Give Me Something to Sing About
Everyone stared at Elena in silence for a long time. They were all shocked. How could someone respond to a secret like that? Lee was the first to speak up, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Elena lowered her head and walked slowly to Dominic. She helped him up and walked him over to the others. She knew Lee was staring at her, waiting for her to answer his question. She avoiding his stare, and looked at the others. They were all starring at her, everyone but Susan. Susan already knew her secret, so it hadn't not been a surprise to her, well other than the 'With all my powers and gifts I couldn't save my unborn child' part. Sighing, Elena turned to Dominic, "Want to tell us what happened Commander?"
Dominic nodded and explained how he had followed the ship here and found Kamikaze. "Then we were captured again. They said something about using me as bait for a Teep," he finished, obviously having no idea who the group that was standing in front of him was.
"Thank you Commander," Sheridan said. "Now I suggest we get out of here, before another trap is triggered."
The group nodded and walked back the way they came in silence. Lee's eyes never left Elena and she continued to look at the floor. Lee wished they weren't powerless. He knew Elena was probably waiting until they were alone to explain everything to him, but he was growing impatient. They finally made it out of the temple and Kath turned to the group, "Let's head back to Minbar. We should plan out our next move," she stated.
Sheridan knew that comment was completely out of character for her, but he knew her reason. She wanted to give Elena and Lee time to talk and he agreed with her, "Good idea. We'll meet on one of the ships once we get there."
Kath nodded and teleported everyone, but Lee and Elena to White Star 12. Elena looked around and sighed, she couldn't avoid it any longer. She teleported her self and Lee to White Star 22 and jumped to hyperspace. Lee watched her in silence as she set a course for Minbar. Lee sat in his chair and waited. He wanted answers, but he didn't want to push away from him to get them. Elena paced the bridge, avoiding Lee's eyes. Finally he couldn't take it any more, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think it mattered. We only communicated once," Elena lied as she turned her back to him.
"Didn't think it mattered!" Lee ran his fingers through his hair. "Elena how could you think it didn't matter? You communicated with our child. You…" He sighed. He knew he was letting this affect him way too much. He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Love you've got to talk to me. I want to help and be here for you, but I can't do that if you don't talk to me. I need to know what's causing your pain in order to help you through it."
Elena pulled away from him and walked toward the bedroom, "I'm fine Lee, I just need a little time and some rest." She stopped at the door and said, "We've got at least three hours before we reach Minbar. I'm going to take the sleeping meds Doc Austin gave me and get some sleep." She entered the bedroom and the door closed behind her.
Lee sighed and followed her. When he entered the room she was already in the bed, still in her uniform. He saw her shoes propped lopsided against the wall, where she had obviously kicked them off. He sat on the other side of the bed and starred at her. Her back was to him. Sighing, he laid back and starred at the ceiling. After a while he heard he breathing get deeper and he looked over at her. From her relaxed posture he knew the meds had kicked in and she was fast asleep.
Lee: We lie in the dark I know you're awake
The only sounds are the sounds this space ship makes
But, oh how I long, I long to hear your voice
Desperate to talk, yearning to touch
(reached out for her but pulled away just before he touched her shoulder)
Burning inside 'cause I want you so much
You don't seem to need me which leaves me no choice
(stood slowly)
You lied you didn't want to hurt me
So you lied, bought a little time, and I went along
What else could I do, maybe it's wrong
(sat in the chair on the other side of the room and put his head in his hands)
But you know how much I love you
So you lied, 'til you could find a way to forget
(looked up at Elena and sighed)
You lied
How long until you just can't go on
(stood and walked over to her and knelt by her side)
And the emotions inside are just too strong
You should let go that's what you want to do
(brushed her hair from her face)
Oh but you don't know, you don't know
If it's the right thing to do
(stood)
You lied you didn't want to hurt me
So you lied, bought a little time, and I went along
(walked back to the chair and sat back down)
What else could I do, maybe it's wrong
(put his head down and starred at the floor)
But you know how much I love you
So you lied, 'til you could find a way to forget
(looked up with tears in his eyes)
You lied
Lee wiped his eyes and walked to the bridge. He didn't want to wake Elena, and the last thing he wanted was for her to wake up and see him crying. He knew what he had to do, and it would kill him to do it, but he was certain it was the only way for Elena to get over the loss of their child.
White Star 12
Dominic was still in shock. He'd never met the President or even seen him before, and now here he was on the ship with the President and the famous Teep Squad. "Commander."
"Yes sir?" he said quickly turning from the window.
"Did you get a good look at the one behind this?" Susan asked him.
"Yes ma'am."
"Its no one we know Susan," Kath said calmly.
Jess stood at the window staring out into hyperspace. Sheridan walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine John. Just worried about Lannie. I can't believe she kept this from Lee."
"Me either. Lee told me about the murder trial and all, but I never would have thought she was communicating with the child." Sheridan said as he sat.
"I can understand her not telling us, but why would she keep that from Lee? Didn't she see it was pointless to hide that from him?" Aeryn asked. "He had every right to know about it. It was his child too…wasn't it?" Aeryn was still unsure of a lot of things were human were concerned.
