RECKONING DAY PART 12 OF ?
Marcus had changed into the new uniform Lennier had brought him. He was
glad that Lennier was back as he had missed his friend. He was still wondering
why Susan had invited him to dinner. She had been acting irrationally since she
had come out of cryo. But asking himself that question made it hard for him to
stay calm. There were other things that had to be taken care of first.
" Lennier, do you have any idea what happened to Susan Michaels’
remains?” He swallowed hard. He hadn’t yet dealt with what had happened in Down
Below. He had concealed it in a dark corner of his mind where he had also
buried the memories of the death of his brother William. He knew that the dead
demanded remembrance and once in a while, they sneaked out of that dark spot
and he had these dark moods for days.
" That was peculiar. An old man appeared, saying that she was his
daughter. We checked him out of course and he was speaking the truth. He took
her body with him. Apparently she wished to be buried on Earth and he wanted to
carry out that last wish."
Marcus hadn't expected something like that. //I didn't even had a chance
to say good-bye to you or thank you for saving my life, even though I’m not
worth the sacrifice you made.//
" Marcus?" Lennier took the long, brown cloak and waited for
Marcus to put it on.
Marcus looked at it, hesitantly. It was the first time in these two
horrifying weeks that he realized that he WAS Ranger One. Marcus resigned and
slipped into the cloak, earning Lennier’s smile.
" The Commander will be pleased."
Marcus managed a weak smile. He didn't think that the Commander would
care much for the way he looked. Stephen had just told him that Susan had been
promoted to Captain and he thought that this dinner was meant to discuss things
concerning the station. Susan, now Captain and he being Ranger One would have
to work together in future. Marcus considered moving to Minbar to keep their
contact to a minimum. He was still haunted by the idea that if he confessed his
love for her that she would die. They all died. " Lennier, can I have my
pike back? I promise that I will be good." Marcus tried some humor, but failed
completely. Lennier looked at him in a disapproving way.
" Come on, Lennier. There’re a hundred ways I can kill myself
without using my pike."
Lennier knew that Marcus had a valid point. The rangers were trained
extremely well. Even for suicide missions in which they were supposed to commit
suicide before they were taken prisoner. He refrained from answering and simply
handed his friend his pike.
Marcus felt relieved when he slid the pike into its place once more. He
felt much safer now.
" Marcus, your test results came back all right. Take it slow or I
WILL admit you to Medlab again, do you understand me? When I feel that
something is wrong..."
" Point taken, Stephen." Marcus exchanged a glance with the
doctor. He knew that it was only compassion that urged Stephen to be this
concerned. The conversation stopped when Susan entered the room unannounced.
Marcus couldn't believe what he was seeing. He expected her to show up in her
uniform, not dressed like this.
" Good evening, gentlemen. Marcus, are you ready to go?"
Marcus wasn't able to answer that question. He knew it was insulting to
stare at her, but he couldn't help himself. Susan looked absolutely stunning.
She wore a blue, tight fitting, low-necked dress made of soft velvet, which
complimented her eyes. When she turned around to show off, his breath caught,
her back was bare and her soft skin showed down to her waist. She was wearing
her hair down, golden earrings sparkled in the light. Marcus tried to hide the
fact that he had to steady himself by taking hold of the bed. He was sure he
was going to die of a heart attack right there.
Stephen was the first to recover. He had never seen Susan dress up like
this. Apparently, she wanted to impress Marcus. Judging by the baffled look on
his face, she had succeeded in doing just that. Stephen didn't know what Marcus
had expected dinner to be like, but he had the distinct impression that Susan
wanted Marcus for dessert.
Marcus wanted to tell her how marvellous she looked, but he wasn't quite
sure if he could actually talk.
Susan watched his reaction, amused and pleased. It had been her
intention to enchant him and by the way he looked she had succeeded. She smiled
now that Marcus was speechless and walked over to him. " Marcus?"
" Sorry, Susan. Yes, I’m ready to go... by the way, where are we
going?" Marcus had the idea that he was being lured into a trap. He had
never before seen Susan act like this and it worried him. He hardly recognized
the Commander he knew.
" We’re going to Salvatore's restaurant. I made a
reservation."
Marcus was starting to get afraid that he wouldn't make it to through
the evening. Salvatore? It was the most expensive restaurant around. Not a
place where he fancied she wanted to have dinner with him. Going public like
this would start a lot of rumours and he didn't want to compromise her. "
Are you sure? We will certainly run into a lot of officers... Are you certain
that you want to be seen with me, eating dinner... in that stunning
outfit?" Susan moved closer to him. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
She was wearing perfume and he definitely smelled roses. What was this all
about?
" Don't put yourself down like that, Marcus... and I don't care
what people say... lets go, I’m hungry. Stephen, don't expect him to come home
tonight"
Stephen chuckled. " You do realize you are stealing my husband away
from me?"
Susan remembered the time they had gone to Mars as newlyweds. She
decided to let the remark go unnoticed. She focused her attention on Marcus
instead. It seemed like he was capable of speech again.
" Perhaps we need a divorce"
Susan smiled when he grinned at Franklin who acted hurt. She grabbed his
arm and dragged him with her. He tensed when she touched him.
The restaurant was already crowded as they arrived. Susan’s eyes sought
out the waiter who should be expecting them. She had paid him extra to make
sure they wouldn't have to wait. Marcus barely registered what was happening.
He was uncharacteristicly quiet. She missed his babbling, but then realized
that he was feeling damned insecure.
" Captain, I’ve been expecting you. Mister Cole? Please follow
me."
The waiter led them to a nice table in the back of the room. On their
way there, they bumped into Garibaldi who was having dinner with a beautiful redhead.
Susan smiled and ignored the looks he was giving her. Well, there would be
certain advantages to being Captain, definitely outranking him for example.
Marcus, on the other hand, had much more difficulty ignoring all the
eyes that were staring at them. He couldn't blame them. Susan did look breath
taking. He sat down after he had seated her and was amazed to see that their
glasses had already been filled with red wine. He knew nothing about good wine
and would certainly have embarrassed himself by having to choose one. Susan
offered him his glass and he had to accept it. He didn't normally drink wine.
He was pleasantly surprised when he tasted it. It appeared that Salvatore had
managed to get hold of really excellent wine.
He realized though that he should be careful about drinking it. He
didn't normally drink alcohol and he was afraid of the effect it might have on
him. They didn't have to wait long. Dinner was served almost immediately. It
seemed that Susan had more influence than he expected. Well, perhaps people
were just afraid of Ivanova's wrath. It was a dish he had never eaten before
and he was quite puzzled.
Susan was pleased when she saw his astonished look.
" What is this?"
"You have never eaten oysters before?" Susan relished, seeing
his baffled expression.
" Oysters? They must cost a fortune."
" I’m buying, so don't worry about that." Susan raised her
glass and beckoned him to do the same thing.
Marcus was losing that last little piece of composure he had left.
Oysters? Why oysters? He had never had them before and they looked like
slippery little bastards. He emptied the glass in one go, quite abruptly. The
alcohol made its way to his brain and he was starting to feel warm and relaxed.
Susan noticed the now mellow look in his eyes and knew that the wine was
getting to him. Good, that had been the plan all along. He needed to loosen up
a bit. She took one of the oysters and parted her lips to suck the content of
the shell into her mouth.
Marcus thought he was going to explode, as he watched her doing that.
The soft, moist oyster slid into her delicate mouth. She absentmindedly licked
the shell before putting it down again. " Your turn, ranger!”
Marcus wanted to curse; she had ordered this on purpose. He just hoped
that the damn thing would slip right in to his mouth. They looked absolutely
slimy and he knew they would be slithery. Marcus took a shell into his right
hand and braced himself. He closed his eyes and decided to get it over with.
" You know that oysters are considered to be an aphrodisiac?"
Marcus choked. The oyster slithered down his chin and landed in his lap.
Susan chuckled cheerfully. She had been hoping for that reaction. "
Marcus? That oyster was meant to be eaten."
Marcus was trying to cover up the mess he had made. The alcohol was
making him slow to react to her verbal reprimand. Bugger, she was doing this on
purpose to him, but why? She was trying hard not to laugh , but the laugh was
already evident in her eyes.
" You SHOULD try one, Marcus."
Marcus had hardly removed the first oyster from his lap, as she handed
him the second one. He realized that she was teasing him, but that didn't make
it easier for him." They are so slippery!" Marcus just had to say
something to his defence. This evening was turning out to be a nightmare. He
should definitely stop drinking wine... No, she was filling his glass again. He
started to pray to Valen for some help. He couldn't decline the glass when she
offered it to him.
" I am waiting."
// What for?// Marcus suddenly realized that she was waiting for him to
eat the oyster. Better get it over with. " Any last remarks before I eat
it?" Marcus had no desire to be embarrassed again. She smiled at him and
he just slid the damn little critter down his throat. Bugger, it tasted foul.
" Are you satisfied now?"
" Yes."
Marcus pushed the dish away from him and suddenly felt tired of the
games they were playing.
" I was just teasing you, Marcus."
He forgave her the moment she smiled at him. He had never seen a smile
like that one before. She looked like an angel to him. There was a sparkle in
her eyes and she leaned towards him.
" I think you had enough wine. We better get going."
" Going? " Marcus knew he was trapped and wouldn't be able to
escape now.
" You sit down and relax!" Susan pushed him into the seat. She
longed to pilot the shuttle. It had been too long since she last had the
opportunity to do so.
Marcus did as he was told. He was in no condition to pilot the shuttle
anyway. He had too much to drink. He had tried to make her reveal their
destination to him, but she had not given in. He was fighting a lost battle.
Commander, no, Captain Ivanova was in charge and the only thing he could do was
to go along with everything she wanted to. He decided to ask her one more time.
" Susan, where are we going?" He remembered Corwin’s strangled
voice when she had appeared on screen to ask permission to take the shuttle
out. Marcus had realized some time ago that Corwin had a crush on her and he
wondered if Susan felt the same way about the officer.
" Wait and see, ranger boy!"
" Why do you always call me that? I... bloody hate it!" Marcus
immediately covered his mouth with his right hand. He had to be cautious. The
alcohol was making him say things he normally never would have. He expected an
angry stare from her, but she answered him with another stunning smile. He was
getting a lot of them lately and he wondered why.
" I like annoying you. "
Susan docked the shuttle and Marcus recognized his surroundings. They
were on a White Star. This wasn't making sense anymore. " Why are we
here?"
Susan beckoned him to follow her. He was longed to touch her soft skin
as she turned her back on him. She was taking him to the bridge, why?
" I need to talk to you and it seems to me that we had our most
private conversations while being onboard a White Star."
She sat down and pointed to the command chair." I believe that is
your chair."
Marcus reluctantly sat down. His inner alarms were kicking in to action.
She was in control and she bloody well knew it.
" Ask you a question?" Susan gave him a wicked smile while
playing with a lock of her hair. She was definitely enjoying his unease.
Marcus was struck with a feeling of deja vu when she asked him that
question. He remembered another conversation they had shared while they had
been searching for First Ones. They had encountered a Vorlon fleet instead. It
had been a very personal conversation. It had been stored in his memory for all
time. He simple nodded in response to her request, like she had done that time.
"Now that we lived through all this mayhem, what are you going to
do now that the wars are over?"
His feeling of deja vu increased. He remembered her answer, but knew she
wanted his answer, not her old one. " I don't know. I think I will return
to Minbar, watch new rangers being trained. It would be nice to be away from
all the wars we have fought. " Marcus dreaded that she would continue the
line of questioning from so long ago.
" Is there anyone special waiting for you?"
Marcus felt terribly sad that moment. He thought back to Hasina and
Susan Michaels. All his chances were gone. He never considered that Susan would
give him a second chance. " No, not anymore. They all seem to die."
Susan almost choked, hearing the pain in his voice as he answered her.
She knew that he was thinking of Hasina and her.
Marcus realized that he was the one who had to ask the next question if
they were to repeat that conversation they once had.
" And you? Anyone waiting for you?"
Susan smiled, a bit sad, but hopeful at the same time. This was the
moment she had been looking forward to. But she needed to remain calm... "
Yes, but he doesn't know it yet."
Marcus’ heart broke into pieces. Was that the reason why she had brought
him here? To tell him that she had fallen in love with someone else? Up here,
she could tell him without being afraid of eavesdroppers like Garibaldi or
Stephen. Well, she did seem to trust him, if she wanted to confide in him. He
had to be strong and use all his mental discipline not to cry out from the
anguish he was experiencing. He never considered losing her to someone else. It
had to be Corwin! " Isn't that a strange way to pursue a
relationship?" Marcus was speaking without thinking. She was lost to him.
Susan saw his agony and berated herself for being this cruel. But he had
left her in the same pain when he had given his life force to her. She couldn't
resist getting back at him a little bit. Her agony had lasted more than 20
years. His would only last minutes. " I suppose so, but I want this to be
right, to be special."
Marcus couldn't play charades any longer. This game had to come to an
end. Why didn't she simply tell him that she loved Corwin? Then they could get
back to Babylon 5 where he could hide in his quarters and flee to Minbar
without having to look into her gorgeous eyes ever again! The wine was making
him more emotional than he normally would have been. He stared at his slender,
somewhat bony hands and simply waited for her answer. " When were you
planning on telling him that you love him? I hope that he realizes how bloody
lucky he is."
" You think so?"
Marcus refused to look into her eyes. He wished that he could pull up
his hood and hide in its shadows. He had once told Delenn that part of his
heart had gone dead years ago, now the other part had perished as well. "
Yes. I think he’s the luckiest bastard around. I hope he’s worthy of your
love." He choked when he said that last word. Love... he had wanted to call
her that for years... his love. Now he had to remain silent for the rest of his
life.
" I was planning on telling him tonight."
Marcus wanted to get up, but his legs refused to co-operate. The wine
was getting to him... He was fighting back hot tears.
" Then we should get back to Babylon 5, instead of wasting your
time here."
Susan got up and remained standing in front of him. He was still looking
at his hands. He was struggling inside. She had hoped that he was going to tell
her that he loved her, but apparently he lacked the courage to do so. She
should have known. How she loved him for being Marcus Cole... she wouldn't want
him any other way. " I don't think I am wasting my time... Marcus... you
still don't understand, do you? I’m telling you that I love you, only you,
Marcus!"
Marcus lowered his eyes once more. Her confession had absolutely shocked
him. He had never expected it. The truth was that he didn't know what to say or
how to act. He wanted to tell her that he loved her so badly, but he was
frightened to do so. There was this small voice in his mind, telling him that
she would die if he admitted his feelings for her. Fear was building in his
stomach, causing him to feel sick. Then there was this other voice, trying to
convince him to give their love a chance. //After all, she came back from the
dead!// Being put in a cryo tube was close enough to death to him. He wanted
her to live and to be happy. That would never happen while he was around,
endangering her life. He had to let her go. She would meet someone else, more
worthy of her love and affection. He didn't deserve her.
" Marcus? What is the matter? You look so distant..." Susan
looked at his eyes, filled with unshed tears.
Marcus slowly rose from the command chair and it took him some time to
work up all necessary courage to stare into her waiting blue eyes. Her
marvellous eyes were filled with pure love and Marcus realized that she was
being brutally honest with him. It pained him that he had to hurt her on
purpose, but he had to prevent her from getting killed again. She had to stay
away from him, he was definitely bad luck. " Susan, I feel honored,
believe me... but you need to understand that things could never work out
between us."
Susan’s heart went cold, what was he talking about? She couldn't be
wrong. She knew that he loved her. He would have died for her if he hadn’t been
stopped. Marcus started to turn away from her.
" Marcus! Don't do this to me. You... can't walk away like
this!" Susan was yelling at him, but he continued to leave the bridge.
Getting furious, she shook herself from her paralysis and ran off after him.
" You stay here and explain yourself, Cole! And don't you dare to lie to
me!" She grabbed him by his arm and forced him to stop his retreat.
