See prologue for Disclaimer.

Part 8

At the next evening John Sheridan submitted in front of the press an explanation. It was broadcasted in all parts of the galaxies. Also Susan on Babylon 5 saw this transfer. John stood in his old EarthForce uniform in front of the cameras and spoke his prepared speech.

"I John D. Sheridan, concede that I have made errors in the last months. At least in the sense of the laws of EarthForce. I have dealt as my conscience has demanded it of me. I'm not conscious of any large debt, however I must think about my friends and subordinate on Babylon 5. I was insured, that nothing happens to them, if I escape of any military connection. I will do this, however previously I have still a matter, which I would like to do as Captain of EarthForce. I appoint my second commander Susan Ivanova to Captain. So now there is nothing more in EarthForce to do for me. I leave!"

John grinned in the camera. Susan was shocked, that John had appointed her to Captain. She was really content with her position. What would wait for her now? A new job?

As John had stepped from the viewpoint of the camera, Delenn used the chance to make advertising for her alliance.

"A few days ago I have founded with some allies on Babylon 5 a new alliance. Its task is to secure the peace in the universe. We will support each race with their problems and divide our technical and scientific knowledge with the other people. After my last information, which is already 3 days old, belong to these alliance already more than 50 races. I make you, dear president the offer, to join this alliance. For the safety of Earth is cared."

Like on her key-word there jumped approximately 30 White-Star-Ships from the hyperspace. "These are White-Star-Ships. They are flown by rangers. The rangers are a secret organization, which has it's headquarter on Minbar. They were educated for the fight against the shadows. Since this danger exists any longer, they will help the people, to preserve the peace."

The president was enthusiastic by the ships. She had seen them fight already often in the last battles. She asked Delenn in her office, where she informed herself a bit more about the new alliance. She remained nothing else to join it. Together they stepped again in front of the camera. The president began to talk. "I have decided to join the new alliance. It's a good thing. You have to say also something else. Please ambassador." Delenn stepped at the place of the president and winked to John. He had no expectation, what would happen now. "The new alliance will have in the next months its headquarters on Babylon 5. In the meantime a suitable headquarters is built in Tuzanor, the capital of Minbar. A president will take over the leadership of the alliance, whom I will appoint personally. I appoint John Sheridan to the first president of the new alliance. I think, he is the best choice for it. He has proven in the last month's large tactical conduct and perseverance. This is needed in the alliance urgently. All further details to the new alliance will receive the allies in a few days. Thank you."

Delenn stepped from the camera and went to John. "As you see, I have said that I have a task for you. You know, that I wanted to found the alliance since some time, now it simply has gone somewhat more quickly than planned."

"Delenn, you are a treasure. Are you conscious, that you are soon Mrs. President?"

Delenn laughed.

John and Delenn were in the office of the president, talking.

"Do you already have a new commander for my station? Have you thought to offer Susan the place? She hurls the station already alone. It would be a good place for her."

"Really I have thought to offer another task to Captain Ivanova. I wanted to give her the command over a ship of the new Warlock class. As your successor I have thought about Commander Elizabeth Lochley!"

John turned pale when he heard this name. The president notices this. "I believe, you know this person."

"You can say it so. But I wouldn't like to execute this here further. Delenn lets progress on the way back. I want to convince myself personally that Susan is well again and what she says to her promotion."

They went on board of Delenn's White-Star-Ship and flew back to Babylon 5.

"Would you explain me please, who these Mrs. Lochley is. You appear to know her, if I pointed your reaction a little while ago right."

"Delenn that's a long story. To make it short, we were married once. She was in my final year at the military school. We were in love and have married. However we have already observed after a couple of weeks, that it would never go well. Each of us wanted to have the saying in the marriage. After three months we have had ourselves separated. Since then I have seen her."

"And when wanted you to say me, that you have been married already once before Anna? I have thought, we can trust ourselves."

"Delenn, please. I have thought it wouldn't be important. I was still young then and we have made a mistake. We haven't thought really about it, what we were doing. It isn't like we are still married. Can you forgive me once more?"

"Okay, but only, if you promise me, to tell me in future everything, even if it seems to you still so stupidly. And you must promise me, that we marry soon."

"I fulfil you gladly these wishes. Would you like to marry me, as soon as we come to the station? If your rituals admit this. For a wedding on earth I don't need long. We need a priest, who gives it fortunately on the station and each of us needs a person, who functions as witness. Whom would you take, as best a female?"

"Oh John, I don't need long to consider. I take Susan. We have come much more closely during these past few days. She suffers awfully under Marcus condition. She has helped me also very with the establishment. Whom do you take?"

"I believe, I take Stephen. Since Michael isn't on the station and Marcus at consciousness, he is the only friend, who is close to me. What do we need for your rituals?"

"Not much. I ask Lennier, to help me with the preparations."

~~~ Again on Babylon 5 ~~~

Susan was in MedLab again, since her shift had ended some hours ago. She didn't want to leave Marcus alone. She sat simply there and watched him. Stephen had said that there were no large changes. His vital signs were weak and his brain activities were slight. However during the night they had risen. Stephen had no explanation for it. Susan had, however she couldn't explain it to him. Not yet. However she was woken from her activity by her ComLink.

"C&C to Ivanova."

"What's wrong Corwin?"

"We have here an incoming message from Earth. It comes direct from the president."

"Okay, put it in Stephen's office. Ivanova out."

Susan got up and went in Stephen's office. She was curious what the president wanted from her. Hopefully there were no difficulties with Delenn's plan.

"Good day, Captain Ivanova. I assume you have heard from your promotion through John Sheridan?"

" Yes, I have, what can I do for you?"

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