From OShaun@ix.netcom.com Tue Jan 28 21:36:56 1997 Date: Sat, 04 Jan 1997 22:48:45 -0800 From: Pfyre Caidmon To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "Respite" 01/04 Hi, Folks! **AUTHOR'S NOTE: [If you prefer you can skip this and go directly to **TIME LINE section and then onto the story, I won't be offended. :-)] I was beginning to think that this story would *NEVER* be completed. Back when 'War Without End, part 1' was aired here in the states (May - I think?), I was inspired to start writing this the following day. However, after writing approximately 10 pages worth of stuff - I made a *big* mistake. I had been monitoring the newsgroups and started getting bits and pieces of spoiler info from part 2. So instead of going with what I had in mind (or at least getting it ALL on paper), I thought it would be better if I watched the second part and *then* finishing this. [You know - less corrections to be made, etc.] Well, I watched part 2, went back to this and added a little bit here and there and corrected a few things. BUT somewhere along the line, I'd lost the "inspiration" of how I wanted to end it. I consigned it to my 'in-works' folder and returned to it every so often - but with no real progress. In the meantime, I'd tried to write a 'Garibaldi's reaction piece' and although I had a decent fragment - I didn't have anything complete enough to post. Then I thought of trying to do a 'gap-filler' for 'WWOE' - that one started well but I couldn't finish it *either*. With some trepidation, I let a couple of people see these unfinished pieces. They liked what I had and encouraged me to finish them. Several betas and some suggestions later, I 'fused' the three above mentioned 'unfinished' pieces into one conglomeration. It helped. I started writing again, but I was *still* searching for an ending. Suddenly, while at work, I was 'struck' by a brainstorm. I *KNEW* how to end it and not only that - the ending helped fill in all the gaps I still had! Geez, talk about an *insistent* muse, I *finished* writing the rough draft less than 24 hours later! So you have in your hands (or at least on your computer) *several* months of work - some of it inspired, *too much* of it dragged out by painfully reluctant word by reluctant word and parts of it absolutely *demanding* to be written. I give my undying thanks and appreciation to the guinea p.. er, I mean my beta readers (both on the net and off) - Chevron, Chrystie, Ruth, Sue G., Yvonne & Debbie M. "You've inspired me. You've been patient, listening to me endlessly grouse and complain. You've kicked me in the butt when I needed it.... Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." As always, feedback is welcomed and encouraged. Take care, Pfyre **TIME LINE: This takes place during and after the events of the third season episodes "War Without End, parts 1 & 2" but does have minor references to events from "Z'Ha'Dum" and beyond. It *is* alternate universe as not all events here will mesh with the 'real' jms created time line and situations. **DISCLAIMERS: Babylon 5, its characters and situations are the creations of, copyrighted by and the intellectual property of J. Michael Straczynski (the Great Maker and a *very, bad man*), Babylonian Productions, PTEN and Warner Bros. No copyright infringement is intended. **WARNING!: Major hurt/comfort ahead along with more than a fair share of angst and slush thrown in. :-) B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 "Respite" by Pfyre OShaun@ix.netcom.com 01/04 B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 Marcus Cole was not a happy man. When he'd joined this mission to Sector 14, he had thought it would be the opportunity of a lifetime - a chance to work with Ranger One: Entil Z'Ha. Ambassador Jeffrey Sinclair was nearly a mythic figure among the Rangers - both human and Minbari. The man somehow seemed to embody the very best of both races. Marcus had coveted the chance to work with him, maybe even get to know more about the man. Yet, almost from the start, everything had been happening far too quickly. They had barely been able to save Babylon 4 from the Shadows' thermonuclear device, but in the process Captain Sheridan's time stabilizer had been damaged and they had lost him in time. And then.... He shook his head. Marcus felt as though he had been running on an adrenaline high for nearly the entire mission and at this point he wasn't even certain he was thinking clearly. But a terrible suspicion was forming. Delenn and Sinclair obviously knew much more about was happening than they'd passed along. Delenn *always* seemed to know more than she told - but this was simply the Minbari way and he respected her integrity. Entil Z'Ha, on the other hand, had always been reticent and mysterious toward the Rangers during their training. However, there was something more going on this time. Witnessing the conversation between Ambassador Sinclair and Delenn on the bridge of the White Star shortly after Sheridan's disappearance, had been something of a revelation for Marcus. First he had discovered just how deeply Delenn felt for John Sheridan. He had never seen her more devastated nor as close to panic as those moments after Sheridan's stabilizer malfunctioned and he vanished. The growing attachment between the Minbari Ambassador and the Captain of Babylon 5 had not gone unnoticed especially by their friends and associates. Somehow Sinclair had comforted and reassured Delenn. She had thrown herself into the mission with renewed zeal - not only determined to help send Babylon 4 to the past but to also save Sheridan. However something about the quiet calm that radiated from Sinclair had begun to bother Marcus. It was difficult to understand, but somehow Entil Z'Ha's air of confidence was different. The young Ranger was beginning to suspect that Sinclair knew exactly what was happening, *going* to happen.... 'Wonder if Delenn knows...' He looked around and realized that Delenn had left the bridge. 'Now, *where* has she gone?' //...There was a bright blossom of pain as the guard's boot connected with Sheridan's chest. The force of the kick knocked the breath out of him and the reflex cough nearly caused him to pass out...// As he hoisted himself through the hole in the deck on Babylon 4, Marcus caught sight of a pair of legs sprawled awkwardly down the corridor. Rushing over, he found a dazed John Sheridan just sitting up. Sheridan was no longer in the blue spacesuit, but there was a stabilizer attached to his belt. "How'd..?" Marcus began. "I don't know. The last thing I recall is reappearing and passing out." Sheridan shook his head to clear it. To Marcus' eyes he looked too pale. "Your stabilizer seems to be working." Marcus looked down at it. But Sheridan pulled it off his belt, examining it. "This isn't mine." He glanced up at Marcus, puzzled. "There's no evidence of any damage to it." "Then who's in the suit?" Suddenly, both men *knew*. "Oh, my God, Delenn!" Sheridan tried to push himself up but his legs buckled and he sank back to the deck. He *knew* the physical effects of time-slipping. Each time shift was agony. It felt as if each and every cell was ripped from its proper time and place. He didn't want to think of her experiencing the same. He had to find her! Marcus witnessed Sheridan's revelation and a mirror of Delenn's earlier fear for him. But it was obvious that the Captain was exhausted. His exposure to the time distortions without a properly functioning stabilizer had drained him; the man looked ready to collapse. "Help me up, dammit!" Sheridan gripped Marcus' shoulder tightly. "I've got to find her!" Marcus didn't argue, he simply pulled the Captain to his feet and supported him. He could feel Sheridan trembling with the effort to remain upright. "Let's get you back to the White Star." When Sheridan started to protest, Marcus cut him off. "You're beyond exhaustion and you're not going to do Delenn any good by collapsing." With that he half-supported, half-carried Sheridan to the ladder leading to the White Star. "Marcus." Sheridan barely managed to focus on the Ranger's face. His vision kept wavering with blackness creeping in at the edges. "Find the MedKit and bring me a couple of stims." "Sir, I...." "I think I'll just sit here until you get back." Marcus carefully lowered Sheridan to the floor and climbed swiftly down the ladder. //...Shoved roughly into the holding cell, he barely maintained his feet as he collided with the wall. A wave of dizziness hit him. His chest was on fire, each breath a new agony. The kicks the Centauri guards had inflicted must have broken a rib or two. Slowly, the pain leveled out and his head cleared. He found himself leaning against the wall....