From plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu Wed Dec 25 01:09:19 1996 Date: Wed, 4 Dec 1996 17:18:51 -0600 (CST) From: "Penny L. Horwitz" To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Senses Part 1 take 3 I think I finally got all the kinks worked out so I'll try this one more time. As usual Standard disclaimer: The story concept is mine though the characters, settings etc. belong to jms, and Bablyonian Productions. No copyright challange or infringment is intended. Please do ot repost this with the author's permission. Dedicated to: Joel Ruggaber who's my better half, and Jason Carter for making Marcus Cole very easy on the senses. Senses By Penny Horwitz Based on the Concept of Babylon 5 by J. Michael Strazynski The year was 2264 and Babylon Five had finally fulfilled its promise. But this victory affected all involved differently. Some found the personal peace with i n. I wish I had been that lucky.-Marcus Cole The shuttle raced out of the jump gate toward the gleaming station which hung i n the dark night. The pilot leaned back in his seat; finally relaxing after his long absence from home. He laughed as he realized his train of thought. That this place after four years had become home in was, in this man's mind, is absur d, but it had happened. The only other place he had ever called home was the co lony he and his brother had grown up on. He had to admit it was nice to have a home again. The pilot then reached up for the com-switch. "This is shuttle Albion to Babylon 5. Requesting permission to dock" came the clip British voice. After all these years he still spoke with an accent. The line crackled and then came the response. "Babylon Control to Albion. Welcome back, Marcus." came the rough voice on the o ther end. "Thank you, Captain. It's nice to be back." "Do you think you'll be ready for debriefing in a couple of hours?" "Sure. Then maybe I'll be able to get a good nights sleep." Sheridan snorted slightly at the idea. " When did that come into any of out cont racts? I'll turn the Albion over to Corwin so we can get you on board." Marcus looked rather surprised at the mention of the young Lieutenants name. "Do n't tell me Ivanova's gone?" "You think I could get rid of her? It's just not her shift." A relieved Marcus smiled and prepared the shuttle for the automatic docking syst em. The shuttle docked without problem, and the ranger made his way down the ramp. M arcus looked up to see Susan Ivonova, Babylon Five's second in command, waiting there for him. This was a surprise, because over the last four years he and the commander had a running, well, he didn't know what to call it. They were fire an d ice, irrepressible force and immovable object. They were in different galaxies . Yet, in that same amount of time Marcus Cole had become extremely fond of the beautiful, intelligent Commander. "Welcome back, Marcus." , she said formally. "Thank you, Commander." He stepped down from the ramp. "What are you doing here? I didn't think anyone would meet me." " I thought that maybe it would be nice to have someone here. Anyway, I figured that you might want to be briefed on what's been happening. Being absent for ove r two months will do that, and I know you hate to be out of touch." Marcus smiled and thanked her for her concern. She then proceeded to grill him o n his trip. He told her of the rebuilding of the League of Non-Aligned worlds, a nd the beginning of the horrors in the Centauri Colonies. "...The Shadows are definatly controlling the Centauri government. I don't think we're going to have another thousand-year lull." "Is it really that bad?" The Commander's mind was years ahead trying to figure o ut what preparations would need to be made. Marcus nodded, amused that she was already trying to find a time span for the ne xt war. Typical, he chuckled to himself. "... We're really going to need steady intelligence from Centauri space from now on." she said. "I've already begun to set up a network in the colonies, and made contact with s ome of the resistance movements." He watched as her eyes widened. He then told h er that Delenn had asked him to watch over that sector, and that appointment mea nt he was going to be a gold mine of Centauri intelligence from now on. "Wonderful. This means you'll be hanging around for a while, I take it." Ivanova didn't sound thrilled, but this was status quo for the last four years. "Susan," Marcus stopped and looked at Ivanova, "Can we at least stop the verbal fencing for a few moments? For four years I've been fighting two wars, one again st the Shadows and one against you. I'm tired, Susan." Ivanova realized she pushed too far, and apologized for it. "Okay, sorry, Marcus ." She smiled. "How about a truce?" "All right, but one of the terms is that you have dinner with me tonight after t he debriefing." This left Susan stunned. She wasn't really prepared for this. What the hell was this madman thinking? "Uh...I can't. I have work early tomorrow. It sounds nice. Maybe some other time ." The last few words all ran together. Marcus then suggested that maybe tomorrow would be better. And Susan continued t o make excuses. "All right." Marcus looked her straight in the eye. "What are you afraid of? Me? or the possibilities?" "I don't have time for this. I've got to get back to work." The Commander starte d off down another corridor, leaving Marcus alone. Damn, he thought, subtly, it wasn't that difficult. The Ranger began to move bac k toward his quarters. Then he heard the scream. Without thought he began to mov e toward the sound. Running up the corridor Susan had just taken, he found her l ying in shock on the floor. He knelt and checked her pulse. She was alive, but t hen he rolled her over . Ivanova's eyes were blistered, and Marcus smelled acid. Adrenalin and fear flowed through him. Instinct pushed Cole to pick Susan up, a nd he carried her to Med Lab. *********************** "Stephen!" He yelled as he ran into Med Lab 1. Dr. Franklin stood, and realized what had happened. With that, he began to tell orders to the Med personnel. "Marcus, what the hell happened/" Stephen said as he moved Ivanova's body to a gurney. "Get her prepped and get Dr. Lehnerer down here." Franklin then turned to Marcus, and saw the utter fear in his eyes. "Look, every thing going to be okay. Lehnerer is the best optic surgeon we have." The doctor put a calming hand on the young ranger's shoulder. "I should have been there. Damn, why don't I ever learn?!" Cole then quickly su mmarized what had happened. Stephen nodded, turned to one of his assistants, and ordered him to contact the Captain, and Mr. Garibaldi. Stephen prepped and entered surgery with Dr. Lehnerer. At the same time, the Ca ptain and Ambassador Delenn entered the room. Marcus stood and bowed his respect s to En'til'zha. "What happened?" said the Captain without preamble. Again the Ranger dispassion ately told the Captain all he knew. Sheridan nodded and looked at Delenn. The Mimbari ambassador was watching Dr. Fr anklin and Dr. Lehnerer work. She then turned to enquire about Marcus' health. "I'm alright." The answer was toneless, lacking his usual flair. At this point, Garibaldi came in and informed Sheridan that the crime scene was pretty much clean, except for traces of hydrochloric acid on the floor. "I want to have a security