From bruckner@usia.govSat May 27 12:20:21 1995 Date: Sat, 27 May 95 9:49:46 -0400 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Secret Meeting Here's a story that's been sitting for a while, but I finished it just now. Let me know what you think about it. Part 2 will be along in a minute. Sandy Secret Meeting The Asimov 4, a star liner from the Mars colony, was just docking on Babylon 5. This station served as a place of commerce for many of the planets in this sector and many such liners came to the station during the course of a week. Their regular arrivals and departures allowed many individuals to travel all over the quadrant freely. Today, there was someone special arriving on Babylon 5. He was special only because he had once commanded this station. However, today he would not be recognized as Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, now Ambassador of Earth Force to Minbar. He was a weary traveller, coming from Mars to the station on his way to Rigel 8. As he passed through security, the guard checked his identa-card. "Welcome to Babylon 5, Mr. Grant. Will you be staying with us long before you continue your journey," he asked. "No, I'm here to meet some people and then continue on to Rigel 8," Grant said. The security guard looked at James Grant, a man of 40 years old, 6'3", about 200 lbs. Somehow he looked older than his card read. He had longish hair and full beard and wore a cape over a dark suit. He had a single bag and a briefcase -- very typical of many businessmen coming to Babylon 5. "Is there anything I can tell you about this station, sir? There are several restaurants here, a gambling casino and many other services. If you would like, I could have someone call you later to give you more information to make your stay here more pleasant." the guard said. "No, but thank you. I'm sorry I won't be here long enough to take advantage of them. Thank you, though," Grant said. With that, Grant departed the area, headed toward brown sector. "Can I help you find your quarters, sir?" the guard asked. "No, I know my way." Grant said, as he continued down the long hallway toward the turbolift. The guard thought a moment, how could he know his way around the station? This was his first visit to Babylon 5, according to his identa-card. He would make a note of this and talk to Mr. Garibaldi about it later. Mr. Grant may have gotten directions from a friend or seen a plan of the station before. There were a number of explanations. Still, there was something about this man; something strange, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Grant proceeded to brown sector. He had made arrangements for a room last week through a neutral party. So far, so good. Sinclair -- Grant -- knew he was taking a chance coming to Babylon 5, but he had to talk to someone about what was happening on on Minbar and there were people here he could trust. He reached his assigned quarters, #12, and entered. It was a nice room, similar to the quarters he had once occupied when he was Commander. This one had a view of the garden, though. He put his bag down and walked over to the bar. It was complete with everything he had missed so much on Minbar. But there was time for that later. First things first. "Computer, I would like to leave a message for Commander Susan Ivanova." Grant said. "Commander Ivanova is currently on duty, Mr. Grant. Would you like to speak with her directly?" the computer asked. Grant thought for a moment before responding. "Yes, I would. Thank you." "Mr. Grant, this is Commander Susan Ivanova. How can I be of service to you?" Susan Ivanova asked. Susan was a beautiful woman of about 28, dark hair, pulled back and braided. "Commander Ivanova, I would like to meet with you later today, if your schedule permits. I have some information to discuss regarding treaty negotiations with the Narn." Grant said. "Tready with the Narn? Regarding the new mineral deposits?" Ivanova asked. "Yes. I have been serving as a negotiator for the Narn Republic and would appreciate a meeting with you on a few points. Would you meet with me later, shall we say 7:00?" Grant said. "Well, Mr. Grant, I did have some plans for the evening. But I would like to learn more about the Narn treaty and you have peaked my curiousity. I'll change those plans and meet you at 7:00. Where are you staying?" Ivanova asked. "Brown #12, Commander. I look forward to seeing you then. Thank you." Grant said. Grant -- Sinclair -- sighed deeply now that that was over. He had hoped that Susan would not recognize him or his voice. He had tried to sound different and he hoped that it had worked sufficiently. "Computer, I would like to talk to Security Chief Michael Garibaldi." Grant said. "Chief Garibaldi is not available at this time. Would you like to leave a message?" the computer asked. "Yes, I would." Grant said. "Begin recording". "Mr. Garibaldi. I am an Earth trader here on Babylon 5 on my way to Rigel 8. I would like to meet with you today at 7:00 in my