From: yanina brown Subject: Entwinded souls part 1 Date: Wed, 16 Apr 1997 13:58:55 +1000 Disclaimer: The established character's of Babylon 5 belong to JMs & Warner Brother's and whomever else has claim. No infrigement of copyright is intended. All other character's are mine and this story. ENTWINDED SOULS part one by Yanina Brown They had been travelling for two days now in hyper space. The freighter was nothing more than scavenged parts put together in a hurry. It was no beauty, no sleek lines and in someplaces it was simply patched with steel plates. There was nothing to make others admire her structure. Soon they would be arriving at Babylon 5. The end of the line for most aboard the freighter. The dregs of more than one society, flung together in miserable surroundings. Those who managed to pay the transport fee, had nothing more to lose. Everything they had, had been squandered on this nightmare trip to the base. The conditions had been appalling, not to mention the bashings,and two murders, yet to be investigated. The talk had been that the freighter would leave and nothing more would be done. Lining up with the others the woman looked about as much as she dared. Pulling the shawl closer to her face, she sighed, lowering her eyes. It seemed an age before her turn came for disembarkment. She only had her pass left, everything else had been stolen. "Pass," Zach held his hand out. Eyeing her up and down. She looked like all the other losers, that had passed through that morning, "How long do you intend staying on Babylon 5," he asked, knowing full well most had no idea where they where going, let alone how long they would be staying in one place. "Not sure," she whispered, hoping she wouldn't be questioned anymore. Her throat still hurt. Pulling the shawl closer around her neck, so that he would not see the purple and blue bruising. Rimmer waited. Just behind her an argument broke out. The frustration of having to wait for what seemed like hours to have your passed checked, had taken it's toll. Handing her pass to her, Zach said, "On your way, Miss." turning to group behind her, he stepped into the fray. Clutching her pass to her chest, Rimmer almost ran down the ramp. Not looking as to where she was going, she slammed into another person, dropping her pass. Strong arms wrapped around her. Looking up passed the chest before her eyes, she looked into the dark eyes of Marcus Cole. Immediately she dropped her eyes an mumbled, "Sorry," pulling away from him. She turned away from him, ducking into the crowd quickly. Bending down, Marcus picked up the dropped pass. Looking at the ID, he committed her name to his memory. Pocketing the pass, he moved through the crowd in the direction she had taken. Rimmer had no idea where she was going. She was tired and hungry. She had not slept for more than 4 days now. She had been to scared, fearing another attack. Walking aimlessly through the market, she could hardly think from the smell of food. When suddenly her upper arm was grabbed. Turning with her fist bunched, she punched her assailant in the face, at the same time kicking them in the shins. Refusing to let her go, Marcus swore, wiping the blood from his nose. Pulling her towards him. "Enough," shaking her,"I'm not going to hurt you." Pulling out her pass, he held it up to her. Rimmer stared at it, not comprehending. Her mind was a blank. The shawl had slipped from around her neck, exposing the bruising. Pushing back her hair to get a better look, Marcus gasped in horror. She had been strangled, and it didn't take a fool to realise that from the extent of the bruising. Bending slightly at the knee, Marcus scooped her up in his arms and made his way through the crowd. Rimmer was so tired she didn't even protest. Arriving at the Medlab, Marcus called out to Doctor Franklin. "Where to you want her, Doctor.?" he asked. Doctor Franklin pointed to a spare bed. "What happened," thinking that she must've fainted, until he saw the bruising. Looking at Marcus he didn't have to ask the question. "As to how she was strangled Doctor," shrugging his shoulders, "I at the moment have no answers. She arrived on Babylon only this morning. The bruising has been there for awhile." "Do you know who she is?"asked Stephen, looking back at woman frowning. "Only her name from her ID. Her name is Rimmer Nareesh." answered Marcus, "She has no other belongings, nor did anyone meet her." "Well I can tell you now Marcus, she will be here for a while," picking up a diagnostic tool, "At least two days, maybe longer. It might be better if you came back later... say in a few hours. I'll have a better idea as to her health then. In the