team assigned to the Commander until we catch this g uy." Garibaldi was extremely angry that this had happened on his watch. Marcus' head suddenly jerked up. "No, I'll do it." Garibaldi began to object, but Marcus continued. "Ivanova tru sts me. I can keep an eye on her. A security team will just make her feel more v ulnerable." At this point Delenn spoke. "Marcus, you need to rest. Captain Sheridan, Mr. Ga ribaldi, and I will discuss what the options to protect the Commander are." Cole looked about to speak, but his training came to the fore. He bowed to Dele nn and left. "Delenn," Sheridan said, "You aren't actually thinking we should consider Marcu s' idea?" "Yeah Ambassador, I know Marcus is a good man, but he is way over his head. A s ecurity team can be objective, and could protect her." Garibaldi said. "Yes, they could protect her, but could they help her without making the Comman der feel, as Marcus said, vulnerable? Besides, this must be done for his sake as well as for Ivanova's." Delenn smiled gently at the two men. "Marcus feels resp onsible for Ivanova's injury. His suggestion was a plea for penance. If we do no t allow him this, Marcus will never be free of his guilt." Michael reluctantly agreed. "All right, but I want a security team ready to bac k him up at all times, and I want Marcus to get checked out on a PPG." At this p oint Franklin entered. "Well Doc? How is she?" the Captain asked. "Whoever did this wasn't trying for anything permanent. I was able to repair th e damage around her eyes. Dr. Lehnerer has examined her, and has concurred that the Commander's sight will return. It will be about a month or two at the most." Franklin took a breath. "But, Susan's going to be blind for that time period. W e also have to worry about infection. I'll prescribe her an anti-biotic as a jus t in case measure. I've given her something for the pain, but she'll be up and r eady to go in a few hours." "We've decided to assign Marcus to the Commander as a security measure. I'm sure he'll also be able to help Susan adjust to her new situation." Sheridan looked into the recovery room as he said this. Franklin nodded, and agreed that Cole wo uld be helpful to Susan until her sight returned. Delenn excused herself and wen t to inform Marcus of his new duties. Cole was sitting in his quarters, eyes closed, trying to meditate, keep calm, an d keep his training at the fore. The door chimed, and without any movement, he o rdered the door to open. "Marcus." Delenn spoke quietly into the darkness. He opened his eyes and ordered the lights up slowly. "The Captain and I have discussed those options needed to protect Commander Ivanova's safety and to help her until she regains her sight. " "She'll be all right then?" Delenn nodded, and continued. "We have come to the conclusion that you would be better than a full team. Mr. Garibaldi, though, has a security team standing by as back-up, and also asked you to be prepared with a PPG." "Of course, En'til'zha, I will do as you ask." Marcus stood and again bowed. "Th ank you for this...Delenn." Delenn smiled, returned his bow, and left Cole to ready himself. Marcus entered the stationhouse about a half an hour. Zack looked up from the de sk, and greeted him. "The Chief told me you'd be stopping by. I heard what happe ned. I'm sorry." Marcus just nodded, and walked to the firing range. Zack followed him in. The r anger picked up the PPG and prepared to fire Zack watched as Cole fired round af ter round. 10 shots, all of which were on target. Marcus then placed the weapo n in its holster and attached it to his belt. Zack noted to the computer the date, weapon serial number, and the new owner. A s he then turned to explain to Marcus about the backup team Zack realized that C ole was no longer there. Susan woke feeling very groggy, and confused when she tried to see. " What the hell..." she muttered as Sheridan who was sitting next to the bed to ok her hand. "Welcome back to the land of the living Commander." "Thanks I think. Why can't I see? What's going on!" Susan's voice was quickl y becoming sober, and though she tried to hide it...afraid. " You were attacked on your way to C&C. Marcus heard your scream and brought you to med lab. We haven't found the person responsible yet but we will. We've als o made sure you have some extra protection till you get your sight back." Sheri dan squeezed her had hoping it would keep her calm. " So this..." She waved her hand in front of her bandaged eyes "is only tempora ry?" "That's what Dr. Franklin tells me." "What type of protection do you have in mind? Garibaldi probably wants a team t o shadow my every move right?" "Actually we're assigning one man to you. It was Delenn's idea so you can blame her." Ivanova's voice became very wary " Who?" "Marcus...now before you object we both know that he can defend both you and him self if neccesary, and rather than have teams of guards fumbling around your qua rters Marcus can help you adjust to your new situation without getting in your w ay or making you uncomfortable." Sheridan hoped she wouldn't blow up, but all he received was a stark laugh " Your wife is a Yenta you know." " What's a yenta?" " Matchmaker." Sheridan grinned "Oh, I'm not sure if that's what Delenn had in mind with this idea but I'll tell her..." "Susan?" Marcus stepped into the room. And John excused himself and left for C &C. "Marcus...I guess we'll end up having dinner together after all." "Do I really seem that desperate ?" he responded "How are you?" " I feel like hell. And I probably look worse" "No Susan. You look fine." Franklin can into the recovery area. Marcus turned to look at him. "Susan, ready to go home?" the doctor checked her bandages, and put two vials of medicine down on the bed's side board. Susan turned her face to where she hear d his voice and smiled. "Hell yes! Somehow the food in this place tastes even worse than the slop they serve in the mess hall. How do you manage it?" "Trade secret." Franklin replied as Marcus grinned at him and said "She must be getting better ...the dry razor sharp Ivanova wit seems to be in definite workin g order." Stephen smiled "Okay here are the conditions of your release. First you're goin g to need someone to act as a guide until your senses adjust and even then a gui de will probably be helpful since I know you haven't memorized every corridor on this station. That job goes to Marcus so don't fight with him. Second I'm pro scribing you two medications, one is an antibiotic to make sure we don't end up with any complication caused by infection. That's to be taken twice daily alrig ht" Susan nodded her head as the doctor continued " The other is to be taken on ly if you're in pain. Third I want you to very careful with those bandages. Th e should be changed once every day or two at the least. And if you have any pro blems I want you in here ASAP. Am I being clear on this?" " Crystal, Stephen, Crystal. Now about getting out of here. Do you really expe ct me to walk out of med lab dressed like this?" Ivanova said as she gestured to her clothing. Marcus went to the small bag he had carried and pulled out a clean uniform. "I took the liberty of bringing you some fresh clothing." The Commander nodded her thanks, and then asked Stephen to summon a nurse to hel p her dress. When that was done she