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PART 14 OF ?

RECONCILIATION .

BY Morgana

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Susan was the first to wake. She felt his warm body next to hers. Marcus was holding her rather tightly in his sleep. She cherished this moment of silence and kept staring at his face. When had he become so damned important to her? Hell, she hadn't even complained when John told her they were sent off on this mission together. Hey, wait a moment! Could it be that he and Delenn had figured them out?. Did they sent the two of them together on this mission on purpose? But that would have to wait till later. Marcus. Thinking of him sent butterflies all through her stomach. She couldn't bear the thought she had come so close to losing him.

" Hello, darling. Thinking about anything in particular?"

His voice took her by surprise. She had been so lost in thought she had not realized he had woke up. There was a huge grin on his face. His grip on her got even tighter.

" Us. Would you do me a favor?"

" What do you want me to do?"

Marcus looked at her curiously His mind was still having trouble confirming this was really happening.

" Pinch me."

" Pinch you?"

" Yeah, I am still having problems believing we are together now."

Marcus' grin seemed to grow even bigger. He experienced it the same way, but he was happy to oblige her. He pinched her in her arm, quite hard and awaited her reaction.

" Ah, not that hard.I thought you loved me."

Pretending to be offended, she rubbed her arm. But she couldn't keep the smugg smile of her face.

" Sorry."

Marcus didn't appear to be that sorry, still smiling at her. Susan stretched and felt completely rested.She hadn't slept this well in a long time.

" So, how did you sleep, did the nightmare return?"

Marcus seemed to be a bit embarrassed at that remark.

" Tell me, Marcus.You are hiding something."

" Well. I told you I would dream of you and so I did."

Marcus face turned a lovely red.

" Are you blushing?"

In a playfull mood Susan poked him in his chest.

" Well, let's say you didn't wear that much in my dream."

"It seems your body and mind are telling you you shouldn't remain a virgin much longer.Well, that can be arranged."

Susan enjoyed reminding him of his unicorn status too much.She knew it, but she didn't know any other man he could be a virgin at an age of 30 plus. She wanted to harass him a bit more, but her nose smelled something terribly familiar to her.

" I smell coffee!"

Susan got out of bed, tracking the scent with her nose. At that point Stephen and Zarin entered the little sick room. Both of them were carrying a tray.

" The food supplies I ordered finally got her, thanks to Delenn.There are advantages to being in a major secret organization."

Zarin put his tray down on one of the two chairs.Susan grabbed the mug filed with real coffee right from under his nose. Marcus watched her drink it. She closed her eyes when she took her first sip.

" Marcus, we got something for you too.I even managed to get hold of some Earl Grey and you can thank Stephen you are allowed to have it. Patrick wanted to put you on a foodplan, but Stephen told him not to do it. So, here you are."

Zarin saw the joyfull look on Marcus' face when he discovered the tea. The tray was put on the side of the bed so he could help himself.

" Great, you even arranged for some sandwiches."

Susan, being very hungry appeared to attack the food. The Minbari had offered her some Flarn but he stomach made her turn done the offer. Marcus managed to eat some sandwiches and then stopped. All of them noticed the hungry look on her face.

" Be my guest."

Carefull not to upset his wound Marcus handed her the remaining sandwiches.

" You are an angel."

Susan ate them right away.

" Hey, slow down, there is more where that came from. Delenn send a hell of a lot more."

Zarin stifled a smile.

At last, Susan seemed to have eaten enough.She finished her coffee and looked at them, quite content.

" I really needed that."

" We noticed."

Marcus tried to stretch his muscles, but was stopped when he felt a flash of pain coming from his side. But to be honest he had expected to feel a lot worse.

" You are healing quickly, Marcus.I will unhook you from the controls.But you are not leaving that bed, understood?"

Stephen was still amazed how fast Marcus seemed to get his old shape back. This was the third time his wounds should have killed him.Stephen determined to examine Marcus more closely when they got back to Babylon 5. What was it that made Marcus heal so quickly?

Marcus was relieved to find out that the last iv was getting out.

