Chapter 7
Katie looked into the mirror. She had dark circles beneath her eyes, showing her long nights of writing and research work. The most recent developments had kept her from sleeping a good night's sleep for weeks.
President Sheridan had finally informed her about the arrival of Captain Ivanova – which was scheduled later that day. Feverishly had Katie thrown herself deep into data on the famous EarthForce officer. Not only was the official data on Ivanova of interest, but also every little bit Marcus Cole had mentioned on his records; watching them occupied a large part of Katie's working time. As each passing second drew her closer to Ivanova's arrival Katie also knew that her time on Babylon 5 was drawing to a close. The information she could possibly gain from the captain would certainly complete her research.
On the one hand, Katie was very happy to meet her editor's deadline. On the other hand, she would really regret having to leave the station. Never would she forget the wonderful time she had spent with David Corwin in the last few weeks.
"You're very punctual." said Katie as she opened the door to her quarters.
"I spent a long time in Earth Force. Believe me; it comes very handy to be punctual, no matter who's in command of the station." David answered smilingly. "And my father told me never to let a beautiful woman wait to long for you to pick her up on a first date."
"Ah, so if we're having a second date, I couldn't count on your punctuality?" Katie teased.
"Well, you would still be beautiful. For me that is reason enough for punctuality. And I'm afraid we have to get going right now. I reserved a table for 8pm. They won't keep it for long." The young man explained as he walked Katie to the restaurant.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Katie took in her surroundings.
"This is amazing.", she said breathless. She was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place. "I didn't expect such a big place."
"Welcome to the Fresh Air, Katie." Corwin said and explained "It's difficult to get a table at dinner time." He guided Katie to a small table. "But I have my connections.", he added with a small grin.
"Ah, so the commander wants to impress the little journalist who's never been to a space station like this before.", she mocked him.
"I'd never do something like this.", he answered in a similar mocking way. Then he added with a serious voice "But it's difficult not to try to impress on a gorgeous woman."
Katie blushed slightly. This wasn't exactly what she expected from this date. A little flirting was okay with her, but she was a bit unsure how to react to this. So she simply grabbed the menu and started to read it.
"I'm sorry, if I'm a bit too direct.", Corwin tried to lighten the atmosphere. "But I'm not used to things like these." He watched Katie and added "You kind of make me nervous."
Katie answered with a hint of surprise in her voice "There's no need to be nervous." She tried to bring back the happy atmosphere from their casual meetings at the café "We're just having dinner. And at one point or the other, we'll throw in some light conversation trying to get to know to each other."
And her plan went fine. The rest of the evening passed by without any further embarrassing incidents. They talked about the past, their respective homes and other casual topics. At a quite late hour, they left the restaurant.
"May I walk you back to your quarters?", Corwin asked politely.
"I'd love you to walk me home. I don't want to get lost here.", Katie answered smilingly. In silence they walked to the nearest lift to bring them to green sector.
When they arrived in front of Katie's quarters an awkward silence settled in between them, which Corwin broke by saing "It was a really enjoyable evening with you, Katie. I'd love to repeat this." He smiled down at her.
"Yes, I enjoyed it, too. I guess, we'll meet again on the Zocalo.", she suggested.
"What about tomorrow after my shift?", Corwin asked hopefully.
"I'll try to reserve some time for you." Katie started to get nervous again. "But I can't promise anything. I'm having a tight schedule and a deadline to meet."
"It's okay.", Corwin answered and placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Good night, Katie."
"Good nigh, David."
At the thought of her first date with David Katie smiled. He was a nice guy, and she really would miss him, when she returned to Earth. But she was sure to leave Babylon 5 soon. But before this could happen, she was keen to meet Commander Ivanova.
She wanted to confront the Captain with some details from the data files. Not in a way to embarrass the officer, more in a way to find out more about her time with Marcus. Sighing Katie sat down in front of her computer and played with her own voice recorder. She had also collected audio files of her own. Thoughts, impressions and ideas for the book she had already started to write. Her families' ties to Marcus were well arranged in the book as well as some stories her parents had once told her about Marcus' family. She so far had avoided revealing any real names as she didn't know what Captain Ivanova thought about such a step. Another reason, why the young journalist wanted to meet her. She wanted to make sure; she agreed to publish her friend's story.
