END OF THE LINE

PART 1

DISCLAIMER: ALL CHARACTERS ARE PROPERTY OF JMS AND BABYLONIAN PRODUCTIONS.

" Careful now! There are people on this space station who need those meds! " Stephen exclaimed in a worried tone. He hardly ever had the time to oversee the unloading of this precious cargo, but recent discoveries had urged him to take drastic measures.

For some time now, over a year actually, certain meds seemed to disappear into nothingness. Had they been recreational drugs, he would have understood, but who'd want to steal sleepers and Marloxon?

" Why sleepers? " Franklin whispered softly, making sure they couldn't hear him. No one would take them voluntarily, except for the few registered telepaths who received their weekly dose from him. Mystified, Stephen checked the cargo manifest again. 10 ampoules filled with sleepers were missing and also one package of Marloxon, which regulated neural hyperactivity towards a more normal level. " It has to be a telepath, that much is sure. Or somebody who wants to control one."

" Doctor Franklin? "

One of the nurses was looking at him. They couldn't proceed without his permission. Franklin was torn between addressing the issue and starting his own private investigation. Maybe he should contact Garibaldi about it. The Chief would be a great help. " You can unload the rest of the cargo and transport it to med lab, " Stephen told her, wondering if Nurse Baxter had something to do with the disappearance of the meds. " One moment, " he said, calling her back. "When will the next shipment arrive? "

" Next month, " she replied, looking uncomfortably at the doctor.

** Is she hiding something? ** Franklin wondered, seeing the discomfort on her face. It definitely looked like she was in a hurry to leave. ** Perhaps she has an appointment with the person who's paying her to steal these meds? **

Stephen realized that he couldn't prove anything right now. He had to catch her while stealing them. Nurse Baxter walked towards the exit and Franklin knew he had to be more careful next time. He would have to be here much earlier and had to plan everything precisely. These stolen meds caused severe damage when abused. It was his responsibility to catch the thief and the dealer.

" Did you manage to get them? "

Nurse Baxter looked the man in the eyes and saw the panic in them. Franklin had kept her in med lab working extra time and she had been late for their appointment. " Yes, I have them, but I think Franklin's starting to get suspicious. I'm not sure I can pull this off next month. "

" You have to! " the man’s voice was strained. " You know I depend on them! "

" I'll see what I can do. I can't make any promises though, “ she warned him.

" They can't find out, " he sighed in fearful apprehension.

" I'll do the best I can, " she promised and couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

ONE MONTH LATER

This time, Stephen was ready to act at once should the thief show up. He was hiding behind some boxes and had a perfect view of the entrance and exit of the area. In the end he had decided against calling in Garibaldi to help him. This was his problem and he was going to solve this riddle himself. Then he was going to hand the thief over to Security.

The med team, which had to check the cargo, wasn't due for another 30 minutes. It was the perfect opportunity for the thief to make a move. A sound to his right caught his attention and Stephen held his breath in anticipation. ** I still think it's nurse Baxter, ** he told himself privately. He had been watching her, and although he hadn't found any proof of her involvement in the theft, he was determined to keep an eye on her.

Once more concentrating on the sound, his eyes caught some movement as well. ** Bull's eye! ** he thought as he recognized nurse Baxter's face. ** But why is she stealing sleepers? ** Franklin mused and wasn't sure what to do next. If he allowed her steal the sleepers she might disappear and he would lose the little evidence he had against her. But by letting her leave he might learn more about her reasons for doing this.

His decision was taken from him as one of the boxes started to shift to the left. It landed with a crash on the metal floor. Stephen tried to hide, but she had seen him. He realized that he had to act now.

" Nurse Baxter," he said while stepping into the light. Her face turned pale and he saw the disbelief in her eyes. " Why are you stealing sleepers and Marloxon? "

She was about to deny it, but the ampoules and the package slipped from her pocket.

" And tell me the truth. I'm not interested in lies, " Stephen quickly bent down and gathered the meds in his hands. She was hesitant to tell him anything, so he pushed harder. " I'm sure Mr. Garibaldi has ways to make you tell the truth. Stealing meds is an offense of Earthforce regulations. As a nurse, you should know better! " Franklin saw the nervous twitch near her eyes and waited patiently.

" He needs them, sir, " she said eventually while keeping her eyes focused on the floor, unwilling to meet his glare.

" He? " Stephen asked. So she was stealing them for someone else. " Are you selling them? You know what sleepers can do to normals and telepaths… and Marloxon can create havoc in a person's brain when not administered properly, " he admonished her.

" I'm not selling them, Doctor Franklin! " she stated and looked him in the eyes.

" Then tell me more about this person who needs them! " Franklin was losing his patience.

" I can't do that, doctor."

Her expression became defiant and Franklin clenched his hand into a fist in frustration. " I have to call Security now. You must realize that, " he warned her.

" I'm aware of that, sir, " she replied. She straightened out her uniform and listened carefully as he contacted the Chief on his link.

Franklin was slightly surprised to find that she was glaring at him with fury in her eyes. " What? " he demanded to know.

" You have no idea what you're doing, sir. You just sentenced someone to death, " she said in a strangled tone.

" Tell me who it is and I'll help them. " Stephen said, trying once more to lure her into talking.

" Sorry sir, can't do that. "

" Then you're guilty of causing his death as well, " he pointed out to her.

" I tried to keep him alive, unlike you, doctor, " she said. Crossing her arms in front of her chest she waited for Garibaldi to arrive and arrest her.

Stephen felt restless and had started to pace his office half an hour ago. Michael had taken nurse Baxter into custody and had promised to contact him should she start talking. But Franklin knew she would keep quiet.

" Who on this space station needs sleepers and Marloxon so badly that they're paying a nurse to steal them? Why not ask me for a prescription? There are some rogues in Down Below, but they don't have that amount of money. " He felt strangely trapped and wished that damned box hadn't fallen onto the floor. Then he could have followed her to discover the buyer's identity.

" Damn! " Stephen marched out of his office. There was little he could do and he decided to head to the free clinic in Down Below, hoping that he would find a lead there.

" Somebody on this station needs those sleepers and Marloxon and he will try to get his hands on them, " he realized.

Contacting Station House, he asked a guard to keep an eye on med lab and especially the room where he kept his meds. Franklin only hoped that he could locate the person in need of those meds in time. Nurse Baxter's remark haunted him. Had he really sentenced someone to death?

Pacing the corridor, Marcus waited anxiously for nurse Baxter to arrive. She had been late before, but this time his instincts told him something had gone wrong. Last time she had managed to provide him with the meds, but she had also expressed her concern of getting caught.

Footfalls told the ranger someone was approaching the corridor, but they were too heavy to be nurse Baxter's. Quickly he hid in the dark shadows and watched the two Narns pass by. It was time to face the truth. Nurse Baxter wasn't coming. He could try to get the meds through other contacts, but that would take time and that was the one thing he didn’t have. Even if another source could provide him with the sleepers and Marloxon, they would arrive too late.

** Damn, ** he cursed, ** Why didn’t I take other precautions as well? Well, Delenn kept me awfully busy lately and nurse Baxter always came through! **

Marcus failed in fighting down a wave of panic. For over a year now, he had been able to hide his secret because nurse Baxter had helped him. Now, they were going to find out. And when they did... He couldn't live with the thought of his friends knowing the horrible truth about him.

** I'm not going to med lab. I don't want Stephen to know about my condition. I'd rather die than tell him what I am... what I have become. **

Slowly he made his way back to his quarters, wondering how long it would take for the last remnants of the sleepers and Marloxon to wear off. Shivering, he stepped into his room and settled down in one of the chairs waiting for the inevitable to arrive.

The ranger knew what to expect; he had been through this ordeal once before and had barely managed to come out of it alive. First he was going to develop a fever, and then his sensitivity would be heightened. Eventually the hallucinations would cause him to lose all sense of reality, and one way or the other, he would die.

** At least the deterioration process won't last longer than two days and Delenn gave me three days off. I'll be dead when they find me. **

Marcus' fingers slid into one of his pockets and he fumbled the small picture of Susan Ivanova. It had been taken during a party at Erhart's. He had paid one of the officers to take a picture of the Commander and ever since that day, 6 months ago, he had carried it with him, close to his heart.

His one regret in life was that she would never know he loved her. But he had known right from the start that his love for her was doomed. They would never work out. Especially not once she would learn that he was a telepath.

" I'm sorry, Susan. I hope you'll find someone you can love once I'm gone. I never had a chance to begin with, " he sighed. Staring at his fingertips he caught the slight tremor, which caused his hands to shake violently. It had started.

END OF THE LINE

PART 2

His vision blurred, Marcus failed in properly assessing the correct distance to the kitchen counter and he accidentally bumped into it. A sharp pain moved through his throat, caused by thirst and severe dehydration. Anything would do at this point, even plain water. It had never seemed more precious to him.

The fever was still getting worse. His hands shook that badly that he knocked over the glass he had managed to fill.

“ Bugger, “ he cursed as the water dripped onto the floor, which seemed to change into liquid itself. Falling to his knees, he clawed at the wall for support. Suddenly all colors brightened immensely, till only a fiery red remained. Staring at his hands he only saw a vague red shape.

** I’m getting worse, ** he realized in dread and thought back to the first time he had been forced to go through this ordeal. Marcus cringed, as his head appeared to explode. Numerous harsh voices from people living on the station penetrated his mind. They were far too brutal to block and they crashed into his head without warning. If only he had some Marloxon. It would take the edge off the pain!

Clenching his hands into fists, he pushed them into his temples, trying to crush his skull in a desperate attempt to get rid of the voices screaming inside his brain. Huddling in a corner he tried to hang on to the last remaining bit of sanity.

Droplets of blood were sliding down his face. ** Oh, God, ** he managed to think, ** Please make it stop! It has never been this bad before! ** The last time this had happened he had succeeded in obtaining the meds before things had gotten this bad. But not this time!

Banging his head against the wall he hugged himself tightly, pulling his knees up so he could rest his head on them. ** I can’t take much more! ** he cried out in anguish as another invasion of his mind made him flinch. ** How much longer? ** he wondered in despair.

C&C

“ Commander? “ Lennier bowed slightly as he addressed Ivanova.

“ Yes? “ she replied formally, only briefly looking up from her workstation.

“ I need your assistance, “ the young Minbari started. “ I tried contacting Marcus but…I can not locate him and I wondered if you…”

“ Computer, locate ranger Cole,” Susan said and waited impatiently for a reply.

“ Ranger Cole is in his quarters. “

“ He is not! “ Lennier insisted and shook his head in dismay. “ Or he is ignoring me on purpose and why would he do that? “

Ivanova considered the strange situation. She could send in a security team or she could go and investigate the matter herself. C&C was rather quiet and she was bored. “ I’ll stop by his quarters, “ the Commander promised him. “ My shift ends in 5 minutes and I’ll tell him to contact you.”

Lennier gave her a surprised look. He never expected Ivanova’s offer to check on the ranger herself. Most of the time she avoided Marcus’ presence. “ Thank you, Commander, ” he said, and for some elusive reason felt worried for his friend.

“ Cole? I know you’re in there! Answer me! “ Ivanova was irritated by the silence that answered her as she repeatedly pressed the door chime. Just to make sure she wasn’t making a fool of herself she asked the computer to confirm the ranger’s whereabouts. Its answer remained unchanged. Marcus Cole was in his quarters.

** What if something happened to him and now he can’t answer the door or call med lab? ** Where had that thought come from? Was she worried for him? Not giving herself any time to explore that thought more thoroughly she decided she had to check on him. After all he was the station ranger and this was -- her -- station! ** What if he’s unconscious? And why the hell am I worried? **

She had to admit that Marcus had become part of their little family during this last year, something she hadn’t realized before.

“ Marcus, I’m going to use my override ability if you don’t open the door! ** she warned him, not really expecting an answer from the ranger. “ All right, then we’ll do it my way! “ she decided and contacted Station House. She stepped inside the moment the door finally opened.

Marcus was drifting on alien thoughts, which continued to sweep through his head. Where did he start and the others end? He didn’t know any longer, as they became part of him.

The invasion of foreign voices weakened momentarily, but was quickly replaced by one awfully familiar mind. Susan had to be near. Perhaps she was passing by his quarters and that was the reason why he was suddenly picking up her signature that clearly.

Her mind, her thoughts became his anchor in the storm of mind voices, which still echoed in his head. Keeping his eyes tightly shut he tried to wipe away the tears of blood marking his face, but he was incapable of carrying out that simple motion.

** Susan, ** he thought in agony, ** you’ll never know… never know how much I loved you. **

His thoughts hit her unprepared and with such a force that she rocked on her feet.

“ Marcus? “ she whispered in disbelief, indignation audible in her voice. What the hell was he doing in her head and more importantly, how had he gotten into her mind?!

The answer was obvious, but she didn’t want to accept it. He had to be a telepath to intrude on her thoughts like this! ** Marcus, a teep? ** She shook her head in denial.

She quickly walked over to him and her breath caught seeing the blood on his face. Warmth emanated from the ranger and it carefully folded itself around her mind. She couldn’t deny the truth any longer. He was a telepath!

< So beautiful, and yet she’s in pain. >

“ Marcus! “ she exclaimed and his thoughts tumbled into her mind again. Susan tried holding on to her anger. He had no business being in her head! But that anger was disappearing quickly as she admitted to herself that he probably wasn’t doing this on purpose.

< She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. The fire in her... I want it so badly! >

Thunderstruck, Susan froze and stared at him, suddenly recognizing the warmth flowing towards her. ** He loves me! ** That revelation stunned her. She never knew… never wanted to know. “ Marcus? “ she whispered again, this time in a much softer tone. His face was hidden beneath his long hair and his fists were beating on the floor in a mad rhythm.

He forcefully banged his head against the wall and she was beside him in a second. “ Don’t do that, Marcus! “ she told him. There was blood on the wall and she saw a red shine on his hair. Instinctively she gripped his hands and pulled him away from the wall. She flinched as they made bodily contact. She was inside his mind, and his mind was nothing but obscure darkness. Startled, she released his hands and tapped her link. Although she didn’t know what was wrong him, she realized she had to call in Stephen. Marcus needed medical attention badly.

“ Ivanova to Franklin, “ she said while keeping an eye on Marcus who was mumbling something unintelligible. How the hell had he managed to keep this a secret?

“ Franklin here. “

“ Stephen? It’s Marcus. Something is wrong with him. I suggest you come down here ASAP.” She placed her right hand on his shoulder, feeling him shake uncontrollably. The ranger didn’t react though.

“ I’m on my way! Franklin out! “

Comforted by the idea that help was on its way she sat down next to Marcus. He was still moving though her mind; Susan sensed his presence. She was just in time to prevent him from banging his head against the wall once more. Deep inside her mind she felt his pain.

“ Marcus? Stephen is on his way. He’ll help you. I’ll stay with you till he gets here. Talk to me! “ She considered shaking him, but decided against it. In his current state such an action could cause even more damage.

< Susan… such a sweet delusion. My lovely angel of death…>

His mind voice trembled and she curled her fingers around his. < You can’t give up, Marcus. Fight damnit! > Startled, she realized she had answered him in his mind. Where had her abhorrence gone? She loathed telepaths, having them in her mind and she should feel betrayed by Marcus, but she didn’t. But she was curious to learn why he had hidden this secret from them. He knew they needed telepaths to fight the Shadows, so why hide?

< If only you knew… but I never got the chance to tell you… and now it’s too late…>

This was the second time she heard his confession and something inside her snapped being this close to him. She knew he was telling the truth. He wasn’t capable of lying the way he was now. ** I always knew, ** she realized, but refrained from speaking those words aloud.

His pain became hers as hundreds of thoughts were catapulted into her mind. “ Damn

you! ” she breathed as she tried to fight off the wave of screams inside her brain and she realized he had no control at all over his mind. Not sure why she was reacting this emotionally she wrapped an arm around his frail shape.

** I never knew the angel of death would bear her face, ** he chuckled mentally. Hysteria had gotten hold of him as he drowned beneath the impact of all these alien thoughts. < Blue eyes, which are made of ice, > he thought and shivered as death pulled him closer. He surrendered, no longer possessing the strength to fight eternity. < Good-bye, my love. >

“ No, Marcus! “ Susan screamed at him in frustration and shook him roughly. “ Fight damnit! “

“ Susan? What the hell’s going on? “ Stephen hurried to her side and looked at both of them. The moment he touched Marcus’ brow he was taken aback as something frightening slipped into his mind. It took him a moment to realize it were Marcus’ chaotic thoughts.

“ It’s you,” Franklin whispered. “ You need the sleepers and Marloxon!”

END OF THE LINE

PART 3

“ We need to take him to med lab -- now --! “ Stephen said resolved. Franklin found it hard to concentrate properly on doing his job now that Marcus’ thoughts were swirling in his mind. Tapping his link he ordered his team to meet him halfway. He had to get the ranger to med lab as quickly as possible or Marcus might die on him.

“ Do something, Stephen! I feel him slipping away.” Susan said, urging the doctor on. Marcus’ eyes had closed and his breathing was turning shallow. She retreated from the ranger’s mind, fearing the darkness that was taking over.

Thankfully the intruding thoughts were growing weaker and Stephen sighed in relief. Gesturing Susan to help him they managed to get Marcus to his feet. After wiping the blood from the ranger’s face Franklin quickly checked his friend’s pulse. Together they dragged him into the corridor, which was empty.

Concerned, Susan peeked at the ranger who had stopped casting. He had gone completely quiet and that fact worried her even more. “ Did you know he was a telepath, Stephen? “ she asked, remembering the doctor’s earlier remark.

Franklin tightened the grip he had on Marcus and shook his head. “ I only knew someone was stealing sleepers and that this person might be a telepath. I had no idea it was Marcus. Why didn’t he confide in us? He must have known I would have helped him! “ Franklin sighed as his team finally arrived. They placed the now unconscious ranger on a gurney and quickly wheeled him to med lab.

Susan knew she had to contact Sheridan and tell him what had happened, but she couldn’t stop pacing the waiting area. Stephen had taken Marcus into med lab 1 to scan him thoroughly. She still remembered the doctor’s words as she had inquired about Marcus’ chances to make it out alive; “ You have to realize his condition is critical, Susan. He might die.”

Why had the ranger kept this from them? It must have been very hard on him, living a lie. ** Marcus, a teep? I can’t believe it! ** Although she knew it was the truth part of her brain was still in denial. Shaking her head she wondered about the ranger who always managed to annoy her so greatly. He was a real pain in the ass.

Another question pushed forward. Did Marcus know she was a telepath as well? Had he tried scanning her in secret? ** I would have felt that, ** she realized, but it didn’t reassure her. Shivering, she had to admit that they weren’t that different after all. They had been guarding the same secret. ** Marcus and I are the same. **

Stephen was busy scanning and examining Marcus and kept an eye on his new patient all the time. He didn’t want to miss a single thing now that he didn’t know what he was up against. They had stripped the ranger of his uniform and he was now only wearing a med gown. A thermo blanket covered his shivering body, keeping him warm.

Aware of the fact that Marcus probably needed Marloxon Stephen fought the urge to hook him up to a drip, feeding the ranger the drug. ** I need to know what’s wrong with him first! ** he berated himself. ** Damn you Marcus. Why didn’t you come to me for help? I wouldn’t have turned you away! **

It was obvious that Marcus had been leaking telepathically and that the ranger had lost all control over his mental senses. Why? What had caused this predicament? He needed information and readings before he could decide on a treatment!

“ Doctor? You wanted the readings as quickly as possible? ”
Grabbing the file from his assistant’s hands, Stephen read it methodically, making sure he got all data right. ** Neural activity is way above normal. That’s why he needs the Marloxon, ** Stephen realized. ** But why is it this high? **

“ I want an additional neural scan run on him to determine his rating and to find the cause of this over activity. “ Stephen checked the latest results and was especially worried about Marcus’ low blood pressure. He didn’t have a choice and ordered a nurse to start an IV to supply the ranger with some Marloxon.

“ Why didn’t you ask me for help, Marcus? “ he whispered crestfallen. The unconscious ranger couldn’t answer him and Franklin wondered if Marcus would ever regain consciousness. He hadn’t been lying to Susan when he had warned her Marcus’ condition was critical. The next 24 hours would show whether they had acted in time or not. Realizing that Marcus would be out for hours, Stephen walked over to his office and contacted the Captain and Delenn.

“ Susan? Why are you still here? “ Stephen never expected Ivanova to wait for his return.

“ Is there any news on his condition? “ Susan fought hard to keep her voice neutral.

“ I started a drip with Marloxon which should get him stabilized. I can’t help him till I find out what is causing this. We can only wait till the scans come up with more data, I’m afraid, “ Stephen replied honestly. “ I’m on my way to inform John and Delenn. Why don’t you join me? “

Susan nodded her head. She wanted to know what Stephen’s plans for treating Marcus were.

Delenn exchanged a look with Lennier and couldn’t hide her worry. They only knew that Marcus had been taken to med lab.

Sheridan sat down next to Ivanova and waited for the doctor to get started. Studying Susan’s face he wondered about her hooded eyes.

Franklin took a deep breath and wished he knew how to tell them what the scans had revealed. Everything, which had happened lately, was kind of hard to put in perspective. It didn’t fit the image of the ranger they had come to trust during this last year.

“ Stephen? Let’s hear it,” John said.

“ Alright. I was called in by Susan to check on Marcus two hours ago. Upon my arrival it was evident that Marcus was in a critical condition. His condition is caused by hyperactivity in certain parts of his brain.”

“ Which means? “ Delenn asked concerned.

“ It means Marcus is a telepath and his psi ability went haywire without him having access to the right drugs to regulate it. His thoughts were all over the place and they affected both me and Susan.”

Stephen paused seeing Delenn and John’s confused expressions. He aimed his next remark at the Captain. Looking Sheridan in the eyes, he said; “ I came across a scar on his arm. Looked like someone used a laser to try and erase the original writing there. I managed to decipher it nonetheless. It said P12.”

“ P 12? “ Susan mumbled, while her eyes grew big. This was bad!

“ Yeah, P12. And there’s only one organization, which marks their own like that, Psi

Corps, “ Franklin said uncomfortably.

“ I can’t believe he’s a Psi Cop, “ John stated, thinking back to their first meeting. Marcus had asked for his help to save the rangers on Zagros 7. Had it all been pretence to gain their confidence? Or was he getting paranoid?

“ No. “ Delenn rose to her feet. “ Marcus is loyal to the rangers. He is no traitor to the cause. Sinclair accepted him and I trust his judgement,” she said with determination.

“ Marcus doesn’t strike me as a traitor either, “ Stephen stated eventually, casting a glance at Susan who was strangely quiet. Her eyes were clouded and Franklin wondered what she was thinking about.

“ In that case I suggest that you talk to Marcus the moment he regains consciousness. We have to know what’s going on. I have a station to take care of! “ Sheridan said and studied his second in command. “ Commander? What do you suggest? “
“ Talking to him sounds like a good place to start, “ was all Susan managed to choke out. A P 12? Was Marcus a Psi Cop? She kicked herself mentally for wanting to trust him. After all this time she should know better than to walk into a trap! The Corps was everywhere.

“ Stephen, is Marcus still unconscious? “ Sheridan wanted to know.

“ Yes, and I don’t expect him to come around for hours. His system took a bad blow. He’s still critical. It’ll take some time to get his readings back to normal. I suspect that Marcus has been on sleepers for -- at least -- one year now and I have no idea why.”

“ Does that mean that he has not been using his telepathic ability? “ Lennier asked. He had been silent up to this point.

“ Yes. Looks like he didn’t want his psi ability to become active. There’s one more thing you need to know. I ran a neural scan on him to determine his rating,” Franklin paused and seemed to gather his composure. “ It said P 12 at least. The test -- failed -- to register his rating. Looks like he might be P 13 or even higher than that. I’ve heard rumours about telepaths as strong as that, but I always doubted their existence.“ Stephen rose to his feet. There was one more issue he had to address and it made him feel awkward

Seeing the expression in Stephen’s eyes sent a chill up Susan’s spine. P 13? P 14? Was that even possible? She knew the Corps was trying to breed more powerful telepaths. Had they succeeded? Suddenly she saw her mother’s eyes looking back at her from the depths of her soul. The sleepers had slowly killed Sophie and Marcus had been taking them voluntarily?