mean time, your in the way." "Right," unwilling to leave, but knowing the Doctor was right. He could do nothing for her standing around. Turning from the bed, he left the complex. He would report this to Garibaldi in security. He looked like an avenging angel, striding down the corridor with his cloak billowing behind him. People hurriedly moved out of his way. Giving him free passage. His thoughts in a whirl, *Someone had tried to strangle Rimmer for her few possessions aboard the freighter and judging from the marks on her neck, it had to be a man* He continued on his way, completly unaware of Susan Ivanova, calling out to him as he passed by. "Well I never." completely surprised at his behaviour, Susan turned on her heel and headed back to the Command Centre. Finding Garibaldi, Marcus hailed him. "Chief can I see you a moment. It's important." "Sure what's up," walking over to him. *Has to be something big for Marcus to look so serious* thought Garibaldi. "The freighter that arrived this morning from sector 4, do you know if it has left yet?" asked Marcus. "Not yet, Why?" "A woman arrived this morning on that freighter. She only had her pass and nothing else. Only difference was that someone tried to strangle her, on the voyage here. She's with Doctor Franklin now. It looks like it was done a few days before they jumped." "Odd, there has been no report from the Captain," lifting his hand to his mouth, he ordered security to the shipping bay. "I'll look into it and get back to you." he said to Marcus," Hey! Marcus,"as they walked apart,"I expect the same." Knowing that Marcus would carry out his own investigation. Over the years Garibaldi had come to except the Ranger's strange quite ways. At first he had been unsure of Marcus Cole and his place in the scheme of things. Delenn had vouched for him on his arrival on Babylon 5 and Commander Sinclair trusted Marcus with his life. Susan had be embarrassed by his attentions. Bets had been placed all over the station as to when she would give in and except his attentions. Marcus had been pursuing Susan for quite awhile now and it had been only lately that she had been weakening. Marcus walked through the Market place looking for Ma. Ma was a mine of information. The old girl might be half blind but her hearing was as good as ever. Nothing got passed Ma. She was Underground. The heart and pulse. Finding her in her cubby, Marcus knocked on the board, "Ma, it's Marcus Cole. I need to ask you some questions." He waited for her to bid him enter, knowing she would keep him waiting. It was her way. While he waited patiently for her, he thoughts drifted back to Rimmer. "Are you standing there all day boy!, or what?" asked Ma alittle miffed at Marcus lack of attention. She had told him to enter, but he had been miles away in thought. "Sorry," was all he said. Bending down, he entered her cubby, sitting on the floor. After an hour he left. Ma told him of the two murders aboard the freighter. The traveller's had been scared. Very scared. Some had gone into hiding, believing the culprit was at large on Babylon 5. This worried him. If Rimmer could identify her attacker, she could very well be still in danger. Especially if her attacker was the killer. Returning to Medlab, Marcus noted that Rimmer had been moved into isolation. He walked up to the doors, which did not respond to him. In affect he was locked out. Doctor Franklin called to him, that he would be only a moment. To Marcus it felt like he had been waiting for over an hour. His temper was not the best. When Stephen finally arrived, Marcus let out a sigh, entering the isolation ward, behind Stephen. "I decided to place her in isolation for security sake. Her injuries are minimal considering the force applied to her neck. It'll be sometime before her voice returns to normal, though. As to the rest of her health," looking up at Marcus,"she's suffering exhaustion, and weight loss. I would say she hasn't eaten properly for the past few months. Otherwise with rest and regular meals, she be right as rain, as they use to say." "How long will it be before she can leave, Doctor?" asked Marcus. "Tomorrow at the earliest." answered Doctor Franklin. "Thank you." Leaving Marcus with Rimmer, Doctor Franklin returned to his work. Marcus Cole stood looking down at Rimmer while she slept, wondering where she was from and what her life had been like before her arrival on Babylon.... End part one........... From: yanina brown Subject: ENTWINED SOULS part Two Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997 19:22:05 +1000 ENTWINED SOULS part Two by Yanina Brown Disclaimer: The established character's of Babylon 5 