// Although, to Sheridan, it seemed an eternity had passed, only a few minutes later Marcus reappeared with the full MedKit in hand. He handed the packet of stims to Sheridan and pulled out the medscanner. The Ranger shook his head. According to the readings, Sheridan should not even be conscious, much less injecting himself with stims. He saw the readings elevate, slightly, as the drug took effect. As the Captain injected a second dose, Marcus shook his head once again. When stims wore off, the rebound was not pleasant even under the best of circumstances. He hoped that the drug would not cause Sheridan any additional problems. Zathras' statement: "Time distortions can do *great* harm," worried him. Worried him a great deal. Sheridan pushed himself unsteadily to his feet, using the wall for support. "Do you know where Zathras is? Maybe he can fix the stabilizer." "Actually, Zathras and Ivanova went in search of tools to finish the repairs on your stabilizer." Still swaying slightly, but obviously determined to proceed, Sheridan started down the corridor away from the White Star. "Come on, we have to find them." He tapped his commlink. "Sheridan to Ivanova." "Captain?" Ivanova sounded surprised. "Susan, no time to explain. Is Zathras with you?" "No, he was captured by B4's security." "Dammit!" "Actually, if everything is happening as it did the first time Sinclair and Garibaldi encountered Babylon 4, Zathras should be near the outer docking bay." There was a pause. "The last of the evacuation shuttles are clearing the time distortion as we speak." Sheridan was practically running now. He was trying to concentrate on a mental map of the interior of Babylon 4. When they reached the docking area, he was starting to wheeze badly and spots were dancing before his eyes. He paused just long enough to inject another stim dose. Not caring in the least about what would happen to himself later as a consequence, his only concern was finding Delenn *now*. They came around a bend to see Delenn, no longer in the blue spacesuit, helping Zathras to his feet. Momentarily unconcerned with witnesses or the press of events around them, Sheridan swept her into his arms and held her tightly. "Delenn," he whispered. He felt her arms around his neck. "Oh, God, Delenn." Finally, getting a grip on his emotions, he pulled away a bit. "Are you okay?" "I am fine." She looked up into his eyes. "Zathras fixed the stabilizer." Reading the reproach in his expression, she continued quietly: "I had to do something, John. I did not think you would survive many more time shifts." "I-," Sheridan's commlink beeped. "Yes." "Captain the time controls are now installed in C&C. If you've found Zathras, I'd like him to double check the installation. Also, Jeff should be on board any moment." Sheridan glanced at the others. "Zathras is here. Marcus can bring him to C&C...." "I will go meet Jeffrey," Delenn interrupted. "And we will meet you in C&C." As much as he was loathe to let her out of his sight, Sheridan knew they each had duties to attend to and a mission to complete. He nodded and turned to follow Zathras and Marcus as they headed toward C&C. //...Sheridan felt the peculiar sensation of the time-shift that had left him here, starting again. He cried out as he was ripped from this time frame....// When Delenn and Sinclair joined them a short while later, Sheridan had been startled by how much Sinclair had aged. Briefly he had wondered why he'd not been affected similarly with all the time slipping and exposure to the time distortion waves, but it was Zathras' revelations about 'The Three who are The One' that shocked him and captured his attention. Somehow, he had never considered himself to be all that important in the grand scheme of things, despite the proclamations of the Inquisitor. Clearly, Sinclair's part in this war was fundamental to its success. Sheridan had, for some time, believed that Delenn's role in the war against the Shadows was a critical one. However he had felt that his own role as a military leader to be one *any* good soldier could fill. But now to be told that *each* of them - Sinclair, Delenn and *he* - was essential to defeat the Shadows; it was staggering. //...The time shift ended and he found himself standing in a corridor. He fumbled for what remained of his damaged stabilizer, but it slipped from his grasp as another time shift grabbed him...// "...My people would never have accepted the station with a human on board." "Dear God," Marcus gasped. "A Minbari not born of Minbari...." Delenn nodded to Marcus. "Yes." There was silence on the bridge as the full implications were grasped by all. "Mr. Lennier set course for Babylon 5 - best speed." Sheridan found it easy to fall back on his duties as Captain. Later, he would take the time to assess what had happened - what he'd experienced in the future and what Zathras had revealed to them. Right now he just wasn't up to it. He watched as Delenn moved to Marcus. The Ranger was clearly stunned by what he'd just realized. Perhaps Delenn would be able to help him accept what was happening, had happened. Sheridan turned as Susan gave him a status report on the White Star. Briefly, the edges of his vision started to blur, but he blinked hard and it cleared. He felt surreptitiously for the packet of stims hidden in his sleeve. There were only two left of the original six. He really didn't want to take another one. If he could hold on a bit longer, he should be able to rest a bit in the shuttle on the way back to Babylon 5, letting Susan have the job of piloting them home safely. //...His head cleared as the time shift ended and he realized he was back in the holding cell on Centauri Prime, seventeen years in the future. He was just about to let himself slide to the floor - to rest, when the door opened and someone was pushed into the cell with him....// "Captain? John, we've docked." "Huh?" Sheridan sat up in his seat with a groan; he ached everywhere. "Are you okay?" Ivanova was looking at him, closely. "I'm fine." A sudden thought. "Oh, God, Susan, what am I going to tell Michael?" She shook her head. "I sent a message ahead telling him to meet us in your office as soon as we've docked." Susan paused, voicing their common thought, "He's not going to take this well." Sheridan pushed himself out of his seat, trying to ignore the twinges and bone-deep weariness that threatened to overtake him. Although he did not bear the evidence of the beating he had received while time-slipping, it certainly felt as though some of the bruises and even the broken ribs were starting to 'catch up' to him. "Oh, hell, Susan, I'm not sure *I'm* taking this well," he said, focusing on his anger and sorrow to divert attention from his physical condition. Stiffly, he led the way out of the shuttle. Delenn, Lennier and Marcus were waiting for them as they exited, Marcus looked a little less shell-shocked now. Delenn, with her serene wisdom and compassion, had apparently been able to help the young man deal with the staggering news of just whom Valen had really been. Sheridan sighed. Unfortunately, it was not going to be that easy to deal with Garibaldi. No one spoke as they headed directly for Sheridan's office, each preoccupied with his own thoughts. //...As the time distortion ripped at him, he saw the 'future' Delenn watching helplessly as he phased out. Her words, "Do *NOT* go to Z'Ha'Dum!", echoing with his own cries in his ears...