Crichton wrapped his arms around his wife, "Yeah it was his kid too Aeryn. More than likely she was talking with the baby while she was in hiding," he kissed her cheek. "She didn't want to add to her grief."
"That was cruel and selfish." Aeryn stated flatly.
"No it wasn't!" Susan protested. "She didn't tell Lee because she didn't want him to blame himself any more than he already does. She lost her son, she doesn't want to lose her husband too."
"You knew about this?" Sheridan asked her.
"Damn, must be I've got a secret day," Crichton said in his sarcastic voice, "Who's next?"
Dominic stood up, "When I was captured, I wasn't knocked out….I fainted," he said in an ashamed tone.
They all looked at him and shook their heads before going on with their business.
Minbar
"Alright Galen, we're here, but President Sheridan isn't," Gideon stated. "Want to tell me what the emergency is?"
"President Sheridan will be here shortly and all will be explained," Galen replied as he stared out the window.
"Don't give me that Galen. I want answers and I want them now," Gideon demanded.
"Captain I only wish to explain this once so we will wait for President Sheridan."
Gideon sighed and sat in his chair. "Captain we've got jump points forming," Matheson stated calmly.
"That should be President Sheridan, "Gideon said as he stood. "Hale them."
Matheson nodded and haled both ships and soon got a reply. "Captain we're getting a reply. It's President Sheridan."
"Put him through," Gideon commanded. Matheson nodded and opened a communication line. Sheridan appeared on the view screen. "Hello Mr. President."
"Captain Gideon I didn't expect you and the Excalibur back so soon. I hope you have good news."
"Afraid not. Our Friend Galen tells me your life is in danger, but he won't explain," Gideon stated.
"Mr. President," Galen spoke up, "I've come to offer my assistance in this matter."
"Well I appreciate that Galen," Sheridan began, "But I don't see how you can…"
Before Sheridan could continue, everyone including Gideon and Galen were teleported to White Star 22. "Hello Galen."
Galen turned and smiled, "Hello Captain Stetson. It's been a while since I last saw you."
"Elena what the hell do you think you're doing?" Sheridan demanded.
"Making communication easier," Elena replied.
"Captain you've just infected two more people!" Sheridan stated firmly.
"One of them is immune to the nanobots and he can help us stop this. After all he is a Technomage."
Galen looked at Elena with a look of surprise. "I'm impressed Captain. You know much more than I thought."
Elena sat by the window, "Tell us what you know Galen."
Galen nodded and waited for everyone to have a seat. "You are all infected with nanobots that cause you to sing your inner most thoughts."
"Tell us something we don't know Galen," Kath spat.
Galen glared at Kath, "As I was saying, these nanobots cause you to sing your inner most thoughts and if there is enough strong emotions and secrets that come out in song the nanobots will kill you."
"Kill us?" Lee questioned. "How?"
"They'll make you burn out, literally by spontaneous combustion," Galen explained.
"Galen who's behind this?" Susan asked.
"A Technomage by the name of Damien Andronicus," Galen said with a sigh, "He and I have a bit of history."
"How so?" Gideon asked.
"It's a long story," Galen replied.
Elena stood and asked, "Where can we find him?"
"Last I heard he had a lab on Parsus."
"Then I'll start there," Elena said.
"I'm going with you," Galen stated in a matter of a fact tone.
"No," Elena said as her eyes darkened. "This is personal. I'm going after this Damien Andronicus alone."
"Captain you can not harm him, much less kill him. His nanobots can render you powerless," Galen explained trying to control his temper.
"What I've got in mind for him doesn't require powers," Elena stated, her eyes now pitch black. "I'm going to kill him with my bare hands."
Before anyone could react, Elena teleported them to White Star 12 and her ship vanished into hyperspace. Sheridan looked around confused, "What the hell is she thinking?"
Lee slammed his fist against the wall. "Damn her and her temper!" Everyone looked at Lee. His fist had made a slight dent in the wall, which soon disappeared as the organic technology of the ship repaired itself. "She's going to get herself killed."
Galen sighed and turned to Kath. "If you would be so kind as to teleport me to my ship so I can follow her."
"Why not just stay on my ship?" Kath asked.
"Because we're not going," Sheridan stated.
"What!" Susan, John Crichton, Rachel, and Jess exclaimed together.
"John we've got to go after her," Jess protested.
"She's got serious problems Jess. Right now the only thing I know to do is let her kill and destroy," Sheridan explained.
"Mr. President, she's no match for Damien. Believe me. I'm not even sure I'm a match for him. Our last encounter was….explosive to say the least," Galen explained.
Sheridan nodded. "Alright. Kath teleport him to his ship."
"John you've got to be kidding."
"That's an order Captain."
Kath glared at Galen and teleported him to his tiny ship. "Now can we follow her or are you ordering us to stay here?" Kath asked in an annoyed tone.
"No one else is leaving."
"Sheridan, not to argue with you…" Jack started.
"He's right Jack," Lee interrupted. "Elena's pushed us all away. All we can do is wait." He turned and looked out the window. "Kath teleport me to the planet. I'd like to get some rest."
