EPISODE ONE

 

“Said the Caterpillar….”

 

 

 

 

“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar.

This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation.  Alice replied, rather shyly, “I – I hardly know, sir, just at present --- at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then”.

“What do you mean by that?”  Said the Caterpillar sternly.  “Explain yourself!”

“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir”, said Alice, “because I’m not myself, you see”.

“I don’t see”, said the Caterpillar.

“I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly”, Alice replied very politely, “for I can’t understand it myself to begin with; and being so many different sizes in one day is very confusing”….

“Alice in Wonderland”, Lewis Carroll

 

 

 

 

November 22, 2260

Babylon 5

 

 

 

 

Marcus Cole paced back and forth in front of Ambassador Delenn’s quarters, trying to convince himself to either leave or get his visit over with.  He really did not want to see Delenn for one specific reason – he had been keeping a secret from her.  That would not go over well, good reasons or not.

            Marcus’ decision was finally made for him when the door opened and Delenn walked out.  She smiled upon seeing him.

            “Marcus.  Hello.  Were you here to see me?”

            Marcus inclined his head to her in respect.  “Delenn.  Good morning.  Yes, as a matter of fact, I was”.

            “Walk with me then.  I’m on my way to join John in the War Room”.

            Marcus nodded, falling into step beside Delenn as she moved down the corridor.

            “What is it, Marcus?  You are more agitated than I am used to seeing”.  Delenn smiled as she cast a sideways glance at the Ranger.

            “I…”Marcus hesitated.  Well, best to simply get it over with.  “Someone is on their way here, Delenn.  They’re coming here to see you…to ask you something”.

            “What is it they wish to ask?”

            Marcus sighed.  “What happened to Ranger One”.

            Delenn was silent for a moment, thoughtful.  She nodded.  “I see.  And why is it they wish this information?”

            “Well, she’s kind of entitled to it”, Marcus replied frowning.  “You see, she’s his daughter”.

            Delenn came to an abrupt halt, turning to fix Marcus with an incredulous expression.  “What are you talking about, Marcus?  Jeffrey Sinclair has no children”.

            Marcus could not meet her gaze.  He knew it must be painful for her to know that a good friend would keep such a secret from her.  “That’s what he thought, too.  For quite sometime, actually.  Until about two years ago…”

            Delenn looked away for a moment, working to control the emotions that were raging within her.  How could he have not told her before he left?  Did he not trust her to look after on e of his own?

            Marcus reached out and touched her arm.  “Aelora – that’s her name, Aelora Campbell – wanted to keep it quiet.  Sinclair agreed.  She did not want people treating her differently simply because of whom her father was.  She trained to be a Ranger, you see, and the “child of Ranger One” title could have inhibited more than it helped”.

            Delenn let out a slow breath.  “How do you know about this, Marcus?”

            He grinned sheepishly.  “Aelora and I became…close…for a time.  It did not last.  I still love her but…”

            “But what?”

            Marcus shrugged.  “It’s difficult to explain.  I knew she was meant for something greater than I was, you know.  It is just something you can see…if she let’s you get close enough”.

            Delenn nodded, and began walking once more.  “I still don’t understand how Sinclair did not know of his daughter”.

            “It happened with a woman he met just before he entered the Academy.  Soria Campbell.  She was training for Psi Corps as a telekinetic.  The relationship did not last long – they both had their careers ahead of them.  When Soria discovered she was pregnant, she ran away from the Corps, left earth to hide.  She did not go to Sinclair because she knew he would give up his career to protect her and the child.  She could not do that to him.  Therefore, she continued to run, even after Aelora was born.  At first, she was afraid that Aelora might have telepathic or telekinetic abilities like her, and she did not want Psi Corps to take her child.  When she discovered Aelora was not like her, she relaxed a little…but not for long”.

            Delenn glanced at Marcus when he paused.  She could see that he was fighting with himself as whether or not to reveal some important bit of information to her.  She did not want to push but curiosity to learn all she could about Sinclair’s daughter won out.  “Why not for long, Marcus?”

            “Aelora is…special, that’s all I really want to say for now…until we’re in a more private setting”, Marcus replied, glancing pointedly at the various inhabitants of Babylon 5 that surrounded them.

            “Very well”, Delenn nodded.  “What happened?”

            “They remained on the run until Aelora was five.  Then, while they were hiding on Ragesh III, Soria contracted a fatal disease and died.  Aelora was on her own until a Centauri couple found her and the wife, unable to have children of her own, insisted they raise her.  Aelora was then taken back to Centauri Prime where she was raised –“

            “By Centauri?”  Delenn’s tone was somewhat outraged.

            “Yes.  Their…influence…has left Aelora with somewhat colorful opinions regarding Narn.  Very out of character for her but…I still have hope.

            “Anyway, Aelora remained there until she was fifteen when she decided to venture out on her own.  Her’s is a very restless soul, always needing to be discovering, doing, and needing to be needed, really.  So she began taking odd jobs, learning various skills, interacting with different species --- “

            “Except Narn”, Delenn pointed out.

            Marcus nodded.  “Yes.  Except Narn.  Finally, in 2258, she decided it was time to meet her father.  Her real father.  She was twenty-two, then.  A long time to go without knowing your father, and barely remembering your mother.  She was en route to Babylon 5 when she encountered a Shadow ship.  Somehow – and I have yet to figure it out – she survived the encounter.  That was when a Minbari Cruiser discovered her, took her back to Minbar and helped her recover.  She studied on Minbar for a while when she learned of the Rangers and asked to join.  Shortly after joining, Ranger One arrived and, well…here we are”.

            Delenn allowed a small smile.  “Why do I get the feeling there is a lot more to this that you’re not telling me, Marcus”.

            He smiled.  “Because there is.  However, all in due time, Delenn.  Besides, much of what is said is up to Aelora.  I just wanted to prepare you for her arrival”.

            “Very well”.  They reached the outside of the war room doors.  Delenn turned to Marcus.  “When is she arriving?”

“Today.  Sometime.  What will you tell her?”
            Delenn frowned for a moment.  “Well, that will all depend on what she deserves to hear, doesn’t it?  Do not worry, Marcus. I will take care of it”.

            “Great.  Then I will bring her to you the moment she arrives”.

            Delenn nodded, watching as Marcus moved off before turning and entering the War Room.

            Captain John Sheridan was standing in the exact same spot, as he was the last time Delenn had seen him in here, still staring at the Shadow attack reports.  Delenn smiled to herself.  Poor John was working so hard to figure out how to win this war.  She wished there were a way to get him to relax, to simply forget for awhile.

            “Still at it, I see”, she said as she approached.

            It took Sheridan a moment before he turned to notice her.

            “Oh.  Delenn.  I didn’t hear you come in”.

            Delenn rolled her eyes to let him know what she thought of that comment.  “Didn’t hear me?  You are too involved in this, I think, John.  You need to step away for a bit”.

            “No.  I can’t.  There is too much we still don’t understand yet”.  Sheridan looked back at the display.  “I can’t just quit, Delenn.  Besides, we have a council meeting in a few hours.  I want to be prepared”.

            Delenn sighed but smiled to let Sheridan know that she understood.  “Very well, I shall sit here with you.  Perhaps together we can work through this”.

            Sheridan flashed her a smile to let her know he was glad to have her company and then returned his attention to the reports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Marcus paced back and forth in front of Gate 36, where he knew Aelora’s ship had docked.   A part of him was worried about seeing her, worried about what memories it would bring back for the both of them.  Another, greater part of him, hoped to recapture some of the closeness they had shared.  In a way, she had replaced the family he had lost.  He cared for her like a sister, and had loved her greatly at one time, before realizing that it was a love too great for him to bear.  Then, in what some might call a cowardly fashion, he had run away without explanation.  Marcus knew that the time for reckoning had come and he was not certain if he truly wanted to face it.

            He saw Aelora before she saw him, and his breath caught in his throat as it had that very first day.  In Valen’s name, she was magnificent.  Her hair was a fiery mass of untamed curls that fell well past her waist in wild disarray, a marked contrast against her flawless cream-colored skin.  She was taller than most women, actually standing a good inch over Marcus, with a shapely figure she showed to advantage in skin-fitting black catsuit.  Her face was a classic study in molded perfection: high cheekbones, arched brows set over large, slightly slanted wide-set eyes, a small, straight nose and full mouth.  It was a face full of expressions that ranged from laughing and friendly to angry and sullen, wary and mistrustful.  Now, Marcus watched, as it quickly turned wary.  She had seen the Narn security officer.

            “Identicard, please”.

            Aelora frowned at the being before her.  She had figured that Babylon 5 must have personnel shortages with their independence from Earth, but how desperate were they truly, to actually have Narn’s in security?

            Da’Noth regarded the human female before him, wondering why it was she seemed to hesitate.  For a moment, he thought that perhaps she was going to refuse to give him any proper ID before she finally reached into the pouch at her belt and withdrew her identicard.  “Thank you”, he nodded as he took it from her and scanned it.  When he went to hand it back, she fairly snatched it from his hands.  As she moved off, Da’Noth found himself comparing her behavior to that of the many Centauri who came to the station.

            “Aelora!”

            Aelora glanced up to see Marcus Cole striding toward her and found herself full of indecision as to what to do.  She forced a smile, allowing him to hug her while her brain quickly searched for something to say.

            “Marcus, it….is good to see you”.

            Marcus saw through her lie.  “Aelora, if we’re going to spend time here on the station together, we might as well get this out in the open now”.

            Aelora sighed.  “What?  I am fine, Marcus.  I was over you long ago”.  She flashed another smile to prove her point then promptly changed the subject when she spied yet another Narn security officer.  “So what’s with all the spots?  Someone on the station have a love affair with polka dots?”

            “Aelora, this is neutral territory.  Your…opinions, regarding certain issues should probably be kept to yourself, especially if you plan to speak with Delenn and Sheridan”, Marcus warned. 

            Aelora worried her lower lip as she contemplated this information.  Finally, she shrugged.  “Whatever.  I don’t really plan to be here long.  Were you able to locate some accommodations for me?”

            “Yes”.  Marcus started to lead her into the station.  “They aren’t much – small – but they’ll suit.  How is your family?”

            “Lord and Lady Kyra are fine.  Cousin Tiro – the one whose brother’s were killed in the attack on Regesh IIII? – He received a commendation from the Emperor for his actions in the bombing of the Narn Homeworld.  The family is very proud”.

            Marcus shook his head.  “Exactly what ‘actions’ can one perform while bombing an entire civilization from outer space?”

            Aelora glanced sideways at Marcus.  “Do not sit your judgment upon me or the Centauri, Marcus.  You cannot possibly understand.   The Narn must be taught their place in this galaxy; they must be beaten down.  They are too prideful”.

            Marcus stopped abruptly, staring at Aelora as if he had never seen her before.  “In Valen’s name, Aelora!  What has happened to you?  Where has this…irrationality come from?”

            “Please, Marcus.  Don’t start with me,” Aelora sighed.  “I’ve heard enough from other Rangers.  I don’t need it from you, too.”

            “You obviously haven’t heard it enough!  Aelora, don’t you realize you are talking about living, breathing, thinking, feeling sentient begins, the same as you and me, as if they were little more than – than insects to be crushed at your will for buzzing about your head and annoying you?”

            She glanced at him, one eyebrow cocked.  “What a perfect analogy.  Thank you.”

            Marcus frowned at her.  “I do not think you are the Aelora I used to know.  No, I do not think so at all.  Good day, Miss Kyra”.  With that, Marcus turned and marched off down the corridor, leaving a bewildered Aelora standing alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gentle ringing of the warning beacon broke Terann out of her meditation. She looked at the controls of her flyer surprised at how much time had passed. Out of habit, she rechecked her readings and prepared the ship for the jump to normal space. Months of preparation had brought her to this place, yet she found herself with doubts, unsure of what she was doing. For the past two cycles she had been sheltered, she had felt safe and protected. Now she was being flung back into uncertainty. Still she could not ignore the underlying excitement that the promise of battle brought to all warriors. Adjusting the controls, she saw the familiar spark as normal and hyperspace collided; when the chaotic swirling was broken by the simplistic order of the starfield. Passing through the jumpgate, Epsilon 3 filled her view screen. A solemn rust colored planet, it appeared barren and desolate. Terann would not have given it a second thought had she been unaware of the secret it kept hidden deep below its lifeless surface. As the ship approached the planet, the human space station Babylon 5 came into view.

 "Babylon Control to Minbari Flyer Arani you are cleared to dock at bay. Please surrender control of your ship to the central computer on my mark......MARK."

Pressing the appropriate controls, Terann settled back in her seat. She studied the alien architecture of the space station as her ship was brought into the docking bay. Despite her efforts, she knew she would never truly understand humans. They were a strange people. Compared to her own kind, the humans were a relatively young race, who seemed to spend far too much time stumbling around in the dark to take notice of the greatness to which they were destined.

Terann felt the familiar shudder as the ship came to rest in the docking bay. Gathering up her few belongings, she left the ship and headed for the customs area. There were several humans present in the customs area, and Terann was relieved that she had chosen to wear a simple black outfit instead of the uniform that was customary for her rank. The war had been over for a long time, but she was aware that many on either side still harbored resentment towards the other. Terann was surprised to see a Narn acting as security. She had been told of the political problems the humans were experiencing but she found it odd that the Narn would aid them. The Narn had suffered at the hands of the Centauri for more than a century and Terann found it difficult to comprehend how a race so oppressed were still capable of compassion.

"Identicard, please," the Narn said as he looking almost if he were analyzing her.

Terann handed him the card she had been given before coming here.

 "Point of departure?"  The Narn continued, still eyeing her.

 "Minbar," she replied.

Not exactly a lie, it was after all where this journey had begun many years before. Retrieving her identicard and placing it in with her other belongings she looked the Narn in the eye. It was something she always avoided doing, but for some strange reason, she felt a need to know. His thoughts betrayed him. He was a large man, who stood with an air of pride, but inside he was like a small child beaten too many times to recall. Without a word of empathy she left him, to wound his remaining pride would be unthinkable. Leaving the customs area, she headed toward the core shuttle.

The waiting area was empty except for a human sitting in the corner. As the Minbari entered his eyes locked on her as if to bore into her very being. The human stood up and began to move toward her. Terann could see from his actions that he was intoxicated. She was puzzled as to why humans pollute their bodies with toxins such as alcohol and mind altering chemicals. He stumbled slightly and this only served to increase his anger.

 "You are warrior caste, aren't you Minbari?" He slurred.  "My brother was killed by you bastards during the war," he continued not allowing her a chance to answer had she even wanted to.

As usual, Terann had her denn’bok tucked safely under her cloak close to her heart. She knew she would not need it to incapacitate one human, especially not a drunk one. Suddenly the human glanced over toward the entrance as a Centauri entered the waiting area. He no longer seemed interesting in a fight and slunk back into his seat. Terann simply turned and waited silently for the shuttle to arrive. The shuttle trip ended without incident, and the human disappeared into the crowd waiting in Brown sector. Terann was exhausted, and could not wait to get to her quarters where she would meditate before retiring for the night. She moved through the crowd grateful for the varying races that were present. She had seen enough humans for one day. Turning the corner that lead to her assigned quarters, Terann walked right into a tall human female. Instantly, Terann felt the girl’s rage in her mind as it almost overwhelmed her. Before she could apologize the human grabbed her and slammed her into a wall. Had Terann been human it is quite possible she would have been knocked unconscious. Terann looked firmly at the human and saw something, a spark she had not seen in over ten years. She firmly took hold of the human’s upper arms and quietly said, "There is no time...Child of Valen...You must find your way here..."

The human stood back and brushed a stray piece of red hair from her face. Terann looked at her briefly and then turned and walked away.

