From: "Aubrey W. Adkins" Subject: Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 21 of ---(WIP) Date: Thu, 09 Sep 1999 14:33:47 -0400 Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 21 of ---(WIP) Criticism is welcomed. Without, it there can't be any improvement. Address criticisms to [xazqrten@norfolk.infi.net] Think of this as a space opera. All characters/places/persons not belonging to the writer are the sole properties of their owners, PTEN, WB, JMS, and will be turned over to the owners at the request of their agents. All other characters/places/persons are public domain. Rated PG-10 (Vocabulary ****************************************************** Unobtrusively, the music began in the background. The restaurant had the local orchestra working for the evening. Lyta having finished her meal and nursing a drink, pulled Sheraun to his feet and started toward the dance floor. "I am not a dancer, Lyta," he protested. "You lead in time to the music. I will do the rest," she responded. With Lyta in his arms, Sheraun moved to the music and was stunned at how fluid Lyta's movements were. The truth was the rangers used dancing to work on coordination between partners. She was snuggled up against him and he could hardly feel her in his arms, except for the heat of her body. "You are very good," commented Sheraun. "You seem surprised," she responded. "Pleasantly." They returned to their table. "You dance very well, Lyta," said John. "Simple coordination," she replied. "Boss. May I?" Asked Larry. Lyta smiled at him and followed him to the dance floor. Sheraun looked at Lochley, "Captain, would you care to..." Without hesitation she joined him. He was extremely agile for such a large person. Elizabeth was surprised. The dance was a fast one and she found herself being moved around the dance floor at a dizzying pace. Walking back to the table, Lochley commented, "You are very good, Sheraun." "Lyta thinks so." Lochley looked him in the face trying to detect any double meaning in the statement, but Sheraun's face revealed nothing. He smiled at her. "You and John have been through a lot, haven't you?" Asked Larry as he led Delenn around the floor. Delenn thought for a moment before replying, "More than anyone else will ever know. The wars you know about, but there is much more, but that will be for historians. How are you and Captain Lochley doing?" "It is going well. Thanks to Lyta we have a very special relationship. Like yours, there are things no one else will ever know, except for Lyta. She seems to be in the know on a great many things." "Unfortunately, you will never know just how true that statement is." "I know she has a load of secrets." "That and much more. What do you think of her?" "I like her very much, in spite of the enigma she represents. She is beyond anything I have ever experienced in a telepath. Sometimes she is scary." "I never think of her as scary, but then I know her much better than you." Delenn stumbled at that moment. "What's wrong?" Asked Larry. "John is leading Lyta to the dance floor," replied Delenn. "That is strange?" "More than you will ever know." ********************************************************************* Moving around the floor, John was amazed at how light Lyta felt. She moved like a fluid, flowing from one movement to another. "I don't understand it, Lyta. How can I be civil when we are around a crowd of friends and so hateful when we are alone?" Asked John. "I'm not allowed to tell you that," she responded. "You mean, you know." Softly, "Yes." "You can't tell me?" "No. it will make problems for a very good mutual friend. That's as much as I can say on the matter. One day you will learn the reasons behind it, and you will agree, it was the only way." "I guess I'll just have to take your word for that." "Yes." "Has anyone ever told you, you sound a lot like the old Kosh?" "Yes." ************************************************************************* "Gentlemen and women, I have thoroughly enjoyed this evening," said Captain Lochley, "But I do have to be up early tomorrow. The station doesn't run itself. So, I bid you goodnight." Larry rose and left with Elizabeth. Susan and Charles followed them a few minutes later. "Well. I don't have to get up early tomorrow," said John, taking Delenn's hand and returning to the dance floor. "How about you, Sheraun?' Asked Lyta. "I leave when you do?" Lyta smiled at the big warrior. He was a heart thief, if she had ever met one. He surely had stolen hers. A few minutes later the Sheridans returned to the table. They were watching Lyta and Sheraun. An odd couple, they were. The tall redhead barely came up to his shoulder. A human and a minbari, who would have thought. Then he looked at Delenn and thought, [Maybe not so odd after all]. A few minutes later, Delenn asked John to call it a day with her. They departed leaving Lyta and Sheraun alone. Looking across the restaurant, Lyta observed, "It's just us and the drunks, Sheraun. Are you ready to call it a night?" Putting his arm around her shoulder, he replied, "I am with you." They got up and started to leave. They were just leaving the restaurant, with Sheraun's arm around Lyta's waist. Someone called out a slurred insulting remark. "Don't pay any attention, Sheraun. They don't count for anything." "As you wish." "Let me do any head knocking. I am on a diplomatic passport, and they won't do much except ask me to leave." "You are a head-knocker?" "More than you can imagine." ********************************************************************* "Hello. Lyta," said a male voice from behind her. "Good evening, Zack. What brings you out this late?" Asked Lyta. "Boredom, mostly. I haven't had much luck with sleep, lately. Who's your friend?" "Sheraun. Say hello to Zack Allen, station chief of security." Offering his hand in a human gesture, he said, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Allen." Zack shook his hand. "I heard the slur that was thrown your way, Lyta. You seem to handle it well." "It was just someone with too much to drink, too much mouth, and not enough common sense. They're cheaper by the dozen this time of night. If they pull a knife or gun, that will be different." "Take, care. We have some nasty ones here," he said as he continued on his random walk. She called after him, "Zack, maybe should you tell them to steer clear of me!" He turned, looked at her, and smiled. "What was that about?" Asked Sheraun. "Let's be real, Sheraun. Nothing on this station can do me any real harm, short of blowing it up, and even that is in doubt. The danger is to anyone stupid enough to accost me." "Cranky tonight, aren't we?" "Is that your Marcus impression?" "Yes. I liked him very much." Lyta looked at him, and smiled a silly smile, as she took his arm and said, "Let's go home." **************************************************************************** "Okay, sleepy head. It's time to rise and shine," Lyta said to the sleeping four-year old. Maya opened one eye and looked at her mom. "Is it that time already?" "Yes. Sheraun has gone back to his ship." "Is he going to