" Will that irritating beeping also stop?'

" Yes, Marcus."

Stephen got the last iv out and Marcus felt a lot more comfortable.

" You promise to stay in bed?"

Marcus suddenly looked at Zarin, very much alert.

" Something going on you don't want me to know?"

Zarin forced a smile onto his face. He couldn't tell Marcus about the duel that was going to take place in 2 hours time. He knew Marcus well enough to realize Marcus would want to be present.

" Nothing. You get better and don't irritate the good doctor too much. Susan, can we talk for a moment outside?'

Marcus waited till they had left the room and then exploded.

" I knew it. Zarin is keeping me in the dark for some reason."

He turned to Stephen, having found a victim to interrogate. Stephen, however, was grinning.

" Forget about it, I am not telling you anything and before you make your first attempt at cross-examining you I must warn you. I can hook you up to the machines again."

Stephen had talked to Zarin and the Ranger had showed him some ways to get back at Marcus. Stephen liked the way Marcus was looking at him, in absolute shock.

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" You were smart to keep this from Marcus. I don't know what he would do, but he would get involved somehow."

Susan agreed completely with Zarin, if Marcus discovered Neroon would take on Ratok, it would be very hard to keep him in bed.

" I'll accompany Neroon. I hope everything will go smooth. Ratok will try some foul tricks. I am sure of that. So, I have sent a message to master Durhann."

" Wait.I know that name. Isn't that the one who taught all of you how to use that stupid stick? A gun would decide the fight in a heart beat."

" Marcus told me you and his pike didn't get along."

Zarin laughed. Susan joined in.

" So how does Durhann fit in?"

" The rules are very specifiec concerning Denn-Sha when two clan leaders are involved. Durhann will act as a referee."

" Is is really a fight to do death?"

Susan remebered the state Marcus had been in after that fight. Three broken ribs, severe concussion...

" Well, technically speaking yes, but again because they are clan leaders no. The winner will have earned the right to claim leadership of the Warrior caste and the loser will be banned to a moon orbiting Minbar. The loser will live the rest of his life in the penal colonoy."

" That doesn't sound well for Neroon if he loses."

" Don't worry. I think Neroon could even beat Durhann and Durhann is the best warrior Minbar has to offer."

Susan understood now how important this fight was.

" I will do all I can to keep Marcus in bed."

Zarin believed her but he also knew Marcus' obstinacy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marcus waited impatiently for Stephen to leave. He didn't trust Zarin. The Minbari Ranger

was hidding something and Marcus was determined to find out what it was.

He checked whether he was alone in the sick room. He had seen Stephen working at the computer system and Minbari computers were all linked together.He had to use that if he wanted to satisfy his curiousity.

He managed to get his legs to the floor. His left side ached but he could handle that pain.

Slowly he walked towards the computer and started to hit some buttons. He was a master in hacking computers. He thanked Valen he was fluent in Minbari and gained access to the main system.First he checked all messages. His and Susan's arrival were loged, but he searched on, knowing IT had to be somewhere. He listened closely. Great, Susan and Zarin were still talking. Marcus feared his punishment, should Susan find out he had left his bed. He felt a bit dizzy and his side ached, but he had felt much worse when Neroon gave him that beating. Marcus couldn't understand why Stephen and Susan had to treat him like baby that much

" Ah, I have got it."

Marcus read Ratoks challenge to Denn- Sha, addressed to Neroon. The ruines of T' Akar at sunrise. If his instincts were correct that sunrise would be very soon.The distance from Neroons house to those ruines was very short. They wouldn't even need a shuttle. It was a mere walk of 10 minutes. He didn't doubt Neroon and Ratok were already present. They would be meditating. Marcus decided there was no time to lose. He had to talk to Neroon. He would use the computer system. The moment Marcus wanted to start delivering the message, the system went down.

" Damn, this is not normal."

Marcus tried to get the system online once more but it appeared all power was gone.

" Bugger, I am sure this is Ratoks work."

Marcus had to find an alternative.

