Chapter 3

"Have a seat," said Sheridan as they entered his quarters. "So how did the mission go?" John asked.
"Just fine we only had one or two little problems," said Marcus.
"Such as?" asked Michael.
"We were attacked twice by a group of terrorist which was against the Vians joining the Interstellar Alliance," said Susan.
"And twice by raiders, which we think are part of the same group," said Marcus.
"You both are okay aren't you?" asked Delenn, in concern.
"Oh yeah just fine, one of them put a hole in my cape, but other than that we're fine," said Marcus.
"Oh, but we do have an announcement to make," said Ivanova. "John I would like you to be my best man. Marcus and I are getting married."
"That's great!" exclaimed John.
"Terrific," said Garibaldi.
"And Delenn I would like you be my matron of honor," said Susan.
"Matron of honor?" asked Delenn, confused.
"It's a human custom," said John. "It is a great honor."
"Then I accept, thank you Susan," said Delenn.
"I've already told Marcus I just want a small group of friends present no big, elaborate ceremony and I mean it John."
"And just who are you inviting to this little party?" asked Michael.
"You, Lyta, Stephen, G'Kar, Zack, Vir, and Londo."
"And when is the ceremony," asked Delenn.
"In about a week, maybe, if things quiet down that long," said Susan.
"I'm sure Lt. Corwin can handle things in C for a few days," said Sheridan.
"If you'll excuse me I'm tired from the trip and I'm going to my quarters to sleep I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow," said Susan after another few minutes of conversation. Susan rose and turned to leave, "I'll see you all in the morning, goodnight." The others watched her go but as soon as she left they started to fire rapid questions at Marcus. Marcus was up to his ears in trying to answer questions. He sighed and tried to patiently explain as best he the next week Susan was kept busy. She tried to work as well as plan for the wedding and it was exhausting to say the least, but she was happier then she had ever been so it was okay. News of her getting married had gotten around no matter how hard she tried too; keep it bottled up. She should have known news this big would be impossible to keep secret for very long in such a small place. She kept getting calls, notes and well wishes, but she also knew that an event of this kind was a mad bombers dream and she had a few enemies who would love a chance to get revenge. She had Zack going over every possibility with Garibaldi's help to minimize the chances of anything going wrong. After all, if the old saying held true, anything that could go wrong would go wrong, the situation could explode at any that week before the wedding the Vians were showed around the station.
"This is our casino. You can buy drinks over at the bar and over there, is our gaming tables, where you can either win or lose large sums of money," said Ivanova as they walked through the casino. Marcus was always at her side as she showed the Vians around the station, her constant guardian and protector.
"Ah yes gambling we have heard of this concept," said V'ko. "But we see no use in it on our world."
"I don't either, but other people do and it's legal so people still came here to try to win their fortunes and often lose it," said Susan.
They walked out of the casino and the tour continued for the rest of the day. They were shown the hydroponics bay, medlab, the restaurants, the business' and everything else there was to see on Babylon 5, except downbelow, which she avoided, because of the danger. All during the tour, Marcus saw V'kra looking longingly at V'ko only for a few brief moments. Almost like he did with Susan like a lost puppy following anyone who was friendly. Well, he wasn't that bad around Susan Ivanova, but sometimes— Yet it was enough to tell him something was going on with the two Elders, whether they admitted it or not.
"You have a very impressive station, captain," said V'kra.
"Thank you, we've had a lot of problems since B5 went online, but we've managed," said Susan.
"I hear you two are getting married, congratulations," said V'ro.
"You three are invited to the wedding. We'll only be inviting a few of our closest friends," said Susan.
"Why thank you, we accept. We knew you would come together if just given a little time. Congratulations again," said V'ko. The three Elders disappeared into their quarters, without another word. It had been a very tiring walked into the security office a few days after giving the Vians a tour of the station to find Zack sitting behind the desk reading Universe Today. "Zack I need a favor from you," said Susan.
"What can I do for you Captain?" asked Zack, looking up from what he was reading.
"I want as much security as can be managed for my wedding. Check the area for any bombs, post security everywhere. I don't want anything to go wrong, got it?" said Ivanova.
"Already taken care of Susan," said Zack. "Nobody is going to ruin this event if I have anything to say about it. Michael is helping out too and so are some of the Rangers. They'll be so much security that nobody can get through unless we want them to come through."
"Good, oh and Zack since I consider you one of my closet friends you are invited to the wedding," said Susan.
"Why thank you captain, I'm honored. I'll be there," Zack said. "Is there anything else?"
"No and Zack thank you for being a friend," said Susan, as she turned to leave the security office.
Zack looked up in surprise, in all the time he had known Susan Ivanova, he had never known her to admit to such a thing. It looked like Marcus was doing her some good after all. He went back to his paper, but this time with a smile on his face as he said softly, "You're welcome captain."Meanwhile on Earth deep in the San Diego Wasteland