Marcus didn't struggle to free himself from her hold. He couldn't. Susan
went to stand in front of him. She raised his face with her hand and forced him
to look her in the eyes. Marcus was lost for words, how could he make her understand?
" I… everyone I ever cared for died, Susan. My brother died, you... Hasina
died... my new aide sacrifices her own life to safe mine within two days of her
arrival and... now that you’re alive once more I don't want to cause your death
again. I’m trouble, Susan. The people I care for perish...You should stay away
from me... put as much distance between us as possible. Perhaps then you won’t
be affected... by my curse... please Susan, let me go!"
Susan had no verbal answer to his plea. There was only one thing she
could do. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him close to her.
She ignored his attempt to break free. He was a lot stronger than her and if he
wanted to get away from her he could do that without any problems. But he
didn't and that told her that he longed to hold her.
His resistance crumbled with every breath he took. It scared the hell
out of him that she had broken through his defences.
She moved one of her hands to the back of his neck and felt him tremble
under her touch. Moving his head closer to hers, she kissed him gently. Amazed,
he allowed her to his teeth to gain access to his mouth. She pulled him even
closer, desperate to feel his warmth. He didn't resist any longer and she
explored his sweet mouth. A sigh left his lips as she ended the kiss. He was
flushed and his eyes stared at her. " Marcus, I lost my share of loved
ones also. My mother committed suicide, my brother was killed in the
Earth-Minbari war and a... lover deceived me completely... I thought that I
could never trust anyone after what happened to me, but being so close to death
made me realize that I love you. I want to give our love a chance, Marcus. I
want to try one more time, please. I know that I never told you that I knew
that you loved me. I kept quiet when I should have told you that I loved you
too. The first thought I had after coming back was that I had to tell you how I
felt. It hurts even more when you die and you never gave love one last
chance." Susan couldn't tell him that she had regretted not telling him
for 25 years. He wasn't ready to hear that. All his defences had been shattered
and he was staring at her from the depths of his troubled soul. " Let me
ease the pain you’re hiding in your soul and you can comfort me when I feel
lost. Marcus, we belong together. You are the other half of my soul. I searched
so long to find it and I was so blind these last years. Tell me that you love
me too. I couldn't stand living without you, knowing that you’re withering away
on Minbar. Don't do that to us, Marcus. I LOVE YOU." Her last words were
driven by fear that he would run away from her. He was still trembling, but now
his arms slipped around her, holding her close to him. They stayed, locked in
that loving embrace for some silent minutes.
Marcus sensed her warm body, clinging to his. He had waited for her his
entire life. And now she’d told him that she loved him and that she wanted to
try to build a relationship with him. His brain was telling him to run as fast
as he could, his heart was urging him to stay with her for as long as he lived.
He thought his heart had gone dead, but it was beating steadier and faster than
it ever had. Susan was still staring at him and he realized that she was
practically begging him to give her a chance. How could he deny her? " You
will have to be patient, Susan... I am difficult to be around."
" I don't care, Marcus, as long as you ARE around." Susan
decided that she wanted to taste his sweet lips again, loving the fact that
they were already bruised from their first kiss. Marcus leaned closer to kiss
her, his hands moving up her back to caress her hair. It was heaven to both of
them and Susan regretted that she had to end the kiss because she was getting
short of breath.
" Come on, love. Let's get back to Babylon 5."
He started to withdraw his arms from her. He was overwhelmed by the
emotions that were taking possession of him. Susan didn't want to lose his warm
embrace and snuggled up to him as they left for the shuttle.
Stephen Franklin was on his way back from Garibaldi's quarters. They had
discussed Susan’s wondrous recovery and the fact that she and Marcus had left
Babylon 5 together. Garibaldi had given him an all-knowing smile and had then
proceeded to tell him that he had seen them having dinner together. Stephen
decided that he had to get back to Medlab. His shift was about to start and he
really hoped that Susan and Marcus had worked things out. Both of them deserved
some happiness in life.
" Susan, slow down... Where are you taking me? Susan...?"
Stephen recognized Marcus' voice immediately. Damn, there was no place
to hide. He was going to run straight into them. They turned around the corner,
holding hands. Love was evident on both their faces and Stephen smiled.
Marcus saw the chuckle in Stephen’s eyes and knew that the news of their
new relationship would spread over the station in mere minutes. Stephen would
tell Garibaldi and he would tell Zack....Marcus was afraid to think how far
this news was going to travel. He had no doubt that Lennier had already
informed Delenn and Sheridan of their dinner.
" Susan, Marcus....I didn't expect to run into you here."
Stephen saw that Marcus tried to pull away from Susan, knowing that she was
keen on keeping her affairs private. But Susan gave him a quick look and
pressed herself even closer to him. Marcus knew that the only thing he could do
was to give in.
" Stephen, did you already sign those divorce papers?"
Susan laughed and Stephen joined in. Marcus still felt uncomfortable.
Old habits died hard and he expected Susan to turn on him and tell him that she
had changed her mind.
" Yes, they are in the mail. " Stephen realized Marcus'
embarrassment and had mercy on him. " See you later." Stephen almost
ran to Medlab where he immediately established a link to Garibaldi who was
surprised to get a call from Stephen who had just left him.
" Stephen?"
Stephen smiled wickedly. " You will never believe who I ran
into..."
Marcus was relieved when he discovered that Lennier wasn't waiting for
him in his quarters and sat down on the couch. Susan had disappeared into the
kitchen. He was glad to be home now that he was feeling sick. He shouldn't have
drunk that much wine. But he couldn't deny that warm and pleasant wave rushing
through his body that had taken away all his tension. He knew that he was
falling asleep and fought it. He smelled fresh coffee brewing before sleep
claimed him.
Susan emerged from the kitchen, loving every sip of the real coffee. She
couldn't help smiling when she saw that he had fallen asleep seated on the
couch. She figured that he would be tired after all the wine he had had. She
also realized that he would be much more comfortable sleeping in the bed. There
was no way that she was getting him to the bed without waking him up first and
she hated doing that to him. " Marcus? Lets get you to bed!"
Marcus stirred from his sleep, ashamed he had slumbered while she was
with him. " Sorry, Susan... it’s the wine… I don't normally just fall
asleep." Marcus yawned.
“ Don't worry about that. But you should sleep in bed, not on that
couch." Susan pulled him to his feet.
Marcus tried to stay awake but his eyes weren't co-operating. Susan took
him to the bed and helped him to lie down.
" I will be back in a few hours, Marcus. Then we will have
breakfast."
He didn't hear her words anymore. He was sleeping deeply and she covered
him with the comforter, wanting him to stay warm. She kissed his brow one more
time and left his quarters. She stopped when she reached the core tube. Up
until then she hadn't realized that she had been whistling. She reached her
quarters and immediately slipped out of those uncomfortable shoes. She sighed
when she unzipped the dress and changed in to some more comfortable brown pants
and a long sleeved shirt of the same color. She sat down on the couch and
thought the last hours over. It would take Marcus some time to get used to this
new situation, but she could wait for him to come to terms with everything. She
lay down on her couch. She could definitely use some sleep herself.
Marcus woke several hours later. He didn't remember going to bed at all
and pushed away the comforter to sit up. He was still a bit tired, but the
slight rush of intoxication had vanished completely. What was that smell? It
reminded him of his childhood, before he had been drafted into Earthforce
during the Earth-Minbari war. He definitely smelled like the scones his mother
had made on Sunday afternoons. He tried to shake off the last reminder of his
sleep and walked into the living room. Susan stood in his kitchen. He never
knew that she could cook at all and scones? He always thought that she detested
all this ' British ' stuff. " Susan?"
She turned around and smiled at him. He noticed that she had changed
clothes. No matter what she wore, she always looked beautiful to him.
" Marcus."
Marcus saw the tray with tea, scones and marmalade standing on the
kitchen counter. She beckoned him to come closer. He was a bit hesitant to do
so. The moment he was close enough she reached out for him and kissed him on
his lips. Marcus was still trying to get used to this different Susan Ivanova.
" Did you have nice dreams?" Susan turned her attention back
to the tray and carried it into the living room where she sat down.
Marcus took a place opposite from her. Heat rose to his face as he
thought back to the rather erotic dream he’d had about her. He might be a
virgin but she definitely aroused him. He didn't know what to say so he simply
nodded.
Susan noticed his timid reaction to her question and realized what that
dream must have been about when he blushed and avoided her eyes.
In order to deflect some of the awkwardness he was feeling, he tried one
of the scones. " I never knew that you could make scones."
" It isn't that difficult, just follow the guidelines of the
recipe." Susan watched him eat, delighted that he liked them. She handed
him his cup of tea and sipped from her own.
" I thought you only drank coffee." Marcus leaned back. The
scones had been absolutely delicious.
" I like tea too, but I need coffee in the morning to get wake up.
"
They sat there, watching each other in silence. Marcus started to feel
trapped without knowing why.
" Tell me about her, tell me about Hasina."
Marcus cringed. He had done his best to bury the memory and now she
wanted to know more. " What do you want to know?" He didn't want to
go through all those feelings of shame and self-hate again.
" How did you meet?"
" We both worked on Arisia mining colony. I was... burying myself
in my work... I had just lost my parents and William was off to join the
rangers. Hasina was the only bright spot in my life at hat point. William
returned to warn me about the impending Shadow attack. He’d also asked me to
join the rangers. I declined, I was rather mad at him. William and I crashed
with our plane and I watched him die in my arms. He made me promise to finish
what he had started. The colony was completely devastated by the attack and I
believed that Hasina had died as well. I was the only one to get out alive... I
ended up in Sinclair’s office..."
Susan had taken his hand into hers while he was telling this story. She
could see that he was feeling guilty. " Did you love her?"
Marcus didn't know for sure. He had never had the same feelings for
Hasina as he was having for Susan now. " I don't know, honestly. I liked
her a lot. We never got a chance to find out." Marcus quickly wiped away a
tear and avoided looking at her. He had some questions of his own. " Susan,
what happened while you were in cryo? You have changed..."
Now it was Susan’s turn to feel uncomfortable. She couldn't tell him
everything yet, but perhaps she could begin telling him part of the truth.
" I remember the debris hitting me... I know that you were sitting with
me, crying. I realized how stupid I had been to ignore you, but it was too
late. I was dying. I couldn't handle more emotions at the time. When I died, I
felt at rest. But..." Susan stopped, looked him in the eye and made sure
there was no misunderstanding between them when she continued. " I left my
body and my soul traveled to the next realm. I know that it sounds crazy, but I
was given the chance to return here... to you. I didn't hesitate for one second
and took it. I wanted to tell you that I loved you, that I want us to have a
future together." He was gently caressing her hand as if he wanted to
assure her of his presence.
" There is life after death? I never believed that"
Susan nodded; sat down next to him and embraced him. Marcus acted
immediately and pulled her close. " It’s just... I had to die first before
I realized how much I loved you, Marcus..." Susan was lost when she stared
into his sensual green eyes and gasped when his lips sought out hers. She
answered the kiss passionately. She needed, wanted him so badly. Her hands had
a will of their own as they slid underneath his clothing to feel his bare skin.
Marcus shuddered when her hands rubbed his back. She proceeded to undo the
tunic and pushed it from his shoulders. She pulled his turtleneck shirt over
his head and sighed when she saw his naked chest. Sliding her fingers over his
washboard stomach and his scars she couldn't resist teasing him and lightly
scratched his nipples. She closely watched his reaction when she did that. His
eyes changed into a deeper shade of green and he sighed. Her body demanded
more, but she realized that she didn't have to hurry. This was his first time
and she wanted him feel as much delight as possible. She pushed him down till
he was laying flat on the couch.
" Susan..?"
She smiled at him, he was flushed and trembled slightly under her touch.
It had been more than 30 years since she had made love to someone. She wanted
him so badly. " Yes, love?" Expectation burned his eyes, but she also
saw fear. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to please her.
" I… " Marcus' voice faltered when her nimble fingers played
with his nipples. She kissed him in the neck. Marcus had never experienced
something like this and didn't know what to do.
" It’s all right, darling. I know this is your first time... just
relax. " Susan allowed him to unbutton her shirt.
He opened it and looked reverently at her. Stunned, he realized that she
wasn’t wearing anything underneath it.
" Please touch me, Marcus."
Marcus caressed her breasts and her nipples grew hard. He caressed them
gently, till she moaned her desire. He pulled her closer to him and licked till
they were wet, then he touched her again.
Susan shuddered as his fingers moved over her moist breasts. "
You’re torturing me, Marcus... I’m already yours..."
She had closed her eyes and Marcus grew more confident now that she was
actually enjoying his touch. He gently took one of her nipples in his mouth and
suckled it ever so slightly.
" Marcus, please... I need to feel you deep inside me. Make love to
me?"
Marcus carried her to the bed. Yes, she was his. Gently, he laid her
down and continued to kiss her while his hands unzipped her pants. He pulled
them down her long legs and he was halfway as he suddenly realized that she
wasn’t wearing any underwear. Awed, he stared at her naked beauty and the
sanctuary between her legs.
She tossed her pants on the floor, eager to do the same thing to him.
Her fingers were steady as she disposed of his trousers. Now that they were
both naked they studied each other. She was perfect, her long legs, small waist
and her firm breasts. She arched her back towards him, begging him to touch her
again. She looked at him in the same way and admired his body. He was
absolutely gorgeous and obviously very aroused. Now that he was fully erect she
reached out to take him into her hands. Marcus moaned at her delicate touch.
" Marcus. I need you to touch me too. "
Marcus tried to avoid
putting all his weight on her, but didn't know that Susan wanted to feel him on
top of her.
Susan shivered, feeling her own arousal, the moisture between her legs.
He was driving her insane. There was a throbbing inside her every time he
touched her. Releasing him she pulled him on top of her while she opened her
legs, inviting him.
Marcus suddenly sensed her hands on him once more as she guided him in
to the core of her own desire. " Susan, are you sure?"
" I crave you, Marcus... If you want me to beg, I will beg... Take
me now... Please!"
Marcus slid into her without warning, amazed that she was this warm and
moist with bodily fluids. She arched up again and he slid in even deeper.
" Susan?" His breathing had become laboured and suddenly he screamed
softly as her muscle clenched him for the first time. She had wrapped her legs
firmly around him and her hands were caressing his buttocks.
" Marcus, make me yours..."
Marcus started to move inside her, carefully, afraid to hurt her. Every
time he thrust inside her she whimpered her need. He was about to stop, afraid
that she was in pain, but then she looked him in the eyes. They had changed
into the color of the sea and she called out his name. " Marcus... don't
hold back damnit! ...Please."
Marcus released all his restrained passion and pulled out of her, only
to thrust even deeper into her. She screamed every time he pulled back, only to
penetrate her over and over again.
She had closed her eyes and went mad with desire as his fingers explored
her flesh, finding her most sensitive spot... her screams changed into moaning
as he moved his fingers over the little nub of flesh, still thrusting inside
her. The stimulation drove her quickly over the edge.
Marcus watched her closely, she was arching her back towards him to be
closer to his fingers. She was close to orgasm and he knew it. But it was hard
to concentrate on her desire when his own was overwhelming him. He lifted her
from the bed, thrusting one more time, applying more pressure with his fingers
while circling her sensitive flesh. A sudden flow of wetness enveloped his
fingers as she came. She jerked and hers triggered his orgasm. He yelped as she clenched him again
and Marcus experienced bliss in her arms.
" Marcus, I love you…" She frantically grabbed his waist and
held on to him. Waves of pleasure spread through her body. She forced her eyes
open to see him throw back his head, moaning, almost whimpering his need. Her
body was calming down from the sensual attack and she waited till he was ready
to open his eyes. They looked at each other, still enchanted by the exchange of
love and lust. Marcus withdrew from her and fell to the bed, utterly exhausted
but for the first time in years he was at peace with himself and the universe.