// "How could you *just* abandon Jeff on B4?!" Garibaldi shouted, standing practically toe-to-toe with Sheridan, red-hot anger radiating from him. "It was his decision. I decided to honor it." Sheridan held his ground, although it took every last bit of his strength not to slump under the intensity of Michael's anger. It wasn't that he didn't sympathize with Garibaldi, but the man was simply beyond reason. "You mean it was 'convenient'! Why couldn't someone else have taken the station back through time?" Garibaldi continued to rant. "Why couldn't it have been Zathras? Or *you*? Or me?" His voice cracked a bit on the last. Without giving Sheridan a chance to reply, Michael spun on his heel and stormed out of the office, leaving the others to stare after him. Sheridan practically collapsed into his chair; his legs suddenly incapable of supporting him. Darkness nibbled at the edges of his vision, beckoning him, enticing him closer. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. "John? Are you all right?" He looked up to see Delenn staring at him with concern. He coughed suddenly and white-hot splinters of pain radiated out from his chest. The darkness surrounded and engulfed him. //...Sheridan found himself in a spacesuit looking at Ivanova and Marcus as they raced toward him. They helped him to remove the helmet and then to stand. Marcus steadied him as he swayed. It seemed his stabilizer was working -- at least for the moment. "I feel as though I might drift away at any moment. But I'm okay."...// [end part 01/04] -- | Pfyre | | | | staunch member of CJSFC, HHS & unrepentant MMSFS | | | |"Zathras look at budget deficit, says, not good. Stop spending. | | But no one ever listen to Zathras. But one day, everybody listen.| | Then, Zathras elected. Zathras will be great president. Someday | | even have face printed on money. Then, everybody have Zathras | | face in pants. It is good to be president." --jms on the Net-- | From OShaun@ix.netcom.com Tue Jan 28 21:37:11 1997 Date: Sat, 04 Jan 1997 22:49:57 -0800 From: Pfyre Caidmon To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "Respite" 02/04 DISCLAIMERS: see part 01/04. B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 "Respite" by Pfyre OShaun@ix.netcom.com 02/04 B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 Floating... Where he did not know, but most important - there was no pain. There had been pain. Too much pain. Each breath another agony. Even in the usually soothing, comforting darkness the pain was always there relentlessly draining away his strength. It felt as if he were being drawn deeper and deeper into the darkness. It took all his will to just remain here. It would have been so easy to just let go... to slide into the oblivion surrounding him.... There would be no more pain. He could rest then.... But... but he couldn't leave.... There was someone he had to see. Someone who *needed* him. He couldn't leave... He heard a voice. He felt he should recognize it, but it was so far away and he was so tired... so tired.... Then the voice changed to musical tones and took the pain away.... //...They heard Ivanova start to say something about the Babylon 4 fusion reactor, but before either he or Sinclair could react they were blown away from the time control system they'd barely finished installing. He felt the tingling and pain begin as he saw the blue-white wave ripple over him. 'No! Not again!'...// "...easier... sleeping now.... out of.... Ambassador, you're exhausted you should rest." He felt a small, cool hand on his own. "No, I am fine. I want to be here when he wakes." Delenn.... She sounded tired.... He wanted to see her... her beautiful smile.... But the warm healing darkness enveloped him once more. //...He was lying down when he came to his senses again. Oh, God, his chest hurt! It felt as if his ribs were grinding together with each breath. He moaned, then felt a soft touch to his forehead. He slowly opened his eyes. Delenn was watching him, her eyes lined with worry. "John?... Just lie still. We are safe."...// Delenn woke abruptly, disoriented to find herself dozing in Medlab next to John's bed. She glanced at the monitors around the room - their readings still registering his gradual improvement. What had awakened her? John was asleep, his breathing even and the lines of pain around his eyes had finally smoothed out. She closed her eyes. 'He *is* getting better.' Delenn grasped this thought tightly as a talisman against her fears and worries. 'He is getting better.' His hand twitched in hers. Opening her eyes, she saw that he was staring at her in a rather unfocused manner, but he smiled when he saw her look at him. "John?" She turned and called out of the room, "Doctor, come quickly. He is awake." When she turned back, his eyes were starting to slide shut. He blinked suddenly and focused hard on her as if to reassure himself she was still there, then relaxed as he saw her smiling back at him. By the time Dr. Hobbs came hurrying in with both Mr. Garibaldi and Lennier close behind, John had drifted peacefully off to sleep again, this time snoring softly. After checking his vitals, Dr. Hobbs confirmed that John was continuing to improve. "Ambassador, I strongly suggest that you get some rest now," the woman said, fixing Delenn with a stern look. "You will not do him any good if you collapse from exhaustion yourself." "I am fine," Delenn said automatically. In fact, she felt rather lightheaded in her relief and it did not take much persuasion on the part of the other three to convince her to return to her quarters to rest. "But I do not want to leave him alone," she admonished, voicing one final argument. "No problem, Ambassador." Garibaldi interjected. "I'm off-duty right now and I'll stay with him. If I have to leave, I'll get Marcus or Zack to come and sit with him." With the issue decided, Delenn allowed Lennier to guide her out of Medlab. //...Delenn had gone to search for the shuttle's MedKit. He closed his eyes and tried to keep his breathing shallow and even. It didn't hurt as much that way. He felt the tingling begin and cried out as the time shift wrenched him away...// Michael moved the chair a bit closer to the Captain's bed. He leaned back, propping his feet comfortably on a small stand. Before closing his eyes, he looked at Sheridan. John was unnaturally still, his face pale. Much too pale. In the time since Delenn had left - he glanced at his wrist chrono - almost four hours ago, Sheridan had not awakened. But he had been dreaming, once mumbling something about "...thousand years" and another time he thought he heard "...son?" Garibaldi shook his head. When he had stormed out of Sheridan's office, he'd never even realized the condition the Captain was in. His anger and hurt over having lost his best friend to "fulfillment of prophecy" had not let him see anything else. Since Jeff Sinclair was not there for Michael to vent at, he'd chosen the next person in line - John Sheridan. Never mind that it was *not* the Captain's fault that Sinclair had already decided to leave Michael behind, before the mission to Sector 14 had even started. Never mind that Jeff had not told Sheridan what was going to happen. Instead he'd lashed out in anger and pain at John Sheridan, a man that he'd come to respect and regard as a friend. Only later after walking for hours through the station, did he come to realize just how unfair he'd been to Sheridan. When he'd tried to locate the Captain and was informed that he had been taken to Medlab and was listed in critical condition, Michael had hurried there. Marcus was standing at the observation window when Garibaldi arrived. He could see Delenn holding John's hand as she spoke with Dr. Hobbs. Sheridan lay pale and still on the medbed. "What's wrong with him?" Garibaldi turned to Marcus. "Dr. Hobbs is not certain. We *think* that he's experiencing a side-effect to the time distortions he was exposed to." At Garibaldi's obvious surprise and concern, Marcus continued. "Are you ready to hear what happened on Babylon 4?" The Ranger looked around at the activity in Medlab, glanced back through the observation window. "Why don't we go somewhere quiet?" //...As the blue light faded, Sheridan saw a handful of men in Babylon 4 security uniforms staring at him. Just as they started to react - to reach for their PPG's, another flash of light engulfed him...