“ We should give Marcus the benefit of the doubt, but I’ll ask Garibaldi to investigate his past. “ Sheridan decided. “ Stephen, do what’s best for him.”

Swallowing hard, Franklin noticed Susan’s paleness, and although he addressed the Captain, he kept looking her in the eyes. “ John, I've got a request. “
Sheridan nodded and waited for the doctor to continue.

“-- Should – Marcus wake up he’ll be severely disorientated. He’ll need some time to adjust to this new situation and that means as less visitors as possible. I suggest only Susan and I talk to him for now. “

“ Me? Why me? “ Susan glared at him. Stephen’s first word, -- should -- , had almost made her cringe. Marcus had to wake up! She wanted to space him for invading her mind like he had! Her reluctance to comply with his request was all over her face and she knew they had noticed it.

“ Susan,” Stephen started, afraid of her reaction. He never intended to reveal this to the others, but he wasn’t given any choice. “ I received Marcus’ thoughts too. He loves you, trusts you… needs you! “

Remaining quiet, Susan’s facial expressions became emotionless as she remembered Marcus’ thoughts coursing through her. She knew Stephen was right. Marcus trusted her. But did she trust him? Trust him enough to take the risk of getting hurt again? The truth was that Marcus’ confession had moved her more than she wanted them to know.

END OF THE LINE

PART 4

Susan was sitting on the couch in her quarters, pondering everything that had happened lately. The fact that Marcus might be a disguised Psi Cop infuriated her. But the uncertainty was even worse. What if he wasn't a Psi Cop but a rogue? That would explain why he had tried erasing the P 12 mark.

She remembered Stephen's request to be there when Marcus woke and Ivanova wasn't sure what to do. Marcus had all answers to her questions, but did she really want to know them?

A bottle of vodka stood on the table, still untouched. The shot glass next to it hadn't been used yet. She was still trying to reach a decision. What was she going to do when Stephen notified her that Marcus had regained consciousness? What if the doctor contacted her to let her know that Cole had died? Confused, she stared at the transparent liquid in the bottle.

If she truly wanted those questions answered she had to give the ranger a chance to explain his chosen secrecy. Grabbing the bottle she placed it back onto the shelf. This was no time to get drunk. Tired, she walked over to her bed and then lay down. Susan closed her eyes and desperately tried to sleep, but every time she drifted off Marcus' confession returned to haunt her. His thoughts ran through her again and again and again and again...

His admission had been so pure and rough, but foremost, sincere. ** Marcus is in love with me? Why didn't he tell me sooner? I felt his fear of never being able to tell me. **

Being part of his mind and thoughts had been a deeply spiritual experience. He had hid nothing from her at that moment and she had seen it all. His pain, his fears, but also his love and hope. The thing she remembered most was the warmth that had wrapped itself around her every thought. It had made her feel cherished and wanted. Recalling that incredible warmth she couldn't help but smile as she fell asleep at last.

Stephen pulled up a chair and sat down next to Marcus' bed. The ranger was still unconscious and hooked up to three IV's, which were pumping Marloxon, fluids and nutrients into his body. A thoughtful expression slid over the doctor's face. He had read Marcus' file and knew the ranger had been in a bad way after Neroon had beaten him up, but this was even more serious. Marcus could die.

** You have to make it, Marcus. I want to know your story. After all we have been through together I don't want you to die like this, ** he thought and remembered their adventure with the Vindrizi. Marcus had revealed his love for Susan back then.

" Different galaxies, " he mumbled, remembering his earlier statement while they had been locked up. Stephen wasn't that sure about them being that different any longer. The expression in Susan's eyes had revealed far more than Ivanova had wanted them to see.

" She cares for you, Marcus. No matter how many times she denies feeling like that. "

Placing the files, which contained Marcus' latest readings on the bed Stephen, studied the ranger. " What's your story? Why the charade? " Stephen wanted to know more about this man who had turned into a stranger very quickly.

Tapping his fingers on the hard cover of the file Franklin mentally went over the results

once more. The scans had shown the origin of the disruption in the neural activity. Many years ago a small part of the ranger's brain had been carefully removed. This was the cause of the neural hyperactivity. It was a miracle no other functions had been damaged. The Marloxon had taken over that particular function the brain no longer could execute.

** But why has this small part been removed and by whom? I can't imagine anyone undergoing such surgery voluntarily and certainly not Marcus! ** Stephen thought and wondered if the Corps had something to do with this. Because of this former surgery Marcus would be depended on Marloxon for the rest of his life.

Stephen immediately noticed the fluttering eyelids and hoped that Marcus was returning to consciousness. The ranger had to wake up within 24 hours or his chances to leave this comatose state unharmed would lessen immensely.

" Marcus? Can you hear me? " he said in a concerned tone, leaning forward to observe his patient more closely. The files fell onto the floor, but he paid it no attention. Slowly he rubbed one of the ranger's wrists, trying to snap his friend out of his stupor. " Marcus, talk to me! " he commanded. " You have to wake up now and face reality. "

Clawing his way through a haze of melted thoughts Marcus tried to reach the surface. The first thing that startled him was feeling another mind close to his. He groaned involuntarily as he identified its texture. Although he had never sensed this signature before he knew it was Stephen's. ** What's going on? Why am I not dead? I should be! Did they find me? Oh, no, ** Marcus thought horrified. If Stephen had found him, had managed to pull him through, the doctor had to know by now that he was a telepath.

It had been over three years since he had last shielded his thoughts and he barely managed to stop himself from falling into Franklin's mind as it lured him closer, emanating warmth and acceptance. Marcus called upon the training he had received so many years ago and began to repair the holes which had appeared in his mental shields.

** I'm too tired to do this properly, ** he sighed and tried opening his eyes. But the lights were too bright and he had to close them again. ** I don't want to face Stephen, none of them. They must know I lied to them, pretending to be someone I'm not. I should never have listened to Sinclair. I should have run away when I had the chance. **

" Marcus? Talk to me! I know you're awake." Seeing the lines of agony etched onto the ranger's brow he knew Marcus was fighting some personal demons.

** It -- is -- Stephen. ** Marcus realized and felt defeated. Petrified, he didn't dare to open his eyes. Doubtless the doctor had examined him, ran test after test on him. Franklin had to know the truth.

" It's okay, Marcus. I administered you some Marloxon. " Stephen sighed and wondered when Marcus would acknowledge his presence.

Turning his face away from Franklin Marcus kept his eyes tightly shut. He didn't want to see the expression in the doctor's eyes.

" Come on, Marcus. You should know by now that you can trust me. I'm your friend."

The words touched something deep inside him and Marcus allowed himself to feel some hope. " I'm sorry," he mumbled.

" What for?" Stephen felt relieved now that the ranger had started talking to him and sat down on the edge of the bed.

" For lying to you. I never wanted to mislead you, any of you, but..." Marcus stopped, feeling dizzy and cold all over his body.

" Well, we'll talk about that later. First we need to get you back onto your feet again! " Stephen spoke in a soft, calming tone sensing Marcus' discomfort. " Marcus, we're friends. Please look me in the eyes. "

" I can't. " Marcus stuttered; the sensation of feeling another mind was overwhelming. After having been on sleepers for three years he had almost forgotten how it used to feel when receiving someone's basic thoughts. He had always been capable of reading surface thoughts without having to scan the person. That moment he realized that Stephen was being sincere. Slowly he opened his eyes and cringed when the light hurt them.

" Lights, 50%," Stephen ordered, seeing the painful look on the ranger's face. Apparently the Marloxon made Marcus' eyes sensitive to light.

" Thank you, " Marcus muttered. " That side effect will disappear in a couple of hours. "

" Marcus, " Franklin said while shaking his head. " You could have asked for my help. I would have given you the Marloxon and even the sleepers if you needed them. Why didn't you confide in me? I thought we were friends? "

" Friends..." Marcus echoed and a sad smile played across his face. " I don't want friends. They usually leave me when they find out what I am."

" You're a telepath, so what? " Stephen's voice sounded a bit angry, but he couldn't help himself.

" I'm a Blip, Stephen. A rogue. The Corps wants me. They have been hunting me down for years. " Marcus slightly moved in the bed and flinched as he realized just how many tubes were attached to his body.

" So you're not a Psi Cop," Franklin stated and looked him in the eyes. He caught the fear in them.

" Please, Stephen. I've got a terrible headache and I feel like hell spat me out again." Marcus fought his exhaustion and answered the doctor's inquiring glance. " I promise I'll leave the station once I can walk on my own again. I don't want to cause any problems."

" You aren't going anywhere, Marcus. Stay in bed. That's a direct order! " Franklin added a smile to the comment and saw the ranger relax.

" Thanks, Stephen, " Marcus sighed relieved.

" One more question and then you can go back to sleep."

" Yes? " Marcus replied wearily. He was afraid to believe that Franklin really wanted to help him. Years ago he had learned the hard way that normals didn't trust telepaths. Shivering, he remembered learning that bitter truth.

Stephen noticed the suspicion in those green eyes and decided not to ask the question that had been burning his lips and replaced it with a different one. " Is Marcus Cole your real name? "

Marcus remained quiet for long moments. Eventually he lifted his sleep filled eyes. " My mother named me Marcus, that much is true. "

" And Cole? " Franklin realized how hard this had to be on the ranger and refrained from pushing him.

" No, the Coles kind of adopted me and allowed me to use their family name to stay ahead of the bloodhounds the Corps sent after me. " Marcus stared at the transparent tubes that disappeared into his body and tried gathering enough courage to answer Franklin's question, but that courage eluded him. His lips didn't move.

" Alright, Marcus. You can tell me once you feel up to it. Anything else I can do? Contact someone? " Stephen said, correctly reading Marcus' facial expression. The ranger needed time.

Marcus woke from his stupor and looked at the uniform that had been draped over the chair. " I should apologize to Delenn and turn in my ranger pin."

" Why? " Franklin wanted to know.

" I lied to her. "

" I don't think she wants you to resign from the rangers, " Stephen recognized the baffled look in Marcus' eyes. " Yes, I hold her, " he admitted to the ranger.

" I never wanted her to find out. " Marcus replied in a muffled tone.

" Why don't you try to get some more sleep, Marcus? I have to contact Delenn and the Captain to inform them that you're awake and I'm sure Ivanova will want to talk to you."

" The Commander? Why? " Panic briefly flickered in his eyes and Marcus quickly stared at the wall instead of looking into Stephen's eyes.

" She found you, saved your life," Stephen said in a soft tone, hiding his contented smile.

" She did what? " Marcus' voice was shaky. He remembered imagining Susan's presence before he had passed out, but he had dismissed it as a hallucination. " Are you telling me she knows I'm a telepath? " Marcus' voice was tense with apprehension as he waited for Franklin's answer.

“ Yes, she knows. Marcus, both of us picked up your thoughts when we entered. She knows you love her."

" No," Marcus sighed distressed. " Now I'll never again be able to face her. "

" Calm down, Marcus. She isn't going to space you. "

" Yes, she is," the ranger replied with some of his old vigor. " I've messed up pretty badly."

Franklin got up from the exam bed and patted him on his shoulder. " No, you didn't, " he told the ranger. He was about to leave the room when he turned to address Marcus one last time. " Susan stayed with you till I got to your quarters and she kept telling you to fight. Oh yes," Stephen chuckled, " she'll be mad at you for some time, but don't give up this quickly. Fight for her and you might find that you have a chance after all."

** I want to believe you, Stephen. I wish I could trust you like you want me to, ** Marcus thought while drifting off into sleep. ** But I'm afraid to hope again. I've ended up disappointed too many times. **

" Understood, Stephen. I'll meet you in med lab 1. " Susan straightened out her uniform jacket and marched out of her quarters. Marcus Cole owed her some answers.

END OF THE LINE

PART 5

" Susan, before you go in there I want you to know that you have to be careful. Although Marcus is no longer critical he's far from being stable. I won't have you pressuring him. Am I making myself clear? " Stephen said resolved.

" Yes, perfectly clear, " Susan replied firmly. Normally Franklin's authoritative tone would have annoyed her but not this time. She realized the seriousness of this particular situation. " So Marcus is a Blip? Had he been a Psi Cop I would have spaced him! "

" There's a lot we don't know about him, Susan," Stephen said, ignoring her remark. " Marcus is his real name, but Cole isn't. I don't know what the Corps did to him, but it left him incapable of trusting people." Stephen had told her about the surgically removed section of the ranger's brain and had shared her anger. " I suggest you don't ask him about the Corps, Susan..." Hesitantly he joined her behind the observation window. Marcus was sound asleep on the other side of the wall.

" He looks so damned vulnerable. " Susan kicked herself mentally as she realized that she had spoken aloud. She didn't want anyone to know that she cared for Marcus.

" He -- is-- vulnerable at this point, Susan." Stephen smiled hearing her comment. Those galaxies were definitely moving closer towards each other.

" I meant that..." Susan fell silent, wondering what would sound plausible to the doctor.

" Susan, it's okay to care for him. "

" What if he's carrying an implanted personality as well? " Ivanova said, finally voicing her real concern. She had been pushing that thought away, but it had sneaked up on her again.

" Only time will tell, Susan. They did something to him alright, " Stephen whispered. " But he's scared, Susan. I saw it in his eyes. He's scared we are going to shut him out because he's a telepath. Marcus even offered to leave the station as quickly as possible. " He noticed her concerned look when hearing that particular news, although she tried to hide it. " Don't worry. Marcus isn't going anywhere for some time. "

" Good. Can I go inside now? "

" He's asleep and I would prefer that you didn't wake him," Franklin admitted.

" I'll wait for him to wake up," Susan gave in and stepped inside. She remained standing at the foot end of the exam bed while her eyes wandered all over his face. Uncertain, she moved closer until she could touch him. Her hands were firmly clasped behind her back and she tried hard not to show any emotion now that Franklin was still watching her.

For some reason she had counted on being able to capture some of his thoughts, but she immediately sensed the tight blocks. Finally she sat down on the chair and studied him. He looked pale and his fingers trembled slightly. Franklin had told her that the Marloxon only worked slowly and that there were certain side effects. Trembling was one of them. Leaning back comfortably into the chair she decided to wait for him to wake up. She would follow Stephen's advice. The pain she had sensed in his mind had been suffocating and she didn't want to add to it.

" You're going to wake up soon and when you do, I want answers, " she whispered and barely contained the urge to slip her fingers around his.

" You want me to do what? " Garibaldi looked the Captain in the eyes.

" To investigate Marcus' past. Now that we know that he's a telepath I need to consider the station's safety first. If he's a Psi Corps plant I want to know. " John slowly paced his office. " I owe it to Susan and Delenn. "

" Marcus a spy? " Garibaldi considered everything Sheridan had told him. The thing that intrigued him most was the P 12 mark on the ranger's body. " My instincts tell me he isn't a spy," Michael whispered. " Why would the Corps choose such a loose cannon? They did a poor job erasing the mark and a spy who needs meds to survive is no reliable source of information, " he thought aloud.

" I agree, Michael, but I need to know for sure. " Sheridan nodded his head. " What about Sinclair? We might have left him on Babylon 4 but knowing what we do now, would there be a chance he left some data for us concerning Marcus? Hidden? After all it was he who accepted Marcus into the rangers and Sinclair doesn't strike me as someone easily fooled. Marcus' secret must have come out into the open at some point during his training. "

Garibaldi had been thinking the same thing. " Could be possible. I'll check on that, though I have no idea where to start looking."

" I need this information as quickly as possible, " John said. " And don't tell Delenn or Susan about this. Delenn trusts Marcus completely. After all, he almost died when Neroon tried to kill her to prevent her from becoming

Entil’Zha. "

" I'll be discrete, don't worry."

Marcus moved to turn onto his left side during his sleep, but woke when one of the IV needles drove itself a bit further into his skin. " Bugger, " he whispered when he was forced to return to his original sleeping position. Something tugged at his mind and he realized he wasn't alone. Concentrating on identifying this mind texture he sucked in his breath. ** It's Susan! **

Slowly cracking open his eyes he found her sitting in a chair close to his bed. Her eyes were closed, her breathing deep and regular. She had fallen asleep. Cocking his head a bit he took in her intoxicating appearance. Her beautiful hair was loose. He loved it that way.

Marcus tried to make as little noise as possible, not wanting her to wake up. She would want answers and he wasn't sure he was up to sharing his past with her. A past that was painfully similar to hers, as he had learned while accessing her personal file. It had taken him some time to hack through Earthforce security overrides, but that hadn't stopped him.

He carefully lifted a hand to pull up the thermo blanket, feeling cold to the bone. Marcus still couldn't believe he hadn't been hallucinating, that she really had been there, urging him to hang in there and fight. And now she was here, sitting at his bedside. ** Why? **

Her surface thoughts were drifting his way and Marcus did his best to block them. It might appear as if he had been trying to read her mind on purpose while she had been asleep. He didn't want to do anything that might upset her.

Focusing inward instead, he found that the Marloxon was once more regulating the neural activity. The fever, hallucinations and mind voices were gone. But the trusted silence caused by the sleepers hadn't returned. Stephen must have decided against administering them to him.

The static in the back of his head was caused by Susan's presence and he sensed Stephen and some nurses close by as well. It would take him some time to get used to the static again.

Marcus wondered how it was possible they had found him in time. He hadn't been expecting visitors and Susan must have used her override ability to get into his quarters. That implied that she must have been concerned otherwise she would have left after not getting any answer when pressing the doorchime.

Tired, he continued to stare at her face. Now that she was asleep, she looked at peace and he swore a hesitant smile had appeared on her lips. He remembered scanning through her files, something he shouldn't have done, but at that point he had wanted to know if he had a chance with her. After reading about her mother's death he had shivered. Another victim the sleepers had demanded. In a certain way he had been fortunate. The sleepers suppressed his psi ability but had never affected his emotions or general awareness.

Then he had come across a note telling him about Talia and the sleeper personality inside her mind. He had cringed, knowing the Corps had been behind it.

" I'm sorry, Susan, " he whispered, assured by the fact that she was asleep and couldn't hear him. His eyes were drawn to both his hands, resting on top of the thermo blanket. IV's had been attached to them and he swallowed hard wondering what the future might have in store for him. Stephen had assured him he could stay, but would Sheridan agree to that? Hiding a rogue on Babylon 5 would put the Captain in a difficult position.

A groan left his lips as he shifted a little in the bed. His muscles protested the movement and he tried hard to ignore it. It did however wake Ivanova.

Her eyes flashed open and they stared at the man in the bed. " Marcus? " she whispered, seeing the expression in his eyes. They were big and there was panic in them. Franklin had been right, Marcus was afraid. She managed to compose herself and flipped back some locks. Noticing his clenched hands, she sat up straight and said; " Are you feeling any better? You looked like shit when I found you. " Susan had to admit she was curious to learn his reaction. The ranger looked like he expected to be ripped apart before being spaced.

" Commander? " was all he managed to say. Hearing her voice had convinced him that this was actually happening and not a dream. The soft expression in her eyes stunned him. Why wasn't she cursing him, demanding an explanation?

" You scared us, Marcus, " Susan said and wondered where her anger had gone. She had been mad at him for invading her mind like he had, but all she felt now was compassion and a nagging sense of curiosity.

" That wasn't my intention. I’m sorry, " he stuttered, amazed at her tone.

" I know, but what were you thinking? You could have died! " Susan was baffled to hear the edge to her voice. It showed her concern too openly and she forced herself to get a grip on her emotions again. Finally she continued in a much more controlled tone: " I want some answers, Marcus. You owe me that much. Why did you lie to us? " The anger was seeping back in and she glared at him in hurt.

" I..." Marcus locked eyes with her and wondered how to make her understand. " I couldn't tell anyone. I'm a rogue, Commander. " The words eluded him and he stared at his hands instead. She had to be howling mad at him. " Stephen told me that I was casting thoughts when you found me. I apologize for intruding on your mind like that. I didn't do it on

purpose. "

" I know, “ she repeated impatiently, “ Marcus, but that's not the issue. I want to know who you truly are, why you kept this from us. Will you tell me? " Susan sensed his fear and realized that she was mentally reaching out to him so she pulled back at once. Looking at Marcus' eyes told her that he hadn't noticed it. He was far too wrapped up in his own worries.

" Do you really want to know? " he asked and looked up as Stephen entered the room.

" We both want to know, Marcus. " Franklin said, pleased that the ranger was this co-operative.

" I'm not sure I can do this, " Marcus whispered. Telling them meant trusting them and he hadn't trusted anyone since Sinclair had taken him in.

" We're friends, Marcus. " Franklin sat down and looked him in the eyes. " Take all the time you need and only tell us what you're comfortable with. The rest will come when you're ready to do so, " he advised the ranger.

" You'll hate me in the end." Marcus slipped his hands underneath the thermo blanket, careful not to rip out the IV's.

Susan refrained from making any comment and waited for Marcus to reach a decision. Franklin did the same and simply smiled reassuringly at the ranger.

" I'll tell you," Marcus whispered after some time and cleared his throat. Peeking at his friends' faces told him that they were waiting for him to get started. Trembling, Marcus searched for the right words.

END OF THE LINE

PART 6

Please note that this story contains spoilers for the Psi Corps trilogy books!

" I don't know where to start, " Marcus confessed honestly. Closing his eyes he tried to center himself, but failed miserably.

Susan exchanged a concerned glance with Franklin. It was obvious that this was hard on Marcus, but the ranger had to take this step in order to move on with his life.

Stephen shrugged his shoulders in response to Susan's unspoken question. All they could do was wait. Pushing Marcus wouldn't get them anywhere.

" I never thought I would ever willingly tell someone, " Marcus' voice dropped as his mind traveled back to his past, remembering things he had wanted to keep buried for the rest of his life. Too painful...

He didn't want to recall everything he had been through, but he had to if he wanted to convince his friends that he could be trusted. It was a sacrifice he had to make. His voice was strangely emotionless as he spoke again.

" All alone in the darkness I tried to reach out for something that would tell me where I was. They put me in the hole to teach me a lesson. It was cold and dark and the silence was deafening. I owed this punishment to my own stupid behavior. I defied one of the guards, something the others had warned me about, but I never listened before so why start now?

I never thought they would put me in that dark hole. I saw men emerge from them, broken and obedient, but I never expected them to be that cruel to a child as well. I was 10 years old and I had spent my entire life at the re-education camp. I quickly learned how to fool the guards by acting obedient. But this occasion I'd blown it big time.

The guards came to inject my mother with sleepers and I tried stopping them. They were killing her slowly inside and I couldn't simply watch her whither away. I needed her. She was all I had.

‘ Let me out! ‘ I yelled in agony into the darkness, but nobody responded. My fingers scratched the metal, but it was a futile action. They weren't going to let me out that soon. There was one tube sticking out of the metal close to my mouth and it was filled with precious water. Without it I would have died. But they didn't want me to die; they wanted me shattered so they could use me for their own means. "

" Marcus? " Susan said, seeing the far away look in his eyes. His voice had been shaky, as he had told them about his past. It was hurting him and Susan wished they could postpone this. It felt like she had been in that prison with him and it had made her cringe.

" I'm fine," Marcus replied in a soft tone. " I don't like to talk about growing up in the re-education camp. "

" I know and I appreciate that you try to do so nonetheless, " Susan smiled weakly. Of all possible explanations this one was the last thing she had expected. " Your mother was there as well? "

" Yes, she had been transferred there 8 months before I was born, " Marcus said and lowered his eyes. " I was born in that camp."

" You mentioned being put in... a hole? " Stephen asked.

" It's a way of punishment they use when they want to break you, " Marcus explained. Hearing the tone of their voices he knew they weren't judging him, only trying to understand him.

" They finally let you out? " Susan said eventually. The ranger was still avoiding her eyes and she moved her chair a little closer to study him better.

" Yes, they did, " Marcus whispered." They dragged me out of that rat hole one week later. I couldn't walk at that point and moving my arms was difficult at best. The guards put me in isolation, but at least it was above ground.

Hesitantly, I began to move about a bit, wondering why they had taken me out of the hole. I just wanted to see my mother, talk to her, even though she couldn't answer me. The sleepers clouded her mind too much and she stared at the wall all day.

Huddled on the mattress I waited for the guards to return. It didn't take them long.

