Code of Honor

Part 5

Neroon watched the shuttle take off and couldn't shake an immense feeling of discomfort. Marcus had given in and Vagn was escorting the Ranger, but he almost counted on Marcus trying to give Vagn the slip; Vagn was inexpeirenced, a healer, and not trained as a warrior. He himself should have accompanied Marcus, but caste matters made that impossible. He still had to inform Shai Alyt Shakiri that he'd taken a human mate!

"Alyt Neroon?" Berem stayed at a distance, unable to correctly label Neroon's facial expression, which showed rage and concern. Berem just wasn't sure what the dominant emotion was. Maybe it was time for another personal conversation, no matter how much he hated getting into Neroon's personal life.

"Berem, did I make a mistake?" Neroon turned around and Berem followed him back inside.

"Do you feel like you made a mistake?" Berem acted carefully; hoping he'd be able to steer this conversation in the direction he wanted.

Neroon froze in his tracks and then glared at his second in command. "I do not know."

Berem felt shocked. Neroon never admitted to being uncertain. "It might have been a mistake to let him leave now. He is still healing."

Neroon nodded his head, but a more pressing matter demanded his attention. "Berem, you witnessed the claiming, did you not?" After Berem nodded his head, Neroon continued. "What did you think of his reactions during the claiming?"

Berem realized he was treading on thin ice. "He reacted passionately. I think he enjoyed the mating and..."

"What about the look in his eyes?" Neroon sought out Berem's eyes. "And I want the truth. Your honesty made me chose you as my second in command, do not disappoint me now."

Berem felt trapped; Neroon was going to force him to speak his most private thoughts. "Respectfully, Alyt, but is that not a private matter between Marcus and you?"

"I am asking you, Berem! Tell me! Why did Marcus respond that passionately?" Neroon growled the words, indicating he wanted an honest answer.

"The truth, Alyt?" Berem nervously licked his lips. Vagn and he had discussed this matter as well and they had reached one and the same conclusion. "Marcus is in love with you."

Those words halted Neroon in his tracks. Spinning around, he stared hard at Berem "What?"

"It is the look in his eyes, the way he comes alive when you are close. When you were away on caste matters he was barely approachable, but when you were back, he grew alert again."

"What else?" In disbelief, Neroon continued to study Berem's eyes and found that the young warrior was being honest. Marcus cannot be in love with me! I am Minbari and he is human. We fought to the death... and yet I let him live.

"What else?" Berem repeated, trying to buy himself some time. "He was way too eager to leave."

"Explain yourself!"

"Vagn told me Marcus appeared shocked after the claiming and he even overheard some of the Ranger's mumbling. Marcus is taking pain pills and they... Marcus probably didn't even know he was talking aloud."

"What did he say?" Why was it so important he knew? He didn't love the human... But I do feel attracted to him. I want to protect him, have him close... maybe that was why I told the crew I am still indebted to him. I did not want to let him go and now he has left my home... Seeing Berem's shy look he repeated his question. "What did Marcus say?"

"He was mumbling... wanted to know why the claiming felt like you had made love to him. Why you had taken your time, why you had kissed him... things like that. Vagn said he sounded miserable, like his heart had been broken."

"Marcus cannot be in love with me!" Neroon marched toward his study, needing a moment to clear his thoughts.

Berem didn't know if he was supposed to follow, but accompanied his Alyt anyway. "Alyt, is there anything I can do?"

"He cannot love me!" Neroon roared and slammed his fist into his wooden desk. "He is human and I am Minbari! We fought to the death on Babylon 5."

Berem countered. "But you did not kill him. I still wonder how you explained that one to the High Council when Shai Alyt Shakiri called you on it. Denn'sha means to the death and yet you are both still alive. Why let him live?"

Neroon growled, barred his teeth and stalked toward Berem. "I did not have the time to end it."

"You were already too late to stop Delenn..." Berem held his breath as Neroon pushed him toward the wall, until his back met the cold metal. "You could not kill him."

Neroon's eyes flashed dangerously. "You do not know what you are talking about!"

