name = Aelora & Trigati
email = greycouncil9@hotmail.com
title = Ranger, Warrior, Soldier...Episode One
warnings = 
story = This is an ongoing storyline written in corroboration between the two of us.  Since we are approximately 1000 miles from one another, you can only imagine how much time we spend online putting this together!  The timeline begins at the episode of Grey 17 is Missing, and we have added our own creatitivity from there on out.  Please feel free to let us know what you think!  More eps are on the way!

Note:  All Babylon 5 characters and their subsequent personalities have been graciously borrowed from the Great Maker, J. Michael Straczynski.  All rights will be transferred to J. Michael Straczynski, Babylonian Productions Inc., or the Prime Time Entertainment Network should they so request it.


EPISODE ONE

“Said the Caterpillar….”


PART ONE




“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation.  Alice replied, rather shyly, “I – I hardly know, sir, just at present --- at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then”.
“What do you mean by that?”  Said the Caterpillar sternly.  “Explain yourself!”
“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir”, said Alice, “because I’m not myself, you see”.
“I don’t see”, said the Caterpillar.
“I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly”, Alice replied very politely, “for I can’t understand it myself to begin with; and being so many different sizes in one day is very confusing”….
“Alice in Wonderland”, Lewis Carroll




November 22, 2260 
Babylon 5




Marcus Cole paced back and forth in front of Ambassador Delenn’s quarters, trying to convince himself to either leave or get his visit over with.  He really did not want to see Delenn for one specific reason – he had been keeping a secret from her.  That would not go over well, good reasons or not.
Marcus’ decision was finally made for him when the door opened and Delenn walked out.  She smiled upon seeing him.
“Marcus.  Hello.  Were you here to see me?”
Marcus inclined his head to her in respect.  “Delenn.  Good morning.  Yes, as a matter of fact, I was”.
“Walk with me then.  I’m on my way to join John in the War Room”.
Marcus nodded, falling into step beside Delenn as she moved down the corridor.
“What is it, Marcus?  You are more agitated than I am used to seeing”.  Delenn smiled as she cast a sideways glance at the Ranger.
“I…”Marcus hesitated.  Well, best to simply get it over with.  “Someone is on their way here, Delenn.  They’re coming here to see you…to ask you something”.
“What is it they wish to ask?”
Marcus sighed.  “What happened to Ranger One”.
Delenn was silent for a moment, thoughtful.  She nodded.  “I see.  And why is it they wish this information?”
“Well, she’s kind of entitled to it”, Marcus replied frowning.  “You see, she’s his daughter”.
Delenn came to an abrupt halt, turning to fix Marcus with an incredulous expression.  “What are you talking about, Marcus?  Jeffrey Sinclair has no children”.
Marcus could not meet her gaze.  He knew it must be painful for her to know that a good friend would keep such a secret from her.  “That’s what he thought, too.  For quite sometime, actually.  Until about two years ago…”
Delenn looked away for a moment, working to control the emotions that were raging within her.  How could he have not told her before he left?  Did he not trust her to look after on e of his own?
Marcus reached out and touched her arm.  “Aelora – that’s her name, Aelora Campbell – wanted to keep it quiet.  Sinclair agreed.  She did not want people treating her differently simply because of whom her father was.  She trained to be a Ranger, you see, and the “child of Ranger One” title could have inhibited more than it helped”.
Delenn let out a slow breath.  “How do you know about this, Marcus?”
He grinned sheepishly.  “Aelora and I became…close…for a time.  It did not last.  I still love her but…”
“But what?”
Marcus shrugged.  “It’s difficult to explain.  I knew she was meant for something greater than I was, you know.  It is just something you can see…if she let’s you get close enough”.
Delenn nodded, and began walking once more.  “I still don’t understand how Sinclair did not know of his daughter”.
“It happened with a woman he met just before he entered the Academy.  Soria Campbell.  She was training for Psi Corps as a telekinetic.  The relationship did not last long – they both had their careers ahead of them.  When Soria discovered she was pregnant, she ran away from the Corps, left earth to hide.  She did not go to Sinclair because she knew he would give up his career to protect her and the child.  She could not do that to him.  Therefore, she continued to run, even after Aelora was born.  At first, she was afraid that Aelora might have telepathic or telekinetic abilities like her, and she did not want Psi Corps to take her child.  When she discovered Aelora was not like her, she relaxed a little…but not for long”.
Delenn glanced at Marcus when he paused.  She could see that he was fighting with himself as whether or not to reveal some important bit of information to her.  She did not want to push but curiosity to learn all she could about Sinclair’s daughter won out.  “Why not for long, Marcus?”
“Aelora is…special, that’s all I really want to say for now…until we’re in a more private setting”, Marcus replied, glancing pointedly at the various inhabitants of Babylon 5 that surrounded them.
“Very well”, Delenn nodded.  “What happened?”
“They remained on the run until Aelora was five.  Then, while they were hiding on Ragesh III, Soria contracted a fatal disease and died.  Aelora was on her own until a Centauri couple found her and the wife, unable to have children of her own, insisted they raise her.  Aelora was then taken back to Centauri Prime where she was raised –“
“By Centauri?”  Delenn’s tone was somewhat outraged.
“Yes.  Their…influence…has left Aelora with somewhat colorful opinions regarding Narn.  Very out of character for her but…I still have hope.
“Anyway, Aelora remained there until she was fifteen when she decided to venture out on her own.  Her’s is a very restless soul, always needing to be discovering, doing, and needing to be needed, really.  So she began taking odd jobs, learning various skills, interacting with different species --- “
“Except Narn”, Delenn pointed out.
Marcus nodded.  “Yes.  Except Narn.  Finally, in 2258, she decided it was time to meet her father.  Her real father.  She was twenty-two, then.  A long time to go without knowing your father, and barely remembering your mother.  She was en route to Babylon 5 when she encountered a Shadow ship.  Somehow – and I have yet to figure it out – she survived the encounter.  That was when a Minbari Cruiser discovered her, took her back to Minbar and helped her recover.  She studied on Minbar for a while when she learned of the Rangers and asked to join.  Shortly after joining, Ranger One arrived and, well…here we are”.
Delenn allowed a small smile.  “Why do I get the feeling there is a lot more to this that you’re not telling me, Marcus”.
He smiled.  “Because there is.  However, all in due time, Delenn.  Besides, much of what is said is up to Aelora.  I just wanted to prepare you for her arrival”.
“Very well”.  They reached the outside of the war room doors.  Delenn turned to Marcus.  “When is she arriving?”
“Today.  Sometime.  What will you tell her?”
Delenn frowned for a moment.  “Well, that will all depend on what she deserves to hear, doesn’t it?  Do not worry, Marcus. I will take care of it”.
“Great.  Then I will bring her to you the moment she arrives”.
Delenn nodded, watching as Marcus moved off before turning and entering the War Room.
Captain John Sheridan was standing in the exact same spot, as he was the last time Delenn had seen him in here, still staring at the Shadow attack reports.  Delenn smiled to herself.  Poor John was working so hard to figure out how to win this war.  She wished there were a way to get him to relax, to simply forget for awhile.
“Still at it, I see”, she said as she approached.
It took Sheridan a moment before he turned to notice her.
“Oh.  Delenn.  I didn’t hear you come in”.
Delenn rolled her eyes to let him know what she thought of that comment.  “Didn’t hear me?  You are too involved in this, I think, John.  You need to step away for a bit”.
“No.  I can’t.  There is too much we still don’t understand yet”.  Sheridan looked back at the display.  “I can’t just quit, Delenn.  Besides, we have a council meeting in a few hours.  I want to be prepared”.
Delenn sighed but smiled to let Sheridan know that she understood.  “Very well, I shall sit here with you.  Perhaps together we can work through this”.
Sheridan flashed her a smile to let her know he was glad to have her company and then returned his attention to the reports.

