From bruckner@usia.govWed Apr 26 18:10:28 1995 Date: Wed, 26 Apr 95 6:58:03 -0400 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Down Below Well, since I haven't seen any stories on the group for a while, thought I would pass along one I finished just the other day. Yes, finished. I actually have finished "Fire", but it still needs a little editing. I'll pass that along soon. "Ambassador to Minbar is still cooking." Let me know what you think of this one. Sandy Down Below - Part One Out in space sits a huge space station, 5 miles long and weighing 2,500,000 tons. It serves as a center for trade and commerce; as well as providing a common ground for negotiations among different worlds. It is also, unfortunately, a place where people have come to seek their fortunes, and found only trouble and hardship. Having spent all of their worldly posessions getting to Babylon 5, they are now stranded on a station where 250,000 people reside. With no money for rooms, food, or other necessities, they have gathered in a section of the station known only as "Down Below". This is the nearly forgotten sector of Babylon 5; an area where there are few services and many homeless people have sought refuge. It is a dark, dirty place -- a place were people often met untimely ends. Thieves prowl this area and steal anything of value. For this reason, people huddle together in little groups; seeking protection in numbers. One such group was gathered around a small fire as Commander Jeffrey Sinclair came through the area. Most didn't know who he was nor did they care. So he was Commander of this station -- what difference did that make to them! Today Commander Sinclair had come to discuss a program to revitalize this area. He wanted to see if the people here would help him with his efforts. It would take a lot of hard work; but he felt they could clean up this sector and make it a place where people could live in peace with one another. The Commander had come down here alone, now knowing what exactly to expect. You never knew what type of person could be lurking about; someone with a grudge, someone he had brought to the ombudsman for a crime of some kind. He thought it was worth the risk, however. He was tired of his Security Chief, Michael Garibaldi, complaining about the "people from Down Below". Whenever something was stolen, he would say it was the people from Down Below that were responsible. Most of the time he was right, but Jeff Sinclair wanted to see for himself. He was a firm believer in giving everyone a fair chance to make an honest living. He wanted to see if there were enough people here that would take that chance with him, now. Jeff stopped at a sort of tent near the rear of a large open area. Cloth had been strung on a wire to create an enclosure that could be considered a living space. It was not much different from many in the area, however he knew who lived in this one. Outside of the tent, there was a rather gruff-looking woman. "Is Carmen around?" Jeff said. "Who wants to know?" she asked. "I'm Commander Sinclair. I would like to talk with Carmen if I can. I think I have something that she will want to hear." Jeff said. "Wait here. I'll see if she wants to see you," the woman said. After a moment, the woman came out of the tent, opened the flap a little wider and Carmen came out. "Commander Sinclair. You are the last person I expected to see down here! Are you lost!" Carmen was a small but stern-looking woman; about 35, slightly built, but there was a strength about her that you could almost touch. "Carmen, someone told me to look you up. He said that you would listen to a proposition I have and will forego judgement until I finished. He said that you would keep an open mind and hear me out," Sinclair said. "Who are we talking about Commander," Carmen said. "I don't know many people from above." "Dr. Stephen Franklin. I understand that he has been treating your daughter. I'm glad that he is here to help you and her." Jeff said. "Yes, I know Dr. Franklin very well. He has been operating a clinic down here for six months. Did you know that?" Carmen said. "Yes, I did. Not much goes on within this station that I don't know about, one way or another. I've given Dr. Franklin my permission to continue his clinic and to expand the services offered. That's one of the things I want to talk to you about." Jeff said. "Well, since Dr. Franklin sent you, I might as well listen a while. I don't have anything else better to do right now." Carmen said. With that, she pulled back the flap to her tent and Sinclair entered. He was surprised to see a rather nicely laid out living area, considering the circumstances. There was a lamp on a crate in the corner providing light for the entire room and there were additional crates on the floor as seats with a number of pillows. Jeff had to stoop when he entered the tent and bend his 6'3" frame over even more to take a seat