From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Version 2 Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 20:51:53 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 1 of 13: (Version 2) by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All comments to Ali at xuj42@dial.pipex.com Please note this was originally written before I saw season 4. ************************ Part 1 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ************************ Delenn looked at her husband with pride. In 5 days they would liberate Centauri Prime from the shadows together. They had already liverated the Narn homeworld and many of the worlds of the leaque of non-allied worlds. That just left Earth and President Clarke to deal with before taking the battle to Zha'dum and finishing the shadows for another thousand years. Captain Sheridan noticed his wife's perusal and smiled at her. His smile, as always, made her heart miss a beat. She felt so lucky. Her change hadn't been for nothing. The isolation she had suffered after her chrysalis had opened and her new state revealed to an uncaring universe seemed another life time ago and now she felt coccooned in love and filled with strength for the trials ahead. Delenn felt she could do any thing if John was at her side. She rubbed her swollen belly. Soon another child besides David would live and grow up with John and her, knowing their love. "Are you OK honey?" John asked. "Just thinking how happy I am" Delenn replied smiling. She reached over and kissed him,"I'll be a lot happier when our baby makes his appearance and I don't have keep carrying this lump around with me". "I do love you very much Delenn. You do know that don't you?" John told her seriously. "Well, I gathered that considering the state you've got me in" she teased lightly, "2 babies in 2 years. We have to speak to Stephen seriously about you once this is finished, unless its your plan to keep me permantly pregnant" "Of course not!"John denied vigerously, "For one thing there is not enough room in our quarters for one child let alone two, besides I want you all for myself occasionally and I won't be able to have that if we have too many babies" Delenn glared at him,"I knew there must be an ulterior motive in your head somewhere" but unable to keep up the glare started to laugh. "How long is it until the meeting?" she asked tiredly. She would have prefered to stay in her quarters with John but duty called. "15 Minutes" "Right then we'd better get moving, you know by now how long it takes me to get any where" She grimaced in disgust at her bulky form. John hid a smile and helped Delenn to her feet and together they headed for the door of his office and off to the War Room. - - - - - - - - - - - - - "MARCUS! Be quiet. I'm not listening to you anymore. It your fault I'm in this condition but its not an illnes and I'm quite capable of attending to my duties. So I'm going to this meeting whethor you like it or not!" A very angry and heavily pregnant young woman yelled at tall dark haired young man. Her whole posture was one of complete defiance. "I was only suggesting.........." the man tried to intervene but wasn't allowed too. "Then don't do it again!", Susan Ivanova stated. "I'll see you later" in a threatening voice. She left the room in as much of a hurry as she could manage in her current condition. Marcus stared after the departing figure and sighed heavily,"I was only going to suggest an early night after the meeting" but his words went unheard by his new wife which seemed to be the normal state of affairs recently. The closer Susan came to giving birth to their child the more short tempered and snappy she became, and the less she listened. Marcus bore the main brunt of her irritation and tried to prevent the worst attempts by his wife to do things that no pregnant woman should be thinking let alone attempting but Susan always liked to push back the frontiers and it was a difficult job. "Thank Valen, its only 6 weeks to go until the birth" he thought to himself "then we can start getting back to some semblance of normality". Any new father might have told Marcus that there was little hope of this with a new baby in his home but luckily for Marcus' present peace of mind there was no one available to disallusion him at this point. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcus clearly remembered the day when they'd found out Susan was pregnant. Susan's reaction to the news had been interesting to say the least. Susan had come back from Medlab as white as a sheet and sat down in their quarters as though she'd just heard the universe would end tomorrow. "Oh Valen" he exclaimed after taking one look at her stricken features, "whats wrong! what did Stephen say. It's not serious is it". "I don't believe it!" Susan stated categorically completley ignoring Marcus, "Why didn't I realise?". "Realise what! Susan! Tell me whats the matter!" Marcus was starting to panic. It had taken him long enough to pursuade Susan of his love, he just couldn't lose her now. However Susan was off in a world of her home, "Can you believe I was so stupid. Delenn will be pleased" Susan continued talking to herself as if there was no-one else in the room especially Marcus. "SUSAN, Earth to Susan, Please tell me what you are talking about" he quickly decided it couldn't be that bad if Delenn would be pleased about it and his panic lessoned. His irritation at his wife's sudden inability to sense him however didn't lessen. Then suddenly Susan smiled and in fact positively smirked. In fact she looked like the proverbial cat that had got the cream. "This is great. In fact this couldn't be timed better!". Marcus stood up and practically yelled at her "If you don't tell me right now what your talking about things are going to get very nasty around here!". Susan looked up as if noticing him for the first time, "Marcus" she said quietly,"you're not paying attention. When our baby comes that will have to change!" "What do you mean not paying attention. I always pay attention!" suddenly his mind back tracked a few sentences to what Susan had actually said. "BABY! What Baby?" Marcus nearly choked as he spat the words out. "Marcus! Don't shout. Our baby of course. Oh God, Its a good thing I didn't marry you for your brain only your body." she teased "I'm pregnant. I didn't even realise. Not a clue, that's stupidity for you" she stopped suddenly and looked up at Marcus, the man she loved, with sudden doubt showing in her features "You are happy too, aren't you?" she asked quietly, fear suddenly springing into her eyes. "Oh Susan, I love you so much! How could I not be happy", tears started to flow down Marcus' face and he gently pulled Susan towards him and started to kiss her and show her exactly how happy he was at this unexpected news. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Delenn had been happy to hear the couple's news. As she was pregnant with her second child, she thought it would be great to have a companion at the seemingly endless medical exams that had to be endured and it would be interesting to see Susan's reaction to the business of pregnancy. Delenn sailed through her pregnancy as though she didn't have a care in the universe. She had no morning sickness, no cramps and John , now more of an old hand at what to expect, didn't fuss or nag any where near as much as had while she was pregnant with David. David loved the idea of a new brother or sister to play with but wasn't quite as keen when he discovered his mother couldn't run around as much with him but otherwise he was a content easily satisfied child. Susan, on the other hand, suffered from 3 terribly long months of morning sickness and an allergy to the main drugs used to alleviate this problem didn't help. Susan had never been ill for long in her whole life and this enforced illness sent her whirling down into a deep depression. She lost weight and had to go on one of Stephen's notorious food plans. Marcus went out of his way to help, getting her all sorts of healthy fresh food to tempt her nauseos stomach until the sickness finally ended. Then suddenly Susan changed from the sick and depressed woman she had become. She was calm, peaceful and nothing upset her. She felt wonderful! She blossomed and if Marcus was surprised by the change in the woman he loved he didn't make the mistake of telling her about it. He enjoyed the brief peace. And it was brief! At 7 months into the pregnancy, Susan decided that she didn't like being pregnant anymore. In fact she told Marcus at great length about her dislike of the cramps she was getting, about her inability to get around properly, about being unable to walk properly and only waddle like a duck. In fact in general she disliked being pregnant and in her own eyes the only one to blame for her predicament was Marcus. Marcus, however, refused to acknowledge her short temperedness and was loving, kind and patient. This in Susan's eyes only made matters worse. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcus followed in his wife's wake, caught her up and after some pursuasion helped her to the war room for the final meeting on the liberation of Centauri Prime from the shadows. The meeting had been going on for 3 hours when Captain Sheridan decided it was time to wrap it up. He could see that certain members of his staff looked like they needed a nap but he knew to mention it to either Susan or Delenn would probably result in him being stood against the wall and shot. "The liberation will begin in 5 days time. We attack the palace first and then the main military bases. Vir has given us all the further information we needed and our rangers and the Centauri resistance will all be in place. Does everybody understand their part" asked Captain Sheridan. He wanted to emphasise to his people that this was a liberation not an assault and they'd be leaving the planet to the Centauri as soon as they were able to put together a suitable government. Everybody nodded. The meeting had thrashed out the final details and everyone now knew in pin point detail of their role in the plan. "OK meeting adjourned", the Captain stated but before they left he addressed Marcus,"Marcus, can I have a word with you before you go!" "Of course!" Marcus got up and started to walk over to the Captain but Susan interupted him. "Marcus! Delenn and I are going to Medlab for a check up with Stephen. I'll be back at about 1800 hours so make sure you have the dinner ready when I get back" The whole group of people in the War Room smiled to themselves at this. Many believed Marcus was a saint to put up with Susan when she like this. However, they all envied him. Susan was independant, beautiful and firy and in Marcus' opinion definately worth the trouble. "I'll make sure I have dinner ready for you" he reached out her and caught her before she turned away to leave. He kissed her good bye and before he could leave her Susan whispered in his ear, "Can I have a back rub too?" Marcus smiled. He had known he was good for something and despite Susan's current grumpiness he knew she do almost anything for one of his back rubs. Marcus kissed her again in acceptance. Susan, Delenn and Stephen left the room. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Leaving behind the others who were still discussing the attack and their hopes for it, Delenn, Stephen and Susan made for the corridor for Medlab. They made slow progress as neither woman found it easy to move fast these days. They crossed the Zoccalo and headed for the lift that would take them up to medlab. They were just about to reach the lift when 3 men crossed their path. Each held a PPG weapon and each PPG was aimed directly at them. Instantly, Stephen stood in front of the two woman, "What do you want? We don't want any trouble. I'll give you my credit chip if you'll leave" The men's leader looked at him and almost politely stated, " I'm sorry but I can't oblige, you have to come with us". His voice brooked no arguement and the group of 3 instantly knew they were in trouble. Fear rushed through Susan but not fear for herself. It was fear for her unborn child. Before her pregancy she would have personally enforced Stephen's request to move but now in her enlarged state she was vulnerable. Delenn was next to her and Susan saw the same vulnerability mirrored in Delenn's expression. "What do you want with us?" Delenn demanded in her most haughty voice. The man turned and looked at Delenn. The look contained contempt and hatred. Delenn unconciously took a step backwards, "We don't want you ambassador. Just the other two. However, you are going to have to have a little sleep while we sort this out". He made a move towards Delenn. Before Stephen, Delenn or Susan could react, they had backed Delenn against the wall and injected her with something. Delenn didn't even have the chance to scream or argue. The drug took effect almost instantly and Delenn slowly slumped to the floor. Stephen attempted to check on her condition but he was not allowed near her. The leader of their assailants started to give orders, "Right! Get these other two to Grey 15 quietly." He turned to face Susan "Our controller wants to meet you personally..." but before he could say anymore Susan reacted, "NO! I'm not going anywhere with you. Leave me alone" She yelled at them. Susan was desperately hoping that she would attract the attention of security if she made enough fuss. However, their enemies were having none of it"Keep quiet!" Susan ignored him and continued to call for help, "Fine! If thats the way you want it" he turned towards his companion and spoke,"Put her to sleep too!" This time Stephen reacted quicker and attemped to jump the man with the needle but his attempted to help failed and he was clubbed back with a stick. He could only watch in horror as Susan was also forced against the wall. Susan struggled vigerously but quickly decided that her last chance, as the men tried to hold her still to get the anaesthetic in her, was to try and contact Marcus. She couldn't do it physically so she tried telapathically. Marcus would help her. She trusted him. He would let nothing happen to her or his child whilst there was breath in his body. She strained desperately to contact his mind and briefly succeeded but then she was unable to keep the needle away from her. They injected her straight into her neck and almost instantly every thing started to go black. Her last thought was that Marcus had heard her. The abductors stood over her and spoke to Stephen who was still dazed at being hit with the club, "If you don't want any further harm to come to her you'd better pick her up and come with us. You are expendable! She is not!" Without further arguement, Stephen complied. They left Delenn lying unconcious and alone on the floor of the corridor. End of Part 1 From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 17:24:32 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 1 of 13: (Version 2) by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All comments to Ali at xuj42@dial.pipex.com Please note this was originally written before I saw season 4. ************************ Part 1 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ************************ Delenn looked at her husband with pride. In 5 days they would liberate Centauri Prime from the shadows together. They had already liverated the Narn homeworld and many of the worlds of the leaque of non-allied worlds. That just left Earth and President Clarke to deal with before taking the battle to Zha'dum and finishing the shadows for another thousand years. Captain Sheridan noticed his wife's perusal and smiled at her. His smile, as always, made her heart miss a beat. She felt so lucky. Her change hadn't been for nothing. The isolation she had suffered after her chrysalis had opened and her new state revealed to an uncaring universe seemed another life time ago and now she felt coccooned in love and filled with strength for the trials ahead. Delenn felt she could do any thing if John was at her side. She rubbed her swollen belly. Soon another child besides David would live and grow up with John and her, knowing their love. "Are you OK honey?" John asked. "Just thinking how happy I am" Delenn replied smiling. She reached over and kissed him,"I'll be a lot happier when our baby makes his appearance and I don't have keep carrying this lump around with me". "I do love you very much Delenn. You do know that don't you?" John told her seriously. "Well, I gathered that considering the state you've got me in" she teased lightly, "2 babies in 2 years. We have to speak to Stephen seriously about you once this is finished, unless its your plan to keep me permantly pregnant" "Of course not!"John denied vigerously, "For one thing there is not enough room in our quarters for one child let alone two, besides I want you all for myself occasionally and I won't be able to have that if we have too many babies" Delenn glared at him,"I knew there must be an ulterior motive in your head somewhere" but unable to keep up the glare started to laugh. "How long is it until the meeting?" she asked tiredly. She would have prefered to stay in her quarters with John but duty called. "15 Minutes" "Right then we'd better get moving, you know by now how long it takes me to get any where" She grimaced in disgust at her bulky form. John hid a smile and helped Delenn to her feet and together they headed for the door of his office and off to the War Room. - - - - - - - - - - - - - "MARCUS! Be quiet. I'm not listening to you anymore. It your fault I'm in this condition but its not an illnes and I'm quite capable of attending to my duties. So I'm going to this meeting whethor you like it or not!" A very angry and heavily pregnant young woman yelled at tall dark haired young man. Her whole posture was one of complete defiance. "I was only suggesting.........." the man tried to intervene but wasn't allowed too. "Then don't do it again!", Susan Ivanova stated. "I'll see you later" in a threatening voice. She left the room in as much of a hurry as she could manage in her current condition. Marcus stared after the departing figure and sighed heavily,"I was only going to suggest an early night after the meeting" but his words went unheard by his new wife which seemed to be the normal state of affairs recently. The closer Susan came to giving birth to their child the more short tempered and snappy she became, and the less she listened. Marcus bore the main brunt of her irritation and tried to prevent the worst attempts by his wife to do things that no pregnant woman should be thinking let alone attempting but Susan always liked to push back the frontiers and it was a difficult job. "Thank Valen, its only 6 weeks to go until the birth" he thought to himself "then we can start getting back to some semblance of normality". Any new father might have told Marcus that there was little hope of this with a new baby in his home but luckily for Marcus' present peace of mind there was no one available to disallusion him at this point. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcus clearly remembered the day when they'd found out Susan was pregnant. Susan's reaction to the news had been interesting to say the least. Susan had come back from Medlab as white as a sheet and sat down in their quarters as though she'd just heard the universe would end tomorrow. "Oh Valen" he exclaimed after taking one look at her stricken features, "whats wrong! what did Stephen say. It's not serious is it". "I don't believe it!" Susan stated categorically completley ignoring Marcus, "Why didn't I realise?". "Realise what! Susan! Tell me whats the matter!" Marcus was starting to panic. It had taken him long enough to pursuade Susan of his love, he just couldn't lose her now. However Susan was off in a world of her home, "Can you believe I was so stupid. Delenn will be pleased" Susan continued talking to herself as if there was no-one else in the room especially Marcus. "SUSAN, Earth to Susan, Please tell me what you are talking about" he quickly decided it couldn't be that bad if Delenn would be pleased about it and his panic lessoned. His irritation at his wife's sudden inability to sense him however didn't lessen. Then suddenly Susan smiled and in fact positively smirked. In fact she looked like the proverbial cat that had got the cream. "This is great. In fact this couldn't be timed better!". Marcus stood up and practically yelled at her "If you don't tell me right now what your talking about things are going to get very nasty around here!". Susan looked up as if noticing him for the first time, "Marcus" she said quietly,"you're not paying attention. When our baby comes that will have to change!" "What do you mean not paying attention. I always pay attention!" suddenly his mind back tracked a few sentences to what Susan had actually said. "BABY! What Baby?" Marcus nearly choked as he spat the words out. "Marcus! Don't shout. Our baby of course. Oh God, Its a good thing I didn't marry you for your brain only your body." she teased "I'm pregnant. I didn't even realise. Not a clue, that's stupidity for you" she stopped suddenly and looked up at Marcus, the man she loved, with sudden doubt showing in her features "You are happy too, aren't you?" she asked quietly, fear suddenly springing into her eyes. "Oh Susan, I love you so much! How could I not be happy", tears started to flow down Marcus' face and he gently pulled Susan towards him and started to kiss her and show her exactly how happy he was at this unexpected news. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Delenn had been happy to hear the couple's news. As she was pregnant with her second child, she thought it would be great to have a companion at the seemingly endless medical exams that had to be endured and it would be interesting to see Susan's reaction to the business of pregnancy. Delenn sailed through her pregnancy as though she didn't have a care in the universe. She had no morning sickness, no cramps and John , now more of an old hand at what to expect, didn't fuss or nag any where near as much as had while she was pregnant with David. David loved the idea of a new brother or sister to play with but wasn't quite as keen when he discovered his mother couldn't run around as much with him but otherwise he was a content easily satisfied child. Susan, on the other hand, suffered from 3 terribly long months of morning sickness and an allergy to the main drugs used to alleviate this problem didn't help. Susan had never been ill for long in her whole life and this enforced illness sent her whirling down into a deep depression. She lost weight and had to go on one of Stephen's notorious food plans. Marcus went out of his way to help, getting her all sorts of healthy fresh food to tempt her nauseos stomach until the sickness finally ended. Then suddenly Susan changed from the sick and depressed woman she had become. She was calm, peaceful and nothing upset her. She felt wonderful! She blossomed and if Marcus was surprised by the change in the woman he loved he didn't make the mistake of telling her about it. He enjoyed the brief peace. And it was brief! At 7 months into the pregnancy, Susan decided that she didn't like being pregnant anymore. In fact she told Marcus at great length about her dislike of the cramps she was getting, about her inability to get around properly, about being unable to walk properly and only waddle like a duck. In fact in general she disliked being pregnant and in her own eyes the only one to blame for her predicament was Marcus. Marcus, however, refused to acknowledge her short temperedness and was loving, kind and patient. This in Susan's eyes only made matters worse. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcus followed in his wife's wake, caught her up and after some pursuasion helped her to the war room for the final meeting on the liberation of Centauri Prime from the shadows. The meeting had been going on for 3 hours when Captain Sheridan decided it was time to wrap it up. He could see that certain members of his staff looked like they needed a nap but he knew to mention it to either Susan or Delenn would probably result in him being stood against the wall and shot. "The liberation will begin in 5 days time. We attack the palace first and then the main military bases. Vir has given us all the further information we needed and our rangers and the Centauri resistance will all be in place. Does everybody understand their part" asked Captain Sheridan. He wanted to emphasise to his people that this was a liberation not an assault and they'd be leaving the planet to the Centauri as soon as they were able to put together a suitable government. Everybody nodded. The meeting had thrashed out the final details and everyone now knew in pin point detail of their role in the plan. "OK meeting adjourned", the Captain stated but before they left he addressed Marcus,"Marcus, can I have a word with you before you go!" "Of course!" Marcus got up and started to walk over to the Captain but Susan interupted him. "Marcus! Delenn and I are going to Medlab for a check up with Stephen. I'll be back at about 1800 hours so make sure you have the dinner ready when I get back" The whole group of people in the War Room smiled to themselves at this. Many believed Marcus was a saint to put up with Susan when she like this. However, they all envied him. Susan was independant, beautiful and firy and in Marcus' opinion definately worth the trouble. "I'll make sure I have dinner ready for you" he reached out her and caught her before she turned away to leave. He kissed her good bye and before he could leave her Susan whispered in his ear, "Can I have a back rub too?" Marcus smiled. He had known he was good for something and despite Susan's current grumpiness he knew she do almost anything for one of his back rubs. Marcus kissed her again in acceptance. Susan, Delenn and Stephen left the room. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Leaving behind the others who were still discussing the attack and their hopes for it, Delenn, Stephen and Susan made for the corridor for Medlab. They made slow progress as neither woman found it easy to move fast these days. They crossed the Zoccalo and headed for the lift that would take them up to medlab. They were just about to reach the lift when 3 men crossed their path. Each held a PPG weapon and each PPG was aimed directly at them. Instantly, Stephen stood in front of the two woman, "What do you want? We don't want any trouble. I'll give you my credit chip if you'll leave" The men's leader looked at him and almost politely stated, " I'm sorry but I can't oblige, you have to come with us". His voice brooked no arguement and the group of 3 instantly knew they were in trouble. Fear rushed through Susan but not fear for herself. It was fear for her unborn child. Before her pregancy she would have personally enforced Stephen's request to move but now in her enlarged state she was vulnerable. Delenn was next to her and Susan saw the same vulnerability mirrored in Delenn's expression. "What do you want with us?" Delenn demanded in her most haughty voice. The man turned and looked at Delenn. The look contained contempt and hatred. Delenn unconciously took a step backwards, "We don't want you ambassador. Just the other two. However, you are going to have to have a little sleep while we sort this out". He made a move towards Delenn. Before Stephen, Delenn or Susan could react, they had backed Delenn against the wall and injected her with something. Delenn didn't even have the chance to scream or argue. The drug took effect almost instantly and Delenn slowly slumped to the floor. Stephen attempted to check on her condition but he was not allowed near her. The leader of their assailants started to give orders, "Right! Get these other two to Grey 15 quietly." He turned to face Susan "Our controller wants to meet you personally..." but before he could say anymore Susan reacted, "NO! I'm not going anywhere with you. Leave me alone" She yelled at them. Susan was desperately hoping that she would attract the attention of security if she made enough fuss. However, their enemies were having none of it"Keep quiet!" Susan ignored him and continued to call for help, "Fine! If thats the way you want it" he turned towards his companion and spoke,"Put her to sleep too!" This time Stephen reacted quicker and attemped to jump the man with the needle but his attempted to help failed and he was clubbed back with a stick. He could only watch in horror as Susan was also forced against the wall. Susan struggled vigerously but quickly decided that her last chance, as the men tried to hold her still to get the anaesthetic in her, was to try and contact Marcus. She couldn't do it physically so she tried telapathically. Marcus would help her. She trusted him. He would let nothing happen to her or his child whilst there was breath in his body. She strained desperately to contact his mind and briefly succeeded but then she was unable to keep the needle away from her. They injected her straight into her neck and almost instantly every thing started to go black. Her last thought was that Marcus had heard her. The abductors stood over her and spoke to Stephen who was still dazed at being hit with the club, "If you don't want any further harm to come to her you'd better pick her up and come with us. You are expendable! She is not!" Without further arguement, Stephen complied. They left Delenn lying unconcious and alone on the floor of the corridor. End of Part 1 From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Chapter 2 (V.2) Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 19:14:01 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 2 of 13 Version2 by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... Any comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ****************** Part 2 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ******************* In the War Room Marcus was sitting and discussing some of the finer details of the Centauri liberation with Captain Sheridan. Most of the people who had attended the earlier meeting had now left the room and only those staff members who worked quietly and efficiently in the background were now present. Although Mr Garibaldi was checking the computers for some details he needed for security operations in the weeks ahead he wasn't involved in the discussion which was going on. Marcus had a special role to play in the liberation which was to begin in 5 days and John wanted to go over a few points with him. However, the conversation stopped abruptly when Marcus suddenly and without explanation felt dizzy and swayed. "Are you Okay Marcus?" John asked concerned for the young ranger who had suddenly gone as white as a sheet, "sit down over here". He started to steer Marcus towards a seat. He iterally sat Marcus down at one of the chairs at the main war room table. John was beginning to think about calling Med-Lab when Marcus recovered slightly. "I'm sorry Captain. I must have been working too hard, I felt dizzy there for a while" Marcus replied rather embarrassed at the concern he could see on the Captain's face. "Maybe you should join Susan and Delenn down in Medlab and see Stephen. It never hurts to be careful with your health." John didn't like key members of his liberation plot to suddenly look as though they were about to pass out. It put all his plans in jeopardy. "I'm fine Capt....." Marcus began to say then his vision went blank. When his vision cleared he found himself in a corridor near med-lab and he could see Susan, Delenn and Stephen. Delenn was lying on the floor and to his horror Susan was being restrained by 2 men whilst another attempted to inject her with something. Stephen tried to stop them but was hit with a club for his trouble. Marcus was horrified. He gave no thought to how he had got there or to how he could possibly be seeing this. All that concerned him was that someone was attacking the woman he loved and he desperately tried to reach Susan to help her but found himself drawing away from the scene and couldn't seem to get back. "SUSAN" he screamed "Don't hurt her. Susan, Delenn, Leave them alone" he Screamed again, "SUSAN" but this time it was John he was staring at. Everyone in the room was staring at him. Marcus didn't understand what had just happened to him and wasn't really prepared to try and analyse it but he did realise that his wife, Delenn and Stephen must be in trouble. The thought of this made him feel physically sick. "Marcus, whats wrong?" John asked with dread. Marcus had mentioned Delenn in his ravings. Marcus looked up at John and Micheal who'd come over when he heard Marcus scream. "Susan! They've taken Susan, Delenn and Stephen. They're taking her away from me" Marcus knew he wasn't making much sense but he was having difficulty expressing himself. He was too shocked by what he'd seen and experienced. "Marcus? Who are?" John demanded realising Delenn might be in danger, "Where are they?" "Near the lift to Medlab" confirmed succinctly They had the same thought at the same time and quickly Marcus and John were on their feet and running for the door. Garibaldi lifted his link to his mouth, "Security! we have a possible abduction in progress near med-lab. All available units please assist." and then he called C & C, "stop all departing ships, we have a possible abduction in progress". Then he too turned and ran for the door. ******************************* John and Marcus were first on the scene and found Delenn still lying on the floor. John rushed to her, cradling her in his arms as he searched almost terror stricken for a pulse and breathed easier when he found one. There was no sign of Susan or Stephen. The only evidence that they had been there were there two links lying crushed and broken on the corridor floor. There would be no chance of tracing the two missing officers through their links. Marcus stood still not quite sure what to do. He desperately wanted to hit someone for doing this. He had always promised himself that he would never let anyone harm Susan. In fact he had sworn this on his wedding day. Now when Susan was at her most vulnerable, the least able to look after herself, he had failed her. John seeing Marcus' stricken looks attempted to give some comfort, "We'll find out who did this Marcus and we'll get Susan back for you and rescue Stephen. After that who ever is responsible for this is going to pay dearly" John promised. Marcus remained quiet. If he had his way they'd die long and very painful deaths for taking Susan away from him. There could be no punishment great enough for the crime that these men had committed against him. Garibaldi arrived next and quickly sizing up the situation sent off any newly arriving security to search the immediate area. He spoke into his link again, "We need a medic here now!" He saw the shock on both John and Marcus' faces. The med team arrived fast and they quickly got to work on checking Delenn over. John was quickly reassured that Delenn was unhurt, merely sleeping and would probably sleep for a couple more hours yet. She was gently lifted onto stretcher and taken away to Med-Lab. John and the others followed on behind. "Damn! We need to know what happened" Garibaldi stated, "And Delenn is the only one who knows and might give us some clues as to what this is about!" "Thats not quite true" Marcus spoke up, "Susan called me for help. She showed me what was happening but I still couldn't help her". Marcus turned round and thumped the wall behind him. He struggled to maintain his composure as the others watched him carefully. He told the others exactly what he'd seen and described the assailants as clearly as possible. "My teams will sweep the area looking for them, we may get lucky!" Garibaldi stated,"I'll also have securty up in Medlab to protect Delenn. Although, it seems obvious that they weren't after her." "What else can we do?" John and Marcus demanded. Neither of them liked the idea of sitting around waiting. They wanted action! "We'll have to wait for the kidnapper's to contact us or for Delenn to wake up. They put her to sleep for a reason and we'll have to wait for her to wake up to find out what it was". Michael finished quietly. He knew neither of the other 2 men would like to be told that. ******************************************** Three hours later Delenn woke up. In the meantime there had been no contact from the kidnappers and Marcus was beginning to get very angry. He was ready to go out and start hitting people until someone told him where Susan was. He wasn't particulary concerned how many people he would have to hit. He just wanted answers. Luckily for them Delenn had some of the answers they needed. "Just as I was slipping away they mentioned they were going to Grey 15. They must have thought I couldn't hear them." Delenn told them exactly what they wanted to know. Marcus quckly called up a schematic of the station's Grey 15 and immediatly detected an area closed off by security. "Bastards!" Michael swore, "We are going to have to get our security access tightened up better. I'm fed up with people doing this. It's Delenn's kidnapping all over again." John ignored Michael's outburst. He was pleased that the kidnappers had made a mistake, "Can you get a security team ready Mr Garibaldi. We'll go in at 0400 hours". Then John added something that he knew his chief of security was not going to like, "And Marcus and I will be joining you" Michael sighed in exasperation. Why did all of his CO's have a death wish? "Is that wise? We'll have the whole command crew there!" Michael asked knowing before he started that there was no chance of talking either John or Marcus out of this foolish venture. "Wise or not Marcus and I are coming." The Captain spoke with touch of finality in his tone, "I promised him we'd get Susan and Stephen back and I don't intend to sit in my office and watch!" ************************************ "Susan?", a quiet voice cut through her sleepy, drowsy mind,"Susan, You have to wake up now!". Susan heard the worry in the voice but didn't recognise the voice as Marcus'. Why was someone in their quarters trying to wake her up? Why was she asleep? She didn't remember going back home for a rest? These disturbing thoughts which she couldn't instantly answer caused her to try and claw her way back to conciousness. Finally, Susan stirred and opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Stephen watching her with obvious concern. He was sitting next to her on a couch. "Where am I, Stephen?" Susan asked in confusion. "Grey 15. I carried you here" he replied, "Do you remember what happened?". Susan thought carefully and started to recall what had happend, "I'm starting too!" She tried to concentrate on the issues at hand, "How long have I been asleep?" "About 5 hours" Stephen replied, and seeing the worry on Susan's face, "I was beginning to get worried they'd given you too much of whatever drug they used!" "I feel okay. Not great but okay" Susan replied reassuringly,"Have the said why they've taken us?" Getting down to the serious business at hand. "No!" Stephen spoke in exasperation, "I've not seen anyone since we were put in this room just after I carried you here!" >From behind them they heard a noise and they both turned as the door opened and the man who'd carried out their abduction came in. Both Susan and Stephen stood up hoping for an opportunity to get out of this. However, the PPG in the man's hand did rather limit their escape options. "I'm so glad you're awake. My controller wishes to gloat at you." The man's false politeness made him even more unpleasant to them, "I'll give you some free advice. I suggest you're very polite to her. She can get very nasty when if you cross her" he turned and spoke to a woman entering the room,"She's awake!". "I can see that" the woman spoke with derision in her voice. It was obvious from her tone of voice that she felt little but contempt for him. The woman stepped out from the shadows, "Hello Susan - have you missed me?" Susan and Stephen stared at the woman in horror. There in front of them was the station's ex-telepath Talia Winters. "My good friend Susan" the sarcasm in her tone was almost poisonous, "You thought you had escaped the psi-corp but you'll soon learn no-one escapes us." Susan reacted in horror to this. Talia knew her secret! "I'll never join you!" she yelled. "I hate you. I'd rather die than have anything to do with psi-corp!" "Don't upset your self darling" then added another crushing blow to Susan's existence, "Its not good for your baby and psi-corp wants your baby too!" Stephen reached out to support Susan as the blood literally drained from her face and Susan started to scream incoherently, "NO NO NO! Never" Susan yelled again and retreated to the back of the room. Talia turned to Stephen and smiled who was looking at her with utter revulsion. "Dr Franklin, having you will be an added bonus for our trip. The more traitors we can take back to Earth, the more likely this place will fall back to its rightful owner - President Clarke!" "Removing me and Susan from Babylon 5 will not make this place fall. It's a shining beacon in space, a light it times of darkness and evil" Stephen's voice was determined and he spoke with determination, "And we'll never let it be extinguished by scum like you orPresident Clarke!" "My dear doctor" Talia shook her head and gave him another evil smile, "Did I say that you two were the only traitors from here I would be returning to Earth with. No! No, I don't believe I did." The smile dropped from her face and she glared at him icily, "Be assured you will have company" The blonde woman smiled maliciously at the them again but this time Susan interrupted her with a question, "I'm surprised you let Delenn go?" Susan wanted to get as much information out of this encounter as she could, "I would have thought that President Clarke would be only too happy to get his hands on her" "No, we can't risk war with the Minbari, not yet anyway! The Minbari would fight for her safe return but I doubt they'd fight for yours." Talia continued, "But soon we'll be able to take on the Minbari too and then that alien bitch had better keep out of our way. There are alot of people on Earth who think she is an afront to humanity. She'll pay soon enough. Don't worry!" Before Susan could think of a suitable reply Talia turned her back on them left the room. Susan sank down on the sofa, head in hands. She sighed unhappily, "We're the bait for a trap to get the others - Michael, John and Marcus" Susan stated but quickly began to think the situation through, "but how will they get us off the station? Micheal will have stopped all departing ships and we're not even close to the docking bays" "I don't know!" Stephen stated with assurance, "But we've been trapped by a well laid out plan. They must have planned how to get off the station". Susan agreed by nodding her head, "That's what I'm afraid of!" [End part 2 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 3 V.2 Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 21:20:28 -0000 MIME-Version: 1.0 "A Shining Beacon" Part 3 of 13: (Version 2) by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... ************************ All comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ****************** Part 3 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ****************** At 0345 hours, the security team, Michael, John and Marcus were all armed and ready to enter Grey 15 where the captives were believed to be. They were all dressed in full riot gear except Marcus who had told them he couldn't operate in it. The atmosphere in the corridor was tense. They had no idea what the situation would be like when they entered Grey 15. Their only advantage was surprise. Delenn, despite wishing to be nearby, had been left in the war room with G'kar and several quards and rangers to keep an eye on her. John was not prepared to let any further harm come to her. Unfortunately, Delenn didn't feel safer with this extra guard. She just felt more frightened and fear wasn't an emotion she was used to. She was frightened John might be hurt or killed, she was frightened of how Marcus would react if anything had happened to Susan. She knew Susan would be frightened for herself but especially for the baby she carried inside her. The fear was beginning to make her feel physically nauseous. She hated to not be in control of a situation and this situation was completely out of her control. Her distress was obvious and Lennier's concern for her was making it worse. She knew he worried about her but at this point she couldn't help her feelings and felt guilty at upsetting him so. She tried to take some comfort in her faith and she prayed to Valen, << Please let them be safe. Bring John home to me safely and Marcus and Susan back together>>. Suddenly, her inner turmoil and prayers were interupted by the secure com channel that the security team were using coming to life. She heard John give the order to move in and now Delenn just sat their listening intently to what was happening to her husband. ****************************************** The area they were entering had only one entrance to it. They had to get through two doorways - an inner and an outer one. Both doors were breach doors which could be sealed in case of a hull breach or other emergency. This meant they were large, bulky and difficult to open manually. The first door was a large circular opening and the security team moved through it to get to the section that had to be secured. They could easily see the inner door 30 feet away. The hostages were believed to be inside there. The whole team had been carefully briefed that were at least 3 kidnappers and that they had to be careful not let the hostages get caught in the line of fire. The hostages' safety was paramount. John and Michael carefully scanned the area and moved into it carefully. They indicated for the team to spread out and to take up position for the storming of the inner door. So far they had met no resistance but that was likely to change as soon as they tried to enter the next door. The entire team was inside the outer door and getting into position to move through the inner door when the outer door began to close. Those nearest desperately tried to keep it open but despite their best efforts they failed to stopping it shutting and the noise of it sealing itself could be heard clearly throughout the chamber they were in. "It's a trap!" John realised instantly and yelled,"Michael, try and get that door open now!" "Someone has overriden the system" Michael replied as he used every trick he knew to open the door, "It won't work". He knew that they had to get out. The area they were trapped in made an excellent killing ground for their enemies! The team expecting imminent trouble held their ppg's at readiness but no attack came. Michael started to hope that maybe it was just a mechanical malfunction. Not an unknown occurence on a station which was short of money for repairs. "I've rebooted the system, Captain. I'll have the door open in 5 minutes" Michael shouted to John from the door as he finally began to make some progress. Marcus was deeply upset about how this rescue was going and appealled to the Captain in desperation, "We can't leave Susan here, Captain!" John shook his had sadly knowing that they were comprimised. There was no way that the kidnapper's could not know that they were there. They had lost the element of surprise, "We don't have any choice Marcus. They know we're here and Susan and Stephen will just get caught in the crossfire if we try to push things. We'll have to get them out another way." Marcus turned away angrily ignoring the Captain. He didn't care what the Captain said he couldn't leave Susan here. But his thoughts were interrupted by Zack. "Captain! I can smell gas" Zack Allen yelled from his position on their left flank." Almost as soon as he spoke, the young security officer collapsed to the floor unconcious. "Michael, get that door open now. We've run out of time" John called to his security chief but on turning to face him he saw that Michael had collapsed too. Then he too smelt the gas and felt himself start to black out. He desperately tried to remain concious but failed dismally but before he was completely gone he saw a woman with a gas mask over her face looking down at him. "Hello Captain" her face emblazoned with triumph and then his vision went completley black and he saw no more. ****************************** Delenn in the war room had heard every thing and for a moment didn't know what to do. But she recovered quickly. She had commanded fleets of ships during her time on the Grey Council. She knew how to command now. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Then she turned to Lieutenant Commander Corwin and spoke quietly but firmly, "Secure the area around Grey 15. They must not be allowed to get out of there to escape to the docking bay and we'll also need some sort of communication link within the cut-off zone." Direct action has failed they'd have to try and negotiate. "We need to find out what they want!" Corwin quickly obeyed her request without question and contacted security for another squad to seal of the area around Grey 15 and organised for C & C to set up a communications link up. Corwin and the others in the room had instantly looked to Delenn for orders. Her presence had in the war room and in station affairs had become so normal that it never occured to them that Delenn had no real authority there.In other circumstances Delenn might have been please at how well she and the humans were working together, even without John to back up her requests, but now she didn't even think she just acted. Delenn turned to G'kar, "They can't get off the station so why take more hostages?" G'kar replied with worry in his voice, "Are you sure there is no means of escape from Grey 15 to the docking bay. They've planned this assault on our key personnel very carefully and to make it worthwhile they must escape with their prizes" Delenn replied sadly, "That's what I concluded too and it frightens me but I don't see how they could get to a ship from where they are!" ********************************** Talia Winters walked among the bodies of the fallen security team to see whom she recognised. Her missin was almost over and she was already well pleased. They had their prize! John Sheridan. The President was well known for his generosity and for bringing down the traitors on Babylon 5 she would be well rewarded and probably promoted. Yes, Talia was very pleased. She couldn't stand there and gloat for to long. Action was required. "Take the Captain through to the other chamber, strip him and search him for concealed weapons. Then put him in the overalls we brought for him" she instructed her accomplices, "Make sure you handcuff him afterwards. I don't want any trouble from him when he wakes up!" She continued her search and found Garibaldi unconcious by the door. Life just kept getting better for her. She turned him over onto his back with her foot. "Michael Garibaldi! This gets better and better. He's there chief of security. We'll definately take him too. Same treatment as the Captain - strip and handcuff him" She continued her search and then turned to her men, "Okay, I've finished we just want this one" she indicated Marcus with a nudge of her foot "and that one out on the end. He second in security and betrayed the Nightwatch. I'm sure they'll pay a great deal to get hold of Mr Allen again". She walked back to the inner door and turned,"Same treatment, strip them, get them in the overalls and handcuff them and make sure you do the good doctor as well!" "What about the girl?" her helper replied. "She's pregnant for heavens sake - what can she do?" She smiled to herself, "No! Susan won't cause any trouble while we've got her husband. She always protects those she loves. I should know she used to love me too. As for the rest of these quards put them outside the outer door. Their security will deal with them". ************************************** Back in the war room Delenn was discussing the situation with Corwin. She pointed out that in reality it was not her place to run the station, "Who is officially in charge of the station now the command crew is gone?" she questionned him. Susan didn't want to worry about the station. All her concern was for her captured friends. "Security would go to Officer Lou Welch. I'm the next in charge of C & C. " Corwin informed her although his tone also told her that he wasn't very happy with the responsibility that this situation had left him. "Okay, I would recommend that we need to have a meeting. I would suggest that you, Mr Welch, Lennier, G'kar and any rangers on the station at present should be there" Delenn stated wanting to encourage the young lieutenant commander in his new role. "I can arrange that!" He was pleased that Delenn wasn't trying to usurp control from him but was very relieved to accept the suggestions she gave him "We have some difficult decisions to make, so get I'd suggest getting everyone here within half an hour" Delenn wanted to be tactful. She had already decided that Corwin showed all the signs that he could do the job himself but he was young and rather unsure and just needed a bit of encouragement. After all it wasn't every day that he was thrust into being in charge. Corwin, G'kar and Lennier left the room to round everyone up for the meeting. This left Delenn alone for the first time and now she allowed her self to feel the pain and worry that she had hidden before. She sat down at the table and fought back the tears which threatened to fall. She had to be strong if she was going to get John and the others out of this. But how? That was the problem. They couldn't assault Grey 15 that was clear but the kidnappers couldn't leave it either. What did they want? Everything was falling apart. How could they have gone so quickly from such a strong position of being about to liberate Centauri Prime to the situation where Earth could probably take back the station if they put their mind to it! She called her quarters and asked the rangers guarding her son David to bring him to the War Room. She wanted David with her. She wanted to protect him personally. No-one was going to take any more of her family from her. Her fears were threatening to overwhelm her and she tried to force them away. She feared that they'd never get John and the others back alive. She feared that Earth would take this opportunity to try and retrieve Babylon 5 and she also feared that they'd have no option but call off the Centauri operation. She had to think. Think! Think! Suddenly an idea came to her and why she waited for the others to arrive for the meeting she was started to formulate a strategy that might just cover everything. Unfortunately, it would involve requesting assistance from someone she'd rather not owe a favour. She forced down her pride and decided she couldn't afford it. She would have to ask for help! *********************************** Back in Grey 15 John, Michael, Zack and Marcus awoke up to find themselves handcuffed and locked in a room with Susan and Stephen. Marcus came around slowly. He looked up into a pair of sapphire blue eyes and discovered that Susan had his head in her lap and was slowly stroking his hair and trying very hard not to cry. Susan could hide her emotions very well from others but not from Marcus. No-one else would have noticed her extreme distress but Marcus knew her so much better than anyone. He sat up and drew her into her arms and she clang to him. Marcus looked around at the others who were also stirring. He quickly noticed the cuffs and lack of weapons. He'd hoped that they wouldn't find his fighting staff but they had. "What happened?" Marcus asked in confusion. "They put you in with us about 2 hours ago" Stephen replied, "We weren't sure what they'd used on you but you've been out cold ever since. Stephen didn't mention Susan's tearful reunion with the unconcious Marcus. Susan had been very upset to see Marcus in that state. "It was gas! They used gas on us" John recalled with some concentration. "It was a trap" Michael stated with certainty. Susan couldn't keep quiet any longer, "Its Talia Winters! She's here and she says she's taking us all back to Earth. She used me and Stephen as bait to get to you John. I'm so sorry" Susan apologised despairingly. Marcus knew that Susan hated to be used. John was one of her oldest friends and to be cause of his downfall would be a nightmare to Susan. Her loyalty to her commanding officer was only topped by her loyalty to Marcus. He reached out to embrace her, and Susan didn't pull away. "It's not your fault. I should have gone with you to Medlab. I shouldn't have left you alone" He stroked her hair, hoping to give her some comfort. "Don't be silly Marcus. You couldn't have known" John spoke up. He had every intent of stopping these petty guilty feelings. This was no-one fault except Earth Gov's. However, Michael also believed himself to blame. "No! Marcus shouldn't have known" Michael stated simply," but I should have. That's why I'm the security chief. I should have prevented this and I definitely should have known if Talia had got on board." He sighed deeply, "How did she get on board with out us knowing?" John persisted in his attempts to stop this negative discussion, "Michael! This is nobody's fault except psi-corp and President Clarke" John continued,"We've got to work out a way to escape. They'll have to take us to the docking bays to catch a ship if they want to leave the station. Delenn and G'kar will sort something out." He finished this statement just as the door to their prison opened. Talia Winters walked in accompanied by 2 men who trained their ppg's on the group of prisoners. She quickly attempted to disallusion the group, "You're so wrong Captain" Talia stated, "We're not going to the docking bay..." but John interupted her. He had other concerns. "What have you done with the rest of my security team?" He asked in a steely tone. "They're dead of course" she lied wanting to cause him as much discomfort as possible, "They're all traitors so what difference does it make. My dear Captain, you'll soon wish that your death was that easy". The group of prisoners looked at her with complete horror. There had been a total of 15 of them in the security squad when they had made their assault attempt. Finally Michael broke the silence, "How are you planning on getting us off the station without going to the docking bays? You need a ship!" he spoke plainly in a voice that demanded an answer. "Michael, Michael! Never fear we have a way and the ship will be hear soon. Did you miss me Michael? Are you still dreaming about me?" Talia ran her fingers along