Babylon five.
Disclaimer: All the B5 characters and B5 itself belong to JMS growl
Pairings: M/I C/H !
Summary: Sometimes returning Home isn't as simple as you would hope. Especially if you've been dead for 5 years!
indicates thoughts
#indicates Babcom or Link transmissions#
PART ONE.
"I love you Susan."
He had finally said it. There was no reason to be silent now.
Exhaustion swept over him he laid his head down beside her. There was no reason for distance now.
Death granted him these treasures and he savoured them.
He knew that others, his love included would see his actions as a fulfilment of his death wish. But in his heart he truly believed that to save her life was vastly more important than the continuation of his.
His eyes always so alive closed for the last time.
Goodbye love.
Where am I?
"Calm down Marcus, everything is okay. Now open your eyes my friend." A familiar voice instructed him quietly.
Eyes? I'm supposed to be dead. What the bloody hell is going on?
"Marcus open your eyes," the voice ordered once more.
This time Marcus complied.
He had no idea where he was. The surrounding area seemed to consist of oddly soothing swirls of pale colour and not much else.
Well except for the two familiar figures before him.
On the left stood the imposing façade of a Vorlorn , but it was the other figure that held his attention.
okay I know that the Vorlorns have left our Galaxy and I'm dead. But what the hell do I say to Sinclair?
"Hello would be acceptable," the regal Minbari replied with a very un-Minbari grin on his face. "And I'm known by a different name now my friend," He teased putting his warm hand on Marcus shoulder.
Valen …can you read me?
"Yes my friend I can read you. It takes a bit of time and patience, but you don't have to worry about that for now." Valen stated quietly then turned to the silent Vorlorn and nodded.
The mammoth shrouded creature gracefully moved toward Marcus. Valen must have sensed Marcus unease for he turned back and smiled reassuringly.
"There is no reason to fear Marcus. He is going to set something in motion, something that is necessary if the future is to be."
I never could figure out what the hell you were saying, when you went into Jesuit mode. Those priests taught you their ways too well.
Valen smiled as memories of his other life flitted through his mind. Before reassuring his friend once more.
"It's nothing for you to worry about, it just isn't time for you to be here permanently."
I truly hate it when you and Delenn say that…nothing to worry about Marcus translates to Major Bumpy Ride in my books.
"Not this time I promise," Valen swore with an understanding smile. "Just remember this Ranger. I do not want to see you before your time, and that is a long way off my friend. Now it is time."
Time for what? Oh hell! I'm so tired again.
"Sleep for a little while longer your safe here with me."
Marcus felt a hand brush his hair back from his face and a loving kiss placed on his brow. Then nothing
Babylon five spun calmly in its assigned place in space, adjacent to Epsilon 3 in the portion of the galaxy called the Euphrates sector.
But within one of its several medlab facilities calm had no place, for unexpected alarm had shattered any illusion of that.
"Dr Hobbs its one of the cryotube alarms," a harried nurse informed the CMO in an anxious tone.
"Oh hell," Dr Lillian Hobbs exclaimed as she jumped up from her desk. This was not a good start to the day.
Hobbs and the nurse moved quickly to the seclude area that housed the remaining cryotubes.
Don't let it be three…please don't let it be him…not number three.
As soon as the door slid open Hobbs knew that her prayers had not been answered. The alarm on number three was blaring loudly.
"Shit it just had to be this one," she muttered rushing forward to see what could be done.
On the small monitor attached to the cryotube bay a neon-red light flashed out its warning but it was the readings that had Hobbs shouting orders.
"Have Isolab 1 prepped…Get a gurney and crash team in here stat."she ordered as her agile fingers danced frantically over the keyboard below the readings panel. Her actions caused the machinery to release its grip on the tube and lower it softly to the ground.
Hobbs listed to the soft mechanical sounds trying to calm her heart even as she prayed for its owner.
oh god Marcus please hold on.
The crash team with the gurney rolled to a stop beside the shaken woman.