Cradling his love in his arms he pulled up the comforter to keep them warm.
" Susan... I love you... I never thought it would be like this... did I do
it right? "
Susan chuckled. She had never come like this. His every thrust had taken
her higher, till she had reached heaven in his embrace. " Marcus, you did
everything right. I never felt this much passion, loving someone." She
kissed his brow and laid her head on his chest, feeling his chest rise with
every breath he took. She was tired and relaxed in his embrace. Lazily, she
draped one of her legs over his waist.
" I’m so sleepy…"
" That is normal, Marcus."
She fell asleep in his arms and he stroked back some hair, which had
fallen into her face. She smelled sweet and felt soft. He had never known such
complete peace. Feeling secure and cherished, it didn't take him long to fall
asleep as well.
Susan was the first one to wake up. The warmth of another body laying
that close to her briefly confused her. She opened her eyes and discovered that
Marcus was holding her tight in his sleep. He made her feel so safe and she
wanted to stay like this forever. She stared at his face for some time. He was
handsome... and loved her so much. There were lines of pain and suffering edged
onto his face. He had been through hell during these last weeks and she wished
that she could erase all the pain in his heart.. She forced herself to get out
of his embrace and managed to get out of bed without waking him. He needed his
sleep so badly. She went into the bathroom and was not surprised to see a real
water shower installed there... This had to be Sheridan’s work.
Birth control, it suddenly hit her... She quickly got dressed and
sneaked out of Marcus' quarters. It didn't take her long to get to her own. It
was a good thing that she had kept some birth control pills stashed away. She
never thought that she would ever have a use for them again, but realized that
she didn't want to get pregnant. There was so much to do and their relationship
was still fragile. They’d never discussed having kids. Relieved, she swallowed
the pill. She had to remember taking them in future and slipped them into her
pocket. Then she headed back to his quarters and realized that she was really
hungry, so she started making breakfast.
Marcus woke, alone and in a too big and now cold bed. He missed Susan
immediately. He had been afraid that everything had just been a dream from the
moment he’d woken. This had all been a very intense, very erotic dream. The
best one he had ever had... It had been too good to be true. He was alone
again. The feeling of abandonment hit him suddenly and he curled himself into a
small ball. There was no reason to get out of bed, no one was waiting for him.
He expected Lennier to come by in an hour and he could try to get some more
sleep till then. Perhaps sleep would bring him oblivion and then he could
forget the sensual dream he had experienced
" Marcus? Are you getting up? Breakfast is ready and I’m hungry, so
get your butt over here. I’m not going to wait..."
Marcus almost suffered a heart attack when her voice called out to him
from the kitchen. //Susan? Did everything really happen?// He jumped out of
bed, realizing that he was bloody naked. Quickly, he wrapped a sheet around his
waist and hesitantly walked into the kitchen, first peeking around the
corner." Susan? Is that you?"
" Who else?" Susan laughed when he showed himself. His eyes
were still clouded from sleep and she sighed in appreciation at the sight of
his gorgeous body. " You better get dressed. I checked your appointments
and Lennier is always right on time."
Marcus checked the time again and realized that he had been wrong about
the time. Bugger, he needed to get dressed fast. Susan still smiled when the
door chime sounded. Lennier was bloody early. She didn't hesitate for one
second and answered it.
" Enter."
Marcus was flabbergasted. Did she really say; enter? He knew that he had
to retreat to his bedroom very fast, but he couldn't believe that Susan was
playing this joke on him. He felt paralysed when the door opened. He went in to
the early stages of shock when he saw that Lennier wasn't alone. Delenn and
John Sheridan accompanied him. This couldn't be happening to him. He looked at
Susan to get some help, but her smile broadened even more.
" Susan... Marcus?" Delenn looked at Marcus who was
desperately trying to cover himself up, hiding from their spying eyes, wrapping
the sheet more firmly around his body.
" I think that we came at an inappropriate time." Lennier
couldn't hide his wicked smile.
Marcus promptly screamed and ran like a madman into the bedroom.
Sheridan’s laugh boomed through the quarters as Marcus ran into the bedroom
while he was cursing in Minbari.
" Such profanity…" Delenn looked at Lennier, pretending to be
shocked. They had never before heard anyone curse in the language of the
religious caste.
Susan enjoyed every minute of it. Life with Marcus would be fun.
Sheridan came closer and hugged her warmly. Susan was momentarily taken aback,
but answered the hug in the end.
" Susan, it 's so good to have you back. I couldn't believe Stephen
when he told me that you had been revived. When I saw you on the Babscreen I
started to believe, but now... Captain Ivanova, what did you do to poor
Marcus?'
Susan raised an eyebrow. " Poor Marcus?"
" I’ve never seen a man blush like that and rush into his bedroom,
screaming. " Sheridan waited for her response.
Susan knew that he was only teasing her. He probably knew everything
what had happened since she had come out of cryo. Lennier and Garibaldi would
have seen to that. " He’s a bit shy and tends to over react, but you
already know that."
" So I think it is safe to assume that the two of you... “
" Yes...we love each other."
Delenn extended her hand and gently embraced her. " I am so glad. I
always thought that you and Marcus were meant to be together."
Susan beckoned them to take a seat on the couch. Sheridan and Delenn sat
down, Lennier remained standing behind the couple. Susan took the coffee and
tea over to the table. This was an unexpected but nice surprise. " John...
you’re president now... you can't run off and come to Babylon 5 like that...
what would your advisors say..."
"Let me worry about that, Susan. I just wanted to see two old
friends."
Marcus dressed in a hurry. Of all the embarrassing things that could
happen to him this had to be the worst. He had seen the mirth in Sheridan’s
eyes and Lennier had tried hard to keep his face straight, but he had failed
completely. Damn... He slipped into the long cloak and took a long, deep
breath. He had to get back in there. He cautiously opened the door and tried to
act like nothing had happened.
" Hello, Marcus... you managed to find your clothes...?"
" Bugger..." Marcus took a cup of tea and tried to remain
calm. He was praying for a way out of this. He was horrified when the door
chime rang again. Now what? This was going to be one of those mornings... and
he wished he had stayed in bed with Susan. But then Lennier would have found
them together in bed. That would have been even worse. He knew that he sounded
irritated, but he couldn't help it. It had been such a rude awakening. "
Enter." He shot Susan a bit of a dirty look for getting him into this
uncomfortable situation. She chuckled, enjoying this situation a bit too much
for his taste. He would have to get even with her for this. He was sure that he
could think of something... Marcus was relieved to see Dave enter the room. But
the ranger bore a troubled expression. The normal present mischief had gone
from his eyes.
" Excuse me. Marcus, can I have a word with you? It is rather
urgent."
Marcus got up and took Dave aside. Susan wished that she could hear what
they were discussing. Marcus walked back to the living room and looked
pleadingly at Susan. " I’m sorry, but I have to leave for some time. I
will be back in an hour. "
Susan saw the desire in his eyes to kiss her good-bye, but he was afraid
to act on his feelings this openly. After all, they weren't alone in the room.
Susan got up and walked over to him. She laid his hands on his shoulders and
pulled him close to her. They both needed to get used to expressing their
feelings in public. Why not start now? She sensed his bafflement when she
kissed him on his lips. " Don't be too long..."
Marcus swallowed hard. He wanted to carry her to the bed and make love
to her. Some of his feelings must have shown on his face because Susan started
to blush furiously. Marcus smiled, he had never seen her do that before. He
dashed out of the room before she could throw anything at him.
" Susan, are you blushing? I should have packed that camera."
Susan growled when Sheridan pointed his finger at her.
" Are you certain that your information is correct?" Marcus
read the reports thoroughly. If Dave's suspicions proved to be right…
" You know how hard it’s to make lurkers open up to someone they
don't know. They don't trust strangers. But they trust you, Marcus. They know
you. "
Marcus nodded. Dave was right. This was a very serious matter and it had
to be investigated properly. " I will meet you at Harry's bar in one hour.
I need to do something first." Marcus had to get back to tell Susan that
he was going to disappear for some time. She wouldn't like it, hell, he didn't
like it either. But he sensed the unease among the lurkers and he had always
been the station ranger. They knew his face. He hoped that their guests would
have left by now. He needed to discuss this with Susan. He typed in his
password and walked into his quarters. Susan was sitting on the couch, doing
some paperwork. He sat down next to her.
Susan knew that something was amiss when he sat down. His eyes were dark
and his cocky attitude seemed gone. She waited for him to break the silence.
" Susan, I have to do some information gathering in Down Below... I
could be gone for some days."
Susan didn't like the sound of that. Marcus was worried. " What is
going on? As Captain I need to know."
Marcus knew that she had a valid point. But that didn't make it easier.
He sought out her eyes. " Have you ever heard of an organisation called the
Lords of Death?"
" The Lords of Death? No, never." Susan put the paperwork away
and swung her legs over his.
Marcus laid a hand on her knees. She was distracting him. He had to
concentrate. " It’s a group of criminals who stage fights secretly. They
move around a lot. Their only goal is to make profits of the bets that are
made. They choose a planet, space station or whatever and search for the best
fighters at hand. Then they kidnap them, along with 2 people the fighter cares
for. One fighter is pitched against another. If he wins they will release one
of the hostages, if he loses they kill one hostage. During the last fight, the
rules change a bit. The fighter has to fight to the death or the last hostage
is killed in his place. Either way, the audience gets to see a murder. They pay
to see the fights and bet on the winner."
" What has that to do with Babylon 5?" Susan had a bad
feeling.
" I have reason to suspect that they have moved to Babylon 5. Over
the last couples of days some people have disappeared. Some of them were
renowned for their fighting skills."
" Marcus, I hate the sound of this... and how do you know so much
about it?"
" They kidnapped a friend of mine once, Dave, another ranger. The
rangers managed to get to him just in time."
" There is something I don't understand...."
Marcus waited for her to carry on.
" If they release that first hostage, they have to know that he is
going to talk..."
" Ah, they worked that out as well. Before they release you, they
inject you with a drug that takes away your memory of the last couple of days.
When the memories start to return, the organisation has already moved somewhere
else... The fighters know that they can save the lives of the ones they care
for and they fight to the best of their abilities...."
Susan understood at last. " And your part in all this?"
" I need to find out if they are really here."
" How?"
" Don't worry, love. I’m only going to ask some contacts of mine if
they heard anything.... it isn’t dangerous."
Susan didn't like this at all. She had hoped that Marcus, being Ranger
One, would stay out of dangerous situations and now he wanted to dive right
into one.
" I promise that I will contact you every 12 hours...does that work
for you?"
" I guess it will have to, but please, be careful, Marcus. I don't
want to lose you."
" You won't." Marcus cupped her face in his hands and kissed
her long and passionately.
" How long before you have to go?" Susan wanted to make love
to him and by they way he looked at her she could tell that he felt the same.
" One hour."
" Then let us not waste one minute of it."
Marcus cradled her in his arms and carried her to the bed.
It didn't take Marcus long to sense the unwillingness the lurkers were
displaying. Even his most loyal contacts were trying to avoid answering his
questions. He had been working in Down Below for 24 hours now and had kept his
word and had contacted Susan 12 hours ago. Stephen had given her permission to
go back to work in C&C and Marcus had seen the relief on her face as she
was no longer locked up inside her quarters. He needed to get close to a Babcom
console to contact her again. He didn't even notice that his empty stomach was
growling for some food. He hadn't eaten or slept since he’d arrived in Down
Below. There was a dark sense of foreboding all around him and that made him
edgy. He sat down in front of a console and tried to get a connection to Susan.
Her shift would have ended by now and she should be in her quarters, so he tried
there first. His call was answered almost immediately. He could tell by looking
at her face that she was worried. He hoped that he was the source of that
concern, which would indicate that she had not yet forgotten about him.
" Marcus..."
Marcus saw that she wasn't alone. Stephen Franklin was with her,
apparently enjoying some hot coffee.
" You look....like you haven't slept for days...are you taking care
of yourself?"
Marcus smiled. She did care for him. Stephen looked at him, smiling but
also concerned. When would those two finally realize that he could take care of
himself? It was nice to be fussed over at times... but there was only so much
he could take. " I am fine, Susan. I see that you already traded my lovely
company for my ex-husband’s? I have to remember not to stay too long away from
home!"
Stephen chuckled. Marcus would never let him forget that they had to be
pretend being newlyweds when they had to contact the resistance on Mars.
" Did you discover anything yet?" Susan tried not to show her
fear , but she simply couldn't ignore it. It was dangerous in Down Below and
Marcus wasn't up to his usual tricks. He hadn’t yet fully recovered from all
the emotional stuff he had gone through. She wanted him back in her quarters
where she could keep an eye on him.
" Not yet. For some reason the lurkers seem to be terrified. My
guess is that this organisation has moved here. There are still people
disappearing and I don't like it one bit."
" Stay out of trouble, Marcus. I hate to see you return to Medlab so
soon. You are a terrible patient," Stephen quipped.
" Yeah, right!" Marcus' eyes lit up with some fire of their
own and he hated to terminate the connection but he had to. Talking to Susan
made him want to hold her in his arms again.
Susan sat down, taking a big gulp of her coffee. She never expected that
his absence would affect her like this. She hadn’t been able to sleep properly.
She had this doomsday scenario in her head. Something terrible was going to
happen to Marcus. Her happiness wasn't supposed to last. Everyone she cared for
had died and now she had to face the irrational fear of losing Marcus as well.
She decided to give him another 12 hours. The she was going to Down Below
herself. Marcus needed rest and she needed Marcus. She couldn't remember Delenn
ever going to Down Below to do some information gathering. Why did he have to
do that? There were enough rangers who had been trained for this job. This was
so like Marcus, getting himself into trouble. She could only hope that he no
longer had that death wish.
" You really care for him, don't you, Susan? I have to admit that
I’m surprised. I always thought that you had some problems with
relationships."
Susan turned around to face him. " He’s worth the risk, Stephen.
Believe me. I would never have forgiven myself if I hadn't tried one more time.
I once told someone that all love was unrequited. Well, it shouldn't be and I’m
making sure that it isn't! " She remembered the break-down she had
suffered 30 years ago. This Stephen had never seen her fall to pieces and she
hoped he never would. She would never forget how hard she had cried while
staring at Marcus' dead body. She had been given another chance and she was
going to fight for it.
Stephen smiled warmly. He had never expected her to mellow down like
this. The hard-nosed Commander was still there, but loving Marcus had
definitely been a change for the better.
" But I don't like the way he looked. He should be in his quarters.
I don't understand why he has to do this himself. He still needs rest!"
Susan stared into her coffee mug. It had not been her intention to speak out
her concerns for his well being this openly.
" Susan, I discovered one thing during the problems we were in.
He’s a ranger, a trained warrior, he can defend himself in every situation.
He’s actually very dangerous when he uses that pike. I should know, I treated
his victims. You can't keep him locked up somewhere because you’re worried.
You’re warriors and there’s always the possibility that you get caught up in
something bad. I know that it’s hard to live with a fear like that. But you
have to trust him."
" I know that you’re right, but... emotions aren't that rational
sometimes, Stephen."
" But at least you’re having those emotions again. I sometimes
wondered about you being in touch with your feelings, Susan."
" It has been a long time since I talked to my heart, Stephen. This
is all... kind of new to me."
" Why don't you join me for dinner? Seems to me that it has been a
time since you ate yourself."
Susan nodded, why not? She could use some company. It would take her
mind of Marcus. " Let's try out that new place; that French
restaurant."
Susan and Stephen left her quarters, but there was still that nagging
feeling tugging at her mind.
" Come on, Julian, you must know something. Nothing happens in Down
Below without you knowing all about it. I only want one straight answer to my
question, then I’m gone. Are the Lords of Death on Babylon 5? For old times
sake, please tell me!" Marcus was at the end of his rope by now. So he had
decided to go to the big boss himself. The elderly man was running every
illegal scheme in Down Below. Julian had been in charge for three years now.