** Marcus, old chap, Susan isn't talking to Zarin anymore.You better get in bed now that you are still able to do so.**

Marcus had to agree with his inner voice and hurried back to the bed. He succeeded in pulling the blankets back in place just before Susan re-entered the room. Marcus recognized her stern look. He knew it would be hard to convince Susan to let him go to the ruines of T' Akar. Failure wasn't an option at this moment. Only he would be able to stop Ratok from poisening Neroon.

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PART 15 OF ?

RECONCILIATION .

BY Morgana

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Susan observered carefully Marcus' facial expression. She was relieved to find him laying in bed. This was going to be very hard.

Marcus, on the other hand, was getting nervous. He realized he was in no shape to leave for the ruines of T'Akar on his own. He swallowed hard when he faced the fact that he had to confide in her, ask her to help him.

" Susan. We need to talk."

" About what, Marcus?"

Susan was looking even closer at him and was certain something was wrong.

Marcus decided to give it to her straight, he had no time to postpone it.

" I have to go to he ruines of T' Akar."

Marcus had the feeling he had dropped a bomb in the little room. She was about to explode..

Susan was completely bewilderd.

" How .....No way, Marcus.You are staying in bed. Stephen would kill me if he discovered you went off."

Marcus saw she was getting angry. It enhanced her beauty even more. Oh, yes, he was in love with her....

" Please Susan, I need your help.This is something I have to do, trust me."

Marcus was pleading with her. But Susan wasn't going to give in so easily.

" But why go there? Send a message."

" Trust me Susan, it is something I alone can do."

Susan remembered her promise to Zarin. But she could tell by the way Marcus was looking at her she wouldn't be able to keep that promise. Marcus had proved how much he loved her and hadn't betrayed the trust she had in him. Suddenly a small revelation hit Susan This was something she had to do for him. He had helped her so often, now she had to prove to herself she loved him enough to let him make his own choises, even if they could endanger his life. But then she smiled. She was going to be there and keep him unharmed.

" Okay, what do you want me to do?"

She was still amazed at how quickly her resolve to keep him away from the fighting had crumbled to below zero. If he looked at her in that certain way, she started to go all mushy and soft.

" Thank you, Susan. I knew you would understand."

With a remarkable speed for his weakened state, he put his right arm around her midst and pulled her close, surprising the both of them by kissing her passiontly on her soft lips.

For some seconds neither one of them were able to speak. The kiss had felt so sweet.

Marcus was the first to break the silence.

" Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose...I....."

Susan loved the fact that he was starting to blush ferociously.

" That is a pity. I wished you would do it more often."

Marcus relaxed. It hadn't been his intention to force her in to kissing him.

" You do?"

" Yes, and to prove it to you...'

She kissed him back, now letting her tongue explore his lips.

Marcus swallowed hard the moment she broke the kiss. This woman turned out to be very warm, affectionate and very sweet.

" We better get going before I forget you are hurt and rob you of your virginity."

Susan didn't hide the grin which was enfolding on her face. Marcus was in no condition to answer her. Well, she had promised Zarin to keep him in bed. Damn that Ratok. Marcus had to stop him.

" Susan......"

" All right.You will need clothes first or were you planning to walk around in a medgown that hardly covers anything?"

Marcus' face was going from red to white in a few seconds.

" No, not really."

He looked at her for help. Susan walked over to a wooden chest and opened it.

" We didn't want you to know that O' Flanagan brought an extra Ranger uniform with him for you to wear.We were afraid you would find a way of escape."

Susan handed him the outfit. Marcus managed to slide into the pants.

" Need some help?'

Susan was trying hard not to look at his body, but she was losing the fight.

" Wouldn't you love to?"

Marcus teased her.

" But you are right.I could use some help."

Susan helped him to put on the turtleneck and his cloak.

" Now where is my pike?"

Marcus searched the room for it. Susan took something from a pocket in her dress.

" I have it and it stays with me. I don't want you running into a pike fight."

Marcus laughed.

" Shall we leave now?"