Marcus paced back and forth in front of Gate 36, where he knew Aelora’s ship had docked.   A part of him was worried about seeing her, worried about what memories it would bring back for the both of them.  Another, greater part of him, hoped to recapture some of the closeness they had shared.  In a way, she had replaced the family he had lost.  He cared for her like a sister, and had loved her greatly at one time, before realizing that it was a love too great for him to bear.  Then, in what some might call a cowardly fashion, he had run away without explanation.  Marcus knew that the time for reckoning had come and he was not certain if he truly wanted to face it.
He saw Aelora before she saw him, and his breath caught in his throat as it had that very first day.  In Valen’s name, she was magnificent.  Her hair was a fiery mass of untamed curls that fell well past her waist in wild disarray, a marked contrast against her flawless cream-colored skin.  She was taller than most women, actually standing a good inch over Marcus, with a shapely figure she showed to advantage in skin-fitting black catsuit.  Her face was a classic study in molded perfection: high cheekbones, arched brows set over large, slightly slanted wide-set eyes, a small, straight nose and full mouth.  It was a face full of expressions that ranged from laughing and friendly to angry and sullen, wary and mistrustful.  Now, Marcus watched as it quickly turned wary.  She had seen the Narn security officer.
“Identicard, please”.
Aelora frowned at the being before her.  She had figured that Babylon 5 must have personnel shortages with their independence from Earth, but how desperate were they truly, to actually have Narn’s in security?
Da’Noth regarded the human female before him, wondering why it was she seemed to hesitate.  For a moment, he thought that perhaps she was going to refuse to give him any proper ID before she finally reached into the pouch at her belt and withdrew her identicard.  “Thank you”, he nodded as he took it from her and scanned it.  When he went to hand it back, she fairly snatched it from his hands.  As she moved off, Da’Noth found himself comparing her behavior to that of the many Centauri who came to the station.
“Aelora!”
Aelora glanced up to see Marcus Cole striding toward her and found herself full of indecision as to what to do.  She forced a smile, allowing him to hug her while her brain quickly searched for something to say.
“Marcus, it….is good to see you”.
Marcus saw through her lie.  “Aelora, if we’re going to spend time here on the station together, we might as well get this out in the open now”.
Aelora sighed.  “What?  I am fine, Marcus.  I was over you long ago”.  She flashed another smile to prove her point then promptly changed the subject when she spied yet another Narn security officer.  “So what’s with all the spots?  Someone on the station have a love affair with polka dots?”
“Aelora, this is neutral territory.  Your…opinions, regarding certain issues should probably be kept to yourself, especially if you plan to speak with Delenn and Sheridan”, Marcus warned.  
Aelora worried her lower lip as she contemplated this information.  Finally, she shrugged.  “Whatever.  I don’t really plan to be here long.  Were you able to locate some accommodations for me?”
“Yes”.  Marcus started to lead her into the station.  “They aren’t much – small – but they’ll suit.  How is your family?”
“Lord and Lady Kyra are fine.  Cousin Tiro – the one whose brother’s were killed in the attack on Regesh IIII? – He received a commendation from the Emperor for his actions in the bombing of the Narn Homeworld.  The family is very proud”.
Marcus shook his head.  “Exactly what ‘actions’ can one perform while bombing an entire civilization from outer space?”
Aelora glanced sideways at Marcus.  “Do not sit your judgement upon me or the Centauri, Marcus.  You can not possibly understand.   The Narn must be taught their place in this galaxy; they must be beaten down.  They are too prideful”.
Marcus stopped abruptly, staring at Aelora as if he had never seen her before.  “In Valen’s name, Aelora!  What has happened to you?  Where has this…irrationality come from?”
“Please, Marcus.  Don’t start with me”, Aelora sighed.  “I’ve heard enough form other Rangers.  I don’t need it from you, too”.
“You obviously haven’t heard it enough!  Aelora, don’t you realize you are talking about living, breathing, thinking, feeling sentient begins, the same as you and me, as if they were little more than – than insects to be crushed at your will for buzzing about your head and annoying you?”
She glanced at him, one eyebrow cocked.  “What a perfect analogy.  Thank you”.
Marcus frowned at her.  “I do not think you are the Aelora I used to know.  No, I do not think so at all.  Good day, Miss Kyra”.  With that, Marcus turned and marched off down the corridor, leaving a bewildered Aelora standing alone.