To be well prepared for the possible meeting she opened Marcus' data files again. She had almost finished the list, only a few files from late 2261 were left. She switched on a file with the title "Mars 1"
"We have the Mars separatists on our side, finally. It did cost us some time and a lot of nerves, but Stephen and I were succesful in our mission. I can't wait any longer to return to Babylon 5, although I know that this will mark the point where the final step in this war will be taken. Soon, we'll be facing another battle with an unsure outcome.
Can you imagine this? They haven't even heard of the Shadow War here. We're heroes and no one knows about it. But I think… that is my destiny.
In the last few days I had to suffer a lot – not necessarily physically but rather emotionally. I know, it is somewhat childish to mention it, but it annoys me.
Stephen and Number 1 of the Mars resistance – a beautiful blonde woman by the way – had a little romance going on while we were planet side. Isn't the universe unfair? I had to think about Susan a lot. Perhaps, when everything is over – the war, Clark, and whatever catastrophe is still hiding from us but approaching silently – I'll work up the courage to ask her out. That means, if I'm lucky enough to survive this insanity again. Well, I hope so. If I have to die an early death, then only because of Susan. She will surely chew me head off when I ask her out.
But it would be worth it. For her, I'd go through hell."
Katie had a tear in the corner of her eye as the monologue ended. This is love, so pure and true. He would have deserved a happy ending. She thought about her cousin. But in the end he had fulfilled his own prophecy. He went trough hell for Susan. Then she thought about her own life and her situation. Would she ever find someone she could love so much? Her thoughts trailed of to another man with a similar voice. Her brother had been a lot like what she had learned about Marcus. Idealistic, ironic and with a very noble voice. Katie sighed and concentrated on the task at hand.
Two entries were left on the list. She decided to finish her research right now, before she could try to interview Captain Ivanova.
The last mission
"I want to record this, in case we're facing more problems than expected on our way to Earth. The captain is still in the hands of Clark's forces. Susan is so enraged about this development, I fear she will do something stupid. But I'll be with her on this mission. I'll try to see her through this situation.
At the moment she is sleeping. We're about 2 hours away from a possible trap. We got information, that a special fleet was sent out to hinder us from approaching Mars. I have a terribly bad feeling about this. So I want to make sure, if anyone finds this file, that I said everything that has to be said.
I made some mistakes in my life and I fought for the wrong reasons. I joined the Rangers out of guilt and desperation. Today I know that I am supposed to fight for a higher, far nobler reason. I do it to bring justice and equality, no matter what I myself have to sacrifice. I'm a lucky person; I have an ideal to look upon. I hope that Delenn and Sheridan can fulfil their destiny and bring peace and freedom to our corner in the universe.
I'd love to see Earth, a peaceful Earth. But if I won't survive this battle, I'll die with the impression of a snowy St.Petersburg. That's what Susan told me about her home.
If I don't survive, I'll only regret one thing. That I never acted on my feelings for Susan. I hope she'll live to see peace, freedom and a better place than this.
My only last comment: I'm living for the one and I'm dying for the one."
Not taking a break, Katie opened the last file. It looked like a farewell note. She heard Marcus' voice that sounded broken and hurt.
"There's no other way. I have to try it. I'm going to Babylon 5 to find this Alien machine. I have to save her. I can't go on without her. Why does this always happen?
They said… she won't survive this week. I can't let her go. I can't let her die. Not after everything we went through. If it costs my own life, I would give it to her.
My angel, my red headed angel, stay strong! You have to live.
I lived according to the principle: I'm living for the one and I'm dying for the one. I still do. Only the one is someone else. It's only her, Susan Ivanova.
The woman I love."
The computer screen went black and a voice told Katie, that all files on the data crystal had been played. The young journalist wiped away the tears, that came streaming down her cheeks.
She had came to Babylon 5 in order to tell the story of a brave man, who had died for freedom and peace. The story of a Ranger who still weren't so well known on Earth.
Instead, it appeared as if Katie had uncovered a sad and heart wrenching love story. A story that even Old Shakespeare couldn't have written more dramatically.
Feverishly she started to write down, what she had revealed so far.
I have to meet Captain Ivanova. She must have these data crystals. It's her, who should have them.
tbc
Authors note: a very long time and only such a short update. I'm really sorry. But my thesis keeps me very busy at university. But I'll continue the story as often and regular as I can.
Next chapter in progress: Susan Ivanova arrives at Babylon 5...surprise ahead...and the end of the story draws closer (one or two chapters to go)
Im thinking about a sequel...what do you think about it?