From oshaun@ix.netcom.com Sat Jun 15 14:06:06 1996 Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 04:04:06 -0700 From: Pfyre Reply-To: b5-creative@lists1.best.com To: b5-creative@lists1.best.com Subject: 'A Time To Heal' Well, here goes - I'm posting for the first time to the mailing list. Though I've written fanfic before - it has been years (and I mean *YEARS*) since I've been compelled to write. So please be kind... Constructive criticism is welcome - so please let me know what you think. :) ************************************************** DISCLAIMER: Babylon 5, it characters, and situations are the creations of and intellectual property of J. Michael Straczynski, Babylonian Productions, PTEN and Warner Bros. No copyright infringement is intended. SPOILERS: Season 3 minor spoilers from the episode 'Sic Transit Vir'. Timeline: This vignette takes place during 'Sic Transit Vir.' S P O I L E R S B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 'A Time To Heal' by Pfyre B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 Captain Sheridan sighed when Sergeant Zack Allen indicated that the Narn was dead. He turned to Vir and his lady companion. The woman was tending to Vir and telling him how brave he was. Sheridan cleared his throat, "Are you two okay?" The young woman turned a radiant smile to Sheridan. "I'm fine. Vir saved my life. And then you saved both of us. How can we ever thank you, Captain?" "I'm just glad the two of you are okay." He felt a warm trickle of blood between his fingers and tried to put more pressure on the cut. More security personnel and medics were arriving. When he looked again at the young woman, she'd turned back to Vir. "Really, Lyndisty, I'm fine. Are you okay?" Vir was trying to stand in spite of protests by the young woman. Sheridan turned his attention back to the Narn. He noticed his blood staining the knife still clutched in the warrior's hand. When he tried to move his arm, he felt the muscles in his shoulder pull painfully. Abruptly, the world started to spin and the voices moved far away.... ...Sheridan found himself lying on a gurney. He shook his head trying to clear it. "I'm okay. I'm okay." He tried to sit up, but found Zack Allen's hand on his shoulder, restraining him. "Captain, just let them check you out at MedLab. We'll take care of everything here." Allen nodded to the medics. They started to move off with the gurney. But he found his hand being gripped. "Keep me posted on whatever you find... And Sergeant. Allen, would you mind letting Ambassador Delenn know that... I'm going to be delayed and that I'll understand if she decides not to wait." Sheridan sighed inwardly. "She's in my quarters." If Zack was surprised, he didn't show it, "Of course, Captain." B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 "Take care of that arm." Sheridan nodded as Commander Ivanova's face was replaced by the BabCom logo. He glanced down and winced as Dr. Hobbes finished dressing the slash on his bicep. "I've given you an antibiotic to guard against infection. The cut was quite deep, but it should heal cleanly with little or no scar visible." The doctor paused as she gathered up her supplies. "You strained a couple of muscles in your shoulder as well, but they should be all right in a few days." "On the other hand, I've been told that the Narn slammed you pretty hard at least a couple of times ." Entering the treatment area, Dr. Stephen Franklin looked at the readouts on the bedside diagnostics. "I'd like to do a thorough exami...." "I'm fine, Doc." Sheridan stood up slowly from the exam table. "I'm sure I'll be bruised and a little sore in the morning, but for now I just want to get back to my quarters." Unfortunately, he was also sure that Delenn would be gone by the time he returned. "All right then, but let me know if it swells or becomes overly painful. AND I want to check on it in a few days. I'd tell you to use a sling so that your arm can rest, but I suspect that I would be wasting my breath." It was difficult to tell who was the worst patient - Ivanova, Garibaldi or Sheridan. "Right?" "It's just a scratch." If truth be told, he was still feeling slightly light-headed, probably a reaction to the adrenaline rush of the fight and the minor loss of blood. However, he wasn't about to let Franklin know. He had no intention of spending the night at the MedLab. He just needed a good night's sleep - in his *own* bed. "'Night, Stephen." B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 Sheridan leaned against the back wall of the transport tube as the doors closed. 