled while staring at me with his beady little eyes.
Under normal circumstances I am a pragmatist and expect a degree of hostility towards me, so I probably would have shrugged the First Guard's remarks off. My nerves were already pulled taunt just being so close to Neroon however, so I wasn't exactly in any mood to deal with such a horses ass. If I wasn't so bloody pissed off I would have noticed Neroon make a move to stand, but halted by Shamar's hand on his shoulder.
"If I wanted to kill Neroon he would be dead already!" I practically snarled, ignoring the incredulous expression on Neroon's face. "And this pitiful excuse for a warrior would be happy to give you a lesson in manners which you obviously lack."
"That will be enough!" Nero on practically bellowed while getting up to stand between us. "We have many enemies without having to worry about you two fighting amongst yourselves." Maiko looked like he wanted to say something else but the acidic glare Nero on sent his way stopped him. During the ensuing stare down I managed to get my reactions into some small semblance of order- namely my dry wit reasserted itself.
"I'm a peace loving guy, I don't have any enemies." I exclaimed, trying to decrease some of the tension in the room, but I only got a sarcastic snort from Shamar's direction for my troubles. "If we are through here, I will send you a list of possible bodyguards once we get back to B5." Perhaps Neroon thought I was bluffing, perhaps not. I myself wasn't too sure but I will never know, because before I could leave the conference room Neroon's voice halts my progress.
"How do you suggest we proceed, Marcus?" I wasn't sure what my reaction should be, so except for stopping, I did nothing. "You will not be able to guard me if you leave the ship." Neroon stated, which was as much a public concession as could be expected from the stern Minbari warrior. As I made my way back to the seat I just vacated Neroon's enigmatic stare unnerved me, it was unnoticeable by my actions however, for which I am eternally grateful. I pride myself on being able to mask my emotions if need be, while I admit I haven't had much cause to employ this particular skill until now, it is comforting none the less.
"I will be within a twenty foot distance to you at all times including but not limited to: any meeting between now and the ceremony, sleeping, eating, physical training and bathing. This is nonnegotiable, I can't protect you if you are further away from me. Once we get to Minbar, I want full access to the meeting grounds and the temple where the Ascension will take place, and a seven-person guard to accompany me on a sweep of the area. Your guard will answer to me, second only to you. Take it or leave it." During my explanations I kept a careful watch on the Minbari's reactions, they were varied. Maiko looked ready to smash my head open with his pike, while Shamar looked vaguely impressed by my confidence. Neroon on the other hand, I couldn't read at all. It seems I am not the only one who has mastered the blank expression. "And if something were to happen to me?" Neroon questioned while still staring at me impassively.
"If you were alive I would find you, and if you were dead I would find those responsible." I answered, still looking into his unfathomable eyes, while ignoring the anxiety thinking about Neroon's death unexpectedly caused me.
"Very well. We are agreed. Now shall we discuss the possible security problems on Minbar?" Neroon asked turning his head to acknowledge the other two Minbari in the discussion. "The main threat will come from Shakiri and his followers. Since Shakiri has convinced them to flout Valen's teachings, they have no regard for their fellow Minbari, which only makes them more dangerous. They will only answer to Shakiri and have no reservations against killing other Minbari. An attack from this quarter could come at any time, most likely before the actual ceremony starts. At the ceremony however, we need to keep a look out for rogue Anla'shoc. As you know, due in part to the Denn'sha challenge, there has been discord between the Rangers and the StarRiders. Perhaps, if they see you in particular guarding me the matter will be put to rest."
"Sounds plausible. I will make sure I meet with the Rangers once we arrive on Minbar. Hopefully I can talk some sense into them." Or if all else fails, I could knock some sense into them.
"The rest of the details can wait until morning when we can go at this problem with clear heads. We should arrive on Minbar in two days time, barring any unforeseen complications. That will give us enough time to come up with a contingency plan. But it has been an overly long and stressful day for all of us, I suggest we all get some rest. Dismissed." Shamar and Maiko left the room with nary a backward glance.