A few hours later they came and told me to undress. I did as I was told. They gave me new clothes, some black uniform, and I was taken outside. The moment the fresh air hit my lungs I started to throw up. They pushed me into the back of a car and drove off. When I asked one of them where they were taking me, a guard punched me in the face and told me to shut up.

We arrived at another camp hours later and I was taken inside. There were kids I had never seen before. Most of them were my age. A couple of nurses and guards were there as well. I was locked up in a room and told that I was going to live here from now on. I screamed and kicked at them, wanting to see my mother, but they injected me with something and I passed out. I stayed there till I was 18."

Marcus trembled; not sure how his friends were going to react to his story. First he looked at Susan and caught the sheen of tears in her eyes. There was no rejection in them and he sighed with relief. Perhaps telling them was the best thing to do. Maybe then they would understand his motives for acting the way he had.

Ivanova's fingernails were buried in the fabric of the thermo blanket. She never imagined the good-natured ranger to have lived through such an ordeal. Years ago she had seen some footage of a re-education camp and had been shocked by the brutality the guards had displayed. " I never knew, " she whispered and locked eyes with Marcus.

Stephen saw their interaction and moved back a little. He wanted to know the rest of Marcus' story, but the ranger needed Susan most and he didn't want to stand between them.

" You couldn't have known, " Marcus replied and wished he could brush those locks out of her face. But touching her was dangerous and he retreated behind the solid barriers of his mind.

" Tell us the rest as well, Marcus." Franklin saw the surprised expression in the ranger's eyes. " We're not here to judge you, only to offer support. "

Susan nodded her head. " Stephen's right. You can trust us, Marcus."

His heart missed a beat as he read the acceptance in their eyes. He had misjudged them. They would stay at his side and help him. Stephen would have given him the Marloxon and the sleepers had he confided in the doctor.

" Tell you the rest? " he mumbled. " When I was eighteen, I managed to escape from the camp. We were a group of three; all boys and we had planned our escape for some months.

The nurses always gave us sleeping pills before we were allowed to turn in and we had fooled them, saving some of the pills. We slipped them into the guard's drink. While he was unconscious we sneaked out. Once outside we split up. I started to run. I had never been on the outside before and I had no idea where I was.

I reached a small town and hid in one of the barns. The straw kept me warm. It was freezing cold outside and that night I saw real snow for the first time in my life. Getting hungry I ventured out, but the town’s people were too close and their thoughts slammed into my mind. Yes, they had taught me how to shield and block thoughts at the camp, but there were too many people.

In the middle of the street I dropped to my knees and I sensed people walking up to me. The closer they came, the louder their thoughts in my head echoed. I didn't know at that point that they had lynched a telepath one week earlier because she had cheated at playing cards. Had I been more aware of that underlying anger I would have tried to run, but I was stricken with fear and couldn't move.

They quickly realized what was wrong with me, tied me up and threw me into the brig. I'm sure they would have hanged me as well, but some bloodhounds found me and the Psi Cop demanded that I be handed over.

They took me back to the re-education camp, telling me I had ruined my chances of staying at the second camp. I didn't mind. I was going to see my mother again. But she had changed. Her eyes were dead and her body drained. I realized that she was dying and I stayed at her side all the time. She died two days later."

Marcus felt the wetness on his face and knew he was crying. Instinctively he tried wiping away the tears with the back of his hand, but the IV needles made it impossible.

" Here, use these, " Stephen handed him some tissues and observed the uncertain movements on the part of the ranger. " If you want us to leave, " he offered.

" No, I better tell it all before courage eludes me, " Marcus mumbled.

Susan felt torn apart. She wanted to console him, but doing that would show how much she had come to care for him. Instead she hesitantly moved back into the chair, putting more distance between them. The hurt look in Marcus' eyes told her the ranger had noticed her retreat.

Marcus sensed her confusion, but chose not to react to it. This was hard on her as well. Her mother had died because of sleepers. If it had it been his choice he would never have told her. But there was no more turning back now.

" I was officially marked as a Blip and they needed telepaths to experiment on. They came and hauled me out of the camp and I was taken to another base. I was blindfolded so I have no idea where they took me.

The time I spent there's hazy. I only know that at first they tried to convince me to take part in their breeding programs. I refused and then they gave me sleepers and drugs to numb my mind. I blacked out for some time. When I came around I was strapped to an exam table, feeling nauseous. They told me they had tried a new technique on me in an attempt to enhance my psi ability, but that it had failed. That was when I discovered what they had done to me.

I lost all control and they supplied me with Marloxon to calm me down and continued to study my reactions to several meds. Looking back I know now I must have been there for several months. “

" How did you get out? " Stephen couldn't repress that question any longer. Seeing the anguish on the ranger's face, deeply rooted anger surfaced within him.

" The rangers... " Marcus took a deep breath and wondered if they would be able to make sense of what had happened to him.

" There was an attack on the base late one night and most of the guards died. I vaguely remember some men storming into my cell, releasing me and taking me to safety. I 'woke' from my drugged sleep hours later and was told that I was onboard their ship. I panicked, afraid that without the Marloxon I would die, but they assured me they had brought it along.

It took me some days to get used to being around normals and I started to walk about a bit. I had never been aboard a space ship before and one of the men who had freed me offered to show me around. His name was William Cole."

" Cole? " Susan repeated. " Stephen told me Cole wasn't your real name."

" That's true." Marcus sighed; he was getting tired. " The ship was headed for Minbar, but William offered to let me to stay with his parents on Arisia while I was recovering. He was sure his parents would like me. I didn't have a choice at that point. I needed some place to hide, so I accepted his proposal. Willie introduced me to his parents and I instantly liked them. In the end I stayed there for years, and after they died, Willie asked me to take care of the Arisia Mining Company. It was a perfect cover. The Corps would never find me there and although life was hard, I gladly stayed.

Another reason for staying was Hasina. I liked her and I think she loved me, but I kept my distance. I didn't want to have children who would spend their life running from the Corps. " Marcus paused, exhausted.

" You can tell us the rest later. You should rest, Marcus," Stephen said concerned. He didn't like the sudden paleness of the ranger's face.

" No, I want to finish this now, " Marcus said firmly.

Susan was no longer able to keep her distance and sat down on the bed. Slowly, she curled her fingers around those of the ranger's. Suddenly it felt like electricity was moving through her fingertips and she looked at him in confusion.

Marcus had been surprised by her action, the bodily contact, and needed a moment to raise his shields to maximum but couldn't prevent some of his feelings seeping through. Wonder appeared in her eyes and he choked back an apology. She didn't want one.

" The Shadows attacked Arisia. Hasina was killed and I held Willie in my arms as he died. I didn't want to let him go and followed him into death, but something threw me back. At times I can still feel him slip away from me, like I traveled back in time, " Marcus paused briefly, " All around me people were dying and their screams crashed into my head. I never felt such pain and it immobilized me for some time. I managed to get off the planet's surface and after I recovered I kept my promise and went to Minbar in search of Sinclair.

The first thing that struck me was that he didn't seem surprised to see me. We talked inside his office and I realized that he knew who, what I was. I felt betrayed by Willie who must have told him, but Sinclair assured me that William had kept my secret and that it wasn't important how he had found out. He urged me to stay and even helped me getting my required dose of Marloxon.

I learned one other thing during my training. Sinclair had ordered the rangers to attack the base himself and had given Willie instructions to get me out of there alive and then to take me to Arisia.

After I settled down I decided to use sleepers to silence the infernal noise in my mind. I still heard Willie, and all the others who had died that night; scream out in terror as death overwhelmed them. I simply couldn't take that pain any longer.

Sinclair objected to my request to be given sleepers, but in the end he respected my decision. The rest you know. I traveled to Zagros 7 and came to Babylon 5 to ask for help. I never expected to stay here. "

Susan fought back the tears, which wanted to slide down her face. " I'm glad you decided to confide in us, Marcus. We won't let you down," she promised.

" Thank you, " the ranger whispered and lost himself in her watering eyes. Did she care this much for him? He never knew...

" Get some rest, Marcus, " Stephen walked over and smiled at his patient. " You do realize I have to inform the Captain and Delenn? "

" I know and I don't mind. I don't want to live a lie any longer."

" Good. " Franklin checked the IV's. The ranger was dozing off quickly, then he turned to study Susan closely. " You should get some rest as well, Susan, " he advised her, pleased to find that she was still holding Marcus' hand.

" I will," Susan whispered. " But I still have a few questions, " she lifted her eyes. " What's Commander Sinclair's part in this? From what Marcus told us Jeff knew he needed help. "

" That's one question...I would like to see answered myself, " Marcus mumbled, while squeezing her hand to make sure she was still there, not ready to let her go yet. He hadn't dared to hope that she would support him.

" Marcus?" Susan leaned in closer and gazed into his sleepy eyes.

" Yes? " Marcus stared back and inhaled her sweet scent. She was so damned close.

" What's your real name? "

Sighing, Marcus caressed her soft fingers and felt her tremble when she noticed that small gesture. He had been waiting for her to ask that question. " Montoya. My real name is Marcus Montoya."

END OF THE LINE

PART 7

"Alright, Jeff. Assuming you left some message concerning Marcus, how and where can I find it?" Garibaldi wasn't in a good mood today. Investigating the ranger's past had proved harder than expected. Marcus Cole suddenly appeared 3 years ago. Before that there was nothing to be found on the ranger and this definitely worried him. It meant that the man they knew as Marcus Cole was actually someone else, using a false identity.

Pacing his quarters he racked his brain. Sheridan had been right. Jeff might have left them a message. Looking at the Bab screen he remembered Jeff's encoded message he had received after his friend had left to take Babylon 4 into the past. Could Jeff have left him another message? Or would Jeff have addressed it to someone else? It was worth a shot.

" Computer, access all messages from Jeffrey Sinclair and display number and date. "

" Program commencing, please wait. "

Impatiently, Garibaldi resumed pacing. What if Jeff hadn't left him a message? Then he had to show up at Sheridan's office with no new information at all. If Delenn's rangers couldn't come up with data, it looked rather gloomy for him. " But I suspect those rangers wouldn't tell me even if they did have something on Marcus. "

" Search completed. Two messages found. "

Garibaldi walked over to the screen. Two messages? There should only be one! " Display messages. "

It was as he'd suspected; only one message appeared. He had seen this one before. It had taken him some time to find the right password. " Computer, display second message."

" Message is password protected, unable to comply. "

" Damn! " Michael cursed. How long would it take him this time to find the right password and what the hell would Jeff have used?

" Entil'Zha Delenn? "

She looked up and was surprised to see Rathenn standing in the doorway. " My friend! Why was I not told you were on your way? Lennier? Bring tea and please arrange for some quarters for our honored guest."

Lennier was already one step ahead of her and served the required ceremonial tea.

" I do not require quarters, " Rathenn said while smiling at Lennier. " I will only stay as long as is necessary to deliver this letter to you. I believe you received one not so long ago. "

Almost reverently, Delenn took the letter from his hand. It had been written on the same ancient paper Sinclair, no Valen, had used before. " I do not understand," she whispered.

" There was a note attached to it. It told me when to deliver it to you. That day has now arrived. As you can see it is addressed to you. I will not longer detain you. A White Star is waiting to return me to Minbar. Respects, Entil'Zha," he said and bowed deeply.

Delenn returned the gesture and watched him leave. Her fingers trembled slightly as she broke the ancient seal

" Alright, Jeff. I give up. " Garibaldi said and sat down on the bed. " I feel like Elmer Fudd chasing..."

The computer interrupted him. " Password accepted."

Michael stared at the screen. " Elmer Fudd? You used Elmer Fudd!!" he exclaimed. " Computer, play message, now!! " A moment later he grew silent seeing Jeff's worried face on the screen.

" Michael, what I'm about to tell you has to remain a secret... "

Sheridan looked at his second in command. Susan appeared tired, but something in her eyes had changed. The icy blue had melted and had been replaced by something he couldn't label. " From what Marcus told you I gather he's still on the run from the Corps, so we better keep him hidden the next time our friend Bester decides to pay a visit to the station. "

Ivanova agreed wholeheartedly. " One day I'll push that creep out an airlock."

" Commander! " Sheridan said in mock horror, grinning from ear to ear.

Shrugging her shoulders, Ivanova gave him a stunning smile.

** What's going on here? I've never seen Susan like this...** Then it hit him. " How's our station ranger doing, Commander? Is he going to make a full recovery?"

" Stephen thinks so, " Susan replied and caught his wink. ** A wink? ** she thought baffled, ** Sheridan just gave me a wink?? **

" You'd better return to med lab then. No, " he silenced her by raising his right hand, " Lt. Corwin is doing a good job. C&C will manage without you a little longer. "

Annoyed, Susan glared at him. “ Is that an order? " she said defiantly.

" Affirmative." John grinned. " The two of you made a pretty good team when carrying out missions. Maybe you should try spending some time together in private as well? " John knew he was nearing the danger zone, seeing the blaze in her eyes.

" Someone better be careful when taking their next shower, " she hinted and marched out of his office.

" You wouldn't dare! " he called out.

" You bet I would! " she threatened and stepped into the corridor.

Stephen was drawing some of Marcus' blood the moment Ivanova entered med lab one.

The ranger's eyes were still hooded, but a weak smile began to illuminate his face seeing her step inside. " Commander? " His tone revealed pleasant surprise.

" What am I going to do with you, Marcus? " she whispered and noticed his sudden stricken expression.

" Is something wrong? " Marcus mumbled concerned, wondering what he had done this time to annoy her.

Susan simply ignored his question and looked at Franklin instead. " Has his condition improved yet? "

" Not much. " Stephen studied her and reached the conclusion that Susan was fighting herself. She still wasn't prepared to face her feelings. When Marcus had told them about his past, the magic of the moment had made her open up and reach out, but that was gone now.

Reattaching the IV, Stephen caught Marcus' baffled expression. Franklin patted him on the shoulder and smiled reassuringly. " I'll give the two of you some privacy and Marcus, stay in bed! " he said in an amused tone.

Marcus quickly nodded, indicating he understood, and then looked Ivanova in the eyes. He knew he should say something, but what? Last night he had bared his soul and he had hoped he'd taken away some of the awkwardness between them, but now he wasn't that sure any more. It was hard to read her facial expression and it was even harder to ignore her surface thoughts, not wanting to pry on them.

" Commander? Is there something you want to discuss? " ** Like ripping out my lungs? Because that's how you're looking at me, ** he thought and wished Stephen hadn't left the room.

" I suggest you call me Susan, " she said and ignored his surprised expression. " We have a lot to discuss, Marcus. "

** What is she up to? ** Marcus thought and was hesitant to speak. Pulling up the thermo blanket he peeked at her icy eyes.

" Stephen and I picked up your thoughts when we found you. You know that. " Cocking her head she managed to lock eyes with him. She didn't know why she wanted to address the issue between them. ** I guess I owe him that much, ** she realized.

" I apologized for that, " Marcus reminded her and wished he wasn't confined to bed. He felt trapped. Stephen didn't know it, but he had tried getting to his feet. But the IV's had kept him back and he had been extremely wobbly on his feet. He would never have made it to the door. This time he wouldn't be able to escape Susan's wrath.

" Yes, you did," Susan replied and forced herself to take the initiative. Sitting down on the bed she noticed his startled look. " Did you mean it? Do you really love me? " she already knew the answer to that question, remembering the warmth that had coursed through her, but she wanted to hear him say the words.

His heart missed a beat hearing that question. How could she doubt that truth? " Commander... Susan, " he corrected the mistake and avoided her eyes. " You know I love you. "

Susan sighed hearing that answer. " Marcus, look at me," she said. However, he didn't move and resolved she cupped his chin in her left hand, forcing him to face her. This time it was his eyes, which were watered.

" Susan, I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. I kept my distance though." Marcus trembled as one of her fingers hesitantly caressed his face. " I never told you because... I'd heard about Talia and…" Words eluded him and he grew silent.

" You were scared, " she finished for him.

" Yes, " Marcus admitted. She was still forcing him to look at her and he saw his same fear reflected in her eyes. " I love you, Susan." He tried to stay away from her thoughts, but it was hard, partly because she was a telepath herself. Quickly he closed his eyes, afraid that she was going to read the truth in them. The moment the sleepers had lost their affect he had felt her telepathic signature. She wasn't a particularly strong telepath, but he had recognized the signs at once and respected her chosen secrecy. He wasn't going to confront her. Susan would have to tell him herself. This was only a fragile beginning. Marcus tightened his control. The last thing he wanted was to enter her mind accidentally.

Looking into his eyes, she saw the love in them and swallowed away her unease. " Marcus, I want to take this slow, do you understand? I'm not ready for a serious commitment. I won't lie to you."

Marcus wasn't surprised to hear those words. At least she was being honest. " I understand, Susan."

" We'll discuss this later. First you have to heal." Susan got up from the bed and studied his clouded eyes. There was something he wanted to say, and she knew it wasn't something pleasant.

" Susan," he caught her wrist and pulled her closer. " I want you to think about this... attraction between us. I want you to realize what you're getting into. I'm a rogue and the Corps will continue to hunt me down as long as I'm alive. That's one truth I can't change. "

Susan stared at his eyes, feeling his sincere concern. " Psi Corps? They robbed me of my mother and the woman I loved. I'm not afraid of the Corps, Marcus. Not any longer. I know Sheridan will back me... you up. I'll fight them if necessary. " The truth had almost slipped from her lips, but she couldn't tell him she was a latent, not yet.

End of The Line

Part 8

Earth, Department Sigma

“Mr. Bester, please sit down. Your reputation has preceded you and that’s why we choose you to find this man. You’ll arrest him and then take him back to the re-education camp where he escaped from.”

Al looked at the older woman and wondered how much longer she would remain in charge of this particular department. He might be interested in taking over Sigma Department himself or at least have someone loyal to him on the inside. His face remained emotionless as he studied her.

“I would never turn down an assignment, Ms. Trale, but I need full access to his files in order to find him. All you have given me so far is a name, Marcus.”
“This is on a need to know basis, Mr. Bester and there are certain things you don’t need to know. Find him and bring him back,” she said in a cold tone. “Preferably alive. We need to study his genes.”

Al could tell from the way she was returning his stare that she was hiding something. ** I’ll discover what you’re hiding once I find this Blip and only =then= will I consider turning him over to you, Ms. Trale.**

Realizing this briefing had ended he quickly got to his feet and straightened out his jacket. “I’ll find him,” Al said and barely contained his grin. Department Sigma had been searching for this man for years. It must have been hard on them to call him in and ask for help.

“You’ll find all the data you need at your office along with a picture of him. Remember, he might have changed his appearance during these last years,” she pointed out to him.

**Ah, yes and I wonder why it’s suddenly so important to get him back.** Al excused himself and was determined to use this development to his own advantage.

Babylon 5

Marcus was still slumbering as Stephen walked into the room. Franklin smiled seeing his friend’s relaxed expression and felt thankful that they had been in time to save the stubborn ranger. Unwillingly he had come very close to killing Marcus by cutting off his supply of Marloxon. “How’s my favorite patient today?” he quipped.

“Stephen? I thought you weren’t feeding me sleeping meds, but I feel so… bloody tired all the time!” Marcus managed to roll on to his back and returned the smile hesitantly. Waking from his sleep, he raised his shields and mentally moved away from Franklin’s mind.

“You’re exhausted, Marcus. That’s a pretty normal reaction.” Stephen began scanning his patient and while studying the results asked; “Anything you want to tell me?” He had seen the ranger’s wavering glance.

“Can’t you put me back on sleepers, Stephen? I don’t want to… feel… this again.” Marcus endured Franklin’s scan and looked at him pleadingly.

“Is the attack on Arisia still haunting you?” Franklin said and sat down. “Talking about it might help, Marcus.”

“When I joined the rangers we talked about Willie to… remember his spirit. It didn’t make the screams go away.” He shifted in the bed.

The expression in Marcus’ eyes changed and Franklin shivered. It was a look of remembered pain.

“You can’t imagine how it feels to experience someone’s death. To follow him to that last frontier... I can’t describe that feeling of abandonment that washed through me as he moved on and I had to stay behind,” Marcus whispered and trembled when the memory slipped back in.

“You should find another way to deal with this, Marcus. Taking sleepers is only a temporary solution,” Stephen chided him. Although he felt sympathetic towards the ranger, he couldn’t let emotions cloud his professional judgement. “You’ll have to give me a better reason for putting you back on sleepers, Marcus.”

Sighing audibly, Marcus had no other choice than to accept his doctor’s decision. “When are you going to let me out of this cage?” he wanted to know and tried to grin.

Stephen however saw the pretended cheeriness and shook his head in disapproval. “I’m going to keep you here for observation for some days. I need to find out what the best dose of Marloxon is for you and set up a treatment plan.” Franklin rose from the chair and completed the scan. “Your readings are improving, which is a good sign. Get some more sleep,” he advised his patient.

“Even more sleep?” Marcus said jokingly. A smile of true affection appeared on his face. “Stephen? Thanks for being a true friend, thanks for being there.”

Wavering momentarily, Stephen placed a reassuring hand on the ranger’s shoulder. “Isn’t that what friends are for?”

Susan decided to enjoy her day off work and headed to the Zocalo. She had slept in late and her first thought had been about Marcus. All morning she had tried not to think of him and his admission, but that had proved difficult at best.

He’d confessed his love for her openly, and she hadn’t revealed anything of her own feelings for him. She wasn’t ready yet to say the words. It would take time and a lot of trust to convince her it was alright to fall in love again.

The threat the Corps presented was hanging over their heads like a thunder cloud, but this time she wasn’t worried for herself but for Marcus. It was amazing how long the ranger had managed to stay out of the Corps’ reach. One day his luck would run out. **Luck? Sinclair ordered the rangers to free him. His escape was thoroughly planned. I still wonder… what connects Jeff to Marcus?**

She walked into the medical facility and sought out Franklin with her eyes. The doctor was in his office and she stepped inside after making eye contact with him.

“Susan! Did you come all the way down here just to bring me something to eat? I’m starving!” Stephen said; appreciatively sniffing the scent of freshly baked food items. Seeing Ivanova didn’t surprise him. It was obvious what was going on between her and Marcus, even though the Commander herself was choosing not to deal with it yet.

“I know med lab food leaves a lot to be desired, so I decided to bring Marcus some decent lunch.” Susan lazily leaned against the wall. “Tell me honestly, Stephen. How bad is he?”

“He’s recovering slowly” Stephen looked her in the eyes. “I won’t lie to you. He’ll need the Marloxon for the rest of his life.” Getting up from the chair he began pacing the room. A puzzled expression flashed across his features. “I still can’t believe they simply removed a small part of his brain to determine whether it would enhance his psi rating or not. These surgeons must have sworn to protect life at the beginning of their career and then they betrayed it!”

“Stephen,” Susan took a step closer to him and realized that she was lost for words.

“Go to him, Susan. He needs you,” Franklin said and rubbed his temples. “I’m fine, only a bit tired.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, noticing the dark circles showing beneath his eyes.

“Yes. Before you go…” Stephen sat down behind his desk again. “Got any donuts?”

“Yeah, you can have one.” Susan handed him a donut. “I didn’t get bacon and eggs, I’m afraid. Looks like only Marcus can get those.”
“This will do just fine,” Stephen replied and smiled before shoeing her out of his office.

Susan remained standing in the doorway as she caught sight of Marcus. He had fallen asleep again. Taking her time she studied him. A smile broke through and she walked over to his bed. Now that he was asleep his features were relaxed and she saw the lines of suffering embedded on his face. She had never noticed them before. **We share so much and I never knew. His mother died because of sleepers as well. We both hate the Corps. I know how lonely he must feel. I bet the wolf howls in his dreams too.**

Marcus stirred, sensing her presence and slowly opened his eyes. The nausea and vertigo had gone and he knew the Marloxon was starting to work. One more day and he might be able to leave his bed at least for a few hours. He hated being confined like this.

“Hello gorgeous,” he whispered and cracked a hesitant smile. Tired of playing games, he decided to be honest.

“Marcus,” Susan mumbled, taken aback. “I brought you lunch.” She placed the tray, a nurse had given her, onto the side of his bed. “I hope you like bagels, muffins and donuts.” Awkwardly she smiled at him and showed him the tea she had brought along.