belong to JMS & Warner Brother's and whomever else has claim. No infringement of copyright is intended. All other character's are mine and this story. He had been standing there for quite sometime, unaware that she was returning his stare. His mind had been wandering, back to another time. Realising that she was staring at him, he smiled at her. Touching her hand lightly to reassure her that she was not alone. Marcus was surprised when Rimmer pulled her hand away from his. Tears threatened to fall, as Rimmer sat up. "You need to rest Rimmer," gently he pushed her back onto the bed, "Your safe here." "Please," she whispered, her throat felt as if it was on fire,"You don't understand, "struggling to speak louder. Marcus bent closer to her. " You must rest Rimmer. Try not to use your voice for awhile OK. You'll only do more damage to your vocal cords, if you do." Pushing his hands from her shoulders, Rimmer once again managed to sit up. Swing her legs over the side of the bed. She glared at him, furious at the way she was being treated. She did not feel safe here. "Leave me alone!, understand!" pushing herself from the bed, she came up against him. Marcus did not move back. Taking hold of her upper arms, he held her tight, unsure if he should try and make her get back onto the bed. All his instincts screamed for him to get her out of there "He will kill me here, and do it soon. I feel it here," tapping her chest, "Please let me go," barely above a whisper. It was enough. Marcus didn't hesitate, "Follow me and stay close." leaving the isolation ward, Marcus took off his cloak wrapping it around her shoulders. Pulling the hood over her face. He guided her towards the main door. Medlab was extremely busy. Earlier there had been a small explosion involving a maintenance unit on one of the lower decks.. It was easy for anyone to enter unnoticed, when it was this busy. Marcus stopped only for a split second to check the corridor outside the Medlab, before saying, "OK let's go." Walking quickly, Marcus scanned the area as much as possible, keeping a firm hold on his weapon. Rimmer's steps started to slow. She was having difficulty in breathing. Slowing his stride, Marcus became concerned. Placing an arm about her waist, he was about to lift her into his arms when she said, "No!, I'll be OK. Besides people will noticed." It hurt her to speak. Tears formed and one slowly slipped down her cheek. Marcus saw her distress and his heart felt for her. Squeezing her gently. She leant into him, trying to get her breathe back. She held onto him for support, as they moved on. What seemed like an eternity to Rimmer, Marcus finally opened a door into a small room. "Welcome to my home, Rimmer." To her it sounded like he had said, 'Welcome home Rimmer'. She was dreaming, that was it, she thought. The walk had tired her more than she thought possible. Her legs felt like they where made of lead. Her body started to shake, making her feel as if she was about to faint, when strong arms picked her up and placed her on the bed. Rimmer had barely been conscious. All she could think about was how wonderful it was to lie there. Just as Marcus made to move away, her eyes shot open in fright. She was frightened of falling asleep alone. She could still feel the effects of the sedative that the Doctor had given her. "Please don't leave me," holding onto his arm. "I won't. You're safe here Rimmer. Close your eyes and sleep. I'll still be here when you wake up," settling down beside her, he gathered her up into his arms, holding her gently. Listening to her breathing, Marcus was satisfied that it was no longer laboured as she slept. Closing his eyes for a moment, Marcus also slept. When Marcus opened his eyes, he thought he had only closed them for a short time, until he checked his old style watch. Removing Rimmer's arm from his waist, he left the bed, swearing to himself. He had slept for more than 14 hours. A meeting had been called for earlier that day and he should have been there. He had promised Rimmer he would be there when she woke. Touching her shoulder, he shook her lightly, until she opened her eyes. "I'll be back soon with something to eat." Smiling at her whispered 'yes' and yawn, he turned and quietly left the room in search of Delenn, Marcus had not expected to find Delenn, walking about the market. Bowing to Delenn he apologised for his lack of attendance, explaining to her why he had failed to show. Delenn hid the smile that threatened to turn into laughter. She had to meet this woman, who could keep a Ranger away from his duties. When she had gained some measure of control, Delenn looked at Marcus, noting that he looked