'God, I'm tired.' He tried to stifle a yawn.... ..."John?' He jumped and immediately regretted the reaction as his arm and shoulder set up a great protest over the jarring movement. He grimaced and opened his eyes to see Delenn looking up at him with some concern. He must have been dozing. He didn't recall the transport tube stopping. He tried to smile reassuringly. "Delenn... What are you doing here?" "Come with me." She gently took his other arm and guided him out of the transport tube. "I went back to my quarters after speaking to Sergeant. Allen. But I wanted to know how you were doing. So I contacted MedLab and they told me that you were on your way back to your quarters... Actually, Dr. Franklin wanted to make certain that you rested." She was a little concerned. There was blood on both his pants and shirt. His shirt sleeve had been cut away, the bandage on his arm clearly visible. He looked pale and tired. "Stephen worries too much." Sheridan hated being mothered, but he found Delenn's presence to be comforting. Once again, exhaustion began taking hold. By the time they reached his quarters, he was nearly out on his feet. As Delenn guided him towards his bedroom, he caught a glimpse of the mess he'd left in the kitchenette. "I really should clean up from dinner...." "It can wait until tomorrow." Delenn continued with him into the bedroom. "Now, you must rest." He went without protest. He was so tired. "Really, Delenn, I can take care of myself. It's late. You should go home and rest." He slumped down onto the bed, wincing as he put too much weight on his arm. Seeing a neatly folded bundle of clothes on a chair, Delenn brought over them to him. "While you change, I will make some tea to help you rest and to heal." B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 As she busied herself in Sheridan's kitchenette, Delenn was amused with the mess he had created while trying to cook the Flarn. The Flarn had been barely edible, but she had enjoyed the meal because of his company. It seemed that recently there was always a crisis looming over them. There had been little time to spend alone together. Then the disturbance happened just the level below and he had gone to help without a second thought for his own safety. Left alone, she had been tempted to start cleaning up the kitchenette, but she was not sure how he would feel about her help. When Sgt. Allen had called to inform her that Sheridan was being treated in MedLab, she had felt a brief surge of panic, but he reassured her that it was only a minor injury. She had gone to her quarters because she felt awkward waiting for him alone in his rooms. But once there, she found herself worrying about him. Calling MedLab, to see if he was still being tended, Dr. Franklin had told her that the Captain had just left, but he was clearly not pleased about something. "Then he is okay?" "He'll be fine. He'll be a bit sore in the morning." Franklin sighed. "Actually, he'll probably be a *lot* sore in the morning and should rest his arm for a few days, but he'll be fine." "Is there something wrong, Doctor? Perhaps, there is something I can do?" Franklin paused a moment. "Well, actually I'd be happier if I knew the Captain was really going to get some rest, but I don't know if there's anything you can do Ambassador." Delenn smiled suddenly. "Do not worry Doctor. I shall see that he gets some rest." After closing the connection to MedLab, she contacted C&C looking for Susan Ivanova. "Ambassador, is there anything I can do for you?" Commander Ivanova looked a bit distracted as another officer came over and whispered something to her. "Actually, Commander, it is something you can do for Captain Sheridan." That got Ivanova's full attention. "Is something wrong with the Captain? When he called me from MedLab, they were just treating his arm...." Delenn shook her head. "He is fine, Commander. Or at least he will be, if he gets some rest according to Dr. Franklin. Would it be possible for you to see that he is not disturbed for the rest of the night unless it is an emergency?" "No problem, Ambassador." Susan knew the Captain would push himself past the point of exhaustion, if the situation warranted it. She could handle the investigation into the Narn that had attacked Vir and at the moment there didn't seem to be any other disasters lurking. With a brief nod and smile, they broke the link. Recalling that John sometimes had trouble sleeping when stressed, Delenn decided that perhaps her favorite nighttime tea would be of help. She placed a package of it in her pocket and left to see if she could meet up with Sheridan before he got back to his quarters. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 The tea was ready. Delenn placed the pot and two cups on a tray and headed into the bedroom. She found John asleep, sprawled awkwardly across the end of the bed. He had managed to strip off the soiled and torn clothing and put on some loose fitting shorts, but had fallen asleep before putting on the t-shirt lying beside him. She winced in sympathy as she noticed the bruises already appearing on his shoulder above the bandage. Delenn quietly set the tray down. She picked up the clothing he had discarded and placed them on the chair. Turning towards him, she realized that he simply could not spend the entire night sleeping in that position - cross-wise on the bed with his lower legs dangling to the floor. So she pulled back the covers, and touched him gently on the arm, whispering, "John...." Sheridan snapped awake instantly. "What?!.." Sitting up too quickly, he groaned and closed his eyes. "It is only me, John." She tried to reassure him. Her concern increasing as she noticed that all the color had drain from his face. He opened his eyes and tried to focus on her. "Are you all right?" He swallowed and closed his eyes momentarily. "I'm fine. I... I just sat up too fast is all." His voice was tight and controlled, but the color was beginning to return to his features. "You must move all the way onto the bed, John." She gently guided him onto the bed. He winced as the movement put more strain on his bandaged arm, but he struggled to prop himself against the headboard. Delenn arranged the pillows behind him for support and pulled the covers up. Once he was settled, she handed him a cup of tea. "Drink this. It will help you rest and to heal." She smiled as he tentatively sipped it. Sheridan tasted citrus and strange spices, unusual, but not unpleasant. He drank more of the warm beverage. He was so tired, but his arm - no his whole shoulder was aching, and he didn't know if he could sleep now. He looked at Delenn as she poured herself a cup of the tea and settled on the edge of the bed near him. In so many ways, she was so different that Anna. Yet, he found himself drawn to Delenn with feelings he hadn't allowed himself to experience for a long while now. It was both frightening and exhilarating. He took another swallow of tea and realized that his arm wasn't aching as much now. It seemed rather far away. "Tastes good," he murmured. Anna had sometimes enjoyed drinking tea at bedtime too.... She has been so beautiful. He missed her still.... But Delenn was beautiful too.... Delenn with her great wisdom,... mysteries, missions and... inner strength. He was finding it difficult to focus his thoughts. Delenn gently eased the cup from his senseless fingers as he drifted off to sleep. She finished her own cup. When she was certain he was deeply asleep, she instructed the computer to turn down the lights and took the tray into the kitchenette. She rinsed the pot and cups, but hesitated to do the rest of the dishes - not wanting to make noise and disturb Sheridan's rest. Before leaving, she looked in on him. He had settled farther down in the bed. Sheridan looked so young when he slept. The burdens of command temporarily removed. He stirred, wincing even in his sleep as his arm and shoulder moved. She decided she would stop by in the morning to check on him. His arm would undoubtedly be stiff and painful, but he would never let anyone know. so she would do whatever she could to help him, in spite of himself. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 "...time is 05:30, EST. Today is July 4th, 2260. Have a nice day." Sheridan woke up instantly, years of being in the military had ingrained a habit of waking quickly. But when he tried to sit up, he found he was so bruised and sore that it was quite an ordeal. And, boy, did his arm scream a protest when he tried to use it! Fortunately, after a hot, hot shower, the muscles loosened up and he felt almost normal.. However, getting dressed was another matter. His pants were easy enough, but trying to get the undershirt and then the tunic on, over the bandage and with the muscles in his arm and shoulder protesting, was proving to be quite a challenge. After struggling with it for nearly 10 minutes, he had the tunic almost fastened, but his shoulder was cramping so he decided to get breakfast and then finish the clips. He was trying to loosen the cramp as he left the bedroom. The door chimed. "Come." The door swung up to reveal Delenn. "I came to see how you are doing?" She came over to him. "Ah, I've had worse." He smiled. "I'm just sorry it interrupted our dinner last night." "There will be other dinners." His heart leapt. She was already assuming that they'd be having other dinners... times together. She looked seriously at him. "But if you keeping doing this sort of thing, one of these times you are going to get killed. And then there will be no more dinners." Sheridan, grinned sheepishly, "It was happening right under my feet. I had to do something. Besides I'm fine." He reached up to finish closing the tunic. "Ooww!..." He closed his eyes and grimaced. "Hmmmmm...." She moved forward to help him with the tunic. John tried to wave her hands away. "Umm... Delenn, I've been dressing myself