The ranger looked at the food items and said; “Must have been days since I last ate something I could identify,” he joked.

There were still IV’s attached to the back of hands, she noticed. “Stephen thinks you’re going to be fine in the end.”

“He’s a fabulous doctor and a great friend,” Marcus said in between bites. “Thanks for this lunch, Susan.”

His voice trembled slightly as he spoke her name and Susan heard it. She had told him she wanted to take this slow and knew he would honor that request.

“I hope you’ll allow me to return the favor once Stephen releases me from his zealous care.” Marcus was observing her closely and saw the doubt in her eyes. He wasn’t going to give up now though. “How’s life on the outside?” he asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer. How would Delenn react to his deceit?

“Pretty boring actually,” Susan wavered, but sat down on the bed eventually. “No Shadows, no Minbari warships… no Psi Cops," she added after a moment’s thought.

“They’ll find me in the end,” Marcus sighed and sipped from his tea. “Susan, I need to ask you something.”

Steeling herself, she locked eyes with him. “Yes?”

“Tell me, do I have a chance winning your heart? Your love?”

END OF THE LINE

PART 9

Susan had been expecting that question for some time, realizing she still owed him an answer. The hooded expression in his green eyes was slightly sad, like he expected being refused. Being honest with herself, she had to admit that he did have a chance.

Somehow he was already inside her heart, had become a part of it. Now that the words eluded her, she decided on another course of action. Keeping her eyes locked with his, she slowly leaned in closer, catching the quickening of his breath. Teasingly her lips brushed his and she loved hearing him moan softly the moment their lips touched. That exquisite sound made her kiss him more deeply than she had intended.

Her move took him by surprise. Marcus never thought she would act on impulse and actually kiss him. Her lips were soft and moist, tempting him to take control of this sensual encounter, but at the last moment he refrained from doing so. Something told him that she needed to be in control. But the kiss brought such a sweet ache that he had to fight hard to keep his shields up. It was tempting to let their minds touch as well, but he didn't want to scare her now that she was beginning to let him in.

Stephen remained standing in the doorway, truly enjoying this expression of affection. It was good that these two were finally opening up to each other. He had almost given up hope that they would reveal their true feelings one day.

Clearing his throat he grinned wickedly as Susan jumped up from the bed to quickly move away from the ranger.

Annoyed, Marcus stared at the intruder, but his gaze softened seeing Franklin. Even now he was still able to sense Susan's lips on his. The kiss had been brief, but had held a promise of something much more intimate.

Maybe it was a good thing Stephen had interrupted them after all. It gave Susan a chance to compose herself and to rethink her actions and he knew she needed that time. Shifting his glance from the doctor to Ivanova, he noticed the faint, delicate blush on her features. Smiling, he pushed himself deeper into the comfort of the bed.

**I take it that was a yes! ** he thought, remembering the question he had asked her. A yes that had made his body tingle all over and had set his mind aflame.

"Marcus? I'm going to allow you to leave your bed today, but only for one hour, do you understand? One hour and you're not allowed to leave med lab. Later on we'll discuss your treatment plan."

Stephen saw the now fiery blush on Susan's face and decided to address her. "You might want to stay with him and make sure he doesn't sneak out of med lab like he did before."

"I'll make sure he stays here," Susan promised. She remembered Franklin's report in which he had told her of his first encounter with the elusive ranger.

Delenn slowly and reverently uncovered Sinclair's letter once more and read it thoroughly. It left her with even more unanswered questions.

You must know by now that I became Valen when I took Babylon 4 into the past with me. I wished I could have told you that truth, but secrecy was necessary at that point. One day you'll understand why things had to be done this way.

This letter traveled through time so it could be delivered to you at the right moment. You'll be facing a time of Shadows, revelations and conspiracies. It will also be a time of grave danger for everyone fighting these Shadows. Your part in this war will be very important, your influence will grow and there's someone who will need your protection badly.

Marcus was freed at my order because his powers will be needed in this dark war you have to fight. I ask you to guard his life.

All will be revealed in time. In the meantime you have to ensure his safety for he's in peril. Make sure he's close at all times. That's why he ended up on Babylon 5 in the first place. He needs a safe heaven.

Trust in me, Delenn and speak to no one of this letter.

Valen.

"Why must you speak in riddles? I want to help Marcus but... protect him against whom? This Psi Corps John told me about?" she mused aloud. The fact that Marcus had turned out to be a high rated telepath was something that had baffled her. Why had the ranger not confided in her? He had confided in Sinclair...

She sighed and folded the letter before slipping it back into one of her pockets. **Sinclair... Valen asked me to do something and I will do his bidding, even though I do not understand. Understanding is not required, only obedience. I will watch over Marcus. **

"I hate med gowns," Marcus growled as Susan told him to lie down in bed again. They had spent the last hour walking med lab to see what kind of physical shape he was in. That walk had tired him, but he had been able to walk on his own and that told him that he would be all right in the end. All his body needed was rest.

"It did offer me a splendid view of certain parts of your body," Susan quipped mischievously.

Marcus immediately flushed a crimson red hearing that comment. "You aren't serious, are you?"

"Relax, Marcus. You don't have anything I haven't seen before." Smiling Susan pulled up his thermo blanket and made sure he wasn't cold.

"Bugger," Marcus cursed and was determined to ask Stephen for some sweat pants. He wasn't going to leave his bed ever again dressed in a bloody med gown! Glancing up into her eyes, he caught the shimmer of fire there and calmed down. " You look stunning," he whispered. Her long hair danced down her back and the color of the tunic complimented her eyes.

"Thank you," she replied in a soft tone. She had noticed his appreciative stare earlier on. "Want me to bring you dinner as well?"

"Only if you want to spend your time with me in med lab." Marcus felt guilty for taking up so much of her time now that she had a day off.

"I'll be back at 1900 hours," she told him and then grew silent.

"What's wrong?" Marcus asked, seeing her far-away look.

"Nothing," she said quickly. Too quickly.

"You can tell me, you know." His tone was soft, but resolved and he fought down the urge to doze off. That walk had exhausted him more than he wanted her to know.

"I keep thinking about Sinclair. How could he have known that you needed help to get out of that base?" Susan wished she could take back those words, seeing his now dark expression.

"I never had the courage to ask him, Susan. He just knew," Marcus said, feeling uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry I brought that up," Susan apologized and walked to the doorway. "We'll probably never find out. I've got to go now, but I'll be back with dinner."

"Don't take too long to return," he said in earnest.

It made her smile. "Missing me already?"

"Yes," he confessed.

Stephen entered Marcus' room several minutes after Ivanova had left. They needed to discuss his treatment plan.

The ranger heard the footfalls and quickly identified them. Turning on to his other side, he watched Stephen step inside. The doctor was carrying some files and Marcus knew he had to face some issues. No longer attached to IV's he was able to move more freely and he pushed himself into a sitting position.

"We need to talk," Stephen started and sat down.

"I know."

"You realize you'll need the Marloxon for the rest of your life, don't you, Marcus?"

"Yes."

"An implant in your arm might offer a solution. I can regulate the dose it releases so you wouldn't need to inject it any more. The implant will last one year. You won't have to worry about getting your meds on time." Stephen watched his patient. This was the best solution he had been able to come up with.

"Sounds alright to me," Marcus replied in a soft tone. He knew that he didn't have much choice in this matter. "What about the sleepers?" he said, trying to convince Franklin one more time.

"At this moment I don't see any need for them, Marcus." Franklin saw the disappointment in the ranger's eyes. "I don't know what it's like to be a telepath, but I do know that you shouldn't run away from who you really are. We'll need telepaths in this war against the Shadows."

"I know, but I never wanted to be one. Being a telepath ruined my mother's life and mine!" Marcus stated vehemently.

"But you're no longer in that re-education camp. You're among friends now," Stephen pointed out to him. " We'll help you deal with it. Give us a chance to prove ourselves to you, Marcus. You have to start trusting us. You trust me, don't you?"

"Yes, I trust you," Marcus had to admit. His attempt to convince Stephen had failed.

"And now I've got some good news for you as well!" Franklin said in a chipper tone. "I'm going to release you tomorrow. You'll remain off duty for one more week. I want you to check in regularly. The nurse will set up some appointments."

"Free at last!" Marcus said jokingly although he didn't know how he really felt about this news. It meant facing his friends again. **Former friends, perhaps, ** he reminded himself.

Epsilon 3

Draal reached out with his mind, his own limited ability aided by the unrivaled powers of the Great Machine. The time had come to act. All the signs had appeared. <Zathras, > he cast, needing the help of his aide in this situation.

A moment later the strange looking alien appeared, making clicking sounds and waiting patiently for orders from the guardian of the Great Machine. Zathras knew why the old Minbari had called him here. "Zathras working hard on the time stabilizers. They'll be ready in time; Zathras is good at making things."

<You have to hurry. Ask your brethren to help you. >

"Zathras will ask. Zathras will help. Now Zathras will go back to work," Zathras turned to leave the hall, but stopped as he received Draal's thoughts.

<Also establish contact with the One who took Babylon 4 back into the past. We will need more information. >

"Zathras will! Now Zathras must go back to work."

Draal concentrated on the Great Machine again and wished Sinclair, no Valen, had given him more detailed instructions. He felt lost and Draal had never liked that feeling. Something within the universe felt unbalanced, like it was waiting for him to restore it. But how?

Lately the Great Machine had stopped allowing him access to certain information, something it had never done before and that worried Draal. **Is the Great Machine doing this on purpose or is something more fundamental wrong with it? Am I losing control? **

END OF THE LINE

PART 10

"Marcus? Delenn asked me to walk you to your quarters and to make sure you got all the supplies you might need." Lennier realized Marcus hadn't expected him to come by the moment he saw the surprised look on the ranger's face.

"Lennier? What are you doing here?" Marcus quickly turned around to gauge the young Minbari's mood. He had packed the few things he had used during his stay in med lab, mostly items Stephen and Susan had brought along. His ranger uniform was also inside the small suitcase.

Lennier noticed the black shirt and trousers Marcus was wearing and wondered if there was a special reason the ranger had chosen these clothes. "If your uniform needs to be cleaned I will take care of it," he offered, curious of his friend's reaction.

"It does," Marcus admitted. The uniform was smelly and dirty. Also he wasn't sure Delenn wanted him to remain a ranger. He would have to talk to her first. But the fact that she had asked Lennier to escort him home gave him hope.

**Maybe Delenn does understand after all. Sinclair advised me to confide in her, but I was scared of her reaction to the truth and kept silent. If only I had known they were real friends, people I can trust and rely on! ** He felt angry with himself.

Studying the ranger Lennier saw the self-reproach and didn't know what to do. "We should leave now," he said eventually.

Marcus nodded his head and rolled down his sleeve. Stephen had put the implant in early that morning and he had to admit that it made him feel safe. The implant would administer the drug to his body without him having to worry where to get it or when. The doctor had also told him that nurse Baxter had been released. He had been pleased to hear that. She had only been trying to help him.

They stepped into the corridor and were approaching the exit when Franklin appeared.

"Take good care of yourself, Marcus and remember that I want you to come in for a check up the day after tomorrow." He extended his hand and placed it on Marcus' shoulder.

Some of the ranger's apprehension showed and Stephen whispered; "You'll be just fine. Susan asked me to tell you that she'll head for your quarters the moment her shift ends." Stephen walked them to the door and smiled reassuringly.

"Did Mr. Garibaldi say something about me having to call in? I'm sure he'll want to know what's going on," Marcus asked, not looking forward to being questioned by the Chief.

"I don't think so," Franklin replied, sensing the underlying fear to his friend's question. "He knows what happened. I'm sure he'll want to keep an eye on you, but not in the way you might expect." Stephen looked the ranger's in the eyes. "Michael isn't that fond of Psi Corps either. Don't worry about it."

Hardly believing his luck Marcus shook Franklin's hand.

Stephen saw the gratitude in the ranger's eyes and his smile broadened. "Don't forget your appointment," he reminded Marcus and watched them disappear around the corner.

"Are you certain you do not require my services? Delenn specifically asked me to make sure you are comfortable."

Marcus wondered what he had to do to convince Lennier that he was going to be alright. "I'll be fine, Lennier. I've got all the things I need." His eyes rested on his cot. Still feeling tired he wished the young Minbari would leave him so he could get some more sleep. Susan's shift ended in 7 hours and he wanted to be rested when she came by. He was planning on asking her out to dinner.

"Please call me should you need me." Lennier bowed slightly. Puzzled, he looked at the ranger. "Excuse my forwardness, but is it true that Doctor Franklin was unable to register your psi rating?"

Feeling uncomfortable Marcus stared at the floor. He had known his friends would be curious but now that one of them was actually asking him about his psi powers he wished the floor would swallow him. "Yes, it's true. Stephen told me I was P 12 at least." He had grown concerned hearing that news. The Corps had tested him a couple of times and they had marked him P 12. Was it possible that he had become stronger over the years although he hadn't used his ability? That thought frightened him. The surgeons had removed that particular section of his brain because they suspected that it would increase his psi rating. Had they been right after all? **No, ** he sighed mentally. **I don't want to think about this! **

"Marcus?" Worried by the ranger's absent-minded behavior Lennier cocked his head to study his friend. Trying to read the expression in Marcus' eyes he reached the conclusion that the ranger felt ashamed. He had to do something... "You must know that we Minbari regard telepathy as a highly treasured gift. You are most fortunate to be born a telepath."

"Fortunate?" Marcus choked down an angry reply, reminding himself that Lennier didn't know about Psi Corps policy regarding Blips and their re-education camps. " Would you leave me alone for now Lennier? Please?"

" If that is what you desire." Lennier realized he had said something wrong when the ranger's eyes had darkened with pain. "I apologize if I said something that..."

Marcus cut him short. "Lennier? Please leave. I'll explain everything to you one day, but not now."

Lennier refrained from answering and departed although his heart felt heavy for the ranger whose pain had been so obvious.

Lowering himself onto the bed, he centered himself and closely examined his shields. He'd better have them at full strength now that Franklin had refused to put him back on sleepers. A sigh fled his lips as he assessed the work he had to do to get those shields back in order. **Better start now, then I might be done when Susan arrives. **

Shuttle Hugin

"The best place to start this hunt might be Babylon 5," Al mused. He had taken 2 bloodhounds along just in case this Blip proved difficult to apprehend. Although he loved to hunt, he disliked doing the dirty work and preferred to leave that to the bloodhounds who loved to go in for the kill.

"But this one I want alive," he had told them in a firm tone. ** This Blip might be my key to getting into Department Sigma, ** he thought and leaned back in his seat, deeply content.

"Computer, how much longer before we reach Babylon 5?" he wanted to know. The bloodhounds were getting restless and he had to admit that he was looking forward to the hunt as well. This Marcus appeared to be a cunning opponent and it had been a while since a hunt had been a challenge.

"Three hours at current speed," the computer replied.

**Enough time to set up a game plan, ** Bester mused and considered several ways of finding this rogue. There was only one thing bugging him. Ms. Trale had refused to give him any personal data on this Blip's family history. That would make it harder to track him down. Usually he knew almost everything about his victims and that was why he managed to catch them time and time again. Knowing the Blip's past was elemental in locating him quickly. This time he would have to try harder.

"But I always get my man," he whispered confidently.

Pressing the door chime Susan felt strangely shy. Marcus had sent her a dinner invitation while she hadn't been in her quarters and the ranger had asked her not to wear her uniform to dinner. She had dashed into her bedroom to closely examine the content of her wardrobe. "I've got nothing to wear!" she had exclaimed. Checking the clock had told her that she didn't have enough time to get a dress at the Zocalo. She had almost given up when she had found a blue dress at the back of the closet. A dress she had never worn before because it showed too much cleavage. This time however, it was just the thing she needed.

Taking her time she had slipped into it. Her hair remained loose and she decided to wear a silver bracelet and necklace. Adding a touch of sensual perfume she felt ready for her date.

**A date! ** she thought while pressing the door chime once more. **What if I hadn't found him in his quarters on time? He would have died and I would have stayed behind. I would never have known about his love! ** Somehow that thought scared her.

The door opened and she peeked inside. Marcus was nowhere in sight and she stepped inside hesitantly. "Marcus? Are you in here?"

" Just a moment, Susan."

A quick inspection of his quarters told her that he was in the bathroom. Making her way over there she said;" Are you certain you're up to leaving your quarters? Stephen can get extremely mad when a patient disobeys his orders."

"Stephen is too protective of his patients," Marcus said in an amused tone and stepped into the living area. Seeing Susan he felt paralyzed, his feet refused to move and his eyes grew big.

Could this vision of heavenly beauty really be Commander Ivanova? Looking like this she took his breath away and he grew sad. What would such a woman want with him? She could have any man or woman she wanted.

A crestfallen look appeared on his face and Susan wondered what was wrong. She could tell he had tried looking his best as he was dressed in dark trousers, black satin shirt and a black velvet jacket. His green eyes burned and involuntarily she took another step closer to him. Why had she never seen those fabulous eyes of his before? They pulled her closer like a moth to a flame. "You're very handsome, Marcus," she whispered, hoping that her words would drive away that hurt expression in his eyes.

"Mere words are inadequate to describe your unearthly beauty," he murmured.

"Thank you," Susan said, gracefully accepting the compliment. "I trust you made reservations at the restaurant?"

"Of course," Marcus shivered as she moved closer. She smelled intoxicating.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Susan finally realized what was wrong. He had never before seen her in a dress. Suddenly she smiled, remembering his confession that he was still a virgin. Slipping her arm around his waist she pulled him towards the door.

Marcus saw her resolved look and gave in. Commander Ivanova always got her way.

END OF THE LINE

PART 11

"Michael? Look over there!" Stephen said in a soft tone, trying hard not to attract any attention.

"What?" Garibaldi shot a quick glance at the entrance and couldn't help grinning. "The Commander and Marcus?"

Susan had never looked so stunning. Her hair was dancing and her eyes sparkled. "Looks to me like she's trying to seduce that ranger!" The Chief had to admit that Susan's dress accentuated her curves in all the right places and her breasts threatened to break free from their confines. "That's what I call dressed to kill," Michael said jokingly.

Stephen had to agree. "I can't remember her ever dressing up like this." Franklin watched them as they sat down. The expression in Marcus' eyes gave the ranger away. "And Marcus is nervous as hell!" Stephen said amused.

"Yeah, he looks like he's going to keel over any moment now. I bet he never expected to have dinner with the femme fatale version of Commander Ivanova, that lucky bastard!"

Franklin grinned. "They do look good together, don't they?"

Garibaldi nodded his head. " Yeah, they do. What do you think, Stephen? Should we pay them a visit?"

"No, let them have some privacy," Franklin replied smugly. "I bet you 50 credits that they are going to her quarters after dinner. If I'm reading her expression right she won't take 'no' for an answer."

"50 credits?" Garibaldi thought it over, watching the couple for some moments. "I raise that bet to 100. Marcus is going to make things hard on her."

"I accept!" Stephen shook Garibaldi's hand, wondering if Michael was going to win those 100 credits after all. The Chief might have a point there. Marcus had told him that he hadn't dated Hasina because he didn't want the Psi Corps chasing his children. It might take some time for the ranger to get used to having a relationship. But he counted on Ivanova to take the initiative; otherwise he would have to pay up those 100 credits!

"Dinner was fabulous." Susan took his arm and placed it around her waist. Marcus had behaved like the perfect gentleman all evening and now she was getting fed up with the distance he was keeping. During dinner she had tried to curl her fingers around his hand and he had pulled back while uttering a sincere apology. She couldn't figure out what she was doing wrong. Marcus was shy, she knew that, but she had thought he would have gotten over that now that he knew that the attraction was mutual.

"Will you allow me to walk you home?" Marcus asked, well aware of the expression in her eyes.

"Yes," she replied softly. It would give them a chance to talk. His arm was still curled around her waist and Susan rested her head against his chest as they made their way to her quarters.

They hardly encountered anyone. It was after midnight and most residents were asleep or at work.

"Marcus? What's wrong?" she said eventually as the tension got too much to bear.

"Susan, I'm sorry. It's my fault..." Marcus confessed. He had wanted to tell her all night, but doubted that she would understand his inner struggle.

She stopped him and locked eyes with him. Slowly she pushed him against the wall, trapping him there.

With his back against the wall Marcus couldn't do anything but wait.

"You don't want to touch me, why?" she asked in a tense tone. Moving with purpose her fingers tangled in his hair.

"I don't want to invade your mind by accident. Touching you... is dangerous. I need to keep my distance or..." Marcus tried to explain his dilemma but stopped talking as fire appeared in her eyes.

"That's it?" she said relieved. "I was afraid it was something else, like you'd discovered that you weren't attracted to me after all." Molding her body against his she ignored his smothered cry as she placed her lips on his. Her hands moved downwards to pull his shirt out of his trousers. "I want to touch you and I want you to touch me," she said seductively and slid her fingertips down his chest.

"Susan," he moaned, wondering why she was so determined. Her actions complicated things. "What if I invade your mind? Read your thoughts? I'm not sure I can stay in control all the time."

"We've wasted too much time already." She swallowed hard, not sure it would be such a bad thing to have him touch her mind. Remembering the warmth his love had radiated as he'd thought he was about to die, she traced the insides of his lips with her tongue. His skin was warm and as she found an erect nipple, she couldn't repress the urge to pinch it.

"Susan!" he groaned as her fingertips moved over his skin. Closing his eyes he used all the discipline he could muster to refrain from moving closer to her mind. Soft lips brushed his again and again and her moist tongue was teasing him to open up to her.

Laughing voices broke the enchantment and Susan quickly scanned the corridor. Two men appeared. "Damnit!" she cursed softly, seeing Garibaldi and Franklin turn around the corner.

Marcus caught the laughter as well and his eyes flashed open. Susan's hands quickly withdrew and he sighed with relief. He had come too close to letting down his shield. One more moment and he would have pulled her mind closer to become one with his. In future he would have to be more careful.

Stephen and Michael exchanged a glance before passing them by in the corridor. It was the Chief who couldn't keep quiet in the end. "I suggest you kids carry on!" He quickly walked on, fearing Ivanova's wrath. But the Commander was blushing and panting softly.

"I'll come by later to collect those 100 credits, Michael," Stephen said jokingly and pulled Garibaldi into the core tube. It was better to stay out of Ivanova's reach at this moment.

Susan was about to snarl a comment, but then realized that they were already gone. "Come on, Marcus. Let's go to my quarters where we can have some privacy!"

Waking from his stupor Marcus shook his head. "I'll walk you to your quarters, Susan but it would be better for me to return to my rooms as well."

"Why? I thought I just made it perfectly clear that I don't have a problem with..."

Marcus interrupted her. "But I don't feel comfortable slamming into your mind by accident, Susan. I need some time." He pulled her along and they started walking again. Sensing Susan's growing anger he tried to explain his fear once more. "Susan, I've been on sleepers for over 3 years. I'm not used to... being a telepath again. I'm scared I might hurt you." He stopped her, but she refused to look at him. "Susan, please understand." Cupping her chin in his left hand, he had to concentrate on deflecting her thoughts, which came hurling towards him. "I love you. Nothing will ever change that. Please be patient with me."

"Patience isn't my strongest character trait," she replied in the end, trying hard not to feel rejected. In a certain way she understood him and realized Marcus was acting this way because he didn't want to hurt her. It took the edge from her anger.

They had arrived at her quarters and she punched in her access code. "I can make us some coffee," she offered, but already knew the answer.

"Another time, love," Marcus said and smiled weakly. "I need to take this slow. Will you join me for lunch tomorrow?"

"You bet I will."

Marcus allowed her to pull him into her embrace. "I love you, Susan Ivanova," Marcus whispered and kissed her brow. He had to find a way to be able to touch her without falling into her mind.

Al had made himself comfortable in one of the bars in the Zocalo and had ordered some caff. Although it was hardly a reasonable substitute for the real thing he had opted for it at the last moment. His bloodhounds had mingled with the inhabitants of Babylon 5 to gather information about the escaped prisoner. If they didn't find a clue here he would have to call in some favors from people who owed him big time. Bester was determined to find this Blip and no one was going to stop him.

Sipping from his cup he looked around, studying these normals. Keeping his mind open he tried to gain a general impression of life on the station. Every place had a certain feel to it and he was curious about the signature of Babylon 5.