quarters, Brown #12, to discuss a matter of some importance. I can't say much about it now, but I think you will find it interesting. I hope to see you at 7:00." Grant ended. "End recording," Grant said. "Are there any other messages you would like to leave?" the computer asked. "No, that is all." Grant said. Damn, he had wanted to talk directly to Michael. He hoped that Michael would get the message in time to make the meeting. If not, he would have to try to see him later. It would be best to talk to Susan and Michael together, but if that could not be arranged, he would have to improvise. Now that that was taken care of, Jeff had some time to relax a little. It had been quite a while since he had some time to himself. While he had enjoyed most of his time on Minbar, it just wasn't the same as the station. Here he knew just about everyone and he could trust a number of them with his life. On Minbar, he had met some people who shared his concern about the coming darkness and they had formed a sort of allegience. They were currently meeting in private, planning for the future. More were joining the cause every day. It was as if they had been drawn together by a force unknown to any of them, but shared by all. Jeff went to the bar and poured himself a drink. Ah, Terran brandy -- nothing like it anywhere. Unfortunately, the Minbar were sort of allergic to anything alcoholic; it had a very different effect on them. For that reason, most beverages of this type were outlawed on Minbar, even for Ambassadors. It didn't bother Jeff much, but he did enjoy an occasional drink to help him relax. Next, something he had dreamed about doing the entire trip. A bath! Water was used for drinking on Minbar -- not bathing. While the sonic shower removed all the dirt and sweat accumulated during the somewhat hot Minbari day, it just wasn't the same as a good hot shower or bath. He would indulge in a long, hot bath while on the station. After all, he had time. Why not? "Computer, I would like to order dinner for three for 7:30 this evening." Grant said. "All right, Mr. Grant. What would you like brought to your room?" the computer said. "I would like three steaks, broiled -- 2 medium rare, 1 rare. I would like a tossed salad and potatoes. For dessert, I would like cheese cake with strawberries. I would like a bottle of a good wine to go along with dinner -- say a Bordeaux 35." Grant said. "Very well, your dinners will arrive promptly at 7:30, Mr. Grant." the computer said. Jeff was pleased that things were moving along so well. He had arrived on the station only an hour ago and already he had nearly everything planned for the remainder of the day. By tomorrow, he would be on his way back to Minbar -- by way of Rigel 8. Jeff entered the bathroom and started the water running. What an absolutely delighteful sound -- water filling a bathtub. Guess he had really never noticed it before. Goes to show, you don't miss something until it's gone! Jeff placed his bag on the bed near the bathroom door, opened the top and removed a clean set of clothes -- slacks and sweater -- something casual and comfortable. He was going to really enjoy his time away from Minbar and his ambassadorship! His bath was ready and so Jeff slipped out of his suit, hung it in the closet and slid into the hot, inviting water. As the warmth drew the tiredness and tension out of his body, he thought about why he had come here to Babylon 5 and all the events that had transpired since he had left the station. He thought of Catherine and how she had decided she could not live with him on Minbar. Though they were engaged to be married, it would be different being married to an Earth Force Ambassador on Minbar. Catherine needed her freedom as much as Jeff needed his, and so they parted once again. Jeff hoped that they would run into each other again, as they usually did every 2-3 years, and see how things had changed for both of them. He had really hoped that things would be different this time -- and they would have been -- if he had stayed on Babylon 5. By now they would have been married, and who knows -- maybe even have had a child. But that was a life he could no longer even think about. There was a change taking place in him -- as he worked with the Minbari and Earth forces -- his Rangers. It was something he could not adequately describe, just to say that perhaps this Minbari soul thing was true. Perhaps he did possess the consciousness of some Minbari and for that reason he felt as they felt about the coming war. It was not just the Centauri and Narn that were fighting. There was a greater enemy, a much more dangerous enemy that they had not confronted for many years. An enemy that should be greatly feared. The water was having the desired effect on Jeff. He was relaxing as he rarely did these days. He would have drifted off to sleep if the door chime had not brought him back to awareness. "Mr. Grant. This is Commander Ivanova. I would like to talk with you." Susan Ivanova's voice came through