said " Now will you both get the hell out of here so I can change in peace?" Stephen and Marcus bowed out of the room quickly. "Marcus" Franklin took him aside " you're going to need to keep her from getting stressed. You know as well as I do that Ivanova lives on the wire, but she nee ds to relax or her immune system won't be able to deal with infection, and that could cause serious complications." " I understand Stephen." Cole said as the nurse came out of the Commander's roo m with Ivanova. The lab assistant then handed Marcus the two medicine vials, an d he quickly put them away in the bag. Then he stepped to Ivanova's side and pu t her hand on his arm. " Are you ready?" Marcus asked, his face full of compassion. " Yeah. as much as I ever will be." Susan replied. The pair turned toward the d oor of med lab when Stephen laid a hand on the Ranger's shoulder. Cole turned t o look at the doctor as he said "Marcus, maybe I was wrong." The young man's face was uncomprehending for a moment then he remembered the con versation held a long time ago. " No Stephen. You're right, but everything move s closer together over time. Even galaxies." After that Ivanova and Marcus left, and as they walked down the corridor Susan a sked curiously " What was that all about?" "Astrophysics" was all he would say. Ivanova muttered something about never get ting the straight answer from him. Marcus responded by saying that she needed to learn to ask the right questions. The argument that insued lasted until they reached her quarters. At the door Susan began to fumble for her identicard. " Susan you might want to let me help you." but she shook her head and proceeded to enter her quarters. Ivanova seemed okay until she tripped over a chair. " I don't remember that being there. You moved it didn't you!" she accused him. Marcus just walked quickly to her side and attempted to help her up. Susan resi sted as first but finally relented. Ivanova stood and felt his presence close t o her. She then realized that her telepathic talent seemed to be getting strong er. She could feel quiet clearly Marcus's mental and emotional states. He radi ated strength, compassion, and a true sense of self. It was only logical she to ld herself. After all with the loss of her vision that her other powers of perc eption would try to compensate. Susan also noted a strange feeling of comfort b eing close to him. This bothered her, and she tried not to think about it. Marcus stood behind her, and watched quietly as Ivanova returned to her feet. H e knew that she needed to be able to do things on her own, or else she might sta rt feeling vulnerable. Still he hated seeing her suffer. "Marcus, I'm still pretty groggy. I should probably lie down" Without words, he gently took her arm and walked to the bedroom with her. Ivanov a sat on the edge of the bed and tilted her head in Marcus's direction "If you'r e really serious about doing the thing; you should probably get anything you nee d for the next month or so." "Susan, what about you?" " I plan on sleeping for a rather long period of time." She said frankly "So why do I need a guard?" Marcus tried to reason with her, but to no avail. Finally they came to a compro mise. He would wait until she fell asleep, and would call in the security team to keep watch until he returned. With that agreement reached Marcus helped Susa n up so she could remove her command jacket. Then she turned to him and spoke. "I've got some extra bedding in my closet. I'll help you set up the couch when I wake up." Marcus smiled " With all that's happened to you today I'm surprised that you're so interested in my comfort." " Well, in my opinion the couch is more comfortable than those death traps the M inbari claim to use as beds." " Go to sleep Susan...we'll worry about where I'll camp out later." He waited t here as she laid down. Her breathing became regular in a few minutes and Marcus just watched her for sometime. Susan had suffered so much, Cole thought to himself. Whoever did this was going to pay very dearly for all the pain he had caused. Marcus wasn't about to let this injustice go unpunished. Susan was so beautiful, not just in body, but in a spirit that inspired others. As he contemplated this thought Marcus was hit b y a sudden sense of deja vu. What was before him was a familiar scene, but from where? He had felt this all before as well, and the memory returned to him. H e had seen this all before during the time flash they had all experienced on Bab ylon 4. Confusion rushed in...what did he really feel for the woman lying before him? H e was very fond of the Commander, and there had always been a strong physical at traction to her. But had anything changed between them? Stephen had spoken tru e when he said they were in different galaxies. Could a measly four years close that gap? "Susan what have you done to me?" Marcus whispered into the quiet darkness "I l ove you." and at that utterance something woke inside this Ranger, who had swor n never to feel such things again. Cole felt tears in his eyes, and tried to de ny what he felt. Damn he thought as he stared down at Ivanova's sleeping form. She seemed so sof t and vulnerable. I love her Marcus sighed, and in accepting it felt freed from the chains of grief and guilt that had held him for so long. " I am fortune's fool." He self-mockingly quoted the Bard to the sleeping Comman der as he brushed the stray hairs from her face. Cole then left the room. *********** Marcus wandered the station for awhile trying to work out his confusion. Finall y he came to the Captain's office. "Uh Captain?" He said as he stood in the doorway. Sheridan looked up from the reports he was studying on the couch. "Marcus, Please come in." John smiled as t he younger man took a seat. "Tea?" Cole nodded and the Captain poured a cup th en handed it to the Ranger. " The Commander giving you problems?" " Not as such. No" Marcus said noncommitaly. "That's good. Susan can be a handful but she's one of the best officers I've ev er served with. She's also a good friend." Sheridan looked directly at Marcus " If Susan is not the problem; why do you look so damn worried?" " I've found that my feelings toward Commander Ivanova have well....changed." "Oh that...Finally figured it out huh?" Sheridan gave a short laugh " I was wond ering how long it would take you to realized that you loved her." Marcus nearly dropped his cup as he demanded "How did you know!" The Captain just gave a slight half smile "I've seen the two of you together, re member? And I've watched you for the last few years. Its been evident for so l ong that Garibaldi and I have had a running bet as to which one of you would fig ure it out first. I'm glad you didn't disappoint me." " Wonderful." Marcus said as he took a sip of his tea. "Its so nice to know my l ife is public domain." " One of the worst kept secrets on this big tin can." agreed Sheridan as Marcu s made a resigned sign. " I have to admit Marcus, you've got taste. Susan is a wonderful person, but s he's had a difficult time." Cole nodded " I know, I can see it in her eyes. I couldn't hurt her." " I know that, but does she? You've got to tell her." " Susan has enough problems right now. All I'd be doing is adding to them." The younger man objected. " Where have I heard this before?" John rubbed his temples, and