Suddenly his inner alarms kicked in. He had picked up something odd, yet strangely familiar at the same time. Mildly scanning for the origin of this signature his eyes came to rest on a longhaired man near one of the exits. Tightening his shield he sensed the other man's impressive mind. ** P 12! ** Al realized.

Quickly paying his bill he rose from his feet to catch the man's face. The green eyes struck him and he remembered the picture Ms.Trale had given him. The beard and the long hair made it harder for him to recognize Marcus but this was his Blip alright. Tasting the rogue's mental signature, he stored it for future use. Should he lose his track he could always pick up the scent of the Blip's signature.

Al briefly considered calling in his bloodhounds, but sending that mental command could alert the rogue. He couldn't take that risk and maybe he didn't even need their help. Slowly he strolled over to he exit and continued to observe the Blip who was talking to several merchants. Bester realized that this was the chance he had been waiting for. He never thought he would be so lucky as to find the rogue this quickly.

The Blip said good-bye to one of the merchants and Al followed him into the corridor. Perfect, there was no one else in sight. Stalking the rogue telepath Al decided to launch a telepathic assault, which would incapacitate the Blip. Once onboard his shuttle he could deep scan his prisoner and find out why Department Sigma wanted him that badly.

Marcus was in no hurry to return to his lonely quarters. After he had escorted Susan home he had visited some of his contacts to assure them everything was alright. Heading for his rooms he recalled the softness of Susan's lips. She had been far more aggressive than he had expected and he wondered if she would have stopped her seduction if Stephen and Garibaldi hadn't shown up.

Smiling, he remembered her relief as she had realized why had been hesitant to touch her. She would wait; give him the time he needed to cross that final bridge. If only she would admit to him that she was a telepath as well! It would make things much easier. **I've waited so long for her to show her feelings, I can wait, ** he mused.

Marcus never knew what hit him as a bright red light exploded in his mind. Dropping to his knees he tried to fight off this fire that was consuming his thoughts, but it was too strong. A high-pitched scream left his lips. Losing consciousness quickly, Marcus tried to get to his feet again, not wanting to surrender yet. The horrible truth penetrated his thoughts a moment later. The Corps had found him at last! His suspicion was confirmed as a foreign mind voice pierced his thoughts in two.

<You can't run away from the Corps. It's time to return home, Marcus. The Corps missed you. At last their prodigal son returns. >

The message was followed by laughter filled with contentment and Marcus slipped away from consciousness while terror hovered over his thoughts. He had lost the fight, had lost all he had come to care about. The Corps had finally found him and they would make sure he would never be able to run away again

END OF THE LINE

PART 12

EPSILON 3

**This is not going as planned. This human is mingling in affairs he knows nothing about! ** Draal had used the Great Machine to keep an eye on Marcus Cole as Valen had requested and had now discovered that something had gone wrong.

<Zathras! > he cast, waiting impatiently for one of his loyal assistants to appear. In the beginning he had tried telling them apart, all 9 brothers, but had failed.

"Zathras was working. Now Zathras had to stop!" The furry looking alien wasn't pleased with this interruption. Repairing a time stabilizer was delicate work and he needed every moment to complete his assignment.

<Ask one of your brothers to take over. I have got another, more important, mission for you. > Draal wished he could do this himself, but he couldn't leave the Great Machine.

SHUTTLE HUGIN

Al smiled smugly; there had been no complications apprehending the Blip. After he had rendered Marcus unconscious by launching that attack, his bloodhounds had quickly secured the area and together they had brought the Blip onboard the shuttle. Al had been forced to use some 'persuasion' to get the rogue through security. It was a good thing most security guards had weak minds, which were easily to manipulate.

Marcus had been strapped to a chair and Al had told the bloodhounds to acquire another shuttle and to return to their base. He didn't want any witnesses around when deep scanning the Blip who wasn't a match for him. Although the rogue possessed an impressive mind Marcus had hardly any training; consequently he'd been no match for an experienced Psi Cop.

**But what a mind! ** Al had to admit, fighting down some jealousy. He had only been inside the Blip's mind for a moment, but had immediately realized what raw potential the prisoner possessed. Had Marcus been properly trained it would have been Bester who would have been subdued. That was something that bothered Al.

**This Blip has to be stronger than P 12! Have they done something to him to enhance his ability? Department Sigma's ultimate goal is to breed telepaths who have passed the P 12 mark. Did they succeed? And if they did, what is this Blip's current rating? And how can I use this information to my own advantage? **

"Shuttle Hugin? You're cleared for departure."

The voice reminded him that he still had to concentrate; he hadn't yet left Babylon 5 and if they caught him they could stop him from leaving with his prisoner.

"Acknowledged," Al said and quickly started all required procedures. It would take him some hours to get all the information he wanted from Marcus and then he would have to decide whether or not to hand him over to Ms.Trale. Maybe he would have to mind wipe the Blip to make sure Department Sigma wouldn't get their hands on certain data.

"But first I'm going to find out what's so special about you, Marcus," Al whispered.

Plotting their course, Al decided to jump to hyperspace to make it harder to track them down. His eyes locked on the emotionless face of his sleeping prisoner. Marcus would awaken shortly. "I'll get to you once we're out of reach of Babylon 5's scanners!" he promised his prisoner. "And it won't be a pleasant conversation."

BABYLON 5

Susan easily slipped out of her evening gown and walked over to the media wall. After inserting a crystal some soft music began playing. Giggling she dropped onto the couch. That last kiss Marcus had given her had made her go wobbly at the knees. **He might not have much experience, but he's a great kisser! ** she mused.

Pushing a pillow underneath her head she stretched her body and kicked off her shoes. She hated high-heeled shoes, but they did make her legs look awesome. His glance had been admiring all evening and she had loved pinning him down against that corridor wall.

At first she had been irritated with his shyness, but now she realized that she loved that particular character trait of his and she hoped that he wasn't going to lose it once they became more intimate. It allowed her to be in control and she needed that at the moment.

Sipping from the glass of red wine she had poured herself earlier she recalled their date. Everything had been so perfect! He had been so damned considerate of her feelings and had never made the first move.

**I should have known he would feel uncomfortable touching me. I completely forgot he has been on sleepers for 3 years! And I should tell him that I'm a telepath also before we take things one step further. I never thought I would ever willingly tell someone, but we share so much. I trust him. **

Stroking some hair out of her face she smelled Marcus' scent on them.

**I miss him! ** she realized with a start. Ever since their minds had touched, ever since she had felt his love, she had been hungry for more.

**Better try and get some sleep. My shift starts early tomorrow morning. ** Susan got up from the couch and moved into the bathroom to remove her make up. Looking into the mirror she stared at the face it revealed to her. **Is that me? ** she wondered? Her blue eyes were alive, sparkling, and her lips bruised. **What have you done to me, Marcus? **

She strolled into the bedroom and after lying down, pulled up the comforter. Unlike most nights it didn't take her long to fall asleep. Marcus' image kept the wolf away and she slept peacefully for the first time in years.

Michael cursed. Security had notified him much too late that two of his officers had experienced temporal memory loss hours ago and that news worried him. Some moments later a second message had reached him. Alfred Bester had been seen on the station. The damned bastard had managed to sneak onboard without him knowing about it!

Anger built deep inside him. Damn! Jeff had warned him that Psi Corps was up to something! Sinclair had told him to be alert! And now it looked like he had been sloppy! Bester had already left the station again.

"Why did you leave so quickly, Bester? Did you find what you were looking for?" The worst thing was that the Psi Cop had a head start of several hours and his shuttle had disappeared from the scanners. Bester had probably already made the jump to hyperspace.

"What am I going to do now?" he whispered, watching the security tape, which showed shuttle Hugin disappearing from view. "Jeff told me to keep quiet, but I can't do anything without Sheridan's permission." His fist connected with the wall with a bang.

"I've got to check on Marcus first!" he realized and asked the computer to locate the ranger.

"Ranger Cole is no longer onboard Babylon 5," the computer replied.

"Damn! Now I got no choice. Sorry, Jeff, but I've got to tell the rest and... perhaps I even have to tell Ivanova." That thought made him cringe. She was going to space him for messing up once she learned about Jeff's message to protect the ranger.

"I just didn't expect Bester to move in this soon!" he told himself. If Bester had really jumped to hyperspace there was hardly a chance of locating the shuttle again. His fingers trembled slightly as he placed a call to the Captain's quarters. They had to act now!

"Alright, Michael. What's so important that it can't wait?" Sheridan wasn't in a good mood. He had been asleep when Garibaldi's message had woken him. Forcing his sleepy eyes to remain open he studied the Chief. Something didn't seem right.

"Sorry, Captain. But we got a situation here and I need your permission to take out a Starfury to pursue a shuttle." Michael didn't want to waste any more time.

"Starfury? Shuttle? Michael, what the hell are you talking about?"

"John, I'm about to share some confidential information with you and I would greatly appreciate it if you kept this to yourself."

Garibaldi's expression made him alert and John rose from the bed. "Tell me, Michael, what's wrong?"

"Bester paid a little visit to the station and kidnapped someone."

"Kidnapped?" Sheridan was doing his best to understand what was going on, but Garibaldi speaking in riddles wasn't helping. " Whom did he kidnap?" he asked, rubbing the last remnant of sleep from his eyes.

"He's got Marcus, John." Garibaldi hoped that Sheridan wasn't going to ask for more detailed information. "Just give me your okay, Captain."

"Marcus? What does Bester want with our station ranger?" Then he remembered Marcus' secret and he immediately understood. "Bester caught himself a rogue."

"Yes, and although Marcus is a pain in the butt, I can't let the Corps have him. Ivanova's going to space me once she finds out what happened!"

"Does Bester have a head start?"

"Several hours."

Sheridan nodded his head. "Take a Starfury and get Marcus back. I'll send in reinforcements should you need them. Keep in close contact. And Michael?"

Garibaldi looked up from the controls. He had just notified Stationhouse that he was going to leave the station.

"Be careful."

"Understood, sir!" Garibaldi replied and terminated the connection, eager to get to his Starfury.

END OF THE LINE

PART 13

Marcus woke slowly from his deep sleep. Trying to open his eyes he cringed when a severe headache made him want to throw up. Bit by bit his memory returned and he gasped with fear. The last thing he remembered was seeing a Psi Cop and hearing that ruthless mind voice telling him he had been found out. Panicking Marcus tried to move, but found that his hands and feet were tied.

"It took you long enough to wake up," Al remarked, aiming his PPG at his prisoner. He had no idea what this Blip might be up to and he wasn't going to take any chances.

"Who? Why?" Marcus managed to choke out, gasping and tasting blood on his tongue. Not sure what was going on, he hesitantly opened his eyes and tried focusing on the Psi Cop seated in the chair opposite him. His heart missed a beat seeing that face. In the camps they had shown documentaries of Psi Cops who would hunt them down should they ever try to escape. He knew this face and shivered. This man would show no mercy.

"Alfred Bester," Marcus whispered and realized that his fate had been decided. The Psi Cop would never let him go.

"You know me? I'm impressed," Al quipped, sarcasm dripping from his tone. "It does simplify certain matters between us." Feeling in control he got to his feet and began circling his prisoner. He had 2 hours to rummage around in Marcus' mind and find out what Department Sigma had been hiding from him.

"What do you want?" Marcus asked and lowered his eyes. He needed time to gather his composure. Bester scared the hell out of him, having witnessed on tape how the Psi Cop had turned in Blips.

Al lashed out with a fraction of his mind to silence Marcus. "I ask the questions!"

Marcus flinched as another blast of red pain moved through him and knew that Bester wouldn't play by the rules. He would have been surprised had Bester honored all agreements between the Senate and the Corps when it came down to illegally scanning or intruding on someone's mind. Keeping quiet he waited for the Psi Cop to continue.

"Who are you? And don't try tricking me." Al was inclined to give the man a chance to co-operate. After all, Marcus was a telepath, one of his own kind. If the rogue wouldn't co-operate he would have to perform a deep scan and he was prepared to go all the way.

"Marcus," the ranger replied, not giving away anything else. He would never tell Bester his real name.

" I know that already! What's your last name? Where were you born?" Bester asked, not pleased with the answer the stubborn prisoner had given.

"A re-education camp. I don't know where it was located. They never told me," Marcus whispered. The headache was growing worse. That mental attack Bester had launched at him earlier on was still causing him pain.

"This questioning procedure will take forever," Al sighed in mock annoyance. He had already decided on a course of action and was going to rip the information he needed from the Blip's mind. Running out of time he really had no other choice.

Marcus locked eyes with Bester and caught the Psi Cop's surface thoughts. "No," he exclaimed, struggling against the straps that tied him to the seat. "Don't do it! It hurts!" Vividly remembering being scanned at both camps. The last time he hadn't fought them, knowing that action would be futile. And now Alfred Bester, one of the most feared hunters the Corps had, was going to deep scan him? Marcus tugged at the straps once more, but they

didn't give in. Helplessly, he looked pleadingly at the Psi Cop. "No..."

"Too late," Al said, shrugging his shoulders. "You had your chance to tell me." Removing his glove he approached the Blip and enjoyed seeing his terror. "The more you fight me, the more it will hurt," he told his prisoner.

Marcus froze as Bester placed his right hand against his temple. "No," Marcus whimpered in sheer anguish, feeling an alien mind penetrate his shields, piercing them to move into the core of his mind. It hurt! Clenching his hands into fists he tried to stay conscious so he could fight off Bester, the intruder, but he had no experience in deflecting such an attack. Pain washed through him as Bester moved through his mind. "Get out!" Marcus tried to scream, but only fragments of those words left his lips.

Al was amazed at the resistance he encountered. This was going to take much longer than he'd expected. The rogue was fighting him every inch of the way and this struggle exhausted him. No longer able to deny this impressive mind, he began to admire Marcus' tenacity.

<You're only making it more painful for yourself, > he told his prisoner, hoping to weaken that resistance.

<I'm going to die anyway, > Marcus replied with the last bit of energy he had been hanging on to.

Al concentrated on his opponent's mind, smelling victory as the Blip moaned his surrender. He'd won and was inside his mind. Looking around Al decided to start his investigation with Marcus' oldest memories.

Unable to stop him, Marcus was forced to allow the Psi Cop to roam his memories.

**Where am I? ** Al thought and looked at his surroundings through alien eyes. Wondering what had happened he realized that he was inside a boy's body, no more than 10 years old. ** I managed to get into his mind, but this never occurred before! ** he had to admit.

Shivering, he realized that he was terribly cold, only wearing clothes made of thin fabric that hardly offered any protection from the freezing cold inside this small and dirty space he was in. It was dark and his eyes needed more time to adjust themselves.

He wanted to rub his hands, to breathe some hot air onto his fingers so he could warm them a bit, but this prison limited his movement. Moving his fingers just a little told him that he was in some sort of tube. Water was dripping from above, falling onto his head in an annoying rhythm.

<You've been a bad boy, Marcus. Now you have to suffer the consequences. Promise that you won't defy the guards any more and I'll keep you company a little longer. The silence, the cold, they must be horrible. >

Al was beginning to get nervous. This was not going according to plan! He didn't know this mind voice, but sensed the venom in those words. This telepath was enjoying torturing a little kid.

<Come on, Marcus. You've been in that hole for 5 days now. If you promise to be good you can see your mother

again. >

**Bastard! ** Al thought, but made sure his thoughts were properly shielded. **You're doing this to one of your own kind! **

<Alright, we'll do it your way. Stay in that hole! >

Al tried controlling his anger. He had once visited a re-education camp to get better quarters and some decent food for Carolyn and hadn’t liked what he’d seen, but the camps were a necessary evil. Carolyn hadn’t been Cadre Prime and the world had influenced her. But did they really put people, children in to holes? Was it that bad? He had condemned people to living in such a camp; he had turned in Blips.

Liz’s face came back to haunt him. Liz, he had turned her in to the Corps. She had gone rogue after she had tried convincing him to run away with her. Had they put her in to a hole too, like Marcus?

**What happened to Liz? I loved her, but never once did I try to find out if they'd managed to re-educate her. This must be such a camp, a more brutal version of it, older. Marcus told me he grew up in one. But at the moment I'm more interested in getting out! **

An instant later he was thrown into the light. Guards were dragging him into a small room. Unable to walk, his feet dragged over the floor and his body ached every step of the way.

"Marcus!"

Cocking his head he tried to pinpoint the origin of that scream. A woman had yelled that name and he sensed the terror in that scream. Two guards were keeping her back, pulling her in the opposite direction. Something bad was going to happen. For one moment he locked eyes with the young woman who had called out and his heart missed a beat as he recognized that face.

"Liz," he whispered in bafflement.

One of the guards heard that whisper and slapped him hard in the face. Al winced as the impact of that fist almost made him throw up. He'd felt that blow!

"Marcus."

Liz's voice was more subdued now, sounded farther away, but still he managed to look in her direction. Her empty eyes made him shudder. She had definitely changed! The beauty she had once possessed had withered away and she was so skinny that her bone structure showed beneath her clothes.

**I need to take control of this situation. This has to be Marcus' doing. I'm not going to give in that easily! ** Concentrating on his own mental strength he ignored the rough hands of the guard pulling him along and forgot about the horrible stench, the awful cold.

Spasms racked Marcus' body as the Psi Cop broke his control. He hadn't even realized that he had succeeded in breaking Bester's hold on his mind. But he had lost this fight... His body went limp the moment Bester overwhelmed him.

Al opened his eyes and saw the horrified expression on his prisoner's face. Something told him that Marcus hadn't taken him back into his past on purpose. It had just been reflex on the man's part to defend himself.

<When I was inside your mind I saw a woman's face. Her name's Liz. She called out your name. How well do you know her? > Al wanted to know. It had been Liz, his Liz, he had seen during that flash.

Marcus shook badly, but managed to block the Psi Cop as he tried to dive into his mind for a second time. " Go... to... hell..." he murmured. He wasn't going to tell Bester anything.

<You =will= tell me! > Bester was losing his patience and forced himself to calm down. The Blip was about to lose consciousness and should that happen he would have to wait even longer to have his questions answered.

<What's Liz Montoya to you? Where did you meet her? What became of her? > Al shouted into his prisoner's mind, becoming more frustrated with every passing second.

Vaguely Marcus registered that Bester knew her last name as well. Had the Psi Cop arrested his mother as well? Sent her to the camp? Too drained to fight any longer Marcus gave into oblivion and rode down that dark road to unconsciousness.

Angry Bester shook Marcus by his shoulders. He wanted those answers and he wanted them now!

<Wake up! > he cast in angry tone, but only silence echoed in Marcus' mind and he realized the Blip couldn't hear him any longer. "You will tell me," he repeated and reached for the med kit onboard. There was a stimulant inside and he was going to use it on Marcus to make him wake up. His hands had found the hypo gun as a cold voice cut through the cabin.

"Shuttle Hugin?"

Al immediately recognized Ms.Trale's voice and realized they had been following him. They'd never trusted him, had kept an eye on him all the time!

**Focus! Stay in control! ** he told himself. Casting one more look at his unconscious prisoner Al realized that he had lost the game for now, but there would be other chances. "This is Shuttle Hugin, Ms, Trale," he added the name because he suspected it would irritate her.

"Mr. Bester? Congratulations! You caught your man. Please follow us to our base. Would you like to be present at his questioning? I might have use for a man like you. The Department needs new blood."

Al mentally cursed. He'd wanted to gain Trale's confidence but at the moment he was more interested in finding out what connected Marcus to Liz Montoya, the woman he had once loved.

"Affirmative. I'll follow your lead and yes, I'm interested in becoming part of your organization," he said eventually.

"Perfect, Mr. Bester. One more question though. Is the prisoner conscious?"

"Negative, Ms. Trale," he replied. Al was determined to use her invitation to his advantage. Department Sigma would be sorry to have let him in.

END OF THE LINE

PART 14

"Commander? We're receiving a very confusing transmission," Lt. Corwin pointed out to Ivanova whose shift was about to end.

"Patch it through to my work station," Ivanova said and waited for the message to arrive.

"Zathras needs to talk to Captain Sheridan, very urgent. Zathras might forget what Draal told him."

"Zathras? What are you doing here?" she replied surprised.

"Zathras knows that voice..."

Susan turned to Corwin and nodded her head. "He's cleared to land. I'm going to the docking bay myself. We can't have him run loose on the station. Alert the Captain."

"Yes, Commander." Corwin returned to work and wondered how to talk this Zathras person through docking procedures.

"Michael?"

The Chief was about to climb into his Starfury as his link sprang to life. "Yes, Captain?" Annoyed at the delay he hoped nothing bad had occurred on the station that might need his personal attention.

"Forget about going after Marcus on your own. I want you to report to the War room at once. We just received access to some new and important information."

"But Captain!" Garibaldi tried protesting, but Sheridan's tone was determined.

"Mr. Garibaldi, this is a direct order!"

"Yes, sir!" Angry with himself he began to strip off his suit. By now Bester's head start had grown so big that a search would have been a failure anyway. "Damnit, Jeff! Why couldn't you have sent that recorded warning earlier?" he cursed, trying to shake off the feeling that Marcus was in dire straits.

A small crowd had gathered in the War room. Delenn had taken her seat and Lennier stood behind her. Commander Ivanova and Michael Garibaldi had arrived at the same moment and she wondered why his expression was so angry. Stephen walked into the room a moment later and finally Sheridan and Zathras joined them as well.

Susan had met the alien before and although she didn't want to admit it, she rather liked him. **As long as he doesn't ask me to recite all his brother's names in the right way, ** she mused.

"I called you here because we have a problem," Sheridan started. He hadn't even had the time to inform Delenn of the disappearance of their station ranger. Keeping an eye on Susan he feared her reaction most. She hated Bester with a vengeance and he wasn't sure she would be able to deal with his news.

"What kind of problem?" Susan asked, starting to feel apprehensive. Why wasn't Marcus here? He was part of the War Council as well.

"Bester sneaked on to the station... but didn't leave on his own," Sheridan saw understanding dawning in her eyes and he wished there was a way to turn back time and to stop the Psi Cop from leaving the station with Marcus.

"He's got Marcus!" she said in a shaky tone.

"I'm sorry, Susan. I should have paid more attention to what was going on, but he wiped the minds of two of my security guards," Michael said apologetically.

"We need to do something! We have to get him back!" Susan stated in an agitated tone. "The Corps already got Talia. They aren't going to get Marcus as well!"

"That's why Zathras is here!" the alien said and smiled broadly. "Zathras knows where to find him. Draal told Zathras, but we must go now, can't wait."

"Delenn, I need a White Star." Susan looked the Ambassador in the eyes and saw disbelief reflected in them.

Remembering Valen's letter Delenn knew she had no choice. "There will be a White Star ready for you, Commander. Lennier will act as your translator. You will need him."

"Susan, I can't let you go alone!" Sheridan said concerned.

"She won't be alone. John, I messed up and need to help resolve this situation," Garibaldi remarked in a determined tone.

"Good!" Zathras said approvingly. "Zathras will guide you. Zathras knows where to go."

Susan swallowed hard. She had feared this might happen, but now that Marcus had actually been taken prisoner her world began to fall apart all around her. She wasn't sure she could deal with the loss of another loved one.

"We're wasting time. Michael? Zathras?" Susan said; trying to act composed. "I want to leave in 30 minutes. Lennier, get that White Star ready for departure!"

Sheridan exchanged a glance with Delenn and saw the sadness in her eyes. Leaning in closer he whispered into her ear; "We'll get him back, don't worry."

RE-EDUCATION CAMP HORUS, DEPARTMENT SIGMA

Waking from unconsciousness Marcus found himself strapped to an exam table. The smell was awfully familiar and he realized he had returned to the camp where the surgeons had operated on him. It was cold in the room. A thin sheet covered his naked body. They hadn't wasted any time and had hooked him up to several medical devices.

He wanted to take in his surroundings, but couldn't move his head. Something cold and hard had been placed around his skull, keeping his head in place. Fear overwhelmed him and he tried to reach out with his mind, but found that the static was gone. It only took him a moment to realize they had injected him with sleepers.

**The implant! Did they find it? ** His biggest fear was to go through the withdrawal again. He still hadn't completely recovered from the last time. Helpless, he tried to look at his left arm to see if the implant was still there, but his hands and feet were bound to the table as well. **I guess I'm going to find out soon enough whether they found it or not! ** he thought, knowing the early signs of that particular condition only too well.