the intercom in the bathroom. She was at the door but it wasn't 7:00. Why was she here? Had she seen through his disguise? "Commander, I thought our appointment was for 7:00. It is only 4:00. Is there a problem?" Grant said. "No, Mr. Grant. I just thought I would drop by to welcome you to the station. Can I come in?" Ivanova said. "I would prefer it if you could come back. I am rather indisposed at the moment." Grant said. He really hated the prospects of getting out of this nice, warm bath. Why had Susan come early? "I'm really pretty busy, Mr. Grant and I thought that if I had more specifics, our conversation later could be more fruitful." Ivanova said. "I appreciate your schedule, Commander and if you can wait for a few minutes, I can tell you what you want to know." Jeff said. "I can wait a little while, Mr. Grant." Ivanova said. The door to his quarters opened and Susan walked in and looked around. Nice place. Must have spent a few credits for this. Maybe he is a successful businessman with a trading proposition to discuss, Susan thought. "Mr. Grant, I have a few questions. Can we talk now?" Susan said. "Commander Ivanova, I am taking a bath -- if you must know. It's something I've wanted to do for quite a while and I really would prefer if you would come back." Jeff said. Susan listened as Grant talked. There was something very familiar about the voice. No, it couldn't be she thought. He was on Minbar and he would have called her as soon as he entered the station. "Mr. Grant, I'm really very busy and need to know what kind of information you have to discuss." Susan said, trying to draw him into a longer conversation. "Commander Ivanova, believe me you will want to hear what I have to say, but I can't very well talk to you now." Grant said, feeling very awkward at this moment. "Why?" Susan said, smiling to herself. It was Jeffrey Sinclair. She would recognize that voice anywhere, even with his effort to change it. The more she listened, the more certain she was of his identity. "Commander Sinclair, is that you?" Susan asked. "Sinclair, no my name is James Grant. You must have mistaken me for someone else." Grant said. "I don't think so. I served with you too long not to recognize your voice. Why are you hiding behind the name of James Grant?" Ivanova said. "All right Susan, you've found me out. I'm here because I have something of grave importance to tell you and Michael Garibaldi. I don't want anyone else to know that I'm here and I'll be gone from the station in the morning." Sinclair said. Susan had walked to the door of the bathroom as they spoke. She didn't want to miss a word. Jeff could make out some motion through the chrystalized door of the bathroom. She wouldn't, would she? "Susan, don't come any further. I really am taking a bath. If you'll come back in a couple of minutes, we can have this conversation on regular terms, you know, face to face." Jeff said. "Commander -- errr Ambassador -- Jeff, I'd like to see you. It's been nearly a year," Ivanova said. She was really enjoying this. She could just imagine Jeff's face on the other side of this enclosure. Maybe now she could get back at him for some of the pranks she had originally blamed on Garibaldi. "Susan, please. I'm taking a bath and I'm not really in a position to receive people. You understand -- it's a boy-girl thing. If you don't mind, just take a seat in the living room for a few minutes and I'll be right out." Jeff said. "All right, Jeff. If that's the way you want it. I'll wait." Susan said. "Thanks. The kitchen is fully stocked so help yourself to whatever you would like." Jeff said. He was relieved that Susan hadn't come any further. What a time for her to show up. Thankfully he had all of his clothes handy so that he could get dressed and they could talk a little. As he dried off and dressed, he had to chuckle. He figured Susan would be the hardest to trick, but it was a toss-up with Michael. He had known him for quite a while. He was probably lucky that he hadn't actually talked with Michael yet, or perhaps Susan and Michael would be here right now! Sinclair dressed, combed his hair and stepped out of the bathroom to see Susan Ivanova sitting on the couch with a drink in her hand. She was looking out over the garden. He had almost forgotten how beautiful she was. Standing there, now a full Commander, Susan Ivanova was a force to be reckoned with. "This is truly was a great room. Ambassador pay must be pretty good." Ivanova said as she looked over at toward the bathroom. When Susan first saw Jeffrey Sinclair, it was hard for her to realize it was the same man who had left the station less than a year ago. He was older looking, still quite handsome, but there was something different about him now. While the longer hair and beard, now tinged with gray, added a lot to his diplomatic appearance, his eyes spoke volumes. He was thinner than she remembered, and looked very tired. "Mr. Ambassador -- Jeff -- what should I call you?" Ivanova said. "Jeff is just