The gentle ringing of the warning beacon broke Terann out of her meditation. She looked at the controls of her flyer surprised at how much time had passed. Out of habit, she rechecked her readings and prepared the ship for the jump to normal space. Months of preparation had brought her to this place, yet she found herself with doubts, unsure of what she was doing. For the past two cycles she had been sheltered, she had felt safe and protected. Now she was being flung back into uncertainty. Still she could not ignore the underlying excitement that the promise of battle brought to all warriors. Adjusting the controls, she saw the familiar spark as normal and hyperspace collided; when the chaotic swirling was broken by the simplistic order of the starfield. Passing through the jumpgate, Epsilon 3 filled her view screen. A solemn rust colored planet, it appeared barren and desolate. Terann would not have given it a second thought had she been unaware of the secret it kept hidden d!
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eep below its lifeless surface. As the ship approached the planet, the human space station Babylon 5 came into view.
"Babylon Control to Minbari Flyer ****** you are cleared to dock at bay. Please surrender control of your ship to the central computer on my mark......MARK" 
Pressing the appropriate controls, Terann settled back in her seat. She studied the alien architecture of the space station as her ship was brought into the docking bay. Despite her efforts, she knew she would never truly understand humans. They were a strange people. Compared to her own kind, the humans were a relatively young race, who seemed to spend far too much time stumbling around in the dark to take notice of the greatness to which they were destined. 
Terann felt the familiar shudder as the ship came to rest in the docking bay. Gathering up her few belongings, she left the ship and headed for the customs area. There were several humans present in the customs area, and Terann was relieved that she had chosen to wear a simple black outfit instead of the uniform that was customary for her rank. The war had been over for a long time, but she was aware that many on either side still harbored resentment towards the other. Terann was surprised to see a Narn acting as security. She had been told of the political problems the humans were experiencing but she found it odd that the Narn would aid them. The Narn had suffered at the hands of the Centauri for more than a century and Terann found it difficult to comprehend how a race so oppressed were still capable of compassion. 
"Identicard, please" the Narn said as he looking almost if he were analyzing her. 
Terann handed him the card she had been given before coming here.
"Point of departure?" the Narn continued, still eyeing her.
"Minbar," she replied. 
Not exactly a lie, it was after all where this journey had begun many years before. Retrieving her identicard and placing it in with her other belongings she looked the Narn in the eye. It was something she always avoided doing, but for some strange reason, she felt a need to know. His thoughts betrayed him. He was a large man, who stood with an air of pride, but inside he was like a small child beaten too many times to recall. Without a word of empathy she left him, to wound his remaining pride would be unthinkable. Leaving the customs area, she headed toward the core shuttle. 
The waiting area was empty except for a human sitting in the corner. As the Minbari entered his eyes locked on her as if to bore into her very being. The human stood up and began to move toward her. Terann could see from his actions that he was intoxicated. She was puzzled as to why humans pollute their bodies with toxins such as alcohol and mind altering chemicals. He stumbled slightly and this only served to increase his anger.
"You are warrior caste, aren't you Minbari?" he slurred, "My brother was killed by you bastards during the war," he continued not allowing her a chance to answer had she even wanted to. 
As usual, Terann had her denn’bok tucked safely under her cloak close to her heart. She knew she would not need it to incapacitate one human, especially not a drunk one. Suddenly the human glanced over toward the entrance as a Centauri entered the waiting area. He no longer seemed interesting in a fight and slunk back into his seat. Terann simply turned and waited silently for the shuttle to arrive. The shuttle trip ended without incident, and the human disappeared into the crowd waiting in Brown sector. Terann was exhausted, and could not wait to get to her quarters where she would meditate before retiring for the night. She moved through the crowd grateful for the varying races that were present. She had seen enough humans for one day. Turning the corner that lead to her assigned quarters, Terann walked right into a tall human female. Instantly, Terann felt the girl’s rage in her mind as it almost overwhelmed her. Before she could apologize the human grabbed her and slammed !
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her into a wall. Had Terann been human it is quite possible she would have been knocked unconscious. Terann looked firmly at the human and saw something, a spark she had not seen in over ten years. She firmly took hold of the human’s upper arms and quietly said, "There is no time...Child of Valen...You must find your way here..." 
The human stood back and brushed a stray piece of red hair from her face. Terann looked at her briefly and then turned and walked away.
Aelora stood staring after the Minbari, stunned into silence and just a little confused.  Since when did a Minbari – and a Warrior at that – refer to a human as a Child of Valen?  She glanced down at her pin, the only ornamentation she ever wore, and decided that the Minbari must have realized she was a Ranger and was referring to that.  Yes, that had to be it.  Aelora shook her head as she started back down the hall.  First Narn security – an oxymoron at best -- then Marcus preaches to her about her morality, then she can’t find her quarters, and finally, when she had reached the end of her rope where patience was concerned and was ready to kick some butt – didn’t matter whose – a Minbari warrior decides to smack into her and speak to her like a Vorlon.  Oh yeah, this whole trip to Babylon 5 was turning into a real experience.
Aelora stopped abruptly, turning back to stare in the direction that the Minbari female had disappeared.  In addition, just what had she meant by “You must find your way here”?  Damn Minbari had been influenced by the Vorlons for too long.  That was one thing.  Aelora admired the Minbari above many of the races she had met, including her own.  Still, she did not understand them, and doubted that she ever would.