" I still don't understand why you can't send a message."

Susan helped him to his feet. He felt rather unbalanched and Susan supported him. She was glad he wasn't that heavy.

" Because, my darling, Ratok has sabotaged the computer system. While I was hacking through the system the whole thing went down."

Susan registered this new information.

" What is Ratok up to? Does he want to kill Neroon? "

" Yes, and he will not play by the rules."

Susan and Marcus had left the sick room by now and were walking towards the exit.

Susan felt how badly Marcus needed her support. He would never had made the trip on his own. They were silent for some time. Marcus trying hard not to stumble over his own two feet and Susan was busy pulling him up the hill, preventing he would hit the ground, helping him to get to the famous ruines of T' Akar.

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PART 16 OF ?

RECONCILIATION .

BY Morgana

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Neroon wachted every move Ratok made. He knew better than to trust the leader of the Wind Swords, which was really a pity because the rest of the clan were all respected warriors. It was a twist of fate that Ratok was destined to be their leader. It was no secret that most of the older Minbaris didn't want Ratok as their leader. Neroon spotted Racheen, Ratoks second in command. The younger man disapproved clearly with his leaders decision.

Neroon started to get impatiened, he was ready for the fight. A small group had assembled to witness the Denn-sha challenge. Neroon, Ratok, Racheen, Zarin and the greatly admired Durhann. Neroon wondered how old Durhann was. Still the Minbari male looked extremely well in shape and his eyes were sharp. Neroon had to admire Durhann's crestbone. He had never seen one quite so elaborated. It showed Durhann's wisedom.

" Neroon, are you ready?"

Durhann, acting as referee in this duel between the two clan leaders, approached them one by one. Neroon nodded. He was confident he was the better one in using the pike. It was still a riddle to him why Ratok had chosen this way. Neroon knew he had to be on guard for Ratoks tricks.

" Ratok, are you ready?"

" Always."

Ratoks voice sounded excited, hard and bitter. His face contorted to an ugly mask.

Neroon and Ratok took up their positions. They both extended their pikes at the same moment. They circled round eachother, presenting the pike.

" Denn-Sha, to the death."

Durhann gave them the sign to begin the deadly fight.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"" You are a crazy idiot. You are sweating and you can hardly breath. This is madness!"

Susan was getting concerned. It was clear Marcus had overestimated his condition.

" Please Susan. We are almost there."

Marcus pointed at the group of Minbaris standing on top of the hill.

" I must be senile to do this."

Susan would be glad to see all over and done with. She watched closely and was able to reckognize Zarin and Neroon. Neroon and an other Minbari were starting to test each others

strength.

" Stop it!"

Marcus used his last strength and called out to them.

Immediately all eyes were watching him.

" Why this interruption?"

Neroon wanted to end this stupidity and go home to Sanada and his daughters.

Susan and Marcus reached the ruines after what seemed to have lasted an eternity. Susan still kept a grip on him, Marcus was becoming more and more unbalanced. Without her he would have fallen.

Durhann ordered the fight stopped and slowly prowled to where Marcus and Susan were standing. Susan looked fascinated at the awesome Minbari.

" Marcus Cole. I should have known only you would have the nerve to disturb Denn- sha "

Durhann, dressed in Rangers outfit shook his head. He looked beyond amazement, almost shocked.

" My humble apologies master Durhann, but you have to stop this fight."

" Why should I ?"

Susan felt how Marcus pushed her slightly away from him.

" Get into safety."

He whispered to her, almost too soft to hear. Susan could only hope Marcus knew what he was doing and stood next to Zarin who, with a worried look on his face, had came closer towards Marcus. They were standing close enough to catch him, should he fall. Marcus gathered all his remaining strength and stood rigid in front of Durhann who was eyeing him curiously.

" You have to examine his pike. There are tiny holes in his pike through which a deadly poisin can be ejected. It kills in a few seconds."