"Right lets be ready for anything people, she declared looking at each team member.
Then she turned and with a deep breath keyed in the final code that would unlock the door.
The tubedoor clicked and Hobbs quickly pulled it open.
Lillian Hobbs had seen many weird and wonderful things in her time on B5. But the sight before her left her shocked to the core.
Where there should have been a frozen, practically dead man in the tube., now there lay before her breathing, warm one.
"Get him into Iso now. I want every system checked and rechecked. Come on move."
Hobbs yelled even as she tried to stay calm and objective.
Yeah like that's possible. This is Marcus Cole, the Ranger who drove everyone in Medlab nuts. The Ranger to who all of B5, hell the whole Galaxy owes a big thank-you and more.
With a mental shake Hobbs followed her team out of the cryobay, when a stray thought stopped her in her tracks.
"Listen up everyone! NO ONE is to leave Medlab until I have seen them," she announced loudly. Then ignoring the confused looks of the newer staff she masked up and entered the Isolab.
But it was the sheen of tears in the eyes of the staff who knew just who number three really was, even if they weren't supposed to, that stayed with her as she moved forward.
She called out for the results of the results of the primary tests as she entered the sterile environment
"Respiratory, Cardiac and Brainwave functions all normal for an unconscious man Doctor," the head nurse replied calmly wondering what it was about this case that was troubling the Doctor so much. He had seen her handle much stranger incidents without batting an eyelash, but today her tempestuous emotions were very evident.
"Recheck them. Take blood and tissues samples and send them to Jacobs. Priority!"
"Doctor Jacobs doesn't begin his shift for another two hours…"
"Wake him up. I want this done now,"Hobbs instructed tersely, then re-focused on the brain scan on the monitor.
Look at those beautiful energy impulses. Looks good Marcus, looks real good.
"Doctor?"
"Yes…sorry Amelia. What did you say I was kinda lost in the scan?"
The older woman smiled understandingly then said, "I've checked his reaction to light and scanned his ears, both satisfactory." She repeated her voice happy ,but tired.
Hobbs grinned, "Better and better," she muttered. Then she really looked at the nurse and observed how tired Amelia really was.
"Amelia weren't you due to go off?"
Amelia nodded then quietly said, "I was, but..I.didn't want him to wake up surrounded by stangers. You know?"
Lillian looked at the other attending team members and realised that Amelia was correct. Only Amelia and herself knew Marcus Cole, Ranger and total pain in the ass.
Lillian smiled softly at the other woman as she declared, "From what I'm seeing its unlikely he'll wake up anytime today. I think its safe for you to go get some sleep. You know your going to need it when he wakes up…that and a strong rope to tie him to the bed.
Amelia laughed knowing it was true. She laughed even harder when she took in the shocked looks on the others faces at Hobbs comment.
"That or some industrial glue," she quipped in return.
"That might work too. Now off with you."
"Well if you're sure?"Amelias eyes once more fixed on the prone man.
It's so strange to see him still
"I'm sure. Just one thing though, and this is for everyone," Hobbs announced gaining the total attention of the team. "This case has to be discussed with NO ONE…this incident did not take place…the penalties for ignoring this order are instant dismissal and possible court-martial. Are we clear on this people?"
Amelia nodded immediately and smiled. The others looked at each other in total confusion.
"Doctor Hobbs do you mean with…?" one of the nurses began.
"I mean with NO ONE; not with each other, not with other Medlab staff, not with your wives, husband, lovers, not with any officer, Ranger, Ambassador, President…Anyone I missed out?" Hobbs interjected loudly hoping to halt the Q&A before it started.
No one on the team had ever heard Lillian Hobbs raise her voice in such a way, so that alone convinced them that she was completely serious about her order.
Everyone silently nodded their agreement, if not their understanding.
"Good. Right Amelia off you go and send young Sophie in, she could do with some experience in here." Lillian commented her tone and volume once more back to normal.
"Fine doctor see you in eighteen,"Amelia replied smothering a yawn as she turned to the exit.