his jawline but Michael pulled back in revulsion, "We're going to have so much fun making you scream Michael! I can hardly wait". She spoke in such a tone of anticipation that Michael paled in shock. Talia then turned on Marcus and spoke in almost jealous tones, "And as for you, just remember I had Susan first and soon she'll be begging for me to take her back!" However Susan was not going to let that statement pass by, "Never!" Susan stepped in front of Marcus and faced Talia, "I love him. I used to love the real Talia but you're not her and it'll be a cold day in hell before I beg you for anything!" But Talia just smiled unpleasantly, "Promises, promises! I'll enjoy seeing you change your mind...."Talia began but one of her men spoke up. "The ship will return and reattach itself to the hull in 10 minutes" This startled everyone. Babylon 5's sensors should prevent any such occurence."How could you have attached a ship to our hull with out sensors picking it up?" John demanded. This time Talia grinned broadly,"Captain, you're very proud of your whitestar fleet. Aren't you? A mix of vorlon and Minbari technology, I believe? So lets just say that the shadows were equally helpful with stealth technology for this mission. You've upset far to many people Sheridan and now's the time for us to reap the reward!" Talia replied, "You're not the only one with connections". Talia turned to the two men with her, "When the medusa arrives get the prisoners on board. In the meantime, I believe ambassador Delenn wishes to negotiate with us. Leaving the prisoners with a lot to think about she swept out and the door closed behind her. "Shit! That's really blown it! How are we going to escape now?" Michael asked in desperation. [End part 3 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 4 V.2 Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 17:56:59 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 4 of 13 Version 2: by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... ******************************* All comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ****************************** Part 4 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ******************************* Finally after what seemed a life time to Delenn everyone was finally assembled in the War Room and the meeting began. Delenn spoke first and outlined the situation to the gathered crowd "Now you all know our current situation. We have 3 things to decide here and now". Delenn looked around at those at the table - Lennier, G'kar, Lieutenant Commander Corwin, and Acting chief of security Lou Welch. They all looked very nervous and unsure about the situation that they now found themselves in. There was also a dozen rangers there and they were obviously looking to their Entilzah to deal with the situation. Delenn took a deep breath to calm her nerves and spoke again. "Firstly we must decide how to deal with the kidnappers who have the Captain and the others. Secondly, we must ensure this station is fully protected if President Clarke tries to take advantage of the situation to regain control and finally we need to decide whether the attack on Centauri Prime should continue as scheduled" It was G'kar who wanted the Centauri issue sorted first. G'kar spoke up quickly "Delenn, I think we need to pull back all our ships to protect this station. We can't let it fall to the darkness. The liberation of the Centauri must wait." Delenn studied him carefully. Was G'kar happy to abandon the Centauri or was he just trying to be sensible in the defense of the station. She couldn't tell so gave him the benefit of the doubt. "I hate to abandon them G'kar. We promise Vir we'd help free his people next after he helped us free Narn" Delenn spoke quietly. "I know this but if this station falls, the shadows will return to the places we've already liberated" G'kar stated sincerely, "We can't let down those world's either" Delenn got to her feet and looked around the table. She was tired and desperately wanted to see John again. She was having a baby in a fortnight for Valen's sake. Why did this has have to happen now? "I have an idea but it will take everybody's courage and patience if we are to make it work" Delenn began, "Firstly, I suggest G'kar that you lead the forces to liberate Centauri Prime...." "but what about this station. Who is going to protect it if our fleet is at Centauri Prime?" G'kar demanded. He wanted all the answers straightaway. "G'kar please let me finish and I'll explain. Secondly, I propose that Lennier, myself and a few of the rangers on board will take on the kidnappers..." Delenn continued. "But what about..." G'kar started to interrupt again. "G'kar, if you stop interrupting, Delenn will finish her proposal and you will have your answer" Lennier intervened to support Delenn. She didn't need the extra stress of keeping G'kar in line as well as trying to deal with this crisis. G'kar waved at Delenn to continue. "Thankyou. Finally I propose bringing in extra help to hold this station" Delenn finally was allowed to finish. Everyone stared at her in surprise. Whose help was she planning on seeking? "What help, Ambassador Delenn. I'm sorry but you've lost me" Corwin stated in confusion. Who would help them now? "I propose to bring in the Minbari Warrior Caste, in particular Satai Neroon!" Now they really did stare at her. Neroon was well known for his dislike of humans and the warrior caste had never shown any inclination to help in this current struggle. Corwin raised the issue that they were all thinking. "But ambassador, Sat Neuron isn't well known for helping humans. Why would he help to keep this station safe" Crown asked trying not to sound rude. He respected Ambassador Delenn enormously. "Even Neuron knows the shadows must be forced out and he knows that if Babylon 5 falls we will not be able to do this." Delenn replied. She was pleased Crown had the courage to speak up in the meeting. He was showing clear signs that one day he would be an excellent leader, "If you and Mr. Welch would help him and trust him as though he were the captain, I'm sure we'd all be able to complete our missions." She turned to the entire group, "Will you do as he says if I ask him to come?" G'kar knew the history of Delenn's relationship with Neroon and knew that it would be difficult for Delenn's pride to ask him for help. If Delenn was prepared to ask, then he was prepared to trust him, "If you are prepared to trust him, then I think we can! I believe its our only solution." Delenn smiled in relief as they all agreed to her proposal. She watched as G'kar stood. "I'll leave now for the fleet to get this Centauri operation sorted out." G'kar got up to leave but turned to Delenn and smiled, "We've come a long way Delenn if you can put me in charge of liberating a people who a few years ago I would have gladly slaughtered" "Go with Valen G'kar and good luck!" Delenn smiled her thanks, "We'll see you soon". G'kar left quickly and Delenn now spoke to those remaining "I'll contact Neroon now if you'll give me some privacy. He should be able to get ships here within a few hours if I contact him now". This wasn't going to be an easy conversation for her and she wanted to have it in private. She wanted Neroon to help her but in truth she wasn't sure what his reaction would be to her request. She didn't want to consider what they would do if he turned her down. ********************************** After 15 minutes, of talking with Delenn, Neroon had agreed to come but what passed between the two old combatants while they spoke was unclear. It didn't really matter. Everybody was just pleased hear that he had agreed to come and agreed to come soon. Three beautiful Minbari angel fish warships were headed there way. That was all they needed to know. Delenn's musings on her conversation with Neroon were interrupted by Corwin. Talia wanted to talk. "Ambassador Delenn! I've got the kidnapper's on the link asking to speak with you" Corwin called uncertainly. He wasn't sure how to deal with the situation. "Put them through now" Delenn asked calmly. Much more calmly than she truly felt. Her calm air was instantly destroyed when she saw the face of the woman who appeared on the screen in front of her. Talia Winter's face appeared on the view screen and Delenn quickly hid her surprise and spoke, "What do you want Ms Winters?" "What do you think I want?" the blonde woman snapped back in annoyance. Delenn smiled politely but with steel in her voice, "You want to negotiate as we have you trapped in Gray 15. What are your demands?" She got straight to the point. Talia laughed and Delenn's heart sank. Something was wrong! "Ambassador!" Talia smirked annoyingly at the ambassador in front of her, knowing she had won this round, "You underestimate me! We have a ship attached to your hull at this very moment and will be leaving momentarily. Your husband and the others are already aboard. You've lost them and soon you'll lose this station too. All I wanted to say to you was goodbye" Talia let her words sink in and saw the look of pain on Delenn's face. "Goodbye ambassador!" Talia sneered nastily, "I suggest you take your half breed son and leave this station before I return. Be assured you residence here will soon be over". The screen went black. Delenn twisted round and confronted Corwin. "Can you detect a ship on the hull" Delenn demanded, "Maybe she's bluffing?" Corwin searched his control board for the required information. "I can't find anything but... wait ...." Corwin voice trailed of but then he stated firmly, "There's a ship of unknown origin forming a jump point 200 kms off the forwarding docking bay. It must have some new stealth technology we didn't sense anything until it opened the jump point." Corwin watched as it entered the jump point and then turned in despair to Delenn, "They've gone ambassador" Delenn quietly spoke to herself, "We've lost them now. Oh John, I'm so sorry" she sat down in a nearby chair and hugged David and then turned to Corwin and spoke in a tired voice, "We'll be leaving in the white star ship G'kar left us as soon as Neroon arrives we'll be going after them." ************************************** On the Medusa, the prisoners were being held in a small cell together. In one corner, John sat alone. He was thinking of Delenn, David and his unborn child. What would become of them after President Clarke had him executed as a traitor? There would be no way to rescue them once they got to Earth. He'd never see his child born. He'd never see Delenn's beautiful face again. Added to this personal pain he was also worrying about what would happen to Babylon 5 without its command crew. Had he left them prepared enough to face the future without him? And more to the point would he ever know? He probably would. If Earth took back Babylon 5 they would definitely want to rub salt in his wounds and tell him all about it. Across from John, Michael was talking to Zack. Despair was beginning to set in for both of them. Michael couldn't think of any way out of this. This was not how he wanted to end his life, dragged back to Earth and tried as a traitor, "I wanted to make a difference somewhere. We were doing that back on the station. I don't want to leave that yet. There must be a way to get out of this. We just have to think harder." Michael declared in desperation. "Just think quickly chief. I upset a lot of people in the Nightwatch and I'd rather not meet them again so soon" Zack encouraged him. Zack knew it wouldn't be pleasant to fall in to the hand's of those who perceived him as a betrayer. Death would be an easier option. Nightwatch wasn't exactly known for its forgiving nature. "Okay then!" Michael replied quietly, "Keep quiet while I think" Marcus and Susan were together and curled up in one of the other corner's. Marcus was gently stroking Susan's hair while she dozed. She looked so beautiful and vulnerable lying their sleeping in his arms. The whole situation was exhausting and extremely frightening for the pregnant woman, even more so than for the rest of them. The future of the child she carried was at stake. Susan hadn't yet told Marcus what Psi-corp planned for his family. Marcus was desperately trying to think of a way to protect Susan from what was to come. He could bear almost anything if he knew Susan and his child were safe. Susan stirred and looked up at Marcus. She looked deep into his blue and dreamy eyes. She'd always loved how beautiful is eyes were. She reached up and lightly stroked his face tears springing to her eyes as she realized how much she was going to lose. "Marcus, I love you so much. I couldn't bear it if they separated us" She knew that Marcus needed to know their true situation. It needed to be discussed but she wasn't sure how to broach it with him. He wasn't going to like what she had to say. "I expect they'll keep us all together until the trial" he replied soothingly. "No Marcus! Psi-corp want me and our baby. Talia told me." Susan saw his face take on a stricken look and knew once again her diplomatic skills had failed her. She carefully watched his face as he spoke. "I won't let them take you from me" Marcus declared in such a fierce tone that it frightened Susan. How was she going to pursued him to be sensible. Doing things her way they stood a chance of being together again later. "Marcus!" She looked him straight in the eye, "We have to be sensible. They're going to take me and I don't want you to cause any trouble. I need to know you're safe so that when I escape I can come get you" Susan was convinced that eventually she would escape from Psi-corp but she needed to know that Marcus could hold on and stay alive. Marcus held her tightly in his arms, "I'll get free and I'll find you. No matter where they take you, I'll find you. I promise!" Marcus declared quietly, "I won't let them separate us or our baby. I'll never leave you alone!" Susan could see the fierce determination in his eyes and sank into his arms again, just wishing that it could be true. Under them the ship shuddered slightly. They all looked up at each other. "What was that?" Zack asked in trepidation. "I'd say that we've just come out of hyperspace" Michael spoke up. They had arrived at a destination but where? "Its too soon!" John declared, "We can't be at Earth yet". The group sat there in silence wandering what was happening outside of their tiny cell. It was this that was getting them down. Not knowing their own fate was difficult for people used to being in control. 5 minutes later the ship shuddered again. "What was that this time?" Zack asked again, "Have we gone back into hyperspace?" Michael listened carefully to the ship they were traveling in, "No! We've landed! The engines are starting to dye down. Can't you hear" Michael looked around the small group, "Where do you think we are?" *************************************** Delenn was already to leave the station. Neroon was just about to arrive and she wanted to speak to him in person before she left. Delenn stood in the docking bay waiting for Neroon's shuttle to dock. 3 Minbari warrior caste war cruisers were now surrounding the station. Delenn was more contented now. They could protect the station and her son from what ever the Shadows and President Clarke chose to throw at them now the station was more vulnerable. Neroon appeared from a shuttle with two of his aides. Delenn moved forward and approached him. She wanted him to know that she deeply appreciated his willingness to help them. Neroon stopped in front of her and Delenn reached out and put her hand to his heart as a sign of respect. "I'm more pleased than you can imagine to see you here Satai Neroon" Delenn stated. Neroon was surprised by truthfullness and respect he felt behind this simple greeting. He knew that Delenn didn't have any strong reason to trust him or expect his help. But events in his past had proved that Delenn wasn't the religious zealot that he had always taken her for. She was just trying to do what was best for Minbar and those they had a relationship with. "You do me honor by asking me to defend this place and your child from the shadows and humans." he replied cautiously. "I pass the beacon to you. May it remain shining until we return" Delenn intoned automatically. This was the standard speech for passing on a command amongst the Minbari. Delenn wanted to do this correctly. With the formalities of passing on the command over with, Delenn spoke less formally to brief Neroon on the situation he would find himself in. "I'm leaving in 10 minutes to go and secure the safe return of John and the others. I would like to introduce you to Lieutenant Commander Corwin and Acting Chief of security Lou Welch. They'll assist you with any information or help you may need" The two men bowed their heads to Neroon. They wanted him to know that they would do everything in their power to make things easier for him but Neroon's countenance had always been forbidding and both men appeared to have been struck dumb. Delenn seeing the problem intervened. She turned to the two humans and asked them if they'd give her and Neroon a moment alone. "They're not used to being in charge Neroon but they are loyal and skilled at their jobs. They've fought the shadows with us since this station broke from Earth. If you let them they will be of a lot of use to you" Delenn was still rather concerned that the warrior would upset the humans beneath him and the whole plan would disintegrate. Neroon new what she was thinking and attempted to reassure her which was a first for him, "Do not worry Delenn. I will treat them with all honor. Your ranger Marcus taught me that humans have worth. I will lead then with honor" Neroon turned at faced Delenn, "I think it is you who travel the hardest path Delenn but I will protect your station and care for your son David as though he were my own. If you do not return, I will protect him until he is old enough to go his own way. Now go and find his father" Delenn shot him a look of intense gratitude. Neroon had promised to look after her son if she didn't return. It wasn't a lightly given promise however flippant his words might have sounded. His promise to look after her son would include dying for him if the need arose. They parted Neroon with Corwin and Welch and Delenn to the White Star with Lennier. End part 4 of 13 ************************************************* From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 5 V2. Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:28:25 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 5 of 13: [V.2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... **************************************************** Comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com **************************************** Part 5 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali **************************************** After what seemed like hours of waiting, two of their abductors arrived to escort them from the ship. Soon they would know where they were and what was going to happen. They were all undecided whether it was better to know what was happening or whether it was easier not knowing the bad news. The prisoners' cell was opened and all 6 of the prisoners were ordered out. They exited the Medusa onto the flightdeck of a much larger vessel. John took his first close up look a the shadow/earth vessel from the outside. It was black as pitch and mottled just like the larger spidery versions that the shadows usually used. It was small, almost as small as the one man fighters they used on his station. John wondered how the shadows could put enough energy into so little a ship that it could form its own jump points. He hoped it was only a proto-type and that soon bigger stealth ships wouldn't be attacking his home and family on Babylon 5. For a while there John had started to believe they were winning the battle against Earth and the shadows but now he wasn't so sure. Now he had doubts. His study of the ship was ended abruptly by a shock stick being applied to his side. "Get moving Scum, over to the corner all of you, whilst we get the leg irons on you", the man's voice was as cold as ice and without pity. He emphasised his command by pushing John in the direction he wanted him to go. John stopped dead and turned around and was about to object. The man seeing he was about to speak very carefully and methodically put the shock stick into John's side again. But this time he didn't release it instantly. He kept it there waiting for the Captain to scream. John didn't scream but the pain was excruciating and despite his best intentions he knees started to buckle and he could feel the darkeness start to encroach on his vision. John realised that they were going to start softening them up as a prelude to the torture he expected on Earth. This would begin with random brutality and by humiliating them. Putting them in handcuffs and leg irons wasn't necessary for security reasons. It was just to show them that the enemy could do whatever it pleased with them. The man grabbed John's chin and spat in his face,"There will be no escapes!" but his brutality was stopped suddenly by a voice from behind him. "Major Williams! One of those prisoner's is mine!" Talia Winters looked the major in the eye and he literally cringed in pain as she spoke, "And she is going with me to psi-corp headquarters in St. Petersburg. If you don't want any trouble you'll turn her over to me now!" "Of course, Ms Winters!" Major Williams grovelled pathetically to appease her, "Psi-corp made us aware of your requirements. Your ship and escort will be ready to go in 10 minutes" he replied humiliated. Talia turned now to Susan. Her delight in the situation which would now occur was obvious,"Susan, It's time to come with me now", Talia declared with a smirk. Susan looked at Talia, realising that the time had come. She was going to be separated from Marcus and what she had dreaded all her life was about to occur. Psi-corp were claiming her for themselves. She knew a moment of absolute terror and instead of keeping her self safe and her baby safe, Susan acted instinctively. She began to back away from Talia, "No! NO! Nooooooo, I won't go." Susan began to scream, "I'm an Earthforce Officer and I want to be treated as such." Marcus tried to reach her but was held back by the guards. His arms held at a stiff angle behind his back. He could see Susan was panicking and it was a sight he had never seen before. Susan was beyond fear and into a situation which filled her with absolute horror. A situation that she had dreaded all her life. However, Talia was enjoying it. She was enjoying the fear and could sense Susan's horror. In fact she was almost realing from the pleasure of sharing Susan's feelings. But she had a job to do and one she intended to carry out. She walked right up to Susan and spoke as if to a simpleton, "My dear Susan" Talia reached out and stroked Susan's face, "You are a roque telepath, hiding in the military. You're psi-corp's responsibility and you will come with me." Still Susan refused to move and now Talia took direct action. She moved to grab Susan's arm and start to drag her away and even she was surprised by Susan's next action. Driven to it by an overwhelming need to escape Susan pulled away, clenched her fist and thumped Talia hard on the side of a head. It was no light hit. Susan had thrown all of her depleted strength into that blow and Talia fell heavily to the ground. There was uproar as the Major's security guards over reacted and pulled their ppg's. The one nearest to Susan struck her flat handed across the face and she fell heavily to the floor. Her lip was bleeding and it was clear that she's soon have a black eye. Marcus made a break for Susan, pulling himself free of his captors, before they could stop him. Susan struggled to her feet in an effort to meet him but another security quard leaped at her with a shock stick. "Nooo..., Don't hurt her" Marcus screamed unable to believe what he was seeing. They musn't hurt Susan or his baby. He could live with anything but that.The others tried to break free too and help but the other security guards were having none of it. Michael and Zack were shocked unconcious by their quards. John and Stephen were held tightly by guards and couldn't get free despite struggling desperately. Susan was grabbed by the guard with the shock stick who had decided that it probably wasn't the best idea to shock a pregnant woman but Susan continued to struggle and another guard panicked by Marcus running straight at them to get to Susan, fired at him with his ppg. Marcus fell silently to the floor unmoving. "Marcus, MARCUS" Susan began to scream over and over again. She struggled even harder to get away from her quard to get to Marcus She needed to see if he was alright. To see how badly he was hurt. To see if he was alive but the quard tired of her continous struggles wasn't having it. He knew the baby was important to Psi-Corp and that he couldn't risk hurting it so he quite simply clubbed her on the back of the neck. Susan was unconcious in an instant. "Get her to my shuttle, NOW!" Talia ordered angrily, "and if you've damaged her at all you'll pay dearly." Talia turned to go, "I'll leave the rest of these men to you, Major and if the Ranger dies you will be held responsible." Talia left with Susan and the quard carrying her. John and Stephen were still struggling with the guards. Desperate to help their friends. "Let me treat him" Stephen demanded,"I'm a doctor for heaven's sake, let me look at him. You heard what Ms Winters said. You'll be held responsible if he dies!". "We have our own doctors here!" The Major walked over to him and back handed him across the face, We don't need your kind for anything!" A med-team ran in to the docking bay and started working on Marcus. They all watched, praying that he'd live, not wanting to think what the world would be like without him. John wanted these people to know what would be the result of hurting his friends."If he dies, I'll make sure you pay for it Major" John said with deadly intent. "And If anything happens to Susan people will talk of your death for centuries to come. I will personally wield the knife that kills you!" The Major walked up to the Captain and punched him in the stomach. "You're in no position to make threats you treacherous piece of shit!" The major was interrupted from continuing his assault on the Captain by the doctor on the med-team. "He's got a bad burn from the PPG blast but once I've treated that he should be fine. The blast missed his vital organs. His body's just couldn't cope with the shock from the pain and so he's unconcious" "Take him to sick-bay then!" the major ordered curtly. He indicated for several quards to accompany the team. He'd heard of these Rangers and knew they could be deadly. The Major wanted no trouble when Marcus woke up especially as he knew Marcus was not going to be particulary happy when he woke up and discovered his wife was missing. It was evident that the Ranger loved his wife intensely. Why this conversation had been going on John had realised something very significant. Before he'd been so busy concentrating on Marcus that he hadn't realised the obvious. He had realised with a jolt that he recognised the doctor and then he realised something his tired mind should have realised earlier. He recognised the techs working on the flight deck too. They seemed to be making an obvious effort to avoid catching his eye. This was the Agamemnon - his old ship. But once again his thoughts were interrupted. "Get the others to a holding cell straight away" the Major ordered in a tight voice, "If they give you any trouble feel free to use the shock sticks as you see fit." Despite these ominous words from the Major, for the first time since this whole debacle began John smiled. John knew this ship! He'd been there when it was commissioned. He'd selected its crew and he knew as they led him away that he would escape and get back to Delenn and those who were responsible for their suffering were going to pay for it dearly, probably with their lives. This was his ship. The enemy had made a fatal and stupid mistake. John had every intention of capitalizing on it! ********************************************* Delenn sat in the control chair of the White Star. They were in hyperspace, waiting to hear from their resistance network. Hopefull they would know where John and the others were being held. This network contined to grow as more and more people suffered under Clarke's tyranny. Delenn knew that where ever her husband was, Clarke's supporters wouldn't be able to keep it quiet for long. "Entilzah! There is information on the ISN feed that I think you should see!" One of her ranger's interrupted her thoughts. He looked hesitant to tell her and instantly Delenn knew that she wasn't going to like it. "Put it on the view-screen" Delenn replied evenly trying to keep the fear from her voice. The view screen flickered into life to show one of Clarke's pet reporters talking about the raid on Babylon 5. Earth Force's ceaseless propoganda against the station had been remorseless and now they were reporting to Earth an apparant victory over the rebels."President Clarke has just confirmed reports that the rebels of Babylon 5 have finally been brought to heel". Every word that the news reader was deliberately emotive. "The notorious traitor, Captain John Sheridan has been captured