sighed. " I alm ost never told Delenn how a felt for her for those same reasons. Marcus you ha ve to tell her now because now is the only time you're certain of. You and I ar e alike in the fact that we've both lost so much. During the War I didn't want to burden Delenn. I was afraid of telling her how I felt. I was afraid of betr aying Anna's memory. And because I was afraid I almost lost the best thing I ha d in a very long time. Don't make the same mistake Marcus. " " I envy your relationship with Entil'zha. I wish it could be that easy for me. " " It only looks easy Marcus....trust me it only looks easy. Anyway Delenn and S usan are two sides of the same coin. Delenn is a gentle rain, while Susan comes off most of the time like a thunderstorm. " Sheridan smiled slightly " You and her together are a natural disaster." " Thanks." Marcus's voice was dripping with sarcasm "I think." " All I'm saying is that you and Ivanova are extremely happy when you are baiti ng each other or arguing about something." The Captain looked at Cole " You're good for each other. And maybe what my wife says is right. Maybe faith does ma nage." Marcus sighed, nodded, and raised his glass. "Then here's to faith." " And to the women who inspire it." agreed John as the two men clinked glasses. *********** From plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu Wed Dec 25 01:09:29 1996 Date: Wed, 4 Dec 1996 17:19:44 -0600 (CST) From: "Penny L. Horwitz" To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Senses prt 2 take 3 As usual Standard disclaimer: The story concept is mine though the characters, settings etc. belong to jms, and Bablyonian Productions. No copyright challange or infringment is intended. Please do ot repost this with the author's permission. Dedicated to: Joel Ruggaber who's my better half, and Jason Carter for making Marcus Cole very easy on the senses. Susan stood at the center of the light. She shielded her eyes from the intense brightness. A cacophony of voices sung out on the edge of her hearing. Ivanova w as confused. She could see. She must be dreaming, but it felt to real. The li ght dimmed to four circles that surrounded the Commander. Susan stepped up to t he first circle without trepidation. Voices came out of the song that continued to float beyond comprehension. "Hello Susan." She raised her face to see her mother, father , and brother standing in the ligh t. "Mother?" Ivanova's heart raced at seeing the family that had died so long ago. "Susan who are you?" her father asked quietly. The answer rose from her mind's depths unbidden. "I am Susan Ivanova, your daughter." Her father smiled and held his daughter tightly to him. "We are all very proud of you Susan. Be well." said her mother who had begun to step back into the dar kness. Her brother gripped her shoulder and Ivanova could see the pride in his eyes. Her father let her go at the last and stepped back as well. He raised hi s hand in farewell. Susan's eyes filled with tears. "Goodbye, Papa." she said and turned to the next light. The next voice that rose out of the song was also familiar. "Commander?" Susan looked down at her hands, and saw that she was wearing an old Earth Force uniform, confronting David Corwin. "Commander, who are you?" the young lieutenant asked, and behind him Ivanova per ceived all of those she worked with on B5. Again she answered without hesitation . "I am Commander Susan Ivanova, once of Earth Force, now of the Babylon 5 corps." Corwin snapped to attention and smartly saluted her. "It is an honor serving wit h you, Commander." "And you, Lieutenant." Ivanova returned the salute and faced the third spotlight . Again her clothing changed, this time to the uniform she now wore. Stepping in to the center of that circle was John Sheridan, followed by Garibaldi, then Fran klin, Delenn, and even Jeff. Susan glanced around, confused. Where was Marcus? A ll her friends, her surrogate family, stood before her, but the Ranger who had b ecome her friend, confidant, and debating partner wasn't in his place. "John?" Ivanova turned to Sheridan. "Where is Marcus?" "I thought I was the one who was supposed to be asking the questions." Sheridan said lightly. "You'll see him soon." Susan sighed, grateful the man she had beco me fond of was not lost. "Who are you, Susan?" John smiled at her. "I am your friend." she answered with no hesitation, no doubts. Delenn smiled, covering her heart with her left hand and reaching out with her r ight palm in a gesture of friendship and respect. Jeff smiled and gripped her s houlder. Garibaldi patted her on the back , and Stephen held her hand for a mom ent. Then each of them moved silently back into the darkness leaving only Sheri dan. "Why are you still here?" asked Ivanova suspiciously " Because you're afraid." came the reply. And he was right. Ivanova turned to the last brilliant circle and the terror ne arly overwhelmed her. John put a hand on her shoulder. " You have to face it sometime." " John I can't..." "Yes, you can. It's a part of you, just like all of the rest of this. You want t o know who you are? Well, you have to face all of it." "You know, I hate it when you're right." "Good! It keeps your ego in check." Ivanova laughed and advanced on the last light. Sheridan's presence was gone, an d Susan could sense others behind the light. She realized that they were her pas t relationships. She could barely sense her first crush, while Talia's presence was quite clear, but no one stepped into the brilliant ring. Something then covered her eyes, and for a moment she panicked. It took a second , but Ivanova realized it was only a hood, covering her face. She looked down an d saw herself wearing a Minbari half-robe of white, and under that a simple dres s of the same color. Then someone slowly removed the hood and Susan looked to se e Marcus, standing alone in the circle. Dressed in his cloak and uniform, he was dark against the brilliance. He caught her with his gaze, and held it. Eyes the color of twilight sky looked deep into Ivanova's soul. "Susan, who are you?" he asked in a voice filled with emotions that the Commande r didn't want to accept. Ivanova wanted to turn away, but couldn't break eye con tact. Unlike all of the others, the answer didn't surface easily. Confusion, fea r, anger, desire, they were all there, but no answers. Marcus reached out and ca ressed her cheek. "Oh, Susan..." he whispered. "I wish I could help you." "What do you want from me?" she demanded. "You know what I want...but not until you're ready." "Ready... for what?" "When you can answer the question, you'll be ready." Cole began to move back int o the darkness. "Marcus! Don't leave..." "Susan, I'll always be here." came his voice from far, far away. Then, as she began to wake, she saw the face of her attacker. As darkness engulf ed her, she screamed. Marcus came into Ivanova's quarters about an hour after leaving Sheridan's offic e. He had dismissed the security men standing at the door, and entered. Cole loo ked into Susan's bedroom, where she slept peacefully. He then sat down on the co uch, and began to read a book he had retrieved from his own quarters. Then came the screams. The book fell, and Marcus sprang toward the bedroom. He g rabbed the panicking woman, and tried to wake her. "Susan!...Susan, wake up!" "Oh, God...Marcus?" she