From TryelSana@aol.com Wed Dec 25 01:21:57 1996 Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 12:51:06 -0500 From: TryelSana@aol.com To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: New: Soul of A Man Part 1/? The Soul of a Man Part one By Penny Horwitz This story take place two weeks after the events in Senses. All the Characters, settings etc. are the property of JMS, and Babylonian Productions. This work of fiction is not a challenge to the copyrights of said owners. Legalese done now on with the show. /And Tevelen said to the Council " The time for the Rangers has passed, but when their time comes again I shall be there to lead them. This I promised Valen, and his name I will keep this promise." And with that he placed the Mantle of Entilzha carefully with the books of prophecy, and allowed it to slumber until it was needed again./From the Prophecies of Valen Marcus Cole couldn't sleep. I had been the same since Delenn had announced her intent to see him take over the Rangers. He wasn't about to contradict her, but in the depth of his soul he felt he was the last being in the galaxy worthy to be appointed Ranger One. He had trouble taking orders, now they wanted him to give them? And at the same time there was his blooming relationship with Susan to consider. he though to himself The doorchime sounded and Marcus looked to the entrance as it opened. "Hello Marcus," Susan Ivanova stepped inside as the door closed behind her "I just finished my shift and figured you could use some company," she looked him over for a moment, "You look exhausted. You're worried about the Rangers again." " Is it that obvious?" he asked as she walked over to his bed and sat beside him. "In a word...Yeah" Susan smiled and gently kissed him " I told you before the day I don't know something around here....worry!" " I think I'll just stop trying then" Marcus collapsed back onto the bed. "I don't know why you're so worried. Delenn has faith in you and so do I." "But why me?" Marcus tried to blow the stray hair out of his eyes unsuccessfully, and Susan gently brushed them aside as she smiled. " Because Marcus, besides knowing how to make the critical choices, you know how to make the right ones." She encircled him in her arms " Okay, I have something that I though might help you relax. I brought a classic vid to watch." He looked at her curiously. "Ever heard of The Princess Bride?" This got a smile out of him "Yes actually, I read it when I was younger." "Read?" "You know Susan, books ,written language, paper." He dodged as she tried to hit him with a pillow. " Yeah I know books but I didn't know this was one of them." Ivanova put the data crystal in the reader, and activated the monitor. Marcus put his hand to his chin and looked thoughtful as the movie began. " You know that's not how I pictured him." "Pictured who?" "Wesley. I always thought he had darker hair. Well, at least they got the accent right." " Like you, maybe?" " I had quite an imagination when I was younger." he said in a wistful voice. Susan just watched him for a moment and then laughed. "They're like us!" Marcus agreed. "Maybe the way we used to be. The most beautiful woman in the world who also happens to be very stubborn, and orders him around. And all he can say is 'as you wish' until she figures it out herself." "Well, at least they speak the same language." she snorted " 'Nuh san, Felani. En Eleez meh dran'" her voice was mocking as she spoke. Marcus rolled his eyes and smiled. "Well, it looks like the lessons in Minbari have finally paid off." He then grabbed her and dragged her down on the bed with him. "Now the question is, what can you teach me?" He ran long fingers through her hair as a smile lit his eyes. All Susan could do to respond was hit him with a pillow, and the war was on!. ************************************************************ The Minbari war cruiser Solaris slid through the darkness of the void quietly, leaving no clue of its passage. Inside the great ship stood those who ruled the Minbari, the new Grey Council. And at its head, one of the greatest leaders of the Minbari since Valen himself, stood to answer the questions of her own. "Delenn, this human Marcus Cole, is not one of our own." said Maylen of the worker cast. "How do we know that this man" the last word was said with disdain "will not use the Rangers for his own purposes?" " I know. " came another voice from the council as Neroon pulled of his hood " I, who fought against him to my shame, know that Marcus is not of the Blood of the Minbari but he is of the heart." Maylen was unconvinced. "Is that why all of the warrior caste has fallen behind this human? You count him as one of your heart, Neroon? Do you truly believe the last of the prophecies? That one which was not even spoken by Valen himself." There were other deserters among the council, only Delenn and the Satai from the Warrior caste stood by Delenn's choice to take her place as En'til'zha. "Maylen, what do you want?" Delenn asked. "He must be tested as we tested Sinclair. If he is truly of the 'heart' of the Minbari, then we shall see it." Delenn sighed, and agreed, "If my word as well as Satai Neroon's are not enough, then I will have Lennier bring him to here, and you can have your test." With that last declaration Delenn stormed out of the chamber. ************************************************************ If Lennier was shocked when the door to Marcus's quarters opened and he saw a tousled Ivanova wielding a pillow, and advancing on the Ranger, he did not show it. "Lennier! Good to see you. It seems your timing just saved me from an attack." Marcus got off the bed and walked to the entrance. Susan dropped the pillow as soon as the Minbari Ambassadorial aid walked into the room. " Hello, Lennier." she said as she tried to straighten out her uniform. Lennier nodded to the Commander. "Marcus, you must come with me at once." Susan and Marcus looked at each other, confused. "Why, Lennier?" was all he said. "The Council wishes to see you. Immediately." Susan's eyes widened in comprehension. "I thought the Grey Council had been disbanded." "It had, but after the end of the war the Council was reinstated." Lennier looked directly at Marcus. "There is division in the council over your appointment to the post of En'til'zha. They have demanded that they be allowed to test you to see if you are worthy." "Test him, how?" "As they had tested Sinclair. Marcus, we leave in two standard hours. Be ready." Lennier bowed and left. Susan looked at him. "What the hell do they mean worthy? I remember talking to Jeff about his experience. They left him with a hole in his mind!" Her voice raised an octave. " I have a feeling I know what they will be looking for, and I'm afraid I won't be what they need." "What does that mean?" Susan was screaming now. "What happens if they don't find you worthy?" "Susan, You're going to have to trust Delenn, and Lennier, and if you can't trust them I hope you would at least trust me." Ivanova just stared quietly in for a moment "Damn it, Marcus, why are you always so cavalier with a life that's important to me?" Marcus held her tightly setting his own fear aside to comfort her. "I promise I'll come back. I promise." ************************************************************ Lennier and the Ranger boarded the Minbari flyer, and prepared to depart. Ivanova was in C&C with the Captain to watch the launch. "C&C to Flyer, you're clear to depart." The Commander said with a dispassionate voice. "Minbari flyer to C&C. We copy Commander, Tuza nas valeen." Marcus's voice was clear across the comm. Then the jumpgate opened