Call of Friendship

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

They quickly broke apart, mentally noting the differences in one another's appearance. John had put on weight, and grown a beard, but he looked healthier, despite his imprisonment. She was thinner than ever, John noted with concern, as they ran out the cell to help put down the few remaining enemy guards. He had been able to feel her bones through her thick uniform, and he knew when her jacket came off he would be able to see her ribs. Her skin was paler almost ashen, and a weary look of pain and sorrow, seemed even more apparent than before Marcus when she mourned only her family. She needed to be with friends, and they needed her for the alliance. John hoped she would accept his proposal. They ran through the corridors, putting down three of the enemy they ran across, Susan leading the way, he following blindly. They traveled over a mile before they reached the end of the underground halls. Susan lead him up a stair case to the night sky. Fresh air, he breathed heavily of it. Susan lead him to the White Star shuttle which stood near by, as he stared up at the sky where White Star and alliance ships were flying over head.

Susan was so relieved to see John. He seemed to be in good health. Family life was suiting him, she thought wistfully. During the wars, she had hopefully thought of having the same with Marcus when the fighting ended; now she would never have that chance. She gazed at the night sky, she had hoped it would be day. It had been over ten years since she had been in the sun. She longed for its rays to warm her bones.

When they reached the White Star shuttle, she ran to the pilots seat, he quickly took the co pilots. She readied the ship and calling out the maneuvers as she performed them, she commanded the shuttle to take them up.

An excellent pilot, she lightly and quickly guided the shuttle to the flagship of the whitestars, which were holding the few surviving enemy vessels. She had lead the battle against the few guard ships before she went down. The white stars were, as per her orders, picking up debris and survivors. She was grateful that none of their ships or people had been lost, and only a few minor injuries for them which were being treated. They would be ready to go when she and John docked.

They landed in the Whitestar's bay. John ran ahead out of the shuttle to great a waiting Delenn, before turning his attention to his son, than Michael, Stephen and Lyta.

John spent the next few days resting, while Susan continued to gather information about the enemy. They had struck hard, and taken out this headquarters, but the enemy was numerous, and there was a long fight ahead of them. Susan was having the fleet repaired and having more supplies and weaponry brought on board. She also started more intensive training on how to withstand torture and what to do if captured, as well as more intensive fighting. The fleet was really coming together under her command.

On the fourth day, John came to see her. She had just prepared for bed. It was late and it had been a long day. She had just taken a warm bath and put on her long black silk night gown and matching robe, her wet hair lay loose past her shoulders. She allowed him in her quarters and led him to sit. He looked over her in a sad way, imagining all to well how she had suffered the last years. She looked at him, knowing he would soon get to his point.

He didn't disappoint her. " The Grey council wants Delenn to step aside as Entilzah. They believe at that time, she was bridge between our peoples and so needed, but she it not a warrior, and we need one for the fight ahead." She nodded, not entirely surprised.

" The Grey Council has decided who they want to replace her," at her raised eyebrows he added , " They want you to take Entilzah." Before she could say anything he added, " And you know I wanted you to be Vice President, not just a replacement, but a partner in executive powers. I would take care of the diplomacy and you would be in command of all things military. I want you to be fleet commander, as well as Entilzah. Come on Susan, are you really happy in Earthforce, you know I am right. We need you, and you need to help us." He looked at her, she wasn't protesting. He was relieved thinking for the first time there was hope.

She looked up, " I am honored, John, but I am not sure what I could contribute anymore."

" What are you talking about? You have been in command the last few weeks, it was you who saved me, otherwise I would still be rotting in that cell, it was you who lead the battles against the enemy, every one successful. They have been sent a clear message, they know they are up against someone to reckon with. You. Take it Susan. It is who we are, they call us defenders of the universe, but that is what we are. It is why we had to fight before, when the other governments refused to do anything because when they fail it is up to the rest of us to pick up the slack. I don't want the alliance to be like that , and I need you to help me so that it will never be a like the other governments to whom politics were more important than living beings."

He could see her thinking about everything he had said. He decided to leave her to think about it. He was at her door, when he turned to tell her to take as much time as she wanted, and bid her farewell, when she said, " Yes."

" Yes?"

" Yes, I will do it"

He grinned delightedly as if to say he had known all along that she wouldn't let them down.

Author's note: Please read and review. I saw on my stats how many people actually visit my stories and was disappointed as to how few of them review. I would like to know if I should continue the story to show the whole war against the enemy, or if I should end it.