9. And All My Dreams Torn Asunder

This time Lyta, employing full telepathic blockades and screens, dared to go a little further, watching from behind a thick curtain. Londo obediently took off his jacket, vest and foulard, preparing to receive a Keeper. Disgusting little creature, just like Drakh were disgusting, and Shadows as well. And, after a fashion, Vorlons, so manipulative and ruthless. Lyta forced herself to calm down and concentrate. She felt true pity for Londo Mollari now, but also grim admiration at his willing sacrifice. Yet on the same time she couldn't forget his involvement with Shadows, his action in the war, and how much blood he had on his hands.

And then she hesitated. Shouldn't she allow him to... repay for all he did? For all practical purposes, he was in the same position as Psi Corp: he used what came from older races to build a position for himself, hurting in the process everybody who stood in the way.

But then she saw how Keeper imbedded itself into Londo's shoulder and she remembered Londo's words about nightmare so deeply planted that he wakes up every night screaming, and G'Kar's look of determination when he asked her to help Londo. G'Kar agreed on everything she demanded because he cared for Londo as much as she cared for her fellow telepaths. Not to mention that unlike PsiCorp, Londo Mollari was actually remorseful about what he did.

Lyta took a deep breath, gathered all her strength, and dove into Drakh's mind.

When G'Kar found her later, she would kill him for all the things he made her do voluntarily, caring or not caring. But after almost crawling away from throne room while still keeping her barriers up, she didn't even have enough strength for staying upright and awake.

Londo, meanwhile, feeling acutely the disgusting presence of a Keeper on his shoulder, was busy cleaning as much of the mess as could be cleaned. He issued official surrender, blamed everything on Regent, ordered to find and rescue Delenn's ship, and severed any ties Centauri had with Alliance. After all this, he felt he really deserved that rock thrown by a little girl, which hit him so accurately. He even felt a bit better after that, when physical pain distracted him for a moment. The girl run away, but Londo intended to find her and help her if possible. After all, little girls with such a spirit didn't show up often and certainly not in the Centauri society.

Then the night came and he mildly wondered what nightmare would he dream. All horrible dreams fulfilled themselves already, there was nothing left, except the death dream which seemed less and less like a nightmare, no matter in which version. So perhaps it would be very fitting to lay awake all night, as he couldn't think of anything worse anyway. Cool linens and laces engulfed him when he laid down, what a contrast with the gristly Keeper. He traced the elaborate lace with his fingers, trying to concentrate just at this one physical sensation. Yet the memories flooded his mind, making him endure the fall of Centauri Prime all over again.

Vir came earlier that day for inauguration and even that encounter was filled with fear and dread. Vir, so happy, so innocent, not knowing about anything... And it had to stay that way. Vir had to return to Babylon 5 as soon as possible. G'Kar was leaving in the morning, hah, mourning rather. So were Sheridan and Delenn. And then no one will be left. So far, so good...

In Londo's old quarters, occupied now by G'Kar, three people talked with hushed voices almost through the whole night. G'Kar was seated on the floor with his legs crossed, Lyta, still pale, was half-lying on Londo's old fancy bed and Vir, distressed and nervous, sat fidgeting in the chair, wanting to grab one of the big pillows from the bed and hug it firmly. Dimmed light of one small lamp brought up the shadows from broken furniture and pieces of glass.

'You owe me, G'Kar, do not forget that' said Lyta, massaging her temples. 'And do not try any slogans about 'doing the right thing' with me.'

'Wouldn't think of that' G'Kar almost giggled, which mortified Vir even further. 'You, Lyta, earned everything I've promised you and more. You're sure the Drakh didn't feel you scanning?'

Lyta glared at him.

'All right then. Vir will tell Sheridan and Delenn. We'll stay here, hidden, to monitor situation closely. I'm sure the Rangers would be able to come up with the ways of contacting us, and we will find the ways as well if needed. Remember, Vir, the fusion bombs are our priority and secret number one. Tell only Sheridan and Delenn.'

'I know' mumbled Vir, shaking his head. 'I'm not as incompetent as everybody think. And, you know, I got promoted' he added with sad smile.

'All right. Lyta will send you telepathically a list of places. This way she can made you remember correctly and you won't have to record it anywhere. I'm still amazed that the Drakh actually remembered this and was sure he remembered it correctly!'

'They had their minds... improved by the Shadows' said Lyta with a grimace as if the thought made her ill.

'Lyta' said G'Kar in much lower voice. 'I am sorry that you had to go through that.'

'I've been through worse. And I will be.'

'That is not the point. But I am grateful. I will pay you all the money, but I will always be grateful.'

'Me too, Lyta' piped up Vir. 'To you and to G'Kar. As will be Londo, when he learns of this. If I can help you with something, Lyta, you only have to ask... Presuming it won't be something... bad, of course.'

Vir was looking at Lyta and so he missed the look G'Kar gave him, a mixture of amusement and tenderness. Lyta sighed.

'Alright, thank you. I may do just that. Then we will see. Right now I'll be just repeating to myself how much satisfaction it gives me to kick the Drakh in their collective butt. I'm not sure if staying here is the wisest idea possible, G'Kar.'

'Well, someone must stay and watch the things up close. I will stay anyway, and you, Lyta, will be immensely of help. Who knows what those Drakh may come up with yet and what craziness will befall upon Londo. He may even go ahead and try to get rid of them himself, then fail and be killed along with billions of Centauri. And us, by the way.'

'How cheerful...' sighed Lyta, apparently convinced. 'If it's all, I would like to sleep through that, what, two or three hours left.'

She slid under the covers. G'Kar started to meditate and Vir just sat there, keeping watch.