Six figures sat around a round table in a dark room. "It is time for us to act, John Sheridan must be taken care of," said the figure at the head of the table. Her face was in shadow and the only thing that could be seen was the golden Psi Corps pin on her shirt. "Sheridan made Mars a free and independent world. He is a threat to all that we stand for."
A shadowy man with short dark hair turned towards the hidden woman and smiled. "You do have a point, but we in Earthforce gave Sheridan his career. He made the hit, the turning point of the Earth/Minbari War, for Earthforce! Yet he turned his back on us!"
"Sheridan is married to a Minbari—Ambassador Delenn—at least she was Minbari before she made the change—" whispered one who wore a crisp white uniform and had long brown hair.
"Sheridan has been a golden boy for Earthforce, but when he was assigned to Babylon 5— He lost his priorities when he turned against all we stood for! Acting President Susanna Lachenko is also a traitor to our cause."
"We should kill them both—" shouted one.
"No, we can't touch Susanna yet, but Sheridan—" The hidden face cruelly smiled.
The others nodded in agreement, "John Sheridan must die!" shouted everyone in the room.
"We will send one of our best agents," said the lady at the head of the table. She leaned forward so that her face came into view for just a moment. Her red hair was tied back in a severe knot and her mouth came up in a cruel smile that did not reach her eyes. "Ha, ha, ha," she laughed cruelly, her laugh echoing off the walls of the room. The others cringed as she laughed, but said nothing for they knew she would kill them all if they upset on Babylon 5