be back?" "Probably, as if that is any concern of yours," replied Lyta sitting on the edge of the bed and leaning over to kiss her offspring. Maya got up and got dressed. "We have been invited over to his ship today. You were on it once before, right after you were born." "Can I get breakfast first?" Asked Maya. "Come on Emily, I will buy for all of us." Lyta put in a call to her ambassador, and he accepted the breakfast invitation. ************************************************************************** The breakfast was nothing to brag about, but it was adequate. "I have to go to Mars and maybe Earth, Harly. I will be gone for a week or so. I am leaving Larry in charge of our telepath correction project. As we discussed, Charles will be leaving with Susan. I will return here before returning to Glenthor. I want to make one final check before I leave. I don't plan on returning in the near future, if ever." "I don't see any problems with your plans. I will regret seeing you leave. It has been a real pleasure having you here," responded Ambassador Hental. "I will be leaving people behind to cover us." "Mom. How are we getting over to the whitestar?" "Sheraun is going to send a shuttle for us. That reminds me, I have to arrange for station provisions to get our shuttle ready, and I also need to see Delenn this morning. You go with Emily, Maya." ******************************************************************* "Delenn, I need to see you this morning. Do you have any spare time?" "Come on over. I have lots of free time this morning. John is tied up with some IA business." Fifteen minutes later: "I appreciate your seeing me. I have some questions, I need answered, if you can answer them." Intrigued by Lyta's approach, Delenn asked, "Exactly what do you have in mind?" "You must have figured out by now that Sheraun and I did more than just talk yesterday and last night." "Both of you are mature adults. What you did, or didn't do, is no one else's concern." "I agree. However, my concern is what would happen if I got pregnant as a result." "That is impossible, Lyta. He is a full minbari and you are human." "For the sake of argument, let's just say I get pregnant, and have a baby as a result." "You would have a minbari baby, I suppose. What are your questions?" "I know you and John have had your share of problems with your marriage. I assume you have problems because of David. However, you and he are high ranking government officials, so some of the lack of acceptance of your situation is mitigated by that fact. I and Sheraun don't have that luxury. I am asking, if I should have a child by him, would it be better for the child to raise her in isolation from other minbari? How would other minbari respond to a half-breed? I have the means to make sure she would reach adulthood without ever meeting another minbari." "I understand your concerns, Lyta, and I don't have a good answer to any of them. I don't know what a child resulting from Sheraun and your union would look like or anything else. Knowing how my change affected our people, especially our leaders, isolation would probably be best. Remember, I was a member of the grey council when my change took place, and still many of my people considered me a half-breed outsider. I am sure that some still do." Lyta sat drinking her tea and thinking about what her friend had just said. She changed position in her chair several times and tapped her fingers on the table while considering her options. "Since you can't get pregnant by Sheraun, I don't understand your stated concerns." "I just wanted all the information I could get. I like to have contingency plans." "Sometimes, I just don't understand you at all, Lyta." Lyta smiled and said, "Good." "You spent too much time with Kosh." *********************************************************************** "It's been a while since I was here, Sheraun, almost five years." "I know. Most of that crew is still here. We don't move personnel around as often as earthforce. We train a crew together, and they stay together." "Let me guess. It helps foster the family feeling?" "Yes. We minbari believe in family to a fault." "I know that. I learned it from your relatives." "I heard about that dinner. You are not popular with them." "I put on my best behavior, too." "Then, I don't want to see your worst." They were on the bridge and Sheraun ordered the navigator to take them back to station. "I would offer you a tour of the ship, but you saw pretty much everything when you were here before." "I didn't," piped Maya. "Quite true. You were too young to remember. I will have one of the crew give you a tour." ************************************************************************* Lyta and Sheraun were in his quarters when he was summoned by the communications watch. "Captain. We have a request from Entil'za Delenn to come aboard for a short visit." "Inform her we will be delighted, and ask when to expect her." Looking at Lyta, he said, "There goes our private time." Lyta chuckled and replied, "Delenn has always had impeccable timing." "His comm link chirped, and the comm watch's voice said, "Captain. She will be arriving in half an hour." He acknowledged the call, and looked at Lyta. "Shall we take a slow walk to the hangar bay?" *************************************************************************** "Entil'za Delenn. Welcome to Whitestar 71." "Captain Sheraun. I am alone, John had some business to attend. Hello, Lyta." "Hello, Delenn." "I came to see Sheraun. It is a personal matter." "No problem. I will be in the mess facility, Sheraun," said Lyta. With that she turned and walked away. "Shall we retire to my quarters, Entil'za?" "That will be fine, Sheraun." ************************************************************************ The young female ranger, a minbari, was astonished at the endurance of the young human. Any ordinary four-year old would have been totally exhausted by now, even a minbari child. Yet, she showed no signs of slowing down. She also kept a steady stream of questions about the ship flowing. It was almost too much for the young ranger to handle. The youngster was asking questions best answered by the people who designed the ship. This had been going on for the better part of two hours. Hoping to end this assignment, the ranger took Maya toward the bridge. The first officer was sitting in the captain's chair when Maya and her escort arrived on the bridge. Looking at the ranger, he asked, "New crew member? I heard we were getting them young these days." "No sir. More of a tourist. Her mother is visiting the captain." Looking at Maya, he asked, "Is your mom the redhead?" "Yes, sir," answered Maya. He smiled. "The last time I saw you here, your mother was breast feeding you, while she killed a drazi ship's captain. You were only a few hours old. You have grown quite a bit." "I don't remember that," she replied. At that moment there was an incoming message pleading for help. A narn freighter was being attacked, on the other side of the sector, by unknown raiders. The first officer punched the intercom switch on the chair's control panel and announced, "Emergency, Captain to the bridge!" In the passage way outside his stateroom, Shreaun heard the announcement. "Our talk will have to wait, Entil'za Delenn." He walked off at a rapid pace and Delenn did her best to keep up with him. In the mess facility, Lyta also heard the announcement and made a dash for the bridge. *************************************************************************** A P-9 telepath and above can detect electronic equipment in operation, Lyta and Maya could control it and read signals without displays. Forgotten on the bridge, Maya reached out with her mind, it took a minute to find the terrified thoughts of the freighter's captain and crew. She could "see" what was happening, and knew how far away they were. Her recent tour of the ship and her incessant questions left her aware that the whitestar could not arrive in time even at maximum burn. She began to feel for the control computers of the ship. It took a few minutes to get her thoughts sorted out to allow her to control the ship. Unknown to the minbari, the ship's computers and control systems contained more Vorlon technology than any of them knew. It was this technology that would allow the young human/Vorlon hybrid to take control of the ship's systems. Captain Sheraun arrived on the bridge just in time to hear C&C on Babylon 5 request that his ship make an effort to render assistance. Delenn arrived in time to hear the request. "Do it Captain," she ordered. Before he could give the order, the ship pivoted violently on its axis, opened a jump point, and with engines at absolute maximum output transited into hyperspace as it accelerated on its new course. ************************************************************************** On board Babylon 5 in C&C, Captain Lochley was called out into control by Ltjg. Ellis, one of the newly qualified controller watch supervisors. "Incoming emergency call, Captain. It's a narn freighter on the other side of the sector. There isn't a jump gate anywhere near there. It's too far away for our fighters to answer. We need something with jump capability." "Without hesitation, Lochley called the Whitestar 71 and requested that they respond to the call." As she finished the call, Lochley and everyone in C&C watching the displays observed the whitestar execute a neck wrenching spin and vanish into a jump point, without even acknowledging her call. "Captain," Asked Ellis, "What just happened?" "I don't know. Try and establish contact with them." ************************************************************************** The pivot maneuver was so violent that those on the bridge, excepting Maya, and elsewhere on the ship, excepting Lyta, who were not sitting down or otherwise braced, were thrown to the deck. Sheraun pulled himself to his feet and assisted Delenn. "What happened?" He demanded. No one answered. Everyone looked at one another. Everyone had forgotten about Maya. It was then that Lyta made it to the bridge. She noticed Maya standing at the forward bridge windows, oblivious to the disarray around her. "Captain Sheraun. G'Kar was right in asking where you got your driver's license," commented Lyta. "That maneuver wasn't my doing. Someone is going to answer for it." "Captain! The controls are not answering my input!" exclaimed the navigation watch. "We are totally off the beacon! We are lost!" "Incoming call from Babylon 5, Captain," said the comm watch. "Captain! Weapons are powering up," noted the first officer. "What is going on here?" demanded Sheraun. "Lyta! Are you doing this?" She nodded, no. Everyone was still ignoring the four-year old standing in front of the forward windows. "Let's have the call." "Whitestar 71. This is Babylon 5 C&C. Please respond," said Captain Lochley's voice. "Babylon 5. This is Whitestar 71. We are responding to the emergency request from the narn freighter," answered Sheraun. "You disappeared so fast, we weren't sure you received our transmission." "My apologies, Captain Lochley. We will call you when we get there. Whitestar 71 out." Without warning the whitestar's engines shut down and the ship flipped on its axis to a course headed 180 degrees to its motion and the engines fired again slowing it down. After the ship had slowed considerably, it was again flipped on its axis. Then the whitestar opened a jump point and transited into normal space less than fifty kilometers from the beleaguered freighter. "Captain. I have controls back," announced the navigator. Without hesitation Sheraun ordered the main and secondary batteries to open fire on the raiders. Their mother ship opened a jump point in an attempt to escape, and exploded when the jump point collapsed on it. In less than three minutes the fighters were destroyed. No effort had been made to simply disable them. Delenn looked at Lyta who was smiling and looking at Maya. Delenn shifted her gaze and noticed the youngster standing in the front of the forward windows. Odd, she thought, she hadn't noticed her before, but neither had anyone else. It hadn't been by accident. Maya had made sure of it. Sheraun looked around the bridge, and for the first time, noticed Maya. "What is she doing here?" "She was here visiting when we got the call. She just got out of the way," replied the first officer. "Lyta, get her off the bridge," ordered Sheraun. "Come with me, Maya. This is no place for children," she said. The look she gave Maya answered the question. As Lyta and Maya departed the bridge, Sheraun was asking the freighter captain if he needed any other assistance. *************************************************************************** "Lyta. Wait for me," called Delenn. Delenn caught up to them. "We are going to have some tea, Delenn. Care to join us?" "Yes. You told Sheraun that you were not responsible for the ship being hijacked, so to speak." "That's the truth. I had nothing to do with it." "If not you, who?" "How many more like me do you know?" She thought about that for a minute, and then replied, "None. Unless...but she is only a child." "Correct. However, a whitestar proves that size isn't everything." "Are you going to tell Sheraun?" "No. He's not ready for that, yet. I'd appreciate you not telling him either." "You have my word. How about the raider mother ship?" "They intended to kill the freighter captain and his crew, without mercy." "And, of course, your telepathic scans could not be used in a court of law." "Very correct. We don't have a problem with that, now. Do we?" ****************************************************************************** They were on their second cup of tea and snacks that had been available from the duty cook. A number of crew members many sporting bruises were also sipping tea and munching on snacks. The last hour had been one they would be discussing for a long time to come. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone, mom," said Maya. "If I hadn't got us here when I did, the freighter captain and his crew would have been killed." "You did well. The crew will recover," replied Delenn. "Here comes fun and games," commented Lyta as Sheraun appeared in the doorway. He looked over the people in the room and made straight for the table Lyta, Maya and Delenn were occupying. It was evident from his countenance that Sheraun was angry. He took the empty seat without being invited, and looked at Lyta with fury in his eyes. "What's on your mind, Sheraun?" Asked Lyta. "You know, very well, what's on my mind. You commandeered my ship." "I already told you, I had nothing to do with what happened to your ship. I don't appreciate the accusation. Understand one thing, Sheraun. If I decided to hijack your ship, nothing you, or all the rangers in the IA could do, would stop me. Never forget that," shot back Lyta, obviously irritated by Sheraun's accusation. "We have run systems checks and can find nothing wrong. What other explanation could there be?" "Have you reviewed your navigation records?" Asked Lyta. "Yes. We went completely off beacon after we entered hyperspace. My navigator says we should have been lost. He also told me that using normal navigation, we would have never arrived in time to save the freighter and her crew." "Then you and your crew get a feather in your cap for the rescue." "You also destroyed the raider mother ship." "I WHAT! I am sure you can prove that statement. You, damn well, better be able to!" "Our sensors indicated that just as she was entering the jump point, her jump engines failed. It was a bit too convenient, Lyta. Before you explode again, remember, I know very well what you are capable of doing to a ship. You made a point of demonstrating that to me and G'Kar." "You did, Lyta. We do have those little demonstrations on data crystals," admonished Delenn. "Until you can prove it, I suggest you keep those accusations to yourself, Sheraun." "It isn't important. They got no more than they richly deserved." He motioned the cook to bring the tea pot and another cup. The spirited conversation was not going unnoticed by the other crew members present. They listened and wondered just what was going on. Sheraun poured himself a cup of tea and appeared deep in thought. He looked at Maya for a long minute, then muttered to himself, "No, way." "No way, what? Sheraun?" Asked Lyta. "Nothing. It's not important." Lyta looked at Delenn, but said nothing. Out of the corner of his eye, Sheraun saw the silent exchange. Whatever the truth was the women were not going to tell him, and since, Delenn was privy to it, he would let it drop. He figured, if he needed to know, she would tell him. It was also obvious that the women were much more than just casual "friends". ****************************************************************************** "Babylon 5. This is Whitestar 71. We are escorting the narn freighter back to you. She is in need of repairs before she can continue on her way," said the first officer into the communications pickup. "Roger Whitestar 71. We are receiving a list of necessary repairs from the freighter captain." Sheraun walked onto the bridge and asked, "Navigation. How long till we reach Babylon 5?" "At this speed, about four hours, sir." ****************************************************************************** "It has been an interesting trip. Sheraun," commented Delenn. "At least it wasn't boring, Entil'za." "I will give you that, Sheraun." "Lyta. Will you be available later?" "You have to ask?" "I wasn't the best host earlier today." "Really. Let's see now, you accused me of stealing this ship, and of blowing up another. I suppose I can forgive that. What time?" "I was thinking 2000." "I will be waiting." "I suppose this means, I spend the night with Emily?" Asked Maya. "I thought you liked her?" "I do, mom." "Then, it's not a problem?" "No." Sheraun picked Maya up and looked her in the eyes. "This means a lot to your mother." Maya hugged his neck tightly, and said, "I know." ****************************************************************************** Susan met Lyta as she cleared customs. "I don't suppose you have time for a quick rehearsal, do you?" "Yes we do. I am free until 1930. Then, I have to get ready for Sheraun." "You two make an odd couple." "Oh?" "He's a minbari the size of a building, and you are a redheaded human female. It would look odd enough if you were a human male." "Well. He seems to like me, so there." "Testy, aren't we?" "We are. Today he accused me of hijacking his ship and of blowing up a raider mother ship." "Well, did you?" "Hijack the ship? No. Blow up the other one? Well, it did have shaky jump engines." "Let's get going. Charley and John are waiting in the chapel." "I've never attended a wedding, Susan," commented Lyta. "You will do just fine, as will Maya." **************************************************************************** "You don't mind letting Maya stay overnight again, do you?" "Not at all. She is a jewel," replied Emily. "She is like a little sister." "You behave yourself, Maya." "I always do, mom." ****************************************************************************** "Hello, Sheraun. I see you are right on time." Putting his arms around her and kissing her deeply, he answered, "You wanted time to get ready. You look beautiful." "That's a biased opinion, but I like it." "Have you had supper, yet?" "I ordered something from the Fresh Aire. I can handle minbari dishes, so we won't have any problems." The doorbell chimed and their food was delivered. Sniffing the covered trays, Sheraun said, "It smells scrumptious." "That is the idea. The shortest way to a man's heart is through his stomach," she replied, setting the items on the table. "You can help set the table." "You should be aware, Lyta, minbari males, particularly warrior caste, are hard to domesticate." She looked at him and gave a derisive snort for an answer. "In the heart department, Lyta, you have already won mine. You stole it, the first time I saw you," he replied, placing the plates and silverware on the table. They had been eating for about fifteen minutes when the doorbell chimed. Lyta looked at Sheraun with confusion showing on her face and was greeted by the same expression on his face. "Enter," she said, and the door opened. In came Susan and Delenn, closely followed by Lochley. "This better be good, Susan," commented Lyta in a slightly annoyed tone. "John and some of the boys have taken Charley out for a night on the town, so to speak, before we are married tomorrow. They didn't have time to arrange a bachelor party," replied Susan. "That's nice, but what does it have to do with me?" "We thought it might be nice to do a female version of the same thing," replied Susan. "Susan. I know it may have escaped you, but I have plans for this evening, and bar hopping isn't included in them. As you can see, I am having supper with Sheraun. I would offer you a plate, but it is dinner for two." Susan looked at Sheraun, obviously miffed that his presence meant Lyta wouldn't be interested. "If you want some tea, Susan, I have plenty, and I can split my flarn with you, but I am not going out tonight. I have plans, and they are for two people." Susan looked at Delenn and Lochley. "I guess it wasn't such a good idea after all." Delenn looked at Sheraun then Lyta. "I am sorry we interrupted your meal. I think it's time we left, Susan." The three women departed. "I am sorry, Sheraun. I didn't know they were coming." "She meant well. Her timing was a little off." They finished their meal and retired to the sofa for some video viewing. It wasn't very long before their interest in the programming faded. Sheraun was fondling and kissing Lyta absentmindedly. "This works better on the bed, Sheraun." ****************************************************************************** END PART 21 From: Aubrey Adkins Subject: Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 22 of ---(WIP) Date: Fri, 01 Oct 1999 21:54:58 -0400 Adventures of Lyta After G'Kar Part 22 of ---(WIP) Criticism is welcomed. Without, it there can't be any improvement. Address criticisms to [xazqrten@norfolk.infi.net] Think of this as a space opera. All characters/places/persons not belonging to the writer are the sole properties of their owners, PTEN, WB, JMS, and will be turned over to the owners at the request of their agents. All other characters/places/persons are public domain. Rated PG-10 (Vocabulary ************************************************ "That was not your best idea, Susan," said Lochley. "How was I supposed to know she would have him in there?" "Well, she is a female and he looks like a male," replied Lochley. "I think it is good that she has someone who cares for her," commented Delenn. "They are like animals in heat," retorted Susan. "...And you and Charles aren't," countered Lochley. "Speak for yourself and Larry," replied Susan. "Are you two going to engage in a, what is the human term,...cat fight?" Asked Delenn. Both women stopped and looked at her. Then they laughed. "I guess I just don't think of Lyta in normal human terms," noted Susan. "I have noted that," commented Delenn, solemnly. "She is your best friend, Susan, and you don't think of her as human." "I didn't mean it like that, Delenn. I love her like a sister, and you don't think of brothers and sisters in the same way you do everyone else. I didn't think of my brother as a male because I didn't think of him in sexual terms." "I know what you mean, Susan. I had someone like that once," agreed Lochley. Delenn considered those statements for a moment, and then thought of her parents. "I understand, Susan. My apologies for jumping to conclusions." "Shall we buy supper and see a show? It won't be a total wash," said Susan. ******************************************************* He could hear someone singing somewhere. It seemed a long way off. Slowly he opened one eye. The lights were on and the singing was coming from the shower. As he tried to move, his body reminded him how out of shape he was by aching all over. [If I don't get back in shape, this woman is going to kill me.] "Are you awake yet, Sheraun?" [She isn't human...of course she isn't, you sap.] "I am awake, Lyta, but I'm not moving yet." "I am beginning to think you minbari males can't function after making love. Is that true, or a misconception on my part?" She asked. "It's just me. We minbari males don't have these problems with minbari females," he managed to reply. "Well! Excuse me for asking." "I just don't understand, Lyta. There comes a point in lovemaking where a normal couple would be satisfied and sated and stop. We don't seem to reach that point. I almost pass out from the efforts. Granted, it is the most pleasurable endeavor I have ever indulged in, but I would at least like to be more than semi-conscious when we finish." "I will have to work on that. You aren't a telepath, so you have no defense against my pleasure sharing feedback." "I am famished. If you will get your pretty butt out of the shower, I will divest myself of the reminder of last nights exertions. Then, we can get something to eat." ******************************************************* It was getting to be time for the wedding, and Susan and company were discussing last minute details. Everyone went to take their places. "John. Why am I nervous?" "It's your first marriage, Susan. Delenn and I just had dad, Londo and G'kar there, and Delenn and I were nervous. I think it comes with the experience." John walked Susan down the aisle. There were twenty or so friends and acquaintances present for the occasion. Fifteen minutes later, Susan Ivanova was Susan Ivanova-Wayne. The reception was a slightly larger affair. Some who couldn't get to the wedding did get to the reception. "How does it feel to be married, Susan?" Asked Lyta. "No different than before, yet." "Lyta?" Asked Delenn, "What happened to Sheraun. I saw him this morning and he looked terrible?" "We made love last night." Susan looked at Delenn, "Did he really look that good? I thought he looked like death warmed over. What are you doing to him, Lyta?" Stepping close to her friends she whispered, "When we make love, I feed back the pleasure feelings I experience with his to him. It causes him to work even harder, pardon the pun, to experience even more pleasure. I prevent him from finishing until I am ready. Fortunately he is in very good physical condition. Usually he almost passes out from exhaustion just as I let him finish. If he were a normal human...well, you get the idea." Susan looked at Delenn and commented, "She's killing him with sex." Lyta just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Susan. What do you want with Sheraun's ship tomorrow?" Asked Delenn. "I want him to power down the whitestar and we will have a little race beginning from a complete stop, relative to Babylon 5. I want to demonstrate Ares' acceleration. It is simple and straight forward. I'd like to be in position about 0930." ******************************************************* "Sheraun. I don't mean to pry, but you look like something the dog dragged in," commented John Sheridan. "Yes sir, son," said Chief Comer, "I have seen three day old dead bodies that looked better than you do just now. I think your redheaded girlfriend is trying to see to your untimely demise." Sheraun looked at Comer for a whole minute. Then a smile slowly spread over his face. "You may be correct, Chief. I hadn't considered that she might be trying to kill me. It is a sneaky way to do it." John added, "Lyta said she was a weapon. She just never explained exactly what kind." The men laughed very heartily and the women noticed. "I wonder what is so funny?" Asked Delenn. "I am," answered Lyta. "They are ribbing Sheraun about our relationship, and its effects on him." "You can't say you didn't ask for this Lyta," noted Susan. "I note that your husbands are laughing the loudest," replied Lyta. "John has always had a good sense of humor, though I sometimes wonder about it," noted Delenn. "For your information, Sheraun will survive the experience," retorted Lyta. "You propose to race a whitestar, Susan?" Asked Lochley. "Yes. The Ares is the only one of her kind. They won't build anymore like it. I want some of the powers to be to see just what she can do. I could destroy most of the earthforce fleet