"Okay Amelia. Henderson have you the new results…?
"Computer what time is it?" Lillian Hobbs queried as she fell into her deskchair once more.
It is 0659hrs
"God I am so tired," she moaned as she kicked off her shoes and wriggled her aching toes.
"Oh that is sooo good," she muttered stretching out. "Only five more hours to go."
Right so how the blazes am I going to do this? Maybe Corwin would be willing to help? Yeah! He would understand the reasons for bending the rules. After all he's old skool too.
She sat up straight once more,not really knowing why, afterall Corwin wouldn't see her.
"Medlab to C&C," she spoke clearly into her link.
#C&C here Doctor Hobbs what can I do for you?#Corwin's calm voice replied
Not for long
"David can you go private?" she asked hesitantly hoping that the Captain wasn't about to hear her request.
That would lead to lecture number…I've lost count how many.
#Are you okay Lillian?# David asked worriedly.
"Yeah I'm fine…just tired."
#Okay going private…right what's going on?#
"David I need a gold channel to contact Delenn without Lochley knowing."She blurted the sentence out in one tremendous rush.
#Lillian what's going on?#
"There is no easy way to say this…Marcus is out of Cryo and seems to be totally healed."
#Oh my God#The shock in his mellow voice was almost tangible.
"David I wouldn't normally ask, but this is Marcus Cole we're talking about. As for the Captain you know that she has never understood the relationship between B5 and the Rangers, that's why you're stuck in the middle."She hurriedly explained.
Silence reigned.
"David?"
#Okay Ill set it up from here and patch it through to you on your Babcom. Keep me up to date.# He instructed softly
"Of course David, and thanks," She replied relieved by his answer.
#Corwin out#
#Channel open# the Babcom informed the room moments later.
#Doctor Hobbs, my name is Ivaln. I am an aide to Entilzha Delenn. I have been told that you wish to converse with her. I am afraid that is not possible at present. May I be of some assistance?#
Hobbs looked closely at the image of the stately Minbari, judging her chances of winning an argument. Not Good. Try a different tack.
"That is unfortunate Ivaln. Would you be able to pass on a message to her?" Lillian spoke slowly trying to surpress the urge to scream Get her now.
#That I could undertake for you Doctor# the Minbari replied bowing his ornate bonecrest as he spoke.
"That would be wonderful. You see it has taken me longer than I wanted to find the information that Delenn required…much longer than I thought."
#I will make sure she is given the information as soon as she is free.#
"Thank you so much Invaln.i am in your debt. The message is a simple, if odd one. It is simply -Code 7r." Hobbs explained to the now confused looking image.
#Code 7r ?#
"Yes that is it. Thank you again Invaln in this important matter. Hobbs out."
She closed the channel before he could start to ask annoying questions.
Minbari always ask such long questions, and the longer I'm on the bigger the chance of being noticed.
Hobbs stretched again, listening to the satisfying click of her aching spine. She tried to organise her thoughts before she began to record her report on the last two hours.
"Only two hours seems longer," she muttered to the empty office, while she searched for a comb to straighten her normally tidy dark hair.
Finding one she accomplished her task.
Better get a brush and comb for Marcus, he always prided himself on his distinctive hair. And why not it is lovely.
"Computer prepared to download visuals from Cryolab1 time index 0459hours till 0510hours, then from Isolab1 0510hours to 0657hours to new file: MarcusR. Then…"
she began to archive this tremendous, but definitely weird morning.
At 0730hours a signal was received in C&C, not a normally notable occurrence as they received 1000s of message signals every day. But this one was noticed.
It was noticed by one very relieved Lt Commander David j Corwin, officer in charge of the C&C,until the Captain arrived in 15mins.
Thank you god. It came before Lochley got here. Hope she has some idea of how to handle this without me ending up on charges.
Even as the thought passed through his mind he knew that if him being court martialed was what it took to protect the Ranger …well then so be it.
