As soon as the door slid closed Sheridan let out an almighty guffaw, which in turn set off Marcus, until both men's faces were wet with tears of laughter.
Ivanova sat listening to them, it sounded so good. She looked at them both and marvelled; President John J Sheridan, one of the most powerful men in the Galaxy and Marcus Cole, one of the bravest and most reckless men in the galaxy, laughing like bloody hyenas
It was almost a pity to call a halt to it…almost.
"O kay you two share the joke or shut the hell up," she finally snapped."Just reme4mber that you two are skating on really thin ice."
"Oh Susan," Sheridan gasped, "That commander had the same look on his face that Corwin used to get when he thought you were going to blow."
"He bloody well better not ," Marcus interjected wiping at his eyes. "Corwin looked like that cause he fancied her rotten."
The look of shocked embarrassment on Ivanovas face caused Sheridan to laugh even harder. Then he gleeful taunted, "For someone who had to know EVERYTHING on B5, I think you may have just missed out on a couple of BIG things Susan."
"Oh shut up! The pair of you," she muttered her face flushed.
How the hell did I miss that?
"Don't worry love, this crew still believes you're the all-seeing, infallible Captain Ivanova," Marcus said before laughing once more.
"Shove it Cole…What is it today? First Drake and now you two bums."
She snapped in exasperation.
Unfortunately the look on her face set thebums off again.
"OH NUTS!" she exclaimed loudly as she stomped out of the room.
"Oops," Marcus gasped between bouts of laughter. "I think I may be in the dog house again."
To which Sheridan just laughed loudly.
Marcus had decided after leaving one very tired Sheridan in his guest quarters, that he would have a wander around before braving a meeting with Ivanova.
He had been impressed with the schematics that Garibaldi had brought with him to B5, but he hadn't had enough time to really explore her before she left B5. Now he had to admit that she was a truly exceptional ship.
Excalibur; sword of the King. Yeah I think they got the right name for you lady. Michael thought so as well
He had been slightly shocked and confused by the emotion in Garibaldis eyes when he had arrived on Babylon. They hadn't been close friends before, but after the long teaching sessions and the midnight talks about Sinclair and of course Susan, he thought they would be now.It had been Michael Garibaldi who had encouraged him to take a chance with Excalibur…and Susan.
Michael had not come on board with him, wanting to get back to his pregnant wife Lise, but he had promised to keep in touch. Something Marcus hoped he would do.
It was good to have someone who understood just what Sinclair meant to him, and Michael did.For he felt the same.
As he looked around he recognised some Vorlon and Minbari technology in her make-up, these he knew. The other up grades he would have to master quickly if he was to help Ivanova not hinder.
This he could handle…this he was used to.
But this yessir, nosir, Ill just stand on my head sir", was driving him batty. He just knew that Susan was enjoying his discomfort too.
Marcus began to feel tired, using the sticks still took quite a lot out of his recovering body. He should probably ask someone where they had stuck him and get some rest…while he could.
As he prepared to turn the corner he froze as he heard a now familiar voice and groaned.
Oh bugger it had to be Drake didn't it. Just as I'm ready to collapse in a heap. The Universe just loves to make a prat outta me. Oh well time to put on the act.
He took several calming breaths and recited the Minbari mantras he had been taught to control pain that was still radiating from his spine.
He remembered Sinclair once telling him that a little show of strength and resolve at the right time could save years of fighting and arguments.
The trick was to find the right time.
"Let's just hope that I'm picking the right time now," he muttered to himself as he straightened his posture and moved forward once more. a word with you please," he called ensuring that none of his pain and exhaustion came through in his tone.
"Yessir,"Drake quickly answered What the hell have I done now?
Drake noticed Cole grimace and enquired warily, "Is something wrong sir?"
"No, its just going to take me awhile to get used to all this Sir cr…eh, business.
What I actually wanted to know was if you were staying onboard or not?"
BINGO! Direct hit.Marcus crowed mentally, watching the turbulent thoughts and emotions chase each other across the other mans face.
"Why would you ask that sir?" Drake hesitantly asked when he had finally got control of his voice.
Marcus drew himself up to his full height and focused his eyes on the confused brown ones before him.
"I am asking because I meant every word that I said earlier. 200, no ifs buts or maybes. So if you have a problem working with certain members of this crew, in this case the Rangers, then that is a drain on that 200, and therefor unacceptable. Unacceptable to me, to the Captain and to the people on Earth. So what's it to be, we work this out or I request another officer and you transfer out?"
