From: "jeepnp" Subject: Mai Story Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 11:01:31 +1200 This belongs to a friend of mine on a b5 chatline I belong to, she passed this story around to us I and I think it is worthly of this group so I asked if I may pass it on to you all. It's a B5-Star Trek story but with a diffenent as you will see. I hope you enjoy it. Any comments for Stephanie can be sent to me and I'll pass them on. Jeepnp@clear.net.nz Transitions and Discussions by Stephanie Kieffer aka Lady Maigrey June 1997 This story takes pass as Delenn and Lennier are returning from their encounter with the Grey Council, only this time they have Marcus along for the rind Transitions and Discussions by Stephanie Kieffer aka Lady Maigrey **************************************************************************** ********** "Come," The Other said. "Yes," It replied. **************************************************************************** ********** The trip through hyperspace was relaxing - a stress-free end to the reinstatement of the Grey Council, yet the recent loss of Neroon was on everyone's mind. The past few days had worn heavily on Delenn, she reclined wearily yet gracefully into the command chair. A solitary figure, the ever faithful Lennier, stood slightly off to Delenn's left side. He was staring out the view screen, but upon occasion made furtive glances in Delenn's direction. He was worried about her as usual, but knew that the return to Babylon 5 and the Captain would do much to improve her spirit. Marcus was studying the navigation console in depth. His hand would, now and again, reach up to stroke at his beard or moustache. He was bone tired and just a little bored at the routine return flight home. He was about to let down his guard when a puzzled look crossed his face - in fact it may have been a look of utter confusion. "Lennier?" He called, "I'm registering some strange resonations," He paused to collect his thoughts. Lennier walked back to where Marcus was stood, and quizzically bent over the console. "Can you pinpoint the origin?" asked Lennier. "That's the strange part," Marcus replied, "We, or rather, the White Star is originating them, at least we were, they seem to have stopped now." Delenn, who had looked back in interest, was nonplused. "I would not worry, Marcus. It could simply be the ship making some minor adjustments." Lennier suggested, "Maybe we should run some systems analysis?" Suddenly a young Minbari technician spoke, without looking up as was proper when addressing Delenn. "Entil'zha, we appear to have changed course slightly." There was slight astonishment in her voice. Slightly annoyed at the minor problems, she responded, "Please check your calculations again" and was about to add more, when the ship began to rock violently, forcing everyone to hold onto anything available. After a few moments, the rocking stopped as suddenly as it had started. Everyone appeared shaken, yet curious as to this phenomenon. Marcus perked up at a sign from his console. "We are forming a jump gate!" He appeared almost relieved. Delenn looked out the view screen at the now visible yellow jump gate forming in front of them. The White Star lurched forward into it. **************************************************************************** ********** "I am here" It said. "Welcome" said the Other. **************************************************************************** ********** Upon emergence, the now blue jump gate snapped closed behind them. Delenn not seeing the station, called for a full stop, and after it's former behavior, The White Star conceded. "Marcus, Lennier, please scan the area, tell me what you can about it." She wearily snapped. "There are no records in the computer's memory of this section of space Entil'zha" Said Lennier formally with a slight bow, "But there appears to be an inhabited planet 1.2 light years ahead." **************************************************************************** ********** The Vulcan Science Academy lay sprawled beneath the red sky, along the outskirts of the city of ShiKahr. The buildings were aesthetically pleasing yet logically situated, as were all things Vulcan. In the main astro-sciences laboratory T'Shona, a young, lithe, blond Vulcan woman attended to her duties of studying Epsilon Eridani's system. The view screen before her, alert to all anomalies, focused in. T'Shona examined the data appearing on the computer screen below. She turned and bade her colleague the Master Shial to view her findings. Lifting one eyebrow, she asked her mentor, "An unstable wormhole?" Then dismissed it as "Illogical - no radiation." "As there are no warp capable ships registered in that area of space it is also illogical to assume that an unbalanced warp-core caused this." She concluded. Shial remained quiet as his talkative student droned on, "An Einstein-Rosen Tunnel? Improbable." Shial again said nothing, yet folded his arms behind him, contemplating. T'Nara, the head technician in charge of Sensor Control, walked into the room, tricorder in hand. She silently moved over to T'Shial's view screen and made some new adjustments. The view screen suddenly grew large with the image of a strange, immobile spacecraft. "There appears to be a stationary vehicle just inside our system" She continued, "It is approximately 1.223 light-years distant and is of no known Alpha Quadrant configuration." T'Shona peered closer, "Could it be a new type of Romulan Scout? Note the similarity in design." The elder