and the ship disappeared. Sheridan looked at Ivanova. "What did he say?" When Susan spoke, it was quietly for only her Captain and friend to hear. "He loves me." ************************************************************ Three days had passed since Marcus had left her, and again Susan found herself fighting with the wolf. It was almost 2:00 AM, with her shift begining at 5:00. Marcus would be arriving at the Solaris by now. She missed him, missed his tender touch, his passion, his low seductive voice, and most of all the touch of his mind and the feeling of his love for her. Ivanova stared up at the ceiling and though about her lover. she asked herself even though she knew the answer. Susan violently pushed the thought out of her mind. She couldn't afford to think like that. Not now, not with so much at stake. Ivanova gently touched the Star of David Marcus had given her for Valentine's day. and that thought released her to sleep. ************************************************************ End of Part One From TryelSana@aol.com Wed Dec 25 01:22:20 1996 Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 12:57:37 -0500 From: TryelSana@aol.com To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: New: Soul of a Man part 2/? Soul of a Man Part 2 By Penny Horwitz Standard disclaimers: The characters, settings, etc. belong to JMS and Babylonian Productions. This work of fiction is not a challange to said owners copyrights. Marcus awaited his fate in a small room. he thought to himself: The door finally opened, and Delenn, and, to Marcus's surprise, Neroon, entered. He stood and bowed to the pair of Minbari. "En'til'zha, Satai Neroon." He greeted them both in a calm voice the belied his feelings of nervousness and fear. If Neroon was surprised at this human knowing the intimate details of the most well kept secret of the Minbari Federation, he did not show it. "Marcus," Delenn said warmly, "Are you ready?" The Ranger looked at the beautiful Minbari woman for a moment. Marcus had always known that Delenn kept her own counsel on many things, and most of the time he had respected her choices. Now though, he had to know. " Delenn, I must ask..... you why?" " Because we need you Marcus. The Rangers need you." He wanted to say that the answer wasn't good enough, that he knew that there was some deeper reasoning for all of this. <"They left him with a hole in his mind!"> He could hear Susan's voice echoing. He wasn't like Sinclair, Sheridan, or Susan. Marcus was a loner not a leader. Nonetheless, he had sacrificed a part of that when he fell in love with Susan. he protested silently even as he said "Then I am ready." The three walked down the halls of the Solaris without anymore words, and then they arrived at the outer entrance to the Council's sanctuary. Neroon then left them to join the rest of the Grey Council, and when admittance was finally granted, Marcus Cole was told to enter the chamber alone. Delenn said she would await him outside. As he stepped into the center circle, the members of the council glided to their appointed places. Cole bowed in respect, but every line of his body spoke of a will determined not to break. Marcus noticed the staff of the Council had been reforged. He looked at it closely, amazed that Delenn had had the strength to break it, but then again, the tiny, beautiful Minbari woman had always been much more than she seemed. "Marcus Cole you have been summoned here to...." began the robed Minbari who held the staff "He knows why he is here. We do not need to waste his time on this. He is a warrior and does not need to stand on frivolity." Neroon voice was biting as he spoke. "If he is a warrior why do we need him?" spoke a voice that Marcus had never heard before, but knew immediately who it was. he thought. "We are at peace, and if the Rangers go to war the warrior caste will quickly follow. We need someone who will be a peacemaker not a warrior" the last word was said with venom, and those of the warrior caste were about to speak when the human beat them to it. "If you want a worm who will just bow and nod whenever anyone says anything, then yes, I am not the right person for the position." Marcus turned on the robed figure from which the voice came. "What I will do is defend the Rangers with all that I am. A friend of mine once told me that peace is sometimes another word for surrender. I want peace as much as anyone, but I also know that my first obligation as a Ranger is to protect and defend those who cannot do so themselves. The day I can no longer do that is the day I am dead." " Marcus, why do you seek this position?" the staff bearer asked. " Because Entilzha asked it of me." " Is that the only reason?" " If you are asking am I drawn to power, no I am not. I do not wish this office; I do not feel worthy of it. I am only a simple Ranger, nothing more. It would take someone extraordinary to take Entilzha's place. Yet I do this because I respect her, and her judgment." " As do we Marcus. So you submit to this test of your own free will?" " Yes" "Good, then return to your room. There will be food and drink there, and in an hour the test will begin." Marcus bowed and left the chamber. ***************************************************************** Susan Ivanova continued to stare out into space as the normal business of C & C went on around her. She turned when she heard the door open, and Lieutenant Corwin entered for his shift. " Lieutenant could you come over here please. I have a message for you." " Yes sir." the young officer walked over " What can I do for you Commander?" " Oh nothing much...just the Captain wants to see you in his office right away." Ivanova put on her best lioness stalking prey smile " So you better get going." " Uh, yes sir." Corwin backed out with an terrified look on his face. After Corwin nearly sprung out the door an small voice in Susan's head said Ivanova shrugged it off wishing she could be there when Corwin found out exactly what the Captain called him in for. Corwin though to himself as he strode down the corridors to the Captain's office. He knew the look on the Commander's face well enough to know it was trouble. But what could he have done wrong? Finally he entered the office, and Sheridan looked up from the pad he was reading. " Lieutenant Corwin reporting as ordered sir." Sheridan smiled " Thank you for coming so quickly Lieutenant. Please sit down." Corwin nervously took a chair. " Lieutenant, I've been reviewing your service record, and have come to a conclusion." "Sir, before you say anything I just want to say on behalf of my record that I did the best that I could, sir. " " Lieutenant...David, your service record is exemplary. You've done the best you could with a situation gone insane over the last four years and you have the making of a fine officer. Who gave you the idea that I was going to.... wait. Ivanova." David's eyes widened with relief, and he relaxed into the chair Sheridan had offered. Sheridan shook his head at his first officer's idea of a practical joke, but decided not to talk to her about it. Susan had enough thing on her mind right now. " Lieutenant, because of your record, you have two choices. The first is you can return to Earth Force as per the Tigress System treaty of 2262 with my recommendation that you be promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Or you can stay here, and the promotion is still yours." Sheridan was nervous about the first option. Many of his Command staff had originally taken that choice when the treaty was signed, and though he had filled those positions with others who had joined the Babylon Corps. he