Journey of Love
Chapter Five

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from
Babylon 5.

Authors notes: Rated PG-13 Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.

…… denotes thoughts
Before I could get too uncomfortable with Neroon in such close proximity, he got up from the bed and made his way into the bathroom. Neroon exited the washroom in a robe, still damp from his shower and busied himself getting his clothes as I made my way into the still steam filled shower. Upon entering the living room, after donning my Anla'shoc uniform and cloak, I found Neroon immersed in conversation with Shamar about ship efficiency. Without breaking his train of thought Neroon gestured to the fruit on the table for me to eat. While I was eating the Minbari fruit, which tasted similar to a Earth melon, Neroon made plans to help mediate a dispute between two crewmen during the early morning hours.

"I planned on giving you a tour of the ship this morning, but it seems my diplomatic skills are needed elsewhere." Neroon explained grandiosely while ignoring my disbelieving snort. "But this afternoon I will show you the essential stations, and perhaps the training room as well."

"Oh goodie." I responded with a straight face barely keeping myself from laughing at the overly exaggerated self-important look on Neroon's face.

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Seven hours later laughter was the furthest thing from my mind. I had spent those hours standing guard exactly three feet behind and to the right of Neroon as he adeptly handled ship disputes, station reports, and a diplomatic meeting via commlink. I could only imagine how he felt considering I was ready to start pulling my hair out from boredom.

"Valen, just give me a fire fight!" I mumbled under my breath as the last minbari took his leave from the office. I didn't realize I had spoken loud enough for Neroon to hear until he laughed in response.

"Being captain of a vessel this size does get tedious. A battle every now and then does tend to quell the boredom."

"I would imagine."

"Enough drivel, I promised you a tour earlier and a tour you shall have." Neroon suddenly exclaimed gesturing me to lead him out of the room. "Unless you would like something to eat first."

"I not that hungry, perhaps we can eat after the tour." I suggested as we made our way down the hallway. "Perhaps we can walk up an appetite."

With that though in mind Neroon proceeded to show me his ship. It was obvious in his gestures as he showed me the bridge that he was very proud of both ship and crew. Once we entered the bridge, his crew stood at attention until he gestured them to go back to work. It was obvious that this was were he was most comfortable. He inspired respect and friendship among all the bridge crew and the crew themselves were friendly yet efficient. Not quite what I would have expected when I first arrived. After the bridge, Neroon showed me the weapons system, crew quarters and the engine room. The ship was superior in many ways to other White Stars that I have seen, perhaps it was due to the relaxed atmosphere in the ship.

"The training room is our last stop on the tour, then we can retire to my quarters and eat. We should take it easy tonight. We will arrive on Minbar tomorrow morning, so there will be much to prepare." Neroon explained while leading me through a short entryway into the main training area full of young minbari warriors.

"Perhaps we can spar a bit before dinner." Neroon suggested gesturing to a pike fight already taking place on the mats in front of us. Of course. Getting my ass handed to me always helps me to build an appetite.

My scowl must have hinted at my train of thought because Neroon squeezed my shoulder as if to reassure me. "I hope never to have to fight you in earnest again, although I would be honored if you could show me a few of your rather unique techniques." Neroon reiterated while I wondered why he seemed so sincere, considering after our last "earnest" fight I was the one laid up in Medlab for a week.

"Why not, at least I won't be bored."