One of the monitors to his right began to beep; an irritating sound that worsened the headache he still had. Failing to fight down his panic, a cold sweat quickly covered his entire body. **What are they going to do to me? **

Scared, he tried recalling Susan's face to draw strength from, but his mind felt paralyzed and he had trouble remembering her visage. Marcus told himself to calm down. Panic wasn't going to get him anywhere. At least he was still alive. **But this time no rangers are going to come to get me out. No one knows where I am. I don't even know myself. What =do= I remember? ** he thought, trying to focus on something else than being strapped to this exam table.

**Bester was deep scanning me and somehow I managed to get in control of that scan, but it didn't last long. Just before I blacked out he asked me something. What was it? Yes, I remember now. He wanted to know more about my mother. Why? What does he know about her? He even knew her last name! **

Mystified, Marcus closed his eyes. Tremors coursed through his body and they weren't only caused by cold. The truth was that he was scared like hell about what they were going to do to him!

Al stood next to Ms.Trale, but paid her hardly any attention. He was much more interested in studying the prisoner in the other room through a secured window. If he wanted his questions answered he would have to play this game on her terms. Trale had all the answers.

"Now that I've returned him to you," Al started, smiling at her, "I would like to know more about him." She glared at him and he didn't flinch. This was a test he was planning on passing. "You said you wanted me to join your organization... telling me more about this Blip would be considered a gesture of trust," he finished and turned his back on Marcus, pretending to not really be interested in him, only in her answer.

"I guess you showed your loyalty," she said hesitantly. "This is his file. Study it and give me your advice in this matter." Moving her fingers, she accessed Marcus' files and left it on screen. "This is for your eyes only," she added and left the room to check on her prisoner.

The door closed and Al quickly searched Marcus' file for clues, which would tell him more about this Blip's connection to Liz Montoya. Although he was alone in the room, he knew security cams observed his every move.

Scrolling to the first page of the file he glanced at Marcus' date of birth, 36 years ago. He had been born on Earth, in a re-education camp near Geneva.

"Name of mother, Elizabeth Montoya," he whispered and finally understood. Marcus was her son! The fact that Liz had given birth to a son while inside a re-education camp shocked him. He should have cared more for her, should have checked on her in the camp to make sure she was fine.

**But who is your father? ** he thought and looked at Marcus who was struggling to break free now that Trale had entered the room. "Name of father, unknown," he murmured. Raising his head to study Marcus more thoroughly he began to count years and realized something else as well. "You were born 8 months after she arrived at the camp. She must have been pregnant before I turned her in and there was only one person she was seeing back then."

Reaching the undeniable conclusion at last he stared at the young man whose big eyes clearly showed his fear.

**Why didn't you tell me, Liz? Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant before you left the Corps? Would it have altered my decision? I don't know, but I could have made sure he didn't grow up in a camp. He would have received proper training, Liz. I could have protected him! **

Clenching his good hand in to a fist he thought about the wife the Corps had chosen for him. Alisha had cheated on him and he still didn't believe her child was his as well. He had never taken an interest in the kid.

**And now I find out that I do have a son! 36 years after he was born! No, I'm jumping to conclusions. I need to make sure! ** Quickly scrolling down to the end of the file he studied Marcus' DNA sequences. He and Liz had been a genetic match. Marcus must have some of their, his, characteristics.

There was no more denying the truth, he realized as he studied the cell structure. Marcus was his son. **And now what? ** he wondered. ** I can't let them have you. I saw in your mind what they did to you. That hole, your escape, the Psi Cop who caught you... The months you spent here at their mercy, the surgery...

The things they're doing to their own kind are loathsome. And I actually considered joining them to further my own career. I have to find a way to get you out of here, Marcus. **

END OF THE LINE

PART 14

"Commander? We're receiving a very confusing transmission," Lt. Corwin pointed out to Ivanova whose shift was about to end.

"Patch it through to my work station," Ivanova said and waited for the message to arrive.

"Zathras needs to talk to Captain Sheridan, very urgent. Zathras might forget what Draal told him."

"Zathras? What are you doing here?" she replied surprised.

"Zathras knows that voice..."

Susan turned to Corwin and nodded her head. "He's cleared to land. I'm going to the docking bay myself. We can't have him run loose on the station. Alert the Captain."

"Yes, Commander." Corwin returned to work and wondered how to talk this Zathras person through docking procedures.

"Michael?"

The Chief was about to climb into his Starfury as his link sprang to life. "Yes, Captain?" Annoyed at the delay he hoped nothing bad had occurred on the station that might need his personal attention.

"Forget about going after Marcus on your own. I want you to report to the War room at once. We just received access to some new and important information."

"But Captain!" Garibaldi tried protesting, but Sheridan's tone was determined.

"Mr. Garibaldi, this is a direct order!"

"Yes, sir!" Angry with himself he began to strip off his suit. By now Bester's head start had grown so big that a search would have been a failure anyway. "Damnit, Jeff! Why couldn't you have sent that recorded warning earlier?" he cursed, trying to shake off the feeling that Marcus was in dire straits.

A small crowd had gathered in the War room. Delenn had taken her seat and Lennier stood behind her. Commander Ivanova and Michael Garibaldi had arrived at the same moment and she wondered why his expression was so angry. Stephen walked into the room a moment later and finally Sheridan and Zathras joined them as well.

Susan had met the alien before and although she didn't want to admit it, she rather liked him. **As long as he doesn't ask me to recite all his brother's names in the right way, ** she mused.

"I called you here because we have a problem," Sheridan started. He hadn't even had the time to inform Delenn of the disappearance of their station ranger. Keeping an eye on Susan he feared her reaction most. She hated Bester with a vengeance and he wasn't sure she would be able to deal with his news.

"What kind of problem?" Susan asked, starting to feel apprehensive. Why wasn't Marcus here? He was part of the War Council as well.

"Bester sneaked on to the station... but didn't leave on his own," Sheridan saw understanding dawning in her eyes and he wished there was a way to turn back time and to stop the Psi Cop from leaving the station with Marcus.

"He's got Marcus!" she said in a shaky tone.

"I'm sorry, Susan. I should have paid more attention to what was going on, but he wiped the minds of two of my security guards," Michael said apologetically.

"We need to do something! We have to get him back!" Susan stated in an agitated tone. "The Corps already got Talia. They aren't going to get Marcus as well!"

"That's why Zathras is here!" the alien said and smiled broadly. "Zathras knows where to find him. Draal told Zathras, but we must go now, can't wait."

"Delenn, I need a White Star." Susan looked the Ambassador in the eyes and saw disbelief reflected in them.

Remembering Valen's letter Delenn knew she had no choice. "There will be a White Star ready for you, Commander. Lennier will act as your translator. You will need him."

"Susan, I can't let you go alone!" Sheridan said concerned.

"She won't be alone. John, I messed up and need to help resolve this situation," Garibaldi remarked in a determined tone.

"Good!" Zathras said approvingly. "Zathras will guide you. Zathras knows where to go."

Susan swallowed hard. She had feared this might happen, but now that Marcus had actually been taken prisoner her world began to fall apart all around her. She wasn't sure she could deal with the loss of another loved one.

"We're wasting time. Michael? Zathras?" Susan said; trying to act composed. "I want to leave in 30 minutes. Lennier, get that White Star ready for departure!"

Sheridan exchanged a glance with Delenn and saw the sadness in her eyes. Leaning in closer he whispered into her ear; "We'll get him back, don't worry."

RE-EDUCATION CAMP HORUS, DEPARTMENT SIGMA

Waking from unconsciousness Marcus found himself strapped to an exam table. The smell was awfully familiar and he realized he had returned to the camp where the surgeons had operated on him. It was cold in the room. A thin sheet covered his naked body. They hadn't wasted any time and had hooked him up to several medical devices.

He wanted to take in his surroundings, but couldn't move his head. Something cold and hard had been placed around his skull, keeping his head in place. Fear overwhelmed him and he tried to reach out with his mind, but found that the static was gone. It only took him a moment to realize they had injected him with sleepers.

**The implant! Did they find it? ** His biggest fear was to go through the withdrawal again. He still hadn't completely recovered from the last time. Helpless, he tried to look at his left arm to see if the implant was still there, but his hands and feet were bound to the table as well. **I guess I'm going to find out soon enough whether they found it or not! ** he thought, knowing the early signs of that particular condition only too well.

One of the monitors to his right began to beep; an irritating sound that worsened the headache he still had. Failing to fight down his panic, a cold sweat quickly covered his entire body. **What are they going to do to me? **

Scared, he tried recalling Susan's face to draw strength from, but his mind felt paralyzed and he had trouble remembering her visage. Marcus told himself to calm down. Panic wasn't going to get him anywhere. At least he was still alive. **But this time no rangers are going to come to get me out. No one knows where I am. I don't even know myself. What =do= I remember? ** he thought, trying to focus on something else than being strapped to this exam table.

**Bester was deep scanning me and somehow I managed to get in control of that scan, but it didn't last long. Just before I blacked out he asked me something. What was it? Yes, I remember now. He wanted to know more about my mother. Why? What does he know about her? He even knew her last name! **

Mystified, Marcus closed his eyes. Tremors coursed through his body and they weren't only caused by cold. The truth was that he was scared like hell about what they were going to do to him!

Al stood next to Ms.Trale, but paid her hardly any attention. He was much more interested in studying the prisoner in the other room through a secured window. If he wanted his questions answered he would have to play this game on her terms. Trale had all the answers.

"Now that I've returned him to you," Al started, smiling at her, "I would like to know more about him." She glared at him and he didn't flinch. This was a test he was planning on passing. "You said you wanted me to join your organization... telling me more about this Blip would be considered a gesture of trust," he finished and turned his back on Marcus, pretending to not really be interested in him, only in her answer.

"I guess you showed your loyalty," she said hesitantly. "This is his file. Study it and give me your advice in this matter." Moving her fingers, she accessed Marcus' files and left it on screen. "This is for your eyes only," she added and left the room to check on her prisoner.

The door closed and Al quickly searched Marcus' file for clues, which would tell him more about this Blip's connection to Liz Montoya. Although he was alone in the room, he knew security cams observed his every move.

Scrolling to the first page of the file he glanced at Marcus' date of birth, 36 years ago. He had been born on Earth, in a re-education camp near Geneva.

"Name of mother, Elizabeth Montoya," he whispered and finally understood. Marcus was her son! The fact that Liz had given birth to a son while inside a re-education camp shocked him. He should have cared more for her, should have checked on her in the camp to make sure she was fine.

**But who is your father? ** he thought and looked at Marcus who was struggling to break free now that Trale had entered the room. "Name of father, unknown," he murmured. Raising his head to study Marcus more thoroughly he began to count years and realized something else as well. "You were born 8 months after she arrived at the camp. She must have been pregnant before I turned her in and there was only one person she was seeing back then."

Reaching the undeniable conclusion at last he stared at the young man whose big eyes clearly showed his fear.

**Why didn't you tell me, Liz? Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant before you left the Corps? Would it have altered my decision? I don't know, but I could have made sure he didn't grow up in a camp. He would have received proper training, Liz. I could have protected him! **

Clenching his good hand in to a fist he thought about the wife the Corps had chosen for him. Alisha had cheated on him and he still didn't believe her child was his as well. He had never taken an interest in the kid.

**And now I find out that I do have a son! 36 years after he was born! No, I'm jumping to conclusions. I need to make sure! ** Quickly scrolling down to the end of the file he studied Marcus' DNA sequences. He and Liz had been a genetic match. Marcus must have some of their, his, characteristics.

There was no more denying the truth, he realized as he studied the cell structure. Marcus was his son. **And now what? ** he wondered. ** I can't let them have you. I saw in your mind what they did to you. That hole, your escape, the Psi Cop who caught you... The months you spent here at their mercy, the surgery...

The things they're doing to their own kind are loathsome. And I actually considered joining them to further my own career. I have to find a way to get you out of here, Marcus. **

END OF THE LINE

PART 15

"Where are you taking us, Zathras?" Susan had checked their course but had no idea what their destination might be.

"Draal told Zathras... Zathras hopes Zathras didn't make mistake," Zathras replied and hurried to the controls. "Co-ordinates are good."

At times he reminded her of a cat, the way he purred some words... Susan shuddered, realizing there were 8 or 9 of them. After all, one of them had stayed behind with Sinclair.

"Zathras does not know name of planet, only co-ordinates. Will take hours to get there, but will arrive in time," Zathras purred, pleased with himself for remembering their destination. Draal would be proud of him!

"Several hours?" Garibaldi remarked annoyed.

Susan wondered about Michael's obvious concern. It didn't fit the profile of the Chief she had come to know. "What aren't you telling me, Michael? It's no secret that you consider Marcus to be a babbling nuisance. Why are you so eager to get to him and Bester?" she asked eventually, after keeping quiet for an hour.

Michael didn't expect that question and didn't know how to reply either. Maybe it would be best to tell the truth. She would find out anyway. "Jeff left me a message, telling me the Corps would go after Marcus."

"He did what? And you didn't tell us?" Susan did her utmost to remain calm, but the look she shot Garibaldi made him flinch. "You knew he was in danger? Damnit Michael! This could have been avoided had you told us!" The truth sank in slowly as Susan dropped into the command chair. "How could Jeff have known this was going to happen? Michael, I need answers and I need them now!" she said demandingly.

"I don't know that much either," Garibaldi confessed and saw Lennier's worried expression. Every time he mentioned Sinclair's name the Minbari's gaze darkened. He hadn't noticed that until now. Remembering Susan's question he continued;" I received a recorded message in which Commander Sinclair told me that the Corps wanted Marcus back and that I had to prevent it. He said something about Marcus being a key figure in the Shadow war and that he was needed."

Calming down slowly, Susan crossed her arms in front of her chest, a stubborn look in her eyes. "But how could he have known this was going to happen?" she said. Her gaze came to rest on Zathras. "Of course," she whispered, momentarily forgetting about her fear for Marcus' life. "Draal, the Great Machine, and time travel. You know more about this, Zathras."

No longer able to remain seated she marched over to the alien. "That's why you're here. To make sure Jeff's plans are carried out. Is he directing this from the past?" Her cheeks had turned red with anger. She hated being played, being a pawn in a game someone else had thought out, even if it was Sinclair.

"Zathras knows... something," the alien said, discomfort apparent on his face. "Draal told Zathras what to say and what not to say... Zathras can't tell you."

"You'll tell me something useful or I'll space you!" Susan threatened. She was desperate to find out what was going on and what role had been set aside for Marcus. "If he doesn't survive this..."

Zathras interrupted her, kept her from finishing the threat. "Then universe in =big= trouble! Draal told Zathras to make sure Marcus goes to Epsilon 3. The One needs him."

"The One?" Susan said quickly.

Lennier had moved closer as well and was now standing behind Garibaldi. They were closely listening to Draal's assistant.

"The One needs Marcus in the past. Zathras knows because Draal told Zathras. But Zathras wasn't supposed to tell you about the One." A confused expression flashed across his face and strange clicking sounds emerged from his throat.

Susan studied him. It was obvious he was nervous. "Draal will get angry with you if you fail Marcus," she said, trying to provoke a reaction.

"Zathras will not fail Marcus. Zathras knows what to do." The alien had started to tug at his fur and his eyes were growing big.

"What do we have to do to get Marcus back," Garibaldi said, seeing Susan's anger. Her way of questioning the alien wasn't going to get them anywhere. One needed to befriend the alien not to intimidate him, the Chief realized.

"Go to co-ordinates and then make place go boom," Zathras replied with a smug look on his face.

"Boom?" Susan repeated while raising one of her eyebrows. "I like that idea."

"But first we need to locate Marcus. You don't want him to go... boom as well, I guess," Garibaldi said while mixing in a teasing tone. Although it was a serious matter he couldn't refrain from making that comment.

"Draal told Zathras we would get help from inside."

"From the inside?" Puzzled, Susan returned to her seat. **Now who within the Corps would be willing to help Marcus

escape? ** she wondered.

RE-EDUCATION CAMP HORUS, DEPARTMENT SIGMA

Marcus doubled his efforts to break free as Ms. Trale entered. He remembered her face vividly. She had been one of the surgeons who had operated on him. Feeling helpless and exposed, he tugged at the bonds, which never gave in.

"It's been a long time since we last talked, Marcus. I'm glad though you returned to us."

Marcus heard the words, but his mind was set on keeping calm. She was trying to make him feel out of control. Hell, who was he kidding? She was in control!

"You've been growing stronger, haven't you? You've felt it! There's no need to deny it. We want to help you," she said soothingly.

But Marcus wasn't fooled by her gentle tone, knowing her true nature. " I don't want your help," he spat.

"Still challenging me, Marcus? You never learn."

Marcus watched her expression change and knew he had crossed the line. She was going to get back at him for defying her.

"You still haven't figured it out, have you?" Trale said in a soft, hypnotic tone.

Marcus tried to shut out her voice, but it didn't work. Suddenly the door opened and he focused on the new visitor instead. It was Bester and goose pimples appeared all over his cold body. There was no escape. Trale and Bester would combine their powers to finish him off.

Al listened to Trale's words, but concentrated on Marcus at the same time. Scanning his surface thoughts, he immediately caught the terror inside his son's mind. ** Marcus, ** he thought, ** I can't stand by and let them destroy you. **

Unaware of Al's thoughts Marcus tried to bury himself deep within in his own mind, hoping Trale and her team of experts wouldn't be able to reach him there.

"Figured out what?"

Marcus flinched hearing Bester's voice. He didn't want to know what they had planned for him. All he wanted was to return to Babylon 5, to Susan. **I'm so sorry, Susan. I failed you, my love! **

Al was registering Marcus' growing horror and realized how fragile his son's mind was. **What did they do to you? ** he wondered, but shielded his thoughts at the same time. If he wanted to get Marcus out of here he'd have to use his wits.

Ms. Trale smiled. "We discovered this while you were still with us, Marcus," she whispered and walked over to him. Her fingertips scratched the ranger's skin and left bloody marks on his throat.

"We removed a small part of his brain, Mr. Bester. That enhanced his psi ability. There was a side effect, though." She pulled the sheet off his body and took in his naked form. "A pity you're a rogue," she said and raked her fingernails over his naked chest. "I would like breeding with you. A child with your genes..."

"You figured out what?" Al asked, sensing Marcus's fear.

"After we removed part of his brain we had to put him on Marloxon to regulate his neural activity." She pulled the sheet back up but continued to devour him with her eyes. "Every time he goes through the withdrawal phase, his psi rating increases." She leaned forward and breathed her next words onto Marcus' face.

The ranger trembled all over his body, but tried to hide his fear. Her grotesque face was hovering over his and he was starting to feel nauseous. Her presence was evil and again he tried to break his bonds.

"You're P 15 now, Marcus. No human has ever been rated that high. Now that your implant has been removed," she grinned seeing his fearful look; "you'll be P 16 after you go through the next withdrawal phase."

Suddenly Marcus knew her plans for him. They were going to push him to his limits. Cut off from his supply of Marloxon, he would go through withdrawal and that would enhance his psi rating. Then they would supply him with the drug again, only to remove it yet again. It would drive him mad in the end.

Al had been focusing on Marcus all the time and had reached the same conclusion. Trale was using him as a guinea pig and she wouldn't stop until he'd died. Fury clawed its way through him and he was determined to stop her. They weren't going to do this to a telepath, and certainly not to his son! His own flesh and blood!

Realizing he was taking a risk, he locked eyes with Marcus and tried to find a way into his mind. Now that the sleepers were stopping him from using his powers, the ranger was defenseless. As he entered Marcus' mind he was surrounded by panic. Trale's words had sent Marcus into a frenzy of fear. The ranger knew the horrors withdrawal would bring and was panicking. Trale wasn't a P 12 and Al hoped that she wouldn't be able to pick up his thoughts. He had never before acted on impulse, but his time he couldn't stop himself.

<Marcus? Don't show her you're receiving my thoughts. > Al monitored his reaction carefully and sensed Marcus' agony. <I've made a mistake. You've got to hold on. I'll help you get out of here, but you have to fight her! >

<I can't! > Marcus replied in Al’s mind, no longer caring why Bester was suddenly trying to act like a friend. The bounds were cutting his flesh apart and he had no more will power to fight his fate.

<You can! > Al told him, while keeping an eye on Trale all the time. <You've got to be strong. Your mother was strong. She would have fought them! >

<My mother died 5 years ago in the re-education camp. > Marcus closed his eyes and tears slid down his face. <Why can't you leave me alone? All of you! >

"Mr. Bester? It's time to go. We'll return once withdrawal has set in." Ms.Trale grinned. Bester hadn't interrupted while she had been questioning the prisoner. Maybe he would fit in with Department Sigma after all.

"Of course, Ms. Trale," Al replied, but his thoughts slipped into Marcus' mind again. <I won't allow them to destroy you. You have my word on that! >

<Why? > Marcus demanded to know. <I'm a Blip! You just turned me in. Why bother? >

The despair startled Bester and he realized Marcus would give in with no reason left to fight. <Your mother would want you to survive, > he cast and waited for Marcus' reaction. It was amazing that Marcus was still able to communicate with him this way, in spite of the sleepers they had given him. **Such a powerful mind, ** Al thought, ** and he’s my son! **

<My mother? What has she got to do with this? > Marcus managed to move his head just a little so he could lock eyes with Bester. The emotion he saw in those dark eyes surprised him. It almost looked like compassion.

<I loved her once. Had I known who you are...>

Al realized Ms. Trale was waiting for him to join her in the corridor and sent one last message to Marcus. <I promise I'll do my best to get you out of this wretched place. Hold on! >

<I can't believe you, > Marcus replied. Closing his eyes he made sure that no more tears would slide down his face. All hope had deserted him and he was certain Bester had found a new way to torment him <If you really want to help me, kill me! >

<No, I won't do that! > Al watched the door close and felt Marcus' mind slip away from his. <I won't do that! >

END OF THE LINE

PART 16

Al idly watched the news cast on the screen. Ms.Trale had assigned him some small quarters for the duration of his stay. Stretched out on the sofa he only pretended interest in the interstellar news. His thoughts circled around Marcus and he wondered how to get the young man out of this damned place. No telepath deserved the fate Trale had in store for her prisoners!

But the fact that Marcus was his son urged him to act as quickly as possible. Trale didn’t trust him completely, but she wouldn’t expect him turning on Department Sigma. Whatever he intended to do, it needed to be done very soon. Once Marcus was going through withdrawal it would be even harder to get him off the base. He needed the young man lucid and capable of walking on his own.

Presented with this problem Al realized he couldn’t count on anyone beside himself. There would be no help from the outside this time. Trale and her team would monitor all transmissions and they would act at once should they grow suspicious.

Trale would do anything to keep Marcus from leaving this secured base. The young man was the powerful telepath they had been trying to create and she wouldn’t allow him to sneak off with her prisoner.

If only he’d had more time inside the shuttle, then he could have made his own call. Maybe he could still rectify his mistake, offer Marcus some proper training. Tapping his good hand against the leather of the couch, he realized Marcus would never willingly join the Corps, which was definitely a pity. He would have made a great Psi Cop.

There was an alternative though. If Marcus agreed to use sleepers for the rest of his life the Corps couldn’t mingle in his and Marcus’ affairs. He would then use his influence to ensure Marcus’ safety.

**But first I’ve got to get him off this base! **

Al recalled the sections of the base he had seen. His plan might work if people were convinced Marcus was a Psi Cop, maybe even his personal assistant. His reputation was well known and the guards wouldn’t quickly doubt his orders.

A plan was starting to form in his mind. Getting his hands on a Psi Corps uniform wouldn’t be any problem, but convincing Marcus to wear it might be a lot trickier. And how to gain access to Marcus’ cell without Trale being present? He would also have to deal with the security cams.

Remembering the surveillance room from which he had observed Marcus he realized there was a way to immobilize the cams. Al sat upright, loving the challenge of crossing Trale’s plans. He disliked her arrogance. This would show her not to mess with =his= telepaths!

Grinning, he pictured her startled face once she realized that her price possession had been stolen from right underneath her nose! Yes, the more he thought about it, the better he liked this idea.