in a daring raid on the mutinous station. Captured along side him were is command crew. His first officer, Commander Susan Ivanova, has since been discovered to be a rogue telepath and is being dealt with by Psi-corp. Stephen Franklin, his chief medical officer, Chief of Security Michael Garibaldi, and Zack Allen, second in command of security have also been detained. All are notorious for there deviancies which previously they have kept well hidden. Franklin was a stim addict and placed many of his patients in jeopardy. Garibaldi is an alcoholic who hid his secret drinking in order to dupe his former friend Ambassador Sinclair into giving him a job on the station. Allen is a former nightwatch officer who betrayed his fellow members when they were told to take over the station to prevent the command crew from rebelling. All of them will be returned to Earth for trial by the military except Commander Ivanova who will be dealt with by Psi-corp. Another prisoner was killed whilst trying to escape. This man was a civilian called Marcus Cole, a human who turned traitor to join a Minbari terrorist group known as the Rangers. Further news on this breaking story after the following adverts" "Turn it off" Delenn requested quietly. She didn't want to hear any more of this travesty of the truth about her friends. Marcus was dead. They'd killed him. She began to cry softly. She had to get John and the others back before anyone else died. She wondered if Susan seen her Marcus die? It had taken so long for Susan to get over Talia's betrayal and accept Marcus' love. How would Susan cope with the knowledge of his death and being left alone in the world again. Delenn knew Susan had feared this the most, to be left alone again. Lennier could she was suffering and hated to interrupt her grieving but he had news. He approached the command chair carefully, "Delenn! The resistance has contacted us. We have news of where they are. It doesn't sound good. They are being held on the Earth ship the Agamemnon. It's a heavy duty ship with some of there most powerful weaponry. The White Star can not stand against it!" "Do you know where this ship is?" Delenn raised her head and looked him in the eye. "Yes! Reports place it somewhere near the jump point on Io" Lennier informed her diligently. "The White Star may not stand up to them in weaponry but I will not allow them to take our loved ones away from us! I'd rather die first. Take us there Lennier as quickly as this ship can go!" Delenn ordered with a determination in her voice that clearly stated that she was angry and not going to be beaten, "Call me just before we leave hyperspace" Delenn turned and left the room. On entering her quarters, Delenn's front of anger failed completely and she began to weep. She was disgusted with her tears. It was being pregnant that was doing it. John and the others needed her to be strong. This would be so much easier if she wasn't about to have a baby! Despite her self disgust she cried for a very long time but gradually drifted into an uneasy sleep. She would be strong when she met her enemies. Then they would know what fear was all about. ****************************************** Susan groaned in pain and opened her eyes. She woke to discover she was in a cell similar to the one on the Medusa. Nearly instantly memory returned and with that she sat bolt upright on the bed she was laying on. MARCUS! They had shot Marcus. She groaned again it was all her fault. Her panic had caused the whole terrible fight. Marcus was hurt and it was all her fault. Why hadn't she gone with Talia without causing a fuss. Gone when Talia had said she had to go. If she had, Marcus would now be fine. It was after all these self condemning thoughts that Susan suddenly realised she wasn't alone in the room. She now saw that Talia was sat across the room from her smiling. With Talia's next words, Susan's entire world and existence collapsed around her ears. "Marcus is dead Susan! We couldn't save him. I'm sorry!" and it was this false sympathy that raised Susan's ire and hatred. "Noooooooooo!! NO!! He can't be dead" Susan began to shout but Talia wouldn't even let her finish before she put the boot in again. "Marcus is dead. Do you hear me Susan? He is dead and will never come back! You're all alone with your Psi-corp family now" Talia kept just out of reach of Susan. She didn't want to get thumped again. Susan was going to pay for hurting her and Talia was going to enjoy turning the knife, "Psi-corp is your family and you had better learn to appreciate us or life is going to be very unpleasant for you and your baby!" But Susan wasn't barely listening now,"Nnnoooo! No! NO! He wouldn't leave me alone. He wouldn't. You're lying. You must be lying" "Its on the news Susan. See for yourself" Talia knew that the key to breaking in the futuren was her husband so telling Susan that the man she loved was dead would make the process of fitting her into psi-corp even easier. Talia wanted to make her hate Psi-corp. The corp were experts at twisting the hatred of others to their own purposes. Psi-corp would own Susan body and sole as soon as it turned her hatred of them to a more profitable use. Talia delighted by the thought left Susan alone then. Susan began to sob hysterically. Marcus was dead. MARCUS WAS DEAD. She was alone. She was alone and a prisoner of Psi-corp. How could this have happened? How could her life have been completely gutted so quickly and easily. But her pain and grief were suddenly interrupted by pain shooting through her belly. It was a contraction. Hell had suddenly got worse. Susan didn't want to have a baby here in a psi-corp cell and she didn't want to have the baby a month early either. She curled up on the bed and tried to pretend none of this was happening to her. She tried to send he mind out of her body to another place. Somewhere where this horror couldn't touch her. It was to much of a nightmare to think about and as her mind retreated she soon drifted off into a deep dreamless sleep. End part 5 of 13 From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - V2 - Part 6 Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22:56:53 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 6 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... ******************************* Any comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ********************* Part 6 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ********************* In the bowels of the Agamemnon an Earth Force Captain and 2 security guards were about to start down a path which would lead them to mutiny. The Captain was taller than the men with him. Dark hair crowned his head and gave him a rather distinguished look. His outer look was of a man in control, a man who was calm and didn't have a serious care in the world. This face which he displayed to the outside world hid his inner turmoil. The time had come and he was about to be forced to make a choice between an oath of loyalty to Earth Force or his own personal beliefs of what honor should be. The two men with him were two of his most trusted subordinates. The three men walked down a corridor to where 2 more security guards were guarding a room. These two security guards held no direct allegiance to the Captain coming to meet them, despite the fact that they were on the Agamemnon. They owed their allegiance to the Major who had assumed control of the ship over the head of its Captain. The situation about to occur might go to plan but the Captain had determined to talk to the prisoners with or without the permission of their guards. There could be trouble ahead! "These are your replacements gentlemen! Your shift is over. Return in 8 hours." the Captain ordered the 2 men guarding the room in a crisp business like tone. "Yes Sir!", they saluted and quickly left the area without any sort of argument. The two guards had been tired and looking for any excuse to get out of the job given to them. They were not the highly trained professionals that the normal security guards were. The Captain heaved an enormous sigh of relief. He hadn't wanted to hurt the men if they had refused to leave. The Captain knew if their roles had been reversed and it had been his men on the door they would never have left so easily! They waited outside the door until they were absolutely sure that the former guards had left the area completely. "They've gone, Sir" one of the other security guards stated to the Captain after a careful check. "Okay, guard the room and let me know if any one comes. I need to speak to John without any unexpected interruptions. And if the Major comes down here then you were acting under my express orders. Do you understand?" The Captain didn't want any more of his crew than was absolutely necessary compromised by the actions he was about to take until the plan was successful! He was giving his two security men a get out clause if it was needed. The two men looked doubtful but didn't question him on his orders, "Yes Sir!" Now the Captain opened the door of the cell in front of him. He looked around it quickly to see who was there. It was only a six foot square area so it didn't take him very long. He was disgusted by what he saw. How dare the Major treat any prisoners like this on his ship! The cell was designed for only one inhabitant but there were 4 large men squashed into it. It was also designed only as a holding cell. Miscreants were only supposed to stay in it for 4 hours at a time. The prisoners had actually been there all night. The only toilet facilities provided for them was a bucket. Unsurprisingly the smell in the room was rather rank. The occupants were dozing on the floor but quickly awoke when they realized they weren't alone anymore. John was awake first and recognized the new comer. "Andrew?", asked John in surprise, "Is that you?" Captain Andrew Preece smiled at his own former Captain. "Yes Sir! I was promoted to Captain a while after you left and was in charge until Major William's took over and brought in his own security men." The smile left his face as he continued, "I want you to know that none of my men were responsible for what happened on the flight deck earlier!" Captain Preece had been horrified by the reports from his own people of the brutality meted out to the prisoners when they were first brought on board. "I didn't think they were. I know you wouldn't have had anything to do with that. It was obvious that the Major was in charge! Do you know how Marcus is?" John asked pointedly. "He's fine, a bit weak and in pain but nothing serious. He'll be put in here with the rest of you in the morning." Now for the really bad news, "Commander Ivanova was removed from the Agamemnon right after you were brought to this cell. They're taking her to a Psi-Corp detention center in St. Petersburg in the Russian consortium." They all knew what that meant without being told. Susan was being taken to face her nemesis. Something that terrified her when she was in control. Now she was weakened and hurting. "There's more! They really want to break her and she has been told that her husband is dead! In fact its out on all the news channels as we speak. The whole propaganda speel about your capture!" They looked at each other in silence. They all loved Susan. The only way to save her was for them to escape and now it appeared their escape might just have some hope. "Why are you here, Andrew?" John asked quietly, hoping that he was about to hear an offer of help. "We couldn't come over to your side directly when Marshall law was declared. We were with the fleet and Clarke had all the other Captains on his side. It would have been suicidal to try anything. So we kept quiet! Not the bravest thing to do but the only option available at the time but we can't do that anymore." Captain looked slowly around the group but he didn't see the condemnation he was expecting only the acceptance of the truth of his words, "The crew were very unhappy over what happened on the flight deck today and they're with me on this." The young Captain replied. "Which means you can get us out of here" Michael intervened wanting to hear the words. Captain Preece shook his head sadly, "Not yet! Its still not safe. We're still surrounded by the fleet but they leave soon for Babylon 5." He looked John directly in the eye this time, "I'm sorry John but they're going to take it back. They know its vulnerable now and we're supposed to return you to Earth for trial and subsequent execution!" John sat down slowly, "We can't allow Babylon 5 to fall Andrew! It will destroy all hope of freeing Earth and those on the station will defend themselves. They've been well trained and they've still got Delenn and G'kar advising them!" "They've got new weapons, John" Andrew looked around at the others, "Terrible weapons, you're station won't stand against them. Earth Gov. even thinks they'll blow the Minbari and the Vorlons out of the stars". "We have to warn them" Stephen spoke up now, "With all the refugees we've been taking in" there's nearly half a million people on the station." "My wife and child are on that station Andrew!" John spoke carefully, "We have to warn them!" Andrew seeing the emotional pain of the people in front of him attempted to reasure them, "Our chief engineer has come up with a solution which will even things up a bit but it takes half an hour to set up. Babylon 5 won't have that long unless we warn them somehow to adjust there sensors and defense grid. You must stay here!" "But Andrew ..." John began. "We'll follow the fleet to Babylon 5. After we exit the jump gate and Major William's realizes what we've done we'll take him out. Then I promise we'll defend Babylon 5 until you can make the changes. Until then I can't give Major William's any reason to suspect us. Its too dangerous! He's got his own security in too many key places. It'll take a while to set up our own security to take them down without any trouble. It's the best I can do John!" Captain Preece stated simply. "I hope it's enough Andrew!" John spoke quietly. Andrew looked sad, "I'm responsible for the safety of my crew John. You have to understand. I'll return as soon as I can." Andrew turned to leave but John grabbed him by the arm. John realized in his concern for Delenn, David and his station he was being unfair and expecting Andrew to forget his own responsibilities. "I'm sorry Andrew. I know you're doing your best." Andrew smiled briefly and accepted the apology. He turned and left the room. "Do you trust him John?" Michael turned to him and asked. "He's a good man Michael and he'll do his best for us. All we have to do is wait and hope we're not too late!" John spoke now in a calmer voice now. ****************************** The Psi-Corp shuttle landed at St.Petersburg's main space port and now Talia returned to Susan's cell to retrieve her. Susan was in one corner facing the wall. She had slept badly. The pain of the contractions keeping her awake as well as the devastation of hearing of Marcus's death. All she could think about was escape. She refused to allow her baby to be born is a Psi-Corp prison. It was just too unthinkable. She mustn't let anyone know that the contractions had started especially not Talia. But was she strong enough to keep Talia out. She carefully built up her shields to keep the telepath out but she didn't know whether it would be enough. "It's time to go Susan", Talia stated. Luckily Susan was facing the wall and Talia didn't see the ripple of pain which crossed Susan's face as another contraction hit her. They were regular now and half an hour apart. Susan struggled to her feet. She would do as she was told. Not give Talia any reason to look into her mind. She followed Talia without saying a word and kept her head down so that Talia couldn't see her face. The pain had reminded Susan that she still had a reason to live. Marcus' child was that reason and Susan silently decided that she'd give her life if that meant the child could grow up free. Susan's life didn't matter anymore but her child's life did matter. If Susan died she would see Marcus again. The only reason to live was for her baby. Talia led Susan to the shuttle's exit. She was quickly surrounded by Psi-Corp representatives who were waiting to meet them. One was dressed in black, a Psi-Cop. A shiver of fear ran through Susan's body as she saw but then Susan felt a flicker of hope deep inside. It was Bester. Bester's lover and his child resided on Babylon 5 and it was to his advantage to help her. it was amazing! Susan had never thought she'd be glad to see Bester. It was almost enough to make you laugh. But Susan controlled herself. She knew at that point it wouldn't take much to send her into a full attack of hysterics. Bester stepped forward. He didn't look happy. He completely ignored Susan and addressed Talia, "Ms Winters! I've been sent to collect your prisoner" Bester stated forcefully, "Here's my authority". He handed some documents to Talia. Talia was not happy! Susan was her prize. "She's my prisoner, Bester! I arranged the whole plan. What are you doing here? "Ms Winters!" Bester looked at her with contempt, "I am a P12 and you are a P5 so you will follow my instructions to the letter. The documents give Commander Ivanova to me! I've been waiting to get my hands on her for a long time!" He glanced at Susan as though he were looking at an insect he was about to dissect, "She was supposed to be brought to us unhurt. Why is she so bruised?" He'd seen Susan's black eye and cut lip which were the result of the scuffle on the Agamemnon's flight deck. "It was necessary! She tried to resist us. We had to take steps to prevent that" Talia replied unconcerned. Bester looked at Susan again and this time saw and felt the pain which shot through Susan as another contraction hit her. Susan could not hide her pain from Bester as she had been able to from Talia! "Damn you! She's in labor. It's 4 weeks to soon. If you've endangered her baby or her you'll be punished Ms Winters. We need every telepath we can get and Commander Ivanova will breed strong ones for us once we switch on the appropriate regressive gene in her DNA. if you've supplied damaged goods I'll have you stripped of your rank and reduced to being a breeder yourself." Talia blanched but refused to back down, "We'll get her to a hospital and she'll be fine!". Bester spoke to one of his associates, "Where is the nearest maternity hospital?" "5 miles away!" was the quick reply. Bester started issuing orders. His tone implied he expected instant obedience, "Get the Commander in the car and you.." turning to Talia, "Get back to headquarters and make a report. I'll debrief you later on this. A deep scan will be required!" Talia paled significantly at that and left without further argument! Susan was put in a car and they started to drive her to the maternity hospital. It was in the car that Bester finally spoke some words of comfort to Susan. Although the fact that Bester chose to speak direct to her mind, telepathically, destroyed any gratitude she might have felt towards him. Whatever the cause Susan never wanted Bester in her mind! "We're going to get you out of this Commander" he stated simply," I can't afford to have my role in the resistance revealed by you!" Bester's self interest in her future was now becoming apparent. It wasn't gratitude for the protection that the Babylon 5 crew gave his lover and his child! Susan didn't reply! Another contraction hit her. The contractions were only 10 minutes apart now and the car was struck in a traffic jam. Susan was finding it very difficult to concentrate on anything but the pain ripping through her. The pain which was too soon. She was frightened for her baby. This was all happening far too soon. By the time they reached the hospital the birth was imminent and Susan was taken directly to the delivery ward. Two security guards followed her in. Bester remained outside of the room and spoke quietly to one of the doctors he recognized. "Dr. Woods! As soon as she's had the baby we need to get her out of here before more Psi-Cops show up" He stated simply. "We'll transfer her up to a recovery ward once the birth's over. Whilst we are transferring her up to the normal ward we can knock out the guards but what if the baby is too small to be moved?" the doctor questioned. "I don't care about the baby! You'll get the woman out of here. I can't let her be questioned by Psi-Corp." Bester spoke ruthlessly. "You Bastard! She is not going to want to leave without her baby! What sort of monster are you?" The doctor spoke back in an insistent whisper, "I will not be responsible for separating them! If she leaves the baby here, you know she'll never get it back!" You'll have to think of something fast then" Bester replied, "Because she is leaving her! The only other option is to kill her!" The doctor looked horrified at this and returned to his patient. The doctor was also a member of the resistance but unknown to Bester once helped the underground railway for telepaths but now all he and Bester were concerned with was getting Susan free. ***************************************** Captain Preece on the Agamemnon was standing on the bridge of his ship hoping that the fleet would depart soon and that he would be able to follow them without Major Williams realizing what was occurring. Captain Andrew Preece watched out of one of the view points as the fleet departed through the Io jump gate. It was a beautiful sight normally but today the Captain was too worried about the course his life was now heading towards. He was about to mutiny. A situation he had never expected to find himself him when he signed up for Earth Force those many years ago. He was about to follow at a discreet distance when one of his tech's called out. "There's a jump point forming 100 km off to starboard and an unknown ship coming through." But Andrew, who had carefully kept abreast of what was occurring in the galaxy instantly recognized it as one of Sheridan's White Star Fleet. <>. Unfortunately, Major William's also recognized it as an enemy ship. Major Williams immediately went into action, "Destroy that ship, Captain, it belongs to Captain Sheridan's allies!" Andrew thinking clearly quickly realized that he might as well eliminate the Major from the equation now! He couldn't fire on the White Star vessel that had just arrived. They were going to be his new allies. The time to choose sides and stand up for what was right had come. It wasn't as hard as he thought it would be to break all of his Earth Force training. He sent discrete signals to his crew to pull their PPG's. He pulled his own from its holster and pointed it at the Major, "I'm sorry Major! But that's not going to be possible." The Major looked completely shocked, "You bastard! This is treason! I'll see you're shot for this! You and every member of your crew!" But Andrew spoke in a clear voice, "This isn't treason! We fight for Earth but not for Clarke. The only people who will be shot are you and the President!" Andrew turned to his second officer, "Take the Major and his men to some holding cells now and get Captain Sheridan and his people out of that cell and up here now. We don't want that White Star firing at us." "Captain Preece, We're being hailed by the White Star! They don't sound very happy." The tech advised with concern. "Open a channel" Captain Preece ordered. The view screen flickered into life showing a rather tear stained, creased and travel worn Delenn with Lennier by her side. However, she may have looked rather frail but Andrew saw the strength beneath her pail features. Her words were like steel and no weakness could be discovered there. "I am Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari." Delenn declared in a forceful voice. Contempt could be heard in her voice, "You are illegally holding citizens of the independent station of Babylon 5. Release them now or we will fire!" she demanded just as the bridge door's opened and John, Michael and Zack walked in. John saw Delenn on the view screen and heard her demand and quickly spoke up, "Delenn, its okay Captain Preece is on our side. I haven't got time to explain it all now but we'll shuttle over and get back to the station as the Earth fleet is on its way there. We have to adjust the defense grid or the station won't survive!" John continued to speak not instantly noticing Delenn's rather blank expression, "The White Star is faster than the Agamemnon and I want to get back ASAP". Finally John saw Delenn's pained expression and smiled to try and alleviate the pain she was obviously suffering, "Its very good to see you honey!" He spoke only the truth. To see her face, to see she was okay meant more to him than anything! Delenn didn't return the smile, her gaze rested on Michael and Zack. A terrible fear shot through her, "Where is Dr. Franklin and Susan? Have they killed them too?" The final words were very carefully controlled by the proud Minbari women. She tried to control her pain. John suddenly noticed Delenn had been crying He desperately tried to reassure his wife, "They haven't killed any of us honey. What's wrong?" "But they said on the ISN news that Marcus was dead!" Delenn's voice almost cracked as she spoke the words! Suddenly John remembered what Andrew had said earlier about putting Marcus' death out over the news channels. "They lied Delenn, he's fine, just sore and weak. Dr. Franklin is with him now." his face darkened "Psi-corp have taken Susan with them and they want to break her and telling her Marcus was dead would certainly help them do that!" "Where is Susan?" Delenn asked sadly. She was so tired. Although one deep pain had been dealt with and removed, another instantly had come to replace it. John sighed deeply, "Talia took her to Earth. She's being held by Psi-Corp. We couldn't stop them taking her" John replied guiltily, "We tried but we just couldn't stop them. Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by a voice from behind them, "And I'm going after her!" Marcus stated as he walked in the room. He was as white as a sheet and in obvious pain but no one of the persons present made any attempt to talk him out of it. Marcus had been planning things all night, "We'll take the Medusa scout ship!" "No-one will even know we've arrived" Michael put in afterwards. "You're going too?" Marcus turned to Michael confused. "You're in no state to go alone" Michael replied, "Besides I promised Susan once that I'd never let Psi-Corp get her and I keep my promises." John knew that time was short and started to give orders. Forgetting that this wasn't his ship anymore, "Okay Stephen, Zack and I'll return to the White Star! Michael and Marcus will get Susan! And Andrew will rendezvous with us at B5. We all know what we're doing so lets get moving" John ordered shortly. Andrew didn't even question him about the orders. Time was too short and they had too much to do! [End part 6 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 7 V.2 Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 22:10:24 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 7 of 13: V2 by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... Any comments or anything really to: xuj42@dial.pipex.com ***************** Part 7 of 13 V2 A Shining Beacon By Ali **************** Susan was in an enormous amount of pain. She had known labor wouldn't be easy but nothing had prepared her for what she was going through. Throughout her pregnancy she had believed that Marcus would be at the birth. She had been looking forward to it. Now she was alone and in a strange place. Her whole future was uncertain. She was afraid. Susan didn't like being afraid. It made her angry. The only person she could be angry with was Marcus. Marcus had promised her he wouldn't leave her alone and he had done just that. She was frightened, alone and very angry! "I want Marcus! Please make him come" Susan cried out as another contraction ripped across her stomach. The pain threatened to overwhelm her. "Shhh, It'll be okay. Keep pushing. The baby's nearly here" the midwife said comfortingly. However, the midwife knew the circumstances of the birth and knew their was little comfort to be given for the poor woman suffering in front of her. "Marcus, Marcus" Susan began to mumble in coherently. "Susan!" The Doctor attempted to attract her attention, "We can see the head now. Give one more big push and the baby will be here!" Dr. Woods could see Susan was suffering from exhaustion brought on by her recent troubles. He was afraid if the birth went on much longer they'd have to perform a cesarean. Susan would never be in any condition to travel after that. However, Susan heard him and obliged by straining one last time. Without further delay, a new little baby entered the world. The midwife picked her up and smiled at Susan, "You have a daughter Susan. She's beautiful!" However, Susan was more concerned for her baby's health than her looks. She had been borne a month early. "Is she okay?" Susan asked allowing the fear she felt to come into her voice. The doctor rushed to reassure her, "She's very small Susan! She's only 5 lbs, but she should be fine. Once I've finished checking her over you can hold her". The baby began to cry and when Dr. Woods had finished his checks, the nurse wrapped the tiny baby in a sheet and carried her to the bed and passed her to Susan. Susan looked down at her daughter. Susan's first thoughts were <>. Susan could feel tears welling up in her eyes. <>. She tried to pull herself together then and made an oath to herself, <>. "Do you have a name for her Susan?" Dr. Woods asked smiling. "Yes, she's going to be called Laura Sophia after mine and Marcus' mother. It was the name we both agreed on if it was a girl" Just remembering the conversation that she and Marcus had had about their baby's name brought tears to her eyes. They had argued about it, compromised and then spent the evening making up. It seemed another life time ago now. Seeing Susan was upset, Dr. Woods went for the no-nonsense approach of ignoring it. He realized quickly that the young woman in front of him would be embarrassed if he attempted to comfort her, "We're going to take you up to a ward now Susan" Without saying another word, Dr. Woods arranged for the porter to come in to the room. They got Susan and Laura onto a trolley and the porter pushed Susan's trolley out of the room. She was followed out by Dr. Woods and the 2 guards who had remained present through out the birth. However, they were now not as alert as they had been before. It was obvious Susan was not up to fighting her way out of the situation she was in. The porter pushed the trolley into the lift and the whole party watched as the door closed behind them. Nearly as soon as it closed the porter pulled out a tranquilizer gun from beneath his clothes and shot the 2 guards before they could react. "You'll need to tranq me too!" Dr. Woods stated simply, "Otherwise it'll be suspicious!" "What's going on? Who are you?" Susan demanded. She was frightened Laura would be hurt and she protectively clutched her new child to her chest. Dr. Woods smiled at Susan, "Its simple! You're leaving Susan. This man is from the resistance and will get you away from the hospital to a safe house." Susan stared at the porter in surprise and he smiled gently back at her, << All of this rushing around must be making me a bit slow on the uptake>> she thought, "He is?" The resistance fighter however was thinking of more important issues than Susan not being really quite with it yet! He knew who Susan was and knew it was important she got back to Babylon 5. It was important to the whole resistance movement that Babylon 5 should stay free. This woman could ensure it. However, he wasn't used to dealing with woman weakened by child birth. He spoke to the Doctor not really taking a lot of notice of Susan, "She'll need to walk to the car, or we'll look mighty suspicious" The doctor took it upon himself to get Susan organized, "Susan! Get Laura into this baby sling. You must feed her as often as possible to keep her healthy. She only has a little stomach and can only take a little at a time. Try to keep everything as sterile as possible as she's very vulnerable to infection." Susan ignored the fact that she was being treated like a simpleton. Normally this would have caused a very rude dressing down for the offending persons but at this point she couldn't afford to upset the two men helping her. Laura was strapped to Susan's chest in a baby sling whilst the doctor finished giving her his final instructions. Once he had finished he turned to the porter and indicated it was time for the tranq dart. He didn't even give Susan the chance to thank him. The resistance fighter darted the doctor quickly and efficiently and he then gently lowered the doctor to the floor. He now allowed the lift to resume its functions and opened it on the ground floor. Luckily, no-one was nearby and then he gingerly helped Susan to her feet. "Oh god and I thought walking after I broke my foot was difficult" Susan exclaimed in surprise. This crack finally brought a smile to her helper's face, "Don't worry! It's not far to the car and I'm here to help". They slowly walked to the car and got in. So far they had been lucky and no alarm had been raised. It was just as they were pulling away from the hospital grounds that the first shouts of alarm could be heard behind them. Susan ignored them. She was free and now all there was to do was get back to Babylon 5 and rescue the others but how? Susan tiredly closed her eyes. She'd think of something when she woke up. She was to tired to think now! Within 5 minutes she was asleep. ********************************* Back out in the galaxy a desperate race was on. The White Star shot through space as though the devil himself was chasing it. Delenn had met John in the shuttle bay and kissed him passionately. She was so happy he was safe. John had simply held his wife for a long time. He had been so afraid that he would never get to hold her or touch her again. If there had been no other problems he could quite easily have held his wife like that all day. But David and the station were in serious danger. They had to get back to Babylon 5 and their son. John pulled away from his wife, "We must get back to the station right away. David is in danger. In fact the whole station is in danger. Earth Gov. have sent the fleet there with a new super weapon. Their orders are simple. Take back the station or destroy it!" Delenn attempted to reassure him, "Neroon is protecting the station with 3 warrior caste Minbari war cruisers. He'll save it and keep David safe! As you know he's one of the best of his caste." "Neroon is guarding the station?" John was surprised and a little confused. He had believed that Delenn and Neroon were enemies. In fact he'd been under the impression that Neroon would have happily seen them all dead! "I made peace with him!" Delenn replied shortly, "Humans have never beaten him before. They shouldn't be a problem for him now. He'll keep David safe for us." John wasn't sure if he should be offended for humanity's sake at that comment so he ignored it. Neroon was guarding his son. That made him a friend but a friend who was possibly going to be in serious trouble, "They've got new weapons Delenn from the shadows. We have to warn Neroon and send him the information so he can adjust the defense grid to protect the station. The cruisers will need to adjust their defense strategy too." "Well, lets get to the bridge then. We can contact him directly from there and warn him!" Delenn advised. Shortly afterwards John and Delenn contacted Neroon and advised him of the new weapons and Captain Preece's defense against them. They also warned him that the Earth fleet consisted of 10 heavy war cruisers plus fighters and a few other small vessels. Neroon had simply replied that he would deal with it but requested that they hurry back ASAP. John hoped that Neroon wasn't being over confident but all he and Delenn could do was to hope that this warning of trouble would be enough to save the station. ******************************* After a long trip the Medusa had just come into range of Earth and Russia. Michael was looking for some place to land near St. Petersburg. He was still shocked by how easily they had got through Earth's defenses. They simply hadn't been seen. When they got back to Babylon 5 they were going to have to do some serious testing of the Medusa to see if they could find out any of its weak points. At the moment it appeared that if Earth Gov. had any more Medusa's hidden away they would be able to sneak up on Babylon 5 without any hindrance or fear of capture. He continued looking for somewhere to put the vessel down. They couldn't just park it anywhere. They needed to find a place they could hide the small ship so no-one else could find it. Finally Michael spotted a likely spot. He pointed it out to Marcus, "Over there on the city outskirts we'll hide the Medusa under a camouflage force field near those trees" Michael pointed it out on the scanner. Marcus wasn't paying a lot of attention. He had spent the journey talking to his contacts in the resistance. Michael spoke a little louder this time to try and get his attention, "Marcus have you had any word from the resistance about where she is yet?" "Yes!" Marcus looked pale, "She's had our baby and is at a maternity hospital near the space port". " What?" Michael turned to him in shock and stated the obvious, "But it's too early for her to have had the baby!" "I know!" Marcus felt sick with worry, "Please, don't let anything happen to her or the baby. She's got to be alright" Marcus declared forcefully. Michael desperately tried to reassure him, "She'll be alright Marcus. Susan's one of the strongest people I know. She'll be fine!" Michael replied hoping he was right. However, Marcus was in no mood to be reassured, "But she thinks I'm dead Michael!" He let his head sink into his hands, "Those bastards! How could they do that to her! They knew she was pregnant and about to give birth. How could they tell her I'm dead for Valen's sake? Do they want to destroy her that much. Why are they so cruel?" Michael couldn't think of any suitable reply, "I don't know Marcus" Michael replied sadly, "I really don't know!" ************************************ Two hours later, Marcus and Michael arrived at the maternity hospital by taxi. However, it was clear that extricating Susan from this mess wasn't going to be easy. They could see a lot of security men near the main door. The security men were milling about and getting in the way but Michael noticed that they weren't checking anyone coming into the hospital. In fact they didn't appear to be doing much of anything but hanging about and getting in the way. "They don't look very happy?" Michael stated after assessing the situation, "Something's happened!" "Maybe the resistance have busted her out already?" Marcus brightened at this thought. "There's only one way to find out for sure. Let's ask!" Michael replied, "They can't know we've escaped yet, so they won't be keeping a watch for us yet!" Marcus turned and looked at Michael as though he'd gone mad but Marcus was in a hurry to find Susan. In fact he needed to find Susan to preserve his sanity so he replied simply and without question, "Lets go!". "Okay, Let's improvise. Take your lead from me" Michael ran up to the main doors of the hospital and Marcus followed quickly behind. Michael instantly struck up a conversation with one of the security guards hanging around there. "Which way to the delivery ward?" Michael lied easily, "My wife rang to say she's gone into labor and to meet her here!" He put on a rather convincing show of a panicking dad. "First floor" the guard replied quickly. Michael made out he was about to run on but stopped suddenly and looked around as if just noticing the guards for the first time. "There's a lot of you guards here, what's going on?" he asked in a curious voice. Luckily, they had picked a chatty guard, "Rogue telepath escaped with her baby earlier. We're securing the area for when they capture her and bring her back. She's sick or so they say. Some bloody test results came back after she escaped and say she needs treatment for an infection." Michael sympathized "Bloody Psi-Corp should be able to keep its members under control" Michael put in quickly to cover for Marcus' stricken looks, "but surely she's long gone!" "If we had my way we'd just leave her to die!" Michael kept in front of Marcus knowing Marcus would likely thump the guard if this conversation continued much longer, "Poxy telepaths never cause anything but trouble but unfortunately from what I hear they've traced her to some terrorist safe house over in Ivan Plaza and she'll be back with us soon enough!" Having all the information they needed Michael went back to his original excuse for being there. "Any way we had better get up to my wife or I'll be in real trouble too!" Michael terminated the conversation and they left the guard and entered the hospital. They walked through the hospital and promptly exited it by another door. Quickly, Michael hailed another cab for them and they headed directly for Ivan Plaza. **************************************** By the time they arrived at the Resistance's safe house Susan and Laura were both sound asleep again. Susan had woken up briefly to feed her tiny daughter in the back of the car and then fallen into a deep sleep again. She felt so tired. Even the car stopping didn't wake her and she was gently carried into the building by the man who had helped rescue her from the hospital. Following the directions of the others in the building. He took her into the building's cellar where a room and a bed had been prepared for her. He gently laid her down and then left her to sleep. His group still had to plan for Susan's return to Babylon 5 so it wasn't over yet for him and he had no time to sleep. Sometime later, Susan woke to the sound of PPG fire and a young boy shaking her. She didn't recognize him or where she was. She was slightly confused. All she remembered was going to sleep in a car. Her confusion ended quickly as her situation was pointed out to her in no uncertain terms! "Commander! You have to wake up and follow me! Psi-corp have found the safe house". Susan could see fear in his face. He could only have been 15. To young to be involved in this was Susan's first thought. She wished she could take the fear away but all she could do was follow his instructions. Laura was still strapped to her and she got up and questioned him quickly. "Where can we go? Is there a back exit?" Susan asked trying to stop the boy from panicking and forgetting what to do. "No! Dad says I'm to take you down into the catacombs below the building. There is an exit into one of the city's railway stations from there" He was leaving something out to protect her. It was almost tragic, a 15 year old boy was trying to shield her from the realities her situation. Susan could hear it in his voice but she had to know what was happening. "What about the others in the building?" Susan demanded. "They'll cover our retreat and then hopefully be able to make a break for it" he told her trying to keep the fear out of his voice, "Let's get moving" It was obvious to Susan that things were about to get very nasty around here. This boy's father wanted him out of there and sending him with Susan was the only way to ensure it. She wasn't about to argue. She owed it to them to see that this boy got clear of the danger. She had to get Laura and the boy to safety that was all that mattered to her now. By the time Susan reached the station, she was almost dropping from exhaustion. The boy, Ganya, had helped her a large part of the way. She could have cried when she heard his name. She had talked to him carefully to keep his mind off what was probably happening at the former safe house. However, at the station she couldn't keep him from wondering any longer. Ganya finally spoke and gave her a bag. "Dad says there are supplies, money and fake I.D.'s in there. There's also a train ticket that will take you anywhere you want to go. It's the best we could do with the time given to us." He smiled apologetically, "Dad said to say sorry we couldn't get you back home but he tried his best. I have to get back to the house now and see what happened there. Good luck!" He turned to go but Susan caught his arm, "Thank you and thank your dad" she said simply. She knew she wouldn't be able to stop him from going back so she just gave him some advise, "Be very careful and good luck". He nodded in reply and left. Whilst they had been walking Susan had desperately been thinking where she could go. On hearing the boy's name she suddenly had known. She'd go to the mountains. Her old summer home was there. She'd been so happy there with Ganya and her parents before Psi-Corp had ruined her mother. She hadn't thought of the place for so long. That's what she'd do. She'd never got around to selling the old house after her father had died and she didn't know what state it would be in either. No matter! She'd just stay there long enough for things to die down and it was safe to return to the space port and get passage to Babylon 5. ************************** After a brief discussion with the taxi driver, the taxi dropped Michael and Marcus off a couple of streets away from Ivan Plaza. They didn't want to look too obvious when they arrived. Michael was still thinking about the security guard they had been talking too, "That security guard should be shot for having such a loose tongue" Michael stated flatly, "Earth Force standards seemed to have dropped dramatically since I was last on Earth". However, Marcus wasn't inclined to complain about their luck, "Let's just be glad he did!" Marcus replied. His thoughts were solely on what the guard had said about Susan's health, "She could be really ill Michael! We have to find her before its too late" "We'll find her Marcus! Depend on it" Michael declared forcefully, "I've got too few friends without letting the ones I do have escape me" Michael deliberately tried to lighten Marcus' mood. He was becoming rather worried about the ranger's own health. Michael studied Marcus carefully, he was still looking pale from his injuries. The burns were still making him wince if he jolted them too much. Marcus didn't notice Michael watching him. He was to busy thinking about Susan. All his thoughts were on Susan, ill and alone with their baby. A baby who shouldn't have been borne for another month. <> he thought, <>. After a 5 minute walk they turned the corner into Ivan Plaza. To their horror Psi-Corp had already sealed off the street. Fortunately a large crowd had gathered and they could easily see which house had been stormed. Marcus was shocked to see there were bodies being brought out of the building. He watched carefully but couldn't see Susan's body being brought out. He gave an enormous sigh of relief. They were loading the body bags into a van which was quickly driven away. As they watched a psi-cop exited the building with several others. They could hear him shouting orders. "DAMN! Notify all the relevant authorities to keep a close eye out for her. She can't have got far in her condition, we'll have her soon enough." The psi-cops didn't hang around and quickly left and soon security officers began to disperse the crowd. After a suitable interval and being careful no-one spotted them, Michael and Marcus entered the safe house. There was nothing to see except a few sticks of furniture. Nothing to show that Susan had ever been there and no clue to her current whereabouts. "Damn! There's nothing here. How are we going to find her now?" Marcus demanded. His face clearly showing his anger. He felt completely disillusioned. "I don't know?" Michael replied dejectedly. "We have to find her, Michael!" Marcus declared simply, "Oh Valen, there must be someway to find her?" His voice started to break. [End part 7 of 13 V2] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 8 V2 Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 19:12:43 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 8 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... *************************************************** All comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ******************* Part 8 of 13 V2 A Shining Beacon By Ali ******************* The occupants of the White Star were almost home. But there was no comfort to be derived from that fact. They had lost all communication with Babylon 5 over 2 hours ago. Captain Sheridan had no idea what the situation would be when they exited the jump gate to normal space. No idea if the station would still be there and worse, no idea if his son would still be alive. He had never felt so powerless before even when chained up and being taken back to Earth for execution. John and Delenn were on the bridge awaiting their first sight of home. They would be at the gate in moments. Finally, they exited the jump gate at Babylon 5. The sight that met their eyes was a scene of complete destruction. But one thing was clear the station was still there. That was a good sign at least. Although, it was still feasible that Earth Force had managed to board the station and take control. To look at it, the station was still in one piece but had obviously taken quite a battering. Around it floated wrecked Earth Force ships and a badly damaged Minbari war cruiser. However, there were also six other Minbari cruisers which were relatively undamaged. John heaved a sigh of relief. The Minbari wouldn't have hung around if they had lost control. "Looks like there 's been one hell of a fight" John stated in a serious tone, "Hail the station we need to find out if its safe to ferry across using a shuttle" John spoke to a ranger at one of the controls, "I need to know what's been happening." The ranger hailed the station. A hail that the station's occupants had obviously been expecting, "I've got Satai Neroon for you, Captain! He wants to give you a status report." John was still surprised that Neroon had agreed to help them. In fact, seeing the Minbari warrior leading humans into battle wasn't a sight John had ever thought to see. They got their first clear idea of how serious the battle had been when Neroon appeared on the screen. He looked bruised and bloody. There was a large cut on one side of his head and blood had run down the side of his face. Either, Neroon hadn't had the chance to go to Med-Lab yet or possibly, and more likely, Med-Lab was over-loaded with casualties. Behind the Minbari warrior, three of the consoles in C & C were still burning, whilst several other systems looked like they were still smoking after a fire had been put out. A ceiling beam had half collapsed and was resting dangerously on one of the rails that ringed the center of C & C. It was clear to John that C & C had taken significant damage. He also noticed that it was seriously undermanned. There was no sign of Lieutenant Commander Corwin. John took all of this in at a glance and knew that he was lucky that an experienced leader had been available to take charge. Whilst his crew were well trained they had never had a chance to take charge and without Neroon this could have caused the station to fall . He made a note that he was going to make sure that Corwin and the others got some command experience as soon as there was time. But for now he addressed himself to the Minbari in front of him. He let his gratitude to Neroon show clearly, "Satai Neroon, please accept my thanks for keeping our station safe!" John praised the warrior, "It was obviously a close run battle." Now Neroon surprised John again by praising the crew, "The honor was mine Captain! You have a brave and well trained crew, in particular Lieutenant Commander Corwin should be commended. He saved my life by pushing me out of the way when the ceiling came in. I would not be talking to you now without his help!" Neroon replied seriously, "He's in Med-Lab now as he was knocked unconscious in the incident but we've been advised that he should be okay soon". <> John thought. However, Neroon continued and filled John in on what had occurred during the battle, "Most of the damage was done to the structure of the station and our ships before we could adjust the defense grid to compensate for their new weapons. I regret to inform you that we have a lot of casualties on the station but more especially from our cruiser 'The Schism'. However, I've already been informed by Shai Alit Medro that it's repairable. They will make emergency repairs here and then return to Minbar for a full refit." "I'm sorry for your loss, Satai" John replied simply, "We won't forget what you've done here for us and if there is anything we can do to help you please ask and we'll do it!" Delenn was unable to hold back her own questions now, "How is David?" "Your son is safe, Ambassador Delenn but he was upset by the noise and..." Neroon smiled briefly, "Of course your absence! He had several rangers and Minbari warriors guarding him in case the Earther's managed to board the station." Then Neroon continued his summary, "3 Landing pods managed to get through and on to the station". Seeing John and Delenn's concern at this news Neroon continued quickly, "But we've got them all pinned down in Gray Sector so they shouldn't cause any problems before they are all rounded up!" Finally, Neroon spoke to John with more personal interest. He looked at John seriously, "I'm pleased to see the Ambassador retrieved you unhurt Captain. You have a fine station and crew. They are very loyal to you." Neroon bowed his head in respect, "You should be proud." Then he went back to more practical matters, "It's safe to shuttle to the station now if you're very careful of the debris and avoid Gray Sector where the landing pods came in. Your repair crews are only dealing with the most urgent damage first so be very careful. We haven't had a chance to check all of the damaged sections yet! Oh yes! We could use Dr. Franklin over here straightaway. His skills are needed Captain" It was a dismissal and John knew that now wasn't the time for chatting, "We'll leave at once for the station Satai Neroon! Captain Sheridan out." John terminated the link and then spoke to his wife, "We'd better get going! It'll be good to be home but it looks like we'll have our work cut out for us getting the station back in to working order." Delenn made no comment and John, getting no reply from his wife, John turned to look at her. He didn't like what he saw. He saw pain etched on her face and was instantly at Delenn's side and helping her to a seat. He crouched down beside her, "Are you okay?" "The baby's coming!" Delenn informed him quickly. "You do pick you're moments, honey" John smiled gently at her. Delenn glared at him, "Get me to the shuttle! I don't want my baby born here and John, get that stupid smirk off of your face before I lose control and thump you" "Yes, love" he replied laughing. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Night had fallen in St. Petersburg and Michael and Marcus were trying to catch some sleep in the safe house. Their sleep was disturbed when they heard a noise below them. Instantly they were wide awake. "Damn! What was that?" Michael asked pulling his PPG. It had been against his better judgment to stay in the safe house but Marcus had persuaded him it was there only connection with Susan and that they had to stay, "Is it Psi-Corp again?" Marcus had quickly run to the window to check out what was occurring on the streets, "It sounds like it came from the cellar not out on the streets" Marcus replied evenly. He was optimistically hoping that whatever it was might lead them to Susan, "Let's go and look. It could be someone from the resistance checking to see what happened here. They might know what's happened to Susan." They quickly exited the room they were in and entered the hall-way, just in time to see the cellar door start to open. Michael didn't care who was entering the building. He had his PPG and for once it looked like they might just have an advantage, "Okay! Whoever you are, come on out of there with your hands on your head and throw out any weapons" Michael called out, aiming his PPG at the basement door. Seconds later a PPG was thrown out and it was followed by a man with his hands on his head. The man didn't look happy but that wasn't surprising. No-one likes to have a PPG pointed at them. However, despite the PPG in Michael's hand the man wasn't cowed, "Who are you?" he demanded. "We'll ask the questions if you don't mind. Now tell us who you are. We can do our introductions later" Marcus demanded in return. "I lived here! This was my home. I'm Peter Douglas." The man was angry, "Now who are you? Psi-corp? Earth-Gov.? Nightwatch? Who?" the man demanded again. "We're not with any of them!" Michael replied evenly. "Oh yeah, right, like I believe you...hang on a sec! I recognize you" he looked carefully at Michael, "You were on the news." You could almost hear the man's mind working, "You're from Babylon 5." He finally stated something that Marcus and Michael wanted to hear, "You must be looking for Commander Ivanova!" Marcus leaped on that statement. He saw instantly that this man, Peter Douglas had seen Susan. He almost shouted, "YES! Yes! That's right. Where is she? How is she? Do you know where she is now?" Marcus began to fire questions at the man. "Who are you to keep asking?" Peter asked looking at Marcus, "I know him..." Peter nodded his head at Michael, "But not you". He returned his attention to Marcus. "I'M HER HUSBAND" Marcus exploded furiously. How dare this man not tell him what he knew, "NOW WHERE IS SHE?" Then a little more desperately, "Please, do you know where she is?" Peter seeing the pain in the young man's expression spoke almost instantly, "Yes! My son, Ganya, got her out of here during the Psi-Corp attack. They left through the catacombs below the building." "But do you know where she is now?" Marcus asked desperately. "My son left her at the station. I thought you were dead!" Peter suddenly remembering what he'd heard on the news. Then he stated a fact that shocked Marcus to the core, "By the way, your daughter is a beauty! The Commander has called her Laura." Marcus looked shocked at this. Although he'd known Susan had had their baby, it hadn't really sunken in. He was finding it difficult to believe that there was a new life in the universe created just by him and Susan. But now he wanted to know everything, "You've seen her? What's she like?" he asked simply. "She's small, very small but she's perfect! What more can I say she like any other baby." Peter replied not knowing quite what to say. He hadn't had much experience with babies recently and it was a long time since his son was one. However, Michael interrupted this conversation. They had time for baby talk later. Now it was important to find Susan, "So your son left Susan at the station. Where was she going?" Knowing Susan was ill he wanted to know if the illness was making its presence felt yet, "How was she?" "Ganya didn't ask her where she was going. I told him not too! There was a possibility that Psi-Corp would get hold of him and all of us. Our chances and her's were better if we didn't know!" Peter explained calmly despite the upset he knew he was inflicting on the two men in front of him. "Oh great! That's just great. How are we supposed to find her now?" Marcus declared, "How was she?" "She was tired. She slept the whole time she was in the house. She wasn't thinking very clearly and she was obviously shocked. She was in pain. She thinks you're dead. The doctor told me that she had blamed herself about you. She thinks you're dead!" Peter repeated. "Okay Marcus" Michael intervened again before Marcus could start berating himself, "You know Susan best, where would she go?" "I don't know, let me think" Marcus replied and sighed deeply. He sat down and put his head in his hands tiredly, "I need to think about it." Okay, you stay here and think. We'll get some food. You need something to eat. We don't want you collapsing from lack of food" Michael stated sharply. Marcus would probably kill himself in the search for Susan unless Michael kept an eye out for him. Marcus had a one track mind where Susan was concerned. He would concentrate on rescuing her and completely forget to look after himself in the process. "I'm not hungry!" Marcus replied flatly. But Michael was having none of it, "Marcus, you are going to eat something whether you like it or not. You'll be to ill to help Susan otherwise. So just stay here and concentrate on where Susan would go if she were in trouble. We'll get some food". A few hours late they sat and ate in silence. Marcus still hadn't thought of where Susan would go and the more he thought about it the further away the answer seemed to get. Eventually they slept. Typically, it was 4 o'clock in the morning when it suddenly came to Marcus where Susan would have gone. These things can never happen at a reasonable hour of the day. "Michael! Wake up" Marcus shook him awake. Now Marcus knew where Susan was he wanted to get moving straightaway, "We have to get back to the Medusa. I know where Susan's gone!" "Where?" Michael asked still half asleep and rubbing his eyes. "She's gone to her old summer house in the mountains" Marcus stated with utter certainty. "She has?" Michael replied sounding unsure. "YES! She has." Marcus was convinced and now he just had to convince Michael, "It was one of the few place she was really happy before Psi-Corp caught up with her mother. It's where she's gone Michael, I'm sure of it!" Marcus said quietly, expecting Michael to trust him. Michael studied Marcus carefully and saw in his face a certainty that was compelling, "Okay!" Pulling his organizational skills into gear, "Then, lets get back to the Medusa and go there" After 10 minutes, of getting their belongings together and saying their good-byes and thank you's to Peter, they left to head back to the ship. Susan was in the mountains and they would find her now no matter what! *********************************** Hours earlier, Susan had boarded a train for the mountains. She had luckily found a carriage compartment all to herself. She had been in the tiny compartment ever since then. She hadn't wanted to wander about. If she wandered around, the chances of someone recognizing her increased dramatically. So to pass the time her and Laura slept. Susan woke up with a start. Momentarily she forgot where she was. She looked around the unfamiliar surrounding until her memories returned. She remembered now. Marcus was dead! Marcus was dead! Marcus was dead! The thought kept haunting her however she tried to hide from it. But she had new responsibilities. Laura was born and she was taking them to the mountains to hide. They needed a place of refuge and this was the only place she could think of going. She didn't want to risk going to anyone she knew here. She didn't want anyone else to risk their life for her. Susan knew that the Jewish community of St. Petersburg would have hidden her. They always protected their own. Uncle Yossell would have helped her but Susan knew she couldn't risk the life of this old friend of her family. Susan quickly discovered that the headache she'd had when she'd fallen asleep was still with her and she sighed unhappily. She carefully fed Laura and then changed her baby's clothes and nappy. After feeding, the baby fell contentedly asleep again. Susan watched her as she slept. She couldn't get over the miracle she was holding in arms. Laura was so perfect despite her tiny size and so absolutely beautiful. Wallowing in this new feeling of maternal love and tenderness that she had never experienced before, Susan drifted off to sleep again. However her sleep was restless and she was awakened relatively quickly by the heat in the train compartment and the aching pain in her stomach. However, a clear insight hit her and she realized suddenly that it was her who was hot not the carriage. She could feel that her cheeks were flushed but then she felt a shiver of intense cold flow through. <>. Desperately she searched through the bag that Ganya had given her. His father appeared to have thought of all her needs and she quickly found some mild painkillers. She swallowed several with a swig of water that she took from a flask that was also in the bag. Susan then carefully checked that Laura was okay. She didn't want to pass whatever illness that she had onto her daughter. Her daughter was too tiny and vulnerable as it was. Luckily, she could detect no signs of fever or illness in her daughter and breathed a sigh of relief. Sleep she knew was a great healer and she allowed herself to drift off again into a light doze. The doze deepened into a deep sleep until she was finally awoken by a voice. Someone was in the compartment with her and Susan woke up quickly, <> She knew for certain that anyone could have walked into the compartment including Psi-Cops and she would have slept through it in a state of oblivion. She still had a headache but the pain had been racked up several notches and she felt like her head would explode. The pain in her stomach was also intense. Muscle cramps kept shooting intermittently across her belly, causing her to stiffen rigidly with the pain, unable to move until the cramp lessened. This wasn't good for her and it was especially bad for Laura. Laura needed caring for. How could Susan care for her when she couldn't even care properly for herself now that she felt so ill. She suddenly realized that whoever had woken her was trying to attract her attention and she groggily tried to apply herself to listening to what he was saying. "MA'AM? Ma'am! This is the end of the line. You have to get off now" an old man, obviously a train employee was standing in front of her. She noticed it was dark outside the train carriage again. How long had she been asleep? "Okay! Thankyou" A wave of pain shot right through her body again causing her to wince noticeably. She felt like she was burning up. "Are you okay ma'am" The old man saw her wince and was obviously concerned. But Susan didn't want his concern. She didn't want him to remember her at all. It would be too dangerous! So she attempted to lie, "I'm fine!" Susan smiled gently at the old man and hoped that she sounded convincing. She needed to find somewhere to stay and rest. Maybe the man could help her after all, "Is there a hotel in town?" "I think there's a lodging house at the end of the street which is clean and quite cheap but there ain't no hotels here. This place is far too small." He answered helpfully. "Thanks again" Susan dismissed the guard with the tone of her voice. He left her alone again as she collected her belongings together and exited the train. The night air was cold with a sharp wind. It attacked her the instant she stepped out of the shelter of the train. She felt sick and faint. She had to get to the lodging house that the railway worker had suggested and rest for the night. She'd feel better in the morning and then she'd travel up to her old summer house. She carefully walked along the road. She told herself over and over again that she could make it. She couldn't afford to faint here in the street. Laura would be hurt and any security forces in the village would hear of it and would bound to investigate who she was and what she was doing there. After what seemed like hours but was in reality merely 15 minutes she arrived at the lodging house and literally dragged herself up the steps in front of the house to get to the door. She knocked at the door and waited impatiently for someone to answer it. She could feel the dizziness starting to get worse and blackness began to encroach on her vision. She prayed that there would be room here for her. She desperately needed to lie down. After what seemed like an eternity an old woman answered the door. Susan spoke first with a touch of desperation in her voice, "Do you have a spare room?" The old woman looked at her carefully and smiled, "Of course my dear! Come in. What a beautiful little baby. There's a cot in room 2, you can have that room." Susan followed the old woman to her room. The darkness at the edge of her vision was getting worse. The old woman nattered on but Susan barely heard her and didn't notice when she stopped talking and started to stare rather intensely at this young woman who'd turned up on her door step. Whatever she saw she didn't like. "Bohze Moi! My dear let me undo this baby sling for you and get the baby into the cot" Susan was touched by this unknown woman's concern for her. The woman quickly took Laura and placed her in the cot. She carefully tucked the baby in after surreptitiously checking to see if she also looked ill. The woman was relieved to see that the baby appeared healthy and Laura was soon happily sleeping in the small cot by Susan's bed. The woman then returned her attention to Susan, "You're looking a bit pale dear! Lay down here on the bed and I'll send my daughter up to help you". This was her polite way of saying that Susan looked like death warmed up. Susan protested, "I'm fine really" but before she could finish speaking the darkness finally claimed her vision, her legs buckled beneath her and she slipped to the floor in a dead faint. [End part 8 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - part 9 V2 Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:09:55 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 9 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... *********************************** Part 9 of 13 V2 A Shining Beacon By Ali *********************************** After a more careful scan of the area John discovered that the Minbari were still harrying the remains of the Earth Force fleet away from Babylon 5. He noted that that was all they were doing. They were not firing, just ensuring that the Earth Force fleet had left the area and couldn't sneak back for another attack. He was pleased to see the restraint of the Minbari war ships. He didn't want any unnecessary casualties. John took the opportunity that the Minbari defenders had given him to get his wife in a shuttle and en route to the station. All he could think about was getting Delenn to Med-Lab to have their baby. However, Delenn was having problems keeping up with her husband's quick pace and attempted to call a halt to it, "John! Stop rushing me." Delenn calmly requested, "The baby won't be here for hours yet. We've got plenty of time to get to Med-Lab." She couldn't understand why he was in such a rush. This was their second child after all. He had no excuse for panic this time! "I know honey but I want the shuttle docked just in case some Earth Force ships manage to double back to do us some more damage" John smiled at her tenderly, "I love you and I don't want anything to go wrong with the birth so the quicker I get you to Med-Lab the better" She took his hand, her impatience at his attitude starting to show, and kissed it, "I love you too but..." what she was about to say was cut off by another contraction. John watched in concern as pain etched its way across her face. He hated to see her in pain. That was another reason to get Delenn to Med-Lab quickly so that Stephen could give her some pain killers, "They're getting closer together, about every half an hour now" John stated matter of factly, "Don't worry! We'll be docking in about 5 minutes flat" The contraction passed and Delenn finally got the chance to answer him, "I'm not the one who's worried, you are!" Delenn laughed in reply. She looked up at him and spoke softly so only he could hear, "You're with me so I know I'll be fine". At this John smiled in delight and kissed her gently. They finally arrived at the station's docking bay. After leaving the shuttle, they could see the injured from the battle being brought on board. Almost instantly Stephen rushed off to see where he was needed most. He only stopped to reassure Delenn that he'd see her in Med-Lab for the birth. As Delenn and John, with Zack following behind with his PPG at the ready in case of trouble, slowly walked through the station to Med-Lab, they noticed the amount of the damage that had been done. It looked like there had been quite a fight. Along the main corridor large numbers of the ceiling supports had come down, pulling out all the electronics hidden above them. As they passed under them John and Zack kept a wary eye on them. Delenn just concentrated on walking. It was quite a long walk from the docking bays up to Med-Lab and it was tiring enough for her when she was pregnant, let alone when she was actually in the process of giving birth. But John had listened to her earlier and their actual pace was quite slow. John supported her all the way, keeping hanging wires out of her face and helping her over the larger pieces of debris which littered the floor. As they neared Med-Lab the destruction lessened slightly and the going was easier. "It's a good thing you brought Neroon in on this Delenn. It's going to take quite a while to clean it up though." John stated. "I'm just sad so many ships were destroyed. The sooner President Clarke is removed the better." Delenn replied simply, "At least the shadows didn't show up to help. If they had we might not have had a home to return to." They continued in silence to walk to Med-Lab until Delenn spoke. When we get to Med-Lab I want you to go and get David. He'll have missed us and I need to have him near me." Delenn requested. On Minbar it wasn't considered unusual to have children present at births. They considered it to be one of the universe's greatest wonders and not something to be hidden from anyone. "Okay, I'll come straight back with him" John replied, "Don't worry!" They had argued out this point months earlier when Delenn had first raised the subject of David being at the birth with them both. John hadn't been to keen on the idea at first but after speaking to Delenn and Lennier carefully had decided that they would go ahead with it. He respected Delenn's Minbari upbringing and saw that this was important to her. They entered Med-Lab expecting to see bedlam with all the injured but unexpectedly it was relatively calm. Stephen had putting his vast medical skills to good use and was organizing the medical side of things with ease. John called Stephen over, "How are things going?" "We've actually got a lot fewer serious injuries than I feared we might. It's mostly broken bones and lacerations. A lot of ceilings have caved in and people have broken bones and cuts from then. It's those hurt on the ships that have the nastier wounds. Burns and serious concussions were more common then. I'm sending all the lacerations to Med-Lab 3 and broken bones to Med-Lab 1 and keeping this as a clearing station. Only serious injuries and of course pregnant woman are allowed in here. All in all everything's under control" Stephen replied, "I've got a room for Delenn over here." John helped Delenn to the room that Stephen was indicating and helped her onto the bed. John kissed her tenderly goodbye, "I'll be back as soon as I can with David. Don't worry!" John spoke, "Zack, stay here with Delenn". John turned quickly and left Med-Lab. He left an irritated woman behind him, "If he tells me to not to worry one more time, I may have to consider killing him" Delenn replied sarcastically to Stephen, "It's a good thing I love him, as with his snoring, no one else would have him." "Uumm yes! Let's get you comfortable before he comes back, shall we?" Stephen replied diplomatically, all the time trying to suppress a smile. ************************************** Susan was resting in a bed in the boarding house she had reached shortly before collapsing. Luckily she seemed to have arrived among friends. Not just those who would risk their lives to resist President Clarke's government but true friends from her child-hood. Susan had struggled back to consciousness when she had heard voices nearby. "Of course its her!" Susan could vaguely hear a young woman's voice stating. The voice sounded familiar. She opened her eyes and saw a young woman in front of her. She was a similar age to Susan. Just the act of opening her eyes hurt. The light was too bright and it stung her. The pain forced her to close her eyes again. She tried to listen to what was happening above her but it was so hard to concentrate. "Are you sure?" Susan recognized the voice of the old woman who had helped her to her room. The voices were coming to her as if from a great distance. She tried to turn her head to listen to the voices but it hurt to much to do so and this sudden attempt at movement caused the darkness to claim her once again. She drifted into unconsciousness. The old woman was Sarah Moslov, a widow, who ran the boarding house with her daughter Natalya. She had lived in the small hamlet at the end of the railway line all of her life. She had never left and despite his ruthlessness President Clarke's regime had had very little effect on her life. However, the Russian people had suffered from dictators too often in the past to suffer one gladly now. "Yes! I'm sure its her. I saw her on the news. She's Susan Ivanova, executive officer of Babylon Five and a wanted woman" Natalya stated, "We can't let anybody know she's here". They were both strong woman with strong views on right and wrong. But this was also very personal to Natalya. "But she needs a doctor" her mother replied urgently. She thought carefully. There was no way in hell that she would hand this woman over to the authorities if she could help it, "I'll get Dr. Suranoma to see her. He's got no love for Clarke, not after what they did to his daughter." Sarah Moslov smiled and looked down on the woman in front of her, "Do you remember when she was here as a child with Ganya. You used to play together. Ganya was such a tearaway and as for this one she was a wicked little miss and nearly as bad as you. Who would have thought she would have come here?" Sarah continued to reminisce, "We were lucky that we didn't know what the future held then. Her mother was so happy when they came up here for holidays. I was so sad to hear of her dying. The family never came again. Not until now!" Later, Susan vaguely was aware that people were coming and going from her room. She heard a baby crying and knowing it was Laura tried and failed to wake up. She could hear people talking but wasn't aware any more that it was her they were talking about and through it all she kept calling for Marcus. Where was Marcus? Why didn't he come? He'd promised her that he'd be there for her. She knew there was a reason he wasn't there but couldn't remember what it was. He should be there but he wasn't and she began to feel angry at him for deserting her. "She's got a virus infection, Natalya. The only way to treat her is to get her into hospital for a course of injections" Dr. Suranoma finished examining the delirious woman in front of him. "If she goes into hospital she'll be recaptured" Natalya replied simply, "She was my friend when we were children. I won't let that happen!" "If she doesn't get the treatments she'll die, Natalya." The doctor spelled the truth out in no uncertain terms, "I can only give her something to alleviate the symptoms for a short time. She'll be lucid and able to decide what she wants done" Sarah helped Natalya pin Susan to the bed. In her delirium she was making it difficult for the doctor to help her. She tossed and turned. Her temperature was high which was clear by the deep flush of her cheeks. She was also covered in perspiration despite the best efforts of Natalya and Sarah to prevent it. They had bathed her every couple of hours to try and keep the perspiration at bay and Susan's temperature down. They had also changed her night clothes and bed clothes regularly. With the help of the two women the doctor injected several drugs into Susan's arm. The doctor filled them in on what he was doing, "This will bring her temperature down but as I said its only temporary. The damage is done. I'm not exaggerating when I say she'll be dead within the week without the treatment and the drugs are mood enhancing and may make her depressed and anxious. If she's upset by her husband's death this could make her feel a lot worse, so keep a close eye on her." "We will! When do you think she'll wake up?" Sarah asked this time. "Probably in an hour or so" the doctor replied, "When she does come around explain her situation to her straightaway because she'll get worse again quickly and suddenly" ******************************************** The doctor was correct in his estimates as in little over an hour, Susan woke up. "Where am I? Where's Laura?" She asked in confusion. "You're in our boarding house" Natalya explained quickly remembering the doctor's words, "Laura's fine. She's in the cot over there" She pointed to the cot in the corner, "I've been looking after her for you Susan. She's asleep at present!" Susan suddenly stared very hard at the woman in front of her. Her face crinkled up as she struggled to remember the past, "Natalya! Is that you?" Susan finally recognized her old friend. "Yes. Now be quiet and let me speak for a moment." Natalya need to explain to Susan what the doctor had told them and she didn't know how much time they had, "You're still ill Susan! The doctor says unless you go into hospital for treatment you'll be dead within the week" Susan took several moments to take in this shocking news, "Psi-corp will get me if I do!" Susan replied and then when what Natalya had said began to sink in even more, Susan realized the true import of what she had been told. She would have to surrender if she wanted to live but surrendering would mean her daughter would be taken by Psi-Corp. Her baby had no other relatives to look after her. She would be orphaned whichever way Susan decided. There would be no way psi-Corp would let her keep her baby. Suddenly she felt angry. How could Marcus have left her alone to cope with this? "I don't believe this. Marcus promised me he'd always be there for me! So where is he now? He's dead! He's left me with a baby and he's dead. I shouldn't have trusted him." Susan began to work herself up into a frenzy. Sarah was frightened by the intense anger she could see building up in Susan. An anger was building that Susan was too ill to cope with. Sarah attempted to calm Susan down, "Susan...SUSAN! Calm down. You feel like this because of the drugs the doctor gave to nullify your symptoms. You have to try and keep calm" Sarah tried to explain interrupting the conversation her daughter was having. Susan looked at the old woman with tears in her eyes now. Sarah understood the pain that Susan was going through. She had been widowed too, "How could he leave me alone. He knows I didn't want to be alone again but he forced me into caring for him. Now he's gone and died and left me all alone again" Susan started to sob. Sarah sat down on the side of the bed and hugged Susan to her, "Ssshh...He didn't want to leave you, Susan. He loved you. Try to remember that" Sarah attempted to comfort the distraught young woman. Susan began to cry in earnest now. Like a dam bursting her emotions escaped her, "I loved him so much. I don't want to be alone. No-one is going to do this to me again. It's just Laura and me now, no-one else" She was unable to say anymore. Susan cried and cried and Sarah held her and rocked her until the cries and the shivers that ran through Susan's body ceased and she fell asleep again. *************************************** John had picked up his son from his minder that Neroon had sent to keep the boy safe. David had been over-joyed to see him when he arrived and John lifted him up in an enormous bear hug. David was 18 months now and could say a few words, run around on his little legs and was normally a quiet and content little boy. He had pale blonde hair and blue eyes. In fact he looked like a little angel. But, it was obvious to John that what had occurred on the station had upset his son deeply. David's little tear stained face testified to that. The rangers' explained that during the attack the light's had failed and David had been petrified despite their best efforts to comfort him. David had kept calling for his momma and daddy. "It's okay David, daddy's here now and we're going to see momma now too" John spoke to him comfortingly, "Everything's gonna be fine. I won't let anything happen to you" However, it was obvious by the way David clung to his dad that the little boy was going to take some convincing of this. Wanting to hurry back to Med-Lab to Delenn, John decided to carry his son on one hip. It was safer for David with all the debris everywhere and quicker as David tended to totter around quite slowly. Besides David needed the extra comfort of being close to him. John was carefully picking his way through one of the more damaged parts of the route to Med-Lab when he first heard PPG fire ahead of him. The sound terrified him. He had no weapon. He had been in such a hurry to get to David that it hadn't crossed his mind that they could be in danger. Action was required. He first moved David onto his other hip, before speaking quietly into his link. "C & C, this is Captain Sheridan, I'm on my way to Med-Lab with David but I can hear weapon discharges ahead of me. What's going on?" For a moment there was no reply but he could hear his officers in the background shouting urgent instructions to each other. Something was definitely wrong! Finally it was Neroon who came onto the link, "Captain, it appears we missed an incoming landing pod. It hid within the debris field and now it's come in 2 levels up from your position and the troops are cutting you off from Med-Lab" Neroon informed him, "I suggest you come up to C & C until we can round up everyone who came out of that pod!" While this conversation had been going on, John suddenly realized that he could hear firing from behind him as well now. He was trapped, <> he swore to himself, " Neroon, I'm trapped they've got behind me now, as well as in front. I haven't got a PPG. In fact I've got no weapon at all!" To the Minbari the protection of their young was a primary concern. It was unthinkable to allow harm to come to the little ones. It was one of Valen's laws. It would be a stain on his honor if he allowed any harm to come to David whilst he was officially in charge of the station. So he instantly tried to think of a way to help the Captain safely out the danger he and David were in, "Is there anywhere around you can hide until I can get troops to you" Neroon replied sharply. "I'll find somewhere but please hurry Neroon, David's upset and I can't allow him to be hurt" the plea of a father frightened for his son. "We'll be there Captain! You have my sworn word on it!" Neroon terminated the link. Now John started to look around him. All the time talking in a low but comforting tone to David, "Okay young man" John spoke to his son, "We need a place to hide. Where would be the best place?" John looked around and finally spotted a maintenance cupboard and quietly opened it. "This looks like a good place, David" John walked over and opened it. It was a very small cupboard. "This should do!" but David wasn't quite so impressed and was not at all happy about entering the dark and tiny hole. John managed to keep the boy calm for a few moments by turning on the light but when more firing could be heard nearby no amount of fatherly chit-chat helped. David began to cry. John got them in the cupboard and tried to comfort his son. It seemed to be working and David began to calm down with only small sobs escaping him. However, 2 minutes later, loud shots could be heard directly outside the cupboard, the lights went out and David started to scream noisily. [End part 9 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - part 10 V2 Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:12:42 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 10 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... **************************************** Any comments, moanings or just groanings to xuj42@dial.pipex.com I hate silence!!!! ***************** Part 10 of 13 V2 A Shining Beacon By Ali ***************** In Med-Lab things were not going