After she had successfully settled in her quarters, Aelora decided it was time to seek out Marcus and apologize.  After all, she had not come to Babylon 5 to fight with him.  He was the only link to humanity that she had left, and she was not quite ready to completely let go.  If her opinion of the Narn race offended him then she would be more prudent as to what she said around him.  It was as simple as that.  This decision made, she set off in search of him.  How she was to find one single human on a five-mile long space station was beyond her but she reasoned that she had nothing better to do for the moment.
After spending a good three hours wandering around the area known as the Zocalo and learning little except that no one had seen Marcus Cole lately, Aelora set off to try another level.  She was quickly growing impatient, a common path for her, and she was beginning to convince herself that apologizing to Marcus was a complete waste of her time anyway, as she waited for the lift tube to arrive.  When the doors finally opened, Aelora stomped inside, folding her arms across her chest and sighing loudly.
“Blue six”, she requested.
“Bad day?”  A deep, faintly amused male voice asked her.
Aelora turned to address the speaker only to find a Narn regarding her frankly.  Her reply, whatever it would have been, died in her throat.  She turned back to her original position, refusing to acknowledge that anyone had just spoken.
“Ah, must be a very bad day”, G’Kar commented as her watched the human’s strange reaction.  If he was good at judging human reactions at all, he could have sworn that his comment had caused her to bristle.  Perhaps she simply wished to be left alone, he thought.  He often had days like that, when he preferred to lock himself in his quarters and not see a single soul.
He glanced over at her again, taking a moment to study her.  She certainly was quite stunning.  Downright beautiful, in fact.  G’Kar wished she would look at him.  He wanted to see what color her eyes were.  Human eyes fascinated him, for all the different colors and shades within colors that they held.  Sometimes, if one watched close enough, one could actually see one certain human’s eyes change shades within moments.  He had often seen Captain Sheridan’s eyes go from blue to steel gray when he became agitated.
Upon closure inspection, G’Kar saw the pin that marked her as a Ranger, fastened near her right shoulder.  He smiled.  At last, something that he could converse with her about.  “I see that you are a Ranger.  Are you newly arrived here?”
The female snapped her head around to face him and G’Kar found himself almost stepping away from the contempt he saw in her bright green eyes.  Contempt bordering on hatred.
“What exactly was it that I did to give you the impression that you were allowed to speak to me?” Aelora asked, her tone that of speaking to a child who barely understood language.
G’Kar had heard that same tone often throughout his lifetime.  It was the same way that all Centauri were raised to speak to Narn.  However, the woman before him was not Centauri, he reasoned.  She was clearly human, and a Ranger at that.  Why then, this behavior?
The lift soon stopped and the doors opened to Blue Six, though not soon enough in Aelora’s opinion.  She flashed one more glare at the impudent Narn then hurried out of the lift.  
G’Kar stood in stunned silence as the door closed off his view of the mysterious female.  He still could not fathom why she seemed to direct such venom towards him but decided to make it his duty to find out.