on one of the crates near the back of the room. He wanted to make sure his back was covered, one way or another. While he had come on a peaceful mission, it didn't necessarily have to remain that way. Carmen entered the tent and asked Sinclair if he would like some tea. Sinclair accepted and Carmen liked that. He wasn't afraid of her, as many down here were. "I don't have much to offer you Commander, but I still remember what it's like to have guests. I used to have a home on Rigel but came here to work on the station. When the job was finished, they laid all of us off. I didn't have enough money to get back home, so here I am. It's much the same with the others. They worked until the jobs ran out and now are stranded here, without money, without much hope." Carmen said. "Carmen, I would like to do something about this place. I have been working on a way to renovate much of this area. While we can't build permanent structures, we can make it much more liveable, more secure for the people here. What I would like to propose is a partnership agreement; I provide the materials you need to fix up this area, you provide the workers. During the construction, I'll see to it that as much food as we can spare is brought down here for the workers. I also would like to start a school for your children. I have a couple of people who would like to volunteer their time to begin classes as soon as a place can be arranged to meet. It won't be fancy, but your children need an education and they are certainly not getting a proper one down here. As an incentive for sending their children to school, lunches will be provided for any student attending." Jeff said. Carmen didn't quite know what to say. This was a dream! It had to be! It was something she had hoped for many, many times but never thought would happen. "Why are you doing this, Commander?" Carmen said. "Quite frankly, Carmen, I can't afford this DownBelow area. It costs us a tremendous amount of money in extra security required on the station. Your people are getting too good at stealing what they need to live! I thought it would be better to cooperate and clean up this mess and rather than throw money away, trying to keep your people away from others on Babylon 5." Jeff said. "Commander Sinclair, I like your proposal, but you must understand I can't do this alone. There are many here who will not trust you; who will not listen to what you have to say. They feel that they have been lied to, cheated out of jobs, thrust into a life they didn't want and don't deserve." Carmen said. "I know this will not be an easy thing to set up, Carmen. My hope is that the voice of reason will win out. There are many mothers and fathers here that want more for their children than teaching them how to steal for their next meal. What future can they have? How can the children look forward to anything but more of what they are experiencing now?" Jeff said. "I understand what you are saying, Commander. However, reality is hard to fight. We have seen nothing but hatred and disgust from the people above. How can we trust you, someone we don't know, to keep your word." Carmen said. "You will just have to learn to trust me, Carmen. Perhaps you can start by getting a group of people together so that I can explain exactly what I have in mind for this sector. I can come back whenever you say, just send someone to let me know when and where." Jeff said. "Commander Sinclair, I will take your proposal to the others in our group and see what they say. I must say, your offer is a very tempting one. For me personally, I would like nothing more than to have my daughter grow up away from this place. I want her to get an education so that she can leave Babylon 5 and make a life for herself away from this squalor. But I can't do this alone. I'll have to get back to you." Carmen said. "That's all I ask, Carmen. Talk to your people -- make them see that this can work. You have really nothing to loose, but a lot to gain." Jeff said. "I'll try, Commander", Carmen said. With that Sinclair rose, bumping his head on the roof of the tent, shook hands with Carmen and left the tent. Once outside, his eyes had to adjust to the light, or lack of light. As he started toward the turbolift, he heard a shout from behind him. Too late he realized that Carmen was trying to warn him. Several men had gathered in front the turbolift, blocking the entrance. Jeff didn't want a fight, but he didn't see much of an alternative. The first man, a big guy about 6'5", 250 pounds easy, came to the front of the pack. "What are you doing here. Spying on us?" he said. Tom, the big guy, had been an engineer before loosing his job in an unfortunate accident. He was gruff and not in the mood to listen to much of what Sinclair had to say. He was here for one reason, and one reason alone, kidnap the Commander and hold him for ransom. "No, I came here to talk to Carmen and I have done