// Michael rubbed his eyes and tried for a more comfortable position in the bedside chair. He'd felt like such a bastard when he had found out just how close they'd come to losing the Captain to the time rift. Then Sheridan had hovered on the brink for two days here in Medlab. No one, not even the doctors, knew what was happening except that Sheridan was getting slowly weaker and pneumonia had set in despite precautions, despite all the modern medicines and treatments. Delenn had stayed by John's side the entire time. It was as if she were trying to will him to recover. Then as suddenly as the condition had overtaken him, Sheridan took a turn for the better. His condition was improving, if at a painfully slow pace. Garibaldi heard a small sound from the bed. He looked over to see Sheridan blinking and trying to focus on him. "John?" Michael sat up quickly. Sheridan swallowed, "...ichael..." His voice sounded dry and raspy. Garibaldi reached for a glass on the bedside table and held the straw for Sheridan. After a second swallow of water, he pulled the glass back. "Better?" Sheridan nodded. "Do you want me to get the doctor?" "No... I'm... okay." He glanced around the room. "How long?" "You've been here almost four days. You gave us quite a scare." He watched John try to assimilate the information. "Sorry.... Delenn?... I thought... she was... here...." "She was," Garibaldi smiled, "but the doc sent her to get some rest after we were certain you were going to be okay." John looked at him for a moment. "How 'bout you?... Are you... okay?" When Michael didn't answer right away. "I'm sorry, Michael.... I never... wanted for you... to be hurt...." "No, John, *I'm* sorry," he interrupted. "I blamed you and it wasn't fair and it wasn't right... It just hurt so much that I couldn't think. Didn't *want* to think. I'm sorry.... I should have been glad that you were there for Jeff." He paused. "I should have been glad that *you* came back." "'Sokay...." Sheridan's eyes were starting to droop. "Rest, John. We can talk about it later." He watched as John slipped back to sleep. It was relief that the Captain was getting better, but Michael realized that *he* felt better. Better than he had since Zack first mentioned that Ambassador Sinclair had been aboard B5. Oh, it still hurt. It hurt that Jeff hadn't been willing to let Michael make his own choices about joining him. It hurt that Jeff hadn't allowed him the chance to say "Good-bye." But he'd discovered that it had also hurt to think that he'd lashed out at a friend, someone that they'd almost lost along the way as well.... //...He woke to the feel of a cool cloth being placed on his forehead. He was warm. Too warm. He looked up to see Delenn wringing out another scrap of cloth. When he tried to speak a cough started and with it the pain followed....// "I will be in the other room if you need anything." John nodded and relaxed into his pillows. Delenn smiled to herself as she saw him close his eyes. He needed to rest. Sheridan had bullied his way out of Medlab much earlier than either Dr. Hobbs or she would have preferred. There had been a sudden influx of casualties from one of the many Shadow attacks. Sheridan had argued that they needed his medbed for someone more seriously injured. Delenn and Dr. Hobbs were worried that he was pushing himself too fast. He needed time to recover his strength and they wanted him to stay in Medlab a bit longer. Three days later, he threatened to just walk out on his own if they didn't agree to let him go to his quarters. Although she knew the Captain didn't yet have the strength to walk out of Medlab on his own, Dr. Hobbs had reluctantly agreed to release him because they really *did* need his medbed for a more serious case that had come in with yet another wave of casualties. But he was only released provided that someone would stay and care for him - *full time* - for at least two weeks. There were no medical personnel available with everyone needed to treat the wounded in Medlab. Without hesitation, Delenn had volunteered and Lennier had, of course, offered to relieve her whenever she had pressing duties elsewhere. The fact that Sheridan had not really given more than token resistance to being 'babysat' or to being transported to his quarters in a wheelchair was revealing as to his real condition. He was still fragile. The short trip to his quarters had exhausted him. The malfunctioning stabilizer had affected him in ways they simply did not understand. In the end, they were just grateful that he was slowly recovering and had not suddenly aged as Sinclair had. Still, Delenn shuddered at the thought of how close they... she... had come to losing him. //...He *wanted* to ask her so many questions. But it seemed to take all of his energy just to lie there and try to breathe evenly....// "Delenn!" He woke suddenly. "Shhh, John, I am here." He blinked the sleep from his eyes. Delenn was sitting on the edge of the bed; his hand was gripping hers tightly. He relaxed when he realized where he was. "I'm sorry." He pushed himself to sitting position, carefully. "I was just dreaming... remembering...." As she helped to arrange his pillows for support behind him, he caught the shimmer of tears in her eyes. "Delenn?" He took her hand. "What is it? What's wrong?" She closed her eyes trying to force away the tears. "Nothing is wrong." She tried to smile, but it just was not working. "Everything is fine." Her eyes filled with tears once again. Carefully, he pulled her to him, opening his arms to hold her. She did not resist, but managed, even in her distress, to make certain she did not put too much of her weight on him. Instead she ended up laying next to him on the bed wrapped in his embrace. She started to cry quietly, her head resting on his chest. He stroked her hair, his hand brushing softly against her crest, and then her back as the tears continued to flow. "Shhh.... It's okay.... Everything is okay.... Shhhh." He whispered soothingly, as if to a child. He bent his head to lightly touch is lips to her forehead. "Shhh...." As her sobs started to subside, she spoke haltingly into his shoulder. Her voice was choked, almost painful to hear. "I... was so afraid that I had lost you.... You... said you trusted me with your life.... I should have been able to help you... or warn you. Or.... When you came back... I was so relieved... but then we thought you might still not.. not survive.... I felt so responsible... so helpless...." She took a long shuddery breath. She wanted to tell him about her 'future flash'. But not now. She didn't fully understand it herself and something about it disturbed her -- but like dreams the memories of the vision were, at best, hazy in the details. "Well, I'm here now." He tilted her head up. "And I'm not going anywhere for awhile." He looked into her beautiful tear stained face, drawing his thumb tenderly across her cheek to wipe away the wetness. Finally, she looked at him, a small tentative smile breaking through. "What terrified me the most, John," She paused, as if gathering her courage. "that you would be lost forever.... I realized that my life would be very empty without you.... I also realized that I had never told you that... I love you." She closed her eyes, afraid of what she would see in his face. Laying his hand gently against her cheek, John could see the worry lines and the exhaustion etched in her features. "Delenn, *you* saved me." She looked up at him startled. "When the pain seemed unbearable.... When I thought it would be easier to just give up, I found myself thinking of you. That I had to get back to you. I needed to be with you.... I love you." He found himself blinking back tears now. "After Anna died... for a long time, I was angry.... First, I was angry with Anna for dying, then angry with myself for living, angry with the universe for continuing on.... For a while, I thought I wanted to die as well.... I never dreamed it possible or even dared to hope that I'd ever feel that way about anyone ever again. Until I came here.... Until I met you." He sighed and smiled a little sadly. "With all the chaos, the dangers, the mysteries, frustrations... uncertainties, you've been my savior, my sanity, my sanctuary." Delenn was watching him closely, absorbing what he was saying. "You've given me your support. Shared your wisdom. You made me laugh when I thought I wanted to shout in anger. Been there to catch me when I stumbled. You made it rain for me.... I want to protect you from all this danger and madness that surrounds us...." She seemed about to speak, but he stopped her by placing a finger to her lips. He didn't yet understand everything he'd seen in the future. Things had become even more muddled after he'd collapsed in his office. "My head knows we have a destiny to fulfill. That we are 'the right people in the right place at the right time'. But my heart knows that we could die or be pulled apart by the battles to come.... I love you. I will love you forever... no matter what is to come." He recalled something the 'future' Delenn had said. He tried to repeat it. "We have to hold onto these moments. Treasure them, because they will never come again." He held her as tightly as his could manage. "I love you more than I thought possible - forever...." Delenn relaxed into his embrace, her head resting on his chest. She could feel his heart beating strongly. His arms relaxed around her. She heard his breathing even out as sleep claimed him again. She closed her eyes. [end of part 02/04] -- | Pfyre | | | | staunch member of CJSFC, HHS & unrepentant MMSFS | | | |"Zathras look at budget deficit, says, not good. Stop spending. | | But no one ever listen to Zathras. But one day, everybody listen.