needed experienced officers. " Sir, I already know my decision. I would like to stay here." Sheridan smiled, and removed a small box that held the rank insignias he had requisitioned. The two men then stood facing each other. "Computer being recording." Sheridan said, as he removed the Lieutenants insignia, and replaced them with those of a Lieutenant Commander " That as of this date Lieutenant David Corwin has been promoted to Lieutenant Commander effective immediately." Sheridan then saluted him and Corwin saluted back. " Lieutenant Commander, you're dismissed." Corwin said his thanks and raced back to C & C. As he entered the door things went dead quiet, and everyone turned to look at him. "Lieutenant Commander on deck." Ivanova said in a loud voice, and all of his friends and co-workers saluted him. Corwin made his way to the front of C&C to confront Ivanova. " You knew!" he said. " David," she said with the first genuine smile in days " I keep telling all of you. The day I don't know something worry. Anyway congratulations." The Commander then turned to the rest of the staff "Okay everybody back to work. This isn't Earheart's you know." David went back to his duties, glad that, for the first time in what seemed to be years, something was going right for him. ***************************************************************** Neroon and Delenn gathered to wait for the test to begin. Rathenn entered the room to join them. " Rathenn, who is going to perform the test? " Delenn asked, remembering her own interrogation at the hands of the Vorlons. "It was decided that since Maylen speaks for those who object to Marcus, he would pick the telepath to conduct the test." Neroon snorted " I don't trust Maylen. His objection to Marcus seem to stem more from personal prejudice than any logical position." Delenn gently put a hand on Neroon's arm "You felt the same way about Sinclair." she said softly "Yes, and the irony was that it took a human to open my eyes. Still, I have some of my people keeping watch on Maylen." Delenn, and Rathenn both looked shocked, but Neroon just shrugged "It is good to know where your enemies stand. 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' as the humans say. It is a wise phrase." ***************************************************************** Maylen walked down the hall with the telepath he had chosen for this assignment. Neysha was young, but she was a strong telepath and her parents had both been worker caste, so she respected and did not question the powerful Satai. "Now Neysha, do you understand what I have asked you to do?" "Yes Satai, I am to probe the human's mind, with the help of the triluminary, and see if he has a Minbari soul or not." She was still confused about that. How could a human have a Minbari soul? "And if he does have one, I am to try to render him mad?" "Yes child, a human with a Minbari soul is an abomination. If you render him mad, we then can free the soul." Maylen smiled, trying to put the child at ease. " All right Satai, I will do as you ask." the young girl smiled back and walked away. The smile on Maylen's face became a twisted grin. ***************************************************************** The time of testing was at hand, and Marcus was escorted by two Minbari acolytes, who treated him with respect and a little awe. he wondered The room they left him in had only a bed, a table, and a triluminary. He knew that the latter was a part of the test though he didn't know how. Marcus sat down on the bed and waited for the test to begin. A young Minbari stepped into the room a few moments later. "I am Neysha. I will be conducting the test." Marcus nodded and bowed " It is an honor to meet you, I'm Marcus." Neysha was surprised. she had never met a human before and this man seemed to be very gentle and kind. He was totally unlike what she had expected. " Please lay down, and relax." Marcus did as he was instructed and moments later, the world went black ***************************************************************** Marcus stood in an impossible landscape filled with mirrors. As he walked, he saw the images in the reflective surfaces change. First, he saw himself with Susan, and then how he was when he was five. Another mirror show him with Kate on his arm....wait a moment, Kate had died in the Shadow attack on his colony. He reached out to touch the mirror and saw possibilities....what would have happened had Kate survived. That's what these mirrors were. All the possibilities of his lifetime, but what was he looking for? Then as he turned, he knew. Racing through the maze he kept glancing around looking for something, and then there it was right in front of him. The mirror reflected a Minbari, but when Marcus looked into his eyes he recognized himself. Cole then reached out to the mirror and remembered.... Tevelen glanced into the reflecting pool for only a moment as he passed and chided himself "Valen? I have the reports from sector 25 you asked for." The young Minbari called out as he entered the tactical center. " Good Tevelen." Valen walked toward him and patted him on the shoulder. " I would like to speak with you, please walk with me." Tevelen nodded and the two walked out into the bright sunlight. " Tevelen, you remind me of an old friend. And because of that I made you my hand. Now I am going to ask something even more difficult of you." "Entilzha, you don't have to ask, I'm willing to accept any task you give me." Valen smiled slightly " I am not sure if you'll feel that way when I do ask, but thank you for your trust in an old Minbari. Tevelen, when I die, you will still be in your prime. I want you to take over the Rangers when I'm gone." Tevelen's eyes widened " Valen, you've got years left. I will probably be dead before you... I'm a solider, I'm good at following orders, not giving them." "Tevelen, there is much more to you than you expect. You will do what is necessary when the time comes. I have faith in you." Marcus though as the scene desolved and he was himself again. he yelled into the vault of his mind. And a quiet voice replied:< You are who you have always been, and always will be. Then you were Tevelen of Minbari, now you are Marcus Cole. Does the name really matter?> And Marcus realized it didn't. ***************************************************************** Neysha had found what she had been looking for. He was Tevelen? Tevelen was second only to Valen in Minbari history. A great leader and it was Tevelen who'd taught the Minbari people that there was nothing higher that serving others. But what about what Satai Maylen had said about saving the soul? She had seen into this Marcus's mind, and he was a gentle man who was not a danger or an abomination. But the Satai had given her orders, and though she wept as she tried to obey them, obey she did. ***************************************************************** Marcus felt himself start to wake from the trance that he had used to relax, but then something dragged him back down into unconsciousness. Where he was, Marcus couldn't tell, but he had his pike with him and he heard movement in the shadows. "So you finally come to face me" came a voice, and a figure stepped out of the shadows. Dressed all in black, a sword in hand came...himself. " I thought you had forgotten all about me while you were playing at being a Ranger, and a Minbari." His double said advancing on him. "I don't know what you're talking about." Marcus stood his ground trying to figure out what was going on. Was this part of the test? He didn't think so. "Put a damn bonecrest in your head and you could pass for one of