just that. I'm leaving now and would appreciate your getting out of my way." Jeff said. "Well isn't that nice. He came to talk with Carmen. I can't wait to hear what you talked' about! My, my, you look like you could get women easily anywhere. You, in your nice clean uniform, looking very official and powerful. Why do you have to come down here and shop around!" Tom said. "I will ignore the slur you have just made against Carmen only because I don't want to fight you or any of the people here. Carmen and I were talking about a plan I have and she will be asking you all to hear about it very soon." Jeff said. "I'll bet on that, Commander Sinclair. Surprised I know who you are? I used to work in the cargo bays and saw you visit there often to check incoming traffic. Even saw you bargain with some of the dock rats last year when they started a strike. Very impressive -- to them. Not to me. I'm not much for waiting around for work. I've had to wait and wait for six months now. Still nothing. I'm for getting a lot of money in a hurry, by holding you here and asking Earth Force for money to return you. How about that, Commander," Tom said. "I'm sorry you feel that way. In fact, I'm very sorry you feel that way, especially since I don't think Earth Force will feel obliged to pay any ransom for me. I'm not exactly one of their favorite people. I think you picked the wrong person to kidnap!" Jeff said. "I don't think so, Commander. I think someone will come up with money so that you can return to your precious command. Someone will be worried enough to gather money for your return," Tom said. Jeff was now stuck with a quandry. Should he continue to try to talk his way out of this situation or see how far he could get in a fight. He'd always been fairly good in a ruckus, but there were quite a number of men here. The odds were definitely not in his favor. "I'll make a deal with you. Listen to the proposal I made to Carmen first. See if you want to participate. That will keep you out of trouble, at least for now, and I think you will be interested in what we have to say." Jeff said. "What if we don't find your proposal of interest, Commander. You will have gone back to the protection of your office and command and we will have lost our bargaining unit," Tom said. "OK, first listen to Carmen. Then, if you don't like what she has to say, I'll come back here and we can take this up where we left off. That's my offer to you." Jeff said. Unfortunately this man did not want to listen to anything Jeff had to say. He jumped Sinclair without warning. Jeff did his best to fend off the blows, getting in some good licks of his own, but Tom was bigger and had a lot of friends. The last thing Jeff remembered was seeing Carmen running toward him, trying to stop the fight. She was frantically pulling at the men fighting Sinclair, trying to free him. Darkness decended with a crashing pain in his head. Carmen couldn't believe this was happening. How could these men be doing this? Why? Sinclair hadn't done anything to provoke them? Why? "Tom Drake, you should be ashamed of yourself. What did Commander Sinclair do to you or any of you? He came here with a proposal to help all of us and what have you done? You repay his kindness with injury. Is he still alive?" Carmen asked. END PART ONE Copyright @ 1995 by Sandra Bruckner. All rights are retained by the author. Babylon 5 is a copyright of the PTN Consortium; no infringment of that copyright is intended. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Sandra G. Bruckner I/STC - USIA (202) 619-5674 (202) 401-1914 (fax) "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> From bruckner@usia.govWed Apr 26 18:10:42 1995 Date: Wed, 26 Apr 95 7:00:42 -0400 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Down Below -- Part 2 Down Below Part Two Carmen knelt over Sinclair to see if he was still breathing. His uniform was torn to shreads, he was bleeding from the many blows he had received and his head had a deep gash. He was alive though. Perhaps there was still hope to save this situation after all. "Tasha, go find Dr. Franklin and bring him here. Don't tell him why we need him or he may bring security with him. Just say that I'm sick and he will come." Carmen said. Tasha was Carmen's six-year old daughter. She was also slight in features, but very cute, with bright red hair and a precious smile. She had just come outside to see what the commotion was all about. "Yes, mother. I'll go get Dr. Stephen." Tasha said. "Now take Commander Sinclair into my tent. He needs attention. Break this up immediately. Go to your own homes and think about what you have done. I thought we were better than this. What have we come to? Are we barbarians?" Carmen said. Tom hung his head and nodded. He and his friends were not totally convinced that Carmen was doing the right thing, but there was time to ransom Sinclair later. He was still down-below. Many