"Did you desire him?" Berem wondered if Neroon would be able to control himself when pushed to the edge. Neroon suddenly released him and Berem backed a few steps away from Neroon.

"He earned my respect as a warrior that day," Neroon whispered softly. "He knows how to wield a Denn'bok and he fought bravely."

"Still, that is not a valid reason to let him live. Denn'sha knows no exeptions. You were bound to end his life when he lost the fight." Berem watched Neroon sit down behind his desk and was startled to see a sad expression in those dark eyes. "Alyt?"

"The truth is that I do not know why I let him live. His tactical strategy was suberb and I only won because of my strength. I simply could not comprehend that a weak human challenged me to Denn'sha. Maybe it was part shock..."

"And part...?" Berem walked up to Neroon's desk. "Alyt, you have to figure out what your feelings are for him."

"How sure are you that he is in love with me?"

"Quite sure... Vagn sat with him during those first three weeks and Marcus talked in his sleep when the fever had a tight hold on him." What would Neroon's next move be? "Are you going after him?"

Neroon shook his head. "No, Vagn is looking after Marcus and I... I need to search my soul, Berem... Are you right? Am I attracted to him? Do I want his love and to love him in return? Is that the reason why I so easily accepted your proposal to take him as my mate...? When did you find out Marcus is in love with me?"

"Quite early... Vagn and I were looking after Marcus after he'd had surgery and he was talking in his sleep back then as well."

"So when you suggested I take him as my mate..."

"I already knew he was in love with you, yes."

Neroon rubbed his brow. He'd never seen this coming! "Keep in close contact with Vagn and inform me when Marcus grows worse or leaves Minbar. In the meantime, leave me alone. I have a lot of thinking to do."

"Yes, Alyt." Berem bowed and left Neroon's study. A pleased grin settled on his face and it refused to leave again.

///

Marcus avoided talking to Sech Turval by claiming that he was too tired and stayed in his quarters all day long. Vagn attempted to engange him in conversation, but he asked the young Minbari to leave, claiming a throbbing headache made it nearly impossible to think clearly. Vagn left, after expressing his concern that he was growing worse, but he dismissed the young healer. Isolating himself was part of his plan.

Next, he swallowed two more pain pills, realizing with dread that the vial was nearly empty; he only had 6 pills left; which meant he had to move quicky. After the pills took effect, Marcus sneaked out of his quarters and toward the shuttle he'd landed a few hours ago.

He walked inside, sat down on the pilot's seat, and powered up the engines. After laying in a course that would take him to Babylon 5, he sat back and the shuttle took off. Tuzanor was quickly growing smaller and he imagined hearing Vagn's upset ramblings when finding out that he'd been outsmarted.

Vagn will probably tell Neroon, but that doesn't matter. Neroon won't come after me, he doesn't even want to. He's too busy dealing with caste matters and my death would release him from his vows. Then he can take a lover that really captures his heart. No, Neroon doesn't present a danger.

Opening the kit filled with water and food bars, Marcus took a few sips and then checked his fever. It was still rising and he shrugged his shoulders. Stephen would nurse him back to health. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep, hoping the next time he opened them he'd be back on Babylon 5.

///

Vagn looked at Sech Turval feeling utterly helpless and defeated. "Why did he do that? I am only here to help!"

Sech Turval nodded his head; understanding Vagn's disbelief, and at the same time understanding Marcus' motives as well. "He would have slipped away sooner or later. Marcus is a loner and is not used to having a companion. Now that he is ill he will distance himself even further, not wanting to be a burden."

"Where do you think he is headed, Sech Turval? Maybe I can get there before Marcus arrives and join him again." Vagn felt terrified, knowing he had to report his failure to Neroon. The Alyt would be disappointed and enraged.

"I think Marcus will head for Babylon 5," Sech Turval said thoughtfully. "But he will find ways to keep slipping away from you." Sech Turval smiled reassuringly. "You did your best, young Vagn, now let me take over. Marcus is a Ranger and therefor we are responsible for his actions, but also for his well-being. Stay here while I contact Alyt Neroon."

Vagn bowed, relieved that he didn't have to inform Neroon personally. He left Sech Turval's office and paced the corridor, hoping Neroon wouldn't blame him personally for the Ranger's escape.