fine. We've shared too much to stand on formality." Jeff said as he sat down on the couch next to Susan. "It's really good to see you, but why as "Mr. Grant and what is this something you want to talk about?" Susan asked. "I'd rather say this once, when Garibaldi is here -- I've invited Michael to join us later. I've ordered dinner and thought the three of us could eat and talk." Jeff said. "OK, Jeff. I'll wait until 7:00 then. By the way, did you enjoy your bath?" Susan said teasingly. "Yes, I did. You can't believe what it's like not having water for anything other than drinking! You get used to it after a while -- but you don't like it." Jeff said. "Jeff, is everything all right -- you look tired. You mentioned that you would be leaving the station in the morning. Why not stay over a couple of days and rest a while. It will give us time to catch up." Susan said. She was a little concerned at Sinclair's appearance but knew she could do little about it. "Susan, thanks for your concern. I'm just a little tired. Guess I've been burning the candle on both ends a little too much lately. There's a lot going on and so much to be done." Jeff said. "Well, I'll leave you to relax a little. I'll be back, with Garibaldi, at 7:00. By the way, what did you order for dinner?" Susan said. "It's a surprise, Susan," Jeff said with a huge grin. Yes, that was the Jeffrey Sinclair she remembered. "Until 7:00 then," Susan said as she left the room. Jeff sat back on the couch and looked out over the garden. There was nothing like this on Minbar. The garden was a special place on Babylon 5. Jeff had fought long and hard to create it and he had spent many hours in the garden with Delenn when he was stationed here. It was a quiet and peaceful place. While he could look out over the same garden now, it was somehow different -- or perhaps he was different. He closed his eyes for a moment and remembered one of the conversations he had had with Delenn sometime ago in the garden. What was it she had said about the Japanese stone garden? It illustrated how the power of one mind could change many. Jeff drifted off to sleep, thinking about Babylon 5, Delenn, Susan, Michael and others on the station who had depended on him greatly when he was Commander. Now things were different -- so different. He was an Ambassador on Minbar, the first human ever permitted to live there. While it was a great honor, there was always something nagging Jeff about this. He didn't totally believe or understand the Minbari soul story, but there were times when he would enter a room or meet someone on Minbar that seemed very familiar. Did they actually want him here on Minbar just to watch him, see what he was up to or was it a deal Minbar had struck with Earth in an effort to keep him out of the way. He had ruffled many feathers and made quite a few enemies while on Babylon 5. Perhaps this was their way of controlling him, not permitting him to further investigate the assassination of President Santiago. He could do little while on Minbar, that's for sure. Jeff was awakened by the computer, announcing an incoming message from Michael Garibaldi. "Jeff, is that you?" Garibaldi said, staring at Sinclair's image on the vid-phone. "Yes, Michael, it's me." Jeff sighed. "I just talked to Ivanova. Wanted to see how you were and everything. Did I wake you?" Garibaldi said. "I guess I had drifted off, Michael, but that's OK. You got the message about our meeting later?" Jeff asked. "Yes, I got that. At first I thought you were just another trader looking for concessions to our tariffs or something. Wasn't going to show up. Now that I've talked to Susan, I'll be there with bells on." Michael said. "Great, I look forward to seeing you." Jeff said. "Jeff, is there anything I can do for you now? I can come over now, if you just want to talk." Michael said. Garibaldi wanted to see if he could be of some help, but he knew Jeff would ask, when he was good and ready. "Michael, we'll have time to kick back and catch up a bit later. I know you have other things to do. I understand it haven't been exactly dull on the station since I've been gone." Jeff said. "What? Have you been checking up on us?" Michael asked. "No, but I do have friends that get to B5 often. They've let me know about some of the changes that have been made. I must say that for the most part, I approve." Jeff said. "Captain Sheridan is OK, Jeff -- he's not you, but he's OK. We've gotten some new fighters in that you should see. Really cool. The latest models out. They can really move, too. Can't wait to take one out." Michael said. "That's great, Michael. I'm glad the station is finally getting some needed attention. Perhaps Captain Sheridan can play the game of politics better than I could. Something is necessary to keep B5 a viable entity -- either militarily or otherwise." Jeff said. "Well, Jeff, I'd better let you go. I'll see you at 7:00." Michael said. "Until later, Michael," Jeff said. As the vid-phone disconnected, Jeff went over to the bar for another brandy. It had been very good talking to Michael. He had so wanted to be here when Michael had been shot, but it was not meant to be. He did get reports on his condition and was very relieved when he learned that he would make a full recovery. Although Minbar was not that far away, it was far enough. You couldn't just hop in a shuttle and go for a visit. Besides, he didn't want to cramp the new Commander's style. B5 was his station now. He didn't know John Sheridan, but he had heard good things about him. It helped, a little, to know that the station was in good hands. He was glad that Ivanova had been promoted as well -- she had certainly earned it. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Sandra G. Bruckner I/STC - USIA (202) 619-5674 (202) 401-1914 (fax) "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> From bruckner@usia.govSat May 27 12:20:24 1995 Date: Sat, 27 May 95 9:53:22 -0400 From: "Bruckner, Sandra" To: babylon5-creative@netcom.com Subject: Secret Meeting -- Part 2 Secret Meeting -- Part 2 There wasn't much left for Jeff to do, but wait until 7:00. He wanted to stroll around the station, but he couldn't chance being recognized by anyone. For now, he had better stick to his room. He had to keep a low profile. Fortunately, he didn't have long to wait. Before he knew it, there was someone at the door. "Come", Jeff said. It was Michael Garibaldi. Jeff had hoped he would be a little early. He was eager to see his old friend. "Hello, Michael," Jeff said as he walked over to shake hands with Michael. "Hello, yourself, Mr. Ambassador." Michael said, extending a hand, that turned into a hug. "I think we can dispense with titles, Michael," Jeff said. "God, it's good to see you. How are you feeling?" "I'm fully recovered, if that's what you mean." Garibaldi said. "OK, Jeff, how are you? You look like hell, but I guess you know that." Michael said. "What have they been doing with you down there on Minbar. I thought you were supposed to be a diplomat. Seemed like a pretty cushy job to me, but from the looks of you, they've been running you ragged." "Well, Michael, I must say that I have been very busy since I left the station. I spent several days on Earth, waiting for my assignment and then before I knew it, I'm on a shuttle headed for Minbar. Once I got there, there's all of the diplomatic requirements to fulfill -- appointments, meetings, interviews, reports. It just never ends." Jeff said. "Come on now, you can handle that sort of thing with both hands tied behind your back. What are you really up to on Minbar," Michael said. "That's why I'm here, Michael. But let's wait for Susan to come before I go into that. I really don't want to have to repeat anything," Jeff said. As if on queue, the door chime sounded. "Come", Sinclair said. In walked Susan Ivanova, wearing a black jumpsuit. Both men stood up to greet her and Jeff motioned for Susan to come over to join them. They exchanged a hug and kiss and Susan sat down on the couch by Jeff. "I would say that this is like old times, but we seldom seemed to have time to sit and talk when I was Commander of the station." Jeff said. "Dinner should be arriving soon, but in the meantime, we can catch up a little. Who wants to go first?" "Well, I think that you are the only one that really has anything new to tell us about, Jeff," Susan said. "Other than my promotion, Michael's recovery and Captain Sheridan's arrival, there hasn't been all that much going on. Am I right Michael?" "Yeah, we've had a few crazies visit the station, but nothing very different from when you were here." Michael said. "I want to hear about what you are up to, Jeff." "When I got word that I was going to reassigned, I had no idea of what or where. I went to Earth and sat around for several days before I met with President Clarke. When we talked he offered me the Ambassadorship on Minbar. I talked with one of the Grey Council, Raytheen, and he said that I would be welcome. I was really surprised by all of this, but President Clarke made it sound like an offer I couldn't refuse. Within a few hours, I was on a shuttle bound for Minbar. Since that time, I've been meeting with the Grey Council members, trying to set up trade agreements, things of that sort." Jeff said. "Jeff, I hate to ask, but what happened with you and Catherine?" Michael said. "Well, it's a short, sad story. Catherine didn't think she could live on Minbar as the wife of an Ambassador. It would be too confining for her. She needs her freedom just as much as I do. So far, I've been too busy to pay much attention to anything and I'm almost glad Catherine did not come with me. It would have been very hard for her there. I haven't been actually greeted with open arms and there's not much to do. She certainly would have gone stir-crazy by now." Jeff said. "So does mean the wedding is off?" Susan said. "Yes, I guess it does. I've called Catherine a couple of times, but she either hasn't been available or doesn't want to