Code of honor (3)

When Marcus woke next, he wondered about his surroundings. Although his memories were vague, he did recall being in the medical facility the last time he opened his eyes. This looked like a study, filled with books and paperwork. And yet all the medical equipment I was hooked up to is here as well. Why move me out of the medlab?

"Marcus? Can you look at me?"

Marcus looked to his left and saw a young Minbari, dressed in the robes of a healer. The Minbari seemed familiar, but he couldn't recall introducing himself to the other man. "Who are you?" Speaking was more painful than he'd expected. The deep cut Mat had left behind on his cheek stung and itched and his skin seemed too tight to talk. Although the injury had been bandaged it still burned.

"My name is Vagn and I have been taking of you." Vagn studied the readings. He was still annoyed that Neroon had ordered Marcus' transfer despite his patient's condition.

"I remember now..." Bits and pieces were coming back. Hadn't he even talked to Neroon in the Medlab? "How bad am I?"

"Your spleen was ruptured and I had to remove it. You have two bruised ribs, your shoulder was dislocated, but I set it again, and you are running a fever."

"So I'll survive..." Marcus remarked calmly. "What's going to happen next?"

Vagn gave him a puzzled look. "Next?"

"Yes, why am I here in this study and what's Neroon's next step?" He tried to move into a more comfortable position, but his side began to throb and stopped his movements. The bruised ribs were making it hard to breathe and he sighed, relieved when Vagn helped sit him upright. Vagn then pushed some pillows beneath his head and neck. Now he wasn't horizontal any more and his breathing eased.

Marcus' questions made Vagn uncomfortable; he didn't know if Neroon wanted the Ranger to know what was going on. "The Alyt wants you close. Some warriors dislike your presence on our ship. They never dealt with losing their loved ones during the Earth-Minbari War ."

"It doesn't seem to bother you that I'm human." Marcus watched Vagn closely as the Minbari filled a glass with water. He was thirsty and hoped the water was meant for him and yes, Vagn leaned in closer and placed the glass against his lips. Sipping slowly, he waited for Vagn to answer his question.

Vagn shrugged his shoulders and disposed of the now empty glass. "My parents are religious caste and raised me to respect every lifeform, including humans and I can't deny being curious."

Marcus smiled; this young Minbari sort of reminded him of Lennier. "So what are Neroon's plans? Where's he dropping me off?"

Vagn moistened his lips. "The Alyt wants you to stay onboard for now. You are in no condition to be transferred to another ship. You need rest."

Marcus raised a puzzled eybrow. He'd assumed that Neroon would want to get rid of him as quickly as possible. "Is this Neroon's study?"

"Yes," Vagn whispered and checked the IV's. "He will talk to you later."

Feeling tired, Marcus tried to stay awake. The cut hurt and he was tempted to rub his hand over the injury to allievate the itching, but he was too fatigued to lift his arm.

"You should go back to sleep now," Vagn said softly. "Sleep is the best remedy at this time."

Marcus nodded his head. "But there's so much to discuss... and Delenn... I need to... contact..." His voice trailed off as he fell asleep again.

Vagn made sure his patient was comfortable and then sat down beside Marcus' bed. Neroon had ordered him to stay at Marcus' side at all times and he was bound to obey his Alyt. Plus, it gave him the perfect opportunity to study a human from this close.

///

"Alyt? The men are growing restless and impatient." Berem stood in front of Neroon's desk and failed to mask his worried expression.

Neroon slowly nodded his head. "I have already formed a plan. Gather the crew and announce that I am going to speak to them. Make sure the most loyal men are at the front."

"Yes, Alyt. May I inquire about your plans?"

"I will explain to them that Marcus is a Ranger and that he saved my life."

"Are you also going to add that you saved his in return? Alyt, you are no longer indebted to him."

Neroon grimaced. He'd chosen Berem as his second in command because the young warrior was always honest with him; no sweet talking, no fancy lies. Berem was brutally honest. "No, I will tell that I still need to repay my debt to him."

Berem grinned, revealing his teeth. "You do realize that means the crew is indebted to him as well?" If an Alyt was indebted to someone, the whole crew shared that obligation. They wouldn't dare harm Marcus. Neroon had always been cunning and didn't disappoint him now either. "Only Vagn, you and I know the truth. We will have to make sure the truth remains hidden."