Aelora stood staring after the Minbari, stunned into silence and just a little confused.  Since when did a Minbari – and a Warrior at that – refer to a human as a Child of Valen?  She glanced down at her pin, the only ornamentation she ever wore, and decided that the Minbari must have realized she was a Ranger and was referring to that.  Yes, that had to be it.  Aelora shook her head as she started back down the hall.  First Narn security – an oxymoron at best -- then Marcus preaches to her about her morality, then she can’t find her quarters, and finally, when she had reached the end of her rope where patience was concerned and was ready to kick some butt – didn’t matter whose – a Minbari warrior decides to smack into her and speak to her like a Vorlon.  Oh yeah, this whole trip to Babylon 5 was turning into a real experience.

Aelora stopped abruptly, turning back to stare in the direction that the Minbari female had disappeared.  In addition, just what had she meant by “You must find your way here”?  Damn Minbari had been influenced by the Vorlons for too long.  That was one thing.  Aelora admired the Minbari above many of the races she had met, including her own.  Still, she did not understand them, and doubted that she ever would.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After she had successfully settled in her quarters, Aelora decided it was time to seek out Marcus and apologize.  After all, she had not come to Babylon 5 to fight with him.  He was the only link to humanity that she had left, and she was not quite ready to completely let go.  If her opinion of the Narn race offended him then she would be more prudent as to what she said around him.  It was as simple as that.  This decision made, she set off in search of him.  How she was to find one single human on a five-mile long space station was beyond her but she reasoned that she had nothing better to do for the moment.

            After spending a good three hours wandering around the area known as the Zocalo and learning little except that no one had seen Marcus Cole lately, Aelora set off to try another level.  She was quickly growing impatient, a common path for her, and she was beginning to convince herself that apologizing to Marcus was a complete waste of her time anyway, as she waited for the lift tube to arrive.  When the doors finally opened, Aelora stomped inside, folding her arms across her chest and sighing loudly.

            “Blue six”, she requested.

            “Bad day?”  A deep, faintly amused male voice asked her.

            Aelora turned to address the speaker only to find a Narn regarding her frankly.  Her reply, whatever it would have been, died in her throat.  She turned back to her original position, refusing to acknowledge that anyone had just spoken.

            “Ah, must be a very bad day”, G’Kar commented as her watched the human’s strange reaction.  If he was good at judging human reactions at all, he could have sworn that his comment had caused her to bristle.  Perhaps she simply wished to be left alone, he thought.  He often had days like that, when he preferred to lock himself in his quarters and not see a single soul.

            He glanced over at her again, taking a moment to study her.  She certainly was quite stunning.  Downright beautiful, in fact.  G’Kar wished she would look at him.  He wanted to see what color her eyes were.  Human eyes fascinated him, for all the different colors and shades within colors that they held.  Sometimes, if one watched close enough, one could actually see one certain human’s eyes change shades within moments.  He had often seen Captain Sheridan’s eyes go from blue to steel gray when he became agitated.

            Upon closure inspection, G’Kar saw the pin that marked her as a Ranger, fastened near her right shoulder.  He smiled.  At last, something that he could converse with her about.  “I see that you are a Ranger.  Are you newly arrived here?”

            The female snapped her head around to face him and G’Kar found himself almost stepping away from the contempt he saw in her bright green eyes.  Contempt bordering on hatred.

            “What exactly was it that I did to give you the impression that you were allowed to speak to me?” Aelora asked, her tone that of speaking to a child who barely understood language.

            G’Kar had heard that same tone often throughout his lifetime.  It was the same way that all Centauri were raised to speak to Narn.  However, the woman before him was not Centauri, he reasoned.  She was clearly human, and a Ranger at that.  Why then, this behavior?

            The lift soon stopped and the doors opened to Blue Six, though not soon enough in Aelora’s opinion.  She flashed one more glare at the impudent Narn then hurried out of the lift. 

            G’Kar stood in stunned silence as the door closed off his view of the mysterious female.  He still could not fathom why she seemed to direct such venom towards him but decided to make it his duty to find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Such waste was the thought running through Terann’s mind as she wandered through the area of Babylon 5, known as Down Below, on her self-guided tour through the station.  She had briefly encountered Delenn’s aide, Lennier, who had offered to provide her with a tour but she had declined, preferring to learn her own way around.  What she had seen so far had not truly impressed her.

            She was most shocked by the conditions that those who did not possess enough wealth were confined to.  She wondered how anyone could allow themselves to be subject to such a predicament.  It was only to be expected that there were no Minbari among the less fortunate.  A Minbari knew better than to allow themselves into such a situation.  There was always something one could do to better themselves and their position.  Obviously, many species out there were not advanced enough to come to this understanding. 

            A haggard and old human female pushed her way rudely past Terann, causing the Minbari’s thoughts to suddenly turn to the human female she had encountered in the corridor earlier that day.  She was still stunned at the realization of who the human was…or rather, who the human was a descendent of.  She wondered if the woman knew, wondered if someone could still retain such suppressed anger and rage after knowing and understanding such information.  Perhaps that was it.  The human simply did not understand what such ties meant.  It was not an outlandish thought.  If Terann had learned anything about the humans it was that they were the most stubborn, thickheaded race that she had ever had to deal with, even beyond the Centauri.  Some saw this as a strength; that the humans could use this trait to make their stand among the older races that were more advanced.  Terann saw it more as a weakness.  Those unwilling to take the time to understand and learn, to improve themselves and their way of life, were not worthy of gaining a place among the stars.  They would not last long.

            “Well…if it isn’t the little traitor…”

            Terann came to an abrupt halt.  She neither turned to nor reacted to the voice but simply stood, allowing her mind to come to the realization of whom had just spoken.  She knew the voice, and she knew the anger behind it.  Alyt Neroon, of the Star Riders.  He was the last person she expected to encounter on the earther’s space station.  Slowly, without giving away any hint of her surprise or dread at seeing him, Terann turned to face the warrior.

            “There were rumors…” Neroon commented, a hint of a sneer on his handsome face.  “There were those who said you had taken your own life…in shame.  It was something I expected out of a coward such as you.  Seeing you here…I did not expect”.

            Terann kept her eyes focused on the floor glad, for the moment, that Minbari custom required her to do so.  Had Alyt Neroon been able to see the hurt, he would have mocked her further.  She could not stand that. 

“It is a good thing…for a warrior to be unpredictable,” she replied.

            Neroon laughed without humor.  “A warrior?  You dare to call yourself a warrior?”  He leaned over her, bringing his face to within inches of hers.  “Ones such as you weaken our caste, bring shame upon us all”.

            “I – “

            “You hide behind the skirts of the religious caste then wonder why you are shunned by those of your own kind?”  Neroon interrupted, his voice dangerously low.  “You don’t even have the right to call yourself Minbari”.

            Terann’s fists clenched tightly at her sides as she willed herself not to react to his words.  Do not let him see your weakness! A voice cried out in her mind.  He would crush you mercilessly! 

            “I am Minbari”, she answered finally, her voice steady and strong.  “And I have no reason to be shamed.  I made the right choices. I followed what my heart said was right.”

            “Is that what your religious caste friends have told you?”  Neroon asked, surprised that she appeared unaffected by his taunting.  His eyes narrowed in consideration.  Perhaps she would make a warrior yet.  Perhaps…No.  She was defiant and nothing more.

            “No.  It is the realization I have come to on my own.  My self-imposed isolation gave me time to reflect, to see into my heart and understand myself”.  At this, Terann dared to raise her eyes to his.  “Perhaps you would benefit from doing the same”.

            Neroon raised his hand to strike her but found himself holding back at the last moment.  Something in her dark green, almost haunting eyes seemed to dare him to take that first swing.  He did not know if he were amused or outraged at her defiance but it did show something for her character.  She was not weak, that much was certain.  Slowly, he lowered his hand, still matching her gaze for gaze.  It was absurd that one so small would dare to stand up to him the way that Terann currently was.  Certainly, she knew he could flatten her with a single stroke, break every bone in her body with little effort.

            Terann felt the wave of changing emotions as they washed over Neroon but she refused to break eye contact.  She had made her stand; she certainly was not going to weaken her position by backing down now.  She was surprised when he did not strike her – it was the least she had expected for her insubordination.  What surprised her even more was the fact that he almost seemed…pleased…by her behavior.  This was not the reaction she had expected from a warrior who was both respected, and feared, by his own people.  Terann had spoken without thought when she had suggested he reflect on his life.  She had spoken from emotion, from what she had felt radiating from the warrior himself.  Was it at all possible that he truly was dissatisfied with his place in life?

            Neroon stepped back, continuing to regard the small female before him.  So she believed herself to be a warrior, did she?  He decided to test that belief.

            “Delenn is to become Entilzah”.

            Terann blinked.  “Yes.  I have heard”.

            Neroon’s eyes narrowed.  “And do you agree with this?”

            “Delenn is respected and revered by many.  She is strong for being of the religious caste.  Dukhat believed in her”.

            “I asked if you agreed with this, Terann?”

            Terann thought for a brief moment, then answered truthfully, “I have no quarrel with Delenn, nor do I know of any other who those of the anla’shok would willingly follow.  Yes, I believe, though it may not be the perfect choice, it is the right choice for now”.

            “Delenn thinks too much of herself!”  Neroon snapped, taking a threatening step toward Terann.  "She dared to break the Grey Council and now seeks power in a position that rightfully belongs to the warrior caste!  I do not see this as a good thing, Terann.  And neither should you”.

            “That is why you are here”, Terann said, suddenly realizing the purpose for Neroon appearing at Babylon 5.  “You are here to challenge that position”.

            Neroon smiled.  “By any means necessary”.

            “They will stop you”.

            “They will try.  I am warrior caste, a fact that, unlike some, I have not forgotten.  We will not continue to let the weak religious caste seek control in all positions of power.  They must be taught who are the leaders…and who are the followers”.  He reached out then, placing his hand atop Terann’s head and forcefully pushing it down so that she once more gazed at the floor.  “Remember that lesson, Terann.  And perhaps…just perhaps…there might be hope for you yet….”

            Terann remained with her eyes to the ground for the next few moments until she was certain he was no longer near.  She finally raised her head back up, regarding the place where he had stood.  Of all the Minbari in existence, she wondered, why did she have to run into Neroon?

                       

 

 

 

 

 

            Aelora sat alone at a table in the Eclipse Cafe, staring at nothing.  She had tried to clear her head of all the days events, had tried to relax and maybe enjoy her time at Babylon 5 but it was not working.  She wondered what would have happened if she had appeared at the space station when Jeffrey Sinclair had been in command.  Would he have still left for Minbar?  Or would he, instead, have chosen to start a new life with the daughter he never knew he had?  She hated herself whenever she started to think of ‘what if’ when it came to her parents, and she harshly disciplined herself not to do it yet still, her mind wandered of it’s own accord.  Here now, on Babylon 5, Aelora found that more than ever before, she was wondering how she would have turned out had things gone differently for her.  The ghost of Jeffrey Sinclair seemed to be at every corner, and the people here did not even know who she was yet.  What would happen then?  Would people run up to her and say “So what was it like growing up as Jeffrey Sinclair’s daughter?”   Moreover, how would she respond?  “Oh gee, well I wouldn’t know the answer to that, seeing as how neither of my parents were too inclined to stick around and raise their daughter…but thanks for asking…”

            “Now there is a head of hair I have not seen in a long while…”

            Aelora glanced up from her reverie to see a familiar face standing over her, a pleased smile on his portly countenance.

            “Uncle Londo!”  Aelora stood, to give the man she had known as a child I the Centauri Court to be the one who always remembered to bring her a treat, a big hug.  

            “Well, Aelora Lane Kyra, what are you doing here on Babylon 5?  And I see that those infernal curls have returned”.

            Aelora laughed the first real laughter she had allowed herself in a long while.  “Londo, my head was not one that was meant to be shaved.  Centauri women are blessedly born with perfect heads for shaving…I was not”.  She sat once more, indicating to Londo to take the chair across from her.  “I’m here on business…”

            “Ah, yes.  The last time I spoke with Lord Kyra he mentioned that you had gotten involved with that Minbari group, the Rangers.  He did not seem very pleased as I recall, either.  I must say, my Lady, I never pictured you as the missionary type.  What led you to follow that course anyway?”

            “My father”, Aelora answered simply.  At the Centauri Ambassador’s confused look, she continued, “My real father.  I finally found him a few years ago. He … convinced me … that the Ranger’s were my calling”.  She debated whether to continue then decided why not?  He would hear about it eventually anyway.  “Actually, you knew my real father, Londo”.

            “How is this possible?”

            “He was Jeffrey Sinclair…”

            “Commander Jeffrey Sinclair?  My Commander Jeffrey Sinclair?  The same Jeffrey Sinclair who was mysteriously called away one night to become an ambassador to Minbar?  That Jeffrey Sinclair?”

            Aelora was laughing.  “Yes, Londo.  That one.  Minbar was where we met after an ‘unfortunate accident’ I had in space.  He was a bit…surprised to discover that he had a daughter after all this time”.

            “Well, I should suppose so”, Londo replied with a half-smile.  He regarded Aelora for a moment, comparing the child he had known to the woman who was now before him.  For some reason, she did not seem greatly changed beyond physical appearance.  The innocence was still there, the belief that she could make the universe around her be the way she thought it should be.  Her flashing green eyes spoke volumes about child-like tenacity and impatience.  Londo found himself glad that she had gotten away from Centauri Prime.  He could only imagine what someone with her Will could do in the Centauri Court if influenced by the wrong people.  And the Centauri Court was full of wrong people.  “So, after your business is concluded, what then?”

            Aelora shrugged.  “Probably another mission.  The Shadow War is heating up.  I’m hoping that Ranger One will have something important for me to do…Other than that, I try not to think that far into the future”.

            Londo nodded.  “You are still young enough to do so.  Enjoy it while you can.  For someday soon, my dear child, you will find that choices no longer become yours to make.  They lead, you follow”.

            “That sounds like extremely pessimistic talk for you, Londo”, Aelora commented, looking at the man before her more closely than before.  The Londo Mollari she had known as a child had been full of life, full of passion, always loud and boisterous, jumping into every situation with both eyes closed and to hell with the consequences. 

            “Life changes everyone”, Londo replied with a frown, then quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.  “Join me for dinner tomorrow night.  I will have my attaché, Vir, cook you a proper Centauri meal”.

            Aelora smiled.  “Spoo?”

            “Aged to perfection”, Londo grinned back, then stood and bowed to her.  “My quarters.  Seven o’clock?”

            “Sounds good”.

            “Excellent”.

            Aelora watched as Londo moved off through the crowd.  Well, at least someone was happy to see her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

            Security Chief Michael Garibaldi dropped down in the chair next to his security console, wondering with his typical attitude of “the worst was yet to come”, what was going to happen next that day.  So far there had been two robberies in the Zocalo, a mugging, a fight between the Drazi and Brakiri Ambassadors and, to top it all off, a couple of Centauri hotheads had decided to pick a fight with two of his Narn security officers.  Luckily though, the Narn kept cool and it had not escalated to what it could have.  Garibaldi had to hand it to G’Kar, making the Narn security officers had been a half-brilliant idea.

He rifled through the papers before him, once more wondering how such a high-tech society could still use so much paper, and then finally found the files he was looking for.  They had received a transmission that a couple of EarthForce personnel had chosen to defect from Earth and join up with Babylon 5.  Being the magnanimous, everyone-should-be-given-a-fair-chance man that he was, Captain Sheridan had given them permission to come aboard.  Two of the defectors had requested to join Security and, just as Garibaldi had protested the idea, Sheridan had said yes.  Garibaldi hated having people he didn’t know – which in turn meant he didn’t trust – suddenly thrown into his lap to hand a couple of PPG’s to and say “Here, have your run of the station”.  No, Garibaldi was not too happy with the situation at all.  Luckily, he was able to tap into EarthCentral files though and get all he needed to know about their background history. 