His scheming came to an end when the com-system alerted him that someone was trying to contact him. Accepting the call, he walked over to the screen and perfectly hid his surprise as Trale’s face appeared.

“Mr. Bester. I wanted to oversee our rogue’s ‘progress’ myself, but my expertise is needed somewhere else at the moment.”

Al noted her disappointed tone and knew what she was going to ask him. The trick at this point was not to appear too eager to help her out. Otherwise she might grow suspicious.

“Such a shame,” he said and wondered what had happened to make her change her plans.

“Yes, a shame indeed. I need you to monitor the prisoner and to report to me at the end of the day. I’ll inform the guard of the change of plans. You’ll only inject him with Marloxon to keep him alive. The guard has access to the primed hypo gun, he’ll hand it over at your request.”

Al was thrilled to be given such a perfect opportunity, but his face revealed only annoyance. Pretending to yawn he eyed her lazily. “I’d hoped to get some sleep, but I’m honored to witness such an experiment. “

“Perfect. I knew I could rely on you. You’re an ambitious man, Mr. Bester. This Department rewards loyalty.”

“Thank you, Ms. Trale, but I’m only doing my job.” Al stifled a grin and watched the screen go blank. There was no time to lose. Adjusting his original plan he knew he had to convince the guard to give him the hypo gun first.

Marcus was using every meditation technique the Minbari had ever taught him to fight his fear. In the end it did offer him some measure of peace but the fact that he was tied down reminded him how utterly helpless he was.

Closing his eyes against the bright light he tried to push the image of Trale’s face out of his mind. The marks her fingernails had left on his throat had stopped bleeding, but he distinctly smelled the metallic stench of dried blood. The way she had looked at him had made his blood freeze. He’d felt dirty and her comment about having his child had infuriated him.

No longer pulling at his bonds he resigned himself to his fate. All he could do was wait and hope they would be too late to inject him with Marloxon. Death was a preferable option at this moment. It was certainly better than having to go through withdrawal time and time again!

Suddenly he remembered the messages Bester had sent him. The Psi Cop confused him. Bester was merely playing another trick on him, Marcus was sure of that. Somehow Bester had found data on his mother and had decided to play some mind games, using that information against him.

**But why would he encourage me to hold on? Why would he tell me that he once loved my mother? What’s he up to? The expression in his eyes seemed sincere, but I’m sure he’s perfectly capable of acting that way without feeling =anything=. **

The cold was getting to him and he shivered underneath the thin sheet. It was too soon for the withdrawal signs to set in, so it had to be bloody cold in the room itself.

Why hadn’t he been more careful back on Babylon 5? **Love blinded me, ** he realized and knew he’d let his guards down because he’d only thought of Susan and the fact that she was willing to give him a chance. Normally, he would have checked all new arrivals, telling his contacts to inform him at once should any Psi Cop be sighted on the station. This was his own bloody fault!

**Susan, how are you going to deal with this? They already took Talia away from you and it took you so long to admit you even liked me! I wished I’d kept quiet, hadn’t told you I loved you. Now you’ll be hurt even more! **

He was losing the feeling in his hands and he flexed them slowly. Depressed, he wondered how long it would take before the hallucinations would start again. The implant in his arm had seemed the perfect solution, but Trale must have spotted it right away and had had it removed. Franklin had tried his best to give him a sense of security and it had been taken away from him within days. With no real hope left Marcus sighed helplessly.

Al signaled the guard to hand him the hypo gun. “I’m sure Ms. Trale informed you of the change of plans?” he said.

“Yes, sir she did,” the guard replied and presented Bester with the hypo. “Will you stay inside for long?”

Noticing the guard’s curious expression Al ignored it on purpose. He had used a blanket to cover up the black Psi Corps uniform he was carrying with him. Quickly scanning the guard’s mind he realized that the man was a low rated telepath and withdrew at once. **I’ll have to launch that attack fast in order to surprise him, ** he thought and made a mental note.

“That depends on the prisoner’s condition. He’s too valuable to die of pneumonia,” he grinned and pointed at the blanket.

“Understood, Mr. Bester. Please knock on the door twice when you want to leave.”

Nodding his head Al glanced at the security cam overlooking the corridor. He had accessed the security logs and the guards were now watching a re-run of an older tape. It should buy him enough time. Al opened the door and stepped inside.

Marcus swallowed hard as the door opened. He expected Trale to return to pester him. With difficulty he managed to focus his eyes and realized it was Bester who had entered his cell. **Coming to gloat, I guess, ** he thought embittered. Seeing the Psi Cop carry a blanket surprised him. He was cold, yes, but would Bester be that considerate to get him a blanket? **No, there must be something else he’s hoping to achieve. **

The bright light in the room made him blink his eyes. They were doing this on purpose, blinding him so he wouldn’t be able to sleep. It had worsened his headache. Pressing his lips together he was determined to remain quiet.

<We don’t have much time, > Al cast and walked over to the exam bed. First he had to apply the hypo. He couldn’t take the risk of Marcus losing control during their escape.

Marcus acted like he hadn’t heard that message and briefly opened his eyes. Staring into the light he was blinded momentarily. **I’m not going to listen to him, am not going to say a single word! ** he told himself privately.

Al studied him and sensed Marcus’ fear. No matter what he would say, nothing would convince the young man to trust him. So he didn’t try. Pressing the hypo gun against Marcus’ left arm he injected the Marloxon into his bloodstream.

Once more opening his eyes Marcus immediately regretted doing so as the light slammed into his head. “What are you doing?” he whispered hoarsely. It had felt like he had been injected with something and he dreaded the thought what substance it might have been.

<Don’t talk aloud. The guards might hear you. I’m sure this room has been bugged. > Al began to loosen the straps, starting with the ones around Marcus’ feet. Concentrating on the task at hand Al hoped none of the guards would pay any attention to Marcus’ comment. They might wonder whom the prisoner was talking to.

His eyes grew big and Marcus wondered what the Psi Cop was up to. <What was in that hypo? > he wanted to know and gasped, feeling one of the straps fall away.

<Marloxon of course, > Al replied and managed to undo another restraint.

Marcus hesitantly moved his legs, too afraid to believe that Bester was really untying him. <What are you doing? > he asked a second time and sighed the moment Bester stood next to his bed, blocking the light. Looking at the dark form hovering above him the ranger tried to gauge Bester’s expression. Had it really been Marloxon he had been injected with?

<Do you think you can walk? > Al asked, while undoing the last restraint.

<I don’t know, > Marcus admitted honestly.

The metal head restraint caused more problems, but in the end Al did away with it and placed it on the floor. There were several IV’s attached to the ranger’s hands and he pulled them out without hesitation.

Marcus flinched as the needles were torn from his flesh. Feeling disorientated, his hands reached for Bester’s black uniform, searching for proof that this was really happening. **This has to be a dream… wishful thinking… Trale or Bester is inside my head, making me believe he’s untying me. **

<This is no dream, > Al cast and pulled him into a sitting position. <We don’t have much time. You’ll do as I tell you and you won’t question me, understood? >

<Like I have a choice! > Marcus replied. The sheet slid from his body and the awful cold moved straight into his bones.

<Put this on! > Al took hold of one arm and forced him to slip into the black jacket. He noticed the shudders racking Marcus’ body, but kept quiet.

<Why? > Marcus trembled, realizing it was a Psi Corps uniform. <I don’t want to wear this! >

<No questions, no protest! > Al remarked faintly amused. Marcus seemed to be a fighter and that certainly pleased him. He would have been disappointed had the young man given in that easily. Buttoning up the jacket, Al locked eyes with him and was reminded of Liz. There was something in Marcus’ features he had inherited from his mother.

<This is taking too long, > Al told him and pushed Marcus’ unsteady hands away after pulling the black trousers from underneath the blanket. <Let me do this, > he said and Marcus stopped resisting. Now that Marcus was properly dressed he tried hauling him to his feet to put on his boots.

<Let’s see if you can stand and walk on your own, > Al said, doubting Marcus’ lucidity.

His head was lolling slightly and Marcus fought the dizziness that was pounding into his head. The room seemed to swirl all around him and Bester’s face contorted. Hands were pulling him to his feet and Marcus had no other choice than to co-operate. Swaying on his feet he gripped the exam table with both hands to steady himself.

Eyeing Marcus carefully Al decided to give him a moment to adjust to the new situation. A moment was all he could spare. They had to get moving. So far his plan was working just fine.

<Marcus? Can you walk on your own? > he had been supporting the young man and now released him. Running his good hand through the long dark hair Bester closely examined him. Except for the heavily glazed eyes Marcus looked like a regular Psi Cop. Straightening out the uniform one last time Al nodded his head. This would do.

<I think so, > Marcus said and hesitantly took a step closer to the door. He was still wobbly on his feet but didn’t stumble or fall.

<Excellent. I want you to stay here. I need to take care of the guard outside first. Do you understand? > Raising Marcus’ head he closely studied the glazed eyes. It was obvious Marcus was still under the influence of certain drugs, but he had to know the young man would do as he was told. He wished he knew what drugs Trale had fed Marcus. Checking the content of the IV’s was a way to find out but he couldn’t spare the time to do so.

Wondering what the hell was going on, Marcus grabbed Bester’s arm, but wasn’t able to pull the Psi Cop closer. <I understand what you want me to do, wait here… but I don’t understand what we’re doing… why you’re doing this. Bloody hell, I…> Utterly confused, Marcus avoided looking into Bester’s dark eyes.

<Just do as you’re told, > Al cast and brushed off Marcus’ hand. For one eerie moment their minds touched and Al immediately raised his blocks. **How can this be? They injected him with sleepers! Has he become even stronger? **

A fleeting image from Bester’s mind startled Marcus. He had seen his mother, but she had been wearing a Psi Cop uniform and she had been kissing Bester. Pushing that image away his jaw tightened in frustration. Bester couldn’t be speaking the truth. They couldn’t have been lovers. His mother would never…

Al caught those surface thoughts and turned his back on Marcus. They were losing precious time. Making his way over to the door he was about to knock two times when the door opened unexpectedly. The guard stepped inside; his PPG aimed at Marcus’ head. Bester’s grin faded; the odds had changed.

END OF THE LINE

PART 17

Startled, Marcus reached for support and placed one hand against the cold wall. The expression in the guard’s eyes told him that the man would fire should he feel threatened. Marcus knew he had to do something, but all he could do was stare at Bester’s face, which mirrored annoyance, but no fear. **I don’t get it! What’s he up to? **

Al had to act quickly and didn’t hesitate. Focusing on the guard’s mind he cast; <The prisoner isn’t here any longer. > Closely watching the guard’s baffled reaction he waited for realization to set in.

“What? Where is he?” the guard murmured, shocked.

Al’s grin returned; his plan was working.

The guard stared at the suddenly blank spot. The prisoner =had= disappeared.

Immediately taking advantage of the situation Al charged forward, quickly grabbed the PPG and lashed out with his mind. Pleased, he watched the guard go down.

**Child’s play, ** Al thought amused and dragged the guard into a corner of the room. Looking at the PPG in his hand he decided to keep the weapon close; it might come in handy.

Marcus was leaning heavily against the wall, not understanding why Bester had struck down the guard. He’d felt the Psi Cop’s mental attack and had shuddered sensing the concentrated strength inside Bester.

The soft fabric of the Psi Cop uniform smoothly moved over his skin; he hated wearing it. The only thing missing were the gloves. Strangely detached he wondered if Bester had forgotten about them, something that struck him as odd. Bester seemed to approach everything he did methodically.

<Marcus? > Al quickly moved towards him, seeing the ashen color spread over the young man’s face. Marcus’ brow was covered with cold sweat and tremors ran through his entire body. Taking hold of Marcus’ left arm he gently pulled it over his own shoulder. <Hold on! >

<I feel… strange…> Marcus replied; a dense fog had settled over his thoughts.

Al noticed that the mind voice had weakened. <Stay with me, Marcus. I need you conscious! >

Doing the best he could Marcus tried to walk, but in the end it was Bester who dragged him through the corridor. <You’re awfully strong… for such a small man, > Marcus cast, chuckling. Feeling giddy and light-headed a still rational part of him wondered why he was acting like this.

Al shot him a quick glance and realized that he should have taken that moment to check the content of those IV’s. Perhaps he shouldn’t have applied the Marloxon that quickly without taking any precautions. There was no way of knowing how the drugs and Marloxon were going to interact.

An alarm had been set in motion and Al knew a change of plans was in order. It had been his intent to head for the shuttle, but once Trale realized what was going on the guards would check there first. They needed to lay low, bide their time.

Tuning in on Marcus’ thoughts Al sensed the total confusion his son was in. Random, illogical thoughts were swirling around in nothingness; creating a horrible chaos. <Focus on something! > he advised Marcus who was now clutching his head in agony.

<I can’t… don’t know how… > Marcus closed his eyes, afraid of all those contorted shapes which were closing in at him. Bester’s voice was deformed and it sounded like the Psi Cop was yelling at him. Growling in panic he tried to wrestle free from the tight hold Bester had on him, but the Psi Cop didn’t allow it.

<Focus, Marcus! Focus… > Al pulled him into a dark corner, hearing metallic footsteps impact on the floor. <Keep quiet! >

Marcus fell to his knees. If it hadn’t been for Bester’s support he would have ended up on all fours. <I’m scared! > he finally admitted.

<I know, > Al pulled him back to his feet. <The drugs Trale gave you are causing this confusion and it’s affecting your shield too. It’s only temporary though. You need to concentrate on one subject, create some tranquillity in your mind. >

<But how? > The lights illuminating the corridor looked like Starfury engines and the sharp siren cut through him like a blade. Marcus held on to Bester, afraid to lose contact with this strange man who seemed to understand what he was going through. Yet, he still didn’t understand why Bester was helping him in the first place. It made no sense!

Realizing Marcus wasn’t able to run any longer Al opened a door and peeked inside. Thankfully, the office was empty. Pushing the ranger inside Al placed the PPG on the floor and made Marcus lie down on the sofa.

<Take deep breaths, slowly, > Al pulled off his glove and placed his good hand on Marcus’ brow. <Now let me in and don’t fight me. I can only help if you co-operate, > he cast and made sure he radiated a sense of safety, of trust.

<Let you in? > Marcus repeated and shivered uncontrollably. <In case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you, > he paused, desperately trying to remember what he had wanted to say, <you’re the Psi Cop and I’m the Blip. >

<I played Cops and Blips when I was a child, > Al grinned, remembering playing that game with Brett and the others of his Cadre... <I used to be a Blip too. > Stroking some hair out of Marcus’ eyes his fingers moved over hot skin. **Too hot, ** Al realized. **I should have checked those IV’s! **

<You? A Blip? > Marcus’s eyes began to close. He never realized that it was Bester’s doing.

Al dove into his son’s blurry mind and closely examined his shield. It was punctured and Marcus’ thoughts were seeping through his own blocks very quickly. Another testimony of the ranger’s still increasing Psi rating.

<Listen to me, Marcus. I want you to rebuild your entire primary shield. I’ll help you to fight the affect of the drugs. > Marcus groaned and Al knew he had been heard. <You were never properly trained, were you? > A flash of remorse moved through him. He would have trained Marcus himself, if only he had known… if only Liz had confided him!

<No, no training… I had to… teach myself… my mother taught me some things, but the sleepers kept her from doing it… properly, > he cast echoing Al’s words. A soft smile crossed Marcus’ features as he remembered her face.

<Your mother, > Al repeated, thinking it over for a moment <that might actually work. >

<What? > Feeling weaker with every passing moment Marcus shifted on the couch.

<Do you remember her face? Her eyes? > This would be painful for him; he didn’t want to remember Liz’s smile, her eyes, but for Marcus’ sake he had to do this. She was a symbol Marcus could put his trust in.

<Yes, > Marcus replied weakly. Another spasm racked his body; a sharp pain was climbing up his spine gradually.

<We’ll do this together. In time I’ll teach you how to do this on your own, > Al said in a determined tone and tapped in onto Marcus’ chaotic thoughts. <You’re going to visualize her face; her eyes, everything you remember about her and I want you to concentrate on perfecting that image. Let me attend to the rest. >

Too drained to question Bester’s motives any longer Marcus involuntarily opened his mind and let him in. Things couldn’t get any worse than this!

<Your mother’s face, concentrate on it! >

The words sounded harsh, but Marcus obeyed. Slowly her face began to take shape. It took more effort than he had anticipated. Every time he managed to get her eyes or features right the image faded. It almost felt like the energy he was using to construct her image was pulled away from him to some other place. Trying harder he managed to get the shape of her eyes right.

Smiling approvingly Al began to repair the holes inside Marcus’ shield. Using Liz’s image he directed Marcus’ energy, turning her face into the shield itself. This shield would be strong, Al realized. Stronger than his own perhaps. The raw power Marcus possessed had turned against him as Trale’s drugs had gotten a hold of him.

<Am I doing this the right way? > Marcus wanted to know. He had succeeded in making a drawing of her face, but it had faded to black and white. Every time he wanted to add color he failed.

<Yes, you’re doing a great job. Keep trying. We’re almost done. > Examining Marcus’ shield again he encountered one last large breach. Calling on his own discipline he avoided looking at the image Marcus had drawn. It would distract him from his goal. But that wasn’t the whole truth. He didn’t want to see what had become of her, what the sleepers had done to Liz.

This had taken too much time already, but he had to finish this the right way. It did mean however that he would have to look at Liz’s image. <You can rest now, Marcus. It’s done. >

<I know. >

Deep from within the core of Marcus’ mind a face was staring at him. Al took a deep breath and finally faced her. Shielding his thoughts carefully he swallowed hard seeing her emotionless eyes. She did resemble the woman he had seen while he had been scanning the ranger, but her hair had turned white. Deeply etched lines of suffering were imprinted on her brow. **I not only deserted her, I turned her in, ** he finally admitted. **And look what happened to her. The sleepers killed her. **

<What’s wrong? > Sensing the odd silence within Bester’s mind Marcus looked at the Psi Cop and could have sworn that a tear was shimmering in those eyes. <You really loved her, didn’t you? It wasn’t a lie. >

<I loved her… a lifetime ago, > Al replied and forced himself to return to reality. The guards were still out there, searching for them and could discover them any second.

Marcus’ body twitched briefly as Bester moved through his mind. Although the ranger didn’t trust the Psi Cop there was something within Bester’s mind that told him not to be afraid.

<Look, > Al cast and showed Marcus the shield he had repaired. <While you were busy composing her image I used your concentrated energy to mend the holes in your shield. It has never been this strong before. I don’t think anyone will be able to breach it… me included, > he added after a moment’s thought.

A strange connection was beginning to form between them and Al didn’t know what to think of it. Marcus was somehow present in his mind too, although he hadn’t lowered or taken down his own shield. He would have to examine this phenomenon more closely after they’d found a way off this base.

Awed, Marcus inspected his shield. Bester had spoken the truth; it had never been this powerful before. <Thank you, > he said honestly, locking eyes with the Psi Cop. The confusion that had ruled his mind moments ago was gone and instead a serene tranquillity had appeared.

<You should get some training, > Al said, trying to cover up the awkwardness that had arisen between them, while helping Marcus to his feet again.

This time he didn’t sway on his feet and Marcus sighed from relief. Although his body ached from sore muscles he felt fine. Noticing the odd mood Bester was in Marcus wondered what had caused the Psi Cop’s change of heart. Had it been because of his mother?

“Why are you helping me?” Marcus said aloud and shivered hearing the words reverberate though the small office. <Why? > he added, using his mind voice instead.

Al observed him. "You don't need to know. We have got to get moving now." He said aloud to break the link that was starting to form between them before Marcus discovered anything he didn't want his son to know "There's a shuttle waiting for us. It will get us off planet, but we'll have to reach it first." Picking up the PPG from the floor he gestured Marcus to remain behind him.

Realizing at last that they were still on the base Marcus nodded his head in agreement. He would follow Bester's lead for now, but was determined to get his answers later.

END OF THE LINE

PART 18

“Commander? I think you should have a look at this. I checked out those co-ordinates Zathras gave us,” Garibaldi said. Zathras ignored him though.

Ivanova raised her eyes and fixed her stare on Garibaldi. She was glad the Chief had decided to tag along. His presence comforted her and together they would find Marcus.

Tired, she accepted the file and read the first paragraph. They were only two hours away from their destination and she felt nervous. **Please let me get to him on time. I don’t want to find his corpse; I can’t deal with another death. Why is it that everyone close to me has to die? ** she thought and forced herself to continue reading.

“A secret base? Not under Psi Corps jurisdiction?” she hissed and glared at Garibaldi. “What are you trying to tell me?”

“Although Bester abducted Marcus it certainly looks like he’s working for someone else. A secret organization called Department Sigma. Getting any data at all concerning this Department is extremely difficult. No one wants to talk about them.” Michael didn’t add the fact that Department Sigma’s reputation was even worse than Psi Corps’. **Marcus might have had a chance getting out of a regular re-education camp, but this?**

“Who are we up against, Michael?” Susan closed the file and focused on Garibaldi instead. The thought that Marcus might already be dead was something she didn’t want to consider. He had to be alive! Holding on to that thought Susan took a deep breath. One way or another, she would get him out of there. She wasn’t going to give up; this time she would fight Bester, the Corps and this secret organization that was after the man she loved.

“Some very influential people, Susan,” Garibaldi replied softly. “I’m not going to lie to you, getting Marcus out of that base will be risky. It’s a maximum security area.” Seeing her determined expression he finally understood that she was prepared to go all the way to get Marcus to safety. “But we’ll succeed, Susan. We’ll kick some ass and get him back.”

“Thanks, Michael,” Susan said and grinned weakly. His confident tone was all she needed. ”Just remember that =I= want to kick Bester’s ass!”

“Understood, Commander!” Garibaldi saluted, determined to live up to his promise.

RE-EDUCATION CAMP HORUS, DEPARTMENT SIGMA

“Now what?” Marcus whispered, wishing it were him holding that PPG. Still slightly feverish he feared that this was just an elaborate scheme to somehow manipulate him.

“The shuttle of course. Now that we’ve been discovered we can no longer stay here,” Al explained, making sure there was no one in the corridor before stepping into it.

“We? Does that mean you want to leave this base as well? I thought you were working together with these…” Not able to find the right words to describe Trale and her team of… **butchers?** Marcus pushed himself against the wall to stay out of sight of the security cam.

“Trale should have figured out by now that you didn’t escape on your own.” Al raised his PPG and ventured into the next corridor, glad that he had studied the outline of the base before freeing Marcus. He knew where to find that shuttle. Casting a quick look at Marcus he felt relieved to see that his green eyes were no longer glazed. All the ranger had needed to do was to repair his shield, but Marcus hadn’t known how.

Without his assistance, his help Marcus would never have succeeded in mending those holes. Angry with himself Al decided to have a closer look at those re-education camps should he ever make it back to his office. Telepaths like Marcus who had been born in those camps without having done anything wrong should be taken in and receive some basic training. No wonder some of his telepaths were turning against him. They were being mistreated. Marcus had shown him what needed to be done.

Without his pike Marcus felt naked and vulnerable. During the last three years he had gotten used to having his weapon close to him. Keeping an eye on Bester he followed the Psi Cop without questioning him, but staying alert nonetheless. It was beyond his comprehension why Bester was making this effort to free him. It was hard to doubt Bester’s sincerity now that the Psi Cop had rebuilt his shield. Its strength was buzzing through his mind; keeping out the static and other, unwanted mind voices. And what about Bester’s admission that he wouldn’t be able to breach that shield himself? Why admit such a thing? Puzzled, he caught Bester’s glance and sensed him chuckle mentally. Taken aback Marcus wondered if the Psi Cop knew he was inside his mind.

<Yes, I know,> Al cast. He had been trying to keep Marcus out but in the end it didn’t seem worth wasting the energy on that effort. It wasn’t like Marcus was scanning him to find out his innermost secrets. **Could I keep him out? What if he decides to repay me by deep scanning me as well?** Al mused and felt uncomfortable. He had never met a teep more powerful than he was. For a moment he felt jealous, than dismissed that negative feeling. Marcus was this strong because Trale had messed with his mind; the ranger had no training at all. It was very likely that Marcus didn’t even know how to perform a scan!

A bit startled, Marcus sucked in his breath. Hearing Bester’s mind voice was something truly unsettling, especially when he didn’t expect to hear it!