Since Captain Elizabeth Lochley had taken command of B5 when Ivanova had left,he had found himself acting as a buffer zone between the Rangers and her. It wasn't that Lochley was a bad leader, far from it it was just that she had no idea what to do with, or even how to treat the Rangers. And over the years he had discovered that the Rangers were quite content with the way things were.
what was it Blunn and Sholae had said—You are used to how we work, what we will or won't do. You do not try to make us into Earthforce personnel. You are a part of B5s past victories and glorious future. She is not.
He had puzzled over those words for a long-time. And still hadn't come to a conclusion about their meaning.
Sure he had tried over the years to bring the two parties closer together, but in the end it seemed that both the captain and the Rangers were content with the distance between them. He did feel rather guilty about keeping this from his captain, but Lillian was correct, the captain wouldn't understand. Infact he doubted that she even knew who Marcus Cole was, never mind what he represented to the Rangers.
Hell! The Rangers will be swarming to Medlab. Even dead Cole attracted the attention and respect of his brother and sister Rangers. When they find out…when they find out! Hell they probably already know. Oh man my head hurts.
#Doctor Hobbs it is very good to see you again#
Lillian looked at the image of the ever serene Entilzha of the Anlashock mentally thanking every deity she could think of.
"You too Delenn. You are looking well," She answered politely try to plan out what she should say to the Minbari leader.
#Lillian you are looking worried. Come tell me what has occurred to move you to use that code.# Even through the space that separated them Delenns accented standard sounded so beautiful, so caring.
Until that point Lillian had managed to surpress her turbulent feelings but Delenns honest concern released them.
"Oh! Delenn I really don't know…how or…what to say," she forced out brokenly through her flowing tears. "Its just so amazing. I'm…I'm sorry I'm not making much sense. It's just so overwhelming…"
#Lillian as my husband keeps saying -spit it out #Delenn gently advised the distraught young woman.
"Your right," she replied trying to compose herself enough to give her report. "At 0500hrs station time one of the Cryotube alarms went off. It was number three. But when I got there…the readings on the panel…well they were hard to believe. I can't believe I'm getting to say this, but Delenn Marcus is in Isolab one, and all his systems seem to be those of a healthy but unconscious man."
There she paused to dry the tears that had continued to flow.
#In Valens name…at 0500hrs?#
"Yes that's correct. Delenn what ever is wrong?" Hobbs questioned seeing the other woman's face pale.
#You don't know?#The Minbari woman softly asked.
"Know what Delenn?" Hobbs implored knowing that if it worried Delenn then it was real bad.
#At 0500hrs Earth Standard time the Drahk attacked Earth, but not with standard weapons. I am so sorry Lillian, they released numerous satellites which encompassed Earth with some kind of Chemical agent into its atmosphere. John has people sending us computer analysis of the agent to find out exactly what it is and the effect it will have on your world. But …I'm sorry Lillian, if the Drahk had it it is more than likely to be Shadow tech left behind from the war.#Delenn informed the shocked Doctor.
"Oh my sweet lord!" Lillian gasped. "But why…why did they do this..why now?"
#They were servants of the Shadows, now they seek to become masters. Humans enables the rest of us to rid the Galaxy of the Shadows, maybe they see this as taking out a threat to that aim.#Delenn theorised.
Both women fell silent pondering on the continuous war they seemed destined to fight against the darkness.
"Well for now I cant aid Earth, so Ill concentrate on our Station Ranger. You know it always intrigued me that no other Ranger, no matter how long they were stationed here, took on that title." Lillian stated with a faint smile on her wan face.
Delenn laugh tinkled through space to lighten the office on B5 #Marcus was…is unique. Lillian I have seen many Rangers, past and present, and over time many have become friends. But not one has usurped Marcus place in my heart.#
Lillian smiled, then laughed as the Rangers past escapades ran through her mind.
"Unique is that a polite way of saying CRAZY or maybe Pain in theButt? He will have this place in a total uproar within 24hrs of waking up. In fact it is already beginning and he's still asleep. Two of the younger nurses are totally infatuated with him."
#Now Lillian you know you wouldn't change him. As for the nurses I think you should warn them that his heart is taken. Speaking of Susan have you contacted her yet?#
"Delenn I'm afraid I'm going to be in Big trouble. I haven't followed Station regulations. Only my staff, Corwin and you know anything about this. If I tell Lochley she wouldn't realise…well you know what she's like. Also I was scared some of our nasty friends might make an attempt on his life while he's unconscious…"Hobbs voice trailed off at that sick thought.
Delenns features hardened once more.
#And why would you be in trouble Lillian, you were following my explicit requests in the event of this occurrence. And as Marcus Cole is a Minbari citizen I don't see that it is anyone else's business. Do you?#
Lillian had to smile at that, even five years down the line, Delenn was still Tricky with a definite capital T "No I don't, but how do you wish to proceed from here?"she asked thankful to have the support of Delenn.
Delenn didn't hesitate, her Grey training coming to the fore.
#After this call I will contact Mr Allan and inform him of what has occurred and that I am on my way to B5. I will also inform him that I wish my visit to be an inconspicuous one. Then I will explain our silence about Marcus recovery I am sure that Zack will understand. I will also contact the Anlashoc onboard B5 and have them assign the appropriate personnel to guard him. You were correct when you said that Marcus could become a target to those he upset in the past.#
"What about Captain Lochley?"
#I will deal with the Captain when I get to B5. No doubt this attack on Earth will be the focus of her attention, that will give me time to get there. I will leave Yedor early tomorrow and should arrive the afternoon of the next day. For now just push all enquiries my way. You concentrate on my…on my Ranger…. In Valens name! I never thought to say that again.# Delenns voice broke on her last statement as silver tears ran unchecked down her beautiful face.
Hobbs smiled her understanding then said, "It looks like we are both going to have a very busy day. So I will let you get on with your part and attend to mine. Ill keep you up to date with any changes of course."
#Thank you Lillian and may Valen watch over you all. Delenn out.#
Lillian sighed, she was so relieved that Delenn was coming, but for now…
"Shoes back on Hobbs you have work to do and a friend to watch over."
Zack Allan had thought that nothing could surprise him.
He was wrong.
He was not unduly perturbed by a personal message from Minbar, not even at 0740hrs. But the look on a certain Minbaris face did surprise and worry him. A lot.
Surprise, because it had been a long time since he had seen that look on Delenns normally serene face.
Not since the Captain's return from Zhahadum.
Worry, because she looked like she had been crying.
"Good morning to you Delenn," he said calmly waiting to see if she would tell him what was wrong.
#Good morning to you Zack. You are looking well. #Delenn replied as if by rote.
Now Zack really began worry.
#Zack something has occurred that you need to be made aware of…#
"The Drahk attack…thanks Delenn but I'm up to date with it," Zack interjected, feeling again that sick roll in his stomach at the thought of the vindictive act.
#No Zack ,not that. I knew you would be appraised of that. No this is closer to home, and more personal. I am going to take Johnsadvise on this and spit it out, basically because I cant think of any other way. At 0500hrs the alarm on Number three cryo tube went off…#
"WHAT! Did they fix it in time? Ivanova will go ballistic…" He stated as he jumped up and began pacing his office floor.
#ZACK! …Zack it is alright #Delenn assured him loudly.
Zack stopped his pacing and look at Delenns image on the screen.
Yeah she's been crying, but not -the death of her Ranger- type tears.
"OK Explain?"
#A miracle…Zack, Marcus has come back to us#.
"How?" the bewildered man demanded as he retook his seat.
#Dr Hobbs didn't explain and I didn't ask. To be honest I don't care, I'm just overjoyed that it has occurred.# she smiled softly as the joy shone from her eyes.
"Yeah, so why the early morning call?" he finally queried.