The first one was Lieutenant Patrick Callahan, 3rd Infantry Division of New York.  Five years of active service for EarthForce.  No outstanding or remarkable achievements to note.  No family.  No specialties or other qualities worth listing.  Garibaldi frowned.  The file seemed too…generic.  Yes, that was the word.  Generic.  He turned to the next one.  Lieutenant Ashlen Orelle Ladan, 9th Engineer’s Corps of Virginia.   Joined EarthForce straight out of school.  Again, no special achievements or remarkable acts of note.  No demerits.  Youngest child of three siblings, parents were school teachers.  Garibaldi’s frown darkened.  No one’s life was this boring.  There was something here.  He would have to keep his eye on these two men.

“Zack to Chief”.

Garibaldi tapped his comlink.  “Go, Zack”.

“The first of those newbies is here…Lieutenant Ladan.  You available for briefing?”

“Yeah.  Send ‘im up”.  Garibaldi turned the link off and looked back down at the file.  A few minutes later, the door chimed.  Garibaldi looked up from the document that he was reading.

 “Come” he directed towards the door.

Ashlen Ladan strutted into the room and Garibaldi felt his breath catch.  This was Ashlen Ladan?  Oops.  Scratch the boring part.  Anyone who looked like that could not possibly lead a boring life.

“Is there a problem?” she demanded.

“No, sorry I just didn’t expect….” He paused.

“A woman.” She finished defiantly.

Garibaldi quickly composed himself.  He felt himself smile.  Obviously, she was not the type to take any crap from anyone.  He found himself warming to her quickly.  Her blue-grey eyes and honey-colored hair did not hurt matters either.

“I’ve been reading your file,” he began. “Most impressive”, he lied to gage her reaction.

“Thank you”, Ashlen replied, not missing a beat.  “If you don’t mind I request permission to retire to my quarters for the night. It’s been a long day and I’m really not up to the small talk right now.”

“Understood” Garibaldi nodded.  “I’ll expect to see you tomorrow morning at 0800 for debriefing.

“I’ll be there”, she replied as she left the room.

“Damn”, Garibaldi said to himself as he stood up and paced the room.  Something was up; his gut instinct told him so.  Moreover, it involved the incredibly feminine spitfire that had just walked out of his office like she was the boss and he the subordinate.  To top it all off, he still had to recheck arrangements to make certain everything was set for the Ranger Ceremony in two days and there was still a War Council meeting to attend.  All Garibaldi found that he really wanted to do was track down Lieutenant Ladan and find out what she was doing there…and maybe take her to dinner while he was at it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Ashlen entered her quarters and flopped down on the bed.  She had to begin her mission tomorrow.  She would start by finding the girl right after the debriefing.  Garibaldi may prove to be somewhat of a hindrance but she would deal with him.  She had been told to take any measures necessary to complete this mission and she certainly was not going to let some arrogant man stop her.  She could tell he was suspicious over something he had read in her file.  Leave it to her superiors to mess something up.  Well, she would just have to do what she could to alleviate his suspicions and turn his attentions elsewhere.

            She knew she was not to act immediately.  Just find the girl, watch her, see what she could learn from observation and gossip, see if there was any truth to the rumors.  Since the target was not a citizen of Earth, they could not simply grab her and have at it.  This would take some time as well as a little bit of diplomacy.  Perhaps, if Ashlen played her cards right, she could complete this mission without any force.  Perhaps she could simply convince the girl to cooperate and everything would be fine.  Ashlen would be able to return to Earth, leave the traitor’s to their pointless little war and get back to doing the things that were most important.

            Glancing down at her hands, which seemed naked and vulnerable to her without the gloves, which had been ever present since before she could remember, Ashlen once more thought how difficult undercover work was.  She had to work constantly to keep her mind clear without the gloves, to keep from intruding into other minds whenever she made physical contact.  She also did not like not having the uniform, the symbol of the Psi-Corps.  It made her feel as if she was playing make-believe and suddenly everything had to be improvised.  No control, no power, complete unpredictability.  It made her as weak and vulnerable as the mundanes.  Still, she had a job to do, and Bester had been specific in the need for this job to be completed.

 The Corps was Mother. The Corps was Father.

            Not for the first time, Ashlen wondered briefly what her life would have been like had she been born a mundane, without the telepathic abilities that had set her life on the course that she presently knew.  She could not remember her parents, for her abilities had surfaced when she was no more than two years old and she had quickly been whisked away by the Corps.  She was schooled, trained, fed, clothed and employed by them.  The Corps was all that she knew and she owed her life to them, right?  Still, she longed for a family, a real family, with real brothers and sisters who were not jealous over Psi ratings, and parents who genuinely loved you for who and what you were.  Ashlen wished she could just be in a room full of people and not have to strain to keep the constant buzzing from giving her a headache, or especially not have to work to keep the thoughts out in the first place.  She wanted to be able to fall in love with whoever she wanted, not another Teep chosen specifically by the Corps to produce the ultimate offspring.  She wanted to be able to make mistakes and have to live with them, not have them covered up and wiped away by the Corps to insure that no one knew what had occurred.  She had all ready suffered that fate once.

            The Corps was Mother.  The Corps was Father.

Now, here she was on Babylon 5, a space station created by Earth to keep the peace in the galaxy.  Only Captain Sheridan had broken all ties with Earth because he and others in his command staff did not believe in the way Earth was currently being run.  Ashlen had to admit, she was not fond of President Clark but at least he took a little more interest in Psi Corps than others in the past had.  Bester had told her that the Corps’ day was coming soon.  This current mission was yet another key to the future of the Corps.  The future of all Telepaths.  Find the girl, Bester had said.  Find her, watch her, and learn.

The Corps was Mother.  The Corps was Father.

Ashlen began to drift off to sleep, wondering not for the first time why this girl was so important.

 

           

 

 

 

 

“You!” said the Caterpillar contemptuously.  “Who are you?”

Which brought them back again to the beginning of the conversation.  Alice felt a little irritated at the Caterpillar’s making such very short remarks, and she drew herself up and said very gravely, “I think you ought to tell me who you are, first”.

“Why?” said the Caterpillar.

Here was another puzzling question; and, as Alice could not think of any good reason, and as the Caterpillar seemed to be in a very unpleasant state of mind, she turned away….

                        “Alice in Wonderland”, Lewis Carroll

 

 

 

 

Terann found sleep almost impossibility, so she decided to get an early start and continue the tour she had started earlier. Surprisingly, it was not Neroon that her thoughts had focused on, but the Ranger with the fiery red hair. Terann had not been exposed to many of the anla'shok but she knew that their training taught them to be calm and rational. This woman was different. She carried much anger and hatred with her. But why? She was the daughter of Jeffrey Sinclair and though Terann had met him only once, she knew these were not characteristics he possessed. Perhaps she would learn more of this woman during her stay here.

Leaving her quarters, she carefully scanned the corridor ahead of her. Terann would not allow Neroon to surprise her again. Entering the Zocalo, she expected to find it deserted at this early hour. Instead, it was as busy as it had been the night before. There were several races present, though she did not see the one she was sent to find. She had hope to meet him in neutral territory, unfortunately it appeared that Terann would have to seek him out in the alien sector.

As she sat down to eat in a secluded corner, she saw another of the anla'shok enter the Zocalo. He was also human and appeared to be looking for someone. He was tall, had facial hair, and carried himself proudly. Despite the ragged appearance of many of those present he felt comfortable, and spoke to many with what appeared to be familiarity.  He obviously had not found what he was looking for and was prepared to leave when suddenly he stopped and looked directly at Terann. They locked eyes for a moment, and she could feel he was tempted to come towards her. A Minbari she recognized as Lennier, distracted him and whispered something in his ear. They both left quickly, leaving Terann to wonder what had caused the ranger to regard her in such a suspicious manner.

Ashlen sipped her drink as she scanned the room. She could not get over how incredibly boring this place was turning out to be. It was all she could do to keep her eyes open during the debriefing this morning. She constantly caught Garibaldi looking at her during the meeting. She would have to find some way to put his suspicions to rest or she was never going to be able to accomplish her mission. She knew just how to play it. She would have Garibaldi eating out of her palms with the helpless female routine.  She had outsmarted men that are far more powerful in her time. It may even prove to be fun. He was after all only a mundane. Looking around her, Ashlen considered the various people present. Perhaps one of them had seen the woman she was searching for. She decided to randomly perform a surface scan on some of the occupants of the room. There were several aliens present and she found alien minds a little difficult to scan, but if she were to complete her mission, it would be unavoidable. The Corps. had given her very little information to go on and she would have to make the best of it. Getting up from her table, Ashlen made her way through the growing crowd. She felt uncomfortable in the strange uniform. She missed the security she felt when she wore the symbol of the corps. When mundanes saw the sign of the corps. they had a tendency to stay at a distance. With that gone, Ashlen felt a vulnerability she was unaccustomed to.

"Garibaldi to Ladan...please report to security...we have a problem...." the voice in her link said, breaking her concentration.

"Acknowledged, I am on my way..." Ashlen replied. Well her work would have to wait.

As she turned to leave a sick feeling fell over her. Perhaps she had been discovered...No she thought to herself. Garibaldi was not that smart. He was only a mundane she reminded herself. Pushing her way through the crowd, she continued to gently scan those who she encountered. A smile broke across her face. How funny it was that they could not feel her invasion. Finally, Ashlen found something that she felt would be most helpful in her search. There had been rumors that the woman had spent some time on Minbar and if she could manage to scan a Minbari, she may be that much closer to her goal.

A Minbari dressed all in black and seeming preoccupied with something else was walking toward her. Ashlen looked at her and attempted to enter her mind. It was as if she had walked into a brick wall, and Ashlen stopped surprised at the strength of the block. She tried to move away but the crowd was too dense and the Minbari was already on top of her.

"Stay out of my mind, human!" Terann said grabbing a stunned Ashlen by the arm. Breaking free, she felt the Minbari in her mind.

Remember your training Ashlen reminded herself, but to no avail. The Minbari was far too strong to block. Just as suddenly as she had grabbed her, Terann let her go and walked away. Composing herself Ashlen made a mental note to be more careful in the future.

Angered beyond comprehension, Terann made her way out of the Zocalo. The human had tried to violate her, an act that was unforgivable. She did wonder to herself why the human why the human telepath was so eager to locate a ranger named Aelora. Suddenly, Terann remembered the woman with the red hair and realized she must find her before the telepath did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Aelora felt relaxed as she walked through red sector.  Seeing Londo again helped to lift her spirits and she felt it was time to find Marcus.  The ranger ceremony was the following day and she thought it would be best if they settled their differences beforehand.  She had to try her best to remember she was no longer on Centauri Prime and feelings like hers, though appropriate there, were not here.  As she thought about the ceremony, the ranger found herself looking forward to renewing old friendships with those of the anla'shok that she had trained with.  She smiled as she thought of the stories they would surely have to tell her.

            "Your face looks much more beautiful that way,” a familiar voice said.

Aelora glanced sideways to face the one who had spoken to her.  Her smile immediately faded as she saw whom the speaker was.  It was the Narn from the previous night.  Is he purposely trying to annoy me? She thought to herself.  "I realize you are from an inferior species, but what part of 'Leave me alone' do you fail to understand?" she inquired of him not hiding the anger she was feeling.

            "I apologize, I was simply curious as to how I have offended you.  I am intrigued by the Rangers and since you are a Ranger I thought..."

            "You thought wrong," she snapped, interrupting him.  How dare he try her patience in this manner?  Had they been home she would have had him executed without a second thought.

            "I am sorry to have bothered you Miss...." G'Kar continued maintaining his calm demeanor.

            "Kyra,” Aelora barked angered that he seemed undaunted by her coldness.

            The name seemed very familiar to him though he could not recall from where.  "I am Ambassador G'Kar..." he began but she refused to let him finish.

            "You mean citizen G'Kar”, she corrected, her aggravation swelling.

            "Yes.... Well," G'Kar said trying to compose himself,  "Perhaps another time then", he finished as he turned to walk away.

            "Perhaps not..." Aelora shouted after him, unsure of whether he had heard her or not.

            She started to resume her search for Marcus when suddenly she found herself staring off in the direction G'Kar had gone.  Odd, but for some reason she felt slightly guilty for her behavior.  Damn that Marcus, she thought, realizing that she had again let him get to her.

            Noticing the time, Aelora began to think her search for Marcus was futile.  She had been searching red sector for several hours and still found no sign of him.  Looking at a map of the station she decided to make her way to blue sector on the chance that he was there waiting for some of the rangers that were yet to arrive. 

It was almost midday and the marketplace was full of tourists and trades people bartering for the various goods that could be found there.  Stopping to look at a delicate necklace one vendor was displaying, she thought it would be perfect for Lady Kyra.

"This is a Centauri design is it not?" she asked holding it out to the shop owner.

            "Yes it is," he answered, "and a bargain at only 35 credits," he added.

            Eyeing the piece, she said, "As you can see I am not a wealthy woman perhaps

you could.... you know...knock a couple credits off the price." A slight pout formed on her full lips.

The shopkeeper regarded the tall woman in front of him, a smile forming on his face. He replied, "For you I will sell it for 30 credits...but do not tell anyone of my generosity."

            She agreed and moments later had the necklace tucked safely in her pocket.

            Turning to head toward blue sector she again found herself face to face with the Minbari warrior.

            "You are beginning to acquire bad habits," Terann said plainly.

            "Perhaps you should learn to stay out of my way."  Aelora said meeting the Minbari's eyes.  She was several inches shorter than Aelora but she stood with a sense of arrogance that the ranger had come to expect from the warrior caste.  Aelora began to push past her but Terann grabbed her arm and forced her to face her once more.

            "I thought you would like to know, there is someone here who seems desperate to find you," Terann told her.

            Aelora twisted her arm to break free of the Minbari.  Succeeding, she asked with an air of sarcasm, "Really?  And who would that be?"

            "A telepath...one of yours...I would assume she is from what you call the Psi Corp. " Terann answered beginning to wonder why she was even bothering with this woman.  That was until she saw the color drain from Aelora's cheeks.

            "Are you sure?" she muttered almost in a whisper.

            Nodding the Minbari stated, " She was here this morning, she scanned several people looking for clues to your whereabouts."

            "How do you know she was looking for me if she was simply scanning people and not asking questions?" Aelora questioned hiding her concern.

            "Let's just say she tried to scan me.  A mistake I do not think she is eager to repeat," Terann said in a tone that told Aelora not to push the issue.

            "Well, thank you for the information..." she paused.

            "Terann," the warrior added

            "Thanks, I will keep an eye out," Aelora said turning to leave.

            "Aelora," Terann began. "Be careful."

            Turning to study the Minbari she finally asked, "Why are you so concerned?"

            "You are a child of Valen, it is a shame you do not realize the importance of that". With that, Terann disappeared into the crowd.

            Aelora was more confused now than ever.  Perhaps the warrior was simply trying to upset her, but something inside nagged at her.... daring her to trust Terann. 

            Spotting Marcus, she waved to get his attention realizing too late that it was a moot gesture.  He was already coming toward her and from the look on his face, he was not happy.

            "Aelora, let's find a place to sit," he said taking her arm and leading her to a spot away from the bustle surrounding them.

            After finding a table in one of the rest areas, Aelora sat down across from Marcus.  What she saw in his face disturbed her.  He was obviously quite upset and before she had a chance to ask him why he started to explain.  "You need to learn to pick your friends more carefully".

            "I don't understand," she replied.

            "That warrior you were speaking to...you are a ranger...don't pretend to not know what has happened," Marcus said not hiding his annoyance with her.

            "What is going on, Marcus...I don't understand", she told him.  Ever since they had met, Aelora had never seen him like this.  Obviously, something major had happened that she was yet to hear about. 

            "There has been a threat on Delenn's life.  One of the warrior caste, someone named Alyt Neroon, has vowed to prevent her from taking control of the rangers."

