"Captain!" Marcus ran down the halls of the Whitestar. Sheridan was preparing to leave the Whitestar for the Agamemnon, and Marcus had to find him before he left.

Sheridan turned in time to see Marcus plow through two other Rangers, before coming to a screeching halt before him.

"They found your father. The Rangers have gotten him away from Clark, he's fine and he's being hidden in a safe place until this is over."

John grinned from ear to ear. He clapped Marcus on the shoulder. "Thank you Marcus." A chime then rang throughout the area. "I have to go," he said. "Make sure he's alright for me?"

"He's fine Captain. I'm sure."

John nodded. "Marcus, I owe you more than I can ever repay."

"No Captain. We live for the one, we die for the one."
-----

She had given the order. She had told her caste that they had no choice but to surrender.

Delenn felt terrible. The message had just come back. She was to meet with the leaders of the warrior caste later that day, in the temple of Varenni. At least the message confirmed for her that Neroon had kept his part of the bargain, however it was little if any consolation. Delenn was sitting at the writing desk in her quarters aboard the Whitestar, writing instructions for Lennier. It outlined her plans for the new Grey Council. She knew that she could trust Lennier to carry her instructions out.

Then a cry rang out through the room. Delenn left the paper on her desk, forgotten, and rushed over to her son. She picked him up and cradled him in her arms. Immediately, his fussing stopped. She smiled. Such trouble, this one was. Just like his father, Delenn thought. Her thoughts turned dreary as she realized that she would never see her husband again in this lifetime. Tears began to spill freely down her face. She had been trying to keep busy, trying not to let herself think about that sacrifice. But now it hit her full force. She would never see her lover, her soul mate, again. She wouldn't get to see her beautiful son grow up. She wouldn't get to see if the changes she had worked so hard to bring about would flourish or fail. David, aware of his mother's change in demeanor, began to cry anew. Delenn held him tighter to her, rocking him gently, and cherishing the feel of her son in her arms. She had spent the last few days filling her mind with happy memories of her son, and trying to give him all of herself that she could, while she still had time. Now her time was drawing to a close, and she knew it.

"Delenn?" asked a small voice. Delenn didn't have to turn to see who it was. Ayann had become a constant presence in Delenn's life for the past few days. Delenn hadn't minded in the least. The child's wonderfully innocent perception of the world had been refreshing for Delenn, who was glad for a reprieve from wars and politics. Ayann had quickly become a young friend to Delenn. Delenn tried to stifle her tears. It would do no good to worry her young cousin.

"Delenn, who is he? Why isn't he here?" Delenn turned, and saw Ayann pointing at the picture by her bedside. It was one of her and John, taken shortly after they were married.

"His name is John. He is my mate." She looked up at the ceiling, imagining that she could see through the galaxy to where he was. "He's fighting right now. Fighting for the freedom of his people, just as we are fighting for the freedom of ours."

"I wish he were here." Ayann said simply.

"Why?" Delenn asked curiously. "You don't even know him."

"Because, I look at the picture, and you are so happy. I am right to think that he is the one that makes you so happy?" Delenn smiled and nodded. "Then I wish he were here. It seems to me that he could make you happy right now."

Delenn shifted the weight of her once again quiet son to one arm, and embraced Ayann with the other. "Thank you, young cousin," she said. After a moment, Delenn released her. Then seeming to make up her mind, she walked over to the picture, and removed something from behind it. "Can you do me a great favor?" she asked Ayann. Ayann nodded. Delenn handed her the envelope that she had retrieved from behind the picture. "He will come here. When he does, give this to him?" Ayann bowed in agreement. She took the letter, and solemnly placed it in the folds of her robe. "Thank you." Delenn said. Delenn knew Ayann would give the letter to John. She could have given it to Lennier, but more and more recently, she was beginning to feel that Lennier's feelings for her were more than just those shared between a mentor and pupil, or between friends. She didn't know how he would react to her... leaving.

Then, she bent down to the child's level. "I realize that this is a great responsibility, but could you help to look after David while I'm gone?" Delenn knew that the Rangers on board the Whitestar would look after him, but it would be better for David to have a friendly face. And better for Ayann too, Delenn thought. Perhaps if she were occupied looking after David, it would distract Ayann from being too worried about her, or Ayann's mother.

Ayann looked amazed. For Delenn to ask such a thing of her was a great honor. Ayann was still young, but she was a bright, sensible child, and she knew that for Delenn to ask her for this meant that she had gained a high level of Delenn's respect. "Of course Delenn!" She exclaimed. Then she calmed herself and tried to regain composure after her sudden outburst. It would not do for her to startle the baby. Delenn only smiled at her enthusiasm. Before she could say anything else, a small chime alarm went off.

It was time.