The bald man was staring at him. Marcus knew that he was weighing the
disadvantages and the benefits he would get by opening up the current Ranger
One. The little dark eyes burnt with a dark fire and he seemed to have reached
a decision.
" I owe you, Marcus. You saved my life once. I will answer this
question for you and then we are even."
" That's fine with me." //At last, I’m making some progress.//
" They’re here. They arrived a week ago. It came to my attention
that outsiders where handling bets and that is my territory. They never told me
what organisation they belong to but it was fairly obvious that they worked for
the Lords of Death."
" Bugger, you do realize that we have a problem on our hands?"
He had to relay this information to Dave as soon as possible. The rangers
needed to expose off the Lords of Death.
" I have no problems with them. They will move along when their
business is finished here. I cling to my life, Marcus. I’m not going to oppose
them."
Marcus realized that Julian would be of no help to him and got up from
his chair. He needed to contact his rangers right now. It took Marcus some time
to realize that the corridor he was in was deserted. Normally it would be
crowded with lurkers and traders. He looked about, where was everybody? His
instincts warned him that something was definitely wrong, but the warning came
too late. He heard a strange sound, smelled gas, a sedative probably. His
reflexes slowed down considerably and he never knew what hit him, when someone
dealt a hard blow to his head. He didn't register falling to the floor, he was already
unconsciousness.
Susan and Stephen were halfway to the restaurant when they smelled a
foul stench. Stephen was the first to mention it. It reminded him of a sedative
they used in surgery to put the patient out. " Susan, do you smell that
also?"
" Yes, I..." Susan couldn't remember what she was about to
say. Why were there no other people in the corridor? Something was wrong. All
her alarms went off in a startling hurry. " Stephen, we have to get
out..." Susan wasn't capable of ending that sentence. Her eyelids grew
heavy and everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Stephen fell to the
floor, her own body following his in the process. She suddenly realized that
she was losing her consciousness too. She knew that her luck wasn't allowed to
last.
Two men, dressed in black, came around the corner, wearing protective
masks. They grabbed Susan and Stephen’s arms and dragged them over the floor to
the core tube, which opened at their command, taking them even further down
into the bowels of the space station.
" I didn't think that would be so easy to capture these. This
Ivanova has quite a reputation."
" I know, but that ranger was also easily taken. We had the
advantage of surprise. Lets make this thing work. People are already betting
great sums of cash on the ranger. We have to see to it that he is intimated
properly and in order to obey our orders we need these two as hostages. She’s
his lover and the other one his best friend. We will make profits like we never
have done before."
They arrived at their destination some minutes later. This part of the
station had been abandoned after the war, when a lot of lurkers decided to head
home. They opened the door to reveal a small room. There were two beds, some
chairs and a table with food on it. They wanted their fighters and hostages
alive and in good shape. Otherwise they would be useless. Susan and Stephen
were pulled up on the beds and left there. A third man entered the room,
dragging Marcus Cole behind him, who was also unconsciousness. They pulled him
into the room and then stepped back. It would take some time before any of them
were going to wake up. That would leave them ample time to let their customers
know that another contender was going to fight. They slammed the door shut as
they left, making sure that the door was properly locked.
Susan was the first to open her eyes. She felt groggy and she had
trouble remembering what had happened to her. The last thing she was able to
think off was Stephen and her heading to that new restaurant. Then she remembered
the gas and Stephen dropping to the floor. She raised her head a bit too fast
and felt dizzy. Stephen was resting on another bed, his eyelids starting to
flutter. He seemed to be all right. " Stephen? Wake up!" Susan was
upset that she had allowed herself to be captured so easily.
" I am... awake... keep that voice down..."
Susan relaxed and rested her head on the pillow again. She needed to
block out the creeping darkness in her mind. Stephen managed to sit up, his
eyes momentarily closed again.
" Susan? How are you doing?"
" Looks like I am going to survive." Her mind started to clear
up and she succeeded in sitting upright. She had never seen this room before.
It appeared cold. She fixed her eyes on Stephen, hoping that the doctor was
okay.
Stephen opened his eyes again and searched the room. "
Marcus?"
Susan startled and looked in the direction Stephen was staring. She rose
from the bed the moment she discovered Marcus, laying on the floor. She made
her way over to him as quickly as possible, without tripping over her own feet.
Stephen was with her in a second and checked Marcus' vital signs. "
My guess is that he has been sedated as well." His hands searched
routinely for any other injuries. He stopped when he felt a big lump on the
ranger’s head. " He was whacked over the head with something. We should
get him into the bed." Stephen started to carry him over to the bed when
he discovered that Marcus' hands were cuffed. " Looks like somebody thinks
he might be dangerous."
They gently laid him down on a bed. Susan started to rub his hands,
talking to him absentmindedly, urging him to wake up. Stephen knew that there
was nothing more he could do for his friends and searched the room for an
escape route. But except for the metal door, there was none.
Susan caressed his face and some tears made their way down her cheeks.
She hadn't expected to ever see him again. "Marcus, please wake up. I need
you, please." Her words seemed to have a definite result as his eyes
slowly opened.
" Marcus, are you all right?"
" Yes, don't worry love." Marcus saw the little, shining
teardrops sliding down her face. He attempted to wipe them away with the back
of his hand, but the handcuffs stopped him. Great, he had allowed them to
capture him like he was rookie. He should have been paying much more attention
to what was going on around him.
" Perhaps somebody can explain to me what is going on? I know that
I am usually the last to hear, but..." Stephen couldn't help checking
Marcus' pulse and reflexes. The ranger seemed fine, but there was a bit of a
foggy look in his eyes. He attributed it to the blow to the head Marcus had
suffered.
" I guess that I do owe you an explanation. " Marcus managed
to sit up, struggling a bit due to his shackled hands. He tried some Minbari
mantras to get his emotions back under control The woman who meant everything
to him and his best friend had been kidnapped and he was the only who could
ensure their safety. " We are being held prisoner by the Lords of Death. They
pitch fighters against each other. You two are held hostage to make sure that I
will fight to the best of my abilities. Should I win, one of the two of you
will be released. Should I loose... then we are all dead."
Stephen understood. They were in trouble again. " Well, we managed
to escape when the Vindrizi kept us prisoner. This time we are also going to
make it!"
Marcus looked at his friend. He couldn't share that optimism. This was
far worse, these were well-organized criminals who wanted to make as much
profit as possible. They didn't care if the fighters and the hostages lived or
died. They were brutal, but Marcus decided to keep the truth to himself. No use
in worrying Franklin. There was nothing they could do. But looking into Susan's
eyes, he realized that she did understand the danger they were in." They
only thing we can do is wait." Marcus raised his arms and Susan snuggled
up to him, ignoring Franklin who stood there, gloating. Marcus smiled at Susan
who had fallen asleep in his arms. Her warmth and presence calmed him down and
he smoothed some hair back from her face.
" Man, was I wrong back then." Stephen sat on the other bed,
opposite from him.
Marcus looked up, wondering what Stephen was talking about.
" I remember that I said that the two of you were in different
galaxies. I never imagined something like this could happen."
Marcus remembered. Stephen had been quite specific about him not being
her type. He still had problems sometimes believing that she loved him. Marcus
knew that he had to talk to Stephen about something he rather left unspoken.
" Stephen, I want to ask you something... but it's so unfair."
" Just ask me, Marcus."
" It won't be long before they come to get me for the first fight.
I don't know who my opponent will be and I... should I win they will release
only one of you..." Marcus' eyes dropped to the floor, he couldn't ask
Stephen to let Susan be released first. There was the possibility that he
wouldn't make it through the second fight.
" I understand, Marcus. She'll be the first to get out of
here."
Marcus stared at Stephen's eyes. He knew that his eyes were watered and
pulled Susan even closer. " Take care of her for me? "
" Why, you’re going to be there also, aren't you?" Stephen was
getting worried. There was something Marcus was holding
back.
Marcus shook his head in denial. " The second fight is to the
death. Should I win then you will be released and I will have to fight the
reigning Lord of Death. Considering the fact that I already had to fight it
will be easy for the guy to finish me off. Should I lose, we’re both dead. So,
there is no way I’m going to make it out alive anyway. But I will try my best
to get the two of you out of this rat hole."
Stephen rebelled against the unfairness of this situation. He was about
to make a remark when Susan stirred, starting to wake.
" Hello there, enjoyed your nap?" Marcus tried to memorize her
eyes. He had no idea how long they would be together from this moment on. Susan
smiled and Marcus had to avert his gaze. He was almost in tears.
Susan noticed it immediately. " Marcus, what's the matter?"
Marcus released her from his embrace and got up from the bed. He didn't
know what to say or to do, for the first time in 3 years, he was lost.
Suddenly the door opened and three, armed men wearing masks entered the
room.
" You… outside now!" They pointed towards Marcus.
Susan knew what was about to happen and wanted to scream at the men to
leave them alone. She got up from the bed, ran towards him and kissed him, a
kiss full of fear and love. He was grabbed by his shoulders and the men pulled
him out of the room, slamming the door shut in her face. She would never be
able to forget the look on his face... he thought he had failed her.
He had failed her. Marcus was being pushed through the corridors. He
knew that he should concentrate on the upcoming fight, but all he could think
about was Susan. She and Stephen would die if he lost.
Susan had to use every ounce of control to keep herself from screaming.
She couldn't believe that it was supposed to end like this. She hated feeling
this helpless.
" Susan, there's nothing we can do. We need to have faith in
him." Stephen tried hard to comfort her, but he realized that he was
fighting a lost battle. The odds were against them. Even if Susan was getting
out of here alive, there was only a small chance that she would ever be
reunited with Marcus. If that last fight truly was to the death.... Stephen
refused to finish that thought. They had to find a way to escape.
" Why does everyone I care for have to die? I thought that I had
paid the price to be with him."
" What price?" Stephen's mind was alert and he caught the
remark instantly.
Susan shook her head, she couldn't tell him that she had made a deal to
get Marcus back. At least there was the strange comfort that he hadn't
committed suicide. His soul would be judged honestly when he died. But she
didn't want him to die, damn it!
" I can't tell you now, Stephen... I need to... I need
Marcus..."
Stephen tentatively reached out for her. Trying to ease some of her
pain.
Susan accepted his embrace and cried. //Marcus, please survive, we are
going to get out of here. I can't bear to lose you again, never again.//
The object of her thoughts was being pushed into a large cage. The steel
contraption was rather big and the walls were plastered with sharp spikes. He
recognized it for what it was, the stage where the fighters were supposed to
lay down their lives. There was a screaming audience seated all around the
cage. He could hear how bets were made and realized that it was his turn to
fight. His handcuffs were removed and tried to get the blood flowing again
through his hands. One of the masked man remained behind in the cage with him.
Marcus observed 5 huge men who sat down opposite the cage. They were dressed
like warriors, but they also wore masks in the shape of skulls, their faces
hidden. These were the people he had been searching for; the Lords of Death.
Well, it seemed they had found him instead. Marcus tried to focus his thoughts,
but it was hard. He wondered what kind of fighter he would be facing. He held
his breath when he saw a Narn climb onto the platform. Great, a Narn. He had
seen enough of G' Kar's fighting to know how deadly they were. Only Zargs were
worse. He didn't know the Narn and wondered who was kept hostage to make him
fight. There were only losers in this fight. He tried to cover up his sigh when
the guard offered him his pike. Marcus took it immediately and opened it to see
if it wasn't tampered with. It opened just nicely.
The Narn was handed a sword and he swung it a couple of times to get
used to the feeling of the weapon in his hands. It would be difficult to win
this one. But he had no choice. The masked man left the cage and locked the
door on his way out. Marcus and the Narn started to circle each other, trying
to find each other’s weak spots. Marcus caught the first blow the Narn dealt,
using his pike. He was thankful that the pike was made of unbending metal. A
quarterstaff would have been shattered to pieces at once. Marcus turned and
managed to hit the Narn on his back. He didn't want to hurt or kill the Narn
but... Susan's life was at stake here. The Narn started another attack and
Marcus was driven in to a corner, overwhelmed by the pure force the Narn was
using. He felt the cold metal spikes pushing into his back, he had to be
careful not to get pushed into them. It was a sure way to die. The entire cage
was equipped with the sharp spikes. He ducked and sneaked behind the Narn and
dealt him a blow to his head. The Narn staggered momentarily but recovered
quickly. He turned about to face the ranger and Marcus created some space by
backing up. He wanted to get away from those damned spikes. Marcus decided that
it was time to get aggressive himself and used the pike to drive the Narn into
the same corner he had been driven into earlier. The Narn was getting mad, not
used to an opponent who managed to survive this long. Marcus was watching the
Narn's eyes and could see that he was up to something. Marcus went for the legs
and rolled over the floor to wipe the Narn's legs away from underneath him. The
Narn fell, but Marcus didn't see the dagger that appeared from out of nowhere.
He caught the reflection of the shining metal the moment the Narn started to
fall to the floor. Marcus tried to roll away from the blade but it was too
late. A stabbing pain emanated from his right shoulder where the dagger entered
his body. He stopped himself from screaming out in pain. There was only one chance
left. The Narn was now on his back and Marcus forced himself to get up and
aimed the pike at the Narn's head, knocking his opponent unconsciousness in the
process. Blood flowed down his back and he knew he had to act as if nothing had
happened. His next opponent would otherwise know his weak spot. Marcus looked
over to the Lords of Death and one of them had risen to his feet. There was
something familiar about the man but Marcus was unable to discover what. His
appearance sent shivers down his spine.
" You have to kill him." One of the other Lords spoke.
Marcus shook his head. He wouldn't kill somebody who was out cold."
I won't do that. He's defenceless, he fought well." Marcus held his
breath, unsure whether he had just signed his own death warrant. The Lord of
Death who had risen earlier sat down again and another rose, approaching the
cage, like a predator to his prey. The cage door was opened and he entered the
cage. Marcus remained the same, unyielding, he wouldn't kill the helpless Narn.
He could see the cold, human eyes, shining through the holes in the mask. The
Lord of Death took the Narn's own sword and without any hesitation plunged it
into the Narn's heart. The Narn's eyes opened in shock and spasms racked his
body who drew his last breath seconds later. Marcus looked at the Lord of
Death, obviously disgusted by what he had just witnessed. His pike was taken
away from him and the Lord of Death circled around him. Marcus tensed. The Lord
of Death seemed to smell the blood on his back and the man chuckled.
" Perhaps you will make it to the last round. Then you will face
one of us. I look forward to that. " The Lord of Death turned to the
guard. " Release the hostage of his choice and make sure the sedative
works properly. The memory has to be blocked completely."
The guard nodded. " Who do you want to be released?"
Marcus knew they would keep their word. " The woman."
" It will be done."
The Lord of Death left the cage, followed by the guard. Marcus was left
standing there for some minutes. The crowd cheering him as the winner of the
fight. Marcus hoped they would take him back soon, the wound on his back needed
to be treated.
Susan stopped pacing when the door opened again. She looked up
immediately, hoping to see Marcus, but there were only the masked guards.
" Your fighter has won and you are going to live, be glad."
One of the guards pointed at her and Susan felt relieved. Marcus had won
and was alive. But what was it that they said? She was going to be released?
" What about Stephen?" Susan watched the doctor, who was smiling at
her.
He knew she wouldn't leave him without a fight. " It's okay, Susan.
Marcus and I discussed while you were asleep. He wants you to live, you are the
most important thing in his life and I agree. I also think that you should be
the first to go."
" But I can't leave you behind!"
Stephen knew that the time had come to use another reason why it was he
who had to stay behind. " Susan, Marcus might be wounded and face it, I am
the one with the medical training."
Susan knew he was right, but she didn't like it. "I will find a way
to get you and Marcus out of this. I promise."
Hearing her words made the guard laugh. " Forget about that, lady.