#Marcus status has been kept secret, per my request. I don't think Susan, Steven or Michael for that matter could go through all that pain again, so until we are sure that Marcus is here to stay I don't want them informed. Also as he is a Minbari citizen his well being falls under my jurisdiction. To this end I have contacted the Rangers already on B5 and apprised them of the facts. They will post guards on Marcus in Iso1 to prevent any reprisals for past deeds.#she paused waiting to see his reaction to her words.
He sat silent for a moment then nodded his head.
"I understand the need for silence, but if the Rangers are seen outside of Medlab it will cause rumour and speculation to run rife through the station. Therefor Ill station a couple of my guy's outside. People who know what they're guarding." He announced.
#Very well Zack, that will be satisfactory. There is one last thing, I will reach B5 the day after tomorrow, probably in the afternoon. I want to arrive as quietly as is possible.#
"What you really mean is Lochley is not to be told any of this till you get here, correct?" Zack grinned evilly as a light blush formed on Delenns fair skin.
"You two are impossible."
#Zack I acknowledge that Captain Lochley is a fine officer and soldier. But can you imagine the piranha's that would descend on Marcus if Earthdome became aware of his resurrection.#
Zack had no choice but to agree with this statement. Earthdome was the last place to hide sensitive information, it had more holes than a colander. Lochley was a good soldier, and good soldier's reported to their superiors. Okay, she had been here long enough to learn how to bend the rules, but the rulebook was still in her back pocket.
"Okay Delenn for now we will do this your way," he declared with a sigh.
#Thank you Zack I will see you soon.#
"Before you go do you think Hobbs will let me see him?"
Delenn seemed to find the request slightly amusing.
#I am sure that Marcus will be delighted to see you when he awakens. And I am positive that Dr Hobbs will be very grateful for any distraction that will stop him from driving her staff insane within hours.#
Zack had to laugh at that.It had station wide knowledge that the Ranger and Steven Franklin's medlab staff didn't mix.
What everybody didn't know that it was all a big show, all the insults and banter hid a respect and affection on both sides. When they put Marcus in that damn icebox nearly all the Medlab staff had been there to say goodbye. As for Steven he had never seen anyone so lost and alone, even surrounded by his friends and colleagues.
"Thank you Delenn I had forgotten about that. Keep me updated with you ETA, okay?"he said with a smile.
#I will Zack.# Delenn out and the smiling image was gone.
Zack sat silently looking at the rotating B5 logo on the screen, ruminating on the past.
"She is SO right, he'll have the whole of Medlab in chaos and Hobbs reaching for a PPG within hours,"he muttered with a grin.
"What chief?"
Officer Lou Welsh asked as he entered the office to begin his shift.
"Just the man I need to see," Zack informed him pressing a control to close and lock the door behind the puzzled man. "I've got a really BIG job for you and…four others, preferably Old School."
Old school was the term some bright spark had come up with for the officers that had served under Mr Garibaldi, but it had soon spread to include all the officers of that crazy period in time.
"OK I can do that. What's the job?" Welsh asked a little surprised by Zacks request
Zack looked at the man sitting infront of him. He trusted him with his own life, now he was about to trust him with Marcus.
"Hold on to your breakfast my friend Babylon five has once again taken up its place as the centre of all weirdness. Just before you came in I had Delenn online. It seems we have an unexpected visitor…an old friend. Take a pew and Ill explain."
Welsh sat down and listened as Zack explained what had occurred. Zack smiled at the look of total shock on his friend's face, knowing full well that it had been on his face a few moments ago. After the shock wore off slightly Zack informed the other man of what was required of him and the others.
"Right I think that's everything. So if you collect Wang and get in position, Ill contact the others and bring them up to date." Zack reiterated as Welsh stood up his face now graced with an enormous grin.
Sure Zack, see ya later." Welsh replied now exiting the reopened hatch.
Then he was gone and Zack was alone once more with the ever growing piles of reports and flimsies.
"Im sure they mate when Im not looking," he muttered glaring at the said offenders.
END OF PART ONE.