///

"Neroon!" Sech Turval stared at his former student's face on the screen. Neroon's injuries had healed, but a worried expression filled the warrior's eyes.

"Sech Turval! I am honored." Neroon bowed respectfully and then smiled at his former teacher. "I trust Master Durhann is doing well?" He had always been fond of the master at arms.

"Durhann is doing excellently, but that is not the reason I contacted you."

Neroon's eyes narrowed. "If everything is well..."

"I did not say everything is well, Neroon. Marcus and Vagn arrived here a few hours ago."

Neroon tried to mask his feelings and hoped he was succeeding. "I trust they are welcome at Tuzanor?"

"Always, Neroon, but... Marcus sneaked away and left the Ranger Training Facility an hour ago. He left Vagn behind and I suspect Marcus is on his way to Babylon 5." Seeing anger in Neroon's eyes surprised him. "Neroon?"

"I knew Marcus would do something like this! I insisted he take Vagn with him, but he was opposed to the idea from the start!"

"Neroon, why don't you tell me what is going on? I heard that you took Marcus as your mate and, although I do not understand your choice, I accept it. What I cannot accept is that you let him leave in his current state! He needs medical attention!"

"I did not have a choice!" Neroon exploded. "I vowed he could leave after conducting the ceremony and he used my own words against me!" Neroon paced in front of his desk, every so often glancing at Sech Turval. "I've never had a life mate before and... "

"You do not know what to do..." Sech Turval realized, surprised. "Neroon, why did you take Marcus as your lifemate? Was it just politics?"

Neroon shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know how I feel about Marcus. Berem thinks I am in love with Marcus and... he told me Marcus is in love with me as well. When I suggested to Marcus that we should mate for the benefit of our people I did not know I would develop feelings for him."

"You are attracted to him," Sech Turval said, smiling.

Neroon stared at the sleeping platform, still horizontal. It was the one Marcus had used and now his rooms felt surprisingly empty. "Maybe," he said, remembering Sech Turval's question.

"Neroon, listen carefully. You are obviously confused, but if you really care about Marcus you must board the Ingata and leave for Babylon 5. Marcus has displayed a death wish at times and he looked depressed when he arrived. Use your marital rights to force him to accompany you home."

Neroon swallowed hard and locked eyes with Sech Turval. "A death wish?"

"You do not know Marcus well, do you? Go after him, take him home, and talk with him." Sech Turval considered his next move. "I will help Vagn to return to the Ingata. He is terribly concerned about Marcus and blames himself for Marcus' escape. The truth is that he could not have stopped Marcus even if he had tried."

Neroon nodded his head; determined to achieve his goal and that goal was reclaiming Marcus. "I will take your advice and leave for Babylon 5. I will wait for Vagn to join us and then I will find Marcus and bring him home."

Sech Turval smiled warmly. "A very wise decision."

After ending the conversation, Sech Turval informed Vagn and escorted the young healer to the shuttle that would take him to the Ingata. As he watched the shuttle leave he hoped Neroon truly cared for Marcus. Marcus needs someone to love him... so badly.

///

Marcus barely managed to stay on his feet as he walked the corridors of Babylon 5. Lt. Corwin had sounded surprised when he'd requested permission to dock his flyer and in the background he'd heard Susan's voice, obviously co-ordinating the docking of other vessels. Usually hearing her voice sent little shocks and tremors through his body, but nothing happened this time. Hearing her voice didn't emotionally touch him.

He was on his way to Delenn's quaters and the pain in his side was getting worse. So he swallowed the last four pain pills and then disposed of the vial. He'd ask some of his contacts in Downbelow to provide him with more pain pills. Yes, he could ask Stephen, but the doctor would first want to examine him and there was too much fuss involved.

Finally he reached Delenn's quarters and after pressing the door chime he waited for Lennier to open the door. His knees almost gave out on him and he leaned against the wall for support. Feeling dizzy and lightheaded, the corridor began to spin and he closed his eyes, fighting the sudden nasuea. Just a few more minutes. After reporting to Delenn I can rest in my quarters... just a few more bloody minutes!