            Aelora could hardly believe her ears.  Minbari did not kill Minbari.... That was one of their most sacred laws.  "You don't think she is in on it, do you?" she asked in a tone of disbelief.

            "It would not surprise me.  The warrior caste has become increasingly erratic and this seems to go along with their recent behavior," Marcus answered.

            "But she gave no indication...no sign of a threat", Aelora began.

            "What do you think she is going to say 'Hi I'm blah blah blah, do you think you could tell me where to find ambassador Delenn, I have to kill her.'  Of course not.  She was probably hoping to get some information from you that she could give to Neroon," he responded.  "What did she say to you?" he added.

            "Nothing really.... Just asked how to get to Brown sector,” Aelora said biting her lip.  It was the first time she had lied to him but she knew he did not need her to worry about also.

            "You will be at the ceremony tomorrow, won't you?" he asked her.  She nodded.  "Good," he continued, "if she shows up you may need stop her from doing what ever it is they are planning to do."

            A feeling of dread washed over her and Aelora asked him, "Where will you be?"

            "Busy, " he said plainly, getting up and leaving before she had a chance to question him further.  Staring after him, she could not think of any way for this trip to get worse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            “Marcus, may I speak with you a moment”.

            Marcus turned to see G’Kar approaching him.  “I’m in a bit of a hurry, G’Kar – “

            “It won’t take but a minute”, G’Kar assured him.  “I only wished to ask about another Ranger that you may know.  I seem to have offended her and I don’t –“

            Marcus groaned.  “Aelora…I am sorry, G’Kar, for anything she might have said or done to offend you”.

            “No, no.  It seems that I have offended her”.

            Marcus pulled G’Kar off to the side of the corridor.  “You haven’t offended her, per se.  You see, Aelora was raised by a Centauri family”.

            At this G’Kar was stunned into silence.  He regarded Marcus for a long while before deciding to protest, “But she is human”.

            Marcus nodded.  “Yeah…long story.  Suffice to say, at times she can appear as Centauri as Ambassador Mollari – arrogant, ignorant and foolish.  Then, at other times, when you least expect it, you see the person buried under all the pomp and circumstance…Not that I have ever seen her display that side of herself to a Narn, sorry to say”.

            “That explains the familiarity of the name”, G’Kar said, more to himself than Marcus.  He smiled bitterly.  “The Kyra family.  Every Narn knows the name.  They were the largest procurer’s of slaves during the first occupation.  They collected and sold thousands of my people to the highest bidder”.

            Marcus did not think the situation could get much worse.  He truly hoped that Aelora would not go out of her way to antagonize any of the Narn on the station, let alone G’Kar.  “I do apologize beforehand for any trouble she may cause you, G’Kar.  I wish I could tell you something positive but the truth is I have not seen Aelora in awhile and the last time I did see her, we did not part on the best terms.  When I first saw her yesterday, it felt like I didn’t even know her”.

            “It appears to me, Marcus, that she does not even know herself”, G’Kar commented sadly.  “Thank you for your information”.  He bowed briefly to Marcus then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

            Marcus sighed, running a hand through his shoulder length hair in frustration.  Everything seemed to be building up, as if there was a ticking time bomb on the station and the whole place was going to blow with a push of the wrong button.  What more could happen, he wondered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Ashlen could think of a hundred things she would have rather been doing than following Zack Allan around while he arranged for the Ranger ceremony that was occurring tomorrow.  No, make that one hundred and one, she thought, as she added getting a paper cut to her list.  At least she was getting a good feel for the layout of the station, and she was meeting quite a few people, though none of them appeared to know anything about Aelora Campbell.  It seemed the Ranger had only arrived on the station the day before and few had actually seen her.  Not to worry, though, Ashlen reminded herself.  Bester had said to take her time so that no one became suspicious.  That was the one point he had warned her about repeatedly.  Everyone on Babylon 5 was highly suspicious about everyone and everything.  It was a symptom that generally appeared in those who were used to breaking the rules and keeping secrets.

            “All right, Ladan?”  Zack turned to her.  “You’ll be on patrol of the Zocalo tomorrow during the ceremony”.

            Damn, Ashlen thought.  She smiled at Zack as sweetly as possible.  “I was so hoping I would get to see the ceremony.  I have harbored an interest in the Rangers since I first heard about them a few months ago.  I would so love to see some of their rituals.  To see so many together in one place”.

            Zack folded his arms across his chest, smiling.  He wondered if he could gain some points with Lieutenant Ladan if he arranged for her to work the ceremony.  He really wanted to ask her to dinner but did not know the right way to do it.  She seemed to be one of those fiercely independent females, not at all afraid to put a man in his place, the type that made you wait for them to ask you out.  “Well, we just might be able to arrange for you to be there, Lieutenant”.

            Ashlen returned his smile, looking up at him from under her long lashes.  “Do you really think so, Zack?”  She could tell he liked the use of his name.  The clueless man actually preened.  “I’d be so appreciative if you could.  I just wouldn’t know how to thank you”.

            “Oh, I’m sure we can think of something”, Zack replied with a crooked grin.

            Oh, I just bet you can, Ashlen thought to herself, though her expression remained completely submissive and agreeable.  All this and she did not have to use a single telepathic ability.  Perhaps she should focus her efforts on the Chief’s trusty right hand man, she decided.  She could gain Garibaldi’s interest, continue stringing Zack along and then use them against each other to get the information and any access she needed.  Yes, this just might work.  A nagging voice at the back of her conscience seemed to shout out at her, exactly how far would you go for your job?  However, as she was used to doing, Ashlen forced it back.  It was one of the most important lessons to learn in Psi Corps.  Your conscience did not necessarily know what was right.

            Zack turned away to begin changing orders for the ceremony, when Ashlen noticed the Chief approaching.  She briefly touched his mind, looking for any mention of her target, when she discovered herself completely thrown off guard by his thoughts.  Daffy Duck?  Ashlen blinked for a moment then decided to check again just to make sure she was not completely losing it.  No, her initial scan was correct.  Security Chief Garibaldi was currently wishing that he was Daffy Duck.

            “Ladan!”

            Ashlen glanced up at her name, belatedly realizing the Chief had said her name twice before.  “Er…sorry Chief”.

            “You all right, Ladan?”

            “Yes, Chief.  Fine”.  She raised her chin defiantly as if to challenge him to question her word.

            Garibaldi just cocked an eyebrow at her.  “You appeared…lost”.

            “As I said, sir, I am fine”, she reiterated, making it clear that she was tired of the subject.

            “Okay”. Garibaldi shrugged.  “Just came down to see how things are working out”.

            “Excellent, sir”, Ashlen replied, then flashed a smile at Zack.  “Lieutenant Allan has been most helpful”.

            Zack returned her smile with a goofy grin.

            Garibaldi frowned.  “He has, has he?”  He looked pointedly at Zack, who quickly turned back to the work he was doing.  When Garibaldi appeared satisfied, he looked back down at Ashlen.  “Well, if there is anything you need, Lieutenant, just let me know”.

            “I doubt that will be necessary, sir”, she replied, then smiled at him as if in afterthought.

            Garibaldi seemed to clench his teeth for a moment then nodded and moved off down the hall.

            Ashlen’s smile grew at his last parting thought.  Damn, women!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering the garden at the heart of Babylon 5, Terann took a deep breath.  She felt relief at being away from the thousands of minds on the station.  Following one of the paths she came upon a strange display.  This must be from earth she thought to herself knowing only humans would construct such a thing.  It consisted of a bed of sand with several stones cast upon it.  Like water, the sand appeared to ripple away from the stones.  How strange indeed.  Sensing there was someone close by she looked over at a secluded bench located beside the exhibit where a woman with long brown hair was seated.  She seemed deep in meditation and Terann was about to leave when she noticed something strange about her.  Though the woman appeared almost human she wore clothing more suited to one of the religious caste and on her head was a definite endoskeleton.  When it occurred to Terann who was before her she said, "Satai Delenn..."

            Her concentration broken Delenn turned to see who addressed her with a title from so long ago.  She was startled to see who it was.  "Terann?" she asked, trying to hide her surprise.

            Terann nodded.  Out of respect, she focused her eyes firmly on the floor.

            Old habits die hard thought Delenn, borrowing a phrase from John.  "It is just Ambassador Delenn now," she continued.  "

            "I apologize.  It is how I remember you, I meant no disrespect."  Terann replied.

            "There were rumors around Minbar..." Delenn stated, her voice trailing off.  "I am relieved they were not true."  Delenn had known how Dukhat had cared for the warrior and the sentiment was genuine.  "I am curious, though, as to what brings you to Babylon 5?"

            Thinking of a way to change the subject, she asked the first question to come to her.  "Why did you break the council?"

            Delenn pursed her lips, sighing. Leave it to Terann to not, as the humans say, beat around the bush.  Delenn had forgotten that about her.  "It was the only thing left to do, Terann.  The warrior caste had too much power; the balance had been broken.  The Council had stopped listening to reason, refused to get involved in the Shadow conflict.  I had to show then that such decisions are not acceptable.  It had to be done, Terann." 

            Considering what Delenn had said, Terann brought herself to ask her next question.  "Ner...Alyt Neroon said that you seek power for yourself."  Daring to look directly at the ambassador Terann lifted her head. "Is this true?"

            Regarding the young woman before her, Delenn countered with a question of her own.  "Do you believe it to be true?"

            Without hesitation she replied, "No."

            Touching the warriors arm gently, "That is good to know, Terann.  I would not like for you to think of me in that way."

            "He plans to stop you, " she stated coldly.

            Terann watched Delenn closely and for a moment felt the urge to touch her mind, to know what she was feeling.  Was that the smallest amount of fear in her eyes?  But no, Terann would never invade Delenn's privacy.  She felt ashamed for even thinking it and again dropped her eyes to the floor.  "What are you going to do about it?"

            "Do?"  Delenn smiled briefly, "Nothing."

            "Is that wise.  He will kill you" Terann protested.

            "Minbari do not kill Minbari," Delenn reminded her.

            Terann fell silent to hide her growing annoyance.  She had seen the determination in Neroon.  To her that was enough to warrant concern.  She could tell that Delenn was not interested in pursuing the matter so she chose to drop it.  If Delenn did not fear Neroon then she was foolish.  Terann broached another subject that had caught her attention since her arrival.  "Do you know of a Ranger named Aelora?"

            Delenn found it curious that Terann would mention the ranger.  "Someone mentioned her to me.  Why?"

            "I have spoken to her twice now.  She is a child of the human Sinclair, is she not?"

            "Apparently, from what I have been told, this is the case," Delenn conceded.

            "She does not seem a Child of Valen," Terann commented.

            "I have not met her," Delenn nodded.  "But Marcus said that she had a very unorthodox childhood.  She did not know her father until a few years ago."   

            "Does she know?" Terann inquired.

            Delenn shook her head.  "No, she does not, though I do believe that is what has brought her here.  To ask what happened to him”.

            Suddenly Delenn's face turned serious.  "You must tell her nothing, Terann.  As far as you are concerned, you do not even know Jeffrey Sinclair.  Do you understand."

            "Yes, ambassador."  Terann did not understand, but understanding was not required, only obedience.  Serving the council, it was a lesson she had learned early on.

            Delenn regarded the warrior with concern.  The knowledge that Terann possessed could fling their people into civil war.  Composing herself she repeated her original query, "Why have you returned to Babylon 5?"

            Terann considered her answer carefully and stated simply, "It was time."

            Before Delenn could push further, Marcus came in.  "John needs to see you, right away," he said catching his breath.

            Delenn smiled.  It was like Marcus to run all the way down here.  "Thank you, Marcus."  Turning back to Terann she said, "We will talk again later." 

            Terann nodded and watched as Delenn left, heading for the war room.  She turned to face Marcus, whom she could feel analyzing her.  "You plan to fight Neroon, don't you."

            "Yes.... It is a shame I cannot be in two places at once," he said accusingly.

            "You do not know me ranger," she stated coldly  "If I had wanted Delenn dead she would be already."

            "Yes...well.... Neroon seems intent on doing the job himself."

            "He will kill you to get to her."  It was not a threat, rather a statement of fact.

            "Do not concern yourself with my well being...."

            "I am not concerned about you," Terann interrupted.  "My concern lies with her."

            "Who?  Delenn?"  Marcus questioned.

            "No."  Terann replied as she turned and walked away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After her shift, Ashlen took the time to wander around the station, more to get used to her temporary home than to do any investigating.  Away from the watchful eye of Bester, she decided to enjoy herself a bit.  She was surprised how easy it was to pretend that Babylon 5 was not a space station but an actual city that just happened to be filled with numerous forms of life.  Actually, she begrudgingly admitted to herself that she liked being there, there was a certain charm to the place.  In addition, the people were friendly – well, most of them anyway, Ashlen corrected herself, remembering her encounter with a certain Minbari.

She continued on through the Zocalo, looking at the various goods the vendors had to offer, purchasing a little something here and there to decorate her quarters with when she suddenly felt someone watching her.  She stopped, slowly turning, and began to do a cautious, low level scan of the area.    That was when she hit another very powerful block, though different from the Minbari.  There was a quick flash of fear before the block appeared, and the block itself felt very much like it came from a trained Psi Corps telepath.  Ashlen narrowed her search, focusing on the power behind the mind.  She noticed a female with shoulder length red hair, standing off to the side near the exit of the Zocalo.  For a moment, she thought it might be her target but then she remembered that the ranger had never been formally trained.  This woman most definitely had and, from the expression on her face, the last person she expected to feel in the area was a Psi Cop.  That narrowed it down to one option.  A rogue telepath.

Ashlen started moving toward her, speeding up her pace when the woman darted off down the corridor.  Once Ashlen was out of the Zocalo, she took off after the rogue, chasing her down the halls until she finally caught her at a dead end.  The rogue backed up as far as she could, fixing Ashlen with a don’t-you-come-near-me expression. 

“I’ll kill you if I have to”, she warned.

Ashlen stopped a safe distance from her.  It was clear that this rogue could present a difficulty in capturing her target if she chose to warn her.  She would have to take the next few moments very carefully.  “I’m not here for you”, she assured her. 

“Then why did you chase me?”

“I was curious, that’s all.  I know you.  Bester warned me about you. Lyta, isn’t it?  Lyta Alexander?”

“I work for the Vorlons”, Lyta remarked. “They would be very upset if I were to not show up for work suddenly”.

Ashlen smiled.  “As I said, I have no interest in you”.

Lyta did not trust her and refused to let down her guard.  She watched the Psi Cop carefully, not missing any nuances, gauging her reactions, her movements. “If not me, then who?”

“You aren’t the only sheep that has strayed from the flock, Miss Alexander”, Ashlen commented.  “And though you are most assuredly a good catch, you aren’t where our attentions are currently focused”.

“Why should I believe you?”  Lyta questioned.

“For the same reason you should not interfere with my job”, Ashlen replied, this time moving up in front of Lyta with a threatening step.  “Because if you do find it in your busy work schedule to interfere, I will personally see that every available Psi Cop comes here and hunts you down like an animal until you are securely back in Psi Corps control.  Is that understood?”

Lyta wanted to tell the woman to go to hell but she had to consider her own risk.  If they really were not there for her, then there was little for her to worry about.  Whoever the other person was could look after him/herself.  Only, she was curious, because she had not noticed any other telepaths coming onto the station, at least, no one besides alien telepaths and the Psi Corps had no jurisdiction there.  So just what was this Cop up to anyway?  Lyta decided that caution would be most prudent until she figured out just what was going on.

“Fine.  I don’t bother you, you don’t bother me.  But let me just warn you, little Miss Psi Cop.  If I ever do catch you coming after me, I will tell the Vorlon ambassador and you truly don’t want to know what a Vorlon is like when he is angry!”

Ashlen rolled her eyes as Lyta pushed past her to leave.  “You just remember to stay out of my way, Lyta Alexander, because you really don’t want to see me angry”.