Durhann was trying to make a decision. Denn-Sha had begun, he couldn't stop it like that, but if Marcus was right he had to take action. He had known Marcus for many years now. It was Marcus who had convinced him to take human students in to teach them pike fighting. He knew Marcus was an honorable man. He made his decision.

" Ratok, you heard his accusation. In order to have a fair fight I order you to hand over your pike so I might examine it."

Durhann authority showed clearly now, Neroon took a few steps aside, giving Ratok room to walk over to Durhann.Ratok's face distorted even more. His eyes gleamed maliciously and his teeth were showing. He reminded Susan of a trecherous Centauri. A silence settled over the group, expectation growing.

Marcus however was trying to hold on to consciousness. His body was weakening every moment he stood there, waiting. He began to see strange black dots. He shook his head to get rid off them it but it only seemed to make it worse..

" I refuse."

The two words Ratok spoke held a deadly promis, felt by all of them. Susan tensed, worried when she saw Marcus swaying on his feet.This had come to en end quickly.

" You admit then?"

Durhann faced Ratok now.

" It is an insult to think I would use such means to win a fight. I have never been forced to step down to such dishonorable measures."

Ratok emphasized every word he spoke. His eyes moving quickly over to Marcus.

" That is a lie. When you were training to master the pike we had a .....disagreement and we fought. I was lucky enough not to get hit by your poisonous pike but an other Ranger wasn't that lucky. He was on the edge of death for weeks."

Marcus amazed himself by still standing on his feet. He thanked Valen he had been in time to prevent Neroon from getting poisened.

Durhanns face took on a queer expression.

" I remember that incident. But I was never told what was the cause of his sickness. I was told he had received a trashing by an outsider.......Wait a moment. It was you who told me, Ratok..."

Durhann had managed to put the pieces together. There was no more doubt in his mind that Marcus was telling the truth.

" You! It is always you who prevents me from getting what I want. I won't have it any longer.!"

Ratok was screaming and his eyes were flasing like mad in their sockets.Without any warning Ratok threw the pike, aiming at Marcus. The Ranger saw it coming towards him, realizing he should move away from it's course, but his body was experiencing a break-down and had frozen. Marcus thougt of Susan, happy he had revealed his love to her.

Susan saw what was about to happen. She intended to throw Marcus to the ground when someone already moved to prevent the pike from finding his aim.

Durhann proved his reputation to be true when he moved towards Marcus. Susan blinked her eyes. For a moment it seemed Durhann had moved faster than her eyes could see. Durhann grabbed Marcus and at the same time kicked the pike to change it's course so it wouldn't harm anyone.

Marcus barely realized that he and Durhann were falling to the ground quickly. His mind didn't register the fact that him hitting hard the ground could cause the wound to open again.

But Durhann did realize and succeeded in averting the blow of the impact of the fall to his own body, catching Marcus ' fall.

Neroon and Racheen quickly exchanged some glances and appearently reached a unanimous decision. They attacked Ratok, it was no problem to capture the insane Minbari.

" I will see to it that justice will be done. After these actions our clan will declare him mentally disturbed and the attempt to kill Marcus will assure his punishment. He will be sent to our penal colony. He will never harass you again, Neroon."

Neroon was satisfied and accompanied Racheen to his shuttle. Once again he would be the acknowledged leader of the warrior caste.

" Marcus, are you all right?"

Susan ran over to him and gathered him in her tender arms.Durhann released him quickly, smiling.

" Yeah, it was quite a ride."

Marcus mumbled. He was feeling dizzy and fatigued.

Susan couldn't help giving him a kiss on his brow. It was a mystery to her how he always managed to get out alive.He had to have a very active guardian angel looking over his shoulder.

" We will take you back to your bed. If I am correct your friend Stephen will be mad at you for taking off like that."

Zarin walked over to Marcus ' other side and together he and Susan walked him back to Neroon's house.

Neroon and Durhann remained behind. Watching them leave.

" I know how you used to think about humans, Neroon. I tried to tell you they weren't all evil. I sense you have changed your mind."

" Yes, I don't know how he did it, but Marcus changed my opinions about humans. I am honored to have him as a friend."