You won't remember a thing once we have administered the drug to you."
Susan was getting angrier all the time, but she knew that she had to
play along. She had to take every chance, however small it might seem and
looked at Stephen. " Don't give up."
" I won't." He gave her one last grin, trying to reassure her
that everything would be okay in the end.
Susan allowed the guards to take her out of the room. The door closed
and the guards held her arms. They reached another room, equipped as a med lab
and she was forced to sit down. They rolled up her sleeve and Susan shivered
when she spotted the syringe filled with a dark liquid.
" It will be all over and done with in a minute..."
Susan knew that resistance would be useless and felt the sharp sting
when the needle entered her body. She was determined to fight the stuff and not
to forget when she felt sleepy all of a sudden and her eyes closed against her
will.
" Lets take her to her quarters." The guards carried the
unconscious woman to the command staff quarters after they got the sign to
move.
Marcus realized that he was losing too much blood as he started to
become dizzy. He needed Stephen's help. Marcus was shoved into the room and
searched it at once. Susan was no longer in the room. They seemed to have kept
their part of the deal.
" Marcus? She's safe. You don't have to worry."
" Stephen... I need your help." His friend came closer and
when he was within reach, Marcus leaned on him heavily.
Stephen knew instantly that something was wrong and led his friend to
one of the beds to sit him down. That was when he saw the fresh blood on the
back of Marcus' cloak." You are hurt!"
" Yes, the Narn surprised me... I didn't expect that dagger!"
Stephen helped him out of his cloak and remembered that he had seen
bandages and other medical supplies next to the food on the table. " Hold
on." Stephen raced over to the table. Good, he could work with this. He
grabbed the bandages and desinfectives and hurried back. Marcus was trying to
get rid off his tunic, but needed Stephen's help to do so. Stephen helped him
with the turtleneck shirt and sat down behind him, assessing the damage the
dagger had done. Marcus whimpered slightly when he examined the wound. "
He got you bad, Marcus. I need to stop the bleeding first. You are losing too
much blood." Stephen worked fast, disinfected the wound and used the
bandages in an attempt to stop the bleeding. Stephen knew that Marcus had to be
in pain, but there hadn't been any painkillers on the table. " I have no
painkillers I am afraid."
" I can handle the pain. I was taught how to block it out."
Stephen heard the tense voice and covered his friend with a blanket. He
had to prevent Marcus from going into shock due to the blood loss. " Why
don't you rest a little while, Marcus?"
Marcus had no other option as Stephen gently pushed him into a lying
position. There was an uncomfortable expression in Marcus' eyes.
" I’m sorry, Stephen, but it seems that your chances of getting out
of here diminished quite a bit, now that I am wounded."
" Don't worry about that, Marcus. I know that Susan will think of a
way to get us out."
Marcus tried to grin, but failed. He knew that the odds were against
them. " I’m sorry, Stephen. I promise you that I will try to win... you
can't die in here."
“ So won't you, Marcus and now you will rest" Stephen watched
Marcus relax a bit and fall asleep. The wound wasn't lethal, but he was quite
sure that Marcus would have trouble using his right arm. The dagger had almost
certainly hit a nerve. Stephen sat down on the other bed, guarding Marcus'
sleep as well as he could.
" It is 0530. You have two messages, one from president Sheridan
and one from Lt. Corwin."
Susan lazily opened her eyes and stretched. She tried to postpone
getting up, but realized that the new Captain couldn't be late. She felt cosy
and warm and had to force herself to get out of bed and into the shower.
Suddenly she felt something tugging at her mind. She had felt it before as her
telepathic powers reminded her of their presence. It felt like fear and
desperation trying to take over her mind. Susan dismissed the idea quickly as
it vanished. She had worked late yesterday and it was probably just fatigue.
What did the computer say? One message from Sheridan? She would answer it when
she got to C&C. Then she could also talk to Corwin. She headed to the bathroom
and shook her head to free herself from the dark pictures trying to surface.
"Must be going insane at last!"
Susan was tired. She was having one of the worst headaches she had ever
had. She felt miserable, but realized that leaving C&C would be a bad move.
Delenn and John had agreed to meet her there and together they would have
lunch. The idea of eating made her feel nauseous.
" Susan...ready to go and to have lunch?"
Susan cringed when she heard the loud voice echoing in her head. She had
been shocked to find out that John and Delenn were staying on Babylon 5.
Somehow it had slipped her mind... These things never slipped her mind. She was
trying to answer John’s question but she was overwhelmed by a sense of pain and
sadness... where did that come from? Was she receiving some kind of telepathic
message? She was getting desperate.
" Susan?"
" Sorry, John. I’m not feeling that well. Head hurts awfully."
John Sheridan looked at Susan and didn't like what he saw. Susan was pale
and her eyes were haunted. Something was definitely wrong. " Perhaps you
should pay Stephen a visit. Want us to accompany you?"
Susan wanted to decline the offer, but had to search for support when
she felt dizzy.
" Whoa... got you. You are going to Medlab now!"
John steadied her. What was going
on? Delenn supported her also and they walked her to Medlab.
" Had a little party with Marcus last night?" John couldn't
help the remark, Susan probably had a hangover.
" Party? With Marcus?"
Susan froze. Marcus... there was something about Marcus. She had to
remember.
" Yes, Marcus? You are starting to scare me big time, Susan."
John and Delenn exchanged a glance. She couldn't have forgotten about Marcus.
John was relieved when they reached Medlab at last. He expected to see Stephen,
but was greeted by Doctor Hobbs instead.
Susan allowed them to take her to an exam bed where she could lie down.
This was so unlike any headache she had ever experienced before. Or wasn't it a
headache? Was it something else? She heard voices and caught her name. She was
too exhausted to pay attention to them. The feeling of fear and pain growing
inside her mind. It was like her mind was trying to warn her.
" We’re going to do some tests, commander. Try to relax,"
Lillian said.
" Where is Stephen?" She wanted her old friend at her side.
" There was an emergency and he had to leave. Don't worry, I will take
good care of you."
Susan relaxed, she knew she was in able hands. //Marcus!// For some
reason he haunted her... urging her to remember something. The last thing she
remembered was falling asleep as Delenn’s comforting voice soothed her.
Delenn and John stayed with her for the next two hours. John was getting
annoyed with the so-called urgent calls from Earth and told his advisors to
work things out. Susan came first. He had never forgotten how important it was
to help a friend in distress. Delenn had left briefly to attend to some ranger
matters. Marcus had disappeared into Down Below and old habits died hard. She
had not yet forgotten about all the issues at hand and hoped that Marcus would
surface soon. They both rose when doctor Hobbs returned. They didn't miss the
troubled look on her face.
" We found a chemical in her bloodstream. It is designed to block
the memory... we found something else though..."
John was getting impatient. That drug would explain her strange
behavior. " What did you find?"
" She’s a telepath." Doctor Hobbs expected silence and some
tension, but Delenn and John merely shrugged.
" We already know that...what about that drug?"
" It definitely explains her headache. My guess is that the drug
isn't working properly. Who ever drugged her, didn't know that she was a
telepath. The dose was insufficient and I think that her telepathic powers are
trying to break through to fight that block. If she hadn't been a telepath, we
would never have known about the drug."
" Is there a way to get the drug out of her system? Somebody is
trying very hard to erase her memories and I think we need to find out
why."
Doctor Hobbs nodded." We are already working on it. She should wake
up any minute now. You can see her now, if you want to."
" We would like that very much." Delenn took John’s hand in
her own. She needed his strength and support. John smiled reassuringly. They
followed Doctor Hobbs to Medlab 2. Susan seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He
wondered who would want to tamper with her mind and had they succeeded in doing
so? He reacted immediately when she started to stir from her sleep.
" Susan? Are you all right?"
John brought his face next to hers, hoping she was regaining
consciousness. Susan moaned and opened her eyes very hesitantly. The headache
was diminishing and her memory started to return bit by bit. She struggled for
breath when she remembered the abduction, their imprisonment and then the
message that she was going to be released. Stephen was still in that rat
hole... and Marcus... she didn't even know if he was wounded. " John? We
need to move fast..." Susan started telling him what had happened and the
new President and the former Entil'Zha fell silent when they realized what kind
of danger their friends were in.
" You need to rest a little longer, Susan.... I’m going to get
Garibaldi and we start the search right now." John expected that Delenn
would want to stay with Susan, but Delenn hurried out of the room immediately,
not offering any explanation for her unexpected departure. John had been
stunned to see the shocked expression on Delenn’s face. John watched her storm
out of the room.
Stephen watched Marcus sleep. He was worried. He had no doubt at all
that Marcus was going to try his best to get him out of this cell, but Stephen
hated the idea that his friend would have to fight with such a wound. He
realized that Marcus would never admit that he was in a lot of pain, but he had
seen the injury.
" Aaahh…" Marcus woke all of a sudden and sat up straight.
He’d had a nightmare: Stephen had been put to death because he had lost the fight.
" Marcus? Calm down."
Marcus relaxed when he heard his friend’s voice. It had just been a bad
dream. There was still a chance to make sure that Stephen was going to survive.
Marcus felt a sudden rush of pain, emanating from his injured back and he needed
to block it out. The Minbari had taught him well and he had been a quick
learner. " I’m fine, it was only a bad dream." Marcus propped himself
up against the wall for some support. His wound sent a throbbing ache through
his right arm and he knew that he would have a hard time using that arm
properly when fighting. He should have seen the bloody dagger earlier. " I
wished I knew that Susan was all right. I know that they usually keep their
word and release the hostage but..." Marcus was too afraid to end the
thought. Susan had to be alive. He closed his eyes and saw her beautiful face
in his minds eye. It was rather cruel of fate to separate them so quickly after
they had confessed their love for each other.
" How is the wound?" Stephen wished he could do something to
ease Marcus' pain. He had bandaged the wound as well as he could, but he
couldn't take the pain away. A few simple painkillers could have done the
trick.
" I’m trying hard not to think of it, Stephen." Marcus was
beginning to feel depressed and melancholy. He needed to get his thoughts into
the open or they would suffocate him. " I’m sorry I irritated the hell out
of you on that trip to Mars, but I was edgy. I’m not used to having somebody
around me all the time... I do feel bad about that one."
Stephen didn't like the sound of that. It sounded like Marcus was trying
to say goodbye. " Marcus... you did drive me crazy with that pike thing
you used to do, but you are my friend and I got over it, don't worry."
" Thanks, Stephen." Marcus wondered if he should continue
speaking his thoughts so openly, but there was an urge deep within him to open
up to Stephen. He was going to die in a couple of hours anyway." It is
funny..."
" What is?"
Marcus' grin seemed desperate. " I have had this death wise ever
since my brother died and Valen knows that I tried to get myself killed a
number of times. And now, now that I get the ultimate chance to kill myself, I
find myself longing to stay alive... I don't want to leave Susan... or you for
that matter."
Stephen had always suspected that the ranger had some kind of death
wise, but he had been hesitant to voice it. " We figured out that you had
some suicidal tendencies years ago when you took on Neroon... let's not forget
that you practically shut off your life support system to get to Babylon 5...
though I wonder about that one. I do think that you wanted to save the rangers
on Zagros 7."
" Of course I did!" Marcus sounded a bit hurt. "I would
never leave them to die. " Marcus suddenly regretted bringing up the subject.
Stephen however wasn't finished yet. " There is something still
bothering me... this death wish you mentioned... There was a remote chance you
would survive the fight with Neroon... there was a chance that somebody would
find you when you tried to bring Susan back... even the attempt to take your
life using your pike failed. I think that there has always been a part of you
that fought that death wish. Deep down you always wanted to embrace that second
chance, but you were too hurt to realize that. I think Susan made you aware
that there was something else in life to live for." Stephen didn't have a
degree in counseling, but he had taken some courses during his medical
training. Marcus' reaction told him he had been right. Marcus' eyes were swimming
in tears and his left hand was tightly clenched against his chest. " It is
okay, Marcus. We all deserve second chances and I think that you have been
blaming yourself for something you had no influence over at all."
Marcus nodded. He knew that Stephen was dead right, but admitting that
to him was hard. He was about to say something when the door opened again.
//Not this soon. I haven't recovered yet!// Marcus knew that the time had come
to face another opponent.
" The both of you... get out here."
Marcus was thankful that they hadn’t put the handcuffs back on and swung
his legs on to the floor. He used every way the Minbari had taught him to fight
pain and fear and cleared his mind of all terror. Stephen helped him getting up
and he allowed it.
" Why do they want me out there too?" Stephen whispered. The
look Marcus gave him made him feel afraid.
" They want you at ringside. You have to watch..."
Stephen stared at his friend and realized that he would have to remain
calm if he wanted to help Marcus. He had to hide his fear and hoped he could
manage that.
Stephen stayed close to Marcus while approaching the ring. He felt sick
when he saw that they were cleaning the stage to get rid off the blood. Marcus
was slightly moving his right arm now and then to be sure that he would be able
to use it. Single-handed pike fighting wasn't something he was looking forward
to, but knew that he could pull it off. He had been trained in single-handed
pike fighting, but he had never been wounded during those training sessions.
Although he was blocking the pain, there remained an ache emanating from his
back. He hoped that he wouldn't be fighting another Narn. He looked at Stephen,
who had to stay at ringside while he was being pushed onto stage. He could see
the fear in Stephen’s eyes, though the doctor was trying to mask his fright
well. It only urged Marcus harder to stage the best fight he had ever fought.
Stephen observed the audience, which was growing impatient. The five
Lords of Death made their way to ringside and sat down. He shivered when he
looked into those cold eyes, faces hidden by the masks. He glanced at Marcus,
who had left the long cloak behind in the holding cell, his Ranger pin still
attached to it. His tunic wasn't hiding the fact very well that he had been
injured in the previous battle. The bloodstains were still fresh.
Marcus forced himself to stay calm and mentally prepared for the fight
at hand. The door opened and another fighter was led to the ring. Marcus recognized
the prisoner immediately and cringed. Her name was Kitari and she was one of
the best-paid assassins in the known universe. She was cold hearted and only
cared for the money or profit a murder would bring her. Her green eyes were
displeased; she hated it to be used like this. Marcus watched her climb onto
the stage. He had studied reports on her actions. People had seen her on
Babylon 5 recently. Some ' business men ' had died in mysterious ways since she
had come to the station. He tried to remember what he had read in the reports.
She was about his height. Her blond hair was short and her body rather well
muscled. Something else struck him, she wasn't human, and her race was known as
the Channota's. They were related to humans somehow, but their skeletons were
made of metal and they had some rather impressive weapons of their own. Their
hearing, smell, sight was highly evolved. Marcus retrieved his pike. He
answered the icy stare she was giving him and knew that he would have a hard
time fighting a woman, but he also knew that she would kill him without giving
his death a second thought.
" These two will fight the ultimate battle. The winner will have to
face the reigning Lord of Death and the hostage will be released. "
Marcus looked at the other female Channota who was led to the ring.
" Let the fight begin."
The Lord of Death shouted the words and the Channota reacted
immediately. He wasn't surprised to hear the metal sound emanating from her
hands. The Channota's possessed metal claws springing from their knuckles.
Marcus watched fascinated when the long claws reflected the light. He had to
stay clear of those claws. She could kill him in a second. Stephen held his
breath, which told him that his own senses were sharpened. He opened the pike
and a rush of pain shook his body. //Block it, damnit. They taught me how to do
it. Can't use the pain now!//
Marcus succeeded in ignoring the ache, but realized that he couldn't
rely on his right arm, it felt paralysed. He decided to switch to single-handed
pike fighting which was hard to begin with. He was thankful Durhann had shown
him some tricks.
" Be careful, Marcus."
Marcus couldn't stifle a smile when he heard Stephen’s whispered words.
Like he had any choices in this matter. He watched his opponent closely. She
was growling and her eyes were concentrating on his moves. She started to
circle him and he raised his pike. This was it, Stephen’s life depended on him
disabling her.