with her before they could take me out. She really is a very fine fighting ship. Because of her firepower, speed and maneuverability she is more than a match for a minbari war cruiser." "I didn't know that," responded Delenn. "Neither does anyone else. I can do more with her than you would ever guess," replied Susan. "Tomorrow you will get a short demonstration." ******************************************************* "Captain. We are at the starting point," said her navigator. "Where is Whitestar 71?" Asked Susan. "She is holding station at her starting point, Captain. She is powered down and is only using maneuvering thrusters, same as us," replied one of the tracking console operators. "Are you there, John?" Asked Susan. The image of John Sheridan appeared on her communications display screen. "I am here, Susan. Sheraun is standing by," replied the image. "You say when, John, and we'll get this thing underway," she answered, looking over at her engineer, who was standing by and giving her the all ready sign. "Susan, Sheraun...when!" said John. "Hit it, engineering! Navigator, all ahead emergency, now!" exclaimed Susan. The engineer sitting at his console began to make entries, and at various points on the ship, the fusion reactors started racing toward overload. The race was being monitored from Babylon 5's C&C and on every ship on station around the station. Standing in the back area of the bridge, Leftcourt and some of the senior officers were watching with interest. Susan turned her command chair and looked at them. "Gentlemen, you should find seats and fasten yourselves in. Otherwise, find someplace you can hold onto. When we do the violent maneuvers, the artificial gravity system won't be enough to hold you in place." A few minutes after the race started, the tracking console operator said, "Captain. The whitestar is at maximum power and starting to pull away from us." "That is to be expected. Engineer, how are we doing?" "Our reactors are just below overload shutdown level, Captain. We are feeding their entire output to the engines." The violent shaking of the deck and feeling of being pushed toward the stern of the ship, in spite of the artificial gravity, was evidence of the tremendous power being fed to the engines and the acceleration that resulted. "Engineer, can't you give me any more power?" "Captain. We are operating as close as we can to automatic shutdown, without tripping the reactors off line." "Disable the safeties. I want every last erg of energy we can generate fed to the engines." Leftcourt was watching the engineer's face during this exchange, and saw her flinch at Susan's last order. "Susan. Is this necessary?" Swiveling her chair to face him, she replied, "I plan to win this race. What good is a toy if you can't play with it?" "I had never thought of the Ares as a toy," he replied. "Quit sweating, General. We've done this during training a number of times. My engineer is just a bit cautious." "Captain. We are beginning to overtake the whitestar," observed the tracking console operator. ******************************************************* "Do you think this was a good idea, John?" Asked Delenn. "It is only going to embarrass Susan. "I wouldn't be too sure about that Delenn. She knows what a whitestar can do. We don't really know what the Ares can do. All we have is the official specifications, and according to them, the whitestar should easily beat her ship." "She told me and Captain Lochley that she could beat a war cruiser. Susan isn't given to idle boasting. You may be correct. We may get a surprise. ******************************************************* "What do you think, Captain?" Asked Sheraun's first officer. "We are faster than she is, if you believe the published specifications. However, this is Susan Ivanova, and where she is concerned, I'd be careful how I bet. Are we powered down?" "Yes sir. We are waiting for the go signal. It is 0929, so it shouldn't be long. We are reading seven of eight reactors in idle on the Ares. I understand one is completely inoperative and one of the others cannot operate at full output. We have the advantage." Sheraun looked his first officer in the face and asked, "Why am I not at ease with things after that observation?" Over the communications system came the word, from John Sheridan, "Susan, Sheraun...when!" "Engineer! Full power to the drives!" Ordered Sheraun. ******************************************************* "What do you think, Captain?" Are they just a little bit nuts?" Asked LT. Corwin of Captain Lochley. "I don't know, Lieutenant, but it should be interesting. What are the power readings on both ships?" "They are powered down and idling. The only thing they are using is maneuvering thrusters to keep station, sir," replied Corwin, pointing out the power monitor readings of both ships. "Over the monitor speaker came the word, "Susan, Sheraun...when!" "Captain! Look at the power monitor readings!" Lochley, Corwin and most all of the C&C watchstanders were engrossed in the readings on the monitors. "It appears that Susan is putting it "balls to the wall" to quote a saying from Michael Garibaldi," said a voice from behind them. "Lyta! How did you get in here?" demanded Lochley. "Through the door," she answered. "Shall I call security, Captain?" Asked Corwin. "No, Lieutenant. Don't bother," replied Lochley. "What can I do for you, Lyta?" "I just wanted to watch the race with someone. I was thinking of pulling a practical joke on Susan." "What kind of practical joke?" "I thought I might shut down half of the Ares' reactors just as she starts to catch the whitestar, but it occurred to me that Susan might not see the humor." At that comment, Lochley turned and looked at her. "It was just an idle thought. Don't get so upset." "You have a strange sense of humor, Lyta." "It sort of matches the rest of me, doesn't it?" "No argument," responded Lochley. "Would you like to watch the race from a very unique perspective, Elizabeth?" "What do you have in mind?" "In your office." "Mr. Corwin. I don't want to be disturbed by anything less than a major disaster." "Yes, Sir." "Show me what you have in mind, Lyta," said Lochley, walking toward her office. ******************************************************* "Get comfortable on the couch, Elizabeth." Lochley looked at Lyta with a puzzled expression. "Why?" "You are going to have a real out-of-body experience. You will probably be the first human to have a real one." "I am not sure I like the sound of this." "Just lay down and close your eyes and relax. It won't hurt a bit." Lochley reclined on the couch, relaxed and closed her eyes. [Lyta has lost it.] Lochley found herself looking down at her resting physical body and felt a real pang of fear. Lochley's vision could encompass her whole office without turning her head, if she'd had one. This was disorienting, but she quickly adjusted. Almost immediately she began seeing the wall come closer then pass behind her as she seemed to pass through it into C&C. The crew was watching the race while directing traffic. [They didn't even notice me.] Lochley