Drake was caught by the mans eyes, there was no anger in them. They were calm and focused. He just knew that if he ever did see anger in them, he'd be on his knees praying that it wasn't focused on him. He was no coward but this man would be a bad enemy to have.
"I have no doubt sir, that we will work it out sir. I would like to stay," he blurted out nervously.
"Good answer…Now where have you stuck me in this tin-can." before I fall on my ass.Marcus asked relieved and pleased by Drakes answer.
"Well sir, your quarters…"Drake began.
"That's alright commander. I will show Ranger Cole where his quarters are; "Ivanova interrupted. Both Cole and Drake turned swiftly to look at the unnoticed woman. Drake had been to focused on Cole to hear her approach, and Cole had been to focused on keeping upright.
Drake saw some intense emotion flash between the other two. It was there, then gone before he could put a name to it. But he had felt its passing.
"Yess..Maam! Sir," he nodded then once again marched away as quickly as he could.
"Hope you were playing nice with the children Ranger," she said quietly while taking in the exhaustion and pain evident on his face. Well evident to her anyway.
Damn it Cole, why do you have to push yourself so hard? This is so bloody typical of you.
"Right Mr Cole lets get you settled in,"she stated loudly. Then continued for his ears only, "Before I have to carry your sorry ass home."
Marcus was surprised by the comment. Then realised this was Ivanova, for all they had teased her earlier she did not miss much that went on around her.
"Come on we'll take the shuttle. Its not that far," she told him preturbed by the pain in his eyes.
Marcus just nodded in response, trying to control the ache building in his back.
This was definitely his Ivanova, but she seemed much more open than before and not just with him either. When they had talked earlier she had mentioned a young ensign, and her tone was of real liking and maybe even a little parental pride.
We have got so much to talk about, but for now I'm content. I'm here beside you again my beautiful Ivanova. I'm at peace.For the first time in…before Arisa
"Marcus will you please say something?"Ivanova requested uneasy with the silent man walking slowly beside her.
"Now I know that is, without a doubt a first," he laughingly stated,throwing her a look of mock shock
"What is?" she asked as they reached the shuttle, which ran the whole length of Excalibur.
They entered the car and sat down, then Marcus answered he question.
"You asking me to say something. Used to be Marcus shut upon a daily if not hourly basis." His voice conveyed his teasing.
But Susan knew that her constant bitchiness had hurt him at times.
"I'm so sorry Marcus, I was such a total bitch to you. I really thought that if I kept it up… that you would go away. It had always worked before," she quietly told him. She knew that she owed him the truth no matter how badly she came out of it. "Then you did, and I hated it…Hated you, hated me…but most of all hated the time we'd wasted."
Marcus stared at her in shock. He knew how hard it was for her to discuss her feelings.
"Susan it would take a lot more than some bitchy comments to make me run," he declared firmly. "Look, first and foremost you are my friend. Right?"
"Of course Marcus, but.."
"But nothing Susan. I do not desert my friends when they need me. And then there is the fact that I…well you know…that I…"his voice fell away as he realised just what he had been about to say.
Don't be dumb. Shes accepted you as her XO don't push it. Crap…medlab here I come.
Ivanova smiled, it seemed that that her Ranger was still shy about some things.
"You mean the fact that you love me,"she stated happily.
Marcus blushed and turned away.
"Marcus please talk to me," she pleaded, "Please turn around."
He took a deep breath and turned round to face her. His face was completely open to her. She saw his love for her, his passion and many other wonderful things. But tucked in at the back sat fear.
now what would he be scared of. Surely he knows we will be okay now we're together. But then again who knows what runs through the mind of a thirty something shy, virgin, alien-trained Ranger.Who has just woke up from a five year nap
Obviously it was time for some straight talking and Now was as good a time as any to begin.
She took a deep breath, then began.
"Marcus do you still love me?…I mean…I know that its been a while and…"
At her first question the Rangers head flew up.
"Susan Ivanova many thing have changed, and will change again. MY FEELINGS FOR YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THEM…I just don't want… I don't want you to think that you have…oh crap! I am really hopeless at this," he bemoaned hiding his face once more in his hands.
If the situation hadn't been so important, Susan would have giggles loudly at the expression on his face. It was a mixture of confusion, determination and terminal shyness.
"Marcus listen to me," she said firmly knowing that if this wasn't dealt with now, then in an hours time he would have himself tied up in all kinds of emotional knots.