talk to me. Can't say I would blame her if she never talked to me again. We certainly have had our ups and downs over the years. Guess it's truly a case of what might have been," Jeff said. As he talked, he had that sort of far away look in his eyes. He truly wished things had been different, but now everything was about to change. Jeff rose from the couch, went over to his suitcase and extracted a small square device that he brought back to the living room. He turned it on, and then said, "There, now we can talk about anything and anyone we want." He had placed a scrambling device out just in case the room was monitored in any way. "There is a small, but growing number of individuals on Minbar that are gathering to form an army. They are both Minbari and human, drawn together by some force that we can't adequately describe. I have been chosen as their leader and we are still learning a lot about each other; determining strengths and weaknesses; finding out who our enemies and allies are and what must be done in the coming months to gather additionial forces and support. The Rangers, as we call ourselves, are watching and listening all along the Rim, waiting for signs of the coming darkness. We have reports of attacks in outlying areas, but nothing definitive yet. This brings me to why I'm here. While I will not use Babylon 5 as an arms transfer point, I do want and need your help." Jeff said. "Jeff, I hope you know that whatever you need; whenever you need help, I'll be there for you. You have always been there when I needed you and I trust you. Can you tell us more about the trouble that is coming?" Michael said. "No, Michael. We still don't know enough. All we know is that an enemy, greater than any we have come up against so far, is watching and waiting. And we must prepare to fight it with every strength we can muster." Jeff said. "How do you know about this enemy, Jeff" Ivanova asked. "My Rangers cover a lot of territory, but mainly in the outer reaches of the galaxy. We are most vulnerable there and that's where we feel the danger lies." Jeff said. The door chimed. It was dinner. "Come," Jeff said. The waiter from the Zocalo came in with a cart and the dinners Jeff had ordered earlier. He set the table, placed the food on it, opened the wine and left the room. "Well, shall we continue this a bit later. We don't want our food to get cold." Jeff said. All three went over to the table. Jeff held Ivanova's chair for her as she sat. "Ah, chivalry is not dead," Susan said. "I should hope not," Jeff said, looking into Susan's eyes. He had forgotten how beautiful Susan was. He had always thought of her as a good friend and officer, but tonight she was a very attractive woman. "Ah hum," Michael said. "Oh, ah Michael," Jeff said. "I ordered something I think you will both enjoy. Guess I pulled out all the stops this trip." Susan and Michael lifted the lid of the dinner tray to find a broiled steak, just the way they liked it. "Do you know how long it's been since I had a steak, Jeff?." Michael said. "Too long, I imagine." Jeff said. "This is fantastic, Jeff. Is that strawberry cheese cake I see?" Susan said. "It's amazing the little things you remember about your friends. The steak was easy, everyone loves that. The cheese cake is from that little get together we had about 3 years ago, remember?" Jeff said. "I can't believe you still remember that," Susan said. "I had just gotten to the station and there was some sort of party. The cheese cake was sinful and I must have eaten enough for three people." "Four, but who was counting," Jeff said. They laughed and ate dinner. The wine was excellent and truly complimented the meal. Everything was perfect. After they had finished, they took their coffee and went back into the living room. "Coffee, real coffee." Susan said. "This really has been a delightful evening, Jeff. It's been too long since we have all been together like this." "Well, Susan, it has been too long, and it will probably be even longer before we do this again. I really hate to bring this conversation back to much more serious topics, but it's getting late and I have to leave in the morning,." Jeff said. "Over the next couple of weeks, a number of Rangers will be meeting on the station to compare notes about what they have seen and heard out on the Rim. One Ranger will gather everything and bring it to me. We thought that meeting on Minbar was too dangerous at this time and we did not want to draw attention to ourselves just yet. We are not doing anything illegal, but I just wanted to alert you to what was going on and see if you will help, if the need arises." Jeff said. "Jeff, I hope you know that you can count on both of us." Susan said. "I've seen a few very strange things myself, in the last few months. It's something you can't quite put your finger on, but there is something out there." Jeff, all you have to do is ask, and whatever you need is yours," Garibaldi chimed. "Thanks, I knew I could count on the two of you. As I