Susan had no idea at all why Delenn had called for this meeting. She had
quickly recovered from the drug she had been exposed to and Doctor Hobbs had
allowed her to leave Medlab. John had returned to Medlab and was now taking
care of her. Susan could see that he was worried about the way Delenn had been
acting during this last hour. Delenn seemed to be very concerned and there was
a certain guilty look on the Minbari's face though Susan had no idea why.
Michael had been conducting his own search, till Delenn had given him
new instructions. Michael had protested at first, but in the end, he had given
in to her demands.
Now they were all assembled in the old War Room that hadn't been used
since their victory over Clark. Susan watched them. John was sitting next to
her and Michael was evidently very impatient. Zack Allen had joined them too
and doctor Hobbs was filling in for Stephen. Susan had seen the frightened look
in Doctor Hobbs’ eyes when she had been informed of what had happened. It was
no secret to Susan that the good doctor was in love with Stephen. The door
opened to reveal the last participant in this meeting. Dave entered the room
and took the seat next to Delenn. She seemed pleased and now that every one was
present and seated, she started to explain the situation.
" I summoned you here because we need to act quickly in order to
save Marcus and Stephen."
Susan was still wondering why Delenn was looking so guilty. " When
John and I left for Earth after we won that final battle, I instructed Lennier
to tell Marcus everything about the ongoing issues, concerning the rangers. But
during all the chaos that followed, it slipped my mind to inform Lennier about
our investigation concerning the Lords of Death. The rangers have been trying
to infiltrate and expose that organization for a year now. I should have told
Marcus myself about the progress we were making. As Ranger One he should have
been brought up to date. The mistake was mine. "
"Are you telling me that you knew that this organization was about
to come to Babylon 5?" Susan understood her guilty look at last. This
could have been prevented.
" Yes. I knew....Lennier had some information, but he left for
Earth to join me before he had a chance to tell Marcus. I am determined to make
up for my mistake. I took it upon myself to instruct the rangers to prepare to
get Marcus and Stephen out of this situation. At this moment the rangers and
the security forces of Babylon 5 are getting into position to attack the Lords
of Deaths hiding place. "
" How do you know where to strike? You aren't telling us
everything, Delenn." Susan was past caring at this point. It didn't matter
anymore that she sounded bitchy. Delenn should have paid more attention to
ranger matters before leaving Marcus to deal with it.
"We managed to infiltrate the organization and one ranger is acting
as a Lord of Death at this moment."
Susan started to rise, eager to begin the attack, when she suddenly
stopped and looked at Delenn. The Minbari wasn't finished talking yet. "
What is it, Delenn?"
Delenn looked her straight in the eye. " You need to know who our
man on the inside is. I know that you aren't fond of him and I don't want you
going in there without knowing that he is on our side, trying to kill
him."
" Who is it?" John had managed to control his emotions and
curiosity up till this point. This woman would never stop to surprise him.
" Neroon."
Susan was so surprised that she had to sit down. //Neroon was killed in
the Star fire, taking Delenn's place. How the hell can he be alive?// Susan
shot Delenn a questioning look. //Remember, this is an alternate universe.
There is always the possibility that things turned out differently in this
reality.//
" I am sure that you remember Marcus challenging Neroon to
Denn-Sha."
Susan nodded. She had never forgiven the Minbari for beating Marcus
almost to death.
" Well, after Neroon admitted to himself that he was wrong, he was
declared an outcast. He had to flee. The Warrior cast isn't that forgiving. We
had a private conversation after Shakiri stepped into the Star fire. I saw the
change Neroon had gone through and offered him to join the rangers. At first,
he was infuriated by that idea, but he did go to Tuzanor to become a ranger
himself. He stayed there, helping Durhann train the new rangers. Nobody on the
outside knew that he was a ranger until now. So, he was the perfect choice for
this assignment. He made contact with the Lords of Death, convincing them of
his bitterness and hate and they fell for it. After some time, he was allowed
in as a Lord of Death. " All of a sudden, Delenn smiled a bittersweet
smile. " It is... as you humans call it... ironic, that he who tried to
kill Marcus is now bound by his oath to die for the One..."
But Susan wasn't comforted by the fact that they had a man on the
inside. She would never trust Neroon
Neroon was agitated. He observed how Marcus and Stephen were taken to
the platform. He had been mad at himself for not discovering earlier that it
was their intention to have Marcus enter the fights, otherwise he would have
been able to prevent the kidnapping. Neroon had made sure that the Commander
had been taken to her quarters, unharmed. He knew how precious she was to the
present Ranger One; Marcus. Neroon grinned underneath his mask. He remembered vividly
the battle they had fought, when he had been intent on preventing Delenn from
becoming Ranger One. He still wondered why he had allowed Marcus to live back
then. The human had devastated all his believes and Neroon had to admit that
Marcus had mentally beaten him. Neroon had felt remorse for the trashing he had
given the human ranger when he stood at his sickbed. Even then the human had
been noble and answered him with humor. It had made him laugh, something he
hadn't done for years.
There was blood on Marcus' tunic. He had seen how Marcus had been
injured in the last fight and he had almost jumped in there to make sure that
Marcus wasn't killed. But he had managed to keep himself back. Doing so would
have given him away. He had succeeded in telling his contact where the Lords of
Death were hiding, but he was afraid that the rangers would be too late. The
fight had already started and Marcus seemed to be in great pain.
Neroon remembered the oath he had sworn when he became a ranger. To live
and die for the One. He still didn't fully understand why he had chosen to
become part of the rangers. But it had been the home he had always searched
for. There was no doubt in his mind that should Marcus lose the fight, that he
would jump in there and die defending the One.
Marcus hated single-handed pike fighting. He always ended up
disorientated. He forgot about Stephen or Susan and concentrated on the fight.
He watched the claws carefully. They could do lethal damage if he wasn't alert.
The Channota's eyes caught fire and he knew that her animal instincts had taken
over. Marcus realised that he would never be able to take her out with his
pike. He missed the strength to strike at her. He needed to use his brains and
play it smart. But his mind was clouded by the pain and made it hard to think.
He blocked her first attack. Her claws almost swept the pike from his hand and
he hardly managed to hold on to it.
//The spikes...//
Marcus was trying to work out a plan when she intensified her attack,
rolling over the floor to wipe his feet away from underneath him. Marcus jumped
out of her way. He had expected that move. He had used it on the Narn as well.
Warm blood was running down his back, the bandage would be soaking wet from the
blood by now. He deflected another blow but didn't expect her next move when
she flung herself at him. He used his pike to stop her, but her claws didn't
miss their goal. He moaned when her claws tore his flesh open. He looked in
bewilderment at his chest, four long lacerations showed that started to bleed.
Marcus felt his strength diminish and he knew that he had to end this fight now
if he wanted Stephen to make it out alive. He used a trick Durhann had showed
him. This was his only chance, his last bit of energy. He lowered his pike,
caught her feet in the process and using both his hands and every ounce of
strength he had left, sent her flying into the spikes. A wild scream filled the
air when the Channota recognized the trap for what it was, but there was no
escape. She landed in the spikes, her body pierced by the long metal objects.
Her heart stopped beating while it was pierced. She remained hanging, held up
in the air by the spikes. She was dead.
Marcus dropped to his knees. His legs weren't able to support him any
longer. He had saved Stephen, which was all that mattered.
Stephen was horrified when the Channota was pinned onto the spikes. He
heard the yell the other Channota made and the guard wasn't expecting her
action. The hostage flung herself into the spikes, reaching out for her friend.
Stephen felt repulsed. One look at Marcus told him that he had given all and
there was no more energy left. Marcus had been right. He would be an easy
victim for the Lord of Death who was going to take him on.
" You’re free. Sit with the audience and when the last fight is
over, you will be allowed to return home."
Stephen had no other choice than to allow the guard to take him to sit
at ringside. The guard remained, making sure Stephen wasn't leaving to get help
in there.
Neroon realized that he had to act quickly. He had to get in there with
Marcus if he wanted to prevent another Lord of Death from taking him on. The
rangers, led by Delenn once more, would be crashing in here any moment. He
needed to be close to Marcus when the chaos would erupt. He turned to address
the leader of the Lords of Death.
" Give him to me... I want him... I still have to settle the score
with him... he made me an outcast. I want to be the one to kill... the
One." Neroon made sure that there was venom in his voice, he had to sound
bitter and dangerous. The leader looked at him. Neroon had a certain reputation
and even the human leader of the Lords of Death admired him. Perhaps even
feared the Minbari a little.
" He’s yours... make him suffer!"
Neroon nodded. So far, so good. He wished that the rangers would show
up. Marcus was on the brink of getting
unconscious. He stepped into the cage, uncertain of what to do.
Marcus' mind warned him that there was someone approaching him. He felt
like he was in a trance. The loss of blood was severe and he would be going
into shock soon. Not that it mattered. He would be dead in a few minutes. He
wasn't capable of defending himself. He looked one more time at Stephen to
convince himself that his friend was still alive. He raised his eyes to look at
the skull mask the Lord of Death was wearing. There was something familiar
about that figure... but what?
" Get to your feet and fight me!"
Marcus cringed when he heard that dangerous voice, it sounded like a
sword cutting through velvet... He would recognize that voice everywhere,
anytime. //Neroon.// Marcus fought to get to his feet. Neroon would kill him…
Marcus wasn't even interested why Neroon had joined the Lords of Death. The
only thing that he could think about was that fight they had in that abandoned
corner of the space station. He experienced the pain of broken ribs again and
he hoped that Neroon would show mercy and simply kill him. At long last he
found the strength to look into those eyes. He was amazed when he discovered
that they weren't staring at him in a cold way, he could have sworn that he saw
some concern in them. Well, that proved it. He was in shock and his mind was
playing tricks on him. He had no idea how he managed to get back on his feet.
He knew he made a miserable impression, swaying on his feet, clutching his
chest. The lashes hurt and he had left the pike on the floor. There was no use
in holding on to it if he couldn't wield it properly.
" End it quickly, Neroon... from one warrior to another warrior...
let me die with honor..."
Neroon admired the strength and courage of the ranger in front of him.
He now understood why Delenn had chosen Marcus to be Ranger One. His sharp ears
picked up some muffled sounds and he was sure that the rangers were moving in.
" You will not die, Entil'Zha... I’m sworn to protect you..." Neroon
caught the baffled look in Marcus' eyes.
" What are... you... saying?" Marcus stared at the Minbari as
he pulled the mask from his face. Neroon threw the black robes, the Lords of
Death used to wear, to the floor to reveal the ranger uniform he was wearing
underneath it. Marcus was convinced by now that he had lost his mind. Neroon...
a ranger? No way...!
His legs refused to support his weight any longer and he crumbled to the
floor. Horrified he listened as the audience started to scream, attempting to
leave the area. Two Lords of Death jumped on the stage, armed with PPG's. From
the corner of his eyes he caught even more rangers appearing in the room,
accompanied by security guards. He heard Garibaldi shouting orders... but they
were still to far away to get to him. The Lords of Death and several of their
guards made their way into the cage. Marcus searched the floor for his pike and
found it, but barely managed to lift it. It fell from his grasp and he noticed
a sudden movement...
Neroon extended his pike and attacked the Lords of Death without any
hesitation, pride and confidence apparent on his face.
" We live for the One, we die for the One!"
Marcus heard Neroon speak the words seriously and full of respect. There
was nothing else he could do, except watching Neroon fight off the attackers.
His body felt paralysed and abused....the pain almost too much to bear... he
was still trying to figure out why Neroon was defending him, saying those
words... but the thought that he was Ranger One kept him from drifting into
oblivion. It was the first time that Marcus realized that the rangers were
willing to die for him to ensure his safety... all rangers, including Neroon.
Susan rushed into the battle, John and Zack at her side. It was mayhem.
The crowd was trying to get out and obstructed the entrances and the exits. The
rangers were fighting to get in there, the security forces closely behind them.
Susan managed to get into the room and her eyes immediately searched for
Marcus. She was distracted when she heard a familiar voice call out her name.
" Susan... John... I’m here!"
" Stephen!"
Susan grabbed John’s sleeve and pulled him with her. In the heat of the
battle she had to remain calm or she would make lethal mistakes.
John realized that it was Stephen who had called him and discovered
Stephen at ringside, seemingly unharmed. At least Stephen wasn't hurt... but
where was Marcus?
" Look!" Susan had to shout at him, the crowd was making too
much noise. John looked in the direction she was pointing in. He bumped into
Susan when she suddenly froze. Susan could only look at the spectacle inside
the cage.
Neroon who was using his pike to get rid off the attackers was disarming
two Lords of Death in one go. Up until this point Susan hadn't believed that
Neroon was on their side, but she had to accept that fact now. It was evident
that he was defending Marcus who was huddled into a corner of the cage, a bit
too close to the spikes as far as she was concerned. Her heart stopped beating
for one second when she saw the blood on his tunic. His head was resting on the
floor and his hair hid his face. But she just knew that he was in a bad way.
Her mind was screaming at her to get moving, to get into that cage, but she
knew that it was impossible at the moment. The crowd was going berserk. She
could only stand there and watch how Neroon took care of every opponent. He was
the only one left standing.
Neroon had to make a decision now. The rangers were only moving slowly
and there were already other attackers moving to enter the cage. The cage was
one big death trap and he had to get himself and Marcus out of it as quickly as
possible. He walked over to Marcus, his pike ready to fend off any attackers.
He studied Marcus and reached the conclusion that Marcus was in shock and would
be no help at all. Neroon was determined to get him into safety. He simply
lifted the human to his feet and carefully placed his weak and bleeding body
over his shoulder, carrying him out of the cage. He knew a place to hide until
the rangers were in control of this situation. He couldn't take the risk that
Marcus was killed. Neroon promised himself that he would die if necessary
defending the One.
Susan was terrified when Neroon left the cage with Marcus and
disappeared into one of the secret passages the Lords of Death used. Her
suspicions returned... was Neroon going to kill Marcus any way? She forced her
body to move, resolved to get to Marcus as quickly as possible...
Marcus was still conscious when he realized that he was hauled on to
Neroon's shoulder. He wanted to protest because his wounds were just downright
painful, but knew that Neroon wouldn't listen to him. The Minbari was
determined to do things his way. He couldn't blame Neroon for that. The warrior
had been a leader amongst the Minbari and he had to admit that he trusted
Neroon in a weird way. He had no idea where Neroon was taking him or why, but
he was happy to leave the cage. Marcus managed to lift his head a little bit,
just enough to see that Neroon had opened a secret passageway. The door slammed
shut and darkness descended on him. He hoped that Neroon would let him down
soon for the pain was almost too much to handle.
Neroon looked behind him to see if somebody was following them. He felt
relieved when he realized that they had escaped without attracting the Lords of
Deaths attention. He was rather sure of the fact that the Lords would find out
where they were hiding and then he would have to fight them off. Considering
the fact that the rangers and the security guards had to fight themselves a way
through the angry mob, Neroon reached the conclusion that it would take them a
while to get to them. He needed to find a safe place where Marcus could rest.
He carried the human to the back of the corridor and tried to be as gentle as
possible when he laid Marcus down on the floor. Neroon had to brush back some
hair to look at his face. The pain was evident on his face and his green eyes
were filled with agony. " Marcus... we will have to stay here until the
rangers have gained control of the situation. They will come to find us. "
Neroon wasn't sure that Marcus had heard him. There was a rigid look in his eyes.
Neroon realized that Marcus was trying to block out all the pain, concentrating
on the mantras the Minbari teachers had shown him during his training.
Marcus heard the words, but he was too busy dealing with the agonizing
pain. His back started to feel numb, his right arm was paralyzed at his chest
ached. Well, he had felt worse. He forced himself to answer Neroon. " I
will be fine... I felt much worse after our little fight."