Ashlen was beginning to wonder if this entire station was over run with telepaths.  No wonder Bester spent so much time coming out here.   It was a virtual hotel for the telepathically inclined.  For a moment, she was tempted to forget her mission and just begin rounding up all of the rogue’s who were most likely hidden among the recesses of the station.  That would certainly be a more important catch than her target who, from what she could tell, wasn’t telepathic anyway or if she was, she was no more than a rating of P1.  Ashlen just could not understand where Bester was coming from on this.  Perhaps, once she met the girl, she would understand a little better.  She would hate to think she was simply wasting her time.  Then Ashlen thought of Garibaldi and figured it could never be a complete waste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking into the security office, Ashlen was surprised to see Zack sitting at the chief's desk.  "Oh, hi Zack," she said not attempting to hide her annoyance at seeing him again.

He did not notice.  He was deep in a report of some kind.  Looking up he spoke, "Ladan, there has been a problem.  Something weird happened in Grey Sector this morning.  The Chief went to check it out and while he is gone he wants us to double check on the security arrangements for the ceremony tomorrow."

"Very well.  Have you confirmed the assignments with the section commanders yet?"  Ashlen inquired.

"No not yet.  This reminds me.  I spoke to the chief about you wanting to be at the ceremony.  He changed the assignments so that you and he will be there."

"Thank you," she replied, forcing a smile.  Damn she thought.  She did not need Garibaldi poking around while she was trying to work. 

Stretching, Zack got up.  "I am going to confirm a few things, think you can hold the fort while I am gone."

Ashlen could not believe her luck.  "Absolutely, Zack...if you think the chief won't mind."

"As long as you don't go snooping in the secured files, I don't see why he would." he responded with a laugh walking toward the door.  "See you in about half an hour."

"Take your time Zack."  Ashlen called after him as he left.  Turning back to the computer console, she smiled.  She never thought she would get such an opportunity.  Positioning herself at the desk, she told the computer to call up all records on Aelora Campbell.  As the information scrolled past her on the screen, she memorized what she needed.  As soon as Zack came back she would go to the girls quarters and get what she was sent for.

When Zack returned forty-five minutes later, he was relieved to hear there had been no more crises.  Ashlen had more than enough time to purge her inquiry from the computer...there must be no loose ends Bester had warned her and she was not about to get sloppy now.

As she got up to leave Zack spoke.  "We both get off at 1700, would you like to meet me for a drink at Earhart's?"

"Sure," Ashlen replied, forcing a smile.  "I will meet you there at 1730, okay".

"Great, now can you go check in with the section commanders?  If anything goes wrong tomorrow, Garibaldi will have my head".

Leaving the security office, she cursed softly.  Finding the ranger would have to wait.

 

"So anyway then I follow this guy into Down Below, right?  Not really expecting to find anything…" Zack continued with what Ashlen considered his ninth boring story of the evening as she suppressed another yawn. 

She was beginning to wonder what she was doing there, was this really going to gain her anything in the way of her mission?  Zack was not a bad person; he just was not someone who she would normally waste her time on.  In fact, she found herself feeling a little guilty at her usage of him.  After all, he seemed an inherently nice person, the type that trusted without question and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.  When he eventually found out that she had used him, what would the knowledge do to that special part of him?  Ashlen was not used to feeling guilty about many things and the whole situation was steadily tearing at her nerves.

"Chief, I didn’t expect to see you here." Zack stopped hi story and looked up as Garibaldi approached the table. 

Ashlen snapped out of her reverie to glance at Garibaldi.  For not the first time, she found herself thinking that there was something dangerously attractive about the guy.    She warned herself to be careful not to confuse her mission objectives with pleasure yet she could not help thinking that there was much to Garibaldi that reminded her of herself.  Perhaps that was part of her attraction to him.

"Ladan, I see you are finding you way around all right." Garibaldi’s eyes flashed as he looked at Ashlen. He could not have explained it if he had tried, because he knew that there was more to her than her file showed, but he also could not deny the lingering attraction he felt.  Something about her dared him to get close, dared him to let down his defenses even though the sharper side of him warned him not trust her.  Still, he couldn’t deny that he didn’t like seeing her there with Zack, whether she was who she appeared to be or not.  "Actually the reason I’m here," he continued, "Is to speak to you Zack.  I have some important matters to discuss that simply cannot wait. My apologies for interrupting, of course."

Ashlen sensed there was more to the chief’s reasons and she smiled to herself. Despite the fact that he was speaking to Zack, his thoughts were of her. Ashlen thought to herself that she would gladly trade an evening with Zack, who was about as interesting as a heap of Spoo, to have dinner with the chief. It disturbed her that he seemed distracted, as if his mind was frantically replaying something he wished to forget.

" That’s not a problem Chief, I understand.  I’m sure Zack and I can continue this some other time."  The secret smile she bestowed upon Garibaldi told him otherwise.

Garibaldi suddenly found himself wondering if she had not planned this all along.  Was she using Zack to get to him?  The Security Chief shook his head of the thought.  Damn, now you’re becoming way too suspicious, he chided himself.  He wondered if he would ever be able to look at anyone again without instantly suspecting him or her of wrongdoing.  Was he falsely accusing her?  Were his suspicions correct?  He could not answer the questions that were flying through his mind but he knew that somehow, someway they would have to be answered eventually.

Ashlen watched as Zack and Garibaldi disappeared from the restaurant.  She wondered when the next time would be that she could have access to the main computer files.  Her investigation into Aelora Campbell had turned up very little.  She thought that perhaps she was looking in the wrong place.  Her next search would regard the target’s mother, to see what her connections to Psi Corps were.  Perhaps that would lead her to more information regarding the Ranger.  She wished there were a way she could access Psi Corps confidential files because she instinctively knew that Bester was hiding something from her.  He knew a lot more than he had let on and she found herself wanting to be privy to that information as well.  If he truly wanted her to do her job effectively, then he should let her know everything he knew.  If not, then he should at least let her know what she is doing there in the first place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aelora stopped just outside Londo’s quarters on Green Four, smoothing down the skirt of her shimmering gold gown.  It was something she had picked up in the Bazaar, something that was neither Centauri nor human nor even Minbari.  Yet, it reflected the ages, with simple lines and little adornment.  Aelora liked it because of its simplicity but she doubted that it was something that would go over well on Centauri Prime.   She took a deep breath, fighting to calm her rising trepidations over the coming dinner.  It had been years since she had socially interacted with Centauri and she just hoped she could get past the Minbari teachings enough to relax and enjoy herself for a while.

Londo barely looked up from the latest batches of orders recently arrived from Centauri Prime when the door rang.  Vir hurried over to greet their dinner guest, stopping short when the door opened and Aelora walked in.  The attaché stood there silently, staring at the woman before him in open-mouthed wonder.  His only conscious thought was that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

“Ah!  There she is!”  Londo stood from his work, moving to greet Aelora.  “Vir, close that gigantic trap of yours and get the Lady some Bravari, hmmm?”

“Y—y – yes, of course!”  Vir stammered then hurried over to the liquor cabinet to pour Aelora a drink.

“Don’t mind him”, Londo said, kissing her cheek.  “That is my attaché, Vir Cotto.  Not too quick, but he is an excellent cook”.

Aelora smiled over at Vir, finding the shy Centauri cute in a cuddly little animal sort of way.  “Hello, Vir.  It is nice to meet you”.

Vir hurried over to her, stumbling along the way and almost spilling her drink all over her, only Londo grabbed it out of his hand in time, frowning, and handed it to her.  Vir glanced guiltily at Londo then flashed an apologetic look at Aelora.  “It’s n—nice to meet you too”.

Aelora took a sip of her Bravari as Londo pushed Vir off toward the kitchen.  She blanched for a moment at the strong liquor, forgetting that it had been awhile since she had drank anything stronger than a Coke, which she had developed a taste for during a brief trip to Io.  She set the glass down on the table when Londo indicated for her to take a seat.

“So, we have quite a bit to catch up on, do we not?”  Londo asked, once more thinking to himself that the girl across from him had not changed much.  Sure, she had grown into a magnificent beauty but the child was still there.  What a woman she would be when she finally grew up!  “Tell me of everything you have been up to since you left Centauri Prime”.

Aelora fidgeted in her seat, wondering how to get around the one topic she really had not wanted to cover.  Then again, she knew she could not escape it.  It was only natural that Londo would be curious about what she had been doing for the past ten years.  “Well”, she began, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.  “First I caught a transport to Drazi space, where I spent some time working on a freighter and learning as much as I could about their culture.  When I got bored, I moved on to the Brakiri, and so on for the next four years.  By then I had saved up enough money that I was able to purchase my own small shuttle and spent the next two years doing odd jobs here and there….”.  She paused, wondering how to explain her eventual arrival on Minbar.  “Between jobs I was attacked and my ship was damaged and I was found by a Minbari cruiser.  They took me back to Minbar where I recuperated and, being curious about the Minbari culture, I stumbled across the Rangers.  That was when I found my father, Jeffrey Sinclair”.

“Yes”, Londo interrupted, smiling.  “He was sent away from here under ‘mysterious’ circumstances to become Ambassador to Minbar.  Just what was it he was really doing there?”

Aelora shrugged, returning his smile.  “Oh, pretty much ambassadorial stuff”.  She was not certain how much Londo knew or who was keeping what from him but she did not want to be the first to divulge some important piece of information.  If there was one thing the Rangers were born on, it was secrecy.  Aelora knew all about secrets.  “Anyway, I spent a while training to become a Ranger, and spending time with my father when I had the chance and, a few months ago, he disappeared.  I haven’t seen him since but from everything I have heard, he came here”.

Londo frowned.  “Well, I certainly haven’t seen him, not since he was shipped out of here”.

“I think…I think Entil – I mean, Ambassador Delenn knows”.

“Well, if anyone does, it would be her.  She seems to know quite a bit she doesn’t let on to others”.

“Anyway, that has been my life since Centauri.  Nothing too exciting”, Aelora laughed lightly.  It was a trick she had learned from Lady Kyra at a young age.  Since females were not expected to speak much, they could laugh all they wanted to and allow the male to lead the conversation.  It was something she had not done in a while but now she found herself reverting to it, when she discovered she was at a loss for conversation. 

“Well, it sounds better than mine, Aelora.  Here, I will trade you”, Londo commented, only half-joking.  “You be Ambassador to Babylon 5, I will be a Ranger”.  At this, Aelora failed to cover up her laughter, causing Londo to smile.  “Oh, think that’s funny, do you?  We’ll just see how funny you think it is while you sit in on some of these Council sessions.  All I can say is thank the Maker this whole business with the Narn is over and done with”.

“Yes, I have…met citizen G’Kar”, Aelora replied, worrying her lower lip.  “I was curious as to why he was here and not on Centauri Prime where he could be tried and executed.  He is the last of the Kha’Ri, is he not?  Or am I mistaken?”

Londo scowled.  “Yes, he is.  Only he asked for sanctuary from Captain Sheridan.  There is nothing we can do unless he decides to leave Babylon 5 and only a complete fool would do that.  And G’Kar, he is no fool”.

“Er…Londo”, Vir interrupted quickly.  “Dinner is ready”.

“Good, it is about time, Vir.  I was beginning to wonder if I would get to see Aelora marry, have children and then grandchildren by the time you were done”, Londo complained though Aelora found herself hiding a small smile because it didn’t sound so much a real complaint as it did gentle teasing.  She could tell that Londo was fond of his attaché, no matter how gruff he behaved.  Aelora could not help but think to herself that Vir did not behave very much like a Centauri, at least none of the Centauri she had known.  He was not quite as arrogant or over-bearing.  As they ate dinner, Aelora began to realize that he was the complete opposite of Londo in every way and so, seemed to balance the Ambassador out.  She thought that they probably made a good team – whenever Londo shut up long enough for Vir to speak.

After dinner was over, Aelora was entertained by Londo and Vir arguing over Centauri opera, which she had never been able to find an ear for and most likely never would.  Most of the conversation she simply laughed through, believing that these two people had to be the most unlikely pair she had ever met.  She was pleased to see that once Vir relaxed, a more forceful personality began to emerge.  She doubted he even realized it himself.  Aelora was still having difficulties completely relaxing.  She could not recall ever having felt out of place back on Centauri Prime but now…Then again, she could not recall ever having felt completely comfortable on Minbar either.  What was it with her?  Could she not be happy anywhere?

Aelora contemplated this same question on the way back to her quarters late that evening.  She could never go to Earth; she knew that for a certainty.  She had heard too much about Psi Corps and now, with the Minbari’s warning that they appeared to have found her on Babylon 5…no, that course was simply out of the question.  The Minbari…well, Aelora admired them but they also pushed her to the point of wanting to scream at the top of her lungs whenever she was around too many of them at once.  She had almost done just that during one of her meditation courses for training as a Ranger.  Durval was carrying on about the inner self and Aelora felt she had reached her breaking point.  She was just about to go ahead with a good, loud scream when Durval had looked directly at her and asked her if she had something she wanted to say.  She had meekly replied no and gone back to her meditation.  Centauri Prime was…well, Centauri Prime.  There was no way to explain it.  In all of her travels, she had yet to meet another race so full of themselves and the pomp and circumstance of themselves.  Every matter of every day of life was based on who you were, what you wore and whom you knew.  Aelora just could not imagine herself fitting into that lifestyle again.  Perhaps, if she had remained there, if she had not seen other places, learned other cultures, then maybe she could have continued on in the Centauri way but she knew she could not stand it for long now.

On turning a corner, heading out of Green Sector, Aelora was busy fumbling with a string hanging off the fabric of her sleeve when, not seeing where she was going; she ran into someone so hard that it knocked her backwards.  She started to fall when strong arms reached out and caught her, steadying her until she regained her footing.  Aelora pushed a waterfall of bangs out of her eyes, shaking her head at her clumsiness.  “Thank you!  I’m sorry to – “ She stopped in mid-sentence when she finally looked up at the person before her.  Damn, she thought.  Not him again!

G’Kar studied the young woman before him, amazed that she appeared more beautiful each time he saw her.  He was so engrossed in his observation of her that he had forgotten he still had hold of her.  He remembered when she suddenly yanked back from his grip, pushing him away with a force that surprised him from a human female.

“How dare you touch me!”  Aelora seethed, already conveniently forgetting that he had just saved her from a fall.  “It’s obvious you have yet to learn your place around here!”

G’Kar looked away from her for a moment, considering how best it was to respond to her.  She could not truly mean the things she said, he thought.  She was not Centauri, she was human.  Certainly, the birthright of humanity was still in there somewhere.  Or had the Centauri robbed her of that completely?  He looked back at her, noticing that the green light of her eyes was very bright, like the lasers of a Vree saucer.  Was this the color of her eyes when she was angry? He wondered.  Did they change when she was with someone else, someone she wanted to be with?  G’Kar doubted he would ever know the answer to that.

“You are not Centauri”, G’Kar responded quietly.  “So I will not blame you for those things that you do not understand”.

Aelora’s eyes widened incredulously.  “What?  You won’t what?  Great Maker!  I’ve had just about enough of you, citizen G’Kar!  Let me tell you something.  I am just as Centauri as Londo or Vir or any other Centauri that you may have met in your lifetime, and I am just as inclined to kill you without a single thought and have done with this conversation!  My advice to you is to stay the hell away from me before I find a way to send you to Centauri Prime, all nicely wrapped up as a gift for the Emperor!”  With that said, Aelora pushed past him continuing her way down the corridor, but G’Kar’s voice stopped her.

“If you were truly Centauri, you would not have just spent this time speaking to me”.

Aelora wheeled about, focusing an infuriated gaze on G’Kar.  She started to speak then realized there was nothing for her to say.  Great Maker, he was right.  Had she been a true Centauri, she would have simply continued on her way without even acknowledging his existence.  Three times though, she had spoken to him.  She had given him the acknowledgement that she noticed him.  She had reacted to his words; she had even called him by his name.  Aelora felt her nails digging deeply into her palms as the true realization of this discovery sank into her.  Who are you? A little voice asked, deep inside her.   And who are you pretending to be?