The door opened and Lennier appeared. The young Minbari's eyes reveaved his shocked surprise, but he managed to mask his feelings perfectly and a calm expression appeared in them instead. "Marcus," he said and bowed formally. "Delenn was not expecting you. We did not even know you had arrived on Babylon 5."

Marcus returned the bow, but his mouth was running dry and a terrible taste slithered down his throat. His stomach contracted in protest and a moaned escaped his lips.

Lennier reacted at once. Although Marcus' appearance had shocked him, he steadied the Ranger and called for Delenn. He was suddenly reminded of the time when he'd found Marcus in Downbelow, weak and dying. Marcus looked pale, thin and was cluthing his side. His brow was covered in sweat and the Ranger's skin felt appallingly cold beneath his fingertips.

Delenn finally arrived and released a shocked gasp. "Marcus! What are you doing here? Lennier, what is wrong with him?" Concerned for her Ranger's well-being, she helped Lennier steady Marcus and the two Minbari exchanged a worried glance. "We need to take him to the Medlab. Stephen has to examine him."

Lennier nodded his head in agreement. "Marcus is unconcsious," he informed Delenn as they walked down the corridor. "Did you know he was on his way here?"

"No," Delenn said, and she released her hold on Marcus' body as Lennier decided to lift the Ranger in his arms instead. Picking up speed, they headed for the Medlab. "No, I did not know he was on his way to Babylon 5. The last message I recieved informed me that he was at Tuzanor, staying at the Rangers Training Facility."

"He does not look well," Lennier remarked. "Did Neroon not tell you that Marcus was recovering?"

"He also informed me that Marcus had suffered a setback," Delenn whispered and then scouted ahead to warn Stephen Franklin.

"Delenn!" Stephen noticed her panicked expression at once.

"Stephen follow me. It is Marcus, he needs your help!" Delenn guided Stephen through the corridors until they met up with Lennier.

"Marcus? What's he doing here? Wasn't he on some sort of mission?" Stephen cringed seeing the state his friend was in, but didn't let his emotions show. He walked Lennier and Delenn to an exam room where he began hooking Marcus up to several monitors.

"It will take some time to figure out what's wrong with him," he told Delenn as he removed Marcus' clothes. "What the hell...?" Now that he'd taken off Marcus' shirt the inflamed side was revealed. "I'd better start him on some antibiotics." Examining the injury he discovered it was severely infected and as he studied the test results, he realized that Marcus was suffering from more than just an infection.

"What is it?" Delenn moved a little closer, but stayed out of Stephen's space as the doctor continued to work on Marcus.

"His side was hurt and he took something against the pain." Again, he studied the readings and decided to take some blood samples. "Those meds are damaging his organs and his heart is slowing down. I've got to stabilize him."

Delenn realized that there was nothing she could do and signaled Lennier to follow her outside. "Lennier, we will return to my quarters and you will establish a connecting with Neroon. I want to know what happened!" Furious, Delenn turned around and headed for her quarters.

Lennier, who felt stunned, discovered that there was another emotion as well that demanded recognition .He'd seldom been angry, trying to control his negative emotions, but now he was furious with Neroon, who had hurt Marcus a second time. Following Delenn he was determined to return to Marcus' side later and sit with him, to watch over his friend.

///

"Neroon! I demand an explanation!" Delenn was furious and her eyes gave away her anger.

Neroon stood his ground, but knew Marcus' breakdown was his fault. He should have prevented Marcus from leaving his home. He should have been stronger, more determined, but had chosen the easy way out. "I vowed to let him go after the ceremony, Delenn. He made it a condition when we talked about the ceremony. I could not break my promise. I am a warrior and bound by honor to keep my word."

"But he is injured!" Delenn pointed out to him. "You... why did you not insist he stayed! He accepted you as the dominant partner, why did you not use that advantage? Marcus does not care about his well-being! That is the one reason why I accepted your dominant role in your marriage! Marcus needs someone who takes care of him, keeps him back when he is acting irrationaly!"