" Little fight? You are the only human to withstand my attack for
so long. You may not have been able to defeat me physically, but you definitely defeated me
mentally. I owe all my newfound insight to you. " Neroon paused for a
moment. He wanted to be sure that Marcus was still conscious. He was on the
edge of going into shock and Neroon wanted to keep him awake as long as
possible. " I am honored to serve you, Entil'Zha, although I would have
declared anyone mad who told me that I would be a ranger one day. "
Marcus tried to smile, but it turned out a grimace. Neroon's eyes told
him that the Minbari was sincere and Marcus felt a bit embarrassed that a
Minbari, a prominent leader of the Warrior cast, was proud to serve him. As far
as he was concerned, Neroon would have been a much better choice to be Ranger
One. He wondered why Delenn hadn't chosen Neroon.
Neroon knew what Marcus was thinking. He saw all the different emotions
on Marcus' face and had to tear himself away from those eyes that seemed to
bore into his very soul. Neroon had always been a warrior, but at the end of
his ordeal he had discovered that there was also a religious calling in his
soul. The rangers combined those two callings into one. He’d had trouble
accepting orders at first from his teachers as he was used to being in charge,
but after a while he had grown accustomed to the respect the rangers showed
each other and he found that he liked to serve others. When he had learned that
Marcus was to be Ranger One, he had fought the mixed feelings that he was
experiencing. At first, he had been angry that Delenn had chosen a human and
not him. Then he reconsidered. Marcus had been willing to die for her,
defending the One, Marcus had even challenged him to Denn-Sha. After
remembering their fight and the words Marcus had spoken, Neroon had to admit
that Marcus was the only one worthy to become Entil’ Zha.
Marcus moaned and his mind returned to the present. His eyes caught the
image of a blanket lying on a couch in the back of a room. He could see it from
where he was standing in the corridor and made up his mind in mere seconds.
" Marcus, can you walk to that couch over there?"
Marcus raised his head and looked in the direction Neroon was pointing
in. He had no idea if he had the strength left, but he preferred the walk to
being carried there. So, he summoned his last bit of strength and managed to
get to his feet, Neroon helping him. Neroon supported him and he was relieved
when he sat down on the couch. The sofa was soft and warm compared to the cold,
hard floor. Neroon told him to lie down and Marcus obeyed. He tried to keep his
eyes from falling shut. Neroon covered him with the blanket.
" They will be here soon. You are safe, try to rest. I will go and
see if the fighting has stopped."
Marcus nodded, feeling too weak to speak. He had to rely on Neroon. His
body was hurt and drained of all strength. Neroon left the little room, locking
the door behind him. Marcus allowed his eyes to close, he was tired of fighting
to stay awake. He fell asleep, hoping that Susan would be there when he woke
up...
Susan, Stephen and Michael were hurrying down to ringside. John was
shouting orders at the security forces while Delenn appeared, hiding behind the
rangers to stay out of sight. Susan looked at John for the final permission.
" Go and get him!"
Susan nodded. Michael was clearing a way for them. Even Stephen had
grabbed a PPG, changed the setting to stun and ran after Michael and Susan.
Three Lords of Death, firing at them, stopped them. They had to seek cover and
Susan looked at Michael, wondering if the security Chief had any ideas. Michael
shook his head in denial and shot his gun, the Lords of Death were forced to
get into hiding as well.
" We need to get pass them if we want to get to Marcus."
Susan nodded, she knew Michael was right. But how? She was trying to
figure it out when a Minbari ranger appeared, attacking the Lords of Death in
the back. That was the chance they needed. Susan beckoned her friends and
started to fire, to provide a distraction so Neroon could finish them off.
Susan watched the pike do its deadly work. She actually hit one of the Lords of
Death and he fell down to the floor. It only took two minutes to dispose of the
remaining Lords of Death. Susan ran forward, followed by her friends. She
stopped as she reached Neroon. The Minbari was smiling at her. Susan's first
intention had been to punch the Minbari for all the pain he had inflicted on
Marcus years ago but held back. Delenn had been right to warn her before going
into battle. Had she met him without knowing that he was a ranger now, she
would have tried to kill him. " Where's Marcus? What did you do to
him?" Susan failed to keep her concern from her voice. She needed to be
reassured that everything was fine.
" He is resting in a room. I will take you there." Neroon saw
that the rangers and the security forces were in control of the chaos. They'd
been successful in capturing and exposing the Lords of Death. He was satisfied.
His only concern was for Ranger One now. He took them to the room where Marcus
was resting. His alarms kicked in as he saw that the lock had been forced open.
The door was ajar. Somebody was in there with him. " I locked the door
before I left." Neroon whispered the words.
Susan was fighting off the fear that was consuming her. She had to be
calm, she was the commanding officer in here. They looked at each other. Neroon
seemed to reach a decision.
" Let me go in and see what is going on." Susan was too
emotionally involved to stay calm.
Susan knew it also and nodded. " Michael, Stephen, be ready to get
in there, should Neroon need us."
Neroon was pleased. He liked the idea of having somebody watching his
back. He pushed the door open until he could look inside.
" You can come in now, traitor."
Neroon recognized the voice. It was the leader of the Lords of Death,
who called himself Lucifer. He stepped into the room, his pike, collapsed, in
his hand. Neroon discovered that Lucifer was alone. That was an advantage he
could use. Neroon suddenly realized that Lucifer had a PPG at Marcus' temple,
his finger ready to trigger the shot, which would make an end to Marcus' life.
Neroon had to prevent that. He glanced at Marcus, while he kept an eye on
Lucifer. He was relieved to see that Marcus was unconscious. Marcus had no idea
what was going on. " What do you want?"
" To get out of here in one piece and I have the perfect
hostage."
" He is unconscious. You can't carry him and keep the gun aimed at
him the same time." Neroon had to think of something. He was furious that
Marcus was held hostage this way.
" I will manage. I have done it before." To prove his words,
he pushed against Marcus' back.
The pain made him return to consciousness again. Marcus felt the pain
and heard the strange voice. He discovered that Neroon was standing in front of
him, an angry expression on his face. The Minbari looked as if he was going to
explode from anger. Marcus whimpered as another push made his back ache.
" Get moving. "
Marcus realized that the voice was talking to him. He was pushed and
tripped over his own feet. That was the moment Neroon had been waiting for.
Lucifer was nervous and he had made his last mistake. Neroon flung
himself at Lucifer, pulling Marcus aside in one movement. Then he extended the
pike, hitting the PPG from Lucifer's hands. He slammed his fist into Lucifer's
face and was delighted as Lucifer crumbled at his feet.
At that moment, Susan, Stephen and Michael rushed into the room. Susan
only had eyes for Marcus who was lying on the floor, clutching his chest.
" Marcus? Everything will be all right. I promise!" Susan knelt at
his side and pulled his head into her lap, waiting for Stephen to join her.
Michael was already calling in a medical team.
Marcus recognized her voice and opened his eyes to see her lovely face.
" Susan... you're here... you're alive."
" Marcus, don't try to talk. You're wounded and you need all the
rest you can get. Please, you have to survive... I can't go back to living
without you."
Her hands caressed his face and he relaxed. He closed his eyes and
passed out.
Stephen shouted orders while Marcus was wheeled into Medlab. Susan
wanted to stay with Marcus, but Stephen stopped her. " You have to stay
out here. Let us do our job. I promise you can see him when he is out of
surgery."
Susan wanted to shout at him to let her in there, but she felt Delenn's
hand on her shoulder.
" Please Susan. You have to calm down. Marcus will need you when he
wakes up."
Delenn's words made sense and Susan accompanied Delenn to the chairs to
sit down. She was glad that Delenn wasn't trying to lure her away from Medlab.
She would stay here until she was sure that Marcus was out of danger. Neroon
stayed at a distance, allowing the two women all the privacy they needed. He
was informing Dave of what had happened. The four of them remained in the
waiting area. Delenn was consoling Susan, who had started to cry softly and
Neroon and Dave just kept silent, waiting for Stephen to return to them.
Stephen sighed. They had operated on Marcus for one hour. The dagger had
shattered some nerves and they had to restore the damaged area. Marcus would
have to go through a lot of physical therapy to ensure that the arm would heal
entirely Had the wound been treated immediately then the damage would have been
very small. Stephen mentally made a note to get Marcus some physical therapy.
The other wounds were easily treated and would heal without leaving any damage.
But there would be some more scars on his body. Stephen looked at Marcus'
bandaged chest and back and threw his surgical gloves away. He was tired, but
Susan needed to know that everything would be all right. So he headed to the
waiting area where he found the four of them.
Susan rose at once. Her eyes were filled with fear.
" He will be fine. He will need therapy for his arm, but the wounds
will heal. Do you want to see him?" The question was directed at all four
of them. Marcus would still be unconscious, but he knew that seeing him would
convince his friends that Marcus was going to recover.
" Please…" Delenn answered for all of them and they followed
Stephen into Medlab One. Susan froze when she saw him. He looked so fragile.
She walked up to his bed and held his hand in hers. He was asleep and had a
peaceful expression on his face. Susan couldn't fight her tears and she cried.
" We will leave now." It was Neroon's voice that wakened her
from her trance.
Susan put his hand back on the blanket and looked Neroon in the
eye." Neroon, thank you for helping him. I misjudged you."
Neroon grinned. " I misjudged myself, so how could I blame you for
doing the same thing?" Neroon bowed slightly, a movement Dave imitated
before leaving the room.
Delenn turned Susan around so they were facing each other. " I will
be there for you, should you need me." Delenn smiled and left as well.
Susan pulled up a chair and sat down. She stared at his face, hoping he would
wake up. She had come so close to losing him...
It was only hours later that Marcus started to stir from his drug
induced sleep and he returned to consciousness only slowly. He wanted to stay
asleep, away from the pain that coursed through his arm. Something heavy rested
on his left shoulder. He looked through half opened eyes and sighed when he
recognized Susan who had fallen asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. He
realized that he was in Medlab. That could only mean that the rangers had been
successful in finding him. He remembered his talk with Neroon and shivered.
Even though he knew that the Minbari was on his side, he couldn't ignore the
fear he had felt when Neroon had broken his ribs two years earlier. He still
had nightmares about Neroon.
" Marcus?"
Marcus tried to smile at Susan who was waking up as well. " I am...
fine, Susan... I’m so glad you're still alive..."
Susan brushed his lips, deepening the kiss. He responded and pulled her
closer. Holding her felt so good.
" I’m going to get Stephen. He asked me to let him know the moment
you woke up." Susan brushed his hair back, losing herself in his green
orbs. She wiped away her tears and went off to find Stephen. On her way out she
literally ran into Neroon.
" Captain, I was wondering if I could talk to Marcus. I am leaving
for Minbar in one hour and..."
Susan cut him short. " I understand... talk to him." Susan did
understand. Neroon needed to confront Marcus one last time after all they had
been through.
Neroon bowed once more and entered Medlab One to find Marcus in his bed,
fully awake. " Entil'Zha?"
Marcus looked up. He hadn't heard the warrior enter and felt a brief
moment of fear when Neroon came closer. Marcus remembered another time when
Neroon had visited him in Medlab. He remembered that visit only vaguely, due to
the medication he had been subjected to. " Neroon." Marcus waited for
Neroon the take the first step. He had no idea why Neroon was in here.
" I wanted to return these to you."
Marcus recognized his pike and his brown cloak. Neroon placed them on
the chair. Marcus saw the reverence in Neroon's movements when he put the items
down. " I never thought that you would ever join the rangers,
Neroon."
" Neither did I, but I changed and now I feel honored that I was
able to help you."
" You called me Entil Zha, does that mean that you accept the fact
that a human leads the rangers?"
" There is nothing to accept. Delenn made a wise choice and I think
that you are the leader the rangers need."
Marcus was deeply touched by that comment. He never imagined that Neroon
would be supporting him one day. " Thank you for saving my life. If you
hadn't jumped into the cage I would have been killed."
Neroon laughed and Marcus had no idea why. Neroon's laughter diminished
and died at last. " I almost killed you myself years ago. I am thankful
that I listened to my inner voice, which was telling me to let you live. I am
leaving for Minbar in some minutes and I wanted to let you know that I will
train the rangers to the best of my abilities."
" I know you will." His fatigue returned. Neroon bowed and
left the room. He wished he could have some peace and quiet, but his hopes were
shattered when Stephen entered the room, Susan one step behind him.
" So, how are you doing, Marcus? You were in shock when you came in
and you lost a lot of blood."
" I’m fine now, Stephen." He looked pleadingly at Susan who
sat down once more and kissed her hand.
Susan looked at the man she loved more than life itself and felt
completely at peace with the universe.
Marcus couldn't express the relief he felt when Stephen finally released
him from Medlab. He had been in there for 4 days and as far as he was
concerned, that was much too long.
" You understand that you need to rest, Marcus? Your injuries are
healing nicely, but you have to give your body time to recover from everything
you went through." Stephen observed his friend and was glad that Marcus
was leaving. He had been driving him insane these four days. Stephen hoped that
Marcus wasn't returning for a long time. He needed some quiet.
" If he refuses to rest, I will make him." Susan smiled at
Marcus who seemed restless and wanted to get back to his quarters.
Marcus ignored her remark. " Can I go now?" Marcus rose from
the bed, a bit unsteady because he had been confined to bed for days. He smiled
as Susan steadied him. She was always there when he needed her.
Susan didn't let go of him. She knew that he often overestimated his
strength. But he seemed all right. Only his right arm needed more time to heal
and Marcus would have to return to Medlab daily for his therapy. They left in
silence and Stephen was happy that Medlab was quiet again.
Marcus had no problems walking to his quarters. He felt a tad tired, but
Susan's presence made him feel relaxed. She had taken the day off to stay with
him. Delenn and John had visited him in Medlab before they had to return to
Earth, taking Lennier with them once more. Dave had been appointed as Marcus' new
aide, but Marcus had given Dave the day off too, so he would be free to spend
it with Susan. She opened the door and led him to the couch. Marcus sighed,
glad to be back in his quarters. He sat down, feeling more tired than he had
expected he would.
" Do you want some tea?"
Marcus nodded, he liked that.
Susan disappeared into the kitchen. She needed to get away from him for
a second. She had been having nightmares these last four nights. Her conscience
was trying to get through to her. She had to tell Marcus who she really was.
The secret was devastating her and she had to get it in the open, but how? She
was so scared that she was going to lose his love over this matter. She should
keep quiet and let it be, but she couldn't. Marcus still felt terribly guilty
over Susan Michaels’ death and she was the only one who could take away his
pain. She was so lost in thoughts that she didn't hear Marcus enter the
kitchen. She didn't see the worried look on his face.
Marcus watched her, apparently lost in her own world. He was concerned
for her. He had seen her haunted eyes during these last couple of days, but he
didn't want to infringe on her privacy. He would give her the time she needed
to open up to him. "Susan, are you all right, love?" She returned to
the present and she whirled around, facing him.
She had every intention of telling him, but now that she was looking
into his love filled eyes, her courage eluded her. She couldn't tell him, not
now, not like this. " Yes... I think I’m still getting accustomed to the
fact that everything turned out so well. I was so scared when I started to
remember what happened. I didn't want to lose you."
Marcus opened his arms and she wrapped herself around him. He was
everything she needed, everything she would ever want. Lorien had promised her
forty years. She was determined to make the best of it. She noticed that his
right arm lacked the power to hold her close. The injury had been too severe.
Susan hoped that he would regain full control over his arm. But Stephen had pointed
out to them that there was a chance that the arm would never heal properly. She
fortified her hold on him, she needed him so badly and he was hers.
" Why don't we forget the tea and try to get some sleep. I know I
didn't sleep that well in Medlab and judging by the circles under your eyes you
didn't get much sleep either."
Susan put the water away and walked with him to the bedroom. She had to
admit that she liked being here. His quarters were bigger and much more
comfortable than her own. She seriously considered moving in with him. She took
off her boots and jacket, too tired to get rid off the pants and shirt. Marcus
was struggling with his cloak. He needed both arms to get it off and Susan went
over to him to help him.