them now, but I'd still be here. You've become less and less human every moment since you joined the Rangers. You had to be more Minbari then the Minbari so you hid me away. Not anymore....NOT ANYMORE!" and his clone attacked. Marcus blocked with his pike, hoping it could deflect one or two blows before the sword cut through it. But the pike held for more then that, and as the fight dragged on Marcus began to notice things. Like the sword his double was using was the sword that "Arthur" had brought to Babylon 5, Excalibur. Then the answer came to him. Marcus quickly threw down his pike and knelt before his double. "Go ahead, kill me." he said meeting his twin's eyes. He then felt the tip of the blade pointed right at his throat. "You can't can you? You need me as much as I need you. You heard me I need you! I'm human, but I'm also Minbari. I need you." the sword was withdrawn from his neck, and as Marcus stood up his twin reversed the blade and handed it to him. "Just try not to take me for granted next time." he said, and Marcus smiled ***************************************************************** Maylen stormed into the room. Why wasn't the Ranger mad or dead yet? No one was that strong. he thought as he pulled out a knife. "Satai! What are you doing?" Neysha yelled and ran to the older Minbari " He's alive you can't hurt him!" "Child, you saw for yourself he's an abomination! He must be destroyed so we can free his soul" Maylen pushed the girl aside and prepared for the death stroke when a hand caught him. "Not very sporting of you Satai. Attacking a sleeping and unarmed man." Marcus applied more pressure to his grip around Maylen's wrist until he dropped the weapon. Neroon, and some of others from the warrior caste came running in with weapons ready, but Marcus had already taken care of the problem. The Ranger presented Maylen to Delenn as she entered, and she in turned ordered the Satai placed under arrest until they could sort out what had happened. Later when everything had calmed down, Marcus sat with Delenn as the council deliberated on the findings of his test. The young Ranger hadn't said much after his ordeal, and Delenn did not pry into what had happened. And when Neysha made her report to the council; there were no more objections to Marcus's leadership of the Rangers. Marcus looked up as Neroon, and Rathenn came into the room. "Did I pass?" was all he said. "How do you humans say it 'with flying colors?' I believe." Rathenn said laughing. Marcus's only reaction was a relieved sigh. One thing down, now he could focus most of his attention on the really trouble. Susan Ivanova. End part 2 From TryelSana@aol.com Tue Jan 28 22:29:49 1997 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 11:28:54 -0500 (EST) From: TryelSana@aol.com To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Soul of A Man A Part 3/5 Soul of a Man Part 3 of 5 By Penny Horwitz Standard disclaimers: see part one Extra disclaimers: Lyrics to 'One Day More' are the property of C. Mackitosh Susan had just finished a briefing with the new Earth Ambassador, and was heading down the hall when she bumped into Lt. Commander Corwin. "Oh, Hi David, I'm sorry." She blinked owlishly for a second. "I've been sort of preoccupied lately and I didn't see you." "That's all right Commander, I understand. Have you heard anything?" David had always liked Marcus, and he had envied the man to no end when he and the Commander had become an item. But he made Ivanova happy, and for that *everyone* in C&C quietly agreed that they owed Cole, because the last three weeks had been the easiest since Ivanova had become first officer. "Nothing yet. I'm starting to get worried." "What's the story on the new Ambassador?" David said, hoping to change the subject so Ivanova wouldn't start to brood. Susan smiled. "It's funny you should ask that, because she asked about you." "Huh? " "Does the name Alyssa Mills sound familiar?" "Oh no....Aly? No...and everything was going so well!" Susan looked at him quizzically, "Okay, out with it." "We grew up together. Aly was two years younger than I and ugly as hell...all braces, and freckles. She had the worst crush on me when she was nine, and never grew out of it. We moved when I entered high school so I never saw her again. Thank God! But she's here? Now?" "Yes she is, and she asked me where she could find you. I thought it was harmless, so I told her that you'd be off tonight, and where your quarters were." Ivanova was smiling broadly. "You didn't? You did! I can't believe this." Corwin was frantic, and this made Ivanova want to laugh even harder. "Lt. Commander, you are probably going to have to interact with Ambassador Mills at some point during her tour of duty here, so I suggest you get this over with now." Susan tried to say it in her best command voice, and was successful to a point. "Yes, Sir." Corwin replied dejectedly. "She said something about being over at 19:00. Good Luck." The Commander smiled and walked off, leaving the younger officer to ponder his fate. ***************************************************************** 19:00 came, and David paced his small quarters frantically, searching for a reason to be unavailable for this meeting. Then the door chimed, and there was no more time. David walked over to the doorway and ordered it open. There stood a beautiful woman, tall and graceful with brown eyes that were so dark they looked black, and long hair of the same color. David did a double take. The face was familiar, but instead of braces and freckles there was beauty and charm. "Hello Lt. Commander. May I come in?" She asked, her voice more musical than he remembered. "Of course, ma'am." David moved out of the way, and allowed her entry. The door hissed shut behind her, and she smiled "David! It's so good to see you again." Aly held out a hand. David took it, and in a moment of utter confusion kissed it lightly. Aly looked down at her hand, and then at Corwin. "You wouldn't have done that years ago. " "I was just 11 at the time you wanted me to, and I didn't like girls back then." He grinned back at her. David then offered her a chair, and the two of them sat down to reminisce about the old days. They talked late into the night about their lives and where they wanted to go. It had been a long time since Corwin had spent so much time with a beautiful woman, but she was still Aly. Though he had always made a show of disliking her, in truth they got along very well when they were little. David had actually cried when he had said goodbye to the small, gentle, little girl, who had made him the center of her universe, but he had tried not to remember that. He had just tried to remember that she was a pest who had freckle, and braces. "David, it's getting late. And I have a meeting with the Captain early tomorrow." She grimaced. "I'll never understand why it had to be at eight in the morning." She stood, and David walked her to the door. As it opened, he spoke. "Aly? I know I didn't say it before but...I missed you." "I missed you too David." Her lips were just inches apart from his, and so he gently kissed her with full expectations of being slapped. Instead, she just as carefully returned his affection by wrapping her arms around him. They stood like this for quite some time, and when the kiss finally broke she said "Goodnight David." Aly hugged him fiercely as if afraid she was dreaming, and David was in a state of shock. The two of them held onto each other, and David then timidly asked, "Do you have to go?" "No." she whispered, "I don't." The door hissed shut again leaving David and Alyssa in their own little