Neroon pondered the thought for a moment, then remembered Durhann's presence.

" Why not rest at my house before you will return to the Ranger training facility? I am under the impression that you would like to talk to Marcus."

Durhann bowed slightly.

" I gladly accept. Neroon, did you know it was Marcus who changed my ideas about humans too? He was my first human student, and a good one he was."

Neroon showed one of his rare smiles and together they made their way back.

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PART 17 OF ?

RECONCILIATION .

BY Morgana

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By the time they arrived at Neroon's house Marcus was drowsy, hanging in his friend's arms. Susan was the first to notice the shuttle awaiting them. In front of the shuttle were Sanada and Delenn, calmly discussion something. The shuttledoor was open and showed Stephen, peeking out. As soon as Delenn saw them come closer she moved to greet them.

" I was so concerned when Sanada told me what has occured. I came in person to see you back safely to the White Star."

Delenn looked questionly at Susan nodding in Marcus' direction.

" He is only tired. He chewed a bit more off than he could handle."

" I heard of his injury and am happy that doctor Franklin could see to his needs. Please put hin in a chair inside the shuttle. We will leave in a few moments. Zarin, you wish to accompany him?'

" If I may, Enthil Zha."

" You may."

Delenn smiled when Zarin carried Marcus into the shuttle. Delenn felt Susan's look, hoping the ambassador wouldn't mind if she went inside too, not wanting Marcus to get out of her sight. Delenn understood. She saw the next party coming towards her. Sanada moved from her side to embrace her husband, glad he had survived.

" Neroon, master Durhann, "

Delenn bowed respectfully. She was wondering what Durhann was doing here. Sanada had not been able to fill her in completely. She felt a little uneasy, dealing with Neroon, after all the warrior had once attempted to assasinate her, preventing her from becoming Ranger One.

But the same unease befell Neroon. He regretted the attempt on her life and felt that he had to establish peace between him and Delenn. He had watched her actions carefully after she became Ranger One and slowly he had realized she wasn't the religious fanatic he assumed she was. It was time for reconcilement.

" Enthil Zha."

Delenn felt relieved. The sole fact that he addressed her with her title meant he had accepted her. Neroon proceeded to bow for her, more deeply than required. They looked in each others eyes. In that silence a new peace between them was formed. Delenn acted on impuls.

" Would you and Sanada do me the honor of accepting an initation to dine with me?"

Neroon and Sanada exchanged some looks.

" I accept. Thank you, Enthil Zha."

Neroon and Sanada whispered some words. Neroon spoke again.

" But please excuse my wife. Our daughters will return shortly from their hiding place and she wishes to be here for them."

" Of course, Sanada."

Delenn and Neroon joined the others. Zarin took the pilot seat, assisted by a rather mellow Neroon and took the shuttle safely back to the White Star. Susan watched Marcus sleep.

The two hours it took them to return to Babylon 5 hurled along quickly. Delenn and Susan talked about everything that happened. Delenn ventured one last question.

" I noticed your concern for Marcus, did you admit your feelings for him?"

For a moment Susan was taken aback by Delenn's honest question. She hesitated only a second.

" Yes, I faced my past, decided the future had more to offer.I will give us the chance he has been hoping for so long."

Susan glanced at Marcus who was sleeping on her mattress. Delenn had ordered Zarin to put the mattress in the briefing room, giving Marcus some privacy. He had not yet wakened.

" He will be fine."

Delenn interpretated Susan's concerned look wrongly..

" I know....it's the way he looks....so vulnerable....I still don't get it why I have ignored him for such a long time."

" You needed time to reconcile your heart and your mind. Making this love possible."

Delenn rose and excused herself. She had to contact John to ensure some preparations were made.Susan rose also and laid down next to Marcus, he started to move, pulling her close to him in his sleep. Susan smiled at him, putting her hands on his chest, breathing in his scent. She was the happiest woman alive, feeling his chest move steady up and down.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" Susan?"