He accepted her help, although he hated feeling this helpless. He
gathered her close to him when they lay down. Susan pulled up the comforter and
rested her head on his shoulder.
" I love you, Marcus."
" I love you too, darling." He kissed her on her brow.
She treasured the way he surrounded her with his love. Her last thought
before falling asleep was that she hoped that the nightmares wouldn't haunt her
anymore, now that she was safe in his embrace.
Marcus watched her fall asleep. He envied her. He had tossed these four
nights before falling asleep at last. Stephen had even offered him some
sleeping pills, but Marcus had declined. He stroked back some hair that had
fallen over her face and studied her expression. There were some lines of
anguish on her forehead and he wondered why she was this upset. He had noticed
the little things she used to do to divert his attention from her when she felt
uncomfortable. Marcus caressed her hair and exhaustion claimed him finally. He
slipped into sleep, unaware that his eyes closed and his mind relaxed, feeling
her so close to him.
Susan was having the same nightmare as she had had during these last
four nights. Marcus turned away from her as she told him who she truly was. He
was walking away from her, leaving her to the deafening silence in her head.
" Susan, please wake up, you are having a bad dream." Marcus
sat upright, concern showed on his face. She had been screaming his name and he
tried to wake her at once. Her voice sounded ragged and her breathing was
laboured. " Susan... everything will be all right... I’m here."
Marcus pulled her close, she yielded immediately and started to cry. Hot tears
fell on his hands as he tried to comfort her while stroking her cheeks.
" You don't understand..."
Marcus' heart was being torn apart when he heard her sob. " Then make me understand. I know that
something is brothering you."
Susan couldn't look him in the eye. How could she tell him everything
that had happened to her?
" Tell me Susan. I love you."
" You won't love me anymore once you know... I don't want to lose
your love. It has taken me so long to find it!"
Marcus cupped her face in his hand and raised her head so she had to
look him in the eye.
" Don't you realize that I will always love you? No matter
what?"
Susan sobbed even harder now. She had to tell him. This was the moment
she had feared." I don't know where to start." Marcus was still
forcing her to look at him and she closed her eyes. She couldn't bear the pain
to see the loathing in his eyes when she told him. " I’m not the Susan
Ivanova you know. I come from an alternate universe... an universe in which you
succeeded in giving your life-force for me." She opened her eyes and saw
his stunned look. He hadn't been expecting something like this. " You died
for me and I was left behind all alone. You have no idea how much I hated
myself for never telling you that I knew you loved me... I wished I had told
you that I loved you too, but I was so afraid of getting hurt again after
Talia... I was so wrong and I lived with that guilt for 25 years...When I died,
I died alone. My last thoughts were for you."
" Susan…"
Marcus tried to soothe her, comfort her, but she cut him off. She needed
to say this now, while she had the courage to do so.” I… died and then... I met
Lorien who told me that my soul would be judged.... there was only one question
I had to answer... had I loved?" Susan's eyes were dry now and her heart
broke into pieces. He was still staring at her, trying to determine if she had
gone mad.
" I had to answer that question… I had foolishly thrown your love
away, knowing so well that you would never leave or hurt me. I was given the
chance to come here, where you were still alive. My only mission was to keep
you alive, to help you heal your wounds..."
" How, I don't remember..." Then the revelation suddenly hit
him." Susan Michaels... it was you!"
Susan nodded. She wasn't sure that he would still be there in the end
for her, but he was taking this better than she had expected. " Yes. That
was me. You have no idea how it felt to see you alive, to have you so
close....When Stephen gave you those sleeping pills, I sneaked into your bed,
just to hold you. I had wanted to do that for 25 years... 25 years of
loneliness because I was too afraid to face my own feelings."
"Are you a telepath?"
Susan had dreaded this question, but she owed him an answer. " I’m
latent, P2. I kept it a secret because I was afraid that Bester would come for
me..."
" But then... you died... you... died defending me!"
" I died that night for a second time and I would do it again... I
couldn't let you die. You have so much to give... the rangers need you..."
Marcus was trying hard to understand everything, but his brain seemed
numb.
" As I was dying Lorien spoke to me and then I woke up in that
damned cryo tube. I couldn't believe the second chance I had been given. I was
determined to get everything right this time. I know that I should have told
you back then, but I was so afraid that you were going to turn me away. I can't
live without you Marcus. You are..." Her voice refused to continue
talking. She had closed her eyes again, too afraid to look at Marcus who was
still repeating the same question.
" You died for me?"
Susan looked at him and was baffled to see the love and the tears in his
eyes. He was repeating the question over and over again, as if not
understanding its meaning. Susan realized that he needed some time to
comprehend what she had told him. Her heart was light now she had told him, but
the fear of his rejection remained. " Gladly... you did the same thing for
me, Marcus..."
Marcus kissed the tears away from her face, tasting the salt. "
You’re Susan Ivanova, no matter what happened to you. I do love you, only you.
I love you more than life itself and... I can't believe that you love me that
much... that you would come back from the dead to be with me. I don't care
about you being a telepath, it makes you just a little more special to me. I
love every aspect of you, Susan Ivanova. "
" I guess I owe Lorien a thank you the next time we meet him....but
that won't happen for a long time. This time, when my time arrives to die I
won't be alone or afraid. "
She caressed his face, wiping his tears away. He realized that she had
been afraid that this confession would change everything between them. But he
loved her even more. He didn't understand where she had come from or what
Lorien's part in all this was... he didn't care. The only thing that mattered
to him was that Susan was in his arms. He kissed her, passionately and he felt
her response.
" I love you, Marcus, more than you will ever know."
Marcus released her lips to look her in the eye. " We will never be
apart again. That's a promise!"
Susan relaxed in his embrace. Somewhere in her mind she heard Lorien.
" Cherish the love you found, for true love is rare."
Susan licked the last remaining tear from Marcus' face and listened to
his heartbeat. She returned the kiss he was giving her and his body responded
to hers. Passion was clouding his eyes and Susan pulled him on top of her. She
stared into his eyes and knew that he would never leave her.....
TENNYSON WROTE THE POEM. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
INTENDED AS WELL.
" I’m sorry, but there is nothing we can
do."
Susan listened to her doctor with a calm expression
on her face while Marcus' soft hands warmed hers. She had always known that the
cancer would be fatal one day. The doctors had diagnosed her with spinal cancer
4 months ago. After 40 years, which had been filled with love she was now
dying. Lorien had spoken the truth and had kept his promise.
" Come, darling. Lets go home."
Marcus helped her up from the chair and Susan looked
at him. His hair was grey, almost white now and there were lines of worry on
his face. But his eyes still held the same intensity as 40 years ago. Susan was
quiet as they traveled back to their house. They had been living on Minbar
these last 35 years. Marcus had led the rangers during 34 years before handing
his role over to their only son, William who had proven to be one of the best
rangers there had ever been. They had been very proud when he accepted his
calling as Ranger One.
There had been tears in Marcus' eyes when William
had been officially installed as Entil’Zha. Susan had never regretted her
decision to leave Earthforce and move in with Marcus. The birth of their son
had been one of the most important moments in her life. She vividly remembered
the first time she had looked in her son’s eyes, which still resembled Marcus.
They shared the same intense green color. She secretly loved the fact that
William had his eyes. Watching William become a man had brought them even
closer together.
Telling him that his mother was terminally ill had
been the worst moment in their lives.
Susan settled down on the couch and Marcus fixed her
some coffee. His right arm had never entirely healed and sometimes the wound
actually caused him pain. " Susan?"
" Yes, love?"
" I know that you have kept your thoughts to
yourself lately, but please tell me...?"
Susan knew what he was asking. She had given it lots
of thought and there wasn’t much time left. " You promised me a vacation
years ago... I want to go and see Babylon 5 one last time."
"Are you sure? The place is almost deserted. It
has been turned into a tourist attraction."
" Yes, I’m sure... just the two of us. We will
leave William a message. I said my good-byes to him... He will always be in my
heart. I am so thankful we were able to watch him grow up."
" Me too. I’m so proud of him!" Marcus handed
her the coffee. She wasn't in any pain right now. The doctor had given her some
heavy painkillers. But he knew that she was dying. He could tell by looking at
her no longer sparkling eyes. He caressed her long, grey hair and she cuddled
up to him. After 40 years their love was still as intense as it had been in the
beginning. He had never betrayed her trust or hurt her.
Susan saw the tears in his eyes, which were trying
to surface. They had shared everything, love, passion, pain, hurt, sadness,
bliss.
" If that is what you want... I will make all
necessary arrangements." Marcus kissed her and pushed back his fear. How
much longer would he be able to hold her like this?
Marcus had set the autopilot. He looked at Susan who
was asleep in the seat next to him. He had chosen a small civilian shuttle to
get them to Babylon 5. He understood why she wanted to go Babylon 5. It had
been the beginning of their life together and it was only appropriate that her
life would end there.
Marcus treasured these forty years they had shared
together. She had told him everything; her being Entil’Zha, the pain she had
felt after he had died in her universe. He had been in awe when at last, he
realized how deep her love for him was and he hadn’t been able to hold back his
tears, which had needed to find release.
Susan’s mind registered his mental pain. As the
years had passed by, Susan had found that she was linked to his mind in a
strange way. She couldn't read his thoughts, but his emotions... she felt them
like her own and now, she felt his agony. He was crying because she would leave
him behind when she died. He was scared of the loneliness. " Marcus?"
Susan unstrapped and moved to sit on his lap. He
immediately embraced her. Fierce
emotions rolled off him.
" Everything will be all right. Lorien will be
waiting for me... and I will wait for you. I’m no longer afraid to answer that
question. I have loved you with all my heart..."
" Susan..."
Susan reached out to touch his mind as she had done
so many times before. She always managed to calm him down by just being there.
He had never detested her telepathic abilities and she loved him even more for
it. //Just relax, Marcus. No matter what happens these next couple of days, we
will be together again in the end.// She sent him all the love and affection
she felt for him and he stared at her hands, taking them in his and kissed them
reverently.
" Incoming message from Babylon 5."
Marcus stirred from his trance and both of them
watched the space station grow larger.
" Home." Susan sighed, holding Marcus even
closer to her.
Susan wondered why the space station was this quiet.
After it had been turned into a tourist attraction all different kind of races
had come here to see where it had all started. " Marcus? Where are all the
people?" Secretly, Susan was thankful that the station appeared empty.
" I told you I would make all arrangements.
They closed it down for today. It is all ours."
Susan pulled him closer and folded her arms around
him. She would always love him. " I want to go to C&C. "
Marcus watched her, concern apparent in his eyes.
She was pushing herself to the limits, but he followed her and felt strangely
at home. The best part of his life had started here. Susan walked through
C&C, remembering how hard she had worked to keep the staff terrified of
her. But her reputation had been dented all the times when she had kissed
Marcus in here, ignoring the eyes of her staff. Corwin had actually been
embarrassed when she had pinned Marcus to the wall once with her body. To be
honest, Marcus had been blushing furiously. She had enjoyed that scene.
" Susan, you should rest."
She tangled her arms around him and led him to her
old office. She was running out of time. Her body was growing weaker. "
Marcus, I can rest all I want to in an hour. You can feel it too, can't
you?"
Marcus avoided looking her in the eyes, but it was
true. He sensed her growing weaker all the time. She would die soon, too soon.
" Let me do this my own way." Susan
pleaded with him and like always, he gave in. The place brought back so many
memories, memories of the both lives she had lived. She had righted everything
in this life, she loved Marcus, had given birth to their son. Marcus was
suffering and she hated that, but her death was inevitable. //Marcus, lets go
to my old quarters. I’m getting tired.//
Marcus was momentarily surprised when he heard her
mind voice. He liked having her inside
his head. They walked to her quarters. When she had resigned as Captain she had
left behind all her stuff. She wanted to start a different life on Minbar with
Marcus. At the same time Babylon 5 seemed to have outlived its purpose and when
it became a museum they had left everything the way it was. Even her old code
still worked and when the door opened she sighed. The poetry book Marcus had
been reading to her was in the same spot, next to the couch, opened on the same
page. //This feels... like coming home.// She sensed his agreement.
" I always thought that the years we spent here
were special, even though we were fighting those bloody wars!"
Susan sat down on the couch. Her body refused to
carry her weight any longer. Marcus joined her and she lay down, her head in
his lap. He stroked her hair and she was enjoying his touch one more time. This
would be the last time. //Marcus, when I am dead... promise me you will go on
living. William needs you, especially when he finds out that I am gone... tell
Michael, Lise, Stephen, Lillian and Lennier what happened.//
" Don't worry, love. I learned my lesson. I
will be there for William... and when my time comes, I will join you on the
other side."
//I know you will.// Susan lacked the strength to
talk to him, so she simply sent him the message. It was so much easier and she
knew that he didn't mind her doing that. //Read something to me? You were
reciting a poem last time we were in here.//
Marcus kissed her forehead. The love of his life was
dying and he felt anguished, but also knew that she was at peace. He would have
to let her go and wait for his time to join her. He reached over to collect the
poetry book. He read the poem, quickly and tense. Was this the page they had
left off reading?
//What is wrong, love?//
Marcus cringed, her mind’s voice was also getting
weaker. " Nothing, just sleep, my love."
She opened her eyes and Marcus saw they were
starting to crack apart. He had to be strong for her sake. " I love you,
Susan."
She managed to lift her hand and pulled his face
close enough to hers to kiss his lips. Marcus couldn't fight his tears any
longer.
//We will meet again in a place where no shadows
fall.//
Marcus held her close and nodded.
//The poem... //
Marcus felt her slip away from him and he had to
honor her last request. Softly, he began to recite the poem;
Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,
Tears from the depth of some divine despair
rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,
In looking on the happy Autumn-fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more.
Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,
That brings our friends up from the underworld,
Sad as the last which reddens over one
That sinks with all we love below the verge;
So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more.
Ah, sad and strange as in dark summer dawns
The earliest pipe of half-awaken'd birds
To dying ears, when unto dying eyes
The casement slowly grows a summering square;
So sad, so strange, the days that are no more.
He stopped reading when her head slipped to one
side, drawing her lungs drew in her last breath in this world. She had died in
his arms as she had always wanted to. Marcus hugged her lifeless body, missing
the comfort of her voice inside his head. He would honor her and go on living,
giving William all his experience, knowledge and love. Lovingly, he stared at
her peaceful face, which was graced by the happiest smile he had ever seen on
her face. Certain that he would be reunited with her when he would die he took
the book once more in his hands to finish the poem, although she could no
longer hear him.
Dear as remember'd kisses after death,
And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feign'd
On lips that are for others; deep as love,
Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;
O Death in Life, the days that are no more!
Marcus placed the book on the table where it had
waited for them for 35 years. Gently, he gathered her dead body in his arms and
carried her to the shuttle to take her back to Minbar. It had been her last
wish to be buried next to John and Delenn. Marcus knew that it wouldn't take
long before he would be at her side once more, this time for all eternity...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
" Father, where are you? I have great news...
you are a...granddad!" William froze when he discovered him. Marcus was
sitting in the garden against a rock. William knew at once that his father was
dead and knelt beside him to close Marcus' eyes.
//Marcus? where are you?//
Marcus wondered why everybody was looking for him,
when he realized that his surroundings had changed significantly. He thought he
was hallucinating when he recognized that sweet voice, tinted with impatience.
//Susan?//
Suddenly he saw her, young, shining, full of love
and she was running towards him.
She grabbed his waist and kissed him. It felt so
good.
Marcus swirled her around, relishing her beauty and
realized that his arm no longer hurt. Catching their reflection in the mirror
like surroundings he realized that youth had been restored to both of them.
//It is time to go now, children.//
Lorien beckoned them to come closer and smiled at
them. They had earned the right to be together, forever....
The end