world. **************************************************************** The next morning David walked into C&C with what could only be described as a shit-eating grin. "Good morning Lt. Commander. Did you and the Ambassador have a nice chat?" Ivanova asked innocently, and was rewarded with a crimson blush from the young man. "Just fine Commander, just fine." she smiled to herself. Then the console in front of her started beeping. "Commander jump gate opening, A Minbari flyer, and its ID codes match Ambassador Delenn's ship." Corwin stated from his post. Ivanova was on the link right away to Sheridan. "Sheridan, Go." "Captain, Delenn's flyer just returned from the Solaris." Susan looked over at the con to confirm the docking bay. "Docking bay six." "All right, I'll meet you there in 10 minutes. Sheridan out." "Lt. Commander, it's all yours...try and keep things intact until I get back." Ivanova tried to smile, and Corwin nodded. "Go on, Commander. I think I can handle things here." Susan raced out of C&C down to the bay. Sheridan was waiting at the entrance when she arrived. "Susan," Sheridan said quietly, "I'm sure he's fine." "I wish I could feel the same way. I've been having these horrid nightmares the past few days...I open my eyes and there's this crazed looking Minbari with a knife bearing down on me." She shuddered at the image. "I've got some more dime store psychology for you. Anxiety, plain and simple. You're nervous about Marcus being on the flagship of the Gray Council, something very few humans have ever done, and your dreams are manifesting those fears." "John, you really missed your calling when you went and joined Earth Force. You know that?" Ivanova said with sarcasm as they made their way into the docking bay. The three passengers of the flyer had already disembarked when Sheridan and Ivanova entered. Susan absently nodded to Lennier and Delenn as she headed straight for Marcus. "Hello, Susan, it's nice to..." Marcus never got to finish the sentence because in the next instant Ivanova was clutched onto him so tightly that he couldn't breathe. "Damn you, Marcus. Don't do anything like this again!" Ivanova let up on the hug, and Marcus inhaled. "I promised you I'd be back, didn't I?" He said softly as he held her. Sheridan cleared his throat and brought the two back to reality. "So, Marcus, how did it go?" John asked as he absently put an arm around his wife. "I hate to tell you Captain that Babylon 5 is going to be hosting another initiation ceremony." Sheridan smiled. "Good. Uh, Susan why don't you help Marcus, Lennier, and Delenn with the details. I'll get Corwin to cover your shifts." Ivanova nodded absently as the others left. There was something different about Marcus. She couldn't put her finger on it. The Ranger has always had a sense of being the boy who never grew up. Young, and now it wasn't gone so much as changed. She thought to herself "Marcus, what happened?" she asked quietly. Ivanova then reached out and touched his face. All of a sudden she knew. Ivanova pushed him away in horror, and then slugged him right in the stomach. "'No problem' you said. 'I'll be fine' you said, and yet somehow you managed to almost get *killed* by a *knife wielding nut*!" Susan was yelling at the top of her voice as Marcus was bent over trying desperately to catch his breath. "Susan, how was I supposed to know that Satai Maylen was certifiable?" He said in between gasps. Ivanova then realized what she had done and helped him up. "No permanent damage. You just caught me right in the diaphragm." "Sorry." "I should have known being in love with you would be dangerous." Marcus took a deep breath then smiled. "I'll tell you all about what happened after I sort it out myself. I've got a lot of thinking to do." "All right, I'll wait." Susan put her arms around him again. "I'm not letting you out of my reach for a while though. I love you." "I love you too." He said, and the two of them walked out of the docking bay. ***************************************************************** The preparations for the ceremony began as soon as possible, and two days later the Rangers began to arrive. Susan had been up in C&C most of the day doing her *favorite* part of being First Officer, directing traffic. Meanwhile Marcus, Delenn, and the Captain had been greeting their guests, and making preparations for their stay. With the ceremony the next day, Susan and Marcus hadn't had much time to spend together, but she was planning on changing that tonight. And as soon as she got off shift, she went to his quarters. Marcus was sitting back, in the small padded chair, eyes closed, listening to "One Day More" from 'Les Miserables'. /"One day more...Another day, another destiny... This never-ending road to Calvery./ Pondering the ironies of the music he was surprised when the door opened "Susan, what are you doing here?" Marcus turned. "Computer, volume one quarter." The music lowered, and Ivanova stepped into the room. "Nice selection," she smiled. "I saw it while I was at school abroad. I came to see how you were holding up." Susan walked over to hug him, and when she wrapped her arms around him, she felt all the tension drain from his body at her touch. They just quietly held each other for a while, reveling the silent warmth of being together. "Thanks you Susan." Marcus whispered. The past week and a half had been so hard. All the realizations and confusion they created would have been too much for him if it had not been for her. Marcus had done what he was asked to do for many reasons, but the greatest was the fact that he wanted to create a world where the woman he loved could live in peace and without the fear she had lived under for so long. Susan looked up into his eyes and found herself staring right into his soul. No one had ever been this open with her before. Ivanova realized. And yeah, she was being an idiot. She had been so afraid to give a part of herself because so many times before she had been given nothing in return, and now here she was doing the same thing to him. said the small voice in her head that spoke to her when she was frustrated with herself. she thought back And Susan proceeded to kiss Marcus soundly right on the mouth. Marcus responded, and Susan began to slowly remove his cloak. "Uh...Susan, what are you doing?" he asked nervously. Susan put a finger to his lips and said in soft tones, "What do you think I'm doing?" "Uh, uhm...Are you really sure this is a good idea? I mean we both have to be up for the ceremony tomorrow..." Marcus's protests were silenced by another kiss. "Susan...I'm frightened." This stopped her. "I'm sorry Marcus. I didn't mean to push too fast." "No, Susan. It's not that....I'm just afraid I might lose you." "Now where the Hell did you get a stupid idea like that?" Marcus just looked at the floor. "I told you the truth when I said I was a virgin. But there was someone who I was very fond of once. We had started just like this, and then she died in the Shadow attack on my home colony." Susan just reached out and held him. "I understand Marcus, I've lost so many people too. I was so afraid to care again for anyone, then you came along and I finally found I was ready to take the risk. If you aren't I understand and I'll wait. After all, it's the least I can do. You waited for me." The Ranger said nothing; his fathomless gray-blue eyes were bright with unshed tears. And then he kissed her. The kiss was gentle yet with a growing passion, and Susan couldn't help but respond. Susan began to remove his cloak again, this time without objection. Clothing fell to the floor, and then Susan realized there was a slight problem. "Uh, Marcus?" "Yeah..." he said absently as he was nibbling at her neck. "What are we going to do about the bed?" "Huh?" He followed her gaze to the Minbari bed he had in his quarters. "Oh...yes. That is a problem, isn't it?" "We could go back to my place?" Ivanova suggested. "And waste all this perfectly good foreplay?" Marcus said playfully. "I really don't think so. I've got a better idea." He walked to his closet, and appropriated a blanket and two pillows, which he placed on the floor. "It's not a four-poster bed, but it should work." Susan couldn't help but laugh, and that started a tickle fight. Marcus dragged her down to the floor with him, and the two again began kissing passionately. "Marcus...I want you." she whispered as she began to gently run her hands over his body. Marcus responded to her, and there was no more talk. Nothing that needed to be expressed in anything other than gasps, and sighs. In that single moment Susan Ivanova and Marcus Cole ceased to be two separate entities as both laid down the defenses they had placed around their hearts so long ago. These people who had been kept apart for so long by duty, pride, and fear finally surrendered to love and desire. And in that last blinding moment of climax, mind, body, and soul merged to strengthen the bond that had always been there. They fell asleep in each others' arms, secure in the warm embrace. ***************************************************************** Next Morning: "This is your wake up call. The time in 9:30 AM." Marcus rolled over and smiled at the still sleeping Commander. He shook her lightly, "Susan, time to get up." "I never realized how comfortable the floor could be," she muttered as she propped herself up on her elbows. "Susan, about last night? What did you *do* to me?" He asked, collapsing back on the pillow. "I can do it again if you want." She looked over at him with a predatory grin. "No thanks, I want to be alive for the ceremony....OH SHIT! Susan, the ceremony is in an hour!" "Well, there goes that idea." Ivanova laughed as she dressed. "Marcus, I'm going to head back to my room, shower, and get ready. I suggest you do the same. I'll see you there. I love you." Susan kissed him swiftly and left the room. Marcus shook his head to clear it, sighed, and entered the bathroom. End part 3 From TryelSana@aol.com Tue Jan 28 22:29:52 1997 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 11:30:28 -0500 (EST) From: TryelSana@aol.com To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Soul of a Man Part 4/5 Soul of A Man Part 4 of 5 Standard disclaimers: see part one After his shower, Marcus prepared himself for the ceremony, and began the walk down the hallway toward Sheridan's office, where the command staff was assembling. The smile on Marcus's face made it clear that he felt that all was right and good with the universe. "Congratulations ...Marcus Cole." Came a voice from behind him. It took Marcus less than a second to turn, pike at the ready. "Neroon." Marcus sighed and put down his weapon, "Please say we don't have to go through what we did last time. I'm not sure if my pride, or any other part of me for that matter, would survive it." Marcus's jibe was rewarded with laughter. "No, Marcus. Actually, some of my clan and I are here to make sure that such an encounter does not happen this time" Neroon looked at him "There are still others of my kind, Maylen's sympathizers, who feel that you should not become Ranger One." "I'd rather just give you the position." Marcus grumbled as they continued their walk. "Delenn appointed you, and I agreed with her. There might of been a time when I would of accepted, but that was before you corrected my...mistake. I could not lead those I do not understand, and truely I do not understand humans, but you do understand them- as you should, and you also understand Minbari. You are ideally suited for the task ahead." "Thank you Neroon. I wish I felt same." Marcus smiled wryle. "I think it will come to you with time Marcus, and do not hesitate to ask for advice from those you trust when you need it. They will be your best resource in the days ahead. But most importantly you must trust yourself." "Neroon, you're starting to sound like Delenn." Marcus said sarcastically as the turned a corner. Neroon missed Marcus's tone and said sincerly, "Thank you." _____________________ Marcus and Neroon were the last to assemble in the office. For a brief moment Marcus looked over the people who had become his family. Sheridan had his arm around Delenn's shoulder, as he usually did. Garibaldi gave him a glance that said 'Better you than me.' Delenn was smiling, and Lennier looked as unflappable as usual. Franklin gave Marcus a thumb's up sign, and then there was Susan: Her beautiful face was schooled in serious lines but, the way her eyes danced as she looked at him made Marcus want to forget the whole damn ceremony, sweep her off her feet...<"This is true love. You think this happens everyday?"> "Marcus, are you ready?" Delenn asked snatching the daydream right out from under him. "As ready as I'll ever be...Delenn." Neroon and Lennier left first followed by Franklin, Garibaldi, Sheridan, and Ivanova. Marcus followed the rest with Delenn at his side and behind him came two Minbari of the Star Riders clan. Delenn took Marcus's hand and held it tightly as she tried to convey strength to the younger man. They arrived at the ceremony site and the initiation began. Marcus thought to himself as a young Minbari of the religious caste brought in the mantle of En'til'zha. The young Ranger went through the motions of the ceremony while trying to sort out the changes of the last twenty-four hours. And then as Marcus caught Susan's gaze he knew. "...he who will lead us. En'til'zha." Rathann said as Marcus tried to put the last of his doubts to rest. ------------------------ After the ceremony Marcus, and the others returned to Sheridan's office where En'til'zha unceremoniously collapsed onto the couch. "I *hate* ceremonies. Thank God I don't have to give any speeches." "Don't be to sure about that Marcus." Sheridan said from across the room. "It actually might be a good idea to make some sort of statement about your intentions. After all, if I were, say Earth, Narn, or one of the other League worlds- I'd be wondering who in the hell you were. After all, you've just been made the leader of a military force. And one that a lot of people feel has outlived its usefulness." "I also hate it when you make sense. Why don't I just go back to being a shuttle pilot and you can be Ranger One Captain." Marcus ran a hand through his hair, and resigned himself to yet another course correction in his life. " You are right though. I might as well got this over with. I'll make this little announcement in the sanctuary in an hour." ------------------- Everything had been set, and the word had gone out. En'til'zha would address the assembled Rangers, and ambassadors within an hour after the initiation. The air had the feel of nervous anticipation; as few outside the Rangers, and the command staff of Babylon 5 really *knew* Marcus Cole as anything more than a name. Marcus stalked the halls of the station during that hour. He was like a coiled spring when Susan finally found him. "Marcus, are you going to be all right?" She asked concerned. "Why shouldn't I be?" His smile was fixed, and his cheerfulness forced. "Don't give me this bullshit, Marcus. I *know* you." Marcus sighed, and tried to brace himself for another of their traditional confrontations but found he didn't have the strength. So he tried a different approach. "I'm sorry Susan. I'm