| | Then, Zathras elected. Zathras will be great president. Someday | | even have face printed on money. Then, everybody have Zathras | | face in pants. It is good to be president." --jms on the Net-- | From OShaun@ix.netcom.com Tue Jan 28 21:37:16 1997 Date: Sat, 04 Jan 1997 22:51:11 -0800 From: Pfyre Caidmon To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "Respite" 03/04 DISCLAIMERS: see part 01/04. B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 "Respite" by Pfyre OShaun@ix.netcom.com 03/04 B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 //...Unfortunately, the shuttle's MedKit was only minimally equipped. The basic scanner confirmed that he had three cracked ribs, one of which had splintered. A small piece had moved and was threatening to puncture a lung. Without better facilities and equipment, Delenn could do little for him except try to keep him comfortable and immobile...// Lennier shifted the stack of containers and a sheaf of reports and activated the door chime with his elbow. There was no response. He activated the chime a second time after a minute or so. He was concerned. Maybe something had happened to the Captain or Delenn... He spoke as he pressed the open/release button, "Computer, this is Lennier. Open the door, please." If it was locked or set to privacy, he reasoned it would simply tell him "Unable to comply." Instead, he heard, "Identity confirmed - Lennier," and the door swung out of the way and he stepped cautiously inside. There was no sign of Delenn or the Captain in the living room or kitchen area. He set his burdens on the counter and peeked into the bedroom. They were asleep, wrapped in each other's arms, with Delenn lying on top of the bedclothes. Lennier was pleased. They both needed the rest desperately. Though he was much improved, Sheridan was still recovering from the ill-effects of the time-distortions, and Delenn had hardly rested at all since the start of the incident in Sector 14. Lennier sighed, hoping that while the Captain recuperated the pair would have time not only to rest, but just to be together without a crisis looming. He entered quietly stepping over to Delenn and slipping her shoes from her feet. Taking a quilt from a nearby chair, he draped it over the two of them. They stirred and shifted closer together. He smiled benignly, slipping from the room. Once in the kitchenette, he took the containers he had brought and put most of them into the cooling unit. He had prepared several days' worth of meals for Sheridan and Delenn so that she would not have to cook. He then neatly arranged the sheaf of flimsies he had brought. While he could and indeed already had rearranged her schedule so that she would not have to attend any meetings or functions for a few days, there was 'paperwork' that only she could take care of, so he had brought it to her. After instructing the computer to activate privacy mode, he quietly retreated from the Captain's quarters leaving the couple slumbering peacefully together. //...Delenn found herself fretting over not being able to do more for John. The shuttle was set on auto-pilot and they would arrive at the nearest Alliance world in just over thirty-six hours. They would be safe there and medical facilities would be available. After the time-shift occurred in the corridor, she and the Centauri Guard had been forced to nearly carry John to the shuttle. He had passed out completely when they finally got on board. The guard stayed just long enough to make certain she knew how to pilot the vessel. Before the doorway had even completely sealed, Delenn had started to lift off. Her heart was in her throat, until they cleared the atmosphere and then entered the jumpgate. Despite Londo Mollari's pleas and assurances she had been terrified that they would be pursued, but no one had followed...// She was just finished warming breakfast when she heard him stirring. When she brought the tray into the bedroom, John was returning from the bathroom. She noted he was moving about more easily today, but by the time, she helped him get settled in his bed once again, his breathing was labored. "How are you feeling today?" "Better." He grimaced as he tried to find a more comfortable position. "Maybe not ready to battle the Shadows, yet, but I'm getting there." She moved the breakfast tray over to him, once again grateful to Lennier for his thoughtfulness and quiet support. Delenn had been surprised to wake up covered with a quilt on John's bed. She had not recalled getting up during the night to retrieve it. But when she had gone into the kitchen and had seen the containers that had been left, she had silently blessed Lennier. Dr. Hobbs had not given her any special instructions concerning John's diet, only to make certain that he drank plenty of fluids. His appetite had been poor while in Medlab, but the doctor felt that it would improve as he recovered. So Lennier had provided them with enough quick meals to last for several days and an abundance of teas and juices of both Minbari and human origin. She could not banish the vision of her... their... future out of her mind. It had seemed so real at first, but now, as time passed, it had taken on a dreamlike quality. They needed to talk, but he was just not up to it. By the time he had finished eating a small amount of warm cereal and drinking both his tea and some juice, John was ready for another nap. He leaned back into the pillows with a sigh. He really wanted to spend time with Delenn - awake. He needed to talk to her about what he'd experienced in the future. Maybe, together they could make sense out of what he recalled, but all he seemed to do was sleep.... //...She changed the cloth on his forehead with a freshly cooled one. He had developed a fever in the last few of hours and his breathing was becoming more ragged. The cool cloths seemed to help him rest more easily...// When John woke later, he could hear music playing very softly in the other room. He decided to wash-up before going into the living room. He'd had enough of the bedroom for a while! Getting cleaned up was more tiring than he had expected. He really longed to take a hot shower, but he wasn't sure he could manage it on his own and he didn't want to have to ask Delenn for help. Even just wash basin bathing was an effort. He had to sit a couple of times when his legs felt rubbery. Fortunately there was robe hanging in the bathroom and he put that on instead of searching for clean clothing. He was feeling shaky again when he opened the door. Delenn was waiting for him. She saw the strained look in his face and the deliberately slow movements. Wrapping her arm around his waist, she said, "Come, let us get you back to the bed." But he resisted. "No. I want to sit in the living room for a while." She did not argue with him, but helped him into the other room. After he slumped down on the sofa, she had hurried to the bedroom and grabbed most of his pillows and the quilt. He was too tired to object as she arranged the pillows, helped him lay down and gently covered him with the quilt. 