Zarin beckoned her to join him for a moment. They were docking and in a few moments would set foot once again on Babylon 5. Susan assured herself Stephen was watching over Marcus and walked over to Zarin, curious.

" Susan, I just had a conversation with Delenn. She told me that a certain mister Garibaldi and your Capitain made some changes while you were away."

Susan didn't like the sound of that. She felt like she was no longer in charge of the space station.

" What changes?"

She sensed her old habits slip back in. She had to be the boss, no one else!

" Nothing serious. When they heard of Marcus' injury they gave him some new quarters with a bathroom and kitchen so he would not have to leave his quarters while he is recuperating. Susan held her tongue. She was ready to scold at Zarin as a kind of substitute for John, but decided it wasn't worth getting herself in a frenzy. She had expected them to do much worse things.

" They also want to throw Marcus a welcome home party and a 'room' warming party. They hope you could take care of Marcus while they are getting ready for the surpise party."

" I should be mad at them, but it's strange, I am not. I think it's a nice thing to do for Marcus. I can't remember we ever threw him a party. You can tell them not to worry about Marcus. Hell, I am glad they let me in on it. I hate to be the one who is surprised at these damned parties"

Susan and Zarin walked back to Marcus. Stephen was still angry at Marcus for taking of like that and was threatening him with a prolonged stay in Medlab because of his little adventure. It surprised Susan nobody was mad at her for helping him getting to the ruines.

" Please, Stephen, don't make me stay in Medlab. I hate that place. I spent too much time in there as it is."

Marcus was moaning, too weak to make a run for his quarters. Zarin supported him and walked him to where John Sheridan and Lennier were waiting. Susan enjoyed his misery too much to tell him he was to go with her. It could wait.

"Marcus, Susan, we are so glad to have you back with us, safe and sound."

John offered Marcus his hand. Marcus managed to shake it and then held on to Zarin preventing he would lose his grip on him. Susan was greeted in the same way, but got a meaningfull blink from the captain as well. Great, it appeared the whole crew already knew of her new relationship with Marcus. She reminded herself of terrorizing C&C the next time she went up there. She had a reputation to think about!

" Stephen, don't torment me like this. I even promise to go to my own quarters and I will stay in bed, like a good little boy."

Marcus was begging Stephen to let him of the hook. Stephen was grinning.

" You need supervision, Marcus.I won't let you stay on your own."

Susan chastized herself for not rescueing Marcus earlier from Stephen's care and stepped in there.

" What if I take Marcus to my quarters and will watch him?"

" All right, I guess that will have to do. I don't want him in Medlab chasing my doctors away. He is all yours."

Marcus was strangely quiet and didn't interfere during the conversation. He was staring at the floor.

" That's a deal."

Zarin and Susan took Marcus to her quarters.

" Just put him in bed."

Susan went inside her little kitchen and started the coffeemaker. She longed for it.

Zarin did as he was told.

" Marcus, you are awfully quiet. Something wrong?"

Marcus looked up at him, the first in a long time their eyes met.

" I am nervous."

" Why?"

Marcus sighed. If he couldn't tell his best friend he never would.

" You know.....Susan accepted my love and.........bugger, you know I have never been with a woman before.....at my age."

He added that last part in a sad voice. Zarin chuckled.

" Marcus, we are all nervous the first time we make love to a new lover, being a virgin or not. Don't fret, Marcus. Knowing Susan she will make sure everything will be great."

Zarin turned his back on him, walking to Susan. He said his goodbyes and left to join Stephen to help out on preparing the party.

That left Marcus alone to struggle with his own thoughts. Marcus hadn't expected Susan to take him in. He assumed she didn't want the whole station to know he had won her over in the end. But he was proved wrong and now he was laying here in her bed. He could smell her frangrance, sweet. But he also smelled the coffee brewing in the kitchen. His mind was telling him to stay calm but his heart was pounding like mad. It was so intmate, being in her bed. He wasn't expecting her to step into the bedroom, but she did and she had something in her hands. She sat on the edge of the bed and helped him to sit up.

" Here."

