From: derek@anxst.com Subject: New Story for B5 Creative Date: Fri, 4 Jul 1997 17:45:05 -0700 (PDT) name = Kim email = rhoffman@lakefield.net title = Possibilities of What May Be? story = This is my first attempt at somethng like this, so please forgive any goofs that I may make in the process. I set this story sometime shortly after 'Gray 17 is Missing". My universe is similar, but somewhat different. Any comments of suggestions would be appreciated! Possibilities of What May Be? Part 1. Trevess began. Neroon looked at his companion and shook his head to forstall his speech. They were sitting in a small cafe in the center of the Zocalo, while a steady stream of aliens flowed past them. Neroon's pale eyes met his friends' darker blu ones. he said. A young Human waitress approached them with a tray and set their drinks down on the table. Trevess noted with a slight twist of his lips, that the waitress' hands were shaking. She barely lingered long enough to take their food order, before she darted away. Trevess picked up his drink and stared at it thoughtfully, as he swirled the liquid around. Trevess asked suddenly. Neroon let his eyes flick about him. he grunted, in agreement. Trevess chided. Neroon laughed, a deep, rich mellow sound that drew attention from the passerbys'. he said. A tray was slipped silently onto the table in front of them. "Here is the food you ordered. You may pay at the counter with your Station I.D. when you are ready to leave." "You are not the same Human who took our order," observed Trevess. "No, I am not. She refused to come near this table again for some reason. Wonder why? Along with the rest of them, as well," replied the woman. "And that put a stop to food preparation, as the cook is arguing with all of them." "How typical," sneered Neroon, reaching for his food without looking up. "If I didn't want my own breakfast so bad, and this wasn't the closest cafe to MedLab 3, with your attitude you could wait forever for all I care," she snapped. "But until your meals are out of the way, I can't get any coffee, I can't eat, and I sure as hell can't get to my bed! So here! Eat hardy! So I can get mine!" Neroon did look up at that, and watched the retreating back of the woman as she returned to a table across the cafe, close to the rail that separated the cafe from the Zocalo. observed Trevess. said Neroon, his pale eyes watching the figure across the room, as she grabbed a cup of coffee, and sat at the empty table. He ate his food, letting his gaze flick occasionally across the cafe. He noted several Religious Cast Minbari bow respectfully in greeting as they passed the woman, and the Head of Station Security, Garibaldi, also stopping for a moment at her table. mused Trevess. Neroon shrugged. "Dr. Jamison... Dr. Alexandra Jamison... Report to MedLab 3. STAT!" suddenly boomed the station's comm. system. Neroon saw the woman's head jerk up before she bolted from her chair, spilling the remainder of her coffee across the table, and run from the cafe to disappear into the crowd. Trevess said, pushing his plate aside. nodded Neroon. spoke another Warrior, stopping beside their table with a bow. demanded Neroon, rising. he replied. was the reply. ordered Neroon, and stalked off with Trevess at his side. In MedLab 3, chaos reigned. The injured were already backed up into the hall, as the more seriously were being attended to inside. "What happened?" demanded Dr Alexandra Jamison loudly, shrugging into her lab coat as she ran in, and instantly grabbing hold of the arm of a Minbari Warrior attempting to get off his gurney. A syringe was thrust into her hand, and she automatically drove it home after a quick identification. "An explosion on the War Cruiser 'Nightwind' as it was docking," gasped a young Minbari Healer, across the gurney from her. "An explosion in the Jump Engines, someone said." "Mostly plasma and radiation burns then. Is the Triage up and running?" "Yes, Doctor. The minor cases and those with broken bones are already on theor way to MedLab 4," a technician barked. "Dr. Franklin and his team on the way!" "Okay. Good. Let's dig in then folks! Everyone knows the routine!" she ordered her staff. The worse cases were sedated and treated on the spot, the less seriously injured moved to the adjacent area for treatment as the staff, both Human and Minbari, swung into their duties. Neroon and Trevess entering this sea of bodies, moved from gurney to gurney checking on injuries, until they approached a figure bent over a gurney applying dressings to burns on a bare Minbari chest. "Move! You're in my light!" came the order, as they walked up unseen. "I need to see what I'm doing!" With a sudden roar, the figure on the gurney tore an arm lose from his restraints and swung at the head of the woman attending him. She attempted to duck, but was struck, knocking her flying onto the floor. She struggled up and jumped back to the gurney. "I need some help over here!" she yelled, grabbing at the Warrior with one arm. Two attendants rushed to her side to assist her restrain the Warrior, but were only partially successful. Two pair of black clad arms joined in to help with the restraint. "Get me some more sedation for this man! What's he had so far?" she demanded. "10cc Methoelin, Doctor!" "Give him 5cc more; 10 obviously wasn't enough!" she ordered, looking up for the first time, pushing her hair back out of her eyes, as the drug was administered. "Well, look who's here! What can i do for you two? Try and keep it short; this isn't a good time!" "At the moment, we seem to be helping you,Human," drawled Neroon, releasing his grip on the Warrior as the additional medication took effect. "So it would seem. Thank you," she said. "Are these your men?" "I am their Commander, yes." Neroon growled. "We were informed of the accident." "Well, from what I've seen, most of the injuries were minor; lacerations... some plasma and radiation burns... a few broken bones. We've only got a handful that are serious, thank God! Mostly first and second degree Plasma and Radiation burns, three with third degree burns. They were the crew members that apparently were the closeset to the explosion center," Alexandra Jamison reported, as she gingerly braced her left arm with her hand. "Barring unforeseen problems, they should all recover." "It appears that you have injured yourself, Doctor," said Trevess. "A dislocated shoulder, I would think." "And you would be right, I fear," she nodded. "Allow me," Neroon said silkily, stepping up behind her. A quick jerk of her arm, left her shoulder relocated, and she herself white faced and shaking. "What? No fear when touched by a Minbari?... No comments to make, Earther?" "Not at this moment Minbar! Later maybe....," she gasped, gripping the edge of a gurney as the world swung around her momentarily. "After... the room... stops swinging, maybe..." From: derek@anxst.com Subject: Possibilities of What Might Be Part 2 Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 14:22:45 -0700 (PDT) name = Kim email = rhoffman@lakefield.net title = Possibilities of What Might Be story = Here is the second part of it. Please let me know what you think. Sorry to say, but I don't own any o this, the location , the characters or anything. When I posted the first part of this story, I neglected to give credit to the writers of the opening scene. It was written by Analise Hairbedian and Mary Turner, and is from their story 'Blood Lessons.' I apologize for the oversight. Possibilities of What Might Be "You are off duty as of right now, Doctor Jamison," spoke the man who stopped in front of her. "I saw what just happened!" "But, Doctor Franklin..., Stephen..., I will be all right as soon as I get a sling rigged up. I can keep on," she protested. "There are more injured to see to." "Yes, but not by you, Alexandra. You are off the duty roster until cleared by me," he said, rapidly slipping her arm into a sling handed to him, and asjusting it. "But Stephen...," she protested again. "No buts! Now git!" he ordered. "And get yourself something for pain from the despensary." "Yes, Stephen," Alexandra reluctantly agree. "I will accompany her, Doctor Franklin." Stephen Franklin looked at the Minbari Warrior who spoke, in surprise. "Neroon, isn't it? Haven't seen you around since your altercation with Marcus awhile back. These your men?" he asked. "Yes," he replied. "Well, Alexandra was right. They should be okay in time," Doctor Franklin said. "Good," said Neroon, "Alyt Trevess will remain here while I walk with the doctor and make sure she gets to her quarters. Let us go, Doctor." "What makes you think I want to go anywhere with you?" Alexandra demanded, surprising the Minbari. "I chose my own companions! The contacts I have had with you have been barely civil. You are not my choice of an escort!" "I do not remember asking you, Human. I told you," Neroon replied. "I will not...," "Alexandra, put a sock in it will you?" said Stephen. "For once don't argue about everything. Just go..." Alexandra threw one more frustrated look at Dr. Franklin, shook her head and walked away, with the tall, black clad Minbari Warrior stalking behind her with liquid grace. A quick stop for meds. and she left. "I believe my Shi Alyt has found something to interest him in your doctor," remarked the Alit. "Her temper? Her stubbornness? The fact she is opinionated and doesn't hesitate to let you know? In many ways, she's an impressive woman, Alyt. Fast becoming our resident expert on Minbari medicine. Neroon may get more than he expects, if he doesn't watch his step," Doctor Franklin said, a slight smile fleetingly crossing his face. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to get tom work." "Of course, Doctor. I will stay out of the way," said Trevess. ------------------ 'Maybe the damn thing is stuck,' was her first thought. 'I'm off duty... I'm sore... I'm enjoying lying hee and feeling sorry for myself. And it's to damn early to get up if I don't have too!! Who wants to see me so bad they can't do it later!' Alexandra shrugged into her robe, cursing under her breath, as she twisted her shoulder. "Who's there?" she called, exasperated. "Shi Alyt Neroon. I wish to have words with you, Doctor," came back the reply in the deep accented voice. "Ah, hell..., what does he want this early?" she swore softly, and then louder. "This is not a good time, Shi Alyt." "I would have words with you. I can stand here and ring for as long as necessary, Doctor." The door swung open in front of him, and he found himself confronted by the displeased woman, a robe wrapped around her figure, hair tumbling wildly around her shoulders. "You would too, wouldn't you? What is it? What is so important at this time of day?" she demanded, gesturing him in so she could shut the door. "I'm not even up yet!" "I wanted to check on how you were this morning," he replied with a polite inclination of his head, stepping in. "At this hour?! Why? Your feelings for my people is well known. I helped treat Marcus Cole when you finished with him, Shi Alyt. His injuries went far betyond normal fighting damage," she said. "You made a real mess out of him!" "That is so, but that is betweeen us," Neroon growled. "So? That still doesn't tell me what you want." "I have come to take you for your morning meal," was his surprising reply. After grinding her teeth for a long moment, knowing he was aware of the gesture, Alexandra sighed and offered the man a seat. 'Only because I need to sit down,' she thought. "That is not necessary...," Alexandra began, sinking down on he sofa. "On the contrary, Doctor, it is. You did not get your morning meal yesterday on account of my men being injured; the Warrior Cast owes you a meal," said Neroon interrupted. "Prepare yourself... I will wait." Alexandra sat staring at the black clad Minbari, and knew protesting would be useless. This Honor thing of the Minbari was a given, and rigid as stone. Diplomacy, remember, diplomacy. "Okay," she sighed, standing. "I will allow you to purchase me breakfast. Then things are even." "Honor will be satisfied," he agreed, inclining his head. "Agreed. It will take me a few minutes to dress," she turned and stalked away. She was not sure this wasn't a mistake. Neroon smiled to himself, and looked around her quarters. He had never been in a Huan's quarters before. This room was different from what he was used to, smaller..., warm..., soft..., scented with something he didn't recognize. Several paintings on the wall seemed to shimmer against the dark walls, a tall scree partially concealed her bedroom door. Pictures covered a narrow table across the room, but he was unable to make out the figures in them. And pillows..., crystal..., candles..., everywhere. "I'm ready," she announced returning, adjusting her sling as she came. "Let us go then," said Neroon. She proceeded out the door, followed by the Minbari. As they walked silently toward the Zocalo, with him now stalking beside her, like a black panther, she found herself amused in spite of herself at the way everyone they passed, human or alien, seemed to melt out of their way. "What amuses you, Doctor?" "Being with you definitely makes progress easier! Do you have this effect on everyone?" she asked, gesturing to the people withdrawing from their path. "They fear me. That is good. They all stay away from me that way," was his answer. "What a pity that is how you see it," she shook her head. "Why pity? It is good for a Warrior to be feared by others," he said. "Didn't you notice that a lot of those who backed away were your own people, other Minbari? Doesn't that bother you?" Alexandra demanded. "I am Warrior Cast. We are feared, by all!" "More the pity. To be feared by those you fight to defend," she sighed. "You do not know what you speak of, Doctor," Neroon stated, arrogantly. "It is as it is. The way it has always been; the way it always will be!" Alexandra shook her head as she continued to walk. Reaching their destination, they entered. Finding her favorite table empty, she sat there, Neroon taking the seat opposite her. "This is the same table you sat at yesterday. Is there a special reason?" he asked. "Yes... I like this one because it is closest to the Zocalo. I enjoy watching the people and their activities." "So, people interest you?" "Yes, immensely. My parents were in the Military, so I grew up moving around a lot. I always enjoyed the people part of it the best," Alexandra nodded. "Are they still in your military?" "No. They were both killed at the Battle of the Line. Their ship was one of the last your people destroyed." "Many died in that last great battle," said Neroon, his deep accented voice distant. Neither said anything further, until they were approached by the same Human waitress that had served the two Minbari yesterday. "Good morning, Mary. I'll have my usual and a glass of juice, if there