"Send him to White Star 1. Its empty and he can get some rest on a decent flat bed," Sheridan offered.
"Thanks John." Lee replied.
Kath nodded and teleported Lee to White Star 1 and turned to Sheridan, "I hope you're making the right decision."
(White Star 22 on route to Parsus)
Elena: I touch the fire and it freezes me
(held her hand over a warm glowing crystal)
I look into it and its black
(stared out into space)
Why can't I feel
My skin should crack and peel
I want the fire back
Now through the smoke she calls to me
To make my way across the flames
(walked back to the controls and gave the engines a boost)
To save the day or maybe melt away
I guess its all the same
So I will walk through the fire
(walked to the bedroom)
Cause where else can I turn
(opened her cabinet)
So I will walk through the fire
(pulled out her PPG, Fighting Pike and daggers)
And let it…
(White Star 1)
Lee: The torch I bare is scorching me
(sat by the widow)
Lannie's better off with out me
I know she's strong
I pray that I'm not wrong
(gets up and jumps ship to hyper space)
I better help her out.
(Small ship somewhere in Space Damien watches all of them on his view screen)
Damien: Cause she is drawn to the fire
Some people….
Lee and Damien: (singing together)
She will never learn
And she will walk through the fire
And let it…
(White Star 12)
Sheridan: Will this do a thing to change her
Am I leaving Sue in Danger?
Is my Captain too far gone to care?
Crichton: What if Lannie can't defeat him?
Kath: Blue eyes is right we're needed
Or we could just sit around and glare
Sheridan, Kath, Critchon, Jess, Rachel, Jack, and Susan: We'll see her through
It's what we're always here to do
(Kath jumps ship to hyperspace)
So we will walk through the fire
(Damien's Ship everyone can be seen on the view screen and he sings and listens to the others)
Elena: So one by one they turn from me
I guess my friends can't face the cold
Aeryn: What can't we face
Elena: But why I froze no one exactly knows
Aeryn: If we're together
Elena: And never can be told
Susan: She came from the past much graver
Damien: So one by one, they come to me
Lee: First I'll kiss her then I'll save her
Damien: The distant redness as their guide
Jess: Everything is turning out so wrong
Elena: Going through the motions
Damien: ...Ain't what they had in mind
Lee: No I'll save her then I'll kiss her
Rachel: I think this line's mostly filler
Sheridan: is this what she needs to strike a spark?
Damien: She will come
To me
Elena: These endless days are finally ending in a blaze
Everyone: And we are caught in the fire
The point of no return
And we will walk through the fire
And let it burn
Let it burn
Let it burn
Let it burn
Parsus
Elena arrived on the planet to find an old log cabin in the middle of the desert. "Damien Andronicus!" she called as she broke down the door with a wave of her hand. She glided in, her feet barely touching the ground.
"Ello there," was all the tall Lizard creature, who was inside the cabin, managed to say before he found himself pinned against a wall.
"Where is he?" Elena asked as she tightened her grip on the six foot talking Gecko.
"You mean Master Damien?"
"Yes," Elena hissed.
"He's not here," was all he was able to say before he felt an invisible hand wrap around his throat.
"Tell me where he went." The Lizard shook his head and the hand tightened around his neck. "Tell me or I'll tear it from your mind."
"I…don't know," he chocked. Elena glared at him and started to take the information from his mind. "He left…" Elena didn't need to hear the rest of the sentence. She heard his thoughts loud and clear.
Elena released him and he fell to the floor with a loud thump as she turned to the com system located in the corner of the room. "Play message."
"Holding one message for Captain Elena Stetson. Password required," the computer replied.
Elena turned to the lizard, but she knew he didn't know the password. She shook her head as he trembled in fear. She closed her eyes and focused her energy on remaining calm, knowing that she would never hear the message if she didn't keep her temper under control. When she opened her eyes they had turned from pitch black to a dark shade of brown. "Technomage."
"Incorrect."
"Damien."
"Incorrect."
"Andronicus."
"Incorrect."
Damien's Ship
Damien Andronicus sat starring out into space. "Master there's a ship…"
"I know you fool. I invited him here. Allow his ship to dock and let him board our ship. Bring him to me but offer him no resistance. He's our guest."
"Yes master."
Moments later the slave returned with a man in a hooded cloak. Damien turned from the window, "Hello Galen. So nice to see you again."
Galen removed his hood. "Hello Damien. I see your hair still hasn't grown back," Galen said referring to Damien's bald head.
Damien glared at Galen, "Yes your little holodemon was quite amusing while it lasted. Pity that you wasted your time. You failed to stop me then and you'll fail to stop me now."
"That was many years ago Damien. I've learned a few things since then," Galen stated as he prepared to attack.
Damien stood and turned to Tatu and his slave, "Leave us. Galen and I have some unfinished business to attend to." Tatu and the slave nodded and left. "Let's finish what we started Galen."