Neroon bowed his head in shame. "I am already on my way to Babylon 5. The Ingata will arrive in eight Standard hours. Maybe you can talk to the Captain so I can come onboard without being subjected to long procedures?"

Delenn nodded her head. "I will meet you in the docking bay and accompany you to the Medlab. Neroon, I am willing to give you one more chance, but if you fail Marcus again..." She left her threat unfinished.

But Neroon understood. "I won't fail him again."

The screen turned black as the connection was severed and Neroon turned to Berem, who was grinning. "Wipe that grin of your face," Neroon growled and Berem straigthened at once, replacing the grin with a emotionless expression. Neroon turned away from Berem and grinned himself. "You can leave now. Contact me when we arrive at Babylon 5."

"Yes, Alyt!" Berem saluted and quickly left. However, his grin returned.

Neroon sat down and closed his eyes. He still felt confused when it came down to Marcus. I established that I am attracted to him, want to protect him... does that mean I love him? I have never been in love before... yes, I had lovers, but back then we were fighting a war and we never knew whether we would survive and see another day. It is different with Marcus.

Claiming him was... beyond words. I would love to claim him again, over and over again for the rest of my life and the way he reacted indicates that he would be inclined to co-operate.

There is only one way to find out; I have to confront him and ask him if he loves me... and what if he says yes? Do I excercise my rights and take him home with me? Help him regain his strength? Did he leave because I did not love him back or is it something else?

Yes, I will find out!

///

"Doctor Franklin?" Lennier walked up to the doctor and bowed his head. "How is Marcus doing?" The Ranger was hooked up to a monitor and two IV's. However, he appeared peacefully asleep and Lennier relaxed slightly; maybe Marcus' condition wasn't critical.

"He'll survive," Stephen replied and joined Lennier at Marcus' bedside. "The infection that's raging in his side is under control. It was the medication that he was taking that caused his breakdown. I identified the drug and it's called Loxan."

"Loxan, but..." Confused, Lennier looked Stephen in the eyes. "Minbari physicians use it to ease their patients' pain."

"Yeah, I know, and it's an effective painkiller. The problem however, was that Marcus was taking too much of those meds. The human body can only deal with small doses." Stephen checked the IV's and smiled. "I bet he'll be back on his feet again in a few days."

"That is good news," Lennier said pleased. "But there is something else we need to discuss."

Stephen raised an eyebrow. Why did Minbari always have to be so secretive?

"A few months ago Marcus fought a Minbari warrior who wanted to prevent Delenn from becoming Ranger One," Lennier said, carefully planning his next move.

"Yeah, Garibaldi told me about him... what was his name? Neroon? The bastard nailed Marcus pretty good." He'd been on a walkabout at that time and regretted being unable to help Marcus when he'd needed medical attention.

Lennier cleared his throat. "During Marcus' last mission he... got married."

"Married?" Stephen shook his head. "Marcus got married? To whom?" Marcus was in love with Susan!

"It was a formal matter," Lennier said, feeling uncomfortable. "An alliance was forged between the warrior caste and the Rangers. This marriage now binds them together."

"Are you serious?" Stephen stared at Lennier in disbelief. "Marcus really got married?"

"Yes, to Neroon." Lennier tried to radiate calm, but cringed privately seeing the shock in Stephen's eyes. "A Minbari warrior and a Ranger would unite the two groups and Marcus agreed to taking Neroon as his mate."

"The stupid bastard," Stephen whispered affectionately, looking at Marcus. "I should never have told you that you didn't stand a chance with Susan.You made a terrible mistake, Marcus."

"I beg to differ," Lennier said hesitantly. "Neroon cares about Marcus."

"As an investment..." Stephen spat.

Lennier was briefly speechless, but then regained his composure. "Neroon will arrive in two hours."

"He's coming here?" Stephen's gaze shifted from Marcus to Lennier. "Do I have to post guards?"

Lennier shook his head. "Neroon does not mean Marcus harm, but... he will take Marcus home to Yedor."

"I don't think so," Stephen said, feeling protective of his patient. "He isn't fit for transport."

"Doctor Franklin," Lennier started in a calm tone, "Marcus is Neroon's mate and according to Minbari law he has every right to take his life mate with him."