for a long time now..." But she continued to clip the fasteners, "But your arm is hurt and why put more strain on it." She suddenly realized how close they were standing. To cover a bit of nerves, she remarked, "I understand that when the attack occurred that Vir was with a woman and that they are to be married soon." Sheridan looked down at Delenn. This beautiful, enigmatic woman that he so wanted to spend the more of his life with. "So I understand. It must be the fastest courtship in history, she just arrived yesterday." "Perhaps you should check the air recycling." She finished the last of the fastenings at his throat. "Maybe it is something, as you say, in the air." She left her had on his chest. She could feel his heart beating strongly beneath her palm. He reached up and clasped her hand in his. "Maybe there is something at that..." Their eyes locked. He started to bend towards her. Delenn tilted her head back. "Captain. I...." Ivanova's voice came from the comport. They jolted apart. "Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me. I..I...." Ivanova stammered. "No. It's okay. It's okay." It really wasn't. Sheridan realized, however, that the moment was lost as they step self-consciously apart. "What is it?" "I think you better meet me in Londo's quarters ASAP. I've got some disturbing news about Vir." Ivanova quickly resumed her 'all business' poise and at Sheridan's acknowledgment she closed the link. He looked down at Delenn with regret. "I. have to." "Yes, I know." She fidgeted with her hair. "I should go." But she gave him a quick smile, before leaving. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 It was nearly 1930 hours, when Sheridan returned to his quarters. As much as he wanted to spend more time with Delenn, he didn't think he'd be up doing anything, even chatting, this evening. It had been a long day, filled with meetings, planning sessions, bickering ambassadors, and more. Entering his rooms, Sheridan reached up carefully to unfasten his uniform tunic. His arm and his shoulder were considerably more painful than he liked to admit. Of course it hadn't helped when he suddenly found himself in the middle of a rapidly escalating argument between the Drazi and the Braceri ambassadors. He grimaced at the memory of the additional abuse his shoulder had taken when they had suddenly started shoving each other and he had tried to stop them. 'Maybe I should have taken Stephen up on the use of a sling. People tended to be more careful when someone had an obvious injury.' He sighed, but then he hadn't want to appear to be 'injured'... vulnerable to the general populace of B5. They needed as much confidence in the leadership of B5 as they could get. Of course, Michael had been none too pleased that he'd been involved in yet another altercation. Well, at least, he'd avoided another trip to MedLab this time. And the ambassadors were so embarrassed and apologetic about their behavior that he'd finally gotten them to agree to a preliminary treaty. He managed the top couple of fasteners, but decided to give his arm a rest before attempting the rest. Walking into the kitchenette, he sighed. He really couldn't put off cleaning up - sore shoulder or no sore shoulder. By now much of the food was so dried on, he wasn't positive if sandblasting would get it off the plates and pots. Fortunately, there was a built in dishcleaner, he merely had to rinse most of the stuff off and place the dishes in the cleaner. Anything that wouldn't fit, he would let soak until tomorrow. Scrubbing pots was just beyond him at this point. As he started to gather up the dishes, one-handed, he noticed a package of the tea that Delenn had prepared for him last evening. It had tasted unusual, but had actually seemed to ease the soreness of his arm and shoulder. He was just considering whether some more tea might help him sleep comfortably, when the door chimed. 'Now, who could that be at this hour?' Sheridan sighed, he really wasn't up to entertaining. "Come." The door swung away to reveal Delenn and Lennier, each carrying a stack of small containers. "Captain, I hope we are not intruding." Delenn smiled as Sheridan's face lit up at seeing them... her. He looked tired, but was trying to be a gracious host. "Of course not, Ambassador." Just seeing her, gave him a lift. "Please come in. Is there anything I can do for you?" He noticed the containers they were carrying. "Actually, Captain... John, I thought there was something I could do for you." They entered and Lennier took his containers over to the small table, still cluttered with last evening's dishes, and set them down. He then took Delenn's containers and added them to the pile. "After the wonderful meal you prepared last evening, I felt I should 'return the favor' I believe is your term. And I hoped you might enjoy a