Such waste was the thought running through Terann’s mind as she wandered through the area of Babylon 5, known as Down Below, on her self-guided tour through the station.  She had briefly encountered Delenn’s aide, Lennier, who had offered to provide her with a tour but she had declined, preferring to learn her own way around.  What she had seen so far had not truly impressed her.
She was most shocked by the conditions that those who did not possess enough wealth were confined to.  She wondered how anyone could allow themselves to be subject to such a predicament.  It was only to be expected that there were no Minbari among the less fortunate.  A Minbari knew better than to allow themselves into such a situation.  There was always something one could do to better themselves and their position.  Obviously, many species out there were not advanced enough to come to this understanding.  
A haggard and old human female pushed her way rudely past Terann, causing the Minbari’s thoughts to suddenly turn to the human female she had encountered in the corridor earlier that day.  She was still stunned at the realization of who the human was…or rather, who the human was a descendent of.  She wondered if the woman knew, wondered if someone could still retain such suppressed anger and rage after knowing and understanding such information.  Perhaps that was it.  The human simply did not understand what such ties meant.  It was not an outlandish thought.  If Terann had learned anything about the humans it was that they were the most stubborn, thickheaded race that she had ever had to deal with, even beyond the Centauri.  Some saw this as a strength; that the humans could use this trait to make their stand among the older races that were more advanced.  Terann saw it more as a weakness.  Those unwilling to take the time to understand and learn, to improve themselves and t!
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heir way of life, were not worthy of gaining a place among the stars.  They would not last long.
“Well…if it isn’t the little traitor…”
Terann came to an abrupt halt.  She neither turned to nor reacted to the voice but simply stood, allowing her mind to come to the realization of whom had just spoken.  She knew the voice, and she knew the anger behind it.  Alyt Neroon, of the Star Riders.  He was the last person she expected to encounter on the earther’s space station.  Slowly, without giving away any hint of her surprise or dread at seeing him, Terann turned to face the warrior.
“There were rumors…” Neroon commented, a hint of a sneer on his handsome face.  “There were those who said you had taken your own life…in shame.  It was something I expected out of a coward such as you.  Seeing you here…I did not expect”.
Terann kept her eyes focused on the floor glad, for the moment, that Minbari custom required her to do so.  Had Alyt Neroon been able to see the hurt, he would have mocked her further.  She could not stand that.  
“It is a good thing…for a warrior to be unpredictable”, she replied.
Neroon laughed without humor.  “A warrior?  You dare to call yourself a warrior?”  He leaned over her, bringing his face to within inches of hers.  “Ones such as you weaken our caste, bring shame upon us all”.
“I – “
“You hide behind the skirts of the religious caste then wonder why you are shunned by those of your own kind?”  Neroon interrupted, his voice dangerously low.  “You don’t even have the right to call yourself Minbari”.
Terann’s fists clenched tightly at her sides as she willed herself not to react to his words.  Do not let him see your weakness! A voice cried out in her mind.  He would crush you mercilessly!  
“I am Minbari”, she answered finally, her voice steady and strong.  “And I have no reason to be shamed.  I made the right choices. I followed what my heart said was right”.
“Is that what your religious caste friends have told you?”  Neroon asked, surprised that she appeared unaffected by his taunting.  His eyes narrowed in consideration.  Perhaps she would make a warrior yet.  Perhaps…No.  She was defiant and nothing more.
“No.  It is the realization I have come to on my own.  My self-imposed isolation gave me time to reflect, to see into my heart and understand myself”.  At this, Terann dared to raise her eyes to his.  “Perhaps you would benefit from doing the same”.
Neroon raised his hand to strike her but found himself holding back at the last moment.  Something in her dark green, almost haunting eyes seemed to dare him to take that first swing.  He did not know if he were amused or outraged at her defiance but it did show something for her character.  She was not weak, that much was certain.  Slowly, he lowered his hand, still matching her gaze for gaze.  It was absurd that one so small would dare to stand up to him the way that Terann currently was.  Certainly, she knew he could flatten her with a single stroke, break every bone in her body with little effort.
Terann felt the wave of changing emotions as they washed over Neroon but she refused to break eye contact.  She had made her stand; she certainly was not going to weaken her position by backing down now.  She was surprised when he did not strike her – it was the least she had expected for her insubordination.  What surprised her even more was the fact that he almost seemed…pleased…by her behavior.  This was not the reaction she had expected from a warrior who was both respected, and feared, by his own people.  Terann had spoken without thought when she had suggested he reflect on his life.  She had spoken from emotion, from what she had felt radiating from the warrior himself.  Was it at all possible that he truly was dissatisfied with his place in life?
Neroon stepped back, continuing to regard the small female before him.  So she believed herself to be a warrior, did she?  He decided to test that belief.
“Delenn is to become Entilzah”.
Terann blinked.  “Yes.  I have heard”.
Neroon’s eyes narrowed.  “And do you agree with this?”
“Delenn is respected and revered by many.  She is strong for being of the religious caste.  Dukhat believed in her”.
“I asked if you agreed with this, Terann?”
Terann thought for a brief moment, then answered truthfully, “I have no quarrel with Delenn, nor do I know of any other who those of the anla’shok would willingly follow.  Yes, I believe, though it may not be the perfect choice, it is the right choice for now”.
“Delenn thinks too much of herself!”  Neroon snapped, taking a threatening step toward Terann.  "She dared to break the Grey Council and now seeks power in a position that rightfully belongs to the warrior caste!  I do not see this as a good thing, Terann.  And neither should you”.
“That is why you are here”, Terann said, suddenly realizing the purpose for Neroon appearing at Babylon 5.  “You are here to challenge that position”.
Neroon smiled.  “By any means necessary”.
“They will stop you”.
“They will try.  I am warrior caste, a fact that, unlike some, I have not forgotten.  We will not continue to let the weak religious caste seek control in all positions of power.  They must be taught who are the leaders…and who are the followers”.  He reached out then, placing his hand atop Terann’s head and forcefully pushing it down so that she once more gazed at the floor.  “Remember that lesson, Terann.  And perhaps…just perhaps…there might be hope for you yet….”
Terann remained with her eyes to the ground for the next few moments until she was certain he was no longer near.  She finally raised her head back up, regarding the place where he had stood.  Of all the Minbari in existence, she wondered, why did she have to run into Neroon?