is any available," Alexandra said, with a smile for the young woman. Mary replied, flicking a sideways glance at the silent Minbari. "We got a fresh supply late yesterday, Doctor.' "Relax, Mary," Alexandra said, flashing a grin at the visibly trembling girl. "Shi Alyt Neroon is not here to cause trouble. Only to buy me my breakfast this morning." "We heard you were helping take care of those Minbari hurt yesterday," the girl nodded, flicking a frowning glance toward the Warrior. "And got hurt by one of them." "Just a dislocated shoulder, Mary. I didn't duck fast enough," she grimaced, lifting her arm. "It'll be okay in a week or two." "That's good, Doctor," Mary said, and reluctantly turned toward the quietly listening Minbari. "And you, Shi Alyt?" "I will have the same thing the doctor is having," Neroon spoke for the first time, causing the girl to flinch. As she scurried away, Alexandra stared at him. "She really is terrified of you, isn't she?" was her comment. "Yes," was his only comment. "This reaction pleases you?" she asked, knowing the answer. "It is as it should be," he shrugged. Three tall, black clad Warriors stalked past, saw Neroon, stopped. Not meeting Neroon's eyes, all bowed deeply over folded hands. They straightened and let their hard, expressionless glazes drift over the Human female. They did not repeat the bow. Then they were gone, moving away with liquid grace like huge black cats. "That lot was very good at making their feelings toward Humans known, weren't they? I tend to think of the Minbari as a small race, after all Ambassador Delenn is such a fragile, elegant person... Then I run across some of your lot, and it is brought home tome how large your people can be," Alexandra said. "That is s wise thing to remember," Neroon said, his pale gaze locking with her darker one. "Alexandra!" Alexandra turned at the sound of her name, breaking the sudden tension, and smiled. "Delenn... Good Morning." The small, elegant Minbari Ambassador leaned forward to study her friend. "I was informed a short while ago that you were injured caring for our injured yesterday. Was the injury very bad?" she asked, eyeing the sling the Human woman wore. "A dislocated shoulder only; I didn't duck fast enough. Shi Alyt Neroon here, set it for me," she said with a grimace. "Fast and efficiently." "Neroon...?" Delenn questioned, eyes wide as she stared at the lounging Warrior, who smiled at her sardonically. "Yes, Delenn, me." "Do you have time to join us, Delenn? Neroon is buying me a meal to make up for the one I lost yesterday when I was caring for his men," Alexandra said. "I can not, Alexandra. I am on my way to meet the Captain. He is waiting for me and I am already late," said Delenn, shaking her head. "I will try to see you later in the day." "Give my regards to the Captain, Delenn," she grinned. "Of course, Alexandra. I will see you later then," Delenn nodded. "Neroon..." "Delenn." Then she was gone, after an inclination of her head, moving off into the crowd. "You never told me you knew Delenn," Neroon scowled, taking his food from the waitress. "You... never asked... I know a good many of the Minbari here on B5, at least by sight. I've treated a lot of them at one time or another," was her reply, as she set down her own plate. "So...," came his cryptic reply. "Why?" Alexandra stared at him, not understanding the question. "Why what?" "Why do you work with the Minbari instead of your own people?" She was quiet for a moment as she thought over the question. "I just seemed to fall into it accidently, I guess. Not to long after I was assigned here, one of the Minbari was jumped in Downbelow and knifed up pretty bad. I happened to be on duty when he was brought in, and patched him up. Next thing I knew, everytime a Minbari had any kind of injury, they got routed to me. It just went from there, I guess," was the answer he received. "And as my contact with them grew, so did my interest. Doctor Franklin still has some information on Minbari he kept from the War, and let me study it. I got more medical and physiological information from the Ambassador. Her, Mr. Lennier, and Marcus Cole, between the three of them as duties allow, are attempting to teach me Minbari, at least Adronato. I"ve also worked with the Minbari Healers here on B5." "Interesting," said Neroon. "I was assigned here, at my request, shortly before we broke with Earth because my only brother is also stationed here as a pilot. He's a Commander of one of the Wings down in the Cobra Bays. We are the only family the other has, so it made sense. And because the various Alien races have always interested me. When the chance arose to get this assignment, I jumped at it," she said. "So your brother is a pilot, a warrior; and you are a Doctor, a healer," observed Neroon, with a slight sneer. "Doesn't the conflict between the two points of view bother you?" "No. Why should it? We may belong to the same family, but we are two different