said as she stopped screaming. "Marcus smiled slightly. "Nightmare?" "No. As I was waking out of a dream, I saw the attack again, and then I was swal lowed by darkness." Ivanova hugged herself for warmth. "But I remember the man's face." Marcus wrapped arms around her, and tried to lend strength and warmth. "What did he look like?" he said softly. Susan felt steady in the circle of his arms and replied, "He was my height. Dark hair in a crew cut." "Sounds like Garibaldi." "Funny. He was thin and dressed in black. pale and he had a scar under his left eye that came at an angle from his nose." She calmed enough to push him away. S he then asked Marcus to help her to the com-panel. Ivanova called the stationhou se and gave the description again. Zack nodded as he received the information. "Anything else, Commander?" the Sergeant asked. "Catch him." "Sure thing, Commander. The Chief has orders to even gift-wrap him for yah." Zac k's voice held no humor. "Only if you get there first." Marcus spoke in soft and deadly tones. That left no doubt the man would suffer terribly if the Ranger found him. Susan switched t he com system off. "Let's take a walk." Marcus suggested. Ivanova nodded, saying that if she didn't get out soon to actually do something, she'd go stir-crazy. Cole was amazed, though, that she reached out her hand to him. He took it quietly, and led her out the door. They wandered though the garden with little talk. Ivanova held his hand tightly, remembering the dream. What did he want? Who was she in relation to him? Damn i t, she hated being blind. Marcus just watched her as they walked. He was also vigilante against the strang ers who would get close to Ivanova. Cole was worried about Susan's attacker. Who ever was behind this wouldn't just leave it be. The two walked for hours; neither speaking, just taking strength from the warm s ilence. Around 22:00, Marcus guided Susan back through the entrance to her quart ers. Walking into her bedroom, Marcus made sure she was okay, and then went to s et up his own sleeping place. Finally, after getting settled down on the couch, he fell asleep. Ivanova's scream woke him, and again Marcus was at her side in moments. As she c almed, he asked her, "Are you sure you're all right?" Ivanova tried to shrug him off at first, but finally spoke. "Damn, why do I keep dreaming about that attack?" She was shivering as the statement was made. Cole wrapped his arms around her and tried to help her calm down. Ivanova wanted to push him away, but Marcus refused to go. "Susan, don't push me away. I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere." he he ld her tightly. "Bastard." she hissed at him. "Maybe, but I'm not going to let you lose yourself to some nightmare." Ivanova resigned herself to his embrace, and finally relaxed. He helped her lay back down, and then reclined next to her. "I'll stay here, and hold you till you fall asleep." he said softly. "I don't need ..." she protested in a drowsy voice. He shushed her, and Ivanova fell asleep in his arms. Marcus watched for a while, then he too drifted off. And there no more nightmares. ************ >From the Personal Journal of Susan Ivanova January 28, 2264 "It's been about a month since I was wounded. I've been pressed hard to pry Marc us from my side. I found that he's good for something. At least he keeps the nig htmares away. Actually, he's been a great friend." Susan stopped for a moment to remember the past month. It was strange to hear me mories, but not see them. She had begun to trust Marcus, but she still didn't kn ow what her feelings were for him. "They still haven't caught the man who did this to me. Best guess is that he lef t the station after the attack but I'm not so sure. Every time I've been out of my quarters this week I've had the feeling of eyes drilling into the back of my head. Marcus has felt similar scrutiny, so we've scaled back my out-of-quarters time. This, of course, has driven me to find other amusements. End." Susan turned at the sound of the door opening. "Hello..." came the familiar British voice. "Just recording a journal entry, Marcus." "Oh. I got the vegetables you asked for, but what are you going to do with them? " "Not me...We are going to make chicken soup." "Susan...I can't cook." Marcus protested. "I'm all thumbs in the kitchen." Susan laughed, picked up her cane, and gestured for him to follow her. Marcus, f or his part, sighed and followed. Ivanova started explaining to him what she wanted done. "All you have to do is c ut vegetables." she said, slightly exasperated. "Okay, I'll try." After twenty minutes of peeling carrots, Marcus decided on a new tact. "Susan, I'll be right back", and he headed for the com-system. Michael Garibaldi had planned to spend his day off reading, when the com signale d him. "Receive transmission" Garibaldi said with disinterest until he saw who was on t he other end. "Thank God you're home" Marcus said. "What's up, Marcus? Something wrong with Ivanova?" Garibaldi's voice took on a c oncerned note. "Yes, she's lost her bloody mind! She's trying to cook, and she wants me to help her!" "Under your Ranger's dignity?" Michael needled the poor soul. "No. It's not that I won't cook, it's that I can't cook! The Minbari taught me a lot, but food preparation is not one of the subjects we covered." Cole said wit h desperation. "That's surprising. They seemed to have taught you everything else." Marcus grow led at the comment as Garibaldi laughed. "Okay, what's she trying to make?" "Chicken soup." Marcus's eyes rolled heavenward in relief. "I'll come over and give you a hand, but you owe me." Marcus nodded, grateful ju st to be able to make it out alive, and signed off. Garibaldi snorted, and made his way to Ivanova's quarters. When Marcus let him in, Garibaldi found Ivanova's kitchen in chaos. The carrots were cut into weird shapes, the pot boiled almost over, and Susan was trying to do the best she could to manage the situation. Garibaldi was aghast, and ordered Marcus and Susan out. "Michael, what are you doing here?" "Saving your Ranger's hide." Garibaldi quickly took the situation in hand. "He's not MY Ranger!" she said. "You can't order me out of my own kitchen!" "I can if it has to do with the security of the station." he commented. "And thi s can be considered a major breach. I swear to God this could blow up the whole damn place." "You can't cook chicken soup...you're not even Jewish." Ivanova said bluntly. Garibaldi laughed derisively. "I didn't know religion was a prerequisite for coo king skill." he began looking around. "I'll cook, you two go out for a few hours and I'll have dinner done for you. All I need is instructions. You have a recip e, right? "Yeah, it's under IvanovaR on my personal computer." she conceded. "All right, I'll load it up and make this. Now, get out." Marcus took her hand and led her through the door. As he did this he said "You g ave in rather..." Susan raised a hand to quiet him and began counting. She got to seven when out of no where Garibaldi yelled "They all HATE me!" Marcus turne d to Ivanova in utter confusion. And Ivanova smiled " The instructions were written by my grandmother, and I copi ed them verbatim..." the smile became an evil grin "in Russian." "Oh," Marcus replied as the two of them left a frustrated Garibaldi to his