little quiet company." She nodded to Lennier. "Really, Delenn, I always enjoy your company, but there's no need for you to bother about dinner." However, he didn't resist, as she led him to the sofa and sat down with him. Lennier, meanwhile, quickly and efficiently cleared the table of the dirty dishes. He then went about cleaning up in the kitchenette. "Lennier, really that's not necessary. I can take care of them later." He started to rise, but grimaced when he tried to push off with his sore shoulder and arm. "John, you need a good meal and rest in order to heal properly." Delenn could see the stiffness in his movements and the exhaustion creeping into his eyes. She had heard about the 'argument' he had tried to stop."Let us... let me do this for you." "I really am fine, just a little tired." He paused. It wasn't such a big deal. He just hated being coddled. He smiled down to her. "Thank you. I do appreciate your concern." "You just relax for a few moments and dinner will be served shortly." She watched him lean back, carefully. "Okay." She got up and joined Lennier in the kitchenette.... ... Delenn was standing before him. "John?" He looked around startled. He must have been dozing. The kitchenette was spotlessly clean. Lennier was no where to be seen. "Hmmph?" "The food is ready. Would you prefer to eat here on the couch?" She smiled down at him. "No, that's all right." He struggled to stand up. Delenn helped him to his feet., "I can manage sitting at the table." Delenn helped him get settled and then sat across from him. "I hope you like the food." She started serving. Amazingly, the it smelled like... Chinese food? He looked questioningly at her. Delenn smiled. "Lennier has been experimenting with Earth cuisine and has grown quite good with some of your oriental styles. We have discovered that in many ways it reminds us of certain types of Minbari foods. Lennier thought you might enjoy it so he prepared it earlier and we warmed it here." "It smells wonderful. I'm sure I'll love it." Sheridan found he would have been hard pressed to tell the difference between Lennier's Chinese cooking and anything he might have been able to pick up at one of the Zocalo's many earth-style restaurants. It was nice to just relax. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 Delenn kept up a light conversation as she watched Sheridan relax. He truly seemed to enjoy the meal and, she hoped, her company. As the tensions of his day drained away, his arm and shoulder seemed to bother him less and he smiled more easily. But as they finished their meal, she could see he was fighting fatigue again. "John, while I clear this away, you should prepare for bed." She came around the table to help him up. "But I don't want you to leave just yet. I'm okay." Suddenly he yawned. He grinned sheepishly to her. "Sorry...." She shook her head, amused. "No, do not be sorry. That is why I am here. I wanted to be certain that you got a good meal and some rest." She reached down to him. He took her hand. "Thank you. I do appreciate all this." She helped him to his feet. Then she proceeded to unfasten the rest of the clips on his tunic for him. "Now go prepare for bed and I will bring some more tea for you." Delenn quickly cleared the table and loaded the dishcleaner as the tea was brewing. She knew he had *not* gone to MedLab after the scuffle in his office. To her, it appeared that he was favoring his shoulder even more than this morning. He always pushed himself so hard. It worried her when he did not take care of himself. Much as he had told her, not so long ago, she could no longer imagine her life without him in it. When the tea was ready she placed the pot and cups on a tray and entered the bedroom. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 Sheridan had changed into shorts and was trying to remove the old dressing on his arm. She quickly set the tray down. "Please allow me." He didn't try to stop her but seemed rather resigned to her ministrations. "You know, I am not an invalid." "I know this, John. We *all* know this." She removed the bandage and examined the slash. "But you must allow yourself time to heal. No one thinks less of you because you were injured." The cut seemed to be healing well. She started apply a fresh dressing. "If anything, you instill confidence because those that follow your orders know that you are willing to put yourself on the line... There." She finished changing the bandage, then gathered the first aid supplies. He reached for the t-shirt next to him. Slowly, carefully, he started to pull it over his head. He felt her small, cool hands helping him get it over his head and sore shoulder. While the cut didn't feel too bad, his shoulder definitely felt worse. 