just worried about this. I've never been any good at speaking in public." Susan's eyes widened at this, and she tried, unsuccessfully to fight down the laughter. "Susan, I'm serious. I can talk in public if there's a crisis and I have no choice but speaking regularly to a crowd has never been my strong suite. I get sick every time I try." "I'll be right there Marcus." She took his hand "I promise. I'll always be right here." And she laid her hand over his heart. Marcus wrapped his arms around her and held her for a moment. Then he felt something...the soft caress of her thoughts...the warmth of her love for him. Susan smiled at him, and gently pressed her lips to his. Quickly the kiss grew more passionate, and for the moment Marcus relaxed and forgot about everything. Finally, after what seemed to be forever the kiss ended, and Susan broke the warm silence. "It's time." Marcus took her hand, and walked with her down the hallway. ---------------------------- Sheridan watched as Marcus, and Susan mounted the makeshift stage. Marcus looked calm but a little pale. Sheridan thought, but he knew that this was the first of many tests Marcus would have to endure as the new leader of the Rangers. Marcus would have to prove right here and now that he could lead them. No matter what the Gray Council tested him for *this* was the real test. An unknown, untried young man with no known leadership experience would have to convince the galaxy that he was the right person, at the right place at the right time. John knew from experience that any idiot could stand at the head of an army, but it took a real leader to convince that army that what it was doing was right, and just. He hoped that Marcus had the strength. Then Sheridan saw something that convinced him. It was just a glance, exchanged between Ivanova and Cole as she gripped his hand one last time before stepping down, but it spoke volumes about the feelings shared between the two. In that moment Sheridan knew that the Ranger would have the strength to do this and much more. Marcus watched the crowd gather from his place on the stage. The lights were too warm and bright. The mantle of En'til'zha had become increasingly uncomfortable, and the knot that had formed in his stomach showed no signs of easing. Even so, he stood his ground, and waited until all assembled took their seats. When all was ready, Marcus took one last glance at Susan, and began. "Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Rangers, honored members of the Babylon Five Advisory Council, and League of Non-Aligned Worlds. Thank you for coming. I stand before you today as the new voice of the Rangers. I thank my fellows for this great honor that I accept in all humility. I am just one voice among many in the fellowship, and I am most honored that the Rangers have granted me the privilege to use that voice on their behalf. I also stand here today as a symbol of a new era for the Rangers, and the galaxy. I know there are many of you who feel that the Rangers have outlived their usefulness. I say differently however. Yes, the Great War is over, but there is so much still left to be done. This will be the new purpose of the Rangers, not only to defend, and protect those in need, but to rebuild worlds who have felt the ravages of war, to help those races who lost homes during the Vorlon and Shadow rampages. For what better way to insure a future for our children than to build it together now. This is our goal; for by serving others, we serve the most important cause of all, a lasting peace for our successors." Marcus went on to detail his plans for the Rangers. Susan watched from the front row amazed at the power of his words. Somehow Marcus had channeled all the confidance he had displayed during the War into this speech. He spoke with power, passion, and conviction. And Susan was sure that she was not the only one in awe of this recital as she looked over the spellbound faces in the audience. Sheridan also watched, extremely pleased that Marcus was doing so well. John then looked behind the Ranger to see his first officer as she gazed sternly out over the crowd. < You know...retirement is looking pretty good all of a sudden.> He though to himself as he held Delenn close. The leadership of the Rangers was in very capable hands, and John had no doubt that Susan could handle the captaincy of the station. The though became very appealing. Marcus finished to thunderous applause, and nodded his thanks. Susan walked a step behind him as he left the sanctuary. As soon as they were out of earshot of the crowd that had begun to file out, Marcus spoke: "Susan, I think I'm going to be sick." "No," She laughed "You're not." Ivanova put his arm around her shoulders to support him. "Marcus, when I said I'd support you I didn't just mean figuratively." Cole smiled slightly, "I guess this is something I'll have to get used to." "Damn straight." ________________________ The pair made it back to the War room, where the Command staff had planned to regroup. Delenn had promised everyone, including Marcus, an explanation about Maylen's involvement and subsequent arrest. Marcus was just sitting down when the Franklin, and Garibaldi arrived. The doctor in Franklin took one look at the extremely pale face of his friend and began to worry. "Marcus, are you all right?" "He's fine," said Susan from the upper balcony. She walked down from the transport tube holding a glass of water in one hand. "Marcus just seems to suffer from...uh...performance anxiety." Marcus's coloring improved abruptly with the comment, and his jaw dropped to the floor. Franklin and Garibaldi just looked at each other and started to laugh. "Commander," Michael gasped, "Do we really need to know the *gory* details?" She walked over to Marcus, and handed him the glass. Cole downed it quickly, and then swept Susan up in a passionate kiss. As En'til'zha was busy proving that it wasn't *that* type of performance anxiety that bothered him, Sheridan, and Delenn walked in. The Captain cleared his throat and Marcus finished his demonstration. "Sorry Captain," Cole said as he let go of a slightly winded Commander. Sheridan thought to himself, "Delenn, could you please explain now about those complications you mentioned." "Of course John. As most of you know, Marcus has spent the last few days on the Solaris being tested by the Gray Council. What you do not know is that one of the Council made an attempt on his life." Garibaldi's eyes widened "Why the *Hell* didn't anybody tell me about it?! This could have just gotten him killed." Sheridan just held up his hand and motioned for his wife to continue. "The main perpetrator was a member of the Council named Maylen. He is of the Worker caste, but because of a personal tragedy he developed a terrible grudge against humans." Delenn's eyes were sad as she continued, "The three most important women in Maylen's life were aboard Dukhat's ship the day it encountered the Prometheus. Maylen lost his mother, his sister, and his promised that day. And it seems he swore revenge." " Then why did he accept Sinclair?" Ivanova asked. "Maylen was not on the Council at the time. He joined those who wear the Gray after the council was re-established." "Okay...let me get this straight, Maylen attacked Marcus; how? Marcus, how the hell could you let a armed nut get that close?" Garibaldi stared at the Ranger in frustration. "I was unconscious at the time." Marcus said quietly "Please, don't ask any questions about the test. I won't answer them." Sheridan was more than happy to allow Marcus his privacy. Whatever happened, it had changed the young Ranger, and Sheridan