said, I won't use the station for anything illegal or dangerous. I think too much of the station and the people on it to put it in danger." Jeff said. "How are you doing all of this while on Minbar, Jeff" Michael said. "Well, Michael, it's not always easy. I am the Earth Force Ambassador to Minbar and there are a number of duties associated with it. I will continue to do those because they are very important. I've negotiated a few treaties and I hope I'm making a little headway with the Grey Council. At first, should I say they were a little hostile toward me. Now, they don't welcome me with open arms, but I can talk with them and they appear to be listening." Jeff said. "It's been a learning process for all of us." "On the other front, I have a small but trusted staff that serve me as both Ambassador and as Commander for the Rangers. Most, it seems, were waiting for me to arrive on Minbar. It's as though some great plan is unfolding and I am somehow at the center of it." Jeff said. Susan and Michael were sitting, just listening to Jeff as he explained his activities on Minbar. Both had noticed a very distinct change in Jeff. He was much more self-assured; more confident than ever before. It was if he had a mission to fulfill and though he didn't exactly know where it would lead, he knew that he had been chosen for it. His eyes were bright with expectation as he talked about the growing Ranger forces and their working together. He indeed was a man on a mission. "That's about all I can tell you now, I'm afraid. Since I wanted to see you both anyway, I thought I would deliver the message in person, rather than a vid-phone transmission. This is much more secure and pleasant." Jeff said. "I don't know what to say, Jeff, except count me in. Just let me know what you want me to do -- or not do -- as the case may be." Michael said. "You know I keep my eyes and ears open anyway, so if you need any information, on anything, just say the word." "Is there anything you need of me right now, Jeff", Susan said. "I'd like you to keep an eye out on the transports coming through the station. If the the volume is unusually heavy in any certain sector, I'd appreciate knowing about it. We suspect some arms merchants are making products available to certain groups and we would like to confirm that if we could. The more information we have, the better I like it." Jeff said. "That should be easy to do, Jeff. How will I get word to you?" Susan said. "Rangers visit the station on a regular basis. When you have something to pass on, put a note on the arrivals message board. Say something like, Mobile Operations Unit -- data available. A Ranger will contact you." Jeff said. "Sounds simple enough. I can do that, certainly" Susan said. "Well, I hate to end this evening, but my transport leaves at a very early hour. I promised people on Minbar that I wouldn't be gone long and I always try to keep my promises." Jeff said. Susan and Michael stood and stared for a moment at Sinclair. "Jeff, do you really have to go back to Minbar? Couldn't you do what you need to do from here? It would be safer" Susan said. "Susan, I appreciate your concern, but this is something that can only be done from Minbar, at least for now. It's something I can't really explain. It's as though I need to be there, both for myself and others." "Jeff, can't you spare a day or so? You really look like you could use a day off or so," Michael said. "One of the reasons I'm here as James Grant is to hide the fact that I've left Minbar at all. I don't want to give anyone there cause for suspicion of my purpose there. Trust is something that has to be won over time and I need to develop trust with people who have no reason to trust me in the first place. The war is still fresh in the minds of a lot of Minbari and it's an uphill battle to get through that. Now with my other extra-curricular activities, it's even harder. Soon it will be time to be more open about what the Rangers are doing, but for now, it has to remain a secret. I hope you'll understand." Jeff said. "Whatever you say, Jeff," Garibaldi said. "But I hope you will start taking a little better care of yourself. You won't be much good to anyone if you get sick." "OK, OK, Michael, you've made your point. It's been hard trying to juggle so much in such a short period of time, but things are starting to come together. That will leave a little more time for planning ahead and since our numbers are growing, there are a few more hands to work with. That helps as well." Jeff said. Jeff was ushering them to the door when Ivanova stopped. "Jeff, we miss you here. Captain Sheridan is a good man, and a good commanding officer. I think you'd like him if you had a chance to get to know him. You've helped me over some rough times, and if I can do anything to help you out, just let me know." Susan said. She then gave Sinclair a big hug. "You have the heart of a Russian, Jeffrey Sinclair." "Jeff, God speed and hurry back. I know what you are doing is