Shial finally spoke up, eyes bright with interest, unfolding his arms and turning to T'Nara "Please contact Ambassador Sarek - I believe we may require his First Contact skills" The two technicians looked to each other with raised eyebrows and T'Nara turned and left for theCommunications Room. **************************************************************************** ********* "We must discuss" Other said. "We will" It said. "Come closer" The Other said finally **************************************************************************** ********* Marcus ran a hand haphazardly through his long dark hair, "I've picked up those same resonations twice now since we emerged from the jumpgate. They seem to be emanating from that planet as well as from this ship" He concluded, "Should we investigate?" "I concur with Marcus, Ambassador, I believe the answer to our current situation lies on this planet". Lennier pointed to the Hologram brought up in front of the command chair. "Set course and prepare for the unexpected." Delenn smiled slightly. The ship moved slowly and nonthreateningly towards it's destination. The crew anxiously awaited their arrival at the expanding, angry red planet, growing in the Holoscreen before them. **************************************************************************** ********* "I am a friend" It said "You are more" said the Other **************************************************************************** ********** In the stark Vulcan Science Academy transporter room, the Scientists Shial, T'Shona, and T'Nara watched as Ambassador Sarek, resplendent in his ambassadorial robes, and his consort, The Lady Amanda, formally dressed in a Terran Caftan, materialize on the transporter pad. As Sarek stepped down, he turned back to extend two fingers, and awaited Amanda to attend him. She touched her fingers to his, smiled and stepped down beside him. The couple stood facing the Scientists. Sarek's hand lifted in the formal salute and greeted the Master Shial "Live Long and Prosper". Shial returned with the ritual reply "Prosperity and Long Life to you, Ambassador, Lady Amanda" Then he continued on "This ship we discussed appears to be entering orbit...This way Ambassador". The entourage made it's way solemnly down the long corridor to the Communication's Room. Sarek, breaking the silence, inquired "Have you attempted to contact the vessel yet?" "No Ambassador, It was logical to await your arrival" Stated T'Nara. With a slight nod Sarek acknowledged her statement. Arriving in the communication's room, T'Nara shuffled over and replaced the technician on duty - pausing to hear his updated report before he left. "The ship has entered orbit Ambassador, Master. It does not appear hostile and has not made any contact yet" She announced. "Open a standard hailing frequency T'Nara" Sarek said. At the sound of the open channel he began to speak.... **************************************************************************** ********** "You are similar" said the Other. "I sense it" It said **************************************************************************** ********** Lennier turned to Delenn, "We are being contacted from the planet, Ambassador, audio only" And with a touch of surprise he added "It's Human Language!" "Open communications Lennier" Delenn responded. Marcus, Lennier and Delenn gathered around the console and listened with interest to the deep melodious Human voice. "This is Ambassador Sarek of The United Federation of Planets" He continued, "If you can understand, please reply" Marcus and Lennier looked at each other...."The United what???" Marcus whispered. Delenn replied "This is Ambassador Delenn, a representative of the Religious Caste on Minbar from Earth Alliance Station Babylon 5." Sarek raised his eyebrow at the Ambassador's accented English and the mention of an a heretofore unknown Planet and Earth Station. "Ambassador Delenn, welcome to Vulcan, will you and your delegation beam down to meet with us? It appears we have much to discuss." Lennier turned to Delenn and whispered "Beam? What is this? and what is Vulcan?". Delenn responded to her aide in a bemused fashion "I believe we will find out." "Ambassador Sarek, we do not understand this 'Beam', can you clarify please?" She asked. Sarek took a few moments to explain the process to her and to the crew's surprise, Delenn agreed, stating that her aides Lennier and Marcus would join her. Given a 5 minute preparation time, communications were ended and Marcus muttered to himself, "Curioser and Curioser", and pocketed his compressed pike under his jacket - just in case. **************************************************************************** ********** The Vulcans, along with the Lady Amanda, were once again in the transporter room. The Technician looked to the Ambassador and upon receiving the given co-ordinates and the statement to "Engage", he reacted by manipulating his console to begin the transport process. The bodies of Delenn, Lennier and Marcus materialized on the pad. Momentarily shaken, the two 'aides' rushed up to either side of Delenn. They looked around the room to find - not Humans, as expected but humanoids that closely resembled humans [were it not for the pointed ears, uplifting eyebrows and greenish caste to the skin]. The Vulcans too expressed interest in the Minbar humanoids - noting the females had hair and a small bony crest, while the male was bald with a full boned crest. The only two Human's in the room, Marcus and Amanda, recognized each for what