"Talk to Vagn..." Neroon instructed. "I will wake Marcus now. I want him at my side when I address the crew."

"Alyt, do you think he is up to that? He is still very weak and Vagn will fight you over this."

Neroon was actually quite pleased that Vagn turned out to be a very good healer, who was obviously concerned about Marcus. "I am his Alyt and he will do as I tell him."

"Yes, Alyt." Berem hurried away to gather the crew and to talk to Vagn.

Neroon turned toward his study and took a deep, steadying breath. He didn't look forward to dragging Marcus from his bed, but it was imperative that Marcus was at his side when he addressed his men.

"Vagn, wait outside," he ordered, seeing the young healer slumbed over and half asleep at Marcus' side. He should probably find someone who could relieve Vagn so they could take turns sitting with Marcus. But he could worry about that later.

"Alyt." Vagn bowed and stepped outside, determined to get a bite to eat while Neroon was visiting Marcus.

Neroon waited until Vagn had left his study and then walked over to the Ranger. Marcus was asleep, though his dreams appeared restless. Marcus was moving about, moaning softly when his body protested the movement. His bruised ribs were bandaged and the cut was hidden beneath a sterile bandage as well. The other injuries were hidden from view beneath the robes Marcus was wearing.

No more stalling... "Marcus, wake up." Neroon repeated the Ranger's name again, louder this time. "Marcus, wake up!"

The Ranger's eyelids fluttered and then revealed glazed eyes. "Ne...roon?"

"Yes, it is I. I need you to get to your feet and accompany me."

Marcus blinked his eyes. He wasn't sure he could get to his feet and walk. However, he knew better than to question Neroon's orders. He was on Neroon's turf right now and had to play along. "I might need your assistance..." Trying to sit upright, his eyes widened at the pain that swept through his side.

Neroon got the sling Vagn had placed on his desk. It would hold Marcus' arm steady as the formerly dislocated shoulder needed support.

"Why am I wearing robes?" Marcus' brow grew furrowed and pearls of sweat appeared on his forehead. He wasn't so sure he could do this.

"Your Ranger uniform was destroyed when Mat beat you up." Neroon hissed the Raider's name, anger rising in his stomach. "This will only take a few minutes and then you can rest again."

Marcus saw the gleam in Neroon's eyes and knew protesting wouldn't get him anywhere. He was a Ranger, a warrior, and he couldn't let a few injuries hamper him. His head reeled and he moaned in misery.

"You suffered a concussion," Neroon said while helping Marcus to his feet. It was clear that the Ranger couldn't walk on his own and needed his help to stay on his feet. His mind raced, realizing the picture they presented would only help convince his crew that Marcus deserved their respect and wasn't a threat. "I will help you."

Marcus closed his eyes, hoping to lock out the nausea that assualted him. "Where are we going?"

"To talk to my men," Neroon informed him and was forced to wrap an arm around Marcus' waist as the Ranger swayed dangerously.

"Why's that?" Marcus' eyes remained close. The nausea weakened and he managed to set a few steps with Neroon's help.

"It is necessary, I assure you." Neroon didn't see a reason why he should explain their situation to Marcus when the Ranger was barely conscious. Almost carrying Marcus into the corridor, he ignored Vagn's angry glare. "Follow us," he instructed and the young Minbari obeyed with obvious fury in his stare. Neroon understood how protective Vagn felt when it came down to his patient, but Marcus was a warrior and this needed to be done now.

///

His fever was rising and Marcus barely heard Neroon's speech. He wouldn't have understood it anyway as his knowledge of Vik was very limited. However, he did notice the two hundred Minbari warriors, which were listening to Neroon. Almost collapsing, the only thing that was keeping him on his feet was Neroon's strong arm around his waist. I want to lie down... I need to lie down... I'm going to be sick if this lasts much longer and why do I have to be here anyway? Bugger, I don't even know what he's saying... My side hurts... And the cut across his cheek was also still burning.

Neroon's voice roared in his head and Marcus flinched at its intensity. Why was Neroon screaming? Or maybe Neroon wasn't screaming and it was just his headache making things sound that loud. Suddenly the crowd roared a word back, saluted and left the area. Could he now go back to bed, lie down and rest?

"It worked..." Neroon said, addressing Berem. His men had accepted the fact that he was indebted to the Ranger and they would help him repay that debt. "Vagn? Assist me." His leg didn't like all the excerise it was getting and Neroon handed Marcus to Vagn and Berem. He'd ignored his own injuries and his body was now letting him know he'd overestimated his strength. "Take him back to my study and tend to his needs."