The day of the wedding finally arrived and Susan was beautiful in her uniform, hair down around her shoulders. Security and the Anla'shok were everywhere Susan was taking no chances of something going wrong. The chapel where the ceremony was taking place had flowers everywhere. There was a long table with presents on it and behind the altar in a niche in the wall stood a statue of The Lord. Everything was absolutely perfect.
Garibaldi walked her down the aisle since she had no family still alive. Delenn followed behind. Sheridan and Marcus stood side by side. Sheridan was dressed in a navy-blue jacket and pants. While Marcus was in his best Ranger outfit and cloak. His outfit consisted of a black turtleneck shirt, black pants, a vest the top half black, the bottom half brown, a black cloak and of course his Ranger pin.
Stephen, Zack, Lyta, G'Kar, Londo, Vir and the Vians were there as guests. Brother Theo and his monks were presiding over the ceremony.
"These two young people have gone through many difficult trials to get to this day. . ." Brother Theo began, as Susan came to stand beside Marcus.
As the ceremony began, Marcus began to feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise in warning. He saw a glint of steel off to his right, then a shout, "Die, Sheridan, die!"
He let his reflex's take over. "Susan get; down," he shouted, but Susan was already way ahead of him.
They both dived for the two most important people in the Interstellar Alliance, John Sheridan and Delenn. Marcus tackled Delenn and Susan tackled Sheridan. It proved to be unnecessary though for the Rangers and security surrounded the suspect just as he fired. One of the Minbari Rangers grabbed the man's wrist so the shot went wild and a tall dark-haired Ranger knocked the suspect unconscious. They immediately spread out searching the room for anybody they didn't recognize and for any bombs. There wasn't much place to hide one unless it was in one of the presents that had been brought in, but they had all been scanned before being allowed into the room. They found one dead Ranger and a couple of dead security guards outside the door. After they found out how the man had gotten so close, the area was searched thoroughly to make sure no other surprises presented themselves the ceremony went on, but now everybody was tense, ready for anything just in case something else went wrong. The ceremony ended without incident, but everybody was still tensed up as the reception started.
"There had to be something more than that guy coming after Sheridan right out in the open," Ivanova muttered under her breath as a line of well-wishers came over to congratulate them.
Marcus noticed Susan lost in her own thoughts and knew she was worried that there had to be more to the attack then met the eye. In truth, he was worried about it to. He gestured to one of the Rangers and whispered in his ear quietly. The Ranger nodded and gestured to another Ranger and they quietly left.
"So, what did you tell those two Rangers?" asked Susan, looking up.
"They are just going be extra guards for our friend in case he tries something and they are also going to try to find out if there was some bigger plan to the attempted killing, or if it was just him that had some grudge against President Sheridan," said Marcus.
John and Delenn came over as soon as the rest of the guests had broken up into their own little groups. "I never did thank you for saving my life Susan, Marcus," said John.
"Yes, thank you," said Delenn. "I can never thank you enough for what you did."
"No thanks are necessary, Entil'zha, just doing our jobs."
"But this is supposed to be your wedding day. You are supposed to be able to relax. This is supposed to be the happiest day of your lives," said Delenn.
"You know things never go as planned Ambassador, especially on Babylon 5," said Susan, with a grin. "Just be glad no one was hurt."
"I know, now if you'll excuse us we'll leave you two alone," said Delenn. John and Delenn walked over to where G'Kar and Londo stood talking.
Susan sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose in frustration, This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life and this happens. Why Me? Ivanova asked herself. "Marcus I'm going to go question our prisoner, you coming?"
"You can't relax until you know if there is more; going on can you?" asked Marcus.
"No, I keep going over all the possibilities in my head. There could be a bomb that could blow the station to bits, it could be Psi Corps, or more likely Bester; it could be any number of things."
"All right let's go," said Marcus. They headed out the door without anybody noticing except a couple of Rangers who followed them discreetly as protection. "I understand, I would do the same thing I suppose. Now who is this Bester I've been hearing so much about, a friend?"
"A friend? Ha, that's a laugh. He's a pain in the rear end and I'm being polite when I say that." When Marcus raised his eyebrow she explained further. "He's a Psi Cop they're the strongest telepaths that exist on Earth. Psi Cops are supposed to chase down rogue telepaths. He's been to this station numerous; time to chase down rogue teeps and always manages to turn this station upside down in the process. He's arrogant, doesn't care who gets hurt, especially if it's a mundane as they call us. No telepath is supposed to scan someone unless it's authorized, but Bester has been known to break the rules. He's caused a lot of trouble since the first time he set foot on this station when Sinclair was running things. He nearly got John and Michael killed a few months back. Bester put a telepathic block in Garibaldi's mind that made him resign his commission and leave Earthforce. Then the block made him betray Sheridan and get him captured by the enemy. Lyta managed to break the block and then Garibaldi helped us to rescue Sheridan. None of us, that's me, John, Stephen, Michael, and even Delenn trust him as far as we can throw this station," said Susan, finally finished with her explanation.
"Sounds like a real nice guy," said Marcus, sarcastically. Before Susan could reply they arrived at the prisoner's cell. Susan had called ahead and told the guards that they were coming. The guards passed them on through and Susan and Marcus entered Marcus' ever present fighting pike at the ready. On entering they found the; two Rangers Marcus had sent as extra security standing guard on the inside.
They approached the guy where he sat at the table in the middle of the room. He was tall, broad shouldered, had brown hair and gray eyes. "Come down here to torture me did you," said the guy nastily.
"No, but we would like you to answer some questions. Why did you try to kill President Sheridan?" The guy did not respond and just sat there staring into nothingness. "Look I'm giving you a chance to answer before I let the Rangers deal with you. They have been trained to protect those they consider friends or allies. Also considering they'd follow Sheridan into hell if he asked them it; be easier if you answered now before I let them have you to do with as they please."
The guy didn't respond at first though Ivanova could see he was starting to break down. "I can't, they'll kill me," he finally sputtered.
"The Rangers will do a lot worse than kill you if you don't now, who's they?"
The man refused to say anything more and Susan sighed. "What are you going to do?" asked Marcus.
"I don't know I'll figure out something I'm sure. Until then he can sit in here and rot until they shut down the station in maybe another 20 years." Suddenly Susan smiled and the prisoner flinched for it was not a very nice smile. Susan walked over to one of the Rangers and whispered something in his ear, he nodded and was off.
"Where did you send him?" asked Marcus, in curiosity.
"You'll see," said Susan. "We don't want to spoil the surprise for our prisoner."A few minutes later