art. They returned after a four hour walk to find a very smug Security Chief standing in a now orderly kitchen. " I'm almost done." Garibaldi's voice was extremely ingratiating "oh and thanks for the translator." "It does smell good" Ivanova conceded " That's enough of an apology for me Commander." said the Chief "Go. Sit. I'll e ven serve." Marcus and Susan sat down as Michael brought out the steaming bowls. And when h e was finished Garibaldi spoke "Its been fun boys and girls...lets not do it aga in." Marcus stood and gripped the man's hand in silent gratitude. " Remember Marcus. You owe me." and with that he left, and Susan, smiling, tried the soup. "Oh God, this is good! I'll actually have to thank Michael for this." Cole let his eyes roll heaven-ward for just a moment then returned to his seat t o join Ivanova who was enjoying dinner. ****************** From plhorwi@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu Wed Dec 25 01:09:35 1996 Date: Wed, 4 Dec 1996 17:21:03 -0600 (CST) From: "Penny L. Horwitz" To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Senses prt 3 take 3 This is the last of it. I'm sorry it took so long to firgure out how to pst the darn thing-Penny As usual Standard disclaimer: The story concept is mine though the characters, settings etc. belong to jms, and Bablyonian Productions. No copyright challange or infringment is intended. Please do ot repost this with the author's permission. Dedicated to: Joel Ruggaber who's my better half, and Jason Carter for making Marcus Cole very easy on the senses. The days passed quietly, and Ivanova had agreed to meet Delenn for lunch in the Zocalo. "Hello Susan." Delenn gestured for Ivanova to sit. " Delenn" Susan said by way of greeting. " I need your advice." Delenn said quietly. Visions of the last time Delenn had asked her for advice flew through her mind, and the alarms were ringing very loudly. "What can I do for you?" " I'm pregnant" was the matter of fact reply. " That's all?" Susan sighed in relief " Dear God, I thought it was something was really wrong. Have you told John yet?" " No I have not." "Ah." Ivanova said knowingly "I'll do what I can to help." Delenn smiled, and the two women discussed how best to break the news to the Cap tain. Neither one knew they were being watched by baleful eyes, but someone did . And as the man moved out of a shadow toward the passages that led to the unde rbelly of the station someone followed determined to put an end to this terror. The man moved with deliberate slowness as he walked through the maze that was Do wn-Below. His shadow noted that the person fit her description perfectly, and a s they came to an abandon section it became time to act. " Looking for something in particular or just browsing?" Marcus stepped out of t he darkness, pike in hand and voice dripping venom. Ivanova's attacker turned to face the Ranger, who now noted the Psi insignia on the attacker's chest. "You must be Marcus Cole. I was warned about you. But please, forgive manners. My name is Trevel, Linden Trevel." He bowed extravagantly. "How is the dear woma n, by the way? She's not too badly shaken up, I hope." "What do you want with Ivanova?" came the feral growl. "My, you do have a temper. What Psi-Corps wants is the same thing the Rangers wa nt. Viable telepaths." Trevel watched Cole's face. "Susan didn't tell you? You s ee ... trust is so thin among would-be lovers these days." That last sent a chill down Marcus's spine. He replied through gritted teeth. "I 'm not her lover, would be or otherwise." "But you want her. Don't bother denying it, Cole. I've seen it in your mind." Tr evel gave a mock sigh. "The latent telepath and her Ranger lover. Its too bad I showed up to ruin the fairy tale." "I'll give you one more chance to tell me what you want," Marcus advanced on th e seemingly defenseless man, "before I make you pay dearly for what you did to h er!" "All of that Minbari training and you still sound like a savage." Something in L inden's hand flashed suddenly, and he too was holding a Minbari staff. "The Comm ander is going to have the honor of mothering full telepaths. You see, ... your little conflict with the Shadows decimated the teep population." "You want her as breeding stock?" Cole's voice was sick with revelation. "If you want to get to her, it will be through me." "I was hoping you'd say that." Trevel hissed as the two men circled each other. Then the battle was joined. Marcus knew early on that he would have to strike fi rst to keep Trevel off balance, because that was the only way to keep him from s canning Cole's mind. The battle became more fierce as Trevel slammed the pike into both Marcus's face and stomach. Cole returned the favor with a secure hit to Linden's right temple . Linden fell back and shook his head. "You're good, Cole. Very good, but Susan's our jurisdiction." Trevel laid into M arcus again. The Ranger dodged and weaved, avoiding blows as best he could. Marc us's only answer to Trevel was a strike to his undefended left side. "The Ranger's can't have her...Psi Corps will not let you breed human telepaths who are outside our province." Linden redoubled his attack as the two combatants came to the point in battle Marcus was all too familiar with. The point where m ost fighters begin to give in to fear, exhaustion, and wounds, but Marcus was no t most fighters. And what he was fighting for was far more precious than anythin g. Thus, Cole defended, watched, and waited until Trevel left him an opening. As it opened, Marcus put his full force behind the blow, which knocked Trevel into a nearby wall. As the man hit the wall, Marcus heard a crack. Marcus limped over and checked the man's pulse. Trevel was alive, but out cold. Bugger! Cole swore silently, I guess I'll have to turn him into security now. He picked up the body, slung it over his shoulder, and limped off. Cole entered Garibaldi's office, and dropped Trevel at the security chief's feet . "What the hell?" Michael said as he came to his feet. "Ivanova's attacker ... one Linden Trevel." the Ranger said. "He seems to be Psi Corps." That revelation made the chief growl. "Marcus, you look like hell." Garibaldi tapped his link and ordered a med team t o his office. "Michael, I'm fine." Marcus groaned slightly as he touched his tender side. "Right, tell me another one. Anyway, Ivanova will never forgive me if she though t I let anything happen to you." Marcus conceded to being checked out, and was hurried to Medlab 1. Trevel was br ought to Medlab 3 under heavy security. ************** Cole sat on one of the Medlab beds as Dr. Franklin checked in on him. "I'm always amazed when you come in here. You take pain that another man would f all over from suffering, and laugh at it." "I try, at any rate." was the reply as the doctor ran a diagnostic scanner over Marcus's wounded side. "You just have some serious bruising around your ribs. You're lucky it's not wor se." Stephen chided jokingly. "After all of the times I've broken them, I think my ribs are now made of concre te." Marcus smiled. "They're not the only bones ... I think your head is the same way." "Thank you. Stephen, I really don't need this right now." "Oh? If your friends can't needle you for the stupid things you do, who can? Marcus grimaced. "It's one friend I'm really afraid of." "Ah..." Franklin