well. Delenn wanted her husband and her son to be there and couldn't understand what was taking them so long to reach her. Delenn's contractions were getting much closer together now and she simply wanted John there to support her. In her opinion it wasn't much to ask given that she had carried their child around for 9 months already. She literally grabbed Stephen when he entered her room next, "Where's John? He should be back by now". She demanded irritably, "He was only supposed to pick up David and come straight back." Stephen knew Delenn didn't need this sort of distraction but unfortunately he had little more information than her, "I don't know and communications with C & C are down so it's impossible to ask them where he is!" Stephen replied calmly, "But I'm sure he'll be back soon" he added trying to sound comforting and convincing. Delenn couldn't reply as another contraction hit her and Stephen decided now was the time to check and see how things were going. After all that was what he'd come into the room to do. Maybe his conversation would divert Delenn's attention away from John's absence. "You're nearly fully dilated Delenn" Stephen informed her, "You'll need to start pushing soon." His answer was not really what Delenn wanted to hear and now she was starting to get angry, "YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW THAT" she replied forcefully, "Just find John and get him here NOW!" Stephen seeing the mood of his patient left the room and sent Zack off to find the Captain straightaway. ************************** John was in trouble and it was probably a good thing that Delenn didn't know his true situation as it was precarious to say the least. The Earth Force trooper had heard David screaming and was not prepared to leave any possible enemy at his back, "I don't know who's in that cupboard but you'd better come out now!" the Earth Force trooper demanded. John wanted them to know that he was no threat to them and he also wanted them to know he had a child with him. Unless these trooper's had been trained differently than was usual, it was unlikely that they would fire on a child. John refused to believe that even President Clarke could cause the GROPO's discipline to fall that low. "I'm not armed and I've got my young son with me. We're no threat to you at all." John yelled out to the trooper from his position in the cupboard. "That may be so but I want to see for myself. Get out here now!" the trooper ordered. John was not surprised that the trooper wanted them out of there. It would be bad military practice to leave a potential enemy at your back. Slowly, John exited the cupboard holding David who on seeing the heavily armed trooper stopped crying in shock and hid his face in his father's shoulder. John was very careful to make no sudden moves so as not to spook the trooper into firing. He was thanking his lucky stars that he was not in uniform and hoped to god that he wouldn't be recognized. Surely luck would be on his side and these troopers wouldn't have heard of his escape yet? Instantly John thought up an excuse for being there. One which he hoped was believable and feasible, "Look, I'm just a maintenance man. My wife was hurt and we were going to Med-Lab to see her. We're no threat to you and I don't want any trouble". Luckily David had a baseball cap on so the trooper couldn't see his tiny Minbari crest poking through his hair. John didn't want then to know who and what David was. It was too risky. "We're not doing any harm, please let us go!" However, the trooper was having none of it, "Sorry! But we've got orders to hold anyone we find but we don't hurt civilians so don't worry" the trooper informed him. Another enemy trooper arrived now and seeing that his fellow had another detainee spoke, "Follow me we're keeping all of you civilians in a holding room back this way. He reached forward and grabbed John's arm to direct him to where they wanted him to go but the sudden movement jostled both John and David. Before John could prevent it David's baseball cap came off and fell to the floor. The two troopers stared at David in surprise and shock. John could almost see their minds working as the troopers realized exactly who the two people in front of them must be. The PPG rifles came up and pointed at them again. The trooper who had just arrived was a sergeant and he smiled tightly, "Well, well! We've caught a big fish for a change. I thought you were already in custody. This is very fortunate as we need to get to C & C. We didn't come on board in the planned position and now you're going to show us the way." The sergeant looked in a rather obvious way at David who John was holding tightly in his arms. The boy still had his face hidden in John's shoulder, "If you don't want any harm to come to your half breed son, that thing that you're holding, you'll do as you're told." John knew that there was no way that he could take them to C & C. That would put the rest of his family and his friends in serious danger. All John could think about was that Neroon would be here soon. He knew he had to stall them to give Neroon's troops a chance to get to him but how? There must be some way out of this? ******************** Down on Earth, Michael and Marcus had landed close to the small hamlet where they believed Susan was hiding and quickly camouflaged the Medusa. Michael was instantly thinking of the practicalities of the search ahead. They didn't where Susan's summer house was and it might take a while to find it. Besides Marcus didn't appear to be quite up to practical planning. He was nearly beside himself with worry for Susan and his daughter Laura. "We need somewhere to stay and something to eat while we search" Michael stated simply, "And you need to rest, Marcus. You don't look at all well!" Marcus for once didn't argue, realizing that Michael was right. Michael was right for planning. Even if he wanted to start searching straightaway he felt too exhausted. It had taken them just under a day to get back to the Medusa and to fly to where they now found themselves. As they had had very little sleep recently they decided to wait until the next day before starting their hunt. It was now 10 o'clock in the evening. It was also extremely cold and dark. They asked in what appeared to be the only bar in the tiny hamlet where they could find a place to stay and quickly found out that there was actually only one place to stay in this hamlet if you didn't have family or friends here. After a short walk they knocked at the door to the boarding house and Sarah Moslov answered it. She was nervous. Who could have arrived in the tiny hamlet at this time of night? The regular train only came once a week. Only someone from the city, with money, could hire their own craft to get here. The only people, as far as she could think, who would do that were Susan's enemies. "Yes, How can I help you?" She asked trying to sound polite and unconcerned. "We need some rooms for a couple of nights" Michael asked equally politely but noticing the woman's nervousness. "Fine! We have a few free. Come in out of the cold" Sarah eyed the two men suspiciously. The didn't look like Psi-Corp agents or Government heavies but she thought to herself its not like I've had a lot of experience with that type of person, "Follow me. We've got two rooms that will suit you." Sarah intended to put them in the back of the house as far away from Susan's room as possible. These people could be perfectly innocent visitors but she knew that the utmost care was needed for all of their sakes. She knew that she and Natalya could probably be executed for harboring an outlaw under the terms of the Marshall Law in force on Earth. So she didn't want any outsiders getting suspicions that she was harboring an outlaw. ************************* Not knowing what was happening below, Natalya and Susan were talking quietly in Susan's room. Natalya was trying to pursued Susan to go into hospital and Susan had quickly realized that it was her only option at this point if she wanted to live and care for her daughter. But Susan's options were limited. What would be more important to Laura? A living breathing mother or freedom from Psi-Corp. Natalya had promised to care for Laura until she could be returned to Babylon 5. But would they be able to get Susan dropped off at a hospital without anyone seeing them. If they left any clues to Laura's whereabouts then Psi-Corp would claim her and Susan would lose both her life and her daughter's freedom. Natalya knowing the decision that Susan needed to make was causing her enormous amounts of grief, was trying to alleviate her friend's extremely distressed state. This stress was heightened by the drugs Dr. Suranoma had given Susan. Susan's anger at Marcus hadn't died yet in fact it had increased. Whilst pain, guilt and anger were stages in the grieving process, Susan seemed stuck in the anger stage and the anger was intensifying with every injection she received to nullify her symptoms. Susan was concentrating on Marcus' absence to hide from the horror of making a decision that she didn't want to make. She described an earlier moment of her marriage to her friend, "I remember the scene clearly" Susan stated matter of factly, "Marcus was out. I was being really ill with morning sickness. I kept being sick and I felt like death. I felt so awful. Marcus arrived in the middle of me throwing up. I was having trouble catching my breath and starting to panic. I couldn't breathe. It was frightening. He was so apologetic for leaving me alone like that. He held my hair out of the way while I was sick and then carried me back to the bed to rest as I couldn't find the energy to move. I'd only gone into the bathroom to clean my teeth because my mouth felt so disgusting after throwing up all night" Susan was really reminiscing now. "It was then that he promised me. He said, 'Don't worry I won't leave you alone again! I'll be here'. Marcus had found me there in the bathroom when he came back from the market. He'd only gone out to get me some tomato soup to eat because he knew that's my favorite when I'm ill. He told me, 'I won't let you be alone again' but he did!" "Susan, he loved you" Natalya stated evenly, "What more could he do?" "HE COULD HAVE DAMN WELL LIVED AND NOT LEFT ME ALONE" Susan began to shout, "He promised me he wouldn't leave me alone and he lied!" At the bottom of the stairs heading towards the back of the house, Marcus heard the voice and instantly started to run to the stairs. He knew it was Susan. He'd know her voice anywhere. "That's Susan! Where is she?" Marcus demanded anxiously. "Who are you?" Sarah demanded in return blocking his path. She wasn't going to let any of Susan's enemies in to her if she could help it. Even if it meant going and fetching her grand-father's shot gun. "I'm her husband! Now where is she?" Marcus demanded impatiently, "In there?" Marcus nodded to a nearby door. "We thought you were dead" Sarah stated as an explanation for her actions. Marcus headed for the door and Michael followed close behind. However, Sarah hadn't finished. She wanted to explain about Susan's condition. Wanted them to know what to expect when they entered Susan's room, "Wait! Susan's ill! I need to explain..." but Marcus didn't give Sarah a chance as he slammed open the door to Susan's room. Susan looked up as the door swung open with a bang as it hit the wall. She was shocked by the noise and in her fear that Psi-Corp had found her again, it took Susan a moment to even realize who it was coming through the door. Then she simply stared at Marcus as though he were some sort of apparition. Marcus crossed the room to her bedside within an instant. He tried to wrap his arms around his wife but now Susan seemed to awaken and she resisted his touch. She pushed him away uncertainly. "But your dead! How can you be here?" Susan demanded as if not believing her own eyes. "They lied to you Susan" Marcus explained briefly, "I'm fine. I never thought I'd find you here so easily!" He tried to hug her again but still she resisted. Susan held Marcus at arm's length and studied him carefully. She slowly considered his words and took in what he had told her. Then for a brief moment pure joy lit her face. The moment ended quickly and just as quickly the walls went up around her heart and the anger she had been harboring towards Marcus sprang into life. Marcus saw the fire leap into her eyes. He also saw something that he had hoped to never see again. Susan's emotional defenses were back. The ones she had used to hold him at bay before they had finally got together as a couple. But before he could try and understand what this meant Susan attacked him verbally. "You left me alone!" Susan accused, "You promised me you wouldn't do that" "I haven't left you. I'm here to take you home" Marcus once again tried to enfold Susan in a hug and recover his wife from the hell he could see in her eyes but Susan drew away from him. "No!" She almost screamed at him, "I had Laura and I was alone. You weren't there. I called for you but you didn't come." Susan accused again. Marcus was stricken by this unexpected attack. This wasn't exactly how he had expected their reunion to go. Susan continued, "I trusted you. I really trusted you but you lied. YOU LIED TO ME." Now Susan started to shout now, "You made me care for you and then YOU LEFT ME ALONE" Susan got out of the bed and poked Marcus in the chest. He took a step back not sure how to react to the woman in front of him. He didn't recognize her. Something was wrong with her. Not just wrong but terribly wrong. "You left me alone. I loved you and you left me alone. How could you betray me like that?" Finally Marcus tried to defend himself but was so shocked by what Susan was saying that he couldn't get the words out of his mouth. Susan continued to rave as Michael, Sarah and Natalya looked on shocked. Michael had never seen Susan act in such an irrational way. "You don't love me, you never loved me. I hate you. I REALLY HATE YOU!" The attack continued to become more vociferous. However her tirade was terminated very suddenly. The blood drained from Susan's face. She swayed dizzily and looked around in confusion. Marcus only just managed to catch her as she collapsed to the floor unconscious. Marcus cradled his wife in his arms and looked up. There were tears in his eyes. "What's wrong with her?" Marcus knew that the woman he loved wouldn't act like this. "She's ill! The drugs the doctor gave her to alleviate the symptoms are also mood enhancing. She's got angrier and angrier with every injection we've given her" Natalya spoke up, trying to explain. "There's more you need to know. We hoped Susan would make her own decision but..." Sarah left the sentence hanging. "She needs the antidote for the virus she's picked up but it's only available in hospital and...." Sarah started. "and going there would risk being recaptured" Michael interrupted. "Damn!" "Yes! But there's more. Listen to me." Sarah wanted them to understand the whole problem, "The doctor said that when she finally collapsed again, she'd only have 48 hours at the most before she died!" Sarah finished. Marcus paled as Sarah's words sunk in, "We've got to get her back to Babylon 5 now!" Marcus stated swallowing the panic that was rising in him, "We'll leave straightaway!" "Don't forget Laura" Natalya interrupted. Marcus had almost forgotten his own daughter in his worry for Susan. Marcus carefully passed Susan's limp form to Michael and approached the cot. He looked tentatively down into the blankets and found his daughter smiling at him. He gently picked up the baby and cradled the baby in his arms. His eyes were shining in wonder and he was near to tears. "She's beautiful! She's my daughter? My daughter!" Marcus stroked the cheek of his daughter, "So soft" he whispered, "Just like your mother!" Marcus smiled down at his tiny daughter, "She smiled at me Michael!" "That's wind Marcus! We have to leave now" Trying to hurry Marcus up. Natalya helped them collect Susan and Laura's belongings up. Susan was wrapped very carefully in a blanket to keep her warm in the cold night air. Everyone there knew that it would be a race against time to get Susan home in time to save her. Michael and Marcus hurriedly thanked Sarah and Natalya for their help. Marcus promised to get word to them of Susan's condition and then they left and headed for the Medusa. Headed for home, back to Babylon 5. The only hope for Susan's life and freedom. [End part 10 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 20:39:58 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 11 of 13: [V2] by Ali Any moanings, groaning etc to xuj42@dial.pipex.com Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... ****************** Part 11 of 13 V2 A Shining Beacon By Ali ******************* John desperately stalled for time. He hoped that Neroon's troops would be here soon to get him out of this mess. There seemed to have been too many occasions recently when his life seemed to be out of his control and he needed help to continue. It was not a situation that he liked. He was too independent to want to rely to heavily on others. Hastily, he thought up an excuse, "I can't take you to C & C" John lied, "The route's blocked with rubble and debris from the attack." For all he knew that might not even be a lie! However the sergeant was having none of it. "Your lying! Take us there now!" the trooper demanded impatiently. He then started to threaten, "You wouldn't want there to be a nasty accident for your son. Would you?" The threat was blatant and without subtlety. This caused John to make a decision. He had no alternative but to use his only other option. He had to get his son a way from these men and so he'd have to make a break for it. He had made a brief plan before exiting the maintenance cupboard. He'd hidden a bottle of cleaning spray between him and David. If his situation got desperate and if he had the chance he had planned to use the cleaning spray as a weapon. His situation now appeared to have degenerated in to the need for that weapon. John would spray the cleaning fluid in the trooper's eyes and then hopefully get away while the troopers were momentarily blinded. Realizing that Captain Sheridan wasn't co-operating, one of the troopers made a grab for David, believing that the Captain would be more likely to cooperate if they had direct control over his son. John was not having this and he reacted instantly by pulling out the spray can and spraying it directly into both of the troopers faces. He knew he had to make every moment count. He quickly turned and ran for safety. He was careful to keep his own body between David and any possible attack from the troopers. They so very nearly made their escape complete. They'd almost reached the end of the corridor and safety, when PPG fire hit John in the legs and sent him sprawling to the ground. John desperately tried not to fall on his son's body so as not to squash him as they fell. However, his attempt to do this caused him to drop the boy a couple of feet in front of him. Instantly, he tried to get up and reach David. However, John quickly discovered that his legs wouldn't hold him up. The pain hit him now! An intense sharp pain that seared through him but all he John could concentrate on was that David wasn't moving. David hadn't moved from where he had fallen. He forgot everything else that was occurring around him and dragged himself over to his son and picked him up and turned him over. Blood was pouring from a cut on David's forehead and the boy was out cold. Desperately, John searched for a pulse. Even after finding one his pain continued and he attempted to waken his son. "Nnnooooooooo! David! DAVID! Wake-up!" John was so upset by David's state that he failed to see one of the troopers had now trained his PPG on John again and was preparing to fire. The trooper's eyes were streaming and he shouted, "You bastard! You'll pay for that." The trooper fired. **************************************************************************** Unknowing what was occurring to her son and husband in another part of the station, Delenn was still in the middle of giving birth. However, that fact didn't remove from her mind her anxiety for the rest of her family. She wanted answers, "Where's John? Why isn't he here?" Delenn demanded, "Why isn't he here?" Unfortunately Stephen had no answers to give her, "I don't know Delenn!" Stephen advised her. "Now listen to me Delenn, you have to calm down and concentrate on what you're doing now. When the next contraction comes I want you to push" "I want John and David!" Delenn demanded angrily again ignoring Stephen's words but her tirade was cut off by another contraction. "Push Delenn. Now! And again push. The baby's almost here" Stephen concentrated on the job in hand. Then really quickly everything happened. Delenn's baby arrived safely in the world. "It's a girl! Delenn, a beautiful little girl" Stephen gave the baby to Delenn wrapped in a small sheet. "She's beautiful Stephen. So very beautiful" Delenn began to cry softly, "But where's John? I wanted him to be here and see this. I want him to see his daughter" Now that the job was done Stephen had more time to comfort Delenn, "Zack will find him Delenn. Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be here soon." He silently prayed that this would be true! *********************************** Marcus sat next to Susan's bunk on the Medusa. Michael was flying the ship and they were to rendezvous with a White Star soon so that Susan could be got to Babylon 5 even quicker. Michael had contacted Babylon 5 and arranged it with a ranger who appeared to be helping out in C & C. When they had first carried Susan on board the tiny ship and tucked her up in one of the bunks, she'd been very hot and feverish. She had remained unconscious despite Marcus's attempts to wake her. But she was very restless, continuously tossing and turning in her delirium. She had kept calling for Marcus and asking why he'd left her. This had nearly broken Marcus's heart. He already felt he had failed her by letting her be kidnapped in the first place. Marcus's took his failures very seriously. He hated to fail in his sworn duty and at their marriage ceremony he had sworn to protect her. Susan had had a very difficult life and he had so desperately wanted to make her life easier! Marcus had attempted to comfort her. He had held her cradled in his arms trying to get through to her that he was there and she wasn't alone but still she had called to him. Every word Susan spoke tore at Marcus' heart as she sounded so lost and alone. But Marcus' fears had started to increase as the hours passed by. He had watched his wife's condition carefully. He monitored everything. After a while Susan has stopped her feverish restlessness, stopped calling for him and was becoming ominously still. Marcus knew that she was slipping further and further away from him. There was very little time left for her. After a while Marcus could bare it no longer, "Susan! Love, please listen to me" Marcus demanded, picking up her hand as tears started to form in his eyes, "You have to fight this. You must live. We need you too much. You can't leave us alone. Laura needs you and I can't live without you" He began to cry quietly, tears rolling down his cheeks and onto Susan. There was absolutely no response from Susan. She gave no indication that he had heard her words. Marcus needed to do something to help but all he could do was watch and pray. He had never been one for praying a lot so instead he jumped up and paced the room. Next he approached his daughter. She was such an amazing wonder to him. He picked Laura up. <> Marcus thought frustrated, <>. He turned back to Susan and swore, "Damn it Susan. You can't leave us, you can't. I won't let you. You're daughter needs a mother and I need your love. I won't let you leave us behind!" Still there was no response from Susan. If anything her physical condition had worsened even more in the short time whilst Marcus had been talking. Her breathing was becoming shallower and more weezy. Every breath seemed such an effort for her to make. Her skin was pale and had a waxy sheen to it. She was dying! There was no getting around it. Susan was laying there dying and Marcus couldn't stop it. He couldn't help her in anyway. It was blatantly clear that she couldn't last much longer. ************************************* The PPG rifle fired but just as it did the trooper's rifle was hit by returning fire. This deflected the killing beam away from John. John hearing the shot swung around hoping to see Neroon and his warriors, Instead he saw Zack had fired it and had continued firing until the trooper collapsed to the floor. John also saw that Zack was alone without any back-up. Before John could warn Zack about the other trooper, the last remaining trooper started firing to taking Zack in the shoulder. As Zack fell the trooper took the opportunity and started to take aim at John. The trooper determined that this man whom he considered a traitor would die for what he'd done. Zack with his wounded shoulder was unable to get his weapon up in time to prevent it and to John, staring down the barrel of the PPG, it looked like he was about to die. In what he believed were his final moments John shielded David with his body and prayed that Delenn would forgive him for not being able to get back to her. He loved his family so much and he knew how much grief his death would cause to them. He so much wanted to see his new child before the end. The trooper suddenly toppled forward onto the floor and to his immense relief John saw Neroon behind with a PPG in his hand. Neroon spoke first, "Are you okay?" John's first thoughts were instantly for his son, "No! David's hurt. We need to get a Med-team to him straight away. Please Neroon we have to help him" Neroon could see that John was distraught. He could also see that John was injured himself, "Captain" he said gently, "Let me look at him" Neroon gently took David from John's arms hoping that he would find a pulse in the tiny body that he now held in his arms. It wasn't fair for one so young to die. He found one and breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Nearly immediately the Med-team arrived and they split up between David, Zack, John and the 2 troopers. The trooper's were quickly declared dead and the Med-team started to concentrate on those still alive. The Med-team working on John were blocking his view from his son. "What's going on, Neroon! Is he okay?" John called in desperation, trying to brush away the people trying to assess his own state of health. However the highly trained Med-team were having none of it, "Keep still, Sir" the paramedic requested, "They're doing all they can for your boy but you have to let us take a look at you." John could now see that David had been lifted on to a trolley and was being wisked away. He didn't want his son to be alone if without a friendly face if he woke up. He also wanted someone there to protect him, just in case they ran into any more Earth Force troopers. "Neroon! Please go with him. Please!" John begged, "Don't leave him all alone" Neroon didn't argue and simply nodded his head, "Of course Captain! As you wish." He disappeared off after the trolley. The Med-team continued to work on him and John's leg burns were quickly covered to prevent infection and he was carefully placed on a trolley for transfer to Med-Lab. Zack, it appeared, was well enough to walk. His arm had been put in a sling and strapped to his chest to prevent him moving his shoulder and he was carefully helped to his feet. The Med-team slowly began to move them up to Med-Lab 2 for Stephen to see in the clearing station that had been set up. ************************************ Delenn was sitting up in bed feeding her daughter when she saw David being rushed into Med-Lab and couldn't scarcely believe her eyes. She saw Neroon was with him. Where was John?? Now was the time to get the answers that she had been craving, "Oh Valen! Neroon! What's happened?" she demanded fiercely. Neroon filled her in with as little fuss as possible, "Captain Sheridan was attacked by Earth Force troopers from a landing pod whilst he was on his way here. There was a fire-fight." Neroon informed her, "The Captain will be fine but he's got some burns on his legs. I'm sure he'll be here any minute. Mr. Allen saved him and then we dealt with the other troopers" "What's the matter with David. Will he be okay?" Delenn pleaded, "Please, Stephen tell me!" "It looks worse than it is. He knocked his head and scalp wounds always bleed alot. He'll be fine after a rest. We'll give him some painkillers for the headache this will give him when he wakes up! Don't worry." The conversation was interrupted by John being brought in. He instantly called across the room, needing to know that his son was all right. "Is he okay?" "He's fine John. He's going to be fine. Don't worry." Delenn threw herself into her husband's arms, "We have a daughter too John. I want to call her Leanna. Is that okay?" "Ambassador!" Stephen interrupted them. His patients were not staying in their appointed places and were getting in the way, "You should be in bed and I need to treat John's wounds. You need to rest" Delenn looked pained but she could see that John and David were okay and that would have to be enough for now. She could see that Stephen was