The Ranger came back with a pretty red-haired lady in tow. "Did he tell you what I wanted?" asked Susan.
Lyta nodded and said, "If I do this what do I get out of it?"
"Remember who gave that telepath colony permission live on B5," said Susan, quietly so the man would not hear.
Lyta sighed, nodded and approached the man, who looked up. He cringed as Lyta began to scan him, deeply. He began to fight her telepathically. He did math, he thought of all the stars and their constellations and he sang songs. Finally, Lyta broke through his distractions and got what she wanted. She got out quickly for his mind was a dirty nasty place to be. The man slumped in his chair unconscious.
Lyta slumped in exhaustion and Marcus gently guided her over to a chair. "He'll be okay I fixed it so he won't remember any of the past few minutes."
"So did you get it?" asked Susan.
"Yes, but he fought me all the way. His name is Quinton Anders he works for an organization known as Bureau 13 that operates from deep within EarthGov. It's a dirty tricks squad that deals in stark chamber justice. Apparently this Bureau 13 is working with somebody in the Corps, as well as several people who were Clark's aides. They want John Sheridan dead. They think if he dies the Interstellar Alliance will collapse and they can go back to doing things their way. Now if you don't mind I am going to my quarters to sleep."
Susan and Marcus left with Lyta, "Escort Ms. Alexander to her quarters. See that she gets there safely," said Ivanova to one of the guards on the outside of the door.
The guard nodded and took Lyta's arm. "This way Ms. Alexander," said the guard, gesturing down the corridor."Bureau 13 I've never heard of them," said Susan as they walked down the corridor. "But John might have an idea. He used to like collecting secrets. I don't know if he still does or not."
"Is it over though?" asked Marcus. When Susan looked at him, quizzically he explained. "I mean we caught this guy, but what's to keep them from trying again?"
"You do have a point, but it can wait until tomorrow," said Susan, looking up at him lovingly.
"Yes I suppose it can, after all this was supposed to be our wedding night," said Marcus, putting his arm around her shoulder. Susan stiffened at first then relaxed into his embrace.
Ivanova headed towards her quarters Marcus following. When they reached her door and entered they found a bottle of champagne waiting for them in a bucket of ice. There was a note leaned against the bucket. Susan opened it and read the note aloud.

Susan, Marcus,

Accept the champagne with our compliments.

Sincerely,
John, Michael, Stephen and Zack

"Wasn't that sweet of them," said Susan smiling. She went popped the cork and poured the champagne. She handed one glass to Marcus. They clinked glasses and drank slowly. "You know Marcus despite the aggravation of running B5 I enjoy my job, but someday I hope to retire and relax."
"You'd go crazy and you know it Susan. You're not the type to just sit around and do nothing," said Marcus.
"I guess you're right," said Susan, smiling slightly. Susan looked up at him shyly and slowly placed her glass on the table. "I think it's time we retired for the night."
Marcus smiled nervously catching her meaning immediately. He gently took her hand in his and led her over to the bed. They sat down and began to slowly undress each other which soon turned into a frenzy of activity. Clothes were flung in every direction and landed they knew not where. Soon they were lying in bed together side by side. Marcus moved over until he was on top of her, being careful not to put his full weight on her body. He gently took one of her nipples between his fingers and slowly rubbed it until it hardened beneath his touch. As she groaned he did the other one and then began to trail kisses down her breast and stomach. Then he raised himself up and entered her, slowly so as not to hurt; her and she let out a small gasp of pleasure. Then Susan slowly started stroking his chest and kissing his neck as they moved in a dance of molten pleasure. Soon they lay spent and they fell asleep in each other's next morning