was about to say something, but it was drowned out by shouts of "Where is he! I'll kill him!", and in moments Susan Ivanova was standing in the doorway. "I'll leave you two alone." Stephen made his way past the fuming commander. "Sus an, go easy on him. I don't want to have to fix him up again." Ivanova wanted to glare at him, but couldn't. "Ah, Susan ... We caught the bad guy." Marcus was hoping she would calm down. "What the HELL do you think you were doing!" she screamed. "Don't you ever do so mething so stupid again!" "Susan, I was just trying...." "Don't try that protecting me crap! Damn all men for testosterone poisoning." Al l Marcus could do is watch as she paced and continued to rant. "How dare you be so damn cavalier with you life! I'm so sick of worrying about you." "Susan ... I really am ..." "I don't want any apologies from you. I don't want anything to do with you." The last was yelled loud enough that all of Medlab heard. Ivanova then called for t he security guard who had escorted her in and stormed out of Medlab with him in tow. Marcus allowed his head to hit the pillow as he groaned. "So, how did it go?" asked Stephen as he reentered the recovery area. "Just fine, for standing in front of a verbal firing squad." Cole turned and loo ked at his friend. "You wouldn't happen to have any hemlock around, would you?" he asked, only half in jest. "Sorry, Marcus. No go." Franklin's tone turned softer. "I've known Susan for a l ong time, and I've seen this from her before. Never so loud, but that's to be ex pected." Cole sat up and turned to face the doctor. "And that cryptic remark means..." Stephen smiled. "Ivanova only acts like that with those she cares about." "Sheridan was right. I'm trying to get involved with a thunderstorm." Marcus col lapsed back onto the bed for a second time. "You're sure you don't have any heml ock?" Franklin laughed. "Get some rest. You can get out of here tomorrow morning." *********** Ivanova made it back to he quarters and dismissed her escort. Using her cane she found the couch, and dropped her onto it. "Damn all men, especially stupid, mac ho, optimistic Rangers who have death wishes!" There was no curbing the urge to break things, especially over Marcus's thick skull. Then the door chimed and Sus an was forced to calm herself. "Open." "Hello, Commander ... I have heard what happened to Marcus." came Delenn's voice from the door. "I really do not want to talk about him." Ivanova said. "I also came to speak to you about your attacker." Delenn moved quietly across t he room to where Ivanova sat. "I thought you might want to know about him. his name is Linden Trevel. Marcus d oesn't know him, but I do. During our war with your people, Trevel worked as an interrogator. He was part of your Psi Corps, assigned to retrieve information by any means necessary. Only two Minbari ever survived his ministrations, and they returned to us with the stories." Delenn's voice was filled with sadness, anger , and steel. "Psi Corp ... Damn!" Ivanova's face paled as she realized her secret was out. "The Shadow war seems to have driven them to desperation, Susan. Mr. Trevel is q uite mad..." "Is he being given anything to block his talents?" Susan asked quietly. Delenn n odded in response and continued. "It seems after the Earth-Minbari war, Trevel was used in some sort of genetic e xperiment to enhance his abilities, but he became unstable mentally. Psi Corps p ut him in suspended animation, hoping they could fix what went wrong ..." "Let me guess. When the Shadow War reduced the telepathic gene pool to nothing, Psi Corps woke him up." Susan's voice was cold as Delenn nodded. "How did you ge t this information, anyway?" "I asked a Minbari telepath to scan him, knowing that he would not cooperate. Wi th Trevel on what you call `Sleepers', he could not block such a scan." "Great. So I had a madman blind me? For what reason?" "The Corps seemed to think that without your sight, your latent telepathic abili ty might just compensate for your loss." Delenn put a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "You are concerned about Marcus?" "Delenn, I really don't want to ..." "You know that when Marcus challenged Neroon to Den Sha to save my life, I was v ery angry with him, but I came to realize he did what he did because he is a Ran ger ..." Delenn smiled. "But what he did for you he did because he is Marcus Col e." Susan tilted her head in confusion as the Minbari woman rose and wished her fare well, leaving Babylon Five's executive officer with two questions. The first was what to do now that Psi Corps knew of her latent gifts. The second and more dan gerous one was what the bond that was forming between herself and the Ranger who had dedicated himself to protecting her? *********** Valentine' Day dawned on the station quietly, and Commander Ivanova sat in Medla b, waiting. Dr. Tim Lehnerer had begun to unwrap the bandaging that had hidden Susan Ivanova's eyes for over a month. After all the bandaging was removed, two pads were all that was left. "Commander, shade your eyes for a moment." Ivanova covered her eyes and the doctor removed the gauze as Susan slowly moved her hand away. When Ivanova opened her eyes, for a moment she felt strange. Squi nting from the bright lights of the lab Susan looked around, and as her eyes adj usted, her gaze fell upon Marcus Cole. "It's good to see you again." She smiled at the Ranger who smiled back as she sp oke. "It's good to be seen." Dr. Franklin walked into the room after conferring with Dr. Lehnerer. "Marcus, c an I speak to Susan alone?" Stephen glanced at a pad. Marcus nodded. "Susan, can we talk afterward?" "Sure, Marcus. I'll be right out." Cole turned and left quietly. "Did the tests come back?" Ivanova asked. "Yeah. Your neurochemical balances indicate increased telepathic activity. not e nough to put you on the teep scale ... but you're getting close." Stephen watche d Ivanova's face. "If you were someone else, I'd suggest going on the sleepers f or a week or two to rebalance the neurochemicals." "No, Stephen." The woman's response was steel. "I understand Susan. Have you been able to scan anyone?" Susan closed her eyes for a second. She felt Stephen but no thoughts, then she had it...but it wasn't Stephen she was scanning. The mind felt familiar, and as soon as Susan recognized who it was she withdrew. "I tried to scan you but..." her eyes were drawn to the door, and Stephen follow ed her gaze. When he realized what she couldn't say he just nodded. " Susan, you said it yourself once, strong emotions make it easier to ride into someone's mind. He really cares you know." "So everybody tells me." Ivanova snorted " Everybody but him." She got up from the bed. " Now I guess its time to deal with it." and with that final comment she left the room. Marcus was leaning against the wall when Ivanova entered the main area from the recovery room. Quietly he fell in step with her as they left. After a few ten se and silent moments Marcus finally spoke. "Susan, why didn't you tell me you were a telepath?" "I'm only a latent, and at the time it didn't seem to matter." Susan stopped to look at him "Why does it bother you?" "No, and it doesn't change anything about our friendship either. I just asked because I wanted to know where we stood with each other." Ivanova's stance soft ened. " Marcus, look we do need to talk about a lot of things but now isn't the time. How about after the party tonight." Cole looked at her curiously, "You know D elenn said she needed to make an announcement tonight and wants us all to meet a t Earheart's at 19:00." "Oh, yes..." he shrugged his shoulders " Should I pick you up?" Ivanova nodded " at 18:45 alright?" When Marcus agreed she said "Well I've got some errands to run. I'll see you at 18:45." and with that Susan walked off dow n the corridor. ************ Marcus waited outside Susan's door for a moment before pressing the door chime. He wasn't used to being this nervous. This was just another day, nothing diffe rent at all. Yes just another day when Susan Ivanova asks you to be her escort. He sighed m ight as well get this over with. Cole announced himself, and the door opened. As he entered Susan spoke from the bedroom. "I'll be out in a minute." When she stepped out into the main room of her living quarters Marcus's eyes wid ened. There she was dressed all in silk, a black sleeveless blouse, and a long matching skirt that whispered around her legs as she moved across the room. Col e stood, and smiled "Susan you look amazing." Ivanova returned his grin with one of her own "Thanks, you don't look to shabby yourself." " I...Uh thank you. Oh I want you to have this. Happy Valentine's day." Cole thrust a velvet box into her hands. Ivanova opened it to reveal a elegant Star of David pendant set with a sapphire in the center. " You aren't going to tell me you found this a the Zocolo are you?" She accused him. "No, I ran into an old friend who happens to work in gems and I thought it would be a nice gift. Think of it as a peace offering." Ivanova stared at him suspiciously " And it just happened to show up on Valentin e's day huh? " She removed the delicate piece out of its container." help me on with this will you please?" Marcus walked over to her, and took the necklace. Susan held her hair up for hi m while he gently secured the chain around her throat. The intoxicating scent o f her and the proximity made him feel giddy. When he was done he stepped back a nd she turned around. " Shall we go?" Cole said and made an extravagant gesture of offering his arm to her. Susan took it and they walked out the door. ************* Earheart's was jumping when they arrived. Garibaldi waved them over to where ev eryone was sitting. Ivanova looked over all the faces, especially John's. Boy is he in for it, Susan thought to herself. She was happy that she was going to b e able to see his reaction. Marcus pulled out a seat for her, and Garibaldi quickly hissed something to Ste phen. Marcus must have caught it and glared at Garibaldi as Franklin choked bac k a laugh. Delenn looked confused and Sheridan let his unwavering gaze fall on all three of the men. " Sorry Delenn, Marcus, Michael ,and Stephen" the emphasis Ivanova put on the la st name let it be known that she expected such behavior from the former but not the latter " are just engaging in some human male posturing. I'll explain it mo re later." " Well Delenn." John smiled as everything calmed down " We're all here. What's the big news?" Delenn stood and spoke " I have been informed by Dr. Hobbes that I am 3 weeks pr egnant." The moment was swallowed by silence then John stood and passionately k issed his wife. " Well, John, Delenn congratulations." Ivanova walked over and hugged both of th em. After that the toasts flowed freely. " There is another announcement I must make." Delenn said before the general rej oicing could begin. " I find myself with a new responsiblity. One I most joyful ly accept, but I also feel that I am, as you humans' say, wearing to many hats. So I must resign one of my posts. The post I have chosen is that of Ranger One ." everyone looked at Sheridan expecting him to be the next candidate. But Sher idan too looked surprised, and Franklin glanced at Lennier, who had been silentl y watching everything. Glances wear being traded all around, and Delenn was amu sed that her first choice, and truly the only choice she could make was a dumbfo unded as the rest. " Marcus, I wish to ask that you succeed me as Entil'zha." His eyes widened "Delenn, are you sure you want to do this? Me? The last two p eople who held the post were Minbari in one way or another..." "That does not matter. The Rangers need you to lead them into a new Era. Their mission is different now, and they need someone who was at the heart of the cha nge to show them the way." Ivanova took his hand under the table and held it. Delenn had told her what she had planned, and so Susan was ready for Marcus's shock. And she tried to be th ere for him, just like he'd been there for her for the past few months. Marcus squeezed her hand "Alright Delenn. God help us, but I accept." Sheridan shook the younger man's hand, and Garibaldi patted the startled Ranger on the back. Franklin suggested that maybe Marcus should have something to drin k before he fell over. Lennier sedately congratulated him, and the rejoicing be gan in full. The evening worn on and Susan danced with Michael, Stephen, and fi nally Sheridan. "Why aren't you dancing with Marcus." John asked as they moved across the dance floor. " He doesn't like big band to much..." " He loves you. I had a long talk with him about that." " Thanks Dad." came the sarcastic reply. The song ended, and the band struck up " It Had to Be You". Marcus walked over and asked "Commander Ivanova, may I have the pleasure of this dance?" Sheridan e xcused himself to dance with his wife, leaving a shocked Susan nodding absently. Marcus took her hand, and they began to sway to the music. " I thought you didn't like this stuff." She said. " I don't usually, but If it gives me the chance to be close to you I'll endure it. Susan I'm not sure this is the time or place to say this but..." " Marcus, I love you." His eyes widened "What!" "That's what you're going to tell me right, you love me. Well surprise I love y ou too. I don't know or care how it happened. All I know is that for the first time in a long time I feel something that I'm not afraid of." "Don't say anything more." Marcus almost shyly pressed his lips to hers. Susan responded, and for a long time they were in a world of their own. Then the musi c ended, and they came up for air. " I guess the question is where do we go from here?" Susan asked. " Susan, I love you, and for right now that's all I want or need. Everything el se will come with time. I'm willing to wait, I have this long haven't I?" Marcu s grinned roguishly. "Hey look! a Unicorn!" Marcus turned his head at her exclamation and she kissed him again, passionately. ****************** John kept glancing over his wife's shoulder at his first officer, as the song pl ayed on. "Have I become that uninteresting?" Delenn teased Sheridan as he glanced confuse d at her for a moment. " Of course not Delenn, I just want to make sure Susan's okay...wait a minute.. Yes!" Delenn looked behind her to see the Commander kissing Marcus quite passio nately. " What did I tell you Delenn, they're perfect for each other." Sheridan's face broke into a self satified smile. " Faith manages." was her reply. And John held onto her tightly; happy that the re was one less thng for him to worry about in the morning. Fin ( for now)