'So much for not sleeping all the time....' //...She was fairly certain that this John was the one from the past. He had been mumbling something about Babylon 4 and Sinclair before falling asleep. There was so much she wanted to warn him of. So much pain that she wished that he could avoid. She closed her eyes. *This* John had not yet experienced Z'Ha'Dum. He still believed in the Vorlons. *He* had not been confronted by the woman who was Anna, but was not *his* Anna. Her breath caught in her throat. *THIS* John had not yet paid the *terrible price*...// His stomach was rumbling when he woke. He looked up see Delenn watching him with evident amusement. "I take that to mean that you are hungry?" She shuffled her papers together, set them aside and closed her computer link. He grinned back. "I'm starved." He sniffed the air appreciatively. "There is soup warming and fresh bread." She went into the kitchen and ladled the soup into bowls. By the time she brought the tray over, he'd managed to sit up and make himself reasonably comfortable. She sat next to him and started to pull the tray to them. But he captured her hands instead. He looked into her eyes and then kissed one hand, "Thank you." Then he kissed the other, "Thank you for being here." "There is no need to thank me." "Yes, there is." He held onto her hands tightly. "I feel guilty for taking up your time with nursing duties. But selfishly, I am happy you're here with me. I just wish that I wasn't spending so much time sleeping." This time she pulled one of his hands to her cheek and held it there, reveling in the warmth of his touch. "No, John, you must heal and sleep is a part of that process." She turned her head slightly and kissed the palm of his hand. A shiver traveled through him and she smiled at his response. "For now, this is enough. Just being here together. Knowing that you are going to be all right." She paused and looked directly into his eyes. The expression in her eyes warmed and reassured him. "The rest can wait... will have to wait.... Who knows, perhaps in a few days...." He nodded, realizing the wisdom of her words. He was about to speak when his stomach rumbled again, rather loudly. Laughing, she handed him his soup. "Eat, before you starve to death." //...When he woke this time, it seemed a little easier to breathe. He looked over to see Delenn dozing in a chair next to his cot. He could feel the vibration of the shuttle's drive so he knew they were still in hyperspace....// They were just finishing, when the door chimed. Automatically, Sheridan responded, "Yes?" He tried to sit up straighter. Delenn helped resettle the quilt over his lap, then she took their dishes to the kitchenette. "Captain Sheridan, I don't want to impose, but if you could spare me a moment?" It was G'Kar. "John, I do not think you are not ready for visitors." Delenn started, but he shook his head reassuringly. "No, it's all right." He shifted again, trying for a more comfortable position. "Come." The door swung away to admit a smiling G'Kar. He nodded to Delenn. "Ambassador." "Citizen G'Kar," she smiled. "Thank you for seeing me, Captain." Seating himself in a chair near Sheridan, G'Kar continued. "I realize you are still recovering and need your rest so I will not stay long." To his eye, Sheridan did indeed look pale and too fragile, even for a human. "No problem, G'Kar." Sheridan sighed inwardly - everyone seemed concerned with his condition. It was... it was embarrassing after awhile. "Is there anything I can do for you?" "Actually, there is something I can do for you." Sheridan glanced at Delenn who had come to sit next to him. "I am relieved to see that you are doing well." G'Kar leaned toward Sheridan and handed him a data crystal. "You have in the past put yourself at great risk for my people... for me. Please accept this as a 'Get Well' gift and a mark of my gratitude." With that he gave a slight bow of his head to Sheridan and stood. "Now I shall leave. Mr. Garibaldi threatened to arrest me if I stayed too long and tired you." He smiled, then nodded to Delenn. "Really, G'Kar, you don't have to leave." Sheridan was exasperated with the level of solicitousness everyone was showing him. "I'm fine." "Captain, I know a forced rest is usually not very enjoyable." G'Kar shared an amused look with Delenn. "But at least you have good company." With that he bowed and quickly left, chuckling to himself. He could not begrudge them their obvious happiness. With darkness and chaos everywhere, one had to grab onto whatever light and goodness came along and hold on tightly. Slightly embarrassed, Sheridan turned to watch Delenn, who had gotten up to finish the dishes in the kitchenette. "Does *everyone* know about us?" "Actually, I think those closest to us have known longer than we ourselves did." Her face seemed a bit flushed as well. She finished in the kitchenette and joined Sheridan in the living room. "Would you prefer privacy while you view that?" "No, that's not necessary," he studied the data crystal. "I can't imagine what is on it." She took the crystal from him and placed it in the BabCom unit. She saw John's face light up when he saw the face on the screen. "John, I don't know exactly how or when this will reach you...." //...He looked closely at her. The cell had been nearly dark when they'd kissed.... Kissed. It *had* surprised him at first, but it had felt so natural, so right when it happened. Then to learn that they had a *son* - David. Had they chosen the name to honor his father?...// Delenn removed the crystal from the unit and placed it on John's desk. Her respect for G'Kar seemed to grow daily. His gift had given John a measure of peace. She would thank G'Kar personally tomorrow. She was glad that a small part of John's burden was lighter. His family had survived the terrible political machinations on Earth. They were in hiding, but they were safe for the moment. And Delenn had gotten to see David Sheridan for the first time. He had a good strong face and manner. She hoped that she might meet him someday, but for now she was happy for John. He had cried a few silent tears as the all too short a message had ended, but they were tears of relief and joy. This time she had held onto him and afterwards he had fallen asleep with his head cradled in her lap. John had awakened a short time ago, needing to use the facilities, so she had helped him to the bathroom and then found him some clean nightclothes. Despite his initial embarrassment over his weakness, she had helped him dress and settle back into the bed. She decided she would now prepare herself for bed, then perhaps do some more paperwork. Quietly, she slipped into the bathroom. When she came out, she heard him moving on the bed. "Delenn?" "I am sorry I woke you. I was just going to the living room." In the dim light, she could not see his face, but she saw him shake his head. "Please... stay and talk with me for a while." He paused. "I'm tired, but I can't seem to sleep." She sat next to him. "Computer, half lights," he ordered. She could make out his face now. He was staring at her intently. "You know I don't know much about your life before Babylon 5. What was it like on Minbar?" He smiled suddenly. "What were you like as a child?" "Even as a child I was always serious, perhaps *too* serious...." He moved over to give her room to sit next to him, her head propped on his shoulder. She found it easy to speak of the past; for now the future would have to wait. Slowly, she felt his body relax and his breathing even out. Soon her own breaths matched his. //...He saw the grey streaked through her hair. The lines of worry around her mouth and eyes. She was *still* beautiful. She would *always* be beautiful to him, but it looked like it had been a difficult 17 years. And what was the "terrible price", she had mentioned?...// [end of part 03/04] -- | Pfyre | | | | staunch member of CJSFC, HHS & unrepentant MMSFS | | | |"Zathras look at budget deficit, says, not good. Stop spending. | | But no one ever listen to Zathras. But one day, everybody listen.