Chapter seven.
Lochley realised that she really didn't have a lot of options open to her. She would go along with Delenns plan. That didn't mean she had to like it.
"Very well Delenn. I will stay quiet on this event for another two days then I will inform the Earth Alliance of this occurrence."
"That will be more than sufficient for our purposes Captain. Thank you " the Minbari woman stated seriously as she stood once more in preparation of departure.
"Just one thing Delenn. Where do you intend to billet him so that I can assign a security team to his quarters? Since you consider him at risk."
" That will not be necessary. Marcus will be staying with me. And I have a most satisfactory security unit as you know. Good Afternoon Captain." Delenn replied an then she was gone.
"And Sheridans okay with that..!" the Captain exclaimed to an empty room.
The next morning Delenn returned to Medlab 1 and found Marcus already awake and looking a little more like himself. Someone had trimmed his beard and moustache, and brushed his long black hair into order. Yes this was definitely more like Her Marcus.
"Good Morning Marcus. I must say you are looking much better this morning," She softly greeted him.
Marcus slowly moved his hands that lay on his lap into the traditional triangular form.
"Good morning…Entil…zha. "His greeting was slow but stronger than the previous day.
As Delenn sat down on the nearby chair she was very aware of Marcus observations. He watched every movement from his propped up position.
It seems so real. Could it be real? He mused.
"What is going on in that busy mind of yours," Delenn queried with a caring smile.
Marcus had to grin at that. Nothing much got past Delenn or Sus…
No I don't want to think about her. It hurts.
"Marcus I can get Dr Hobbs for you if you're in pain," Delenn offered worried by the sudden shadow in his eyes.
"No…I am…fine…Tell me…what i…slept through."
"Are you sure you are up to that my friend?" Delenn asked clasping his long scarred hand in her small but capable ones.
"Start with…here." He instructed nodding.
So the morning passed with Delenn recounting the many incidents that he had missed.
She informed him of the beginning of the Alliance: about her sadness at leaving Babylon 5: about the telepath war and Lyta; about the birth of her son and the traumatic passing of Neroon in the Star Chamber.
He surprised her when after a short silence he said sincerely, "I am sorry…Neroons gone…I would have…like to know …him better…He was an…honourable if…short-sighted leader."
He concluded reaching for the water to lubricate his parched throat.
"Yes I agree," Delenn replied helping him with the tall tumbler of ice water. "For all neroon and I would never have become friends. What he did he did to protect our people not out of a need for power. He has become quite the celebrity," Delenn declared. "David loves to hear tales of Neroon and…"
"And?" Marcus prompted curious as to her sudden pause and slight blush.
Delenn watched him closely as she answered, "You"
Marcus was shocked but tried to hide it beneath his warped humour.
"Must be pretty…boring. Bet you…tell them…at night…to send the…little prince off…to sleep."
"Marcus Cole I do believe you're embarrassed," Delenn teased; smiling, as his face grew pink.
"Delenn…sick man here…mercy." He pleaded knowing he couldn't win.
Delenn laughed outloud; this was so typical of her friend.
"Very well I will cease…for now."
"Thank you…I hope…to meet your…son and…tell him all…about his parents…adventures." He threatens with a smile.
"I think that Susan has a head start on you…Marcus what's wrong?"She demanded seeing the shadow of pain in his eyes once more.
"Nothing…just really…tired" Marcus stated quickly.
"Of course. You get some sleep. Ill come back later on," Delenn assured him as she stood.
Not very original Marcus.
"Thank you Delenn," he said as he closed his eyes once more.
Why are you so reluctant to speak about Susan I must inform Turval of this matter. For now sleep well.
The next morning found Sech Turval making his way to Marcus room. After his long talk with Delenn he was quite anxious to begin his time with his old pupil. As he approached the room he heard female laughter coming from within.
Marcus the class-jester is making an appearance tody. His way of preparing for me?Possibly.
"Good morning ranger," he said quietly as he entered the room. His eyes fixed on the prone man.
Marcus grin dimmed a little. He knew why Turval was here. It was a necessary prepartation for his return to the Anlashock. But it didn't mean that it didn't scare the hell outta him.
"Ladies…could you…excuse us. Master Turval and i… have things to discuss. Thank you." He announced huskily, but much clearer than the previous day.
Turval stayed silent until only Marcus and himself remained.
"What do we have to discuss Marcus?" he enquired softly.
Marcus knew he would have to be alert during his time with Turval. But then again why bother, Turval was aware of ever trick and illusion in his arsenal. So where could he hide.
"My death I suppose," marcus replied sullenly as this fact sunk in.
"You suppose! Do you not want to?"
"Not particularly."
"Why?"
"Because…because I…" Marcus had no glip retort for his mentor and friend. And even if he did Turval would most certainly call him on it.
"What are you feeling now?"
"Fear," Marcus answered without thinking caught in the intense gaze of turvals eyes.
"Of me?" Marcus remained silent so Turval asked again, "Of me?"
"No I just…I just," Marcus stammered not wanting to answer the question.
"Of what or who then?" Turval continued sternly not willing to let go of the subject.
"I don't know," Marcus whispered turning away fron the Minbari.
"That is a lie Marcus Cole," Turval snapped loudly. " Why are you lying to yourself and me?"
marcus felt something inside himself crack and could nothing to prevent the tears running from his eyes.
Turval left his chair and came to sit beside the younger man on the bed.
"Marcus I am here for you. I want to help you back onto your path, but you must leas the way. Now come my friend What is it you fear?"
The kindness in his masters voice reminded him of someone else.
Im scared Jeff. What if I cant make the grade? What if they wont take me back? What if I cant control the darkness in me? What if they all see my failures?
Finally he lifter his tousled head and spoke quietly,
"Lots of things. But mostly of…of the darkness…in me."
Then he broke down in anquished sobs that echoed round the small room.
Marcus felt the surprisingly stong arms of the Minbari encircle him.
"Good Marcus. Now we have begun," the old man muttered softly letting his young pupil finally grieve for all he had lost and all the ugliness that he had survived.