See prologue for disclaimer

Part 4

"Where we are Marcus?" Susan asked anxiously.

"No fear, my darling. This is Tuzanor, the home of the rangers. At this place Delenn has brought me, after I had lost everything. Here I have found quiet and security. The rangers have given me new hope. The both persons I met here first, were Delenn and Lennier. Then I hadn't known who they were. I had assumed they would wait for some relatives, who hadn't come. I was rather lost in Tuzanor. By then I had always been on Arisia 3. Delenn and Lennier have assumed mine and brought me to the training compound. There I have met Entil'Zha Sinclair. We had got along well from the beginning. I think he and Catherine both were my closest human friend on Minbar. When Catherine died, I was there to comfort him. Often we sat together in the evening after the training and played chess or talked about the most different themes. Delenn was also often with us. She was very eager to learn something about the humans. Both of them have helped me very to live with the loss."

"But why are we here now? What's the meaning of it?"

"I don't know it, my darling. But I always wanted to visit Minbar once with you. I think you would have liked the area."

"We will do this Marcus. You simply must get healthy again. We can reach so much together. Please don't leave me. I need you more than the air to breathe."

"Susan, I won't leave you. I will always be in your heart. Never forget that I love you."

"Marcus, I love you too!"

Then it became dark around her and Susan felt in a dreamless, restful sleep.

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In the next morning Susan was woken through noises in MedLab.

"Good morning, Susan. I didn't want to wake you, but I had to look after Marcus' condition."

Susan sat up. "How is he doing, Stephen?"

"He's still in coma, which really isn't that bad. His vital signs are still rather weak. But it looks like they would improve slowly. In the moment he appears to be over the mountain."

"Thanks Stephen. May I still remain with him?"

"Yes, but not long. C&C has asked how you are. Normally I wouldn't let you leave, but the Captain is on earth and I don't think, that Lt. Corwin is in the position, to lead the station alone. But you must promise me, that you take it easy. If you are tired, you finish your shift. I report to you, if there is something new of Marcus."

"Thanks Stephen. I won't overexert myself. I owe Marcus this!"

Astonished Stephen left the room. "Marcus, unfortunately I must leave you alone now, but I come back again as soon as possible. You must fight, so that you get healthy again. And then you show me Tuzanor." Susan kissed Marcus carefully on his lips and went then to her quarter. On her way she notified via ComLink Lt. Corwin.

"Ivanova to C&C."

"Commander Ivanova, nice to hear your voice. We were all worried about you." Corwin said with a breath of relief.

"Thanks David. Now I'm there again. Status report please."

"Yes Commander. Captain Sheridan is on Earth and undergoes an inquiry of the government. Mr. Garibaldi is presumably still on Mars, but we haven't heard a word of him. Security Chief Allan appears to have everything under control, even if it's a bit chaotically on the station. Ambassador Mollari would like to speak to you. The ambassador of the Drazi asks also for a meeting. Besides that somebody should look after ambassador Delenn. We haven't heard or seen anything of her, since her ship had come back."

"Thanks Corwin. I have still one question. What's with Earth? Have we succeeded?"

"Yes, Commander you have succeeded. Earth is freed. President Clark has committed suicide. But nobody knows what's going to happen now."

"Good. First I meet with ambassador Delenn. Then I speak to Londo and if I have still some time left, I will worry about the Drazi. Ivanova out."

Susan went in her quarters, showered quickly and got dressed in her uniform. Then she went to Delenn. She wasn't surprised, when Lennier opened. "What can I do for you, Commander?"

"Greetings Lennier. I would like to speak to Delenn."

"I believe, this isn't..."

"Lennier, please ask the Commander in.", Delenn called from inside the room.

Susan entered and looked around. Delenn sat on the floor in front of a candle.

"If I disturb, I also can come back later."

"No, Susan. Please stay. I must speak to you, too."

Lennier left the room, he knew, that he would disturb. Delenn got up and asked Susan to take place on the sofa. She poured both a cup of tea.

"The command has been worried about you, ambassador. Can I do something for you?"

"Thanks, but I'm fine. In the last time I have meditated much. May I ask you something, Susan?"

What do you think so far? Please R&R.