Galen: Long ago in the ancient past
(Galen focused his energy)
I remember a world when we first met
In a dark Shadow realm under a big full moon
(The end of his staff glowed bright white)
There and then I could tell you'd try to break my will
But now watch as I rise to a whole new height
And my mad battle cry will be heard all night
(A beam of light shot from the end of his staff at Damien)
You keep on playing those dark Shadow games
(Damien built a shield in front of him blocking the attack)
And no I won't be beat again
You keep on playing those dark Shadow Games
(Damien threw a fireball at Galen)
And, oh this time I'll have my faith
(Galen blocked the fireball with a shield of his own)
And so now after time has past
You can never be sure you're always the best
(Damien frowned and launched various attacks at Galen)
'Cause I'm back from the Shadows coming after you
I'm the brightest day of your darkest hour
(Galen reflected the attacks and launched many back at Damien)
So now watch as I rise to a whole new height
(Galen focused his energy to attack with all his might)
And my mad battle cry will be heard all night
(Galen's shield weakened as he focused on attacking)
You keep on playing those dark Shadow games
And no I won't be beat again
(Damien took the opportunity to attack while Galen's defenses were down)
You keep on playing those dark Shadow Games
And, oh this time I'll have my faith
(Galen stumbled back but didn't lose concentration)
You destroyed your future with your past
(Galen's spell began to form)
Forgot the lesson of the test
(A large flaming circle surrounded Damien)
You never understood the blessed
Too bad today will be your last
(The flames closed around Damien)
So now watch as I rise to a whole new height
And my mad battle cry will be heard all night
(the flames began to disappear)
You keep on playing those dark Shadow games
And no I won't be beat again
(Galen saw Damien still standing)
You keep on playing those dark Shadow Games
And, oh this time I'll have my faith
(Galen attacked once again)
The flames once more surrounded Damien and Galen continued his attack. As Galen heard at sound coming from Damien he stopped. The sound was faint and at first he thought it was a scream of pain. The he realized Damien was laughing. "This has been fun Galen, but I'm growing tired of this game and I have other things to attend to." Damien waved his hand and hit Galen with several attacks at once. Each attack was a different element of magic.
Parsus
"Nanobots."
"Incorrect."
"Damn it!" Elena was still trying to figure out the password. "My Dear Captain."
"Incorrect."
Elena turned to the Gecko, but he was unconscious. Whether she had knocked him out in her frustration to figure out the password or if he had simply fainted, she didn't know, but she did know that he didn't know the password. Sighing, she thought back to Damien's last message. "Secrets, for now, is what I'm about," she mumbled to herself. "That's it! Secrets."
"Access granted."
Damien appeared on the screen as the message played, "My Dear Captain, I see you figured out my password. I'm sure it took you a little time, but not too long I hope. As you can see my lab is no longer on Parsus. I had a feeling my old friend Galen would try to interfere, so I set a little trap for him, and well all of this was just to keep you distract long enough for me to deal with him. But don't worry my dear. I shall make it easy for you to find me. Just go through the motions and return to where this all started. I'll be waiting."
The message ended and Elena teleported to her ship. Just as she jumped to hyper space, two jump points formed on the other side of the planet. Back in the cabin, the man sized gecko woke to find the room filled with humans. "Ah!" he threw his hands over his head, "Please don't hurts me. I knows nothing."
"Where's Elena?" Kath asked.
"I no know Elena," the gecko trembled.
"Tall, brunette, bad temper, probably had pitch black eyes," Jack said trying to help the gecko remember.
"Oh yar! She was here," the gecko replied nodding.
"Where is she?" Kath asked again.
"I no know. She here and hurts me. Me pass out. Wakes up and she gone and you here." The Gecko found himself once again slammed against the wall.
"Where's the Technomage?" Kath asked as her green eyes darkened.
"I no know!" he cried. "Master Damien no tell me anything."
"Kath," Lee called from the corner of the room. She turned leaving the gecko pinned to the wall. "You might want to see this." Everyone gathered around the computer and Lee turned back to the screen, "Play message."
The message played once more and everyone listened intently. "Go through the motions and return to where this all started," Sheridan repeated. "What the hell does that mean?"
"It means she went to the Brakiri Colony," Kath stated.
"How do you know that?" Rachel asked.
"Because that's where Lannie was infected with the nanobots," Jess explained. "Remember, she said she was fighting the Drahk and they all started singing."
"But what does 'Go through the motions' mean?" Aeryn asked.
"Must have something to do with what she was singing on the colony. I'm sure this technomage has been monitoring all of us with these nanobots," Susan said. "It has to be another clue for Elena. After all he left the message for her not us."
"What about Galen?" Jess asked. "Damien said he set a trap for him."
"I'm fine," came a voice from behind them.
They all turned to see Galen standing there leaning heavily on his staff. "Are you alright man?" Rachel asked.
"I'll be alright but we must stop Damien," Galen replied.
"That's exactly what we're planning to do," Kath stated.
"Are you sure you're ok Galen?" Gideon asked. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine Captain. Just a little weak. Damien is much stronger than the last time we met."
"Well let's stop standing around here talking. Elena needs our help." Lee stated a tad annoyed.
"Right so let's get going," Sheridan agreed.