| | Then, Zathras elected. Zathras will be great president. Someday | | even have face printed on money. Then, everybody have Zathras | | face in pants. It is good to be president." --jms on the Net-- | From OShaun@ix.netcom.com Tue Jan 28 21:37:18 1997 Date: Sat, 04 Jan 1997 22:52:13 -0800 From: Pfyre Caidmon To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "Respite" 04/04 DISCLAIMERS: see part 01/04. B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 "Respite" by Pfyre OShaun@ix.netcom.com 04/04 B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 ** B5 Several days passed. Sheridan was frustrated by his lack of strength and stamina and slept a lot more than he would have preferred. Delenn was there when he woke, quietly caring for him. They found that they enjoyed just being in together. Their silences were as comfortable as the sharing of childhood stories or their meals, though somehow, neither found it comfortable to bring up the future visions each had experienced. For now, it was easier to think of the past or the present than the future. Delenn caught up on her rest as well, sometimes napping when Sheridan slept, and at other times doing the seemingly endless paperwork involved with setting up the new Alliance. There were a few appointments that Delenn had been compelled to keep. When her presence was required elsewhere, Lennier came to stay with Sheridan for a few hours. Sheridan had never before spent much time alone with Lennier. Like Delenn, Sheridan found the young Minbari's presence to be comforting and supportive without being overwhelming. They shared some interesting conversations dealing with Earth and Minbar and their many differences and speculating how Sinclair might have influenced their similarities. Sheridan also discovered that they shared something else; Lennier was in love with Delenn. Though Lennier had not, would not ever say it aloud, John was as certain of it as he was of his own love for her. He soon came to realize that Lennier knew of Delenn's feelings for Sheridan and was not threatened by them. In fact, he seemed to have taken it as his duty to protect her and to try to ensure her happiness. If her happiness involved the Captain of Babylon 5, then he did all he could to support their relationship. As Sheridan's stamina improved, he helped Delenn with her paperwork, but, finally after nearly a week had passed, he convinced Ivanova - with Dr. Hobbs' approval - to bring him some of his own work that had been piling up on his desk. It was early afternoon and Sheridan was sitting on the couch, once again surrounded by pillows and a quilt on his lap, when Ivanova arrived with Garibaldi in tow. "Come." "Ambassador.... Captain." Susan Ivanova smiled as she set her pile of papers down on an end table. Garibaldi, meanwhile, placed a brightly wrapped package carefully on the coffee table. "What's this?" Sheridan quizzically looked at Garibaldi then Ivanova. Michael threw a quick look to Ivanova. "I don't know, Captain. It's been sitting on your desk for a few days and we kinda thought you might want it." He was trying to look innocent but not really succeeding. "You're looking much better, Captain." Ivanova was edging toward the door. "But we've been told by Dr. Hobbs not to stay and tire you..." She nodded to Delenn. "If you need anything just let us know." And with that the two escaped out the door. Sheridan gave Delenn a perplexed look. "I don't know what's gotten into the two of them." Delenn brought the box over to him. "Well, perhaps you should open it and see what is in it." "I'm almost afraid to look." But he started unwrapping the ribbon and paper anyway. His gasp was echoed by Delenn when they saw the contents. On top was an enlarged photograph of the two of them, smiling. Underneath was a handwritten note, it appeared to be in Ivanova's neat rounded script. And beneath that was a large book - an album. *We hope you both enjoy this as much as we enjoyed putting it together.* Delenn opened the book. "Oh...." It was filled with photos of their lives, family and friends. While some appeared to be formal portraits, most seemed to have been taken as candid frames from vid-records. There were pictures of Sheridan's childhood home and family. There were even a few pictures of Delenn's life on Minbar. They slowly flipped through the pages, not speaking. Sometimes they'd pause over a page and then move on almost reluctantly. Nearer to the end of the book, there were images of their time on Babylon 5. Sheridan inhaled sharply when he saw a photo of Kosh in the gardens. He closed his eyes tightly, as guilt threatened to overwhelm him. Then he recalled the lesson in beauty from Downbelow that Kosh had sent him to. He smiled at the memory. It hurt to acknowledge the loss of his teacher, his mentor... a friend and ally, but there were good memories to draw on as well. He opened his eyes to see Delenn watching him closely. He smiled, a little sadly, but it was a smile. She squeezed his hand. Turning the last page, she felt tears threatening. There was a picture of Jeffrey Sinclair, smiling, with the Capitol Falls on Minbar in the background. It hurt. Even though she knew it was his destiny to go back to the beginning and be savior and prophet for them all, it ached to acknowledge that she would never again see him or share a simple smile with him. "He was a good man. He embraced his destiny freely." Sheridan spoke quietly. "It is unfair that so few will ever know of the debt that so many owe to him." Delenn looked at John through her tears. She knew that he had only *really* known Sinclair for a short time and that, perhaps, he'd been a bit in awe of him. She thanked the gods that she'd been privileged to have had two such courageous, strong men in her life. She closed the album and set it reverently on the table. "We are both lucky to have such good people - friends in our lives." "It must have been a difficult job tracking some of this stuff down." He smiled at her. "Yes, we are both lucky to have such great friends." John took her hand and kissed it. "I, however, am the luckiest because I have you in my life. I love you." He felt her shiver. He leaned toward her and she toward him. The kiss was tentative at first, but seemed grow in intensity like a small fire fanned by a breeze. When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathing rapidly. He could plainly see the desire burning in her eyes, but he could also see concern. "I think I feel a nap coming on." At her disappointed look, John smiled. "Care to join me?" He stood slowly and reached for her hand. She smiled tentatively. "John, you are not yet ready to..." She tried to cover her disappointment. "Of course, I'm...." He paused at the twinge he felt in his ribs and sighed. "Well, maybe not for everything... but lately I find I sleep better when you are with me." He brushed his hand softly through her hair as she stood. "As you said before, for now it is enough just to be together." //...He had no idea how much time had passed. He had been slipping back and forth between Babylon 4 and the future too many times. The transitions, the broken ribs, the fever... everything was beginning to blur....// A few days later, Delenn had to attend an important meeting with several of the Rim delegates. Lennier had come to stay with Sheridan, despite his protests that he was much better and no longer needed a full-time 'babysitter'. Finally, Delenn had threatened to cancel her meeting, despite its importance, because she did not want Sheridan left unattended. So he had given in, but had still grumbled. When she left, he had been sitting on the couch doing paperwork and mumbling to himself about being a grown man and not needing a nanny. She had smiled inwardly, because to her this was the best indication that John's health was really improving. When he had been his weakest, he had barely acknowledged being 'babysat'. Now that he was truly feeling better, he was being a difficult patient. Lennier, meanwhile, sensing Sheridan's mood, had busied himself out of the way in the kitchen; restocking cabinets with supplies he had brought along, and then preparing meals for quick reheating by Delenn or Sheridan. He was also heartened by the Captain's recovery. And Delenn looked better rested and more relaxed than she had for sometime. He worried about her with all the stress and strain of this war resting on her. He looked up to see Sheridan walking slowly over to the kitchen. "Is there something I may do for you, Captain?" "Actually, Lennier," Sheridan leaned against the counter, "I have a favor to ask." //...Delenn woke suddenly when he cried out in pain. She turned to see the blue-white time distortion fade....