<Never thought I would ever play Cops and Blips again,> Al cast, trying to break the ice. It was obvious that Marcus also felt uncomfortable. This was certainly an odd situation!

As he gestured to Marcus to move closer, he pointed at the shuttle at the other side of the strip. They would have to cover a long stretch with hardly any cover.

<That’s madness! We’ll get shot before we’re halfway!> Marcus never consciously decided to use his mind voice, but something compelled him to do so.

<Madness?> Al replied amused. <Look at it as a challenge, Marcus.> Making sure the safety was off; he gripped the PPG tightly with his good hand. <We’ll only get one chance at this!> Eyeing Marcus he realized that there was a chance they wouldn’t make it out alive. He briefly considered telling Marcus the truth about his relationship with Liz, but decided against it in the end. Marcus didn’t need to know who his father was.

<Bester?> Marcus cast hesitantly, not used to addressing the Psi Cop like this, <Tell me, when you played Cops and Blips and you were the Blip… did you win?>

The question made Al grin. <Yes, I won. I cheated, but I won!>

<Then let’s do it.> Marcus nodded his head and at Bester’s sign they began to run.

“Madam? We located the Blip and Bester.”

Trale looked up from her desk and purred approvingly. “So he betrayed me after all.”

“What do you want us to do?” the officer in charge wanted to know.

“Kill Bester, but I want the Blip alive,” she ordered and closed the connection. Marcus could run, but not hide!

<I can sense their minds!> Marcus told Bester as he ducked to avoid getting hit by a PPG blast. Bester was returning fire, but they were outnumbered.

<I know. They want you alive, Marcus,> Al replied and managed to shoot one of the guards in the chest area; the man went down.

A PPG blast impacted too close and Marcus saw that another guard was now aiming at Bester. The Psi Cop was unaware of that threat and was trying to open the shuttle doors. <Look out!> Marcus cast and acted on instinct when he knocked Bester off his feet, quickly grabbing the PPG to aim it at the guard closest to them. Instinct had taken over and years of training with the rangers finally paid off.

Trying to catch his breath Al watched the young man and realized Marcus had saved his life by pushing him down that unexpectedly. <Keep firing!> He told Marcus and concentrated on opening those doors as quickly as possible. Not receiving any answer from Marcus, Al reached out mentally.

<I’m fine!> Marcus replied, sensing Bester’s inquisitive search. <Open those doors!>

<I’m trying!> Al finally managed to unlock the doors and as they slid open he pulled Marcus inside with him. The doors slammed shut and Al leaned against the wall. <Can you pilot this thing?> Al asked.

<Why do you want to know?> Marcus replied; his eyes were drawn towards the controls. there was nothing out of the ordinary. He could fly this shuttle.

<Then start the engines and get out us out of here. I think we overstayed our welcome.> Al cast jokingly, trying to hide the pain emanating from his shoulder. As Marcus had pulled him out of the line of fire his shoulder had hit the floor rather hard and it was now starting to throb painfully.

Marcus sat down; his fingers moved quickly over the controls. “Strap yourself in!” he said aloud.

“Just get us out of here!” Al replied in the same way, trying to make it over to the second seat.

Realizing their precarious situation Marcus knew Bester was right and started the engines. The shuttle took to the air and Marcus sighed relieved. Adjusting the controls he set out a course. It didn’t matter where they were headed, just as long as they were leaving this accursed place!

A strange noise coming from behind him demanded his attention and he quickly glanced over his shoulder. Bester was having trouble getting to the co-pilot’s seat. Still connected to the Psi Cop in that eerie way Marcus probed his mind and felt the hint of pain. <You’re injured?>

<It’s nothing,> Al cast and finally sat down in the seat. Looking at the screen he watched the base grew smaller.

<I never thought we would make it out of there alive!> Marcus admitted, wondering about the sense of… trust? that had manifested between them. In Valen’s name, Bester had been the one who had captured him in the first place! An ugly thought entered his mind. Was this all just a way to gain his trust? But why? What could Bester possibly gain?

<I suggest you send out a call to your precious Babylon 5, encrypted of course and I'll place a call to Psi Corps headquarters. Then we can go our separate ways.> Al took a deep breath; it had been hard on him, making this suggestion. He didn’t want to give up his son, but knew he had to keep quiet about Marcus still being alive. If he played his cards right he might be able to convince the Corps that the Blip had died during his arrest. Trale wouldn’t tell the Corps that Marcus was still alive because then she would also have to admit that she had been experimenting on telepaths. The Corps would get back at her for that.

**And I can’t force him to go on sleepers. A telepath with such a rating is unique and I doubt the sleepers would work on him. The fact that he can still use his powers at this moment proves that the sleepers aren’t working. Not to mention it would be a terrible waste of such an impressive mind. I would have liked to train him though. Make up for what I failed to do.**

“Are you serious?” Marcus asked. Using this opportunity he immediately sent a message on a secured channel. The rangers would surely pick it up and come for him. This escape had been far too easy; Bester surely had some hidden agenda.

“I’m serious,” Al replied and massaged his shoulder. “I’m getting too old for working in the field,” he mumbled and closely watched Marcus’ reaction.

“I simply don’t get it,” Marcus locked eyes with him and swallowed hard. Now that they had left the planet he wanted his answers. Trale wasn’t following them… yet and hopefully she wouldn’t get to them before the rangers showed up. **Or Psi Corps,** he thought and shuddered.

“I told you before that I’m not going to explain my actions to you. Take it or leave it,” Al snarled a bit more aggressively than he’d intended. Marcus’ glare hit him unprepared and he knew the ranger wouldn’t give up that easily.

“I want to know,” Marcus said in a soft tone. “I have to know why you saved my life!”

END OF THE LINE

PART 19

“Commander? I am picking up an encoded transmission,” Lennier said and flashed a baffled smile at Ivanova. “It is Marcus.”

“How can you be sure?” Susan left the command chair and studied him. Lennier seemed sincere.

“Zathras knew Zathras would find him!” the alien muttered pleased and nodded his head.

“Lennier?” Afraid that this was just a trap Susan gave him one of her patented Ivanova glares. “How do you know it’s Marcus?”

“That’s something I want to know too,” Garibaldi said curiously and joined them.

Lennier disliked being the center of attention and lowered his eyes before answering their questions. His voice was soft as he spoke again. “Each ranger is given an unique code. By using it we can verify the sender. This is Marcus’ code and only he knows this specific combination.”

“What’s its origin?” Garibaldi wanted to know.

“A civilian shuttle,” Lennier replied, working hard to get more detailed information.

“What’s the distance?” Her heart was beating loudly and Susan wrung her hands, hoping no one would notice it. She was afraid to hope Lennier was right. None of her loved ones had ever returned to her after they had disappeared. **But Marcus is different, ** she realized and composed herself again.

“Twenty standard minutes,” Lennier answered instead and smiled.“ I can establish contact with the shuttle. They are within range.” He already knew her answer, but his hands stopped moving so she could say yes.

“Yes, damnit! I want to speak to him!” Susan walked back to the center seat and sat down. Her face had turned into an emotionless mask, wondering in what kind of condition the ranger was in.

“Looks like I might make it back to the station alive after all,” Michael whispered. The expression in Susan’s eyes had been serious when she had threatened to space him.

“Shuttle Hugin? This is White Star 1. Please identify yourself.”

Lennier’s voice caught Marcus off guard and he silently cursed at the interruption. “This won’t get you off the hook!” he told Bester in a muffled tone. The fact that his friends were this close meant that they had been searching for him. Deeply touched by their loyalty Marcus forced himself to remain calm and to send a reply.

“We’ll see about that,” Al remarked and leaned back into his seat. Displeased with the fact that the rangers had answered that quickly he moved over to another com panel to send his own message to the Corps. He didn’t want to go onboard of the White Star. They would force him to return to Babylon 5 to stand trial for Marcus’ abduction. But the Corps would never allow that to happen and would have him out of there quickly, but he wanted to avoid being incarcerated in the first place.

Marcus realized what Bester was doing, but didn’t stop him. After all, the Psi Cop =had= saved his life for some obscure reason. Instead he focused on answering Lennier. “This is shuttle Hugin. Lennier? What the heck are you doing out here?” he quipped, relieved that this nightmare had come to an end so quickly.

“Marcus? It is good to hear your voice. We were worried,” Lennier replied and glanced at Ivanova. The moment Marcus’ voice had sounded on the bridge the obvious tension had slipped away from her face. “I think Commander Ivanova was especially concerned,” he added mischievously and quickly looked away as Susan glared at him again.

Michael sighed, relieved as well. The ranger sounded tired, but chipper.

“She’s there as well?” Marcus said; voice filled with disbelief. Closing his eyes he wished Bester wasn’t near. A tear of joy was threatening to slide down his face and he didn’t want Bester to know that he was in love with the Commander. It could draw his attention to her and then the Psi Cop might find out she was a telepath as well. He had been doing his best not to think of her all along, knowing the Corps might try and take her.

But Bester had been observing him closely and the moment her name had echoed through the cabin he had sensed the warmth inside the ranger’s mind. **He loves her? I do admire his courage. Ivanova…**

Al considered his son’s choice and realized he was strangely pleased about it. He would have preferred it if Marcus had chosen had Marcus chosen a more suitable lover, but at least she was a telepath as well. That way those remarkable genes would be passed on to his grandchild. His head snapped back as he realized he might be a grandfather one day. It almost made him chuckle.

Ivanova had risen from her chair and was now straightening out her jacket. “You bet I’m here!” she said and smiled. No longer interested in holding on to pretence she asked: “Are you alright? When I heard that Bester had taken you off the station…" Her words turned into whispers as she finally admitted that he had returned to her.

“I’m fine, a bit tired perhaps,” Marcus replied and noticed the far away look on Bester’s face. “I just never thought you guys would come after me.”

“I guess you still have a lot to learn,” Garibaldi remarked and grinned, hearing Marcus’ groan of surprise.

“Mr. Garibaldi? You too?” Marcus smiled broadly. The fact that these people cared this much for him was another revelation. Yes, Susan loved him; would try and find him, but the rest? He’d known they liked him, but coming after him? It made him feel special.

“Dock that shuttle and get to the bridge,” Susan commanded, then continued in a softer tone; “ You can walk, can you?”

“Yes, but… Hold on… “ Switching the com off for a moment he looked at Bester who was grinning at him.

“Commander Ivanova won’t be pleased to see me.” Al’s grin grew brighter. “You have two options here,” he shifted in the seat, making himself more comfortable, “You can tell her I’m coming aboard, or you can dock the shuttle and let me depart without telling her who’s onboard. It’s your choice, Marcus.”

Marcus never expected that proposal and didn’t know what to do. “I owe you my life, Bester. I won’t keep you from leaving, but I still haven’t gotten my answer!”

“You won’t get it!” Al said in a remarkable cold tone.

“Then you’re coming onboard with me. I’m not going to let you leave before you tell me what I want to know!” He had worked himself into a beginning frenzy and forced himself to calm down again. “I’ll make sure Susan won’t rip your head off,” he added, trying to crack a joke.

“Have it your way,” Al shrugged his shoulders. Psi Corps would have received his message by now and it wouldn’t take them long to send someone to Babylon 5 to get him out. Calmly he tapped his fingers on the console. Actually this could get very interesting…

“Sorry about that, Susan,” Marcus said apologetically. “Had to set some things straight with my… passenger.”

“Passenger?” Susan and Garibaldi locked eyes. They had assumed Marcus was alone in that shuttle.

“It is true, “ Lennier confirmed, “There are two life signs onboard of the shuttle.”

“Marcus? Who’s with you?” Susan wanted to know. Marcus’ voice had sounded strangely hesitant. Her alarms were kicking in, telling her she wasn’t going to like the ranger’s answer.

“It’s Bester,” Marcus said eventually, eyeing the Psi Cop curiously. Bester sat back, relaxed and amused, almost like playing him. Shuddering, Marcus wondered if he had just walked into a trap. But Bester had made it perfectly clear that he didn’t want to go aboard the White Star, so why did he feel trapped?

“Bester?” Susan repeated, her eyes turning cold. Cocking her head she noticed the loathing in Garibaldi’s eyes. “Why is he with you?” she asked, and was startled when she realized that Zathras had walked up to her.

A smile curled his lips and clicking sounds emerged from his throat. “This good, Zathras likes…” he muttered.

“He helped me escape, Susan,” Marcus explained. The White Star had come into visual range and he was starting docking procedures. “ I suggest we discuss this later, after I've docked the shuttle,” Marcus suddenly felt exhausted and wasn’t looking forward to explaining this to his friends. How could he possible explain something he didn’t understand himself?

“You’ve made things unnecessarily complicated.” Al cursed his painful shoulder and realized he needed to set up some strategy to deal with Ivanova and Garibaldi. Maybe it would be best to ignore them and to wait for the Corps to show up.

Susan flinched hearing that voice. **I don’t understand you, Marcus. The bastard kidnapped you and now you’re bringing him aboard? **

“ Marcus, is… Mr… Bester your prisoner?” Garibaldi wanted to know. If not, he would have to apprehend the Psi Cop himself. A most pleasurable prospect indeed!

Al waited patiently for Marcus’s answer, curious to learn the ranger’s plans.

“No, not my prisoner,” Marcus muttered in the end, feeling uncertain. “He saved my life, Michael.” Seeing the expression in Bester’s eyes Marcus averted his. The Psi Cop’s eyes were shimmering with amusement.

END OF THE LINE

PART 20

The first thing Susan noticed was that Marcus was wearing a Psi Corps uniform. It made her nervous, even angered her a little. If she hadn’t known about his painful background she might have thought that he had joined the Corps, but she knew he would never do that, would never join the organization that had caused him so much grief and pain.

Then, when she looked at his face, her breath caught. There were dark circles underneath his eyes and his complexion was ghostly pale. The expression in his eyes still showed some of the misery he had been through.

Ivanova wanted to run towards him, hug him, but didn’t move as she caught sight of the man walking behind the ranger. It was Bester, a dark grin on his face.

Marcus walked slowly. Knowing he was safe had triggered his exhaustion. He’d been through a lot during these last couple of days, and although his shield had been repaired, his mind and body still ached. And now he had to explain all this to Susan and the others…!

Peeking hesitantly he saw the annoyed look on her face. Marcus hoped he would be able to make things up to her and that she wouldn’t push him away before he’d had a chance to tell her what had happened. Shifting his glance he noticed the fire in Garibaldi’s eyes. Even Lennier had come to greet him; to make sure he was fine.

Al studied them one by one and grinned. He was curious to find out how Marcus was going to handle this situation. Should he take the initiative or not? **No,** he thought, **Marcus decided to take me onboard. Let him resolve this situation.**

Ivanova was the first to speak. “Marcus, I’m glad you’re back. You startled us… and the Captain and Delenn of course.” Cursing the fact that they weren’t alone she tried to act formally. She didn’t want them to know how she really felt, especially not Bester!

“I’m glad to be back… Commander,” he replied, feeling the emotional distance between them. He stopped walking; remaining at a safe distance, unsure what her reaction would be. Furious? Happy?

Garibaldi sensed the tension between them and opted for action. “Mr. Bester? You’re under arrest for kidnapping,” he said in a firm tone and wished he had something to restrain the Psi Cop with. Handcuffs would have been nice!

“I am? How interesting,” Al quipped and stifled another grin seeing the Chief’s irritation.

“You’re going to the brig,” Garibaldi told him and then grew silent. “Lennier?” he said and looked at the young Minbari, “This ship does have a brig, hasn’t it?”

“I am afraid not, Mr. Garibaldi,” Lennier said uncomfortably. “The White Star was never designed to carry prisoners.”

Al’s sharp laughter slid through the air. “Such a pity. What are you going to do now, Mr. Garibaldi?”

Marcus tried hard to keep his face straight, but Bester’s amusement echoed in his mind and made him feel like… **Like what?** he wondered. He didn’t want to admit it to himself, but he was beginning to like Bester’s company and quick wit.

“Garibaldi, take care of Mr. Bester!” Susan commanded and resolutely took Marcus’ arm to drag him out of the room. They had to talk… now!

“Yeah, great! Thanks a lot!” Garibaldi growled. **Let me figure it out again! What do I do with you, Bester?** he thought and wished that smirk would disappear from the Psi Cop’s face, but it only grew brighter.

“Marcus, I demand an explanation!” Susan said in a loud tone after the door had closed behind them. She had taken him to the briefing room where they had some privacy. Her anger for being deserted, even if Marcus hadn’t had a choice, was starting to show.

“Susan, please give me a chance here!” Marcus pleaded and moved over to the only window in the office through which he could actually see the stars and planets they were passing by. He was in a strange mood and Susan’s anger cut through him, leaving behind wounds in his mind, and although his shield flared up to keep her worst anger from him, he knew she was furious. She had been left alone too many times before and she had been afraid that he would never return. It was her fear talking; not her anger, but she didn’t realize that yet. He had to give her time.

“I’m waiting.” Susan crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot on the floor. “And it better be good!”

“Susan, you knew your father right?” he whispered, scared to tell her his innermost thoughts.

“Yes, I did,” she replied, wondering why he was sidetracking. He wasn’t going to get out of this one that easily!

“I never did… I still don’t know who my father was,” Marcus sank down on the couch and lifted his head so he could look into her eyes.

“I’m sorry, but what has this got to do with…?” Susan noticed his sad expression and suddenly sensed the turmoil he was in. **My big mouth,** she chided herself, fighting her anger into submission. He hadn’t left her willingly and by the way he looked had had a rough time himself. Sighing deeply she moved over to sit next to him on the sofa. “Tell me,” she whispered in the same soft tone Marcus had used.

Running a hand through his tangled hair Marcus sighed mentally as her anger seemed to vaporize into thin air. She was now radiating warmth; an apology left her eyes and he nodded. There was no need to speak those words. One mind understood, the other one accepted.

“When I realized Bester was taking me back to the camp I got scared. He performed a deep scan and then the strangest thing happened,” Marcus paused, hesitantly reached for her hand and waited to see if she would accept the gesture.

She did. Warm fingers curled against his and only now did she see the tiny marks of dried blood the IV needles had left on his skin. Remaining silent she waited for him to continue.

“He knew my mother, Susan. Told me he once loved her,” his voice was tense and all the agony he had been in during these last days was now getting to him. “I couldn’t believe it at first. Trale had removed the implant and…”

“Who’s Trale?” Susan interrupted him. She had never heard that name before.

“One of the surgeons who…” Marcus looked at her pleadingly.

“Who removed part of your brain to enhance your rating,” she finished for him instead and realized that there was more going on than she had thought. Marcus had to tell her this, had to share this with someone and he trusted her. “Go on, Marcus,” she said and rubbed the back of his hand.

“Trale told me that every time that I go through withdrawal my rating increases. According to her I should be P15 by now.” Marcus took a deep breath and waited for her reaction.

“P 15?” she repeated and knew her eyes revealed her shock.

“Yes, and she was planning on raising it.” Marcus pulled her closer, hesitantly, gently. Would she give in or push him away? He didn’t know, could only hope she did love him.

Susan saw the uncertainty on his face and wanted to ease his worries. “It’s okay, Marcus. You can tell me,” and moved into his arms. It felt good to rest her head against his shoulder again; to hear his steady heartbeat, feel the warm blood flow through his veins.

Now that she was no longer looking at him Marcus began talking again. “Suddenly, for no reason at all, Bester comes into my cell, tells me to get into this uniform and helps me to my feet. I was on the verge of a breakdown; my shield was damaged and I didn’t know how to repair it and he guided me. Bester rebuilt my shield!”

Marcus had to pause; he had been raving and needed to stop to draw oxygen into his lungs. “And when I asked him why, he refused me! That’s why I brought him aboard. I want to know why he freed me after turning me in!”

Something wet touched her face and as she looked up she saw tears run down his face. “Marcus? Look at me,” she said in a soft tone.

Marcus lowered his eyes and saw compassion in her eyes. Her anger was gone; understanding had appeared instead and he was reminded of the fact why he loved her. “I tried so hard not to think about you, Susan when I was locked up in there. I was so afraid they would use you to get to me.” Marcus was angry with himself; he had almost accidentally told her the real reason why. **I wanted to keep you safe from the Corps. They can’t know you’re a telepath as well, my love.**

“I could only think of you,” Susan admitted and slipped back into his embrace. He was alive, had returned to her; that was all she had ever wanted. “But what has this got to do with your father, Marcus?” she wanted to know, remembering his question.

“I think Bester knows, Susan.” Marcus trembled momentarily.

“Knows what?” Susan curled her arms around his waist, pulled him closer and tried to ignore the fact that he was wearing that accursed uniform.

“I think Bester knows who my father was. My mother never told me. She said that I would be better off not knowing the truth. I accepted that. I loved her, you see. She was all I had and after she died…” Marcus’ tone softened, “She took that secret to the grave.”

Susan simply held him and rubbed his back soothingly. **You needed me and I could only think of the fact that you’d left me alone! Damnit, sometimes I can be so selfish!** She berated herself. “What do you want to do now?” she asked and freed herself a little of his tight hold to study his face which was still wet with tears.

“I want to talk to him, without Garibaldi being present,” he said eventually, “and I want to go…” he wavered, interlaced his fingers with hers, “I want to go home.”

Susan nodded. “We’re already on our way back to Babylon 5. Delenn was worried when you disappeared like that.” A smile illuminated her face and she raised her left hand to wipe away his tears. “And Stephen should have a look at you.” She sensed his question and said;” Yes, we brought Marloxon along with us.”

“I love you. You know that, don’t you, Susan? I’d be lost without you.” Marcus allowed his fingers to trace her lips and wondered why he wasn’t being attacked by her thoughts. Last time he had touched her, he had almost lost control. **My shield! ** he realized. It had become much stronger.

“Is there something else you want to tell me, Marcus?” Staring into his eyes Susan softly brushed his lips with hers.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “So much happened in so little time.”

She stopped kissing him and fortified her grip on his hands. “About your mother? Something that happened to you in the camp?”

“Just don’t kill Bester yet, love!” he replied, trying to tease her, but couldn’t pull it off. Emotionally he needed to sort everything out before he could move on.

“I can’t promise that!” She grinned and moved out of his arms. Rising to her feet she studied the ranger and made a decision. “Why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll ask Lennier for a spare ranger uniform. I hate seeing you wear that!”

“It saved my life,” he reminded her. She had a point though; he could use some rest.

“I know, Marcus, but I still hate it!”

“Love,” he started, but she cut him short.

“You get some sleep and that’s an order. I’ll inform Delenn and the Captain that you’re onboard and when we’ll arrive at the station.” Susan grabbed his feet and lifted them, forcing him to lie down.

“Yes, Commander,” he replied jokingly and smiled.

“Good, looks like we understand each other,” Susan leaned in closer and kissed him again; harder this time, making sure he knew she loved him.

<How could I ever forget you love me? It’s the one thing I live for. >

Marcus noticed her flinch and was startled himself. It had never been his intention to cast that message into her mind. “Susan, I’m sorry…”

Susan composed herself. Him touching her mind had startled her, but only because she hadn’t been prepared for it. “Don’t worry about it, Marcus.” Her fingertips slid over his lips and as he kissed them she held her breath. Was the time right? Should, could she tell him her biggest secret? “Marcus, I…”

“Yes, love?” Seeing the tension on her knitted brow his heart missed a beat. **Please trust me, Susan. I’m not like the others; I won’t leave you.**

“I’ve got to go now; send that message, organize that outfit,” she whispered. She had wanted to tell him, but couldn’t say the words. **One day I will speak them. Please be patient with me, Marcus,** she thought and was suddenly reminded of his similar request after they’d had dinner.

Marcus heard her thoughts but wisely kept that fact to himself. She had given him the time he needed; he would do the same for her. Fatigue was overwhelming him. It had been days since he had slept; that damned bright light had kept him awake all the time.

“Want me to make sure Garibaldi isn’t torturing Bester with his bad jokes?” she offered, relishing seeing his smile.

“Please do,” he replied and couldn’t fight sleep any longer.

“I love you too, Marcus,” she whispered, finally realizing the true depth of her feelings.

“I know,” the ranger quipped.

Smiling contentedly she walked over to the door after making sure he was comfortable. **One day I will speak those words,** she repeated determined.

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