"What about you, Alyt?" Berem asked, while supporing Marcus who was on the brink of losing consciousness.

"I will ask Sansara to check on my injuries," Neroon growled, displeased that he had to return to the medical facility.

Berem grinned. "An excellent decision, Alyt," Berem complimented Neroon. His favorite tactic was to let Neroon think that the Alyt was in control, even if he wasn't.

"Tend to his injuries," Neroon said, referring to Marcus and then left in the opposite direction.

"Let's take him back to Neroon's quarters." Berem noticed Vagn's concerned expression and realized this had weakened the Ranger's condition. "The Alyt didn't have a choice." Vagn was clearly irritated by the fact that Neroon had dragged his patient out here. "Look at their changed attitude."

Vagn knew Berem was right, but still didn't approve of Neroon's action. Yes, the crew was now respectfully keeping their distance and the threat was gone, but the Ranger had paid a high price. "His fever was not this alarmingly high before. He should be resting!"

Berem decided not to argue about this and helped Vagn take Marcus back to Neroon's quarters. After making sure Marcus was resting comfortably, he left to check on his Alyt.

///

"You should not push yourself like this," Sansara said, displeased at the low speed of Neroon's recovery. "You need to slow down and allow your body to heal."

"Time is a luxery I do not have," Neroon remarked, after Sansara had finished his tests. "Will I live?" he said jokingly.

"Yes, but I strongly urge you to rest." Sansara shook his head, knowing Neroon would only listen if it was in the Alyt's best interest. "Alyt, are we heading home?" He hoped Neroon had given the order to return to Minbar where the injured Minbari would finally get some rest.

"I haven't decided yet," Neroon admitted. "I should take Marcus to Babylon 5 first and get rid of our imprisoned Raider as well, but... My heart longs to return home." It was still a few hours until he had to lay in a new course and he hoped he'd come up with an answer by then.

"I must admit to being surprised..." Sansara started.

Neroon looked at the other man. "Explain yourself."

"I never thought the day would come when you would grow worried because of a human."

"You are referring to the Ranger?"

Sansara nodded his head.

"He risked his life to save mine. He's a true warrior." Neroon saw the disbelief in Sansara's eyes. "I never thought I'd ever say this either, but I admire his courage."

"Is he the same Ranger who fought you on Babylon 5?" He'd tended to Neroon's wounds after that duel.

"Yes, he is," Neroon acknowledged and he made his way toward the doorway. He was going to return to his quarters and follow Sansara's advice and get some rest.

///

"What... Ne... roon... Denn'sha...." Marcus was talking in his sleep, which was troubled by feverish nightmares. The stuttered words reached Neroon in his sleep and he cursed privately, wondering why Vagn wasn't taking care of the Ranger.

He'd only been asleep for a short while and really wanted to close his eyes again, but the whimpers remained and eventually he struggled to his feet. His left leg nearly crumbled beneath his weight, telling him he really needed rest.

Slowly, he made his way over to his study and his brow grew furrowed. Vagn was injecting a substance into one of the IV's and running several tests. Neroon felt guilty for dragging Marcus onto his feet earlier, but the Ranger had to be present during his speech. "He is getting worse?" Neroon asked, almost certain of his observation.

"Yes, Alyt. He should never have been on his feet in the first place."

"What complications is he suffering from?"

"A high fever and his side shows signs of infection."

Neroon considered the new information. On Minbar they could treat Marcus' injuries best, but what should he do with Johnson? Maybe drop the human off at Babylon 5 and then leave again? But no, Delenn wouldn't let him leave without transferring Marcus to the space station. He'd ask Berem to select a few reliable men and let them take Johnson to Babylon 5. That way he could set course for Minbar without losing valuable time. They could arrive at Yedor in less than 24 hours if he gave the order to change course and travel at maximum speed.

His mind made up, Neroon left Marcus in Vagn's hands to inform his second of command of his decision.

///

"How long did I sleep?" Neroon got up from his sleeping platform and studied Berem.

"Ten hours, Alyt. The shuttle with Johnson onboard left nine hours ago."

"What is our estimated time of arrival at Minbar?" Neroon carefully stretched his body and winced when his leg began to throb. He was overdoing it again.

