Authors Notes: This is a short Chapter. More will follow, and it will be interesting.

Chapter 23

Admiral Douglas's ready room: The Admiral was getting ready for another day of dealing with the EA R+D people, when his intercom beeped. "Yes Tony, what is it?"

"Sir I have Vice-President Santiago on the line for you."

The Admiral rubbed his eyes; it was going to be a long day. "OK Tony put him through."

A minute later, he was looking at the Vice-President. "Good morning Admiral."

"Good morning Mr. Vice President. What can I do for you this morning?"

The Vice president was smiling, "I just called to let you know that the initial meeting with the Minbari has gone very well, thanks in no small part to your people."

"Thank you sir, I'm just glad that my people were able to help."

"Please Admiral don't be so modest. But for the real reason I called. It seems that Senator Clark will be unable to attend the meetings in the near future. It seems that some urgent business has come up and he feels he must return to earth right away."

The admiral resisted the urge to smile, "I'm sorry to hear that sir. But we'll try to make it through without him."

The Vice President looked like he was about to laugh. "Yes, we will."

..
The Vice President now had a serious look on his face, "Admiral, the Earth Alliance owes you and your people a lot. So we would like to make you an offer. We have a colony world in the Vega system. It's just starting out, what with the war and all; it's not built up yet. We want to give the planet to you and your people. We'll give you any assistance you need in getting a real colony started there, and I'm sure that the corporations will bend over backwards to help you any way that they can."

The Admiral smiled, "So they can get access to advanced tech?"

"Perhaps, but the EA will offer you and your people first patent rights to any new tech that you make available. And we will assist you with a mutual defense treaty."

"Well Mr. Vice president, I'll have to discuss it with my people. I can let you know in say 48 hours."

"Of course admiral take all the time you need."

..
Gray council chambers: The members of the Gray Council listened quietly to Lennon's report, and then looked at Delenn. "Satai Delenn, do you believe this story that Lennon has told us? A human gave his life to save a Minbari prisoner."

"Yes Satai Racine I do. Lennon has served the Minbari people for a very long time. He would not lie to us, or them. (Or me she thought.) If he has said that a human gave his life for a Minbari, then I believe him."

Satai Racine stepped forward. "Satai Delenn, I do not wish to doubt Lennon's word. But the idea that a human would make such a sacrifice is just so hard for us to believe. There must be some way for us to confirm this story."

"Perhaps there is Satai Racine, but it would mean doing something risky."

Racine saw the sparkle in her eyes, "What is it you wish to do Satai Delenn."

"As you all know, Lennon has asked that we send a ship to retrieve our warriors, and to send a formal negotiating team. I suggest that we do just that, but we go ourselves in the Valen'tha."

..
The members of the council were amazed at her suggestion. "Satai Delenn, are you mad?"

"No Satai Keddonn I am not. Lennon has told us of the things that the humans have done for our warriors; I for one would like to see this for myself. Besides who better to represent the Minbari people than us."

"But Delenn, it could be a trap."

"Yes it could be, but we will never know unless we go. Besides, I wish to meet with these humans face to face, and hear from their own mouths the truth of these stories."

Satai Racine looked at her, "We must vote on this, but if we do decide to go, then I want a full escort to be with us, and waiting in hyperspace if it is a trap."

Delenn looked at him, and conceded his point, "A wise precaution Satai Racine. Let us vote on this now."

..
Officers Mess hall TCS Bull Run: Lennon was sitting at one of the tables, and enjoying his meal. The food here was very good, and very palatable. He saw Lt Commander Sinclair walking up to his table. "Do you mind if I join you Mr. Lennon."

"Of course not Commander, please sit."

The commander took a seat and was picking at his meal. Lennon could tell that the commander wanted to say something, so he looked at him. "What's wrong Commander?"

Sinclair looked at him, "I just spoke to Megan, and congratulated her, and during our conversation, she told me that you knew what her brother had done before you came back to the meeting."

Lennon smiled, "And you want to know why I asked Commander Sheridan about it?"

"Well yes."

"Commander, I, like you have others to whom I must report to. I had heard the story of Captain Daniels, but I had to confirm it."

"And did your superiors believe it?"

Lennon looked a little worried, "I don't know Commander. But I am hopeful."

"Well Lennon, if you need someone to help you convince them, I was there when it happened."

Lennon looked at him, " I was not aware of that Commander. I may take you up on your offer."

"If it helps to end this war, then I'm all yours."

..
Guest quarters Beta Durani station: "So tell me Jeanne, what did you learn while on their ship?"

"Not to much sir. They mostly kept their distance from us. And then when I arrived at the conference room, I suddenly became very ill."

"And why do you suppose that is?"

"I don't know sir, it was as if I was having a severe reaction to something. I remember walking into the room, and then the rest is a blur."

"Well if these people have some sort of chemical that can incapacitate us, we need to find out what it is. Then we can find a way to neutralize it. The last thing we want is for the Norms to know that they can hurt us."

Miss Task looked at him, "Yes sir."

He turned around and looked at the Confed ships in the distance. "I will know your secrets, then they will be mine."

He glanced back at Jeanne, "You'll submit to a full analysis, and then a deep scan."

Jeanne never looked up from the floor, "Yes sir."

Alfred Bester again looked out the window, and just smiled.