people... the same basic set of values, but different in how we see the need to carry them out. He fights, I heal. Each of us, in our own way, trying to make things better." "A human with guts." "Many of us have that here, one way or another. You may have more 'bone' than I do, but My backbone can be just as rigid as yours! I'm not afraid to take a stand against the odds." "I am beginning to learn that about your people," was his surprising reply. "And you, Shi Alyt Neroon? I began to hear a lot of stories about you around the time of your fight with Marcus Cole. Some of them are pretty fantastic. Were they true?" she asked, curiously, looking into his pale eyes. "Yes, probably. I am trained to kill... I am very good at it. During the War, I killed over 50,000 of your people. Does that bother you?" "It was war," she stated quietly. "I deplore the destruction of any life, but killing was done on both sides of the conflict... none of it right. What is done is done... nothing can bring the dead back to life again." "I do not think I have ever looked at it quite like that, Human." "Can any other questions wait until after we eat? Now the food is in front of me, I'm starving!" she said, picking up her fork. "As you wish, Doctor." They ate the food in front of them slowly, as they continued to talk of various things, Neroon restraining from asking any further questions as they ate. Pushing her empty dishes back at last, Alexandra sighed. "It isn't often I get to take my time over breakfast... either I'm rushing off duty, heading for my bed, or rushing on duty. And when I do have a morning free, I catch up on my sleep and skip the meal altogether! I enjoyed this." Neroon inclined his head in acknowledgment, saying nothing, just staring at her. Her gaze flickered toone side. "I think it is time I return to my quarters. Thank you for the breakfast, Shi Alyt." "So, Doctor, even you can be intimidated by me," he suddenly smiled wolfishly. "That is s silly question, Shi Alyt. Of course I can be intimidated by someone like you. That doesn't mean I will let it affect me any more than I can help, or let you know if I can avoid it," Alexandra said starting to rise. "Thank you agian for the meal. If you will excuse me, I will return to my quarters." "I will not excuse you just yet, Doctor. Wait here while i settle the account. I will accompany you back to your quarters," Neroon said, and strode over to the counter. "Arrogant man!" she muttered under her breath, sitting back down. --------------- Two figures standing across the Zocalo, watched the two. One with interest, the other in disbelief. "Do you see, John?" whispered Delenn, looking wide eyed up at him. "They are still there... together... like I told you. They have not left." "I see it, but I am not sure I believe what I am seeing," he slowly shook his head. "He was actually sitting, eating with a Human, and she is still in one piece!" "True, John. So... Perhaps the Universe is changeable after all," Delenn smiled up at him radiantly. "If Neroon can do something like this, then perhaps there is hope for a new understanding between all the races." "I'm still not sure I believe my eyes, Delenn. Neroon with a Human without trying to kill them, actually voluntarily spending time with one of us?" "Come, John. Let us go before either of them sees us," Delenn said, pulling at his arm. -------------- "Now we may go, Doctor," said Neroon, rejoining her. "Come!" "Are you always so bossy and arrogant?" she demanded. "Yes!" was his simple reply. "Doesn't anyone ever object tothe way you treat them?" "Yes, sometimes; they seldom repeat the 'mistake' a second time," Neroon replied, swing the full force of his arrognat gaze down onto her. "You had best remember, Human. No one challenges my authority or orders." "Don't even bother trying that with me! We both know you could crush me with one blow, but I will not be treated that way by anyone, and that includes you!" Alexandra stated firmly, locking gazes with him for a moment before walking away. Neroon stared after her in amazement for a moment before following. "It is possible that I spoke to strongly to you, Doctor," Neroon said, slowly, falling into step with her. "I will have to give it some thought." "Yes, you do that." At her door, she turned and looked up at him. "Thank you again for breakfast, Shi Alyt. I enjoyed myself more than I anticipated. Even though we didn't always agree." "Honor is now satisfied, Doctor," Neroon nodded. He produced a small paper werapped, item from a hidden pocket, and pressed it into her hands. "We will meet again, I think. And there will be no Honor involved." Then he was gone, striding into the passerby's. Alexandra stared after him with amazement, before she looked down at the tiny package in her hands. Unwrapping it, she stared down at an exquisite crystal flower lying on a stone base. 'Perhaps... we will meet again, Neroon... perhaps we will,' she thought, smiling slightly. The End?