they were and smiled. After the initial glances, Sarek stepped forward and raised his hand in a 'V' and wished The Ambassador to "Live Long and Prosper" He paused, "I am Sarek" Delenn bowed slightly, her arms folded in her robe " Thank you Ambassador, I am Delenn, my aide Lennier and this is Marcus" she said, presenting each in turn. Sarek returned the introductions by producing his wife Amanda first, The Master Shial next and then the two younger technicians. Delenn, unable to hold back her curiosity any longer, spoke up. "Forgive my ignorance Ambassador, but you are not human?" Thoughts ran wild in her mind of a secret race Earth had kept hidden from the rest of the Alliance, but she dismissed them at the same time, knowing something else was at work here. With a glint of amusement in his eye Sarek replied, "Unlike my wife, we are Vulcan, there are medical and philosophical differences, but we shall endeavour to explain this later." "Shall we move to the comfort of the conference room?" Inquired Sarek. The mixed entourage of Vulcans, Humans, and Minbari made their way down the corridor to a nearby meeting room. The room was expansive, the windows reached from floor to ceiling, and the view was spectacular. This side of the building faced the wild landscape of Vulcan. The red glare of the late-day sun shone into the room. Marcus wandered immediately over to the window with a wistful smile, "Please excuse my exuberance Ambassador's, but this view reminds me of Mars". Amanda smiled understandingly. Delenn, having spotted a star chart near the entrance, wandered back, with Sarek at her side. Glancing over, Lennier saw shock register on her paling face and rushed to her side, grasping her hands. Sarek looked concerned and inquired as to the problem. Delenn pointed to Earth "This is all I recognize, but [looking to Lennier in almost panic] where is Minbar? Narn? Centauri? Epsilon III? I-I must sit down". Amanda helped Lennier aid Delenn to a nearby chair, "Could I get you a refreshment Ambassador?" She asked worriedly. Delenn requested an herbal tea, with a shaky thank you. Amanda moved over to the replicator and produced the tea, gently passing it to her. After a few sips, Delenn began to relax again, the colour seemed to return to her face. Amanda suggested she relax there for a while. Meanwhile, Lennier was curious about the strange device that had 'made' the tea. He quizzed Amanda about it and she gladly explained. Amanda was in her element now, making guests comfortable, providing information and helping to ease tensions all round. After providing the rest of the guests with refreshments, she made herself a cup of Tea and sat down near to Delenn, ensuring that the Ambassador was feeling well. Sarek spoke to the room. " I should like to hear your story, and learn more about you, as I believe you would like some questions answered too. But I believe your Ambassador has suffered a mild shock, maybe we could start fresh in the morning." "Will you join us at our Home?" inquired Amanda, with an approving glance from Sarek. "That is very kind of you Lady Amanda, I accept on behalf of my staff. May I use your communications to let my crew know what is happening?" Delenn requested. Sarek agreed. He led Delenn down to the communications room. **************************************************************************** ********** "You are a part of us" It stated. "I have been lost for millennia" sighed the Other. **************************************************************************** ********** The blast of heat upon leaving the Academy was surprising, but the walk to Sarek and Amanda's home proved uneventful for the weary travellers. Many Vulcans passed by, but accustomed to seeing new beings amongst them, scarcely paid attention. A few acquaintances stopped to greet Ambassador Sarek in the proper manner, but none delayed him from his seemingly important task. Along the way, Amanda made it known with a smile that tonight would not be the time to discuss "business, as it were, yet to relax and get to know one another". Sarek requested that his formal title of Ambassador be dropped, as he put it "Too many Ambassador's tend to confuse". Delenn agreed and also stated that she would be pleased if Sarek were to call her by her name. They soon arrived at the beautiful estate, noticing the ornamental yet protective gates, [Sarek explained that the predator Lematayas from the desert tended to come closer at night] and the sprawling house within. A surprising garden appeared before them, Marcus recognizing many Earth plants among the other strange ornamental grasses and plants that, according to Amanda proudly, she had grown herself. The interior of the house was well decorated, the old world Earth artifacts meshing well with the Vulcan designs. Amanda immediately took over, asking their guests if they would like refreshments and a tour of the house. Each room held new wonders for the Minbari and surprises for Marcus... a Piano in the den, the actual old leather bound books of classics. A portrait of the Vulcan family with thier son Spock hung in the living room. Lennier was instantly drawn to the 3-D Chess board, and Sarek noticing - invited to teach him how to play. With permission from Amanda, Marcus sat back to read and discuss an Old Book of English Poetry he had found in the Library, with her. Amanda the Teacher was immensely pleased. Delenn took her tea outside to sit in the garden, finding a stone bench surrounded by bonsai trees in decorative pots and a small Japanese