"Thirteen Standard hours, Alyt." Berem hesitated to ask his next question. "What about the Ranger? Do we transfer him to the Medical Centre in Yedor or...?"

Or do I take him to my home? Neroon finished Berem's question privately.

"We can also take him to Tuzenor where the Rangers can take care of him." Berem waited, curious to find out Neroon's decision. He still firmly believed that Neroon taking Marcus as his lifemate would further their cause.

"Take him to my residence at Yedor." He wanted to talk to Marcus once the Ranger's fever had broken. The sooner they discussed a possible mating the better. And he should probably contact Delenn as well.

"Then I will wake you in eight hours, Alyt."

Neroon grinned privately. It seemed like Berem was trying to take over and not so subtly telling him to rest for the reminder of their journey. He would allow it for now because he did need the rest. "Have there been any changes in the Ranger's condition?"

"He is still running a fever, Alyt, but Vagn thinks the medication will start to work within the next few hours. Although he knows a great deal about human anatomy, he is no expert."

Neroon nodded his head. "We will contact the Rangers and hopefully they can tell Vagn what treatment works best. You can already contact Tuzenor and tell Sech Turval that we will be needing his assistance."

Berem nodded his head. "Consider your orders carried out, Alyt." The conversation had come to an end and Berem left Neroon's quarters.

Lying down on the sleeping platform, Neroon closed his eyes. Even though Marcus was in a different room he could hear the soft whimpers that escaped the other man's feverish mind. He didn't shut them out and listened to them instead, vowing that Marcus would make a complete recovery.

///

Delenn gave Neroon a thoughtful look. "I'd prefer it if you brought Marcus back to Babylon 5."

Neroon stared at the screen. "I cannot do that, Delenn. Should he agree to be my lifemate it would be best if he is close to me. At least until after the ceremony is conducted. Then he is free to leave for Babylon 5. I do not intend to tie him down."

"Have you brought this subject up yet?" Delenn wasn't sure how she felt about Neroon's proposal. It was cold, bereft of emotion and purely tactical. There was no emotion involved, only diplomacy and she doubted Marcus was willing to sacrifice his love life.

"Marcus is running a fever. There were complications after we surgically removed his spleen. I haven't told him yet and am waiting for the fever to break."

"Neroon, maybe we should abandon this plan."

"Why? The Rangers and the Minbari will benefit from it. I am prepared to make this sacrifice for my people... do you think Marcus will refuse?" He hadn't considered that option yet. "You can order him to accept."

"I won't do that," Delenn said firmly. "Marcus already suffered great losses in his life and is entitled to love freely."

"Why don't we ask Marcus first and then consider the alternatives?"

"Agreed," Delenn said, nodding her head. She also needed to inform Neroon that the shuttle carrying his men and the captured Raider had arrived. "Mister Garibaldi arrested the Raider upon his arrival and Johnson will be tried for his crimes."

"Excellent." Neroon struggled to his feet. This conversation was boring him; they couldn't do anything until he'd talked to Marcus. "I will inform you if there are any changes in Marcus' condition."

Delenn nodded her head and terminated the connection.

"Berem..." His second in command appeared in the doorway and Neroon walked over to his desk, sitting down behind it. "How is his condition?"

Berem understood at once. "We transferred Marcus to the guest rooms in the right wing of the house."

They'd arrived at his residence two hours ago and Neroon had taken extra precautions to ensure the transfer went smoothly. "Is he still asleep?"

Berem shook his head. "Vagn informed me that Marcus woke up during the transport and hasn't been able to go back to sleep. There is also good news. Vagn wants you to know that Marcus' fever has broken."

"Inform Vagn that I will visit Marcus in thirty minutes. I want him as lucid as possible." Neroon, clad in his uniform, draped the black cloak over his shoulders.

"Alyt, are you going to..." Berem hesitated briefly. "Talk to him about a possible marriage?"

Neroon stared into Berem's eyes. "Although I dislike the idea of being mated to a human it would greatly aid our cause. I will suggest it to him. Delenn already told me she won't stop Marcus if he agrees to my proposal, but she won't force him to accept either."

"His sense of honor will make him accept your proposal." Berem stepped aside when Neroon passed by. "The Rangers will also greatly benefit because of his union."

"We will see, Berem... first I need to talk to him." Calmly, Neroon walked down the corridor, wondering how Marcus would react to his proposal.

///

"Marcus? Neroon wants to talk to you." Vagn made sure his patient was comfortable and then stepped outside, leaving the two men alone.

"Neroon..." Marcus was sitting upright, his back supported by several pillows. He still felt lightheaded and nauseous at times, but his body was slowly recovering.

"Marcus..." Neroon inclined his head in a polite greeting. "I need to discuss an important matter with you."

"Of course, but before we do... what was that speech about?" His memories were fuzzy, but he knew something important had happened.

"I introduced you to my crew," Neroon said, trying to avoid discussing the real reason for his speech. Standing next to the horizontal platform, he took in Marcus' appearance. The Ranger looked frail and too pale. "But I want to discuss a different matter." After Marcus nodded his head, Neroon continued. "You know that the warrior caste and the Rangers occasionally work together?"

"Yes, Delenn told me." Marcus grew silent again, his cheek still itching and burning. Mat's cut would leave one hell of an ugly scare. Maybe Franklin could fix it back at Babylon 5. For now he tried to concentrate on Neroon, who seemed... uncomfortable for some reason. Was his presence causing Neroon problems? Then why had Neroon brought him to Yedor? He'd asked Vagn why, but the young healer had remained silent.

"But both groups have huge conflicts because nothing binds them together," Neroon continued.

A flash, a memory of his erotic dreams made Marcus avert his eyes. Not now! I can't be thinking about making love to him! It'll never happen! Focusing on their conversation, Marcus managed to push back the unsettling memories. "Which is a pity, because both groups would benefit from further co-operation."

"I agree," Neroon said pleased. "That is why I want you as my life mate."

"What?" Mouth agape, Marcus stared at Neroon, completely stunned. "You want what?"

"I do not have a mate, Marcus, and by taking you as my mate we would unite both groups."

Marcus suddenly realized the cold and rational nature of Neroon's proposal. "You want me as your mate so the Rangers and the warrior caste will set aside their differences? Is that it?"

"Yes," Neroon said calmly and felt the need to add to the explanation. "We will conduct the necessary ceremonies and then you are free to go your own way. At times, you will be called back to Yedor to confirm our bond, but that should not present any problems."

Marcus stared hard at Neroon. His heart had briefly thumped in barely contained pleasure and happiness, but now he realized that Neroon didn't feel attracted to him. To Neroon, this was a formal matter, no feelings attached.

"I have already informed Delenn of this proposal," Neroon said, wondering about Marcus' silence and shocked expression. "She agrees that our union would help overcome the problems our people are facing."

"I don't doubt that she agreed with you," Marcus whispered, knowing Delenn was a master at manipulating people behind the scenes. "Would I be bound to you as long as I live?"

"Yes, the marriage ends when one of us dies." Neroon nodded his head. He should probably explain himself better. "You cannot take a lover as long as you are bound to me."

"What about you?"

"I cannot take a lover either. To the outside world we will be lovers."

"But in reality..." Marcus shuddered. "We would just pretend being lovers."

"Yes, that is correct." Neroon noticed the nervous twitch near Marcus' left eye. "You are free to decline my offer, Marcus. No one will force you to accept, but please consider that we can make a difference here. Do you wish to think about my proposal or do you wish to answer me right now?"

Marcus swallowed hard. "I want to think about it."

Neroon inclined his head and stepped away from Marcus. "I will leave you alone then. Vagn will contact me once you have reached an decision. For the benefit of our people, I hope you will accept me as your mate."

Get out! Just get out, Neroon! Marcus glared at Neroon, but couldn't say the words aloud. Bloody hell, Neroon had made a valid point. If he accepted Neroon as his mate they could become the factor that bound their people together.

Neroon left Marcus' room and walked toward Vagn. "Sit with him. Should he want to speak to me, let me know instantly."

"Yes, Alyt." Vagn bowed and returned to his patient. He startled, seeing the trapped expression in Marcus' eyes. "Marcus?"

Marcus looked away, needing a moment to sort out his thoughts. Closing his eyes he pretended to be asleep. He didn't want to talk to Vagn, all he wanted was some peace and quiet to think.

///

Two hours later, his thoughts were running in circles. I'm having erotic dreams about him... I want him! I'm fairly sure I'm in love with him and he wants me as his mate, but... he doesn't love me in return. It'll be a charade and I can never reveal my love for him. Can I live like that? Do I want to live like that?

"Marcus? Alyt Neroon wants to know if you wish to talk to Delenn? She is trying to contact you." Vagn was worried; during these last two hours Marcus' fever had returned and it was making the Ranger nauseous.

"Yes, I want to talk to her." The screen flashed alive and he stared into Delenn's warm eyes. "Enthil'Zha..."

"Marcus!" Delenn smiled brightly. "It is good to finally talk to you. Neroon assured me you were recovering, but I had to see for myself."

Marcus returned Delenn's smile. It meant a lot to him that she worried about him. No one else did. "These are only minor injuries," he said, downplaying his injuries.

"They do not look minor to me, Marcus. Neroon gave me the details of your injuries and you will require rest for several weeks." Delenn's smile faded. "Did Neroon tell you about his plans?"

"About taking me as his mate? Yes, he did." Marcus fought a blush, which was trying to spread over his face. If only Neroon loved him back.

"I told Neroon and now I tell you... I won't order you to accept him as your mate. I know you are in love with someone else."

Marcus tried to avoid her eyes. "Susan..." But he wasn't so sure he still loved her. If he did, why weren't his erotic dreams about her? Why Neroon? Had he fallen out of love with Susan and in love with Neroon?

"Yes, Susan..." Delenn sighed. "Please consider this carefully, Marcus, for there is no way back. If you refuse him, Neroon vowed to return you to Babylon 5 unharmed and this opportunity will never return. If you accept him... Neroon will be faithful to you and he will expect you to do the same thing. Neither of you can ever take a lover again."

"Neroon told me... Delenn, I don't know what to do." Marcus had given the Rangers contol over his life the day he'd joined the organization and he wanted, no expected, Delenn to make the decision for him. He didn't want that control back. When he'd been in charge of his life, the inhabitans of Arisia had paid a horrible price.

"I cannot make this decision for you, Marcus," Delenn said eventually.

"I understand," Marcus whispered. "Then I will accept his proposal." The smile that appeared on Delenn's face stung; she'd obviously hoped for him to make that particular decision. "We live and die for the One and I'll serve you in whatever way you deem best."

"Marcus, your decision pleases me, but do not tell Neroon yet. Give yourself the time to think this over." Delenn felt conflicted; she wanted Marcus to be happy, but at the same time she couldn't pass up this opportunity to unite both groups.

"My mind's made up," Marcus said firmly. Neroon could not love him back...Susan would not love him back... he had nothing left to lose. After bidding Delenn good-bye he terminated the connection and called for Vagn.

"Yes, Marcus?"

"Please inform Neroon that I need to talk to him?"

"Of course I will." Vagn left Marcus alone to contact Neroon.

Alone in his room, Marcus fought back feelings of despair and depression. All his life he'd hoped to find someone who loved him back, who would ease the burden and make him happy. He'd never found that person and he never would, once he was bound to Neroon. At times like these he longed for his mother to hold him, to sing a soft lullaby and to tell him that everything was all right. He'd never felt this lonely in his life.

///

"You wanted to talk to me?" Neroon approached Marcus slowly, seeing the dazed expression in the Ranger's eyes. Something struck him as alarming, but he couldn't pinpoint the feeling. He only knew that something was off, something had been wrecked. And I know that just from looking in his eyes? He was tempted to blame exhaustion for the strange sensation, but he felt rested and his body was recovering from the ordeal he'd been through.

"I accept your proposal," Marcus whispered in a raw tone. "I live to serve the Rangers and accepting your proposal is in their best intrests."

Surprised, Neroon pulled up a chair and sat down. "There is something else you need to know before I can accept your anwer." Marcus shivered and Neroon wondered what he was missing. What had happened these last few hours? What had changed?

"What's that?" Marcus steeled himself for the possible answer. He'd locked away his emotions and was determined to handle this clinically and rationally.

Neroon still marveled about the changed expression, but then shook off his discomfort, concentrating on explaining the ways of his people to the Ranger. "Minbari custom states that we need to confirm our bound in front of witnesses."

Marcus swallowed hard; he should have expected this one. It was usual for Minbari to invite witnesses the first time they made love. "What are you trying to tell me?"

"I am required to claim you in front of our witnesses." Neroon tried to be as direct as possible. "You are not a member of the warrior caste and therefor you are required to accept me as the dominant partner in our relationship. I am required to... claim you."

"Penetrate me..." Stunned, Marcus said the words Neroon apparently couldn't speak. He shivered violently; his dream was quickly changing into a nightmare. And he'll do it front of several Minbari... it will be an act without love, without passion... He wasn't worried about the physical part; although he'd never had sex with a man... or woman... he knew what to do. It was the cold, logical way Neroon was talking about this that gave him goosebumps. I'm still hoping he will fall in love with me... but it won't happen. He doesn't love me and it will be an act without passion.

Inside, Marcus felt like dying little by little. He had long given up on winning Susan's love and now Neroon was offering him what he wanted, but there wasn't any love or attraction involved. His heart was beating a slower rhythm, now that he'd lost the hope of ever winning Neroon's affection. He should treat this development like Delenn and Neroon did, rationally. "I still accept your proposal." Was he imaging things or did respect show in Neroon's eyes? I can't have his love, but at least he respects me. It will have to do.

"I will always treat you respectfully, Marcus, as an equal. My people's law insist that you accept me as the dominant partner, but that does not mean I concur."

"Neroon, we're not really getting married, well, yes we are, but only in name!" Marcus felt nervous and tired, a deadly combination when dealing with Neroon. "When will the ceremony take place?"

Neroon didn't like the turn this conversation was taking. Marcus was way too eager to go along with this. He'd expected more of a struggle, having to convince Marcus. By Valen, what was he missing? "You do realize the consequences? You can never take another lover... it will be a lonely life."

Marcus carefully shrugged his shoulders, masking his expression. "I'm a Ranger, Neroon. I'll probably be dead within the year. These last few months I nearly died a few times..."

He does not expect to live much longer? The thought startled Neroon.

"And yours will be a lonely life too as long as I live, Neroon," Marcus reminded him. "Now, when will the ceremony take place?"

"First you have to heal, Marcus." Neroon was having second thoughts. Why did he feel like he was pushing Marcus off a cliff when the Ranger was eager to jump anyway?

"When, Neroon?" Marcus' tone had turned icy cold.

Neroon blinked his eyes. "A few weeks. I have to officially announce my decision to take you as my lifemate and then the wheels will be set in motion. I need to prepare the ceremony and I won't take you as long as you are in pain. Your ribs and concussion still trouble you and..." Marcus was cluthing his side. "You just had surgery."

"You could give me something against the pain. We don't have to wait weeks... After the ceremony, what happens then?"

"You are free to leave my home to return to Babylon 5 or to stay with the Rangers at Tuzenor. You can do whatever pleases you." Neroon really felt uncomfortable now, realizing what was wrong. All emotion had disappeared from Marcus' eyes. They were cold and predator-like.

"I won't stay here." Marcus averted his eyes and stared at the wall instead. He couldn't stay here when Neroon didn't love him back.

"I won't stop you," Neroon promised.

"What else do I need to know?"

"According to custom we will spend the night before the ceremony together. We will sleep in the same room." Seeing Marcus' glare he quickly added, "Not on the same platform."

Marcus nodded his head. "Anything else?"

"One week before the ceremony you will move into my private chambers."

Bloody hell, I'll be close to him all that time! Can I pull this one off? I have to. "That's it?"

"Yes." Neroon cocked his head. "But maybe we should reconsider."

"Reconsider?" Marcus' eyes narrowed. "Why?"

Neroon seldom was at a loss for words, but now he didn't know what to say. "Nothing, no special reason. Forget I ever mentioned it." Neroon rose from his chair, privately cursing his throbbing leg. "I will leave you alone during the next two weeks and I will probably be away on caste matters during the third week. That way you can rest that last week as well. However, I will have to join you the night before the ceremony."

But I don't want you to leave me alone! Marcus quickly lowered his eyes, afraid they would give him away.

"Vagn and Berem will look after you and they will keep me updated." Neroon studied Marcus' face, seeing the discomfort in his expression. "I will leave now and we will meet again in three weeks. I will keep in touch with you."

Marcus forced himself to nod his head. He didn't trust his voice so he didn't speak when Neroon slowly left his room. What was done was done and couldn't be undone. In three weeks Neroon would claim in him in front of an audience and then he'd be dismissed. Feeling tremendously hurt, he closed his eyes and searched his mind for soothing memories. He found one of his mother telling him a bedtime story when he was little. Willie was tickling him and everything was still fine. Emotionally exhausted, he surrendered to oblivion.

Part 4