"First there's something to take care of," Kath said turning back to the gecko. She snapped his neck and turned back to the others. "Now we can go." She teleported everyone back to the ships and the prepared to jump to hyper space. As White Star 12 jumped, the planet exploded from the inside out.
Jack who had seen the explosion just before the jump point closed, turned to his wife, "Was that necessary love?"
"Yes, Damien has sources of power there. If he didn't know we where coming after him before, he does now," Kath replied as she sat in her chair. "And if he knows what's good for him he'll be running."
Brakiri Colony
Elena arrived on the planet and found things had changed since she was last there. In what once was an empty field, there now stood a large building. Elena tried to teleport inside but found the closest she could get was the front door. Frustrated she approached the massive doors. As she reached out to grab the handle the door slowly swung open. Slowly and cautiously Elena made her way inside.
As she made her way down the dark cold corridors the torches lit as she passed them, leaving a lighted path behind her. When she reached another set of large doors she stopped. A cold wind blew passed her and blew out the torches. Before she could react the doors swung open. Step by step Elena entered the room, unsure of what might be waiting for her. As she made it completely passed the doors, a light appeared ahead of her. At first she couldn't see anything, but then she looked closer. There he was, Damien Andronicus. He was sitting on a silver and black throne, dressed in red velvet. His coat was blood red with golden designs around the collar, cuffs and tail. His face was covered by an ivory skull mask, and in his right hand was a walking cane with a pattern of silver dragons running down it. On the top of this cane was a silver dragon with ruby red eyes. The dragon's eyes glowed bright red, just as the light from its eyes faded Damien's eyes glowed red. "Welcome my dear Captain." The doors slammed shut behind her and the lights slowly began to rise.
Elena looked around to see they were in a giant ballroom filled with portraits of people dressed for a Masquerade ball. She turned back to Damien, who had an evil smirk on his face, at least what she could see of it. "Where's Kamikaze?"
"Your Lt. oh don't worry she's fine." Damien stated.
"Where is she?" Elena repeated, her eyes turning pitch black once more.
Damien stood and Elena saw he was wearing a black cloak that had a red lining that matched his outfit. "I told you she's fine my dear, but if you insist on seeing her," he waved his hand and suddenly music began to fill the room.
As the volume increased Elena cold hear people singing, "Masquerade, painted faces on parade. Hide your face and the world will never find you." Then two figures appeared. One in a black tuxedo with top hat and tails, and the other in a white silk dress.
As they danced closer Elena realized who the girl was. "Kamikaze!" She rushed to help her friend, but Damien stepped in front of her.
He shook his head and removed his mask. "Sorry not just yet my dear. You and I have some unfinished business first. Don't worry about her. She's enjoying herself. She thinks she's dancing with the love of her life instead of my idiot apprentice Tatu."
Elena tried to get by him but he kept getting in the way. "I know what happens if you sing and dance too long," Elena told him.
"Oh you mean the dieing thing? Don't worry your precious Kamikaze has quite a while to go before she reaches that point." Elena looked at Kamikaze and then back to Damien. "Now, come Captain we have lots to talk about. Like the loss of your son."
Elena lunged at him and he side stepped avoiding her. "You're going to die for all you've done!"
Damien laughed, "You really think you can harm me? I can take your powers away with a single thought."
"Who said anything about using powers?" Elena lunged at him again, this time grabbing him by the throat pushing him back a few steps.
Damien shook his head and suddenly Elena let him go. He walked around as she stood there almost frozen. "My nanbots give me complete control over you my dear," he said placing the end of his cane under her chin.
"Damn you Andronicus!" Elena said through gritted teeth.
"Temper, temper Captain. Or you might burst a blood vessel," Damien said as he sat back on his throne. He snapped his fingers and Elena could move again. "This is a lot of fun, but wait my dear. It appears we have some guests." Damien held out his hand and a holographic image appeared from his palm. Elena stepped closer and saw that Lee, Kath, Jack, John Sheridan, John Crichton, Aeryn, Rachel, Jessica, Susan, Galen, Gideon, and Dominic where outside at the door.
"Can't teleport in," Kath stated, "I can't even move the door."
"So how are we going to get in?" Lee asked.
"Maybe there's a password," Rachel suggested.
"Password?" Gideon questioned. "If there is how would we know it?"
Rachel stepped forward and held her hands up. "Walla walla bing bang!" The doors slowly swung open.
Elena looked at Damien as the image disappeared. "That wasn't the password was it?"
Damien laughed, "Of course not, but I thought I'd make her feel good about it for a while," Damien smiled and wave his hand at Elena. "How about a song while we wait."