// Delenn closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, but the headache did not lessen. There were days when she loved dealing with the different alien races on board Babylon 5. It was usually a challenge and a learning experience. Today was *not* one of those days. She and Commander Ivanova had spent the day trying to convince delegates from several Rim sectors that joining the new alliance was in their best self interests of safety and defense. But it seemed that all the delegates could see was that there had been no Shadow activities in their remote areas and therefore there was nothing to be gained, for them, by pledging themselves in a mutual defense pact. They saw no threat to themselves in the activities taking place in other sectors - they had their own concerns at home to take care of. Finally, she had wanted to shout at them that the threat was real and if they waited until later it could be too late. Now, it was early evening and all she wanted to do was take a headache remedy, have dinner with John and forget about it all -- for a while at least. She felt the transport slow as it neared its destination. Opening her eyes, Delenn stepped quickly out as the doors slid open. 'I hope John has had a more productive day than I.' She smiled to herself. It has already become a habit to think of being with him. It was going to seem strange and... lonely when he was recovered and she had to move back to her own quarters. //...John Sheridan, *her* John, looked at her with weary eyes....// When the door swung open, she could smell the most wonderful aroma wafting from the kitchen area. 'Lennier must have prepared something special.' She stepped in and saw Lennier in the kitchenette. He nodded to her and directed her attention to the couch. There she saw John dozing. He was dressed in casual clothes, apparently abandoning his robe for the evening. The return to normal attire emphasized that he had lost weight while recuperating, but he did look much improved and better rested than she could remember since the break with Earth. Lennier gathered a few items and started toward the door. As he passed her, he whispered, "The Captain is definitely feeling better, but still tires easily." He nodded toward the kitchen area. "Dinner is warming and can be served whenever you wish. There is a headache remedy in the cooling unit. Good night, Delenn." He bowed and slipped out the door before she could do more than wonder how he knew she had a headache. She was just sipping the headache tea when John woke. He blinked a few times and a smile lit his face when he saw her. "Hi." He rubbed his eyes with the back of a hand. "Hello." She nodded to the stacks of files on the coffee table in front of him. "It appears you had a busy day." "Yeah, well, by the time they let me out of here," he smiled ruefully, "I might actually be caught up with my paperwork." He paused. "How was your day?" 'Lennier was right, she did need the headache remedy.' "Long... frustrating...." She sighed and finished her tea. "Dinner is ready anytime we wish." "Not right now." He patted the couch next to him. "First, you need to relax. Come here." As she settled next to him, he opened his arms and drew her close to him. She sensed the tensions of the day drain away as his arms gently enfolded her. He felt her sigh softly and relax into his embrace. It felt so good... so natural to be holding her. The day had seemed endless without her company. It was going to be lonely here when she moved back to her own quarters. 'How am I ever going to let her go?' "I missed you." Delenn tilted her head and look up at him. "I know we've been together almost constantly for the last ten days.... And I know you were only gone a few hours.... It was just that... I found myself looking up from a report expecting to see you sitting across the room... or waking from a nap looking for your smile...." He gazed tenderly at her. "I just... *missed* you." She smiled and turned her head slightly to brush his jawline with her lips. She felt a shiver ripple through him and his breath caught in his throat. "I *missed* you as well." At his surprised look, she continued. "During some of the more lengthy discussions, I found my mind wandering back to you. I could almost see you sitting here reading your reports... or sleeping... Especially sleeping...." She pulled back for a better view of his face and lightly traced the edge of his jaw with her fingers this time. "Did I ever mention that I *love* to watch you sleep?" Delenn felt another shiver run through him and he leaned slightly into her caress. "You look so peaceful... so young... so handsome.... I do not think I could ever tire of watching you at *any* time." When their lips touched, he felt his heart skip a beat and then race to catch up. When they finally parted, both were flushed. John stood slowly, smiling. "Dinner can wait," he whispered, drawing her to her feet. He led her, unresisting, into the bedroom. "I think we'll be more comfortable in here." Surprisingly, there was little awkwardness as they helped each other undress. It seemed a benefit of Sheridan's slow recovery was that it had allowed them time to become comfortable with each other. And then they were lying together on the bed, all barriers were dropped. Their kisses became more urgent, more demanding and their hands began gentle explorations.... //...'In Valen's name, I pray that is the *last*.' Although she knew that the younger John had survived the time distortions, she did not know how much more the older man could withstand....// Very carefully, Delenn extricated herself from his arms. She reached for his robe as she stood. It was too large for her, but it was warm and comfortable, and it had his scent. She looked down at him fondly as he continued to snore softly. He really did look so... young and innocent.... She padded softly into the kitchen area and prepared a tray of food for them. It was late, but she knew he would be hungry when he woke. Everything seemed so uncertain with the chaos surrounding them. Sometimes she felt as if they'd been together for a lifetime. Maybe it was just that they'd been almost destined to be together. Other times everything between them seemed fresh and new. Of one thing she *was* certain, she loved John Sheridan with all her being. She no longer felt whole or complete when they were separated. They were going to have to figure something out for living arrangements. She heard him moving in the bedroom. He'd just pulled on a pair of shorts when she entered. He grinned when he saw her in his robe, appreciating the way it was draped about her lithe form. It looked far better on her than it did on him. "I like it." He noticed the tray. "You're going to spoil me." As they settled on the bed, he reached over to the nightstand and picked up a colorfully wrapped box that she had not noticed before. He smiled and handed it to her. "I asked Lennier to help me pick a gift for you. I wanted something you would enjoy looking at - maybe something from Earth, a reminder of...." The package was heavier than she had expected. Delenn unwrapped it slowly, savoring the moment. The two of them, here in his rooms. Sitting on his bed. Comfortable with each other. Happy.... At last she reached the box and opened it, pulling the tissue packed inside out of the way. She gasped when she saw what was inside. A tiny lighthouse in a water-filled globe surrounded by glittering iridescent flakes suspended in the light.... //...The time shift ended and he found himself once again in the blue space suit. 'God, I don't know how much more of this I can take....' As everything started to fade away, he thought he saw Delenn moving toward him....// end [end of part 04/04] -- | Pfyre | | | | staunch member of CJSFC, HHS & unrepentant MMSFS | | | |"Zathras look at budget deficit, says, not good. Stop spending. | | But no one ever listen to Zathras. But one day, everybody listen.| | Then, Zathras elected. Zathras will be great president. Someday | | even have face printed on money. Then, everybody have Zathras | | face in pants. It is good to be president." --jms on the Net-- |