"I love you. It isn't guilt or gratitude or any of the other 5000s things that convoluted brain of yours has already thought up. Yes I am grateful to be here with you, but it is not my primary or even secondary emotion when it comes to you.Believe me I was right royally pissed off with you in the beginning for what you had done. For leaving me alone. But strange as it sounds…part of me always knew that some how wed get our chance, that youd be back."
Marcus sat quietly, really not knowing what to say as she quickly demolished all his mental ramblings about why she was pleased to see him.
He focused once again on her eyes; they had always fascinated him. He had forgotten though, how vivid the blue in them became when Ivanovas passions were fired.
As they were now –over him. It was simply astounding.
He had to ask, " What emotions are involved then?"
Susan felt his tension as if it where her own. How she adored this complex individual. She had never let him go once he sneaked into her heart, and now the Universe had seen fit to give her the most precious of gifts. A second Chance and she wasn't going to waste one second of it.
"You want the whole list or just the top ones," at his exasperated sigh she continued in a more serious tone. " I love you Marcus. Sounds very simple, but its not. Its very difficult for me to put it into words, but Ill try. You drove me insane on B5 and no doubt you'll do the same here. But I still looked for you, and it didn't feel right if you weren't there. Even if we only argued when we met, it was okay, cause it meant Id seen you. I would see other woman looking at you, and you would talk and laugh with them. You seemed more comfortable with them… and I was jealous. I was so mixed up Marcus. I knew I loved you… but fear held me back. Then you were suddenly gone, sort of. I left B5, but I never ever left you. I couldn't you are part of me."Susan stopped and looked at him under her wet lashes.
He hadn't moved a muscle during her whole speech. Now he took her in his arms and squeezed her tight.
"Enough Susan. Enough," he declared huskily, burying his face in her auburn tresses. "We will talk about this again later, for now just let me hold you."
They sat enjoying the silence until the car reached their destination.
When they were once more walking in the corridor, they walked side-by-side acknowledging the nods of the crew, but not touching each other.
"This way Marcus we're nearly there," she told him quietly as they turned into a quiet section. It didn't take her long to have the doors open and the lights on.
As she ushered him in he took in everything about the room. It was a little smaller than her quarters on Babylon, but that was to be expect. One thing was the same though… the aroma of coffee permeating the air. If Ivanova had an Achilles heel it was her love of coffee. In fact he supposed it would qualify as an addiction.
"Right sit down Marcus, you look exhausted, and don't even try to lie about it."
"Susan I resent that remark…I don't lie…exactly."
"Alright then; fudge the truth, obfuscate, fabricate, fib…take your pick Ranger." She reiterated with a smile.
Tired as he certainly was, he couldn't halt the gurgle of laughter that erupted from his chest.
"Oh Susan I have missed this,missed you" he replied, "It is so good to debate, wrangle, discuss and otherwise argue with you."
Then he lowered himself down on to the oh so comfy sofa with a heartfelt sigh.
He felt the ever-present ache in his spine ease slightly as the plump scatter cushions surrounded him. He heard his body inform what was left of his brain, that it was not moving for a long, long time.
Susan smiled with understanding, then entered the sleeping area to remove her jacket. She hang it up in her small robe with a muttered, "I wish I had my Army of Light uniform, it had class."
When she returned to the living area and sat down beside Marcus, she found that in the time she had been absent he had removed his long cloak, but still wore his tunic with his pike at his waist
I wonder where the pike came from, as I have his?
Susan grinned as his arm snaked out to pull her closer to him without opening his eyes. She felt safe and warm, she knew that finally she was home.
After just a few moments his deep breathing became soft snores as he finally gave in to his exhaustion.
Susan carefully got up and lifted his legs on to the sofa, removed his black boots, then pulling the throw that lay on the back of the sofa over them she curled protectively around him.
"Sleep well love…we can talk of all the little things tomorrow. The Big things are done," she paused as a yawn overtook her. "Yes the big things are done…We are together and we love each other. We are going to find a cure and kick some Drakh ass."
With that Captain Susan Ivanova fell asleep content for the first time in many years. In her arms she held her Ranger, her Marcus.
It was a new beginning.
In another place an old Minbari smiled as he sat meditating.
"A second chance my children, use it well," he whispered.
"Balance?" a musical voice, asked.
The old Minbari opened his eyes and smiled at his companion.
"Yes, it has been achieved. They need each other if they are to fulfil their joint destinies."
"Now it begins."