Elena: Life's a show
And we all play our parts
(Elena started dancing)
And when the music starts
We open up our hearts
(Elena removed her jacket)
It's alright if some things come out wrong
We'll sing a happy song
And you can sing along
(walked to the center of the room)
Every day's a gift
(turned left)
Wishes can come true
(turned right)
Whistle while you work
(turned left)
So hard
(turned right)
All day
To be like other girls
(twirled around)
To fit in, in this glittering world
Don't give me songs
Don't give me songs
(the others rushed in)
Sheridan: Susan, Jess she needs back up
Susan and Jess: (ran to Elena's side)
Ooooo Ahhhhh
(dancing behind her)
Elena: Give me some thing to sing about
I need something to sing about
Jess and Susan: Oooo Ahhh
Elena: Life's a song
(started jazz dancing)
You don't get to rehurse
And every single verse
Can make it that much worse
Still my friends don't know why I ignore
The million things or more
I should be dancing for
Family and Friends
(turned left)
All the twists and bends
(turned right)
Knowing that it ends
(turned left)
Well that depends
On if they let it go
On if they know enough to know
(walked away from the others)
That when you've bowed
(bowed)
You leave the crowd.
(stood right in front of Damien)
He was so small
No hope no chance
To live out his life
(looked to Sheridan)
My son
So that's my refrain
(Looked to Kath)
I live in hell
Cause I've lost my child
(Looked to Lee)
My son
I lost my only son
So give me something to sing about
(Looked at Damien who smiled and shook his head)
Give me something
(Elena started dancing around, spinning and gaining speed, soon smoke started coming off of her)
Lee: (stepped in and grabbed Elena's arm stopping her spinning)
Life's not a song
Life isn't bliss
Life is just this
Its living
You'll get along
(caressed her cheek)
The pain that I feel
(placed a hand over his heart)
You only can heal
By living
You have to go on living
So I can I go on living
"Lee….I…" Elena's eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around him.
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravismo!" Damien said as he stood and clapped his hands slowly.
"I see you still insist on theatrics Damien," Galen said as he stepped forward.
"You're just mad that you can't do any of this," Damien replied as he gestured to the ballroom which was now filled with hundreds of dancers that before were standing still in the portraits.
"You can't escape Damien," Galen said as he came to stand beside Lee and Elena who were still embracing each other. "You escaped me before, but you can't escape all of us."
(Damien laughed and picked up his cane.)
Damien: What a lot of fun
You guys have been swell
And there not a one who can say
This ended well
All those secrets you been concealing
Say you're happy now once more with feeling
Now I gotta run
See you all in hell
(trap door opened and Damien disappeared in a cloud of smoke)
Elena ran towards the smoke and dove down the trap door. "You won't escape that easily!" Galen followed right behind her. They found themselves in a hall of mirrors.
"We'll never find him in these mirrors," Galen said.
"Sure we will," Elena said as she waved her hand. The glass of the mirrors shattered and Damien was left standing in the open. "There he is," Elena said as she ran at him.
Damien swung his cane at her and Elena ducked to miss it, and she would have if Damien hadn't had one last trick up his sleeve. Jus before it passed her he pressed a tiny silver button on his cane and it extended out another two feet, ensuring that he hit Elena square in the stomach. "You'll have to do better than that my dear," Damien said before running around the corner.
Galen stopped to help Elena up, "Go get him!" She protested. "I'm fine but he's getting away.
Galen nodded and ran after Damien. Soon Elena recovered from the blow to the stomach and she raced after them soon catching up with Galen. They stopped in a room full of strange looking devices. "This must be the source of power for the nanobots," Galen stated. "Destroy those and the nanobots will deactivate."
"No time to take care of that right now. We've got to get Andronicus," Elena said as she continued after Damien. Galen nodded and followed after her. They reached the end of the corridor to find Damien, wearing his mask once more, holding Kamikaze. "Let her go!"
Damien shook his head and opened his mouth to say something, but Kamikaze stomped his toe, elbowed him in the stomach, and turned around kneeing him in the groin. He doubled over in pain and fell to the floor.
Elena rushed over to Kamikaze and hugged her, "You ok?"
"Fine Lannie. How was that?"
"Perfect Kamikaze. You did perfect. Where'd you learn that one?" Elena asked.
"Francine taught me. Said it might come in handy."
Elena nodded and grabbed Damien by the collar and lifted him into the air. As she did his mask fell to the floor and Elena saw it wasn't Damien at all, but his apprentice Tatu. "Where is he?"
"You think I'd actually tell you and betray Master Damien?"
Elena slammed him against the wall and he felt a strong force tighten around his throat. "No but I thought I'd give you a chance to cooperate before I kill you."
"Wait," Tatu choked.
"Why?" Elena asked.
"I'll tell you just don't kill me."
"Where is he?" Elena asked again.
"He went to the ship," Tatu said.
Elena nodded and let him go. Just as he sighed with relief Elena snapped her fingers and snapped his neck. "Thought you weren't going to kill him?" Galen said questioningly.
"Did you hear me say that? I don't remember saying that. He begged for his life and I gave him time to speak instead of tearing the information from his mind."
"He might have been lying…" Galen caught Elena's eye. "Never mind I forgot. Telepath therefore you know he wasn't lying."
Elena and Galen rushed outside. "Where is his ship?"
"Cloaked. Send me to my ship I have a tracking device on board that lets me see his ship."
"Alright," Elena said. She teleported Galen to his ship and pathed Kath. Kath there's a room filled with generators under the ballroom. Follow the corridor under the trap door. Get everyone out and blow that building up. Galen says that will deactivate the nanobots.