important, but don't forget you have friends here that are more than willing to help." Michael said. He too, gave Sinclair a hug and then took Susan by the arm and left Sinclair's quarters. Jeff watched them both leave and could only smile to himself. Here were two of his closest friends in the world and he was very glad he had come to Babylon 5 to see them. Now he was ready to go back to Minbar. There was so much to do. Jeff turned his attention to getting ready to leave the station in the morning. He put things back into his bag and got ready for bed. He rarely slept well, but tonight might be an exception. The wine was starting to have a little effect and he was feeling drowsy. "Computer, wake me at 04:00 please," Sinclair said. "Wake-up call set for 04:00," the computer replied. Jeff picked up one of the books he had brought with him and laid down on his bed to read for a little while. While books were not as common as they once were, Jeff always seemed to travel with at least two in his bag. He enjoyed reading very much, but had less and less time to spend at his leisure. This book was one of his favorites, a collection of poems and short stories from Earth. Tennyson, Byron, Keats, Shelley -- all his favorites were included in this volume. As he turned to a rather worn page, he read through Ulysses once more. The closing words always seemed to have a strange, drawing effect on him -- as if they were written for him alone. "To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield." He didn't know what the future held for him, but he knew his destiny lay on Minbar with a small group of loyal followers -- his Rangers. He would return to them in the morning and plan strategy for the coming months. They were growing stronger in numbers and support for them was coming in from all over the sector. They had been very careful to keep their existence quiet, telling only the most trusted friends about their activities. Jeff could only wait for the day when they would no longer need secrecy. Jeff drifted off to sleep wondering about the future. The Shadows are adversaries to be reckoned with -- massive and strong. Was he ready for the fight? Could he lead the Rangers to victory over the enemy? Only time would tell. For now, he was safe and secure on Babylon 5. Jeff was awakened by the computer and couldn't believe he had slept for such a long time. He had plenty of time to gather his things and head for the transport area after having breakfast. As he finished and checked the room to make sure he hadn't left anything, the door chime rang out. "Come", Jeff said. In the doorway was Michael Garibaldi. "Surprise," he said. "Couldn't let you leave empty handed. Thought I would gather up a few things I thought you could use." Michael said. He handed to Jeff a pair of data crystals. "Just a little something to look over when you have a few minutes. I've been gathering info on some strange occurrences around the area and, well you know me, I hate mysteries." Garibaldi entered Sinclair's quarters and turned to face him. "Thanks Michael. I'll look them over as soon as I get back to Minbar. I'm sure I'll find them interesting. You always did have a knack for finding things that others overlooked." Jeff said. "Take care of yourself, Jeff," Michael said. "I will, Michael. And you take care of yourself as well. You could get caught in the middle with the Centauri/Narn. The station has always been very vulnerable and it's even more so now." Jeff said. "Don't worry about us, Jeff. Ivanova and I will keep an eye on things." Michael said. Jeff put out his hand to say goodbye to Michael. Michael grabbed Jeff's hand with both hands and shook it with earnest. He hated to see Jeff leave, but knew he couldn't stop him. "See you, Jeff," Michael said and headed toward the door. "Bye for now, Michael." Jeff said. Jeff gathered his things and headed for the transport area. He had a few minutes to wait, but he wanted to make sure he didn't miss this transport. "Mr. Grant, I hope you had a good stay on the station." the transport attendant said in greeting Jeff at the door. "Yes, I did have a good visit, thank you." Jeff said as he entered the transport. He turned for one last look at the station before taking his seat. Babylon 5 was a good place to visit, but for now, he had other duties, other responsibilities. The future was vague, as it always is and probably should be. Jeffrey Sinclair, Ambassador for Earth Force and Commander of the Rangers on Minbar, looked forward to the future with both hope and fear. He had a destiny to fulfill and it was slowly unfolding. THE END Copyright @ 1995 by Sandra Bruckner. All rights are retained by the author. Babylon 5 is a copyright of the PTN Consortium; no infringment of that copyright is intended. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Sandra G. Bruckner I/STC - USIA (202) 619-5674 (202) 401-1914 (fax) "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield." <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>