quickly passed through the outer hull of the station and found herself in the endless vacuum of space. She watched as the station receded quickly in her view. She observed the Ares and Whitestar 71 as they were beginning their acceleration runs. In a moment Lochley's view changed from deep space to the CIC area of the Ares, complete with the CIC crew, the generals watching, and Susan in her command chair. "Engineer, how are we doing?" "We are squeezing everything out of her that we can, Captain." "Captain," said the navigator, "We are beginning to overtake the Whitestar 71." "As soon as we pass them, execute maneuver A1. Upon completion of the maneuver, bring us to a full stop, relative to the station," responded Susan. Turning to face the generals watching the exercise, she said, "I suggest that you men find something very solid to hold onto unless you have a seat with a restraining belt. The A1 maneuver is going to throw things around." ******************************************************* On the whitestar, Sheraun said nothing as his navigator reported that the Ares was beginning to overtake them. He was not surprised. The sensors were recording power levels on the Ares that should not have not been possible. It was obvious to him that Susan was pushing her ship to the very edge of its breaking point. He had to hand it to her. She really knew her ship's capabilities and limitations. He also realized that if her ship was one-hundred percent operational, it would have beaten his whitestar from the very beginning. "How are we doing, navigator?" "She has almost overtaken us, Captain. She is going to win." ******************************************************* "Well, Delenn?" "Knowing Susan, I shouldn't be surprised. I hope Captain Sheraun isn't feeling bad." "I am sure he isn't. He is being beaten by the best, and since she is running her reactors beyond their design levels, she is essentially cheating. The whitestar design won't allow for that." "That's not true John. I was aboard her when it went to aid that Narn freighter. It was operating beyond design limits then." "How could it do that?" Leaning close and whispering into his ear, "Maya took control of the ship's operating system and ran it to the absolute limits. If she was operating the whitestar, Susan would lose badly." John looked Delenn in the eyes and knew she wasn't pulling his leg. Her sense of humor was a bit warped lately, for a minbari. However, it did make some kind of sense, since Maya was the offspring of the Vorlon's biggest experiment in genetics." ******************************************************* "Captain we have overtaken and are passing the Whitestar 71," chimed the navigator. "Execute maneuver A1", Susan responded. Immediately the main drives were shut down and thrusters began to rapidly rotate the ship on all three of its axis. The speed of the maneuver caught the observing generals unprepared, in spite of Susan's warnings. Only holding on for dear life prevented several of them from being seriously injured. As it was some of them would experience twisted arms and shoulders with a few bruises thrown in. Elsewhere on the ship, some non-crewmembers were experiencing nausea and a few, including several of the generals, were puking their guts out. However, crew preparation prevented any major damage due to loose equipment and tools. "Captain! Reactor number eight has been scrammed!" said the engineering watch excitedly." "Why?" responded Susan. "We don't know. Everything looked fine on the monitors, but it just shut down. The safety watch says he didn't pull the switch," replied the engineer. "I want it investigated when we are finished with this demonstration. Do data dumps of the actual parameters and the monitor logs ASAP." Susan didn't know it would be more than two decades, and a whole other lifetime, before her path would cross Lyta's, again. ******************************************************* Opening her eyes and still lying on the couch, Lochley looked at Lyta sitting in front of her desk and asked, "Was that real?" "It was as real as the couch you are lying on. To my knowledge, no other human has ever had a real experience like you just had." "How about you?" "I'm not really human anymore. It is simply the form I am most comfortable with. It is my "natural state", so to speak. Lorien appeared as a corporal being when he was with John or otherwise amongst station residents, but his natural form was a ball of energy." "You look human, you make love like a human, and you even got pregnant and gave birth like a human." "It is only what I am most familiar with." "How about Maya?" "Neither is she. She just doesn't realize, yet, what she really is." "I don't know what to say." "There is nothing to say. Things are what they are. I and my offspring will just have to live with it." Stepping over to the office door, Lochley found it would not open. "What is wrong with the door, Lyta?" "I fixed it so no one, like Mr. Corwin, would accidentally walk in and find you apparently asleep on the couch. They wouldn't have been able to wake you. Since I was seen coming in here with you, they would have questioned you being in here alone. Try the door now." Lochley found it operated normally. Looking thoughtfully at Lyta, she asked, "I suppose if I tell anyone what happened they will think I am slightly crazy?" "I should think so," responded Lyta just as thoughtfully. "At the very least, your fitness to command would be questioned." "After today, in spite of my experiences with you, you still terrify the hell out of me. Not on a personal level, since I know I have nothing to fear from you. Your abilities are another story." "Welcome to the club, Elizabeth. I terrify the hell out of myself, when I think about what I can do, but I don't have a choice." ******************************************************* "How are things going, Mr. Corwin?" Asked Lochley. "You missed a swell race, Captain," he replied. "I may not have missed as much as you think, Lieutenant," responded Lochley, watching Lyta leave. Corwin's eyes followed the captain's. "What's with her?" He asked. "Nothing. She just wanted to share an experience with me. It was quite unique." Corwin looked at Lochley, but her expression gave nothing away. ******************************************************* "She has overtaken us, Captain," said his navigator. "Reverse course and bring us to a stop," replied Sheraun. As the whitestar reversed her direction, Sheraun and his bridge crew watching the display at the front of the bridge were treated to the Ares shutting down her drives and beginning to do what at first appeared to be an uncontrolled tumble on all her axis. "Weapons. What is going on over there?" Asked Sheraun. "What looks like an uncontrolled tumble is in fact bringing every weapon she has to bear on us in a controlled sequence. I'd hate to have to attack her, Captain. She'd cut us to pieces," responded his weapons officer. As he continued to watch the Ares reversed her original course and was coming to a full stop. "Whitestar 71 to Ares," transmitted Sheraun. "Go