well. The last time she had seen him, she thought he had looked tired, and had meant to say something to him about getting more rest between missions. There where other Rangers on Babylon 5 that could deal with the more mundane. Leaving Marcus more time for other more important things, such as locating the unknown killer that was now aboard the station...... Returning to his quarters Marcus, hesitated outside his door, wondering at the sudden increase of heartbeat. He felt like an untried youth, facing the most important thing in his life and trying to look cool and collected, while his knee's knocked together. In his mind flashed an image of Rimmer on the other side of the door. Marcus felt the blush rising. He hadn't blushed since he was a boy. Shaking himself mentally, Marcus walked into the room to find it empty. For a fraction of a second, Marcus froze, until he heard the slight sound coming from the bathroom. Relieved, Marcus placed their meal on the table. When he had been choosing something for Rimmer he had be very much aware of her injuries. He hoped what he had finally chosen was to her taste. Hearing her enter the room, Marcus turned to her smiling. The vision that meet his eyes, caused him to stand there and stare. He had never seen anyone in one of his robes. One shoulder had slipped, revealing pale cream colour flesh. Her hair was loose, hanging midway to her waist, with tints of gold. He hadn't realised her hair was that long. Rimmer returned his stare, taking in the dark shoulder length hair, and dark eyes, that seemed to change colour. Eyes that could see into one's soul and promised much. She had no idea who he was, not even his name, yet she felt safe with him. Until now, knowing his name hadn't seemed necessary They stood there looking at one another, both unwilling to make the next move. Pulling the robe back in place, snapped Marcus out of his inability to think clearly. "I brought us something to eat," he indicated the packages on the table, "If you will excuse me, I need to freshen up." he walked passed her into the bathroom, taking a large calming breathe to steady his frantic beating heart. He hadn't felt like this in a long, long time, not even with Susan Ivanova. If he was honest with himself, it pleased him. .... When he returned, he found her settled on the couch eating the pureed fruit. Not saying anything he too began to eat, when the door chimed. "Who is it?" queried Marcus, standing beside the door with his pike fully extended. He wasn't taking any changes "G'Kar." was the only answer. Opening the door Marcus motioned him inside, quickly checking outside, before closing the door. Walking over to Rimmer G'Kar extended his hand to her in the human way of welcome. Taking his hand, Rimmer smiled with eyes that seemed less focused than before. G'Kar experienced a flash of insight, a vision, something. It happened so fast. He saw himself bleeding from a chest wound, held in the arms of the woman before him.....then it was gone. Marcus saw the odd exchange, between the two. G'Kar's body had stiffened, yet he did not pull away, and Rimmer, well to him, she seemed the same. Stepping back from Rimmer, G'Kar crossed his arm, bowing low, he said, "Lady, I am yours to command." straightening, he turned to Marcus, "I need to speak to you privately, Marcus." "Privately G'Kar, must be important then." motioning for them to leave his quarters, Marcus left first. Before G"Kar left he turned to Rimmer and again bowed to her saying, "Lady," as he back out of the room. G"Kar's mind was in a whirl as he walked after Marcus,* A seer, or maybe she was something else* he thought as he caught up with him. G'Kar informed Marcus of the disturbance in Medlab, earlier that morning. G"Kar believed it was the killer. Since security had be stepped up, G'Kar and his fellow Narns had taken it upon themselves to add to the hunt, mostly from boredom. Hearing about Medlab, disturbed Marcus.*If I had left Rimmer there, she could be dead now.* he thought to himself. Shaking himself mentally, he put it behind him. G'Kar promised the Ranger that he and his men would not be far from Rimmer, whenever she left his quarters. Satisfied, Marcus thank him and returned to find Rimmer asleep again on the bed. Standing there for a few minutes, he studied her face. Wondering where she was originally from. Somehow he felt he had known her for along time, which he knew in reality, was only a day or so. Having her here in his quarters pleased him, more than he was willing to admit. He knew he should find other accommodation for her soon, but for the time being, it was safer for her here with him.... END PART TWO