stone garden. She meditated. The planet T'Khut grew large in the rose and purple sky and all settled down for the night. Unbeknownst to anyone, two did not sleep..... **************************************************************************** ********** "You answered my call" Said The Other "I had to" It said **************************************************************************** ********** The next morning it was back to business and the Vulcan Science Academy. The conference room provided a comforting setting for the unusual discussion about to begin. The Master Shial had once again joined them, quiet as usual, yet the two young technicians were nowhere to be seen. Sarek approached Delenn, "Before we begin, Lennier was mentioning that you have telepaths onboard your ship?" Delenn nodded in agreement, and Sarek continued, "Perhaps having one of your telepaths present would help you in your quest for answers and to verify what we say is truth." Delenn then stated "This is a common practice." Delenn pondered for a moment, "You may have a point Sarek, but unfortunately, the rest of the crew does not speak English at all." "This will not be a problem" said Sarek and he went on to explain about the Universal Translator, it's functions and capabilities. Within a few minutes Delenn was introducing Anla'shok Lannke, a young minbari female of the worker caste, and a P6, the highest rated telepath on board the Whitestar. Sarek was curious as to why Delenn had hair yet this female did not, but decided it rude to ask. The Young Ranger listened as the Translator was attached and Delenn explained to her in the worker caste tongue. Lannke spoke into it slowly at first, then more and more until her words began to flow out in perfect English. "I am Ranger Lannke, Ambassador Sarek" She bowed and turned to Delenn "At your service Ranger One". Sarek welcomed her and she was amused to hear the Worker Caste Language being returned to her, even knowing this alien devices capability. The Meeting began, the computer recorders active as Sarek spoke first, "It is always an honour for me to welcome a new Race to the Federation, and I am pleased to be the first to speak with the Minbari." He bowed to Delenn. She returned the bow and Thanked Sarek 'Officially'. Sarek continued, "I believe the best way to start would be to get to know each other's planets and history before we can begin to solve the 'mystery' which brought you to us." Sarek began to relate the History of Vulcan. "Millennia ago, we were a violent, passionate, barbaric people, prone to clan wars and mind wars [using telepathy for evil], until amongst the ashes of our aggression arose Surak, our True Leader. He showed us that to continue as we had, would lead to the eventual elimination of our race. Surak claimed that through purging ourselves of outward emotion, honing our telepathy, using logic and studying Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination, we could grow as a peaceful people. Those of us that could not adapt, left, to become what is now known to be the Romulan Star Empire. As the humans would say, The meek inherited the earth." The computer screens around the room, followed Sarek's words and presented Historical footage as he spoke, Sarek continued by explaining the creation of warp drive allowing starships to travel faster than light, this he explained also led to the First Contact with the 'Alien' species from Earth, whom had at that time discovered warp capability themselves. In time the two worlds joined together to form the United Federation of Planets along with other races, to include, to this date approximately 150 planets. Various Races and information flashed up on the computer screens, Tellarites, Andorians, Rigellians...and so on. He returned to the speech by explaining about the creation of Starfleet and it's credence to 'seek out new life and explore the galaxy....charting and finding new members, whilst trying to enable the peace treaties between the UFP and the Klingons, Romulans, Tholians and Orions. He then, surprisingly, somewhat proudly told them of his Half Vulcan/Half Human Son Spock they had seen in the portrait the previous night, and of his duties onboard the USS Enterprise as Second in Command and Chief Science Officer, under Captain Christopher Pike. Amanda beamed at Sarek when he added this. Sarek then sat down and gave everyone time to comprehend the enormity of his speech. No questions were asked at this time, that would come later. It was during this speech that Delenn had begun to realize that they had not travelled back in time as they had with Babylon 4, yet across space to another dimension or universe. She tried uncomfortably to let this sink in.... **************************************************************************** ********** "How did you arrive here?" It asked "I flung across to the other side." The Other replied wearily. "My ship died here, I was trapped. I have lived amongst these Vulcans, known only as 'The Other' since they evolved." **************************************************************************** ********** It was Delenn's turn. She rose and began her speech, "We are alike in some ways Ambassador. A 1000 years ago, my people were fighting amongst clans and castes. The warrior caste and the religious caste had always been at each others throats, with the worker caste caught in the middle. But there was a great war being fought, between the Light and the Dark...The Vorlons and The Shadows. We aided the Vorlons as best we