She handed him a cup of tea. After he took the first sip he relaxed a bit.

" Thank you, you are an angel."

" I would like to be your guardian angel."

Marcus was speechless when he heard her answer. He finsihed the tea and returned the cup to her. He was feeling tired again, his body reminding him of the stunt he pulled off. Susan saw it. Marcus looked nervously at his hands.

" Don' t you mind me laying here? I know how much you value your privacy."

" OUR privacy."

She corrected him tenderly.

" Why should I mind, Marcus. You are the man I love and I hope we will share this bed often in the future. "

Her remark made him blush. Susan gave him a kiss on his lips and returned to her kitchen. Marcus lapsed back into sleep before she was out the door.

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" Where are you two taking me? I should be in bed, I am wounded you know!"

Marcus definetely had a bad feeling about this. Stephen and Garibaldi had showed up at Susans door, insisting he was to go with them, not revealing why or where they were taking him. He had called out to Susan for some help. But she had taken his cloak from the bed and helped him into it. Marcus was not yet surrendering. He was checking out his surroundings. They were in the corridor where some of the staff members were quartered.

" At least tell me where you are taking me!"

Stephen answered him in an amused tone.

" We are only taking you to your new quarters."

" New Quarters???? What was wrong my old one?"

" You need a bathroom and a kitchen now that you are dating. Can't have you fixing Susan's dinner in my quarters."

Garibladi had longed for a chance to get back at the Ranger. Marcus finally resigned. He knew there was nothing he could do to make them change their mind. Stephen opened the door to his new quarters and they walked into a startling darkness.

" Well, you could have some lights installed."

Marcus joked.

" Surprise!!! "

Marcus heard the yell and closed his eyes the moment the lights flared. He realized he had walked right in to the trap. Well, that was not correct. He was forced to go inside. His eyes grew accustomed to the light and he looked around. He saw a lot of familiar faces. Delenn and John were standing next to him, smiles lit their faces. Lennier was there, joined by Zarin and Neroon who seemed to be actually enjoying himself. Zack Allen, doctor Hobbs, lt Corwin and even Vir and G' Kar were present.

" We decided to throw you a party, Marcus. Why? You saved Susan, you managed to get Neroon talking to humans, must I continue?"

John was having a very good time, watching Marcus' stunned face.

" I have to sit down."

Marcus wasn't comprehending any of this. What the hell was going on? Garibaldi helped him to the couch. Thankfully, all present started to talk and have some drinks, realizing he needed time to get back on track. Susan and Zarin sat down, joining him. He looked at them, accusation filling his gaze.

" You two were part of this. You knew..."

" Yes and it was a delightfull sight to watch your astonished face."

Zarin made no secret he was having the time of his life. But to Marcus this was a hell of a lot more than only a party. It made him realize these people cared for him even if he did his best to annoy them till they lost their patience. It was his way of keeping them at a distance, but it hadn't worked. He had to admit that he had made a lot of friends the year he had been here. He just sat there for a while, watching everyone. Suddenly he felt how Susan took his hand in hers and caressed it lovingly. He succeeded in staying awake for an hour. Against his will his eyes began to close.

" Come, you need to rest."

Susan helped him up and while the party continued she took him into his new bedroom. He laid down immediately.

" This bed is a lot softer than my own."

" This is your own bed now."

Susan was watching, assessing his feelings. Marcus swallowed hard when Susan laid down next to him, slipping a hand beneath his shirt, feeling his bare skin with her fingers. Marcus was very much awake at a sudden. He hoped she didn't expect him to make love to her. He would love to, but he wasn't physically up for it.

" Hush now, Marcus. Close your eyes and sleep."

Susan saw his thoughts for a brief moment in her own mind, his fear, his desire. She forced her mind back, she would tell him she was a latent but not now. Marcus couldn't help feeling so relaxed that he was overcome by sleep. He sensed her love and protective nature.

** You are my sweetest dream come true. I love you Susan Ivanova,**

He could have sworn he heard her voice in his mind.

** And I love you, Marcus. **

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