Aelora sat alone at a table in the Eclipse Cafe, staring at nothing.  She had tried to clear her head of all the days events, had tried to relax and maybe enjoy her time at Babylon 5 but it was not working.  She wondered what would have happened if she had appeared at the space station when Jeffrey Sinclair had been in command.  Would he have still left for Minbar?  Or would he, instead, have chosen to start a new life with the daughter he never knew he had?  She hated herself whenever she started to think of ‘what if’ when it came to her parents, and she harshly disciplined herself not to do it yet still, her mind wandered of it’s own accord.  Here now, on Babylon 5, Aelora found that more than ever before, she was wondering how she would have turned out had things gone differently for her.  The ghost of Jeffrey Sinclair seemed to be at every corner, and the people here did not even know who she was yet.  What would happen then?  Would people run up to her and say “So what w!
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as it like growing up as Jeffrey Sinclair’s daughter?”   Moreover, how would she respond?  “Oh gee, well I wouldn’t know the answer to that, seeing as how neither of my parents were too inclined to stick around and raise their daughter…but thanks for asking…”
“Now there is a head of hair I have not seen in a long while…”
Aelora glanced up from her reverie to see a familiar face standing over her, a pleased smile on his portly countenance.
“Uncle Londo!”  Aelora stood, to give the man she had known as a child I the Centauri Court to be the one who always remembered to bring her a treat, a big hug.   
“Well, Aelora Lane Kyra, what are you doing here on Babylon 5?  And I see that those infernal curls have returned”.
Aelora laughed the first real laughter she had allowed herself in a long while.  “Londo, my head was not one that was meant to be shaved.  Centauri women are blessedly born with perfect heads for shaving…I was not”.  She sat once more, indicating to Londo to take the chair across from her.  “I’m here on business…”
“Ah, yes.  The last time I spoke with Lord Kyra he mentioned that you had gotten involved with that Minbari group, the Rangers.  He did not seem very pleased as I recall, either.  I must say, my Lady, I never pictured you as the missionary type.  What led you to follow that course anyway?”
“My father”, Aelora answered simply.  At the Centauri Ambassador’s confused look, she continued, “My real father.  I finally found him a few years ago. He … convinced me … that the Ranger’s were my calling”.  She debated whether to continue then decided why not?  He would hear about it eventually anyway.  “Actually, you knew my real father, Londo”.
“How is this possible?”
“He was Jeffrey Sinclair…”
“Commander Jeffrey Sinclair?  My Commander Jeffrey Sinclair?  The same Jeffrey Sinclair who was mysteriously called away one night to become an ambassador to Minbar?  That Jeffrey Sinclair?”
Aelora was laughing.  “Yes, Londo.  That one.  Minbar was where we met after an ‘unfortunate accident’ I had in space.  He was a bit…surprised to discover that he had a daughter after all this time”.
“Well, I should suppose so”, Londo replied with a half-smile.  He regarded Aelora for a moment, comparing the child he had known to the woman who was now before him.  For some reason, she did not seem greatly changed beyond physical appearance.  The innocence was still there, the belief that she could make the universe around her be the way she thought it should be.  Her flashing green eyes spoke volumes about child-like tenacity and impatience.  Londo found himself glad that she had gotten away from Centauri Prime.  He could only imagine what someone with her Will could do in the Centauri Court if influenced by the wrong people.  And the Centauri Court was full of wrong people.  “So, after your business is concluded, what then?”
Aelora shrugged.  “Probably another mission.  The Shadow War is heating up.  I’m hoping that Ranger One will have something important for me to do…Other than that, I try not to think that far into the future”.
Londo nodded.  “You are still young enough to do so.  Enjoy it while you can.  For someday soon, my dear child, you will find that choices no longer become yours to make.  They lead, you follow”.
“That sounds like extremely pessimistic talk for you, Londo”, Aelora commented, looking at the man before her more closely than before.  The Londo Mollari she had known as a child had been full of life, full of passion, always loud and boisterous, jumping into every situation with both eyes closed and to hell with the consequences.  
“Life changes everyone”, Londo replied with a frown, then quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.  “Join me for dinner tomorrow night.  I will have my attaché, Vir, cook you a proper Centauri meal”.
Aelora smiled.  “Spoo?”
“Aged to perfection”, Londo grinned back, then stood and bowed to her.  “My quarters.  Seven o’clock?”
“Sounds good”.
“Excellent”.
Aelora watched as Londo moved off through the crowd.  Well, at least someone was happy to see her.