of Tom's friends didn't want to skuffle with Sinclair again. They were a little worse for wear themselves, but they knew he where they could find him. Dr. Franklin was in MedLab when Tasha ran into the office and asked him to come down below. Her mother was ill and needed him right away. "I'll just get a couple of things and be right with you. What's wrong with your mother, Tasha," Stephen asked. "She has a pain in her head, Dr. Stephen." Tasha said. "OK, let's go see what's wrong with your mom, Tasha," Stephen said. Tasha took Stephen's hand and led him down to where she and her mother lived. Stephen was surprised to find Commander Sinclair lying in the tent instead of Carmen. Stephen immediately started to assess the Commander's injuries. The scanner noted many bruises and contusions. The problem was the gash on his head. It was bleeding badly. "What happened here? What happened to Commander Sinclair?" Stephen asked. "It's a long story Stephen and I'll be glad to tell you once you have cared for the Commander." Carmen said. "I really need to take him back to MedLab for proper treatment, Carmen. There isn't much I can do for him down here." Stephen said. "I'm afraid that you can't take him to MedLab, Stephen, the men who beat him will allow that. Do what you can for him here. You can to go get what you need to treat him, but don't bring anyone else down here with you. That could be bad for all of us." Carmen said. "Carmen, I'm surprised. I didn't think any of your people were violent. What caused this?" Stephen asked. "I guess they have lost hope, Stephen, and just took it out on Commander Sinclair. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time." Carmen said. "I'll have to go get some more medicine to treat the Commander. I will return shortly and I will come back alone. Stay with him, Carmen. Make sure he doesn't move." Stephen said. "OK Stephen. Tasha and I will stay with him." Carmen said. Stephen left the tent and headed for the turbolift. He didn't know exactly what to expect, but he knew most of the people here. He had treated many of them in the last couple of months. He was surprised not to be confronted in any way. He took the turbolift back to MedLab and began to gather supplies he needed. "Hey, Doc, what's up?" It was Michael Garibaldi, Chief of Security. Stephen didn't need this right now. "Hi, Garibaldi. I've got a little emergency to handle right now. If you don't mind, I'd like to get to it." Stephen said. "Is it anything I should be concerned about?" Garibaldi questioned. "No, no. Just a couple of guys having it out in brown sector. Need to clean them up before I send them back to their jobs." Stephen said. Stephen had opened his bag and put in bandages, antibiotics, whatever he thought he might need. It was a rush job, but he didn't know how much time he had. Garibaldi wanted to know more, and he wasn't in a position to tell him anything. "I'm sorry Garibaldi, I have to run," Stephen said. "OK, Doc. Let me know if you need some help," Garibaldi said. "I will," Stephen called back as he hurried down the hallway. Garibaldi was a little suspicious of Dr. Franklin as he rushed out of MedLab. He was going to follow him, but Lou Welch called him on the comlink and asked him to come over to the Zocolo. A fight had broken out over there and he needed a little help. "OK, Lou. I'm on my way." Garibaldi said. He made a mental note to check on Stephen later. He had a funny feeling. Back in Carmen's tent, Tasha has been sitting with Commander Sinclair. Carmen had gone to talk to some of the others about Sinclair's proposal while they waited for Dr. Franklin to return. Tasha sat there looking at Sinclair, holding a cloth to his head in an effort to stop the bleeding. She put the cloth into a basin of cool water and replaced the cloth on Sinclair's head. The bleeding was slowing and Sinclair was starting to move around a little. Jeff's return to consciousness was a painful one. His head hurt like hell and he felt like he had been run over by a cargo mover. He listened for a while before opening his eyes -- he wasn't sure where he was or what he would find. It had been quiet for a while and he wanted to make sure that he was alone. To his surprise, when he opened his eyes he was greeted by two big blue eyes staring back at him. The eyes belonged to a small girl. "Hello there," Jeff said. His voice was hoarse and his throat dry. "My, you are a pretty little girl. I'm Jeff. What's your name?" "I'm Tasha." "How old are you Tasha?" Sinclair said. "I'm six years old." Tasha said. "Well, you are quite a little lady, Tasha. Is Carmen your mother?" Sinclair asked. "Yes," Tasha said. "Could you get her for me, Tasha? I'm not feeling too well and will need some help to get back to my quarters." Sinclair said. "OK, I'll get my mother," Tasha said. With that she scooted out of the tent, looking back at Sinclair as she went out into the open