'Guess Stephen'll read the riot act to me tomorrow when he checks on my arm.' He scooted back onto the bed and Delenn arranged the pillows and pulled the covers up. She sat down next to him and started to pour the tea. "You also need to take time for yourself once in awhile. Not only to heal, but also because there has been much to adjust to mentally." She knew that the break from Earth still bothered him. "You need to be whole, John, both physically and spiritually. We have a long dark struggle still ahead of us and we all need to be prepared for it." He nodded as he took the cup from her. "I'll try." What she'd said had struck a chord with him. He had said some similar things to Susan just a day ago. "Thank you... I seem to say that a lot lately..." He took a long drink of the tea and watched her prepare a cup for herself. He settled back trying to get comfortable. When his cup was nearly empty, he noticed the ache in his arm and shoulder had receded and his battle with exhaustion was becoming a lost cause. Delenn watched most of the pain and worry lines smooth out as he drifted off. She gently took the cup from his hand and started to stand. He stirred and opened his eyes blearily. "Whhaa?.." "Shhh... go back to sleep...." She sat down again and he closed his eyes. He sighed and opened his eyes again, a little more alert. "I shouldn't keep you... I'm fine... You need your rest too." "I am just going to clear away these tea things...." His eyes had drifted shut again. She got up slowly. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 It was mid morning when Sheridan finally had time to go to MedLab. "Please remove your tunic," Dr. Franklin said by way of greeting as he entered the exam area. "So I can see how your 'scratch' is healing." Stephen had already spoken with Ivanova, who had contacted him because she'd noticed that the Captain had been in considerable discomfort this morning, though he tried to cover it. Then Garibaldi had stopped by and mentioned the scuffle that happened yesterday afternoon. And finally, Ambassador Delenn had called him because she was quite concerned about the Captain. So while he busied himself with the diagnostic equipment, Stephen watched surreptitiously as Sheridan gingerly reached up to open his tunic. He let the Captain struggle for a few minutes. "I thought I told you to let me know if you were overly sore." He helped him remove the tunic and undershirt. "Well, it wasn't *too* bad yesterday..." He hissed as Stephen examined his shoulder, carefully manipulating the joint. "Until the little argument between the Drazi and the Braceri?..." Franklin helped the Captain lie down on the exam table. "Well, this time you are going to let me do *my* job." B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 Over an hour later, Sheridan was heading to the Zocalo. After a stern lecture about following doctor's orders, he left MedLab feeling much better. Scans of his shoulder revealed that he'd torn two ligaments and strained a few others, but everything should be fine, given no further physical stress, in a couple of weeks. A shot of an anti-inflammatory med had reduced his discomfort greatly and he was under doctor's orders to return in two days for an additional shot. He was to rest his arm and to use a sling for at least 10 days. Franklin had given him *strict* orders to take the rest of the day off. The doctor, having contacted Ivanova, had determined there was nothing pressing that could not be handled without the Captain's presence at C&C and had ordered him to rest and relax. So now he was headed for the Zocalo, to grab an early lunch. Then he'd to go to his quarters, where he planned to catch up on some research materials, that had been forwarded to him by Delenn, dealing with the legends of the Shadows and the Vorlons. Thinking of Delenn, he felt a twinge of regret. He really wanted to spend time with her without her feeling obligated to nurse his injuries or him falling asleep. "Captain..." He turned to see Delenn approaching from a side corridor. "Ambassador." He smiled a warmer greeting to her. Her eyes flickered over the sling. "You have been to see Dr. Franklin." "I'm fine, just a strained ligament. I just have to use the sling for a week or so and then I'll be as good as new." He had a sudden thought. "Actually, he ordered me to take the rest of the day off as well. If you're not busy would you care to join me for an early lunch?" "I would love to." She smiled, glad that he was okay... glad that he wanted to spend time with her. He extended his 'good' arm to her. She took his elbow and they proceeded down the corridor. B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 * B5 -- OShaun@ix.netcom.com or OShaun@aol.com Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering?" Pinky: "I think so, Brain, but culottes have a tendency to ride up so." from- 'Pinky and the Brain " When Mice Ruled the Earth"'.