Susan awoke to a warm lump beside her and events of the last several days came flooding back to her. She grinned she seemed to be doing that a lot lately. She got up slowly as not to wake her husband. Boy did that sound weird to call Marcus Cole her husband. She went into the kitchenette to brew some coffee and became lost in thought. She had the next week off at John's insistence. Even though he wasn't technically her commanding officer anymore he could annoy the hell out of her until she agreed, so here she was. The coffee started to smell delicious as it came near to being done.
Back in the bedroom Marcus awoke to the smell of coffee and noticed Susan gone from beside him. He opened his eyes and slowly sat up. He put on his pants and went into the kitchenette where Ivanova stood. He snuck up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. She screamed in surprise and nearly dropped her cup of coffee. "Marcus; don't do that!" exclaimed Susan putting down her cup of coffee and turning towards him. She kissed him on the lips and felt him respond. "I can't believe I married the woman I love more than anything," said Marcus. "If I'm dreaming I hope I never wake up."
"I feel the same. Here want some coffee?" asked Susan.
"Sure," said Marcus. Susan handed him a cup and poured him a cup. He took a sip and grimaced at the taste. "Aren't you late for work?"
"No, actually I'm not, I've taken the next week off so we can spend some time together," said Susan
"You mean Susan Ivanova took a week off, especially for little ole' me? Amazing!"
"You," said Susan, punching him playfully. She then kissed him and caused a passion to rise within him. They backpedaled to the bed and fell upon it. Susan started kissing his face, beard and all. And he started to move his hands up and down her body. She did the same in turn and they blended together in a haze of bliss. Hours later they lay in bed together, totally happy just to lay there quiet and enjoy each other's company.
"Computer time?" asked Susan, finally waking up.
The time is 12:30 on April 5, 2262. The computer fell silent and Susan slowly rose from the bed. She began to get dressed as Marcus groaned from the other side of the bed. He opened one eye then the other. "Go back to sleep if you want to. I have some errands to run," said Susan.
Marcus rose from the bed and began to get dressed as well. "I'll come with you."
Susan sighed, rolled her eyes and said, "Okay come along if you want. I'm going to see John and Delenn first." She exited her quarters and headed down the hall towards the president's quartersThey arrived and Ivanova rang the buzzer, "Come," came a voice from inside the room. Susan and Marcus entered, "Susan, Marcus, we didn't expect to see you two for at least a few days."
"John we questioned the prisoner last night," said Susan.
"I heard about that," said John, in a reproachful tone. "So, what did you find out," he asked curious despite himself.
"Ever hear of Bureau 13?" asked Susan.
John paled and Delenn looked at him worriedly. "They're behind this?"
"Them and some of Clark's aides and somebody in the Psi Corps," said Susan.
"What is this Bureau 13?" asked Delenn.
"They're a secret organization, buried deep within EarthGov. A dirty tricks squad that; will do anything to protect Earth policy. Apparently they think I am a danger to that policy."
"Maybe they just want revenge. After all, you're the one that led the war that freed Earth and made Mars an independent world," said Marcus.
"I suppose it's possible," said John, after a moment.
"What do we do about it?" asked Susan.
"I don't know," said John.
"I'll have more security posted," said Susan.
"And I'll have Rangers posted outside the door and at all the intersecting corridors in the area," said Delenn. "No one is to enter without proper authorization."
"Yeah but for how long? We can't keep security tight forever, sooner or later security is going to make a mistake and someone will get hurt or killed," said John.
"I'll have Michael check into it and see what he can find," said Susan.
Susan stood up to leave, as John said, "Have a nice vacation and I don't expect to see you again until next week. I expect you to relax and get used to being married."
"But what if they send someone else?" asked Ivanova.
"Then let security and the Rangers handle it," said John, sternly.
Susan sighed and nodded, "All right, I'll just contact Garibaldi then try to relax."
"I'll do that. Now go," said John, as a way of dismissing them. Susan turned on her heels without another word and left, Marcus following. After they were gone John said, "Susan has a right to be worried you know. Bureau 13 is a dangerous organization to have angry at you. We had an incident back in 2259 with a businessman named Taro Isogi. He was killed because his proposal was a danger to earth's proposal on Mars.
"And you think it was this Bureau 13 that ordered you to be killed?"
"I'm sure of it," said Sheridan.
"Well then, we'll just have to have you guarded 24 hours a day. I will not let anything happen to you," said Delenn, her eyes flashing angrily.
John looked at her. Delenn didn't get angry easily, but when she did whoever had made her mad had better watch out.A few days later

John was headed towards the conference center when suddenly a shot rang out from a PPG just missing him. One of the Rangers that; was following him as protection immediately got in front of him, extending his pike, while the other one got behind him, protecting both his back and front. The assassin fired again, this time hitting one of the Rangers in the shoulder. The Ranger cried out, but did not fall.
Sheridan pressed his link and spoke into it urgently, "Security this is the president. We are under attack in blue sector, near the conference room. Get security; down here as fast as possible, we also need medical assistance, stat."
"Affirmative," came the reply over the link.
A few seconds later that seemed like an eternity Sheridan heard footsteps running down the hall. Security came barreling around a bend in the corridor and stopped. "Are you all right Mr. President?" asked Zack, a bit breathlessly.
"I'm fine where's that med team?" demanded Sheridan.
"They ought to be here momentarily," said Zack. Just as he finished speaking the med team came around the corner. Zack's security men came and reported back at the same instant that the med team arrived.
"I'm afraid our perp got away chief," said a Narn security guard.
"Don't you worry we'll catch him," said Zack. "This place might be big, but there's; only so many places he can hide."
As Zack was talking Sheridan was arguing with the wounded Ranger.
"You will go to medlab," said Sheridan.
"But Mr. President your safety is our first concern," argued the Ranger.
"And if that wound becomes infected?" demanded Sheridan. "Look I'll be okay. After all, before I was the president of the Interstellar Alliance I was first and foremost a soldier. I survived the Earth/Minbari war, the Shadow war, and the war with Earth. Now go and get that arm fixed. I will not allow you to put my life before your own." The Ranger nodded solemnly and turned to follow the med tech back to medlab. When the Ranger was gone Sheridan asked Zack, "How did you get here so fast?"
"We were already on our way, because of the shots fired from the PPG registered on our screens."
"Oh, thanks a lot, Zack," said Sheridan turning to go towards the conference

The shooter had gotten back to his quarters and sent a message to Bureau 13.

"Mission failed. Suggest we lay off Sheridan for now. To well-guarded. Wait until they let their guard down."

He sent the message and waited for a reply. The answer came back almost immediately.

"Suggestion taken lay off Sheridan and get off Babylon 5," the words printed themselves across his computer night in the President's quarters.

"Are you sure you're okay?" demanded Delenn.
"Yes, yes I'm fine," said John. "I think they will lay off for a while."
"What makes you think that?" asked Delenn.
"Just a gut instinct there is too much security at this point for one thing. They won't want to risk another of their assassin's being caught or killed," said John.
"Come on it is time for bed," said Delenn.
"Do not worry Delenn. We've been though the Shadow war, the war with Earth and survived, we will survive this to."
"I guess you are right," said Delenn laying down on the bed and turning off the light. John did the same and within moments both were next day after days of excitement, the group led by V'ko had to leave and head back to their planet.
"It has been interesting, John Sheridan," replied V'ko, doing a Vian version of a smile. Then he shook Sheridan's hand. "I believe that I am privileged to know you, a man with such courage. I hope that we shall continue to communicate in mutual friendship."
Sheridan smiled back, shaking the Vian's hand. "I am honored to know you, sir. A compassionate and wise man; like; yourself. I have the same wishes, V'ko."
V'ko and his group shook hands with everyone from Lyta to Garabaldi. Then V'ko came to Londo Mollari.
"Don't I know you?" he replied, looking at Londo strangely.
Londo acted a bit nervous, smiling as only a Centauri could. "I don't believe so."
"Yes, I remember you now, a mischievous, child on Centauri Prime. I believe that your father was a high-ranking member and you "accidentally" tipped over my drink. Some kind of green wine, tasty but finely aged. It stained my best tunic as I recall. I was a young man then and I think that I spanked you in front of everyone, even the emperor."
Londo's face turned a color and Vir came over to him. "Are you all right, Ambassador?"
"Vir, I'm fine. Go away!" shouted Londo.
"What is the matter, Mollari?" asked G'Kar. "Embarrassed by your actions as a child?" G'Kar was enjoying this.
"Enough, G'Kar I do not need nor desire your gloating!" Londo exclaimed angrily.V'ko meanwhile had gone on to talk to Susan and Marcus. "I hope that both of you have a happy and long life together. May your love; be eternal." Then V'ko shook Marcus' hand and kissed Susan on the cheek.
V'kra was next and wished happiness for Susan and Marcus. Suddenly, Marcus grabbed V'kra's hand and placed it into V'ko's. The two looked at Marcus oddly.
"Marcus, I don't understand. Why the two of us?" asked V'kra.
"We are two of the elders. Why have you bonded us?" asked V'ko.
Marcus only smiled. "I'm doing a little matchmaking of my own."
"Marcus, will you please explain to me what the hell's going on?" demanded Susan.
"Susan, we've been seeing a little romance being played right under our noses. V'ko and V'kra are in love with one another," replied Marcus.
"What?" Susan asked.
"This is absurd. We are colleagues, yes, but lovers, no," started V'ko.
"And in all that time, I have loved you until I yearn for your touch, your kiss. I may be old and a few years younger than you, but I fell in love with you when I was little. First, I admired you, you being older and wiser, then—" whispered V'kra.
V'ko looked at her. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You would have not chosen me to be your bond mate. Perhaps you chose someone else."
"I never chose anyone. For I have loved only you." V'ko brought her hands to his lips and lightly kissed the knuckles of her hands. Then he looked into the fathomless depths of her eyes.
"You have loved only—me?" asked V'kra, puzzled.
"Yes, misa. I have." Then they leaned forward for a passionate kiss.
Susan stared on in disbelief while Marcus just grinned. Then ashamed, the two Elders parted. "Forgive us, Susan and Marcus. We did not expect to do this in front of an audience," replied V'ko.
"That's okay. But what does "misa" mean?" asked Susan.
V'ko looked at V'kra. "In our language, it means "beloved"." Then he kissed her.
"I would expect that you two will be getting married soon," said Marcus.
"Yes, perhaps. This time, I shall choose her as my only bond mate."
"Too bad you can't have children," said Susan.
"Perhaps we can," replied V'kra. "Our cycles last longer than your human ones.
Even though we are Elders, it can be possible to create a child. What about it, Misa?"
V'ko took V'kra into his embrace and nuzzled her hair. "Perhaps."
"Good luck to you both," said Marcus, shaking V'ko's hand.
V'ko and V'kra smiled at their well wishes. Then after; all had said goodbye, V'ko, V'kra, and the rest got into a ship that was taking them back home and into a new and wonderful night in Susan and Marcus' quarters they too were getting ready for bed.
"Good night Marcus," said Susan.
"Good night Susan," said Marcus, kissing her on the lips. Susan kissed him back. Caresses were exchanged, but they soon stopped for the night for they were happy just to be together. Susan snuggled close to him and Marcus turned out the lights. At least for the moment all was quiet on the station known as Babylon 5.

The End