Alright. What are you going to do? Kath pathed back.
Kill Damien Andronicus. Just as she pathed the last message Elena saw a ship leave the planet and she knew it wasn't Galen's. She focused on it and blew it up. She smiled and teleported herself to WhiteStar 22 and waited. She saw Galen's ship leave the planet and jump to hyperspace. Moments later there was a large explosion on the planets surface. Elena scanned and moved her ship a safe distance away as the entire planet exploded from the inside out.
She smiled when her com link beeped. She pressed the button and Sheridan appeared on the view screen. "Did you capture Andronicus?"
"No, but we won't have to worry about him anymore. He's dead. I blew him and his ship straight to hell."
"Captain I would have preferred for you to bring him in alive," Sheridan stated.
"John considering how powerful he is and the effect his nanobots has over us, I felt killing him was the safest solution."
Sheridan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "Alright. Let's head back to Minbar. Now that this is taken care of we all need some rest."
"I agree," Elena stated. "And I think some of us have lots of things we need to talk about." She closed communications and teleported Lee from White Star 12 to his chair on White Star 22. "Hi love."
"Hi yourself," Lee said as he stood.
"We have a few things we need to talk about," Elena stated as she walked over to him. "There were things that I kept from you…"
She wasn't able to say anything more because Lee captured her lips in a passionate kiss as he wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes and slowly relaxed in his embrace. Lee pulled away breaking the kiss and whispered, "Shh, its alright. I understand love. We can talk later."
Elena smiled, "I love you."
"I love you too Mrs. Stetson."
Lee: I lived my life in shadow
Never the sun on my face
(caressed Elena's cheek)
It didn't seem so sad though
I figured that was my place
Now I'm bathed in light
(took her hand in his)
Something just isn't right
I'm under your spell
How else could it be
(they walked to the bedroom)
Any one would notice me
Its magic I can tell
How you set me free
(the door opened and they walked in)
Brought me out so easily.
Elena: I saw a world enchanted
Spirits and charms in the air
(waved her hand and candles lit and music started)
I always took for granted
I was the only one there
But your power shown
(She slowly removed his jacket)
Brighter than any I've known
I'm under your spell
Nothing I can do
You just took my soul with you
(started unbuttoning his shirt slowly)
You worked your charm so well
Finally I knew everything I dreamed was true
You made me believe
(Lee swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed)
Lee: The moon to the tide
(layed her gently on the bed)
Elena: I can feel you inside
(they continued singing as they let their passions take over)
Lee: I'm under your spell
Surging like the sea
Pulled to you so helplessly
Elena: I break with every swell
spread beneath my willow tree
Lost in ecstasy
Lee: you make me complete
Elena: you make me complete
Both: you make me complete
Minbar
Sheridan walked into his office and sighed. He was glad to have all this mess straightened out. Delenn and David had gone for a walk and he told them he'd join them later. First he had to meet with everyone. There were still a few things that had to be answered. Elena and Lee were the first to teleport in. John smiled seeing Elena seemed to be back to her usual peppy self. "Morning Captain."
"Morning Johnny," she said with a smile. She and Lee sat on the couch and Elena laid her head on his shoulder.
"The others should be here soon." Sheridan stated.
Just as he said that Susan, Kamikaze, Dominic, Rachel, and Jess walked in. "Where's Kath?" Rachel asked.
"Probably still in bed," Elena said. "Not that I could blame her." She smiled and pathed Lee and he smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Same is probably true for John and Aeryn," Susan stated.
"They are," Kath stated as she and Jack walked in.
"Wow you're walking in," Kamikaze teased.
"Teleported to the door," Kath stated. "Last I heard John and Aeryn were singing about Peacekeepers."
"Singing?" Sheridan questioned.
"Yeah," Jack said. "John's not bad. Personally I can't carry a tune in a bucket."
Sheridan looked around, "Am I the only one worried that people are still singing?"
"Relax Johnny," Elena said. "It'll take a little time for the nanobots to lose power and until they're removed or destroyed we'll start singing if they find a power source to pull from."
"So how do we remove them?" Susan asked.
"We don't."
Everyone turned to see Galen standing at the door. "I was wondering where you went to." Elena said
"I was following Damien, but I lost him…"
"Whoa wait. I killed Damien," Elena stated. "I blew up his ship."
"You blew up his decoy ship."
"But there was a life force present."
"His slave." Galen explained. "He's still out there. But with out his power source he can't reactivate the nanobots."
"Reactivate? Wait if they're disabled how come we're still singing?" Susan asked.
"As Elena said they're still using what power they have stored up, but there's no way to safely destroy them or remove them."
"So what does that mean?" Rachel asked.
"It means that if Damien ever gets a power source strong enough he can reactivate them and this mess will start all over again," Elena stated.
"Damn him," Kath said and then she shook her arm as if she had just been shocked. "Ow."
"What's wrong love?" Jack asked.
"The damn bracelet shocked me," she said. Kath looked at John, "What the hell kind of bracelet is this?"
"What are you talking about?" Sheridan asked.