area. Carmen came shortly. "Don't move, Commander." Carmen said. "Dr. Franklin's orders." "Good, I think I need to the good doctor," Jeff said. "My head is killing me. What happened? Yes, I remember, now. I got trounced by some men from around here. Not very friendly fellows, I might add." Jeff said. He sank back down into the bed that Carmen had made for him. His head was pounding and he was seeing double. Guess he would wait for Stephen. "Please Commander, don't move. I'm sorry that you have been hurt and I'll do everything I can to to set things right. However, you will have to stay with us for a little while, at least until things cool down and I can discuss your proposal with a few more people. I need support and I can only get that by explaining your plan and getting people to agree to work together with you." Carmen said. "All right, Carmen. I'll be your guest for a little while. At least until I can get back on my feet without falling over. It will give me an opportunity to get to know Tasha. She's a lovely girl. " Sinclair said. "Yes, she is Commander. I have high hopes for her. Your school could make a big difference in the way she grows up." Carmen said. Carmen looked outside to see that Dr. Franklin had returned -- alone. "Stephen, he's awake. We've tried to keep him quiet, but his head is bleeding again. I've also told him that he will have to stay here for a while and he's agreed to that. Now see what you can do to make him comfortable." Carmen said. "Commander, how do you feel? Double vision, anything like that?" Stephen said. "I have a tremendous headache, a little dizziness. But I guess I won't be running anywhere anytime soon, right?" Sinclair said. "Well Commander, it looks like you were lucky, all things considered. If you follow orders, you should be back on your feet in a couple of days." Stephen said. He had brought a number of antibiotics to give Sinclair. Although Carmen had a reasonably clean place, there was plenty to be concerned about as far as infection. With the number of cuts and bruises Sinclair had, any one of them could turn nasty in a very short time. For now, however, the head gash with the biggest problem. Stephen sprayed some new skin on and hoped that it would take hold. The bleeding had stopped momentarily, but the cut was very deep and could open easily. Jeff would have to lie still for a while and that was not going to be easy for him. This was one guy who had trouble sitting in meetings, let alone lying quietly so that some healing could begin. "Jeff, it's important that you don't move around much. That gash on your head has to have time to heal a little. I've done all I can do from here and I need to take you to MedLab, but that doesn't look like it's an option now. You'll be light-headed and have some dizziness now and again. That's normal for your type of injury. It is more important that you don't move around much. Am I making myself clear, Commander?" Stephen said. "Yes, Doctor. I'll try to follow orders." Jeff said. "Well, do more than that. I can't stress the importance of peace and quiet enough." Stephen said. "We'll look after him Stephen. Tasha and will see to it that he doesn't get up or move around." Carmen said. "Thanks. I really appreciate that. Are you sure I can't take him to MedLab? I would really be more comfortable if he were there, where I could keep an eye on him." Stephen said. "I don't think you would be permitted to take him away from here, Stephen. If it's not absolutely essential, why stir up a hornet's nest?" Carmen said. "I guess you are right. I know Tom would not let Sinclair leave easily and it might make things worse," Stephen said. "I'll be back in a few hours to check on him. If he develops a fever or his condition changes in any way, let me know and I'll be right down." "We'll let you know of any change, Stephen. For now, he's in good hands." Carmen said. "Stephen," Sinclair said, "you are going to have a little trouble with Mr. Garibaldi. Tell Michael that I'm staying with some friends for a few days and will call him when I get back. That will at least give us a little time before he suspects anything. " Sinclair said. "All right, Commander, I'll tell him that. I don't think he'll be fooled, but at least it may give us a little time," Stephen said. Stephen left Carmen's shelter and headed back to his office. He was now left with a real problem. What to do next? He would make sure that he had everything he needed for Sinclair when he went for his next visit. He would call Mr. Garibaldi and tell him about Sinclair staying with some friends for a couple of days and he would let Ivanova know as well. That might give him enough time to work something out. Back in Carmen's home, Sinclair was watching Tasha. Her task was to watch over him and make sure he was comfortable. He was feeling much better. The pills Dr. Franklin gave him were taking effect. Carmen had gone to talk to