G’Kar watched as the raging emotions swept over her face.  He knew he would never forget the expression in her eyes just before she turned and darted down the hall away from him.  He knew that expression, had seen it in his own eyes after he had attacked Londo under the influence of dust. 

It was the loss of one’s own identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            When Aelora finally made it to her quarters, she quickly changed into her nightclothes, drank a large cup of hot jhala, and climbed into bed.  A litany had begun in her head: Do not think about it.  Do not think about it.  She closed her eyes against the doubts that were suddenly clouding her mind, tried to shut her brain off from any conscious thought and willed sleep to take over.  Using every available technique that the Minbari had taught her to meditate, Aelora quietly drifted off to sleep…

 

            She opened her eyes to discover that she was not where she should be.  Not in bed, not on Babylon 5, not anywhere that she recognized.  Her dress was blue and white checkered, her hair in braids, and she held a staff of some sort in her hands.  It was burnt and broken but when she looked close enough, Aelora recognized it to be the same staff used by the Grey Council, the same staff that Delenn had snapped in two, symbolizing the break up of the Council.  Aelora looked around; noticing that she stood in an enormous chamber of some sort, very dark, with two wide doors behind her and curtains all around.  She glanced to her left and quickly did a double take when she saw who stood beside her: Londo, Vir and G’Kar.  Only, they were not the Londo, Vir and G’Kar that she was accustomed to.  Londo, dressed all in silver, his crown of hair replaced with what appeared to be more of a large can or bucket; Vir covered in tan fur, with painted on whiskers, though he still retained his hair; and G’Kar, with straw sticking out from his clothing and a ridiculous floppy hat atop his spotted head.  It was all that Aelora could do not to break out into laughter but something told her this was a very serious situation. She smiled at her friends – for she was certain that’s who they were – and started forward toward the empty end of the room.

            “Great and powerful Oz”, she heard herself say.  “We have brought the staff of the Wicked Witch as you requested”.

            Then Aelora saw a flash of memory in her mind: Delenn, dressed all in black much like the warrior caste, standing before her, cackling wildly and saying, “I’ll get you and your little Vorlon too!”

            Aelora shook her head, looked back at the unmoving curtains.  “Please, we have done as you asked.  You said that if we brought you the staff you would give the Scarecrow a brain”, she nodded to G’Kar/Scarecrow, “and the Tin Man a heart”, she said, indicating Londo/Tin Man, “and the Lion some courage”.  Vir/Lion growled low in his throat, then whimpered and quickly hid behind Londo.

            G’Kar/Scarecrow stepped forward.  “And you promised to help Dorothy find her way home”, he said, smiling to Aelora/Dorothy.

            She returned the smile, looked back at the curtains.  “Please, sir.  Do not ignore us”.

            “WHO ARE YOU?”  An image of a large face appeared over them as a booming voice echoed across the chamber, sending the four companions back a few feet from their original positions.

            “What do you mean, who are you?”  Aelora frowned.  “You asked us that the last time we were here.  You know who we are”.

            “WHO ARE YOU?”

            Aelora felt her frustration mounting.  Not only did the question frustrate her but also that fact that she recognized the face that wavered over them.  She had seen it before, but where? Then she remembered.  Valen.  The face looked much like that in the pictures she had seen of Valen.  She stamped her foot.  “I won’t play that game anymore!  Who are you?”

            Silence.

            G’Kar/Scarecrow nodded encouragement, pushing her forward.

            “What right do you have, telling us what to do?  Ordering us about?  I am who I am.  It’s as simple as that”.

            “WRONG!”  The voice boomed once more.  “You are what was, has been and will be again.  You are the circle within the circle.  The alpha and the omega.  You are him and her.  You are they and them.  Only when you discover this will you be able to find your way home”.

            “I don’t understand”, Aelora protested, feeling close to tears.  “What about my friends?  Won’t you at least help them?”           

            “We most seek that which we least need”, came the mysterious reply.

            Aelora sighed.  “No more riddles.  Will you help us or not?  Because if not then we will look elsewhere…”

            And off to the corner, hidden in the darkness came the sound of many voices singing together to create one voice: the voice of a Vorlon.  “Look to that which is hidden….”

            The curtains slowly pulled back to reveal the voice behind the Great and Powerful Oz.  Only it was not anyone Great and Powerful she realized with a feeling of disappointment, that it was simply her father, Jeffrey Sinclair.

            G’Kar/Scarecrow moved up beside her, sighing.  “Well, it seems you have failed again.  Not only did you not succeed in finding what we were searching for, but also now, you’ve ruined this poor man’s magic.  It’s all very depressing, you know”….

 

            Aelora sat up quickly in bed, wiping a hand across her eyes to wake herself.  Again, she heard G’Kar’s voice in her mind: “…Not only did you not succeed in finding what we were searching for, but now you’ve ruined this poor man’s magic.  It’s all very depressing, you know…”

            She groaned low in her throat.  “Oh, shut up!”

Aelora flopped back onto the pillow, pulling the covers up over her head in frustration.  She consigned herself to the fact that this was going to be a long night. Forcing G’Kar firmly from her mind, she decided to blame it all on the Bravari.  Yes, that was it.  She just was not used to the Bravari.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Come back!”  the Caterpillar called after her.  “I’ve something important to say!”

This sounded promising, certainly.  Alice turned and came back again.

“Keep your temper”, said the Caterpillar.

“Is that all?” said Alice, swallowing down her anger as well as she could.

“No”, said the Caterpillar.

Alice thought she might as well wait, as she had nothing else to do, and perhaps after all it might tell her something worth hearing.  For some minutes it puffed away without speaking; but at last it unfolded its arms, took the hookah out of its mouth again, and said, “So you think you’re changed, do you?”

“I’m afraid I am, sir”, said Alice; “I can’t remember things I used…”

                                    “Alice in Wonderland”, Lewis Carroll

 

 

 

Terann had seen much of the station during her first day aboard, but had put off going to the alien sector.  Now standing before what were his quarters, her heart pounding, she knew why.  With its swirling gases and strange lifeforms, it was a stark contrast to the rest of the station.  Focusing on the task at hand, she regulated her breathing and calmed her thoughts.  It had been several months since Kosh's death, but somehow she could still feel his presence.  Placing her hand on the door, Terann allowed the remains of the past to overtake her.  Flooded by images and emotions she detected an underlying scream.  Overwhelmed by anger, she knew instantly who was responsible for his death.  

            "He told me you would come."

            Startled by the voice, Terann scolded herself for dropping her guard.  Turning, she immediately recognized the speaker as Kosh's aide Lyta Alexander.  Terann had always been puzzled as to why Kosh chose a human, and facing her now she became even more confused.  "Where were you when they did this?" Terann accused.

            "I wasn't here," Lyta replied.  "I was on a mission for Kosh.  Had I been here they would have killed me too."

            "Yes they would have." Terann told her in a tone that suggested she really did not care.

            Trying to change the subject, Lyta commented, "He...Kosh...Kosh's replacement...he's different."

            Terann could detect the fear in her voice.  "I have been told about the new ambassador."  She cocked her head to one side, regarding Lyta closely.  “You are uncomfortable with him.  Why?”

            “He…” Lyta was not certain how to explain it, nor was she certain of how much to say to the Minbari before her.  There was something about her, something both familiar and foreign.  Lyta could not quite pinpoint what it was but it made her nervous.  “It’s probably nothing”, she finally replied.  “I had just gotten used to Kosh, I guess”.

            Terann knew she was lying but let it go for the moment.  “I would like to speak with him”.

            “Kosh?  I…I’m not sure if that’s a good idea…at least not now”.  Lyta glanced around as if expecting him to appear at any moment.  “Why don’t I tell him you would like to set an appointment to speak with him and get back to you?”

            The Minbari nodded.  “Very well”.  She wondered why the human seemed so afraid of the Vorlon.  Why would she work for someone she feared, and what was there to fear?  Lyta seemed to know more than she was saying; though she also appeared to want to speak to someone very badly.  Terann doubted she would trust her enough to say anything about the Vorlon Ambassador but she wished she could learn something about him before confronting him.  She was tempted to scan the human but instinctually knew that in order for Lyta to be working for the Vorlons, she would have to have been modified.  Terann doubted she was an easy one to scan.  “I will be awaiting your call”. Terann nodded toward Lyta then turned to go.

            “Wait!”

            Terann turned back at the call.

            “Why should I tell him you wish to see him?”

            “He will know”, Terann replied, nodded once more then continued on her way.

            Lyta watched until she disappeared from sight.  She still could not quite put a finger on why the Minbari bothered her so much.  There was something different about her, that much was for certain, but what was it?  Moreover, why did Lyta feel so certain that she did not want to know the answer to her question?

           

 

 

 

 

 

As Terann entered the room that was to house the ceremony, she began to wonder if her being here was a good idea.  She had waited until the last minute to arrive so as not to draw too much attention to herself.  The warrior caste had not welcomed the re-commissioning of the anla'shok and she knew it was a point of contention with the other castes.  Finding a spot at the back of the room, she spotted Aelora laughing with other members of the rangers.  Terann felt several eyes fall on her, but she refused to respond to them.  She had known Delenn far too well and for too long not to attend.  Besides, she wanted to be here in case Neroon tried anything.  A shudder ran up her spine.  What would he think if he saw her here?  It was a question she had not considered.  Looking around she debated with herself about leaving when something, in the corner of her eye, caught her attention.  An EarthForce security officer had arrived and Terann immediately recognized her as the telepath who was searching for Aelora.  Terann considered warning Aelora but could not risk the warning being detected, so she did the only thing she could do. 

Studying the room before her, Ashlen almost laughed.  They had made this too easy for her.  To the left of her, standing silent as the ceremony began, was Aelora.  I was hoping this would have been more difficult she thought as she set about the task at hand.  Taking a deep breath, and concentrating she began scanning the ranger.   Immediately she noticed something was wrong.  She was unable to detect anything from the young woman.  Then suddenly she realized she was unable to pick up anyone in the room.  A look of confusion crossed her face as she looked around at the others.  Finally, her eyes came to rest on Terann.  Bitch Ashlen thought to herself.  She had not anticipated this.  Pushing harder, she found her efforts wasted.  Turning all her attention to Terann, she attempted to break down the wall that had formed in her mind.  She felt the Minbari let go slightly apparently surprised by the human’s action.  Ah she can be beaten Ashlen smiled.  Unfortunately, her victory was short lived and she could feel the warrior fight back even stronger than before.  Ashlen retreated knowing that the Minbari could fry every synapse in her head.  She saw a slight grin form across Terann's face and it took every ounce of control she had to not go over and show her the consequences of angering a Psi Cop.

Aelora was quickly becoming agitated.  Something was wrong, that much was obvious.  Marcus should have been at the ceremony all ready – should have been there a long time ago.  Yes, something was definitely up and she had a terrible feeling it had to do with the threat on Delenn’s life.  Only Marcus would be foolish enough to stand up to a Minbari warrior.  Aelora glanced over her shoulder once more, hoping that he might have sneaked in while she was not looking but there was still no sign of him.  She suppressed the curse that she was tempted to utter, and attempted to focus her attention back on the ceremony.  That was when she began to feel someone watching her.  Thinking it might be Marcus, she glanced around again, receiving an odd look from one of her fellow Rangers standing next to her.  She glared at him until he looked away then continued her scan of the room.  The culprit turned out to be one of the security officers.  Aelora raised an eyebrow at her, as if to ask, “You have a problem?”  The woman’s expression did not change, if anything, her gaze became more intense.  Aelora’s feeling of unease mounted.

Her attention on the officer was distracted when she noticed the Minbari warrior, Terran, out of the corner of her eye.  She too was watching Aelora, and the Ranger was beginning to wonder if she had horns growing out of her head or something.  She flashed a glare at both of the other women then turned back to stare at the front of the room, concentrating with all of her will on Delenn and the proceedings surrounding her induction as Entilzah.  She tried to think back to all of Durval’s teachings about quiet reflection and concentration, but her mind kept wandering.  Where was Marcus?

Unable to stand it any longer, Aelora pushed past the Ranger next to her and hurried out of the room.  Her exit did not go unnoticed.  Terann felt the human’s worry and began to have some worries of her own.  What if the Ranger confronted Neroon in some fashion?  She doubted it would go very well.  Terann glanced over at the human telepath, noting with some satisfaction that she appeared extremely upset over Aelora’s disappearance.  As a part of security, she would be unable to chase after the Ranger but Terann had no such obstacle stopping her.  She flashed a smile at the telepath, receiving an angry glare in return then moved with unhurried confidence out the door.

Aelora moved through the station, going over in her mind where she might find Marcus.  Five miles was a lot of space to cover and she had the distinct feeling she did not have the kind of time a search like that would take.  As she wandered through the Zocalo, a sudden thought appeared in her mind as if it were purposely placed there.  Brown Sector.   Aelora did not question how she suddenly knew how to find Marcus; she simply listened to the voice in her mind and hurried in that direction.  Upon reaching the lift though, she realized she had no idea which level.  She stopped for a moment considering her options when the voice spoke to her once more. Level 5.  Aelora caught herself thinking “Thanks” before she could stop.  She shook her head at the complete insanity of this entire trip and hurried into the lift.

The moment the doors opened, Aelora was on the defensive.  She really did not enjoy this part of the station during her one trip to it, and she was very thankful for the security of her denn’bok tucked safely in her belt.  She moved quietly through the corridors, listening for anything out of the ordinary, watching movements of the shadows around her.  For a moment, she thought she was being followed, but the suspicion quickly went away and she continued on, following a path that seemed to be laid out in front of her.  She stopped abruptly at the sound of a thump, as if something heavy had hit the floor.  She hurried on in the direction of the sound, keeping to the shadows until she came around the corner where she discovered Marcus laying motionless on the floor.  A fierce-looking Minbari warrior stood over him, his denn’bok opened and covered in Marcus’ blood.  Aelora felt the rage build up in her and without a thought, whipped out her own denn’bok to challenge him.

Neroon turned to glance at the human and smiled cruelly.  “I’ve all ready made short work of one of your kind.  Must I now add to the list?”

Aelora could not seem to think straight.  She moved toward him but before she got within two feet of him, he flicked his denn’bok with a movement she never saw coming, that caught her in the jaw, knocking her back off her feet and to the floor.  Aelora swallowed the pain of the blow, and shook her head to clear it of the stars that seemed to dance before her eyes.  She glared up at Neroon, damning herself for being caught by the same move Durhan always used to pull on her.  She found herself reconsidering her actions for the moment – the warrior before her wasn’t exactly small.  The expression in his eyes also told her quite simply that he had no qualms whatsoever with killing her without a thought.  Her pride forced it’s way past her reason though, and she found herself climbing to her feet, prepared not to back down from this fight, no matter how frightening the warrior before her was.

Neroon shook his head.  When were they ever going to learn, he wondered?  Just how many of these foolish humans was he going to have to kill?  He got ready to knock the female down once again when he saw her suddenly hesitate, cocking her head as if she were listening to something he couldn’t hear.  Maybe he hit her too hard the first time…

Do not attempt it, the voice warned Aelora, and she knew instantly that it was Terann. 

He will kill you and nothing will be gained.  I know you are a Ranger and taught to fight in our way, but you are not a warrior, and you can not match Alyt Neroon. 

For a moment, Aelora found herself wanting to tell Terann where she could shove her Minbari arrogance but the voice spoke again: 

Do not be a fool!  Tend to your own, and I shall tend to mine. 

Aelora glanced up at Neroon, saw that he was watching her curiously, not considering her a threat but more of an annoying insect that he could toy with if he so chose.  Very well, Aelora thought to herself.  Maybe I have some sense in me after all.  She closed her weapon, glared at Neroon once more, then pushed past him to hurry over to Marcus.  Neroon barely afforded her a parting glance before he disappeared from the corridor.