"The bracelet you sent me," Kath stated pulling her sleeve back to reveal a silver bracelet with a large onyx.
"I didn't send that," Sheridan stated as he looked the bracelet.
"What? It had the official Alliance seal and your personal stamp."
"Kath take that thing off," Jack said.
"I'm trying," Kath said as she struggled to pull it off. She pulled and tugged but nothing worked. She pressed the stone down and suddenly a hologram appeared.
It was Damien. He smiled and laughed evilly, "Captain O'Neill, I see when it comes to the secret department your running short. When it comes to fears you have none. When it comes to temper you have it 100. This is a gift from me to you for blowing up my power source. As you probably already know, this bracelet is nearly unremovable and indestructible. Now I could let you figure out what this bracelet does, but I think I'll tell you. First this bracelet will not kill you. Second the worst your anger gets the more powerful the bracelet becomes. However, with you being a teep you could control the level of your temper and I've taken that into account. Now that I've stated the rules, this is what happens: the madder you get the slower you become and eventually you will stop. This will continue until you find the one with a golden touch to remove the bracelet. Bye for now Captain." The hologram disappeared and Kath started cursing his name.
"Kath?" Jack watched in shock as she slowed down and soon stopped. She stood there like a statue.
"Golden touch? What the hell does that mean?" Sheridan asked.
"It means we've got to keep Kath calm until we find the person that can remove the bracelet," Elena said as she stood. "Galen any ideas?"
"None, my friend. The only golden touch I've heard of is from an old Earth myth."
"Yeah King Midas," Elena stated, "My guess is Damien has programmed that thing to respond to only his DNA. So when we find him we can remove that thing."
"So what do we do in the mean time?" Jack demanded. "We can't just leave her like this?"
Elena put her hand on Kath's shoulder, "Kath you've got to calm down." Elena focused on sending Kath happy thoughts and tried to take away her anger, but it didn't work. Sighing she back off when Kath pathed her. "It's just going to take time."
Jack placed his arms on Kath's shoulders, "It's alright love, well find that bastard and get that thing off."
"Jack I'll teleport you two to your ship. Talk to her and calm her down. From what Damien said the effects will wear off once she's calm," Elena stated. Jack nodded and Elena teleported them to the ship.
Sheridan turned to Galen, "Can you find him? Is it possible to get him to remove that thing?"
"Perhaps, but I lost his trail around Centauri Prime. If I can find him he won't come willingly. From what he said though Kath is in no danger, its just going to be really annoying to her."
"I think that was the point," Kamikaze said.
"Maybe it'll be good for her," Dominic said.
Everyone looked at the young ranger and he bowed his head. "He could be right. In order to keep from being frozen, Kath will have to stay calm. This bracelet might actually help her learn to control her temper," Elena stated.
Sheridan nodded, "Alright but I want her monitored and I want a full report."
Two Weeks Later
John stood in his office starring at reports on the hunt for the Technomage Damien Andronicus. There had been no sign of him since Galen lost him around Centauri Prime. Sighing he stood and walked to the window. He heard a faint sound behind him and turned to see Elena standing in front of his desk. "Still nothing?"
"Afraid so Johnny. I hate to say it but I'm beginning to think that we'll never find him."
Nodding John sat at his desk. Before he could speak Dominic walked in, "Sorry to interrupt Mr. President, but this came for Captain Stetson."
Elena took the small box from Dominic and examined it, "Where did it come from?"
"No idea ma'am. It just arrived on the last transport shuttle from Babylon 5. It could have been sent from there or any of the other transfer points that the shuttle stopped at."
Elena nodded and opened the box carefully. There was a blood red velvet scarf that was used to wrap a small figurine. It was a golden Hippoclayate. Elena held the figurine up for John to see and they both stared at it. Elena pulled the scarf out and a small card fell to the floor. She picked it up and read it out loud:
My Dear Captain, you've got the golden touch
Damien Nathaniel Andronicus
Before John could react Elena teleported to Whitestar 12. She found Kath once again frozen by the bracelet. Jack, who had been trying to once again calm Kath down, started to ask Elena if there was any news, but before he could speak Elena handed him the box with the figurine, scarf and card. He looked at the items and watched as Elena easily removed the bracelet from Kath's arm.
"How did you know it would work?" Kath asked.
Elena took the box back from Jack. "I got a little gift from our friend." Elena showed Kath the card and said, "He knew we would think that he was the only one that could remove it. So he fixed it to respond to my DNA instead. My guess is he only wanted you to suffer for a while."
"When I find him he'll suffer a hell of lot more than a little!" Kath exclaimed.
Elena nodded and teleported back to John's office and filled him in on what happened. The bracelet that had once been silver with a black onyx was now gold with a ruby. Elena could only hope that meant that the bracelet was no longer operational, but just to be safe she left it in Galen's care. In time things began to return to normal, but no one could hum or sing a tune for quite a while with out wondering if it was the work of Damien Nathaniel Andronicus, and the entire Teep Squad vowed not to rest until Damien was dead. In the meantime Elena and Lee took a much needed long vacation on Disney Planet where they spent everyday enjoying the music of living.