others about his proposal. He was anxious about how people would receive the offer of help; but he hoped they would accept it. Given the living conditions down here, how could they not want something better than this? "Tasha, thanks for staying with me. I can see that you are a big help to your mother. What do you usually do during the day? Do you have friends that you play with or do you go to school?" Jeff said. "I have a few friends here. We play some, but mostly I stay close to home. We don't have a school, but mother is teaching me. We have a some books and she is teaching me to read a little." Tasha said. "What kinds of books do you have? I love to read as well, but I have many recordings of books in my quarters. I listen to them often. Maybe you would like to see them one day." Sinclair said. "You have books that you listen too? That sounds like it would be fun. Mom reads to me every night before I go to bed. I really look forward to that; the stories are exciting and I can't wait to hear more." Tasha said. "I'm hoping that we will start a school for you and your friends soon, Tasha. There is a world outside waiting for you to discover it. Have you ever been up to the Observation Dome and looked out into the stars? The Dome is my favorite place on the station and I go there often when I want to think about something. It's quiet and peaceful." Sinclair said. "I'd like to take you there and show you some other places on the station as well." Jeff said. "Thank you Commander. I've never been above and would like to look at the stars. Mother has told me about them, but it would be good to see if they are as I imagine them." Tasha said. "Would you like me to read you a story now, Tasha? Since we have some time on our hands, maybe we can continue one of the stories your Mom was reading to you." Sinclair said. Carmen entered the tent to find Tasha and Sinclair proped up against a crate reading one of Tasha's story books -- Cinderella. It was one of her favorites. Sinclair had his arm around Tasha, showing her the words as he read the story. "My, if this isn't a sight. Are you enjoying yourself Commander, Tasha?" Carmen said. "I am," Sinclair said. "Haven't read this story in years. Still love the characters and I think Tasha does too." "Yes mother. Commander Sinclair is teaching me to read Cinderella, just like you do every evening. We have gotten to the part where the evil step-sisters don't want Cinderella to attend the ball." Tasha said. "Well, put the book away for now. We can read more of it later. I have to talk to Commander Sinclair now. Why don't you go out and play for a little while." Carmen said. "OK mother. I won't be long." Tasha said. "Tasha has been taking good care of me. Thought I would pass the time with a book. Hope you don't mind." Sinclair said. "No, not at all. In fact it served two purposes -- kept you quiet and kept Tasha from running around as well." Carmen said. "Do you have a family Commander? You are very good with Tasha." "No, no family. Never seemed to have time for children -- even a good relationship with anyone. Always moving around, different commands -- different responsibilities." Sinclair said. "That's too bad, Commander. I think you would have made a good father." Carmen said. Sinclair was lost in thought for a moment -- thoughts of what could have been had he gone with Caroline into the trading business. He'd never know. "So what did your friends say," Sinclair asked. "Are they going to go along with my proposal for renovating this area?" "They are very cautious, Commander. They have been lied to before and don't want to get their hopes up. I'm sure you can understand that. Over the past year, things have been looking up with Dr. Franklin's clinic and such. They hope you are telling the truth about this project," Carmen said. "I would like to talk to your friends myself. Perhaps if they heard it from me, they could see that I only want what's best for them and this station." Sinclair said. "I'll set up a meeting with some people soon. You are in no condition to meet people right now, so we'll have to wait until Dr. Franklin gives the OK on that." Carmen said. "Carmen, I'm fine, just a little dizzy. Why can't your friends come here. They can talk and I can listen." Sinclair said. "All right, Commander. I'll see what I can do. Maybe tonight we can get a group together to talk." Carmen said. "Great, Carmen. I'm anxious to get started -- not only because I think it's a good project, but because I hope to get out of here soon. I do have a station to run and would like to get back to it." Jeff said. "That we'll have to see about, Commander. Tom and his friends are still taken with the idea of ransoming you off to Earth Force or whoever will pay to get you back." Carmen said. "As I told Tom, I don't know if anyone would pay to get me back. In fact they may pay to have Tom keep me down here. I'm not very popular in Earth