Aelora knelt beside Marcus, quickly checking for a pulse, breathing a sigh of relief when she found it.  Gently, she turned him to see the damage, hissing through clenched teeth when she saw how bruised and bloody his face was.  She reached out to touch one of the cuts, her hand trembling slightly at what she was considering when a voice behind her caused her to freeze.

“I am sorry that this had to happen”.

Aelora glanced back at Terann, not surprised to see her.  “He is alive”.

This seemed to catch the Minbari off guard.  “He is…” She paused for a moment, as if trying to convince herself of this fact.  Aelora waited, knowing that the telepath was reaching out to touch his mind gently, to prove what she had been told.  Appearing satisfied, if somewhat surprised, the Minbari nodded.  “It is good that a death need not arise out of this…unfortunate circumstance”.

“Unfortunate circumstance?”  Aelora snapped.  “Is that what Minbari call this kind of attack?”

“This one chose to confront Alyt Neroon.  It was unfortunate that he made such a foolish choice”, Terann replied quietly.

Aelora turned back to Marcus’ still form, knowing that the Minbari was right but unwilling to admit it aloud.  “Look, this just might turn into a death if we don’t get Marcus some medical attention.  Would you mind going for help while I stay here with him?”

Terann watched the human silently for a moment.  She could sense that Aelora wanted her to leave for some particular reason.  She also felt a sense of uncertainty from the human, uncertainty and fear.  Did that arise from her failed confrontation with Neroon?  Or was it that she did not believe her friend would live?  Terann was about to question her then decided that it was best to leave matters alone for the time being.  Aelora was right.  The Ranger needed medical attention soon or the grand gesture that Neroon had made by letting him live would be for nothing.  Why Neroon had left the human alive, Terann still had yet to figure out.  It was the last thing she had expected from the warrior.  She was truly beginning to believe she would never understand the others of her caste.

“Very well, Aelora.  I will go and seek help for your friend”.

Aelora glanced over her shoulder at the Minbari.  “Thank you, Terann…for everything”.

Terann and Aelora watched one another for a moment, and then Terann nodded and moved off into the shadows.  Aelora watched until she disappeared then returned her attention to Marcus.  She hated to see him like this.  In truth, she had always had difficulty seeing anyone or anything in pain.  As a child she had collected pets of every sort that she found which were injured or sick.  She had tended to plants and flowers that others had discarded, making them bloom to life again, grow to be stronger and more brilliant than before.  The animals though, she was able to do very little for but tend to them as any other would, with medicines and kindness.  She had never been able to understand why she could help the plants, why she seemed to be able to see inside them and mend them from the inside out.  She had loved to do it, though.  To tend to a garden that was devoid of life only to see it blossom in abundance after only a few days care.  It had been her one small joy as a child, and even that had been carefully taken from her.

You must not do this, Aelora.  Not ever again.

But mama, I love to make the flowers grow.  They need me.

I understand, honey, but for your safety, you must not continue.  You must forget that you can do this, Aelora.  Please, listen to me.  Never make the flowers grow again.

Aelora closed her eyes against the memory.  She had done as her mother had asked, and kept her promise, long after her mother had died and she had been taken to Centauri Prime to live.  Then, that fateful day had come when she had made the mistake of crossing into Shadow space…Since then, nothing had been the same.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Aelora reached out with trembling hands to touch Marcus’ stomach.  Gently, she moved her hands over his ribs, allowing her mind to open up, letting her hands become her eyes, as she broke the barrier of three dimensional sight until she saw Marcus as little more than a composite of cells and molecules.  It really was not much different than the cell structure of a plant, when it came right down to it.  Aelora saw where the problems were, the internal bleeding caused by the broken ribs, the punctured lung, and she quietly sent out instructions to the body of how to begin healing itself.

 When satisfied that Marcus would not die before help reached them, Aelora reluctantly pulled herself back from doing anymore.  Too many questions would be asked if she were to mend him completely, too many questions that she was afraid and unprepared to answer.  She had never done anything quite so complicated before and she had not realized how much it would take out of her physically.  The worst wound she had ever healed was one that Jeffrey Sinclair had inflicted on himself to make her show him what she could do.  He had been as adamant about knowing what the Shadows had done to her as she had been about not telling him.  Therefore, he had slit his arm open in front of her, forcing her to make a decision.  She remembered wanting to just let him stand there and bleed but her usual sympathy for those in pain and wounded took over.  She had healed the wound and had once more found herself being cautioned never to let anyone know of her secret.  For what seemed like the millionth time, Aelora found herself asking what good was this ability for if she could never use it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playing the scene over in her mind, Terann could not make sense of it.  Why had Neroon not killed Marcus?  He was human and she doubted Neroon would spare him simply because he may have a Minbari soul.  Running through the Zocalo, she found Lennier heading towards her.  "He is alive, but barely, you must hurry." she informed him.

Before heading in the direction that would lead him to Marcus, he grabbed Terann by the arm.  He felt her stiffen as she turned back to him.  "Where are you going?"

"To ensure Neroon does not follow through on his threat", she answered him, breaking free. 

Running all the way to the ceremony, she caught a glimpse of Neroon as he turned the corner, heading away from the gathering.  Entering the chamber, she was relieved to see everyone was all right, if only a bit shaken up.  Her thoughts suddenly returned to Marcus and she knew what she had to do.  Regardless of the cost, she had to know.

Entering the corridor, Terann took a deep breath and shut her eyes, allowing her mind to wander.   As her mind locked onto Neroon's, she could sense the conflict inside him.  With the knowledge of his whereabouts, she set out to confront him.  Passing, again through the Zocalo, she became oblivious to those around her.  If she thought about anything but locating Neroon, she would back down.  It is time...she reminded herself. 

Exiting the lift on brown 3, she began to detect Neroon much clearer.  Like many of the warrior caste, he had difficulty controlling the emotions that raged through him.  Stepping from the shadows, Terann could see the warrior several meters ahead of her.  He stopped, sensing her presence.  As he turned to face her she spoke, "I am curious as to why you did not kill the ranger."

She could tell he was taken aback by her directness.  He had tolerated more than enough from the two rangers that had confronted him and his patience for Terann was quickly diminishing.  She seemed so small but she stood confidently before him, her eyes not leaving his.  He dismissed her stance as simply blind arrogance of the religious caste.  "I would hardly expect you to understand.  You have lost sight of what you were born.  Your actions are clouded by religious dogma."

Not backing away, in fact, being driven by his statement, Terann responded.  "Perhaps you saw something of yourself in the ranger."  Ignoring the anger in his eyes, she continued.  "Or, perhaps, you saw some quality in the ranger which you are lacking."

This time he did not hold back and when he struck her she reeled backward but did not fall.  Reaching under her cloak she drew her denn'bok, and opened it.  A faint smile crossed Neroon's face.... Maybe there is a warrior in her after all.  As he lashed at her again she veered away at the last moment and her pike connected with his right temple.  He seemed surprised by the strength of the blow and thought that perhaps he had underestimated her.  A trickle of blood formed where she had struck him, "You show your courage now but where was it during the war.  You hid behind the Grey Council afraid to fight along side you caste," he accused.  "Yes Terann, I know how you chose to stay with the Council performing tasks below even a religious acolyte.  You will never be one of us!"

Driven more by a need to prove herself, than anger she attempted to strike again.  He moved so quickly that she did not see him pull a knife from under his cloak.  Feeling it drive into her abdomen she spun around and kicked it from his hand.  As the blood seeped from the wound, she looked at him refusing to acknowledge what he had just done.  "That is what they told you?"

He was surprised with her refusal to back down.  "Yes when I was inducted as Satai, I was told all the councils secrets, including the reason for the surrender," he stated smugly.

"You know as well as I the Grey Council never tells anyone the whole truth."  Why had he not been told everything?  Then suddenly she realized why--Sinclair.  The council was adamant that no one know that a human carried the soul of Valen.  They lied about her actions so her caste would reject her; to prevent her from getting close enough to tell them what she knew.  She knew they never fully trusted her, but she was shocked to discover the extent of their mistrust.  She continued, "Do you know what they did with the human prisoners taken during the war?"

"We did not take prisoners, Terann.  You would know that, had you remembered your place."

"That is what you were told," she stated with a self-righteous tone.  "There were several high-ranking humans brought in for interrogation.  I, along with a few religious caste telepaths, were ordered to scan them, for any shred of information." She could tell from his expression that he had been unaware of her ability.  He even stepped back slightly, obviously thinking that it would prevent her from entering his mind.  "I provided the warrior caste with fleet locations, the defensive capabilities of the earther's outposts and colonies and any other information that would aid you in slaughtering them.  It is easy to kill an unseen enemy.  Do you know what it is like to be in someone's mind...when their only thoughts are of their mate and children...being ordered to rip any information from their mind?  'They are only humans...they are going to die anyway.'  I was told.  How many did I kill from the inside out for some unnecessary tactical data?  So you see, Neroon, I have a unique perspective on your war."

He considered her for a moment.  "You lie."

Without hesitation, she lunged at him again.  Before she could strike him, he grabbed her pike and kicking her directly in her knife wound.  The pain was intolerable as she fell to the floor.  Taking the opportunity, he hit her several times with the denn'bok before she was able to get to her feet.  Neroon could see she was weakened by the loss of blood and looking at the pool on the floor, he was surprised she could still stand.  She had spirit; he would give her that.  A shame she will not live long enough to realize her potential, he thought preparing to attack her again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aelora followed the medics into Medlab, only stopping when one of the nurses held her back. 

“We need you to stay here, Miss”, he said in a kind but firm tone.

Aelora nodded and hung back, watching while the team worked frantically to help Marcus from his beating.  She held her fists clenched at her sides, wishing she had not been so helpless when it came to striking back at the Minbari warrior, Neroon.  If only Terann had left her alone, if only she had been able to get there sooner, if only Marcus had asked for her help…If only.  All this for Delenn.  Did she understand the sacrifices made in her name?  Did she even truly care?  After all, she was Minbari, and a more arrogant, conceited race Aelora had never met.  What should Delenn care that mere humans were willing to die for her?  Sometimes, Aelora found herself questioning the entire idea of the Rangers.  They seemed to powerful an army for one person to command.  For a moment, Aelora found herself understanding the reasoning behind Alyt Neroon’s threat, then she quickly forced the thought from her mind.  You are a Ranger, she chided herself.  Perhaps you should start acting like one.

“How is he?”

Aelora turned at the voice to see Ambassador Delenn move up beside her, with her aide, Lennier, following close behind.  Teachings embedded deeply in her mind caused Aelora to instantly bow to the woman before her.  “Entilzah”, she greeted.  “I have not heard yet.  I …I believe he will be all right”.

Delenn found herself studying the young woman before her.  So, this was Sinclair’s daughter.  His legacy was visible in her stance, the haunting quality of her eyes.  Yes, Aelora, like her father, harbored an old soul deep within her.  However, it was clouded by insecurity, confusion and restlessness.  The green orbs, which watched Delenn with unfailing scrutiny, were like windows into the girl’s mind.  What bothered Delenn the most though, was that what she saw appeared to be a time bomb about to go off.  “Marcus spoke of you to me, Aelora Sinclair.  He said that you were close”.

Aelora flinched at the use of her father’s name.  It was not something that she was used to and it seemed at once both foreign and cherished.  She considered how much Marcus must have told Delenn before replying, “Yes.  We were.  However, that was a while ago.  Things change”.

Delenn nodded.  “The one constant of the universe.  It is both sad and welcomed”.  She turned her attention back to the commotion on the other side of the glass.

Aelora watched the half-Minbari, half-human out of the corner of her eye.  It was strange to see the melding of the two races, a symbol that was almost certainly a slap in the face to the warrior caste that had fought so valiantly in the Earth/Minbari war.  No wonder the woman had so much trouble finding acceptance with her own race.  Aelora did note the concern that was on Delenn’s face as she watched the medic’s work to save Marcus.  It was nice to see that she truly did care for him.  Perhaps, in some way, she did understand the sacrifices made.  Aelora allowed her mind to be at ease for the moment, to concentrate on wishing Marcus toward a complete recovery.

That was when the image intruded into her mind.  She saw the Minbari warrior, Alyt Neroon, before her, driving a knife into her stomach.  She felt the sharp pain stab through her mind, her hands immediately closing over the wound.  Yet there was no wound there, only a burning pain that slowly began to recede.  A hundred explanations flew through her mind to make sense of what had just happened to her when she suddenly heard Terann’s voice “There is no time….Child of Valen….You must find your way here”.    Aelora could not have explained it if she wanted to, but she somehow knew instantly that Terann was in grave danger.

Delenn noticed the moment that Aelora had suddenly clutched her midsection.  She had looked to the girl’s face to see her complexion pale considerably.  “Aelora?  Are you all right?”

Aelora turned wide, confused eyes toward her.  “I…Watch Marcus.  I need to go”.  With that said, Aelora turned and hurried out of Medlab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Terann, a debate raged.  If she let this continue she would die...if she did what she was planning, she may end up suffering almost as badly.  She had no choice.  She noticed Neroon flinch, obviously preparing to strike again.   Summoning all her strength, she looked at the warrior and pushed him, with her mind, until he was backed up against a wall.  It was apparent, from his expression that he was not prepared for an attack of this nature.  She could feel him struggle but she refused to release him.  As she moved toward him, she could sense his anger swell.  Focus she told herself, trying to overcome the excruciating pain she was feeling.  Once within inches of him she removed her bloodied gloves.  Placing her left hand on his cheek, she looked deep into his eyes.  As there minds linked she let him see everything...images from the war...things she had buried deep within her mind...things she never wanted to remember.  She held back only that which she had to keep buried.  After several moments, Terann began to feel the strain she was placing on his mind and she severed the connection between them.  She would gain nothing by killing him. 

Neroon was obviously distressed by the experience.  Trying to regulate his breathing he was only able to mutter, "I don't understand."

Looking at him, she told him, "Understanding is a three edged sword."  She then turned to leave.

Once certain that Neroon was not following her, Terann allowed herself to succumb to the pain.  Collapsing on the floor, she only then realized the extent of her injuries.  Aside from the obvious stab wound, she had countless broken bones.  She reassured herself by thinking she had proven her point.  She doubted, however that Neroon would share his knowledge with Shai Alyt Shakiri.  In a little while it would not matter if he did or not.  She cursed under her breath, and willed herself to stand.  If she were to die, she would face it like a warrior.  Her legs, however, no longer had the strength to hold her.  This time instead of crumpling on the floor, she felt someone catch her.  Looking up she half-expected Neroon to be smugly staring down at her.  She was shocked to realize it was Aelora.  The ranger gently eased her back to the floor. 

"I will get you to Medlab," Aelora said preparing to lift the injured Minbari.

Grabbing Aelora's arm Terann said firmly, "No!"

"Look, I have had enough of your warrior pride.  I am not going to leave you here to die."

"It is not pride, Aelora”, she managed to say.

"Then why?"  Aelora inquired.

Terann lifted a bloodied hand and held it out to Aelora.  "They must never know."  She could see the ranger did not understand, but Terann no longer had the strength to speak.  You must stay awake she scolded herself.  If she were to lose consciousness Aelora would surely take her to Medlab.  That must never happen.

"Damn you, why can't you ever make sense."  Aelora looked over the Minbari and saw the severity of her injuries.  In Valen's name how could she still be alive?  Aelora considered her choices carefully.  She had never trusted the warrior caste, but somehow Terann seemed different.  She could see the last of the color drain from the Minbari and she made her decision.  There was so much blood it was difficult to see where the knife had gone in.  Running her hand over Terann's stomach, her breath caught in her throat.  Focusing on the task at hand, she began to see at the molecular level.  The wound was deep and she was uncertain if she could help the Minbari's body to heal.  As she began to instruct cells to heal and regenerate, she sensed something odd.  During her training as a ranger, she had been taught human and Minbari physiology.  As basic as the lessons had been, at this level she easily detected the microscopic discrepancies.  Becoming more determined, Aelora told herself that if Terann died she would never understand her. 