Security Chief Michael Garibaldi dropped down in the chair next to his security console, wondering with his typical attitude of “the worst was yet to come”, what was going to happen next that day.  So far there had been two robberies in the Zocalo, a mugging, a fight between the Drazi and Brakiri Ambassadors and, to top it all off, a couple of Centauri hotheads had decided to pick a fight with two of his Narn security officers.  Luckily though, the Narn kept cool and it had not escalated to what it could have.  Garibaldi had to hand it to G’Kar, making the Narn security officers had been a half-brilliant idea.
He rifled through the papers before him, once more wondering how such a high-tech society could still use so much paper, and then finally found the files he was looking for.  They had received a transmission that a couple of EarthForce personnel had chosen to defect from Earth and join up with Babylon 5.  Being the magnanimous, everyone-should-be-given-a-fair-chance man that he was, Captain Sheridan had given them permission to come aboard.  Two of the defectors had requested to join Security and, just as Garibaldi had protested the idea, Sheridan had said yes.  Garibaldi hated having people he didn’t know – which in turn meant he didn’t trust – suddenly thrown into his lap to hand a couple of PPG’s to and say “Here, have your run of the station”.  No, Garibaldi was not too happy with the situation at all.  Luckily, he was able to tap into EarthCentral files though and get all he needed to know about their background history.  
The first one was Lieutenant Patrick Callahan, 3rd Infantry Division of New York.  Five years of active service for EarthForce.  No outstanding or remarkable achievements to note.  No family.  No specialties or other qualities worth listing.  Garibaldi frowned.  The file seemed too…generic.  Yes, that was the word.  Generic.  He turned to the next one.  Lieutenant Ashlen Orelle Ladan, 9th Engineer’s Corps of Virginia.   Joined EarthForce straight out of school.  Again, no special achievements or remarkable acts of note.  No demerits.  Youngest child of three siblings, parents were school teachers.  Garibaldi’s frown darkened.  No one’s life was this boring.  There was something here.  He would have to keep his eye on these two men.
“Zack to Chief”.
Garibaldi tapped his comlink.  “Go, Zack”.
“The first of those newbies is here…Lieutenant Ladan.  You available for briefing?”
“Yeah.  Send ‘im up”.  Garibaldi turned the link off and looked back down at the file.  A few minutes later, the door chimed.  Garibaldi looked up from the document that he was reading. 
“Come” he directed towards the door.
Ashlen Ladan strutted into the room and Garibaldi felt his breath catch.  This was Ashlen Ladan?  Oops.  Scratch the boring part.  Anyone who looked like that could not possibly lead a boring life.
“Is there a problem?” she demanded.
“No, sorry I just didn’t expect….” He paused.
“A woman.” She finished defiantly.
Garibaldi quickly composed himself.  He felt himself smile.  Obviously, she was not the type to take any crap from anyone.  He found himself warming to her quickly.  Her blue-grey eyes and honey-colored hair did not hurt matters either.
“I’ve been reading your file,” he began. “Most impressive”, he lied to gage her reaction.
“Thank you”, Ashlen replied, not missing a beat.  “If you don’t mind I request permission to retire to my quarters for the night. It’s been a long day and I’m really not up to the small talk right now.”
“Understood” Garibaldi nodded.  “I’ll expect to see you tomorrow morning at 0800 for debriefing.
“I’ll be there”, she replied as she left the room.
“Damn”, Garibaldi said to himself as he stood up and paced the room.  Something was up; his gut instinct told him so.  Moreover, it involved the incredibly feminine spitfire that had just walked out of his office like she was the boss and he the subordinate.  To top it all off, he still had to recheck arrangements to make certain everything was set for the Ranger Ceremony in two days and there was still a War Council meeting to attend.  All Garibaldi found that he really wanted to do was track down Lieutenant Ladan and find out what she was doing there…and maybe take her to dinner while he was at it.