whitestar," came Ivanova's response. "I have enjoyed your demonstration. My congratulations on your ship's performance," said Sheraun. "Thank you for your help, Whitestar 71. I hope to work with you again in the future. Ares out," replied Susan. "John are you still there?" Transmitted Susan. "You did well Susan. Congratulations. Maybe one day you can teach our rangers how to think outside the box," Sheridan out. "Babylon 5 C&C, this is Ares. Over." "Ares this C&C. Go." "We are departing Babylon 5 space at this time. Thank you for your hospitality and services. Ares out." Onboard Ares in CIC, Susan looked at the navigator. "We are back on course, Captain, and the jump engines are on line," commented her navigator. "Open a jump point and take us home, Joe," responded Susan. "Yes sir!" Enabling the intra ship announcing system, Susan announced, "This the captain speaking. We are departing Babylon 5 space. Next stop, Earth orbit. It's time to go home." As she finished her announcement, the Ares entered the jump point and disappeared off Babylon 5's monitors. ******************************************************** Looking at the image of John Sheridan on his forward display, Sheraun said, "It was my pleasure to help Susan with her demonstration." "Your cooperation and attitude are appreciated, Captain Sheraun. Till next time." The image of Sheridan faded. "Navigator, take us back to station." ******************************************************* "I think it's time we went home John." "I agree Delenn. I miss David, too." Sheridan's whitestar used the local jumpgate to leave the Babylon 5 control area. ******************************************************* In her quarters Lyta was putting in a call to Mars. A familiar face appeared on her comm screen. "Hello Michael. Scramble the channel on your end." As she said this, she placed a data crystal in the receptacle on the communications console. "We have the people you requested. We're holding them in a secure installation on Earth. They're on sleepers at the present time. I assume you want to do the interrogation personally. I have support personnel staged to give you any aid you deem necessary. When should I expect you?" "I will be leaving Babylon 5 tomorrow morning our time. That should put me there in time for a late supper. Michael, I expect one of your pasta dinners, none of the prepackaged stuff. Tell Lise she is going to get to babysit for a few days. I am bringing Maya with me. I would leave her on the station, but it might not be safe for the local lowlifes." "I will be expecting you. One day you have to show me these hyperspace shortcuts you use. If we can bottle them we could get rich. I forgot, I am rich." Giving him her best smile, she said farewell and closed the channel." It was only lunch time and Lyta had already done everything to prepare for the trip to Mars and Earth. ******************************************************* Lyta entered Emily's quarters. Maya and Emily were playing some kind of computer game. Maya looked up and said, "Mom, I had her beaten and then she got sneaky on me. Now I am about to lose." "Object lesson, sweetheart, don't score the win until the game is finished. Are you two ready to go to lunch?" Emily replied, "Food...the magic word. Just as soon as we finish here. I want to get this win while I can. She has been creaming me all morning." While Lyta watched and waited for the game to be finished, she stepped over to Emily's comm panel and had C&C patch her through to Sheraun's ship. "What can I do for you Lyta?" He asked. "I am leaving for Mars tomorrow and wondered if you might like to have dinner tonight." "I will make it. I will see you about 1800. If that is satisfactory?" "It'll do just fine," she replied and broke the connection. "Mom, does this mean I sleep over here tonight?" "Probably, dear." "Lyta, may I come along?" Asked Emily? "Certainly. I plan to invite Captain Lochley, Larry and Jason Conrad. I am leaving, and will only return long enough to pick up you, Jason and anyone of the ambassador's staff needing transportation home." "Are you going to take me to Mars with you, mom?" "That is my plan. Why?" "I would rather stay here with Emily." "Have you asked her how she feels about it?" "No. Not yet." "If she wants to stay with me, I have no problem with it," responded Emily. "I really enjoy being with her." Lyta remembering what she had learned of Emily's childhood when she had deep scanned her, understood the woman's feelings for Maya. "Then you can stay here. I will only be gone for a couple of weeks. You must promise to behave while I am gone." "Always, mom." Ten minutes later they headed for lunch. ******************************************************* The dinner went without a hitch. Lyta made sure that Emily and Jason were seated together. When Emily left with Maya in tow, Jason accompanied her. After the threesome left, Lochley commented, "Lyta, you are as subtle as a brick in the face." Looking offended, Lyta asked, "What are you talking about, Elizabeth?" "I just saw you play matchmaker. Do you deny it?" "Yes." "Boss, you were a bit obvious," added Larry. "If I had intended to play matchmaker, I would not have brought Maya along." "Yes you would," chimed in Sheraun. "Maya makes it look like something else, but we know better Lyta," noted Lochley. Lyta was looking crestfallen and at everything except her dinner companions. "I was only bringing them together. It is up to them to make or not make something of it. They are good people and need companionship." "Which you, of course, were happy to arrange," said Lochley. "It amounts to nothing more than a blind date," Lyta replied defensively. "So it does," concluded Sheraun. ******************************************************* "It's time for you to rise and shine, Sheraun. Time for you to get back to your ship, and for me to be on my way to Mars. Rolling over and slowly opening his eyes, he replied, It is too early." "I am leaving just as soon as I have made sure I have everything I need. You can suit yourself. Just lock the door when you leave." Twenty minutes later she had kissed Sheraun goodbye, not realizing how long it would be until she did again, and went to kiss Maya goodbye for a few weeks. ******************************************************* "Leaving already Lyta?" Asked Zack Allen from behind her, as she was clearing the customs area and heading for her shuttle parking area. "Yes, Zack. I have business on Mars," she replied. Captain Lochley walked up and said, "Good luck Lyta and thanks for everything." "That's what friends are for Elizabeth." The women shook hands and Lyta walked off. "I take it you have changed your opinion of her, Captain?" "Yes. Yes I have Zack." Thirty minutes later Lyta's shuttle disappeared into the local jumpgate vortex. ******************************************************* END PART 22 At this point this story splits. The main Lyta story continues, and I think I am going to try and write an Ivanova one that will dovetail back into this one many years into the future. I didn't plan it this way, but I like the idea. Aubrey