After a few short minutes, Terann became more coherent.  "That's enough!"  She said, more harshly than she intended.  Seeing the hurt on the rangers face she added, "Thank you."

Aelora stopped and allowed the warrior to stand.  Terann again began to collapse and Aelora attempted to stop her fall.  "You need medical attention." Aelora protested.

"You have done more than was necessary, ranger.  Now leave it alone." No one must know she reminded herself, breaking away from the ranger.     

Aelora watched as Terann stumbled away, still swaying unsteadily on her feet.  For a moment, she wanted to see her fall down so she could laugh at her.  Then her kinder nature took over and she jumped up and hurried after the Minbari.  Despite Terann’s protests, she looped her arm around her waist and helped her along the corridor.

“Stop your fussing”, Aelora admonished her when Terann once more tried to pull away.  “I won’t take you to Medlab if you don’t want to go but I will help you to your quarters.  No matter how indestructible you seem to think you are, I doubt that you’ll make it back there on your own.  And I also doubt that whoever finds you along the way will pay much attention to your protestations”.

Terann fell silent, grudgingly accepting the Ranger’s help.  She hated appearing weak to a human, but Aelora appeared not to notice, nor did she ask any prying questions.  That was when Terann began to realize that her knife wound appeared to have ceased bleeding and was no longer quite as painful.  She cast a sideways glance, reconsidering the woman beside her.  Perhaps she was not the only one with secrets to hide.

When they reached her quarters, Aelora helped the Minbari over to her bed where she laid back to rest.  She glanced around, wanting to offer something more but instinctually knew that the warrior would not accept it.  She considered trying to heal her wounds further but was uncertain of her capabilities.  Could she mend bone as well as flesh?  She did not know the answer, nor was she too willing to find out.  She had all ready compromised herself enough with the help she had given both Terann and Marcus.  She only hoped that Terann had been injured enough not to have noticed what Aelora had done.

“You will be okay?”  Aelora asked finally, breaking the ensuing silence.

For a moment, she had thought the Minbari had fallen asleep but then Terann nodded, her eyes still closed.  “Yes.  I shall be fine, Aelora. Leave me now…please”.

Aelora nodded, still feeling somewhat helpless.  “Very well”.  She turned to leave then, on a sudden impulse of trust she had not felt in a long while, she turned back.  “If you should need anything…”

Terann opened her eyes briefly to look at the human.  She was not ready to trust one of their kind so completely yet but she did understand that Aelora’s concern was genuine.  “I will let you know”.

Well, that was a start, Aelora thought.  She flashed a quick smile at the warrior then disappeared out the door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Ashlen was wandering through the station late in the night, considering her options of how best to proceed with her mission.  It was obvious she had run into an unforeseeable roadblock in the form of the Minbari telepath.  She could not understand what connection the Minbari had with the Ranger though.  Why was she so intent on protecting Aelora Campbell?  And how could Ashlen get the Minbari out of the way without causing an interstellar incident?

            There was always the option of framing her for some station crime.  If Ashlen could put enough doubt in Garibaldi’s mind regarding the Minbari, then turn around and make up some crime that pointed to the telepath, she might be able to achieve getting her shipped off the station and back to Minbar.  At the least, she could have her locked up for awhile.  Either way, she would no longer be a factor in the mission.  Ashlen just wished she could figure out what the Minbari had to gain from protecting the girl.  Then again, if Bester had seen fit to tell her all that she needed to know about this Aelora Campbell, maybe her questions would all be answered and the entire mission would be much easier.  Perhaps there was some sort of bargaining chip she could use with the Minbari.  If only she knew what the Minbari wanted.

            She entered the lift at Red 5, informing it to take her to Level 8, when she glanced to her left and noticed who shared the transport with her.  Aelora Campbell.  And the Minbari was no where in sight.  Ashlen hid a smile.  This was all too easy.  At first, she reached out and performed a low-level surface scan, not surprised when she was unable to detect anything.  Well, if Bester was interested in her enough to send his own protégé after her, then she had to be something of value.  It was only to be expected that she could block low-level scans without trying.  Therefore, Ashlen attempted to dig a little deeper, nothing that the girl would be able to detect but still enough to get through the barriers.

            Still, nothing.

            Ashlen took a calming breath, determined not to let this little set back get to her.  Obviously, she was purposely being blocked.  She glanced over at Aelora, noting that the Ranger was watching her with obvious suspicion.  Had the Minbari warned her of who she was?  Damn, they were almost at Red 8.  So much for being surreptitious. 

            “Computer”, Ashlen called out.  “Emergency stop”.

            Aelora reacted with lightning speed, reaching for her denn’bok the moment Ashlen had ordered the stop but by then the Psi Cop had already reached out to scan her, probing past the low level barriers.  Aelora froze in shocked inexpectancy.   She had never been scanned before and was unprepared for the strangeness of the feeling of invasion.  Her eyes widened imperceptibly as she felt the telepath probe deeper, reaching past a wall that Aelora had not known was there, reaching toward something dark and hidden.

            Ashlen’s eyes narrowed as her search took her deeper.  She should have been able to see something by now, should have been able…Wait!  There was something there, something that seemed to mock at her in challenge.  Very well, Ashlen thought, if that is the way you want to play it.  Expecting that Aelora Campbell was simply a strong Teep, Ashlen focused on her with every ounce of strength in her power, pushing past the cold, dark wall that had appeared before her, unsuspecting of the cause behind it.  The moment it broke, a high-pitched, wailing scream such as Ashlen had never before experienced, echoed through her mind.  In reflex, she covered her ears, finding herself screaming at the pain it caused, at the terror it seemed to invoke to her very soul.  She barely noticed that Aelora appeared to be affected by piercing wail as well, crouched in much the same position as if she could somehow block out a sound that was coming from within.

 

 

            Terann woke up screaming out from the pain that was reverberating through her mind.  Even as she reflexively covered her ears from the sound that came from everywhere and nowhere, she knew the source.  She had been born with almost an innate understanding of the sound and it’s source, an inborn hatred and natural inclination to protect.  It was the signature sound of Shadows, a scream that one felt through to their very soul, a sound that invoked thoughts of darkness and terror.  As the scream slowly died out, Terann found herself wondering from where it had come, and why.

 

 

            Aelora carefully straightened up, her mind still ringing from the indescribable sound.  She was left with images, thoughts and an understanding that she had never known was there.  It was all clear to her now.  She fully understood why she could suddenly perform the miracles she had never been able to perform before.  In some dark, untouched part of her mind, it was almost laughable.  Almost.  The more enlightened areas of Aelora’s mind railed against what she had been shown, refused to accept the truth that had been made known to her by the telepath’s deep scan.  She watched the Psi Cop as she recovered from the mind-numbing scream.  Watched her with a hatred she had never in her life felt for another.

            “Are you happy now?”  Aelora spoke softly, not ready for anything above a whisper to enter her ears.  Her tone spoke of her anger though, anger that was barely held in check.  “Is that what you were looking for?”

            Ashlen was not certain what it was she had been looking for, but she certainly knew what she had not expected to find.  Just what had Bester gotten her into anyway?  And why was she given no warning?  Unless, Bester himself did not know.  Perhaps, there were only suspicions where Aelora Campbell was concerned, and that was why she had been told to do nothing more than to find her.  Ashlen found herself regretting the scan, wishing that she had simply reported to Bester that she had located the target and let him go from there.  She did not understand what she had just encountered, did not understand what the sound had been or where it had come from.  If anything, she was more confused about Aelora than ever before.

            “Just what the hell are you?”  Ashlen asked, her hand on her PPG just in case the Ranger tried anything.

Aelora’s frown darkened.  “I am…what they made me”.

“Who are they?”  Ashlen asked just as the voice in the back of her mind warned her to let the subject drop.  More times than not, she found herself asking why she never listened to that voice more often.

Aelora took a step toward Ashlen, holding her gaze.  “You’re the Psi Cop”, she replied with a sneer.  “Scan me and find out”.

It was as good a form of insurance as any, and both of them knew it.  Ashlen, unsure of whether or not she would encounter that horrible wail again, would not attempt another scan, not until she knew a little more about it or how to get around it.  Aelora knew she had the protection she needed, at least for the time being.  She herself did not know if the sound had been simply an alarm, a means of protection or something else.  However, she did know that neither of them was too eager now to look for answers.

“Computer, resume”, Aelora ordered, stepping back from the telepath but never once letting go of her gaze.  When the left finally stopped, and the doors opened, Aelora looked away.  “I believe this is your stop”.

Ashlen continued to watch the Ranger, knowing that in all her life she hoped never to experience a sound like that again.  She wanted to do something about it, she wanted answers and she wanted this whole mission to be over with.  Perhaps it was time to talk to Bester.  Perhaps it was time to find out just what exactly she was doing here.  She turned to leave when Aelora spoke:

“Don’t attempt that again, do you understand?”

Ashlen glanced back at her.  They each had a lot to lose.  Aelora could simply go to Garibaldi and break her cover and Ashlen could bring the entire Psi Corps in here to clean house.  The entire situation had become very volatile.  No doubt, Bester would ream her up one side and down the other for breaking her cover to the target.  She was walking on shaky ground and it was time to clear up some of her mistakes.

“Look, what just happened, that was a mistake”, Ashlen explained, gauging Aelora’s reactions as she spoke.  It was time to test the Ranger’s abilities because for some reason Ashlen could not explain, she did not believe that she knew how to use her telepathic skills.  “I’m not here for you”, she lied.  “It’s much bigger than that”, which was not completely a lie if she went by what Bester had said.  “I was simply trying to scan you to see what you knew.  Obviously, you know nothing”.  This again was not much of a lie.  Even if Aelora did know something, all Ashlen had gotten out of it was a ringing headache.  “Look, I’ll stay out of your business if you stay out of mine”.

Aelora could tell she was lying.  Terann would not have warned her unless the Cop had not been specifically looking for her.  If she agreed though, it would give her more time to watch the Cop, and all she needed was enough time to have a personal meeting with Delenn.  Then she could leave, and Psi Corps would not be able to touch her. 

“Very well”, Aelora nodded.  “I’ll keep your secret…for now.  But if I see a need to let them know, I will do so”.

Ashlen smiled.  “And if I see a need to call in the Bloodhounds, I will do so”.

Aelora waited until the lift doors closed then collapsed against the wall behind her.  Great Maker!  What was happening to her?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terann woke early, unable to rest after the strange occurrence in the night.  She was unable to figure out what had caused it.  It was too real to be a dream or a side effect of the large amount of blood she lost.  Were the Shadows, or one of their agents here?  It was a possibility she had to consider.  Given the severity of the situation, Terann knew she would not be able to return to Minbar as she had planned.  She understood that she could lose everything she may have gained the previous night with Neroon, but then some must be sacrificed if all are to survive. 

As she prepared to dress, she studied her stomach.  There was a noticeable mark where Neroon had stabbed her but it looked strange.  She had expected it to still be bleeding though it was not and surprisingly it hurt very little.  It looked as if somehow it had healed.  Terann remembered very little of what happened after she opened her mind to Neroon.  Using her telekinetic ability combined with her injuries could have clouded her memory, but something deep in the recesses of her mind urged her not to dismiss this so easily. 

After dressing, Terann meditated in an attempt to make sense of everything.  After only a few moments, her door chimed.  The interruption angered her and standing up she shouted, "Come!"

The door slid open and she felt herself stiffen at the sight of her visitor.  Stepping across the threshold, Neroon eyed her with curiosity.  "I am surprised to see you looking so...well" 

 Noting the arrogance in his voice, she responded, "Yes Neroon, I am fine"

"I expected to find you still in Medlab."

Looking away she muttered, "I.... I did not go to Medlab"

A look of confusion crossed his face.  "Why?"

"It is a long story.  One I do not wish to go into now."

"Why is it you always seem to be hiding something?  I sensed you holding back when you showed me your thoughts..."

Interrupting Terann spoke, "We all have secrets, Neroon."

"Yes, but you seem to carry more than your share."

"That is the way it must be." 

He could tell from her tone that she was desperate to change the subject.  He decided not to push her.  "I am returning to Minbar..." he paused.  "I wanted to know if you were ready to come home."

She turned to face him, looking into his dark eyes.  This was what she had longed for and now that the opportunity was here, she hated to reject it.  Taking a deep breath, she replied.  "No, it is not time."

His look hardened.  "You plan to join Delenn in her crusade," he accused.

Not backing down, she replied, "Yes."

"You would once again refuse to follow your caste."

She could feel his anger resurface.  Not suppressing her annoyance at his accusation she replied, "I am Minbari, a fact that takes precedence over the wishes of my caste.  We have an obligation to Valen to fight in this war, but instead, you would send shipbuilders and priests to do what you have been trained for."

He considered her words for a moment.  There was some validity behind them, but his loyalty to his caste ran deep.  No, he was not prepared to betray them. His eyes warmed slightly.  “Though I do not agree with your decision, Terann, I do understand your reasoning behind it.  I hope, in turn, that you understand what you risk by following with this choice.  I have offered for you to come back with me, to…take some steps toward reclaiming your rightful spot within your caste.  By staying here and helping Delenn, against the dictate of the warrior caste, you threaten to destroy the chance I am offering you”.

Terann lifted her chin higher, in more of a gesture of strength than defiance.  She wanted Neroon to know that she was not doing this to create dissension within her caste but because she felt she had to follow what her heart told her.  “I understand.  And I fully accept the consequences of my actions”.  Here, she paused, hoping that she could somehow make Neroon understand that she truly did want to return with him, that she wanted to take those steps needed to rejoin her caste.  It just was not the right time yet.  “Perhaps, someday, Alyt Neroon, you will see fit to offer this chance to me again…”

Turning to leave, Neroon inclined his head slightly to her...a sign of respect.  Suppressing a smile Terann thought it is a beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ashlen paced before her com-panel, waiting with growing impatience for the call she had put into Psi Corps headquarters to be returned to her.  As usual, Bester had been unreachable but after she had yelled and threatened enough, they had promised to put in a message to him to contact her.  Now, she waited. 

When finally the call came through, Ashlen had all ready drank six cups of coffee and eaten two chocolate bars.  She was more than a little agitated when Bester’s face appeared on the screen.

“I told you not to contact me”, he chided the moment the transmission connected.

“It’s scrambled”, Ashlen explained hastily.  “Just what in the hell is going on here, Bester?”

He smiled in his infuriating way.  “Why Ashlen, you appear upset over something”.

“Stop it, Bester.  Just stop it”.  Ashlen began pacing before the com-panel once more.  “You sent me into this thing blind and now I am so confused I don’t know what the hell I’m doing!  Just who is this Aelora Campbell and what can she do?”

Bester’s eyes narrowed.  “I instructed you to stay away from her until I told you otherwise.  Did you follow my orders, Ashlen?”

She looked away from the screen, frowning. 

“Did you scan her after I specifically told you not to?”

Ashlen sighed, looking back toward Bester.  “Yeah…okay, look.  Sure, I attempted to scan her.  What else did you expect me to do?  I wanted to know if I was wasting my time here or what.  You certainly hadn’t told me anything”.

Bester was silent for a moment while he regarded her.  Finally, he asked in a calm, pleasant voice, “And what did you find?”

“Nothing”, Ashlen replied, her tone expressing the confusion she was feeling.  “Well, nothing but a big, loud scream that almost caused blood to come out my ears.  Is that what you were looking for?”

The Psi Cop leaned back in his seat, folding his hands before him.  He smiled at her once more, as if nothing she said surprised him, as if they were talking about nothing more than the pleasant weather in California.  “Sit down, Ashlen”, he instructed.  “I have some information for you…”