Stephen shook his head. "Marcus is in no condition to leave the Medlab and here, I'm in charge."

Lennier sighed. "Doctor Franklin, believe me when I say that Neroon only has Marcus' best interest in mind. Talk to Delenn if you do not believe me."

"Delenn better come down here with Neroon if she wants me to admit him to Marcus' room. I'm not taking chances with a man who nearly killed Marcus a few months ago."

"I will inform Delenn of your request. We will return in two hours and Neroon will accompany us. Please do not cross him in any way. This is a Minbari matter and Marcus is Neroon's mate. Also do not forget that as a Ranger Marcus is Minbari."

Stephen watched Lennier exit the room and he turned to Marcus, who was still sound asleep. "How do you get yourself in these situations, Marcus?" He'd better contact Garibaldi, because he wasn't letting Neroon bully Marcus into leaving against his wish.

///

The dreams... the dreams are back and I rest in Neroon's arms, moaning beneath the caresses. "I love you, Neroon," I whisper into the ear of my dream-lover. "If only you could love me back..."

///

"Delenn!" Escorted by Vagn and Berem, Neroon walked toward Delenn, who was accompanied by Babylon 5's Chief of Security, Mister Garibaldi. He ignored the human, who gave him a dark and suspicious look; Garibaldi was of no interest to him. "I demand to see Marcus."

Garibaldi raised a puzzled eyebrow. Stephen had told him about the Ranger's current state, Marcus being Neroon's official mate and he knew he had to remain calm when dealing with Neroon. "Now wait..."

Delenn cut him short. "Mister Garibaldi, I appreciate your concern, but Neroon has every right to visit his life mate. I allowed you to be present because Doctor Franklin requested it, but do no meddle in Minbari affairs."

Garibaldi shot Neroon an angry glare, but the warrior igonored him. He'd keep a close eye on Neroon though.

"Neroon, accompany me to the Medlab." Delenn fell into step with Neroon and searched his face. "You look worried."

"I have every reason to be worried, Delenn. He should never have left our home."

"Our," Delenn muttered, pleased. "You truly accepted him as your mate?"

"It took me some time to sort out of my feelings," Neroon admitted. "But yes, I want him as my mate and I will tell him so."

"Marcus has been unconsious since he collapsed," Delenn informed him. "But you may sit with him."

"I want him transferred to the Ingata. I will take him home and make sure he recovers," Neroon demanded, as they entered the Medlab. A large, dark skinned man suddenly blocked his path. "What? Make way and let me pass!"

"I don't think so," Stephen said, determined. "Marcus is waking up and he needs a few moments alone."

"You are the healer who is looking after him?" Stephen nodded and Neroon gestured toward Vagn. "This is Vagn. He is responsible for Marcus' recovery. You will explain the treatment plan to him so he can tend to Marcus after he left the station."

"Delenn," Stephen said, disappointed that she wasn't stopping Neroon. "Marcus is too weak to be transferred to the Ingata."

"Then we will wait until he has grown stronger," Neroon said, reluctantly. "But I won't let you stop me from seeing him. He is my life mate and I demand to see him."

"Michael?" Stephen hoped Garibaldi could put a stop to this. After all, this Minbari warrior had once tried to kill Marcus!

"It's a Minbari matter." Garibaldi shrugged his shoulders. "There's nothing I can do." He really disliked Neroon's arrogant manner and was still trying to understand why Marcus would accept Neroon as his mate. Marcus had probably been forced to do so! So why wasn't Delenn telling Neroon to keep away from Marcus? She even seemed eager to have them re-unitied! It just didn't make sense!

"Listen to me," Stephen said, firmly, waiting until he had Neroon's attention. "Marcus is still very weak. The medication he took upset his blood circulation and attacked his organs. He's hooked up to IV's and I don't want them tampered with."

"I understand," Neroon said quickly. "Can I see him now?"

"Follow me..." Stephen opened the door to Marcus' room and stepped inside. He was determined to stay at Marcus' side as long as Neroon was in the same room.

Neroon took a deep breath and followed Franklin inside. The moment of truth had arrived.

Part 6