Force; I've ruffled some feathers and made a few enemies along the way." Sinclair said. "I had heard that you were not necessarily a company man' Sinclair and that's to your favor. I just hope we can trust you," Carmen said. As night fell, people began to gather in Carmen's tent. "I think everyone I invited is here, Commander. Why don't you start by explaining your proposal and then you can listen to what we have to say," Carmen said. "Thank you, Carmen. Excuse me for not getting up, but I've got a little problem. I hope you will understand," Sinclair said smiling. Many in the group chuckled, understanding what Sinclair meant and appreciating that he could joke about his condition -- one that they created. Sinclair continued to outline what he had first discussed with Carmen. Building materials, food for the workers, a school for the children. People nodded their approval as he spoke and their eyes seemed a little brighter. "How do we know that you will keep your word on this, Sinclair? What if the money and materials run out and we haven't finished. What then?" Tom said. "We'll face that when it happens. I think I've set aside enough materials for twice what you are likely to use down here. We have a lot of surplus food stores and that shouldn't be a problem. This is not an Earth Force sanctioned project, however, so things could go wrong. I hope they don't, but if they do, we will work on them together." Sinclair said. It was an answer Tom could live with. He appreciated Sinclair's honesty as well. It was not a pat answer; something this man was used to getting when dealing with the military or politicians. "If we agree to this, Commander, when can we start?" Carmen said. "It will take us about a week to get an engineer down here to work with Tom on some drawings and have materials brought down here for you to begin with. After that, there will be weekly or bi-weekly deliveries." Sinclair said. "That seems reasonable. What do you all think? Should we go for this? Should we trust Sinclair?" Carmen said. "Yes," said the group. It was good to hear some enthusiasm return to people who had experienced nothing but hardship for the last two years. It would be good for the entire station to have these people working on something that would make their lives better as well. Even Tom and some of his friends looked as though they had been sold on the idea. "If I can return to my office, then, I can get this project started and develop a schedule for deliveries. I can work with Carmen on the specifics -- or someone else that you designate." Sinclair said. "Carmen will keep us informed of everything that is going on, Commander, and she knows what we need down here. You can work through her." Stephen Franklin had entered the room as the discussion was about mid-point. He sat and listened to what Sinclair was trying to do for these people and was not just a little bit shocked. He had talked to Sinclair about his clinic, but only a little. He knew that Sinclair had turned his head on additional medical supply orders and had actually increased his budget to accommodate his "new patients". This was something else again. He couldn't believe what was going to happen. This was absolutely wonderful and he couldn't wait to talk to Commander Sinclair about it. "OK Commander, we'll let you go back above, on one condition. That you keep in touch with Carmen and let us know as soon as the first shipment will arrive. If you double-cross us in anyway, you will pay!" Tom said. "Tom, I look forward to working with both you and Carmen on this. This will take all of us to finish, but if we all work together, this place will be something worthwhile." Sinclair said. "OK, that's enough for tonight. Let's all go home now and talk more about this in the morning." Carmen said. Dr. Franklin came over to Sinclair and said, "Commander, if this is how you remain quiet, I would hate to see you starting something. How do you feel, you don't look so good!" "Thanks, Stephen. I am a little dizzy but nothing more. This meeting couldn't wait, especially if they are going to allow me to leave here to begin the project. I want to get started as soon as possible," Sinclair said. "Well, if I can get you to MedLab and check you out, you might be able to move along with the project in a day or two." Franklin said. "I guess I'll have to settle for that, Doctor." Sinclair said. "The sooner we get started the better. People down here are eager to build shelters for themselves. I want to get the school opened as well. There is just a lot to be done." "Yes, I know Commander. But you are not superman. You will have to work on this a little at a time or face the consequences." Stephen said. "Let's get this over with, Doctor. I have a lot of work to begin." Sinclair said. Franklin helped Sinclair to his feet. He was a little wobbly at first; a little dizzy, but that passed and they walked together toward the