From: Penny Horwitz Subject: Preludes and Introductions [0/3] Authors Notes and Disclaimers Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 11:56:53 -0600 Greetings. This piece, Preludes and Introductions, is the begining of nasty idea I got after watching Atonement. I wondered what would have happened if John Sheridan had been on the Prometheus, and prevented the Earth Minabri War. Well, out of this grew, _Roads Not Taken_, of which this is the first installment. Enjoy, and please feel free to send feedback. I always welcome it. Standard disclaimer: Characters, settings etc belong to JMS, and Babylonian productions. The situations are mine. This piece of fiction is not intended to challenge any copyrights or to make a profit. Please do not repost without the consent of the author. -- ________________________________________________________ Pen Horwitz plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu My webpage coming soon ________________________________________________________ From: Penny Horwitz Subject: Preludes and Introductions 1/3 Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 11:59:05 -0600 Roads Not Taken Series: Chapter 1 Preludes and Introductions [1/3] By Pen Horwitz Standard Disclaimers in Part 0 Prologue The young lieutenant sat a his station bored out of his mind. When he had pulled assignment on the Prometheus he had thought he'd see some action. Meeting new races, or border clashes, or something. Anything but convoy guard. Luckily his shift was almost up, and at least in his sleep he could dream about such things. Fate, however, intervened. Sirens began to go off on the Prometheus' bridge, and the lieutenant's station came alive as his screen filled with an unknown convoy of ships. "Wake Captain Harrington, Now!" He yelled as he began sending out a welcoming hail to the alien craft. Harrington was on the bridge moments later. Harrington pulled himself by the guideline to the younger man's station. "Show me what you've got, Sheridan," He said briskly. John nodded, "Sir, we have four ships of an unknown configuration on a intercept course." "Tactical, what's their weapon status?" The Captain turned to the young woman, who sat two stations down in front of the large threat board. "Sir. they have their gun ports open," came the reply. "All right, prepare to fire...." "Sir," Sheridan spoke quickly, "We don't have proof they're hostile." "Lieutenant, how much more _proof_ do you need?" Harrington said as he stabbed his finger at Sheridan's screen. "Sir, these ships aren't coming in at an attack speed, or a descent targeting vector." "Okay, Mr. Sheridan, since you seem to be more enlightened, why the _hell_ are these people pointing weapons at us?!?" "Sir, the Norse did something similar. They'd approach with all their weapons out to show their strength. It wasn't a hostile action, and neither is this. I'll bet my life on it." "Sheridan, you're betting all our lives.... Tactical, stand down. Keep transmitting the welcoming hail, and pray." ___________ The Grey Council met in chambers as soon as the alarms had sounded. The alien vessels were an unknown quantity to them. Dukhat stepped into the circle, "What is it?" "We detected these alien ships approaching our space," replied one of the councilors as the image resolved around them. Dukhat turned to look at the convoy of unknown vessels floating in the velvet night, "I've never seen those markings before. Who are they?" "Unknown, Master," the councilor answered. Delenn, who had also watched the new intruders, spoke "I believe they are the humans." Dukhat turned to her as she continued, "I have investigated them on my own." The councilor continued, "They have tried to contact us, but we do not understand their language. As is custom we are approaching with gun ports open..." Dukhat turned on the councilor, "By whose order?" The councilor deferred to the greatest of his race, "Master, that is the tradition of the Warrior Caste. A gesture of strength and respect. They can see our weapons they can see we approach them open-handed." Delenn had been watching the human ships, when something caught her eye, "Master," she said quickly, "There!" Dukhat followed where his former pupil pointed, "Soul hunters." "Soul Hunters come only where there is great death." Delenn tried to keep the fear out of her voice. She, alone, knew how unpredictable humans could be. "Close the gun ports!" The councilor objected, "If we do not provoke them..." Dukat stared the Minbari down, "I said close them. Now!" He then turned to Delenn, "Did you study any of their language?" "Yes, Master. I was able to obtain language records from some of the other races with whom we have contact." "Good. You will be the welcoming voice of our people, Delenn." The young Minbari's eyes widened and then she smiled, "I am honored, Master." _____________ "Captain, they're closing their gun ports," said the tactical officer, with obvious relief. Harrington looked to Sheridan, who sat back in his chair with a sigh, "Good job, Lieutenant." John was just about to reply when a burst of static came into his headset, and then a voice, "Sir," he said excitedly, "we're getting a response to our hail!" "Let me hear it." "Yes, Sir." Sheridan flipped a switch, and the com came alive with a melodious female voice. "....Unidentified ship, this is the Valen'tha, please respond." Harrington looked at Sheridan, and smiled, "Go ahead and answer them, Lieutenant. You've earned the privilege." John nodded, and turned to reply, "Valen'tha, this is the Earth Alliance ship Prometheus, please identify yourself." The next sentence that came across the com was the most unexpected, but not unwelcome, "We are the Minbari." ________________ End Part 