The
next day, she awoke, feeling slightly better. Her skin was healing
from the burns the Starfire wheel had inflicted. Her throat felt
better. Her vision was still poor though. "Lennier?" She called
out.
A moment later, he came into the infirmary from the hall.
"Delenn." He bowed. "I'm glad to see you have awakened. Would
you like something to eat?"
Delenn nodded. "Please.
Lennier, is everything set up for the induction of the new council?"
Delenn was sure that by now Lennier would have carried out her
instructions.
"Yes Delenn. I followed your instructions
exactly. Everything is ready. As soon as you are better..."
Delenn
cut him off. "After I have eaten, we will go."
Lennier
couldn't believe that Delenn would contemplate doing this now. Her
injuries from the Starfire Wheel were nowhere near healed, although,
he speculated, with all the painkillers the doctors had given her,
she probably couldn't feel as much of the pain. "Delenn, with all
due respect..."
Delenn was still tired, and, as the humans
said, grouchy. She didn't feel like having her decision challenged.
Almost without thinking, Delenn sharply scolded Lennier,
"Understanding is not required. Only obedience."
Lennier
looked down. He hadn't meant to upset her. "Of course," he
quickly agreed.
Delenn realized how she must have sounded, and
silently berated herself for snapping at Lennier like that. He had
probably been working furiously to get everything set up for her.
"I'm sorry, Lennier. Please, look up at me?" She reached her
hand out, and tilted his chin up. "I didn't mean to be short with
you. I suppose I'm still tired. Forgive me?" Lennier nodded. "I
have to do this soon, Lennier. I appreciate your concern for me, but
I'll be fine. After this, we can get back to the Whitestar." Her
voice turned wistful then. "I want to see my son, Lennier. I didn't
think I'd ever see him again... and John... I want to see my
family."
"Very well Delenn. Rest while I arrange for some
food to be brought. I'll make sure everything is ready for your
arrival."
"Thank you, Lennier." Delenn leaned back onto
the bed as her aide left. She didn't realize how tired she was, and
soon she was asleep again.