turbolift. Tasha came running over to Sinclair before they departed. "Commander Sinclair, we didn't finish our story and will you take me to the Observation Dome soon? I want to see the stars!" Tasha said. "Your Mom can continue the story tonight. The Dome, let's do that right now, Tasha, if it's OK with the good doctor and your mother to take a little detour." Sinclair said. Stephen was not thrilled with the idea, but didn't see any harm. At least they were free to go and no one was trying to stop them this time. Carmen nodded approval and they were ready to leave. Sinclair took Tasha's hand as they entered the turbolift. She had been in the turbolift many times, but never beyond the red sector and she was just a little bit scared. As the turbolift opened on the bridge, everyone turned to see Sinclair, Dr. Franklin and Tasha enter. This was a sight. Commander Sinclair who was supposed to be away visiting some friends enters the bridge looking as though he had personally fought a narkaleen feeder. Ivanova came over quickly to make sure everything was all right. "Commander, are you all right?" Ivanova said. "Yes, Lt. Commander. I'm fine, just some bruises. I'm taking a special friend to see one of my favorite places -- the Observation Dome." Sinclair said. As they walked up to the Observation Dome, Tasha was speechless. She was completely taken by the view of the stars. She had never seen anything quite so beautiful. "Tasha, you can come here anytime you like. I'll show you where Earth is, and Mars and many other planets and places. I think it's the most beautiful place on the entire station." Sinclair said. "Yes it is, Commander. Thank you." Tasha said. "Now Commander, we really must go to MedLab," Franklin said. "OK Doctor. Lt. Commander, could you have someone take Tasha home. She lives down below." Sinclair said. "I'll take her myself, Commander." Ivanova said, with a questioning glance. "Very well, thank you. Tasha is a very special friend and her mother is going to help us with a project. I'll tell you all about it later." Sinclair said. They all walked over to the turbolift -- Sinclair and Franklin headed toward MedLab -- Tasha and Ivanova were going down below. "You know, Doctor. We're going to have to think of a new name for down below once we have it all fixed up. It should be something special." Sinclair said. "We'll give it some thought later, Commander. Right now I just want to check you out thoroughly." Franklin said. "Doctor, you worry too much," Sinclair said. "And perhaps you don't worry enough, Commander." Franklin said. As they walked into MedLab, Commander Sinclair had already come up with a new comlink and was calling people around the station to get things moving. He had talked to Garibaldi to assure him that everything was fine; he had called building maintenance and talked to Tony, saying that he had made the appropriate arrangements and that the schedule could now proceed, and he called stores to talk to Heidi. He also told her that whenever she was ready to make the first delivery to let him know and that they would prepare the folks to receive the packages. This was all done in the space of a few minutes. Obviously Sinclair had had this all worked out before he went down below and Tony and Heidi were just awaiting final word. Once Sinclair had completed these instructions, he was ready for Dr. Franklin to begin his examination. "OK Commander. You will stay with us tonight so that I can keep an eye on you and I'm confining to your quarters for another day or two." Stephen said. "Great! That will give me time to work this out a little better before it actually goes into operation. I have to talk with Ramona and Justin about setting up the school." Sinclair said. "For now, however, Commander, you will rest. Take these, they will help you sleep." Stephen said, handing Sinclair some pills and water. Sinclair was not in any condition to argue, right now. He was very tired and just wanted to get some sleep. Tomorrow would bring a new day. He was looking forward to working with Carmen and Tom and the others from down below. Work on "Sanctuary" -- that was a good name for this new village -- would begin in a week or so. As he laid down and drifted off to sleep, he could see it all in his mind's eye already. Another sector of Babylon 5 would be open for part of his extended family. Commander Jeffrey Sinclair slept knowing that the station was secure and the future for Tasha and other children on the station, was now just a little brighter. A good day's work, even if he did say so himself. THE END Copyright @ 1995 by Sandra Bruckner. All rights are retained by the author. Babylon 5 is a copyright of the PTN Consortium; no infringment of that copyright is intended. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Sandra G. Bruckner I/STC - USIA (202) 619-5674 (202) 401-1914 (fax) "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>