had a feeling it was a change for the good. Suddenly his comm-link paged him. "Sheridan, go." "Ambassador Mills wishes to speak to Mr. Cole, Captain." Sheridan looked to Marcus who quietly nodded. "Okay, send her to the War room. Sheridan out." About five minutes later the young Ambassador walked into the room. "En'til'zha." She said as the woman walked toward the Ranger. "Ambassador Mills, A pleasure." Marcus extend his hand, she took it, and shook it firmly. "The pleasure is all mine," Alyssa smiled "I have been asked by EarthDome to invite you to Geneva for diplomatic talks. Your appointment has made many in EarthGov *very* nervous to say the least." "Translation: since they don't have any formal documents with his signature they're hiding in their holes waiting to see which way the wind blows." Susan said with trace amounts of sarcasm. "Pretty much Commander. Officially, I'm supposed to encourage you to come to Earth alone. Unofficially...I'd say bring someone you trust who knows diplomacy." "Why are you trying to help me, Ambassador?" "When I was part of the Resistance during the War we saw the Rangers and Babylon 5 as our last hope. My first purpose is serving Earth and her interests, but those interests won't be served by seasoned politicians dragging you through the streets- so to speak." Marcus nodded. "Tell your government that I will be arriving on Earth in a week's time." The Ambassador nodded, thanked him for his time, and left. "Captain, do you think you could part with the Commander for a week? The Ambassador is right in thinking that I'm going to need all the diplomatic help I can get. I've never been very good at telling people to go to hell in that diplomatic way so they look forward to it. However in all the years of serving with her I have found that Commander Ivanova here has raised it to an art form." "Shut up, Marcus." Susan glared at him. "You see? Shutting up, Love." End Part 4 From TryelSana@aol.com Tue Jan 28 22:29:56 1997 Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 11:33:21 -0500 (EST) From: TryelSana@aol.com To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: Soul of A Man Part 5 of 5 *Kleenex Warning* Soul of a Man Part 5 of 5 By Penny Horwitz Standard disclaimers *Kleenex Warning* Feedback is always welcome. It had taken the considerable talents of both Marcus and John to convince Ivanova that she should accompany Entil'zha to Earth for diplomatic talks. Susan felt that her diplomatic abilities were limited at best, even though in the last few years she had had brilliant success in negotiations with the League, and other diplomatic assignments. In the end, Sheridan just relieved her of duty for that week and ordered her with a grin "Take a vacation.. This ,of course, left her with no good excuse not to go, and so when the transport "Asimov" docked at the station Commander Susan Ivanova and Entil'zha Marcus Cole boarded it quietly, without the ceremony that usually surrounds a diplomatic mission, to return to the world than neither of them had seen for so long. The days spent on Earth were long, but very rewarding. Marcus showed himself to have a natural gift for the diplomatic arts, much to everyone's surprise (including his own). Susan coached him a little, but Ranger One used his natural charm and wit to win concessions for the Rangers. The talks had ended on a Thursday, and Susan thought with everything over that they were finally ready to leave. But Marcus had one more stop planned. A long time ago, on the White Star, Susan had told him that she wanted to go home. He had made a promise to himself that if it were ever in his power, he'd help her get there. So Thursday evening, rather than boarding a shuttle for the spaceport, they headed for Saint Petersburg. And the moment her feet touched Russian soil Susan Ivanova smiled as tears flowed freely. She thought to herself. Marcus quietly wrapped his arms around her and watched as the lights of the city flickered under a black velvet sky. The weekend went quickly as the pair forgot, for a sweet brief moment, who they were. Susan showed him the house she had grown up in. And when she knelt down to pick up three small stones from the front garden Marcus watched her curiously. She did not explain her actions, and Marcus just chalked it up to one of those things. They also visited friends, and distant relatives. Susan introduced Marcus to her "Uncle" Josef. The three of them sat in the Rabbi's living room for hours drinking tea as Marcus told the older man the story of their encounter with the First Ones at Sigma 957. "I should have know..." The Rabbi said as Marcus spoke of Susan's successful gambit. "Only an Ivanova would be crazy enough to try and bluff God, and succeed!" "It wasn't God,Uncle. Marcus just has a way of exaggerating things." Susan blushed. The old man laughed, "I'm sure he does Susan, I'm sure he does." The talk and the laughter continued, as Marcus asked about what Susan was like when she was a child. Josef obliged his request by telling him stories of the little hellion his "dear Suszutchka" once was. All Marcus could say was, "She hasn't changed much!" Which won him a frozen glare. Before they left the rabbi pulled Ivanova aside. "Susan, you love him very much don't you?" He asked quietly "Yes, I do." Susan smiled slightly, "I wish Mama, and Papa..." She quieted as the tears threatened to overwhelm her. "I knew your parents for a very long time Susan. They would have loved him too." "Thank you Uncle." "Just promise me one thing " Susan looked at Josef curiously "If I'm still alive and well when he finally gets around to asking, you allow me the honor of officiating your wedding." Susan's eyes went wide "Uncle, I don't even want to think about *that* possibility right now." She hugged the old rabbi goodbye as he walked her to the door. Marcus shook the older man's hand in farewell, and as Josef watched the two go he spoke quietly in Hebrew: "You shall go forth in joy and in peace shall you be led." And then just as quietly he closed the door. ________________________ That Saturday morning, five hours before the shuttle that would take them home arrived, the couple made one last visit. Their destination was a small Jewish cemetery on the outskirts of the city. The ride had been a quiet one, Susan sat staring out the window. When they arrived Marcus pulled the car up to near where Susan had pointed. The Ivanova family marker stood tall under a old willow. Susan got out of the car, and Marcus followed her to the grave site. Susan stared at her father's stone. She hadn't had time to be there for the stone's dedication let alone the funeral. The May wind was still cold in St. Petersburg, and it tugged at Ivanova's coat as she stood there silent. Marcus knelt down and placed a white lily, which he had picked up from a street vendor, on each grave, and on each marker he placed a small stone. Susan was surprised he knew this custom of remembering the souls of the departed. Marcus stood up and smiled at her. "I knew we'd be coming here at some point, and didn't want to commit any faux pas, so I asked Rabbi Josef. He told me about the stones, and I thought it was appropriate even though I didn't know them. After all, I owe them so much. They gave me you. " He paused for a moment,"I'll be over by the car if you need me." As Marcus walked off, Susan stared into the blue skies. Then Susan removed three stones of her own for her coat pocket. She had taken them from the house that her family had once lived in, and placed them on each marker. Susan then stepped away from the headstones and walked back to the car and her future. The End