serious, "Okay, doctor". She kissed John soundly and returned to her room. In the next hour, David was treated and placed in a small bed in Delenn's room along with John. The room was quickly turning into a personal ward for the Sheridan family. Finally, John and Delenn were able to talk and John was allowed to hold Leanna when she woke up. He couldn't get over this new beautiful baby that had arrived in his absence, "She's beautiful Delenn, just like you!" "Your such a charmer John Sheridan. I knew I married you for a reason!" She frowned slightly, "We're lucky to all be here John" "I know!" and after putting Leanna back in her cradle he pulled his wife to him not wishing to let her go. ***************************** Marcus had never seen a more welcome site than when Babylon 5 came into view. He was shocked by the damage done but the station was still shining in the darkness promising hope for Susan. He was just praying that it wasn't false hope. They'd called ahead again and Stephen was ready in the docking bay with the first of the injections Susan required. They exited the shuttle quickly. Michael carried Susan out of the shuttle. Marcus couldn't carry her very far because of his own injuries. Marcus had Laura in a carry case and was taking her to Med-Lab with them for a check up. Stephen rushed up to them and put the first injection directly into Susan's neck to get its life saving properties into her body as quickly as possible. Michael carefully laid Susan down on the trolley that the Med-team had waiting for her and then stepped back and allowed Stephen to do his job. While Marcus and Michael watched, Stephen was desperately trying to stabilize Susan's condition to give the injection time to have its affect. It was clear that Susan was fighting for every breath she took. The noise of her breathing had filled the docking bay. It was terribly wheezy and a rattle could be heard in Susan's chest but suddenly, the docking bay went eerily quiet. The quiet was so unexpected that at first Marcus failed to realize its true import. Susan's weezy and troubled breathing had stopped and her body was trying to give up the desperate fight for life. Stephen and his team went into action and started doing CPR. Her trolley was wisked away to Med-Lab as Stephen called ahead for a cardial stimulator to be ready, along with other equipment, when they arrived. Marcus and Michael followed on behind the Med-team. Michael was keeping a close eye on Marcus who had gone as white as a sheet when Susan's breathing had terminated. He looked shock and uncomprehending. Michael took Laura away from Marcus, afraid that Marcus might drop the baby because of the shock he was suffering. Minutes later the Med-team arrived at Med-Lab. John and Delenn were woken up as Susan's trolley was rushed in. Seeing who the patient was and realizing that Susan wasn't breathing was an enormous blow for them both. They both loved Susan and couldn't believe what they were seeing. They hadn't even realized that Michael and Marcus had found her, let alone that they had found her in this state. Michael and Marcus arrived soon after and they all watched as Stephen fought to save Susan's life. Marcus watched with tears running down his face, "Stephen, you have to save her" he cried brokenly, "I can't live without her!" Stephen continued working on Susan's lifeless body, "I'm trying Marcus! I'm really trying" Stephen was calling his crew to get certain drugs and other equipment as he continued to work on her but so far nothing seemed to be having any effect. Susan's body wasn't reacting to any of the treatments it was being given. She appeared to have given up her fight for life. "She can't die" Marcus turned to Delenn, "Please! Please don't let her die too. I can't lose her as well. It wouldn't be fair" Delenn came forward and hugged Marcus to her as they all waited to see what would happen? [End part 11 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon - Part 12 Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 20:32:09 -0000 "A Shining Beacon" Part 12 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moanings, groanings etc. to xuj42@dial.pipex.com You can send praise too I won't mind!! ***************** Part 12 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ***************** The room was silent except for noise that the medical staff were making around Susan's still form. Still no breath came from her body despite the determined efforts of Stephen Franklin. Her face was growing more and more pale. Then there was a call from one of the Med tech's, "She's in cardiac arrest!" "Damn!" Stephen swore, "We're going to need that cardiac stimulator now!" The other Med-tech brought the small gadget over. The team continued to work but still there was silence from Susan. She was not responding to treatment. Marcus watched all of this in disbelief. How could Susan be dying before his eyes. She had been so full of life only days earlier. Susan was giving up. Her tired and ill used body was giving up the fight against the virus. He started to pray silently to himself, <>. Tears were welling up in his eyes and he watched the drama occurring around his wife in a dazed silence. He felt numb, nearly to numb to breath. He caught his breath in hope when he heard one of the Med-tech's call out, "She's got a pulse and her blood pressure is rising!" "Okay!" Stephen replied smiling now, "Give me 50 ccs of vinegrazin polymer" The Med-tech instantly obeyed and Stephen injected Susan in a drip which had been placed in her arm. Marcus held his breath praying that Susan would live. Life wouldn't be worth living if she died. His prayers were answered. Suddenly the room was filled with the noise of a weezy breath being drawn in. Susan was now once more struggling to live but her breathing was still very labored. It was obvious to Stephen that she wasn't out of the woods yet! But Marcus took no notice of that. All he could see was that Susan was breathing and that she was alive. "She's alive! Oh thank Valen, she's alive!" Marcus let out his breath and the sick feeling which had nearly crippled him slowly left him. The adrenaline that had kept him going since leaving for Earth suddenly seemed to leach out of him and Marcus felt extremely exhausted. He literally began to shake and seeing this, Delenn and John quickly got him to a chair before he could collapse. Stephen was busy organizing Susan's continued care. She was now being attached to a whole series of monitors and intensive care equipment. He was giving instructions to the Med-tech's who would be monitoring her status for him. Once he had finished he turned and walked over to Marcus and the other's. "I can give her another injection to kill the virus in 3 hours Marcus. If she survives until then she stands a good chance but there are no guarantees. Do you understand that?" Stephen wanted Marcus to understand the full nature of Susan's condition. But Marcus wasn't listening. All he could see was that Susan was alive and it was Stephen who had saved her, "Thank you Stephen. I'll never forget that you saved her for me". The mood in the room had gone from dread to hope in the space of minutes. Behind them Susan was having what seemed like a lot of drips placed in her arms to give her life sustaining fluids and other medicines. Despite the fact the he was talking to Stephen, Marcus winced ever time another needle was placed into Susan's arm. He hated to see anything hurt her. Now Delenn noticed something else and sought to divert Marcus' attention from his other troubles with it. She walked over to Michael and peered into the Laura's carry case that he was holding carefully, "Marcus!" Delenn spoke loudly to attract his attention away from what was occurring to Susan, "Is this your baby?" she picked out the tiny baby who started to cry as she was awoken from sleep. Marcus smiled for the first time that day, "Yes, she's called Laura. Stephen has to check her over but she seems fine. She's my daughter, Delenn, my own daughter" The pride on Marcus' face was clearly evident. Passing the tiny baby to Marcus, Delenn then wondered into her room and came out with Leanna. "This is our daughter, Leanna. She arrived yesterday" Delenn showed Marcus her new baby. "She gets more beautiful everytime I see her" John added with a note of fatherly pride in his voice. "She's lovely Delenn. John, Congratulations!" Marcus replied understanding their pride in their new child. "Well now that we've done all the introductions who is going to own up to which baby is making that terrible smell?" Michael inquired sarcastically. "It's Leanna" Delenn replied embarrassed, "John could you change her for me?" "Sure honey" John replied teasingly, "I knew you married me for something" "Delenn could you and John watch over Laura for me a while I sit with Susan, just until she's over the worst of this" Marcus requested quietly. "Of course. I was about to offer to do that for you" Delenn replied in earnest and walked back over to Marcus to collect her. Marcus gently kissed his tiny daughter on her forehead and wrapped her up again in her blanket before handing his daughter very carefully to Delenn. He got up then and followed as Susan's bed was taken into another room all on it's own. *************************** it wasn't until three hours after receiving the second virus killing injection, that Susan returned to the land of the living. She sighed deeply. Her vision was fuzzy and for a while, Susan couldn't work out where she was. She yawned deeply and started to study the room carefully as her vision slowly cleared. The room and its decoration looked familiar. Where was she? Then it came to her! She was in Med-Lab. How had she got back to Babylon 5? She desperately tried to remember what had happened. She remembered the station in St. Petersburg, the railway journey, the boarding house, Natalya.... But still Susan couldn't remember how she had come to be home again and she was about to call for Stephen when she realized that she was not alone in the room. To her side, Marcus was sleeping in a chair by her bed. His head was resting on his arms on the side of her bed. But Marcus was dead? She reached out to him, wondering if she was seeing an apparition. Maybe this was just a dream. Just seeing him there made her stomach do wonderful somersaults. Oh, how she loved him but the love that she felt for him was suddenly and ferociously overridden by an enormous wave of anger and resentment. Susan could barely believe that the emotions were actually coming from her. She was surprised. What was the matter with her? The sound of Susan stirring gradually came to Marcus even in his state of exhaustion that had caused him to fall asleep at her bedside and suddenly he was instantly awake and alert. "Oh thank Valen, you're awake. I've been so worried about you my love" he reached out to stroke Susan's hair off of her face but was stopped dead when Susan spoke in an acidly bitter tone. "Don't touch me! Get away from me Marcus" She edged carefully away from him on the bed, trying to put some distance between them. Marcus, however, persisted in his attempt to reach her. He wasn't going to allow her to reject him again and he continued to stroke her hair gently. However, Susan was in no mood to have her feelings ignored, "DON'T TOUCH ME MARCUS!" Susan screamed at him, "I told you to leave me alone. I don't want you here. I don't want you near me." Marcus could see that Susan wasn't behaving rationally, "Susan, calm down. This isn't you. It's the drugs that you've been given. Please listen to me. I love you so much" Marcus tried to stop Susan's angry outburst and reached out to her again. But still Susan denied him, "No! You don't love me. You left me alone" she stated accusingly. Now Susan went on the offensive and was determined to show Marcus exactly how hurt she had been by his desertion. That was how Susan saw it. She had been deserted and left to cope alone. Susan pulled herself up out of her bed, causing the alarms on all the monitors to go off. They blared through Med-Lab causing Stephen, John and Delenn to come running into the room. They were shocked to see Susan in the state she was in. She stood wildly in the center of the room, screaming like a banshee, as though possessed by some fiery force. Even in her weakened state, Susan's anger was as hot and intense as a lightening strike. With every word she spoke she poked Marcus in the chest and caused him to retreat away from her. "You left me alone! You promised you wouldn't do that but you did it anyway! How could you?" Susan screamed at Marcus and now began beating her fists against his chest. To stop her doing this and to try and calm her down Marcus enfolded Susan in his arms and thereby trapped her arms at her sides. However, even this didn't stop Susan from struggling. Marcus was starting to lose patience. He wanted Susan to understand how hurt he was by her accusation, "Damn it Susan! I didn't want to leave you. I love you so much! Please stop struggling and let me help you! I'm not ever going to let you go, you know that!" Marcus tried to reason with her. Susan was past reason and just wasn't listening, "I hate you" she flung in his face and now with a note of pleading in her voice, " Let me go. Please just let me go. I can't stand it, please!" Susan collapsed in Marcus's arms forcing him to the floor and began to cry great heartbroken sobs. Finally, Susan stopped struggling and buried her head in Marcus's shoulder. Her sobs were intermittently broken by heart broken whispers, "How could you? I was all alone. I was so scared but you weren't there for me". It was breaking Marcus's heart just to hear her like this. Susan was usually so strong and would normally never let her emotions get away from her like this especially in front of so many people. Stephen quietly came up behind Susan and injected her with a sedative and she slumped gently into Marcus's arms. He easily picked her up and gently placed her back on the bed and then turned to face the others. "She hates me John. She hates me!" Marcus declared forcefully. He continued but his voice started to break, "I tried to get to her but I couldn't and now she hates me!" Marcus was in desperate need of some reassurance and John attempted to help, "Marcus, Calm down. She still got the mood enhancing drugs in her system." He reminded him, "That's what's making her so angry with you." "Mood enhancing?" Marcus raised that subject quickly, "She must have been angry in the first place for the mood enhancing drugs to intensify it. Lets just face facts she hate me." Marcus was starting to wallow in self hate and Stephen decided that it had to be stopped now. "Marcus! Stop it! She's sick. She was grieving for you. Part of the grieving process is anger and yes that includes being angry at the person who died!" Stephen told him sharply, "If you'd got to her later she might have been going through the guilt stage and then it would have been herself she would have been upset at." "So what are you saying Stephen" Marcus demanded tiredly. "I'm saying when the drugs are out of her system, in about 10 hours, she is going to feel dreadful about what she said to you. IF and I repeat, IF, she remembers it at all. She's been very ill and she might not remember anything" Stephen told him the facts in no uncertain terms, "She's going to need you here! Don't fail her again!" Marcus looked at the doctor and then at Delenn and John. He realize he was being over emotional and stupid because of how tired he was. He wouldn't fail Susan again. He took a deep breath and pulled himself together. "She's going to need me? Yes! She'll need me and Laura needs me. Your right Stephen, I'm sorry." ******************************** 11 hours later Susan woke up again. It took her awhile to realize , once again, that she was in Med-Lab. <> she thought with disgust, <> However, her thoughts were interrupted by voices in the next room. She could hear Marcus speaking with Stephen and John. <> Susan thought in sudden terror. She just couldn't bare the thought of seeing Marcus after what she'd said. She had to get out of here. She needed time to think and to get her feelings sorted out properly. Then she would face him and sort this out. Making that decision she carefully and quietly slipped out of her bed and made for the door. [End part 12 of 13] From: "Alison Laker" Subject: A Shining Beacon Part 13 V2 Date: Sat, 4 Apr 1998 17:38:29 +0100 "A Shining Beacon" Part 13 of 13: [V2] by Ali Standard Disclaimer: B5 and most of the characters are owned by JMS and Babylonian Productions. No infringement of the copyright is intended... Comments to xuj42@dial.pipex.com ***************** Part 13 of 13 A Shining Beacon By Ali ****************** Susan hurried to the door of Med-Lab. It was amazing no-one spotted her or that she had managed to untangle herself from her monitors without setting off any of the alarms. She was dressed in one of Med-Lab's standard grey gowns. It was short any barely covered her enough to be decent. Her feet were bare and she was cold but she ignored all that. All she knew was that she couldn't face Marcus, her husband. Not after what she'd said and done. She'd been too cruel for him to ever forgive her. Susan had almost made it to the door, when she heard a stricken voice behind her. She knew who it was without even needing to turn and look. "Susan!" It was Marcus. His voice choked with fear and hurt, "Where are you going?" Susan spun around to face him and stared in horror at what she saw. She took in his dishevelled looks, the red-rimmed eyes, the large black circles under those eyes. She had done this to him. Susan had always loved Marcus' eyes. How blue they were and how you could lose yourself in them so easily. She saw the tear stained face and the bandages from his wounds recieved on the Agammemnon trying to help her. The raw pain in his voice as he questioned where she might be going. Susan felt like weeping. He was in so much pain and it was all her fault. All Marcus had ever done was love her and what was his reward - her being a spiteful bitch. "Marcus...." Susan began to speak, to try and explain. He couldn't possibly want her anymore but she had to try. "Susan, I..." Marcus interrupted. "No! Marcus please let me finish" Susan begged. If he didn't let her speak she knew that she would lose him. She had to make him listen. Susan needed and loved Marcus. She wasn't properly alive without him. The distance of 3 metres between them seemed like an insurmountable gulf to her. "I'm so sorry Marcus, so sorry for what I said." Then she started to berate herself, "How could I be so cruel? All you ever did was love me. You brought the light back into my life, where before there was only darkness. I repaid you with... with... with hate. Marcus can you ever forgive me." Susan believed her heart would break if Marcus left her. Marcus tried to speak but Susan continued not letting him get a word in. "Marcus, I love you!" She stated simply, "I love you so much it hurts sometimes. I can't live if you're not there to keep the darkness away. Please don't condemn me to loneliness again. I couldn't bare it." Susan stopped. She couldn't even look at Marcus afraid to see his rejection of her. She very carefully studied the cracks in the floor and waited to hear his expected words of rejection. The people she loved always left her but this was the first time she knew that she had to try and prevent it. She knew in her heart that if Marcus rejected her then she would die. Not in reality but in spirit. He was all she had. She would continue to exist but Marcus had shown her how to love life again. She didn't think she could go back to just existing as she had before she met him. She shouldn't have been afraid though. Marcus was across the space between them and wrapping his arms around her before she had the time to draw breath. "Susan, I'd never leave you. I love you. I've been so afraid...afraid you'd die....afraid you hated me but through it all I could never stop loving you. Just remember that what ever you do I won't let you live without me." - - - - - - - - - - - - - About 10 minutes later, which was what Delenn, John and Stephen deemed a suitable time period to leave them alone, they interrupted the couple. Marcus was still holding Susan in his arms as though he'd never let her go again. "Excuse me" Delenn spoke first, smiling at the couple, "But there's a baby here who'd very much like to see her mother again." "Is she okay? I couldn't look after her properly when I was ill and I was so afraid she might catch it." Susan spoke up in fear. Delenn passed the baby to her mother. "She's fine" John put in, "a bit of a screamer, like her mum but she's much healthier than the rest of us." Susan looked up from her baby's face at this comment, "Is everyone okay? How did you escape? What happened?" "We'll let Marcus fill you in on the details" Stephen interrupted her questions, "But healthwise, John's got ppg burns so's Marcus and Zack. David's got a nasty cut to his head" seeing Susan's concerned expression added quickly,"But will be fine in the morning. Delenn's had a beautiful baby daughter, Corwin's got a head wound. Only Neroon and Michael seem to have come out of this whole episode relatively unscathed." "What about you?" Susan enquired curiously. She knew Stephen usually left his own health very low down on his list of priorities. She wanted to remind him that he was important too! "Me! I'm a doctor. I'm fine. Thanks for asking." Stephen seemed surprised by the question as if doctor's were somehow immune to being hurt. Susan contined to cradle her daughter in her arms, "She's so beautiful, I thought I'd never live see her again" Susan started to choke up with all the emotions and Marcus sat her down and crouched down in front of her. He pushed her hair off her face. "Its okay, Susan. I'm here, we're altogether and safe now" "What do you think of your daughter, Marcus?" Susan looked up at him and smiled. "She's almost as beautiful as her mum and nearly as noisy" Marcus informed Susan as Laura began to cry. Susan laughed at this and then reached up and kissed Marcus again. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ten days later and the station was beginning to look a bit more presentable. All the debris around the station had been cleared away by work crews from the Agammemnon. Babylon 5's work crews has their hands full clearing the debris from inside the station and had now finished the most urgent work. Communications around the station were still intermittent. The technical staff were working on the problem as poor communications could lead to dangers for security and everyone else on the station. 75 troopers had been captured from the landing pods that had latched onto the station's exterior with about 20 dead. There were also prisoners from the Earthforce fleet who had escaped their dying ships in escape pods. Also a number of star furies had been captured in tact after the main battle had ended and the tiny fighter had no ship to return to. Also it appeared that a small number of cruisers on reaching Babylon 5 had refused to fight not believing the lies that they had been told about Sheridan and were now being issued, along with the Agammemnon crew, new ID's. After careful vetting Sheridan planned to put these ships in the Babylon 5 fleet. The Captain was also involved in negotiating with Earth gov concerning the prisoners return to Earth. The station having no facilities to hold such a large number of people. G'kar had made contact and advised that the Centauri homeworld would be secured soon. They were having problems with a few of the military bases which were being held by suicidal extremists. Although he had also mentioned that they'd come across a large number of Centauri citizens who were being directly controlled by shadow keepers and this could explain the actions of some of the extremists. He'd promised to contact them later with a fuller report as soon as he had more time. - - - - - - - - - - - - - All in all, it was still a stressful time for them all, so to alleviate the stress they were all under Delenn has organised a small get together in the Sheridan's quarters. All the children were there and Marcus and Susan were discovering the joys of having a baby around. "Considering that 10 days ago you were declaring your undying love for me, I'm disappointed you won't do this one small thing for me Susan" Marcus managed to put on an expression of disappointment and hurt. "I changed Laura's last nappy, Marcus. It's your turn!" Susan pleasantly informed him in return, completley ignoring his woebegone expression. "You're not going to get out of it Marcus so I'd give in gracefully if I were you!" John added remembering similar conversations he'd had with Delenn, "And I'm speaking from experience." Delenn glared at her husband. But Marcus didn't give up and appealled to Michael. "Michael wouldn't you like to change your future god-daughter's nappy" But Michael was having none of it, "No Marcus, not really!" He smiled, "She's a beautiful child and I'll love her loads but there are limits and this is one!" Finally, Marcus accepted defeat and got on with the rather smelly job, "hey...She smiled at me!" "Marcus, that's wind!" Susan groaned in exasperation, "How many times do I have to tell you?" Susan informed her husband pleasantly. "Don't you two ever stop arguing?" John asked Marcus whilst Susan attention was diverted. "Not often!" Marcus admitted with a smile, "She loves me really though. We haven't been married that long it'll take awhile for my natural charm to wear her down into silence" "I can't believe we're here, all safe and well" Delenn spoke up. "We're very lucky" Stephen admitted. "Yes we are!" as John hugged Delenn, David was running about and Leanna was snoozing in her carry case, "very lucky in deed" he repeated as he watched his children. "Babylon 5's a lucky place to live" Marcus added, "It's a shining beacon in space, to light the way in time's of darkness...." "Marcus!" Susan interrupted her husband. "Yes love" Marcus grinned at her. "Shut up and change that nappy" - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the get-together, John put David and Leanna to bed. He had been thinking over recent events and had quickly realised how differently it could have turned out if they hadn't been lucky. "You know we are very lucky" John spoke to his wife as they cuddled up on the sofa, "Things could have got really nasty. We could have lost the station, our friends, each other....." "Don't think about it, John" Delenn replied soothingly. She had noted that John tended to dwell on things if she let him. He had enough things to worrry about without thinking about what might have been. "But..." "No buts John, the universe put us here for a reason. We haven't finished the job yet so the universe wouldn't let us leave this place and brought us safely back" Delenn reached up and cupped his face in her hands gently. "You're right Delenn, we're meant to be together." John replied and kissed her. All worries forgotten, he now gave Delenn his undivided attention. - - - - - - - - - - - - - After leaving the Sheridan's quarters, Marcus and Susan had dropped Laura off with Michael who'd promised to baby sit for the afternoon while he watched cartoons. Michael said he'd intended to ensure Laura was well educated in good cartoons. These little things had to be started early if true appreciation of the art form was to be achieved. Marcus and Susan had happily left him to it and gone for a walk in the gardens. However Marcus was concerned that Susan might be wearing herself out. She had been very ill, nearly died, only a little while ago. "Susan, you're looking very tired" Marcus remarked carefully, "Are you sure you want to go out tonight?" "I am just a bit tired. Laura's wearing me out" Susan replied evenly, "How can you be this awake when our baby screamed the place down for half the night?" she enquired in surprise. "Did she?" Marcus'look of surprise was not well received by Susan. "You must have noticed me get up 5 times to feed her last night!" Susan replied shortly. "No, it takes alot to wake me up" Marcus replied carefully. He was going to get himself into a lot of trouble if he wasn't careful. "Well, in that case, tonight you can stay up and feed her while I sleep. I'll express some milk for you!" Susan informed him sharply, "Oh and if you don't wake up I'll smack you around the head with your pike. That should wake you up. Don't you think?" "Yes love!" Marcus replied gloomily. "Marcus!" Susan smiled at him. Her love for her husband clearly evident, "You look so cute when you're in a grump" She reached up and kissed him, "Maybe you should feed Laura every night." She arched her eyebrows suggestively and openly grinned at him now. "Don't push your luck Susan" Marcus advised pulling her towards him and kissing her, "I do love you, you know, but there are limits!" Marcus prevented any further reply from Susan by kissing her again. - - - - - - - - - - - - - All in all Babylon 5 returned to its usual state of organised chaos that always plaqued the command staff. However, they now all were pleased enough to suffer the chaos because they were happy enough that Babylon 5 was still in existence with them on it. The station may be a little dented in place but it was still there as a shining beacon to light the way in times of darkness. [End part 13 of 13] - - - - - - - - - - - - -