Ashlen entered her quarters and flopped down on the bed.  She had to begin her mission tomorrow.  She would start by finding the girl right after the debriefing.  Garibaldi may prove to be somewhat of a hindrance but she would deal with him.  She had been told to take any measures necessary to complete this mission and she certainly was not going to let some arrogant man stop her.  She could tell he was suspicious over something he had read in her file.  Leave it to her superiors to mess something up.  Well, she would just have to do what she could to alleviate his suspicions and turn his attentions elsewhere.
She knew she was not to act immediately.  Just find the girl, watch her, see what she could learn from observation and gossip, see if there was any truth to the rumors.  Since the target was not a citizen of Earth, they could not simply grab her and have at it.  This would take some time as well as a little bit of diplomacy.  Perhaps, if Ashlen played her cards right, she could complete this mission without any force.  Perhaps she could simply convince the girl to cooperate and everything would be fine.  Ashlen would be able to return to Earth, leave the traitor’s to their pointless little war and get back to doing the things that were most important.
Glancing down at her hands, which seemed naked and vulnerable to her without the gloves, which had been ever present since before she could remember, Ashlen once more thought how difficult undercover work was.  She had to work constantly to keep her mind clear without the gloves, to keep from intruding into other minds whenever she made physical contact.  She also did not like not having the uniform, the symbol of the Psi-Corps.  It made her feel as if she was playing make-believe and suddenly everything had to be improvised.  No control, no power, complete unpredictability.  It made her as weak and vulnerable as the mundanes.  Still, she had a job to do, and Bester had been specific in the need for this job to be completed. 
The Corps was Mother. The Corps was Father. 
Not for the first time, Ashlen wondered briefly what her life would have been like had she been born a mundane, without the telepathic abilities that had set her life on the course that she presently knew.  She could not remember her parents, for her abilities had surfaced when she was no more than two years old and she had quickly been whisked away by the Corps.  She was schooled, trained, fed, clothed and employed by them.  The Corps was all that she knew and she owed her life to them, right?  Still, she longed for a family, a real family, with real brothers and sisters who were not jealous over Psi ratings, and parents who genuinely loved you for who and what you were.  Ashlen wished she could just be in a room full of people and not have to strain to keep the constant buzzing from giving her a headache, or especially not have to work to keep the thoughts out in the first place.  She wanted to be able to fall in love with whoever she wanted, not another Teep chosen specifi!
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cally by the Corps to produce the ultimate offspring.  She wanted to be able to make mistakes and have to live with them, not have them covered up and wiped away by the Corps to insure that no one knew what had occurred.  She had all ready suffered that fate once.
The Corps was Mother.  The Corps was Father.
Now, here she was on Babylon 5, a space station created by Earth to keep the peace in the galaxy.  Only Captain Sheridan had broken all ties with Earth because he and others in his command staff did not believe in the way Earth was currently being run.  Ashlen had to admit, she was not fond of President Clark but at least he took a little more interest in Psi Corps than others in the past had.  Bester had told her that the Corps’ day was coming soon.  This current mission was yet another key to the future of the Corps.  The future of all Telepaths.  Find the girl, Bester had said.  Find her, watch her, and learn.
The Corps was Mother.  The Corps was Father.
Ashlen began to drift off to sleep, wondering not for the first time why this girl was so important.











PART TWO

“You!” said the Caterpillar contemptuously.  “Who are you?”
Which brought them back again to the beginning of the conversation.  Alice felt a little irritated at the Caterpillar’s making such very short remarks, and she drew herself up and said very gravely, “I think you ought to tell me who you are, first”.
“Why?” said the Caterpillar.
Here was another puzzling question; and, as Alice could not think of any good reason, and as the Caterpillar seemed to be in a very unpleasant state of mind, she turned away….
“Alice in Wonderland”, Lewis Carroll




Terann found sleep almost impossibility, so she decided to get an early start and continue the tour she had started earlier. Surprisingly, it was not Neroon that her thoughts had focused on, but the Ranger with the fiery red hair. Terann had not been exposed to many of the anla'shok but she knew that their training taught them to be calm and rational. This woman was different. She carried much anger and hatred with her. But why? She was the daughter of Jeffrey Sinclair and though Terann had met him only once, she knew these were not characteristics he possessed. Perhaps she would learn more of this woman during her stay here. 
Leaving her quarters, she carefully scanned the corridor ahead of her. Terann would not allow Neroon to surprise her again. Entering the Zocalo, she expected to find it deserted at this early hour. Instead, it was as busy as it had been the night before. There were several races present, though she did not see the one she was sent to find. She had hope to meet him in neutral territory, unfortunately it appeared that Terann would have to seek him out in the alien sector. 
As she sat down to eat in a secluded corner, she saw another of the anla'shok enter the Zocalo. He was also human and appeared to be looking for someone. He was tall, had facial hair, and carried himself proudly. Despite the ragged appearance of many of those present he felt comfortable, and spoke to many with what appeared to be familiarity.  He obviously had not found what he was looking for and was prepared to leave when suddenly he stopped and looked directly at Terann. They locked eyes for a moment, and she could feel he was tempted to come towards her. A Minbari she recognized as Lennier, distracted him and whispered something in his ear. They both left quickly, leaving Terann to wonder what had caused the ranger to regard her in such a suspicious manner. 
Ashlen sipped her drink as she scanned the room. She could not get over how incredibly boring this place was turning out to be. It was all she could do to keep her eyes open during the debrief