1 ________________________________________________________ Pen Horwitz plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu From: Penny Horwitz Subject: Preludes and Introductions 2/3 Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 12:00:32 -0600 Roads Not Taken Series: Chapter 1 Preludes and Introductions [2/3] By Pen Horwitz Standard disclaimers in Part 0 Sheridan sat in his temporary quarters at Earthdome. It had been two months since the first contact with the Minbari. Since that time he had been promoted to Lt. Commander, and the Minbari had requested his presence at the final conference to seal the treaties between Earth and Minbar. For some odd reason, they felt comfortable with him. He guessed it made sense, he had been the one to make contact, but there were people better trained in diplomacy than he was. The doorchime interrupted his musings, he stood, and ordered the door open. In stepped Ambassador Nora Turner. "Hello, Ambassador Turner, have they arrived yet?" He asked as the older woman smiled at him. "Yes, the Minbari craft came through the Io jump gate about 15 minutes ago, and should be arriving within the hour." The Ambassador sat down, and shook her head, "Lt. Commander, do you know how lucky you are? We've been trying to contact the Minbari for two years now. And evertime we tried we were rebuffed. But you waltz in and make first contact with them. Beginner's luck or genetics, I have no clue." Sheridan stood speechless. He wasn't exactly sure if this was a compliment so he kept his mouth shut. "John, the Minbari trust you, which is always a good start in diplomacy. I'm here to guide and advise, but the Minbari want to deal with you. Have you read the documents they sent us?" Sheridan sat across from her, and nodded, "Yeah, but don't ask me to make heads or tails of it. I think I got the basics of the history and religion down. You know, enough not to put my foot in my mouth." "Also a good thing in diplomacy. It seems your father taught you something after all," Nora smiled at John's discomfort. "In all seriousness, I have faith you'll do well in this. You are most definitely your father's son, and I'm sure you'll charm Satai Delenn to no end." "Delenn? Isn't that the name of the Minbari I spoke to on the Prometheus?" "Yes, it seems you spoke directly to one of their ruling council. I've been in communication with her arranging this meeting, and she has expressed an intense interest in meeting you." All John could do was raise his eyes to the ceiling and mutter, "Why me?" And if to make matters worse the com terminal announced, "Incoming message from Mars." "From who?" Sheridan inquired, trying to remember _who_ he knew on Mars who'd be calling him now. "Michael Garibaldi." Sheridan's face was relieved as he turned to the Ambassador, "Will you excuse me, ma'am? This is an old friend." Nora stood, and nodded, "Of course. Just remember the reception is in three hours. Please, don't be late." He smiled as she left, and answered the comm, "Michael, you know your timing still sucks!" Michael's face appeared on the viewscreen, "It's seems yours has improved, buddy-mine. I turn on the news two months ago, and there is my old prep school co-conspirator being called a hero! I thought I told you that the hero business will get you dead." Sheridan grinned wryly at his old friend, "So nice to know you care. Is this a social call? I haven't heard from you since I shipped off on the Prometheus nine months ago. You never called. You didn't even write me. I started to think you didn't even love me anymore." "What do you mean I don't love you anymore? I got up three hours early, did my hair, and dressed nice just to talk to you." Garibaldi's face split into a grin. John studied his old friend's appearance, "What hair?" "Hey, watch it, Sheridan, or you might get a repeat of the first time we met!" John tried to keep a straight face, but this was the last straw. The memory of their first meeting was just too insane not to laugh at. It had been Michael's first week at St. Joseph's Academy, and he was acting like most 16 year old males acted on their first week in a new school, full of bravado. During swimming, Garbaldi had pinpointed Sheridan as the leader of their age group, and in wolflike fashion, made an attempt to take control by throwing John into the pool. Sheridan had been fast enough, and lucky enough, to pull Michael in with him. The two of them sunk to the bottom like stones. After resurfacing, they had been sent to the Dean for brawling, but by that time Michael and John had reach a non-aggression pact that developed into a life long friendship. "Even the visit with Dean Shelby?" Sheridan snickered, and Michael joined in the laughter. "I never want to see that old battle-ax as long a I live! Why'd you have to bring her up? I was having a good day before now." "Just reminding you of the lessons in humility she gave us. It sounds like you need them." Sheridan said sagely. "Why do _I_ need the lessons, oh great hero? You're the one whose head should have ballooned by now. Which is why I called." "What did I ever do to deserve you?" John asked in plaintive tones, though he was grinning widely. Garibaldi grinned back, glad he had taken the harried look out of his old friend's eyes, "Just lucky I guess." End Part 2 Pen Horwitz plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu My webpage coming soon ________________________________________________________ From: Penny Horwitz Subject: Preludes and Introductions 3/3 Date: Thu, 13 Nov 1997 12:01:56 -0600 Roads Not Taken Series: Chapter 1 Preludes and Introductions [3/3] By Pen Horwitz Standard disclaimers in Part 0 John passed the next hour talking to Garibaldi. It was good to see him and get a chance to catch up on things. Michael was bragging about finally having gotten his promotion to homicide detective at Dome One. "I figured you'd be running the syndicate right now rather than trying to catch them. I mean how many schools were you tossed out of before you came to Saint Joseph's? Three? Four?" "Five actually," Michael said proudly, "Saint Joe's was Dad's last hope I wouldn't end up in J-hall." "So what did changed your mind about going into law enforcement?" John joked as he struggled into his dress uniform jacket. "Oh you know, I just never seemed to aquire the necessary taste for murder," Michael grimaced. "But I might make an exception for a few of my associates." "Co-workers giving you shit?" "Yeah, being Alfredo Garibaldi's kid is a double-edged sword in the department." Something darkened in Michael's eyes. "It's hard living up to Dad's reputation as a cop, and even harder to live with the whole department knowing about his alcoholism. They expect me to be a carbon copy." "Please tell me you haven't lived up to that particular expectation?" Sheridan felt himself tense. Excess of alcohol was the one thing Michael had avoided during their teens. And John knew what an Achilles heel it was for him to live with. "No, I never took it up. I've seen too much of the damage to ever think of drinking as fun." "How is he, Mike?" Sheridan asked with no little amount of trepidation. Garibaldi's face fell, "He drank himself to death, John. It was about the same time you contacted the Minbari. He went through more bottles of Jack Daniels that I care to remember. He died of complications a few days later. I didn't try to get a hold of you, because from all reports you had your hands full." "Damn it, Mike! You should have called. Was Lise there?" "Yeah, she was there, and was a saint. I don't think I would have made it through this one without her. I'm just glad he was coherent in his last couple days, and we could talk again." Mike took a deep breath. "He apologized to me, John. He told me he was proud of me with his last breath." "I'm glad. He had every right to be, you know. You're one of the best men I've had the honor of calling a friend." Sheridan said, then lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. "How did we get on such a depressing subject anyway?" John only shrugged and put on his shoes. They shifted into small talk, until he had to leave. And as he headed toward the shuttle pad, where the welcoming ceremonies were to take place, John realized he felt more relaxed than he had since the first contact two months ago. He smiled as he walked out into the bright sunshine. _______________ The Minbari flyer made a graceful descent toward the field. Sheridan had gathered with other dignitaries to wait for the first face to face meeting of the two races. Security was tight as there had been many threats from groups like Earth First, who were not thrilled at a new alien influence to deal with. The ship landed lightly on the pad, and the hatch opened, permitting humans their first personal glimpse of one of the oldest races in the galaxy. The ambassador stepped from her craft, flanked by two male Minbari. Sheridan was surprised how young she seemed. Young, and actually, really rather attractive. John had never really given much thought to females of other species before. He'd always figured that he'd settle down, when he was ready, with a human woman. That was just the way things were done. But when Ambassador Delenn's jade green eyes, which sparkled in the light of the sun, caught his own, John Sheridan forgot everything including his own name. Her smile was gentle as she extended her hand to him. "I understand this is how you greet friends," she said in accented English. He took it in his own. Her hand was so small and delicate, John, overwhelmed by the sight of her, raised it to his lips, gently placing a kiss on the center knuckle. Neither the ambassador nor her two escorts had any idea of what to make of the gesture. John quickly composed himself and explained. "My apologies, Ambassador. The gesture that I made is considered to be one of respect for someone of the opposite sex. I'm Lieutenant Commander John Sheridan, and it is an honor to meet you." Sheridan's grin was infectious, and Delenn returned it with one of her own. "It is I who am honored, Commander." Her voice was light and musical, and it wove a captivating spell around the two of them. "It is not every day that one meets a hero." He blushed. "I'm no hero, Ambassador. I was just doing my job." "But it was your action which saved lives. I do not wish to think about what would have happened had you not intervened." She then motioned for her escort and presented them to John. "This is Alyt Neroon of the Star Rider Clan. He is the captain of the vessel that brought me here." The larger of the two males placed his right fist against his palm, and inclined his head slightly. The smaller male, who seemed younger than the ambassador to Sheridan, also stepped forward to pay his respects. "And this," Delenn said with a gentle smile, "is my aide, Lennier of the Third Fain of ChuDomo." "It is an honor and a pleasure to meet all of you." John said as he extended his hand. The one Delenn had called Neroon watched this act with suspicion, but Lennier seemed to be better versed in human culture and took the offered hand. "Thank you, Commander. Alyt Neroon and I are honored to be able to aid Satai Delenn in her task, and to stand in the presence of a true peacemaker." Sheridan saw Neroon grimace out of the corner of his eye. He thought to himself. He cleared his mind of idle worries and escorted Delenn and her honor guard to the waiting mass of politicians, ambassadors, and functionaries. ___________ Sheridan had been invited to sit in on the negotiations, but he politely declined, feeling he'd rather spend the rest of the afternoon getting his teeth pulled. He was having enough of Earth Alliance politics shoved down his throat at this party. The gathering, a formal dinner held in Ambassador Delenn's honor, had gotten stuffy very quickly and Sheridan had retreated to the terrace for some air. He might have a talent for diplomacy, but it didn't mean he had to like the associated manipulations. His thoughts turned to Delenn. It was amazing how she weathered the storm of people, jockeying for position. She seemed so ethereal, almost unreal. He had hoped to speak to her, but he had been unable to break through the knot of dignitaries that surrounded her. "Commander Sheridan?" queried a soft musical voice which brought him out of his contemplation. He turned to find Delenn standing at the doorway. "Ambassador, how may I be of service?" "I wished to speak with you, but you had left." She walked to his side and looked up at the stars, "They are so beautiful, are they not?" "You should see them from my father's farm. In the right season you can see the meteor showers. It's very beautiful and peaceful." "One of the things I found while researching your history is that your people named stars or groups of them?" She looked slightly confused. "It seems a very odd thing." "The indigenous peoples of the continent of North America have a story that might answer your question." John offered. "I learned it when I was in scouts. I could tell it to you if you want." "I would be honored, Commander." "All right." John led her over to a bench and sat down. "Comfortable?" He asked, and when she nodded he began. "A long time ago, the skies were empty except for the passage of the moon, and the animals were frightened, especially on the nights when the moon disappeared from the sky. They pleaded with the Great Spirit for a way to have some sort of light always in the sky, and the Great Spirit agreed. He gave them a vast amount of shining stones, and told them they had one night to draw pictures in the sky. Well, the animals took to their task with a great deal of abandon. The problem was getting the stones into the sky. They recruited the coyote to haul the stones from the ground, and he resented them for it. Most of the night had passed, and the animals only had drawn their outlines with the stones...." John stopped for a moment when he noticed a glimmer of red light on her dark robes. The pinpoint beam of a targeting laser found it's mark right in the middle of her chest. "Delenn! Down!" He yelled as he pushed her down and shielded her with his own body. The projectile embedded itself in his back, and the last thing he heard before he went into shock was her cry. "Sheridan!" ___________ He awoke the next morning in a hospital bed, and to his surprise Delenn was there holding his hand. "It is good to see you awake." Her expression was concerned but calm. "What happened?" He asked as he tried to blink the sleep out of his eyes. It hurt to breathe, and his left shoulder ached. "A person claiming to belong to a group called Earth First attempted to assassinate Ambassador Delenn." A second voice chimed. John tried to see who it was, but found a strong hand restraining him. Second person's face came into view, Alyt Neroon. "You saved her life at great risk to your own." The Minbari's voice seemed strangely satisfied with his action, and Sheridan felt like he'd just been judged. "I remember vaguely what happened. I assume from your statement, Alyt, that they have captured the assassin." "Yes." Neroon's voice put enough brutal emphasis on the word to make John shudder. "Good." John caught a commanding look shot from Delenn to Neroon, and the Minbari quietly left the room after bowing his respects to Sheridan. "I, too, must go soon, but I wished to express my gratitude to you. Again you have saved lives and proved yourself an honorable man. Thank you." "Ambassador, may I ask you something?" "Of course." He blushed slightly. "Could I see you again?" She looked very confused. "Are you not seeing me, now?" He managed to get out a laugh before the pain got too much. "I mean I would like to spent time with you in circumstances other than politics. Maybe having lunch together when they let me out if you're still here." "I would like that very much, Commander. Especially if you would finish telling me that legend." "Anything you want, Ambassador, and please, call me John." He gently squeezed her hand. She nodded and then excused herself. Garibaldi was not going to believe this. ____________ Epilogue Senator Richard Morden sat in his office, studying the reports of the recent negotiations. His associates would definitely be pleased with the outcome. The door abruptly opened and his secretary came in followed by a forbidding encounter suit. "He demanded to see you right away, Senator." "Of course. I was expecting him, Sarah." Morden said smoothly. Sarah turned to leave, and as she passed the visitor she gave him a wide berth. The door closed and the Senator stood and bowed. "It is an honor to have you here." The music issued forth, "Speak." "The Minbari have agreed to an alliance, and I will propose the plan tomorrow. I see no reason why they would not agree. The station will be built." "Good." "I hope it will be enough." The figure began to move to the door, and before it left it inclined its head to Morden. "Perhaps... Sufficiency is relative." End ________________________________________________________ Pen Horwitz plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu My webpage coming soon ________________________________________________________