could, but still it looked like the Shadows would win. Then according to history, The One, Valen arrived aboard a magnificent Space Station, that gave us the jumping off point needed for our ships to push back the Shadows. But we did not rest easy with the end of the war, it seemed as if nothing had changed, until Valen, united the Minbari by creating the Grey Council, 3 Leaders from each of the 3 Castes. He taught us how we could work together, for the good of our people and to prepare for the future. He created the Anla'shok - The Minbari Rangers." "The Centauri were the first to connect with the Humans. They sold them Jumpgate technology, our means of travelling through hyperspace to other destinations. We encountered the Humans in 2242, our leader Dukhat, had the ship approach cautiously. The Warrior Caste had opened gun ports, a gesture of respect and honour amongst us. The Humans did not understand, and thought we were preparing for an attack. They fired upon our ship, killing Dukhat, and the war raged on for 10 years. Even though we were near victory, for reasons I cannot explain to you at this time, we surrendered. An uneasy peace remained, until the creation of Babylon 5 by the Humans, a Space Station set in the middle crossroads of the 5 Major Powers, Earth, Minbar, Centauri, Narn and The Vorlon Homeworld. Each Planet sent an Ambassador and the League Of Non-Aligned Worlds did also. Peace was not yet to be found because, one of the Earth Science Ships exploring the outer rim had fallen across the Shadow Homeworld Z'Ha'Dhum, and had awoke them. Commander Sinclair of the station was taken from Babylon 5 and made Ambassador to Minbar and soon became Ranger One, incorporating Human Rangers such as Marcus into our midst. Another great war between the Shadows and The Vorlons and thier allies began. Sufficed to say, this war was won not by victory, but by the First Ones themselves passing beyond the rim as their Comrades had. They had decided it was time for the younger races to take care of themselves and since they did not need the First Ones, Shadow or Vorlons anymore. This was not the victory we had hoped for, Earth, Centauri, Narn and Minbar were in chaos. Narn is struggling to regain itself after having been enslaved by the Centauri. The Centauri is trying to rebuild itself after it's alliance with the Shadows. Without the Vorlons, Minbar fell back into the old arguments, and as we speak Earth is on the verge of a civil war. I, we, were on our way back to the station from Minbar when this 'accident' brought us here." She sighed, "Why or how we do not know. And what is happening in our shall we say 'universe', we cannot tell. We are out of Transition." Delenn sat down. The time for questions had begun..... **************************************************************************** ********** "It is finally time for me to return home, with your help." The Other said. "You are alone." It stated."Here or There". **************************************************************************** ********** Delenn explained exactly how they came to be in Vulcan space, the course change in hyperspace, the jumpgate opening, the strange resonations they had registered. "Are registering Entil'zha" Stated Lannke, "They have not stopped since we arrived, From the ship or the planet." Sarek look puzzled, "Are you saying that something on this planet is in contact with someone on your ship? "We do not know Sarek." Delenn said quietly. "We must find out, if we wish to return." "We did manage to pinpoint the origin of the resonations from the Planet Entil'zha, It seems to be coming from the Desert." Again Lannke spoke up. Sarek turned to the Master Shial, who had sat quietly throughout the conference. "Can you turn your sensors onto the planet and locate the exact position of these resonations, Shial?" "It shall be done Ambassador's." Master Shial turned and made his way back to Sensor Control. **************************************************************************** ********** Within the hour Shial returned to the Conference Room where easy conversation had replaced the serious talk from earlier. He handed Delenn and Sarek each a tricorder with his findings. The Resonations had indeed come from the Deep Desert. Sarek raised his eyebrow and said only two words..."The Other?" Shial agreed that this could be the explanation they sought. Delenn looked confused, and repeated, "The Other?" Sarek explained, "It is said that there are two intelligent species on this planet, The Vulcans, and since time unknown, that which we called the Other. It has never been seen, yet it has been said to communicate, rarely. It dwells deep in the desert. Below the sands of time." Marcus jumped up out of his seat, "We must investigate this." He walked to the window and stared out at the endless red sand. **************************************************************************** ********** "They are coming to me." The Other stated "We shall see what must happen." It did not speak for the first time since it had arrived. **************************************************************************** ********** The expedition was planned for early evening, when the glare of the Hot Sun had partially receded and before the Dangers of the Desert would awaken. Amanda had decided to remain behind. Marcus was chomping at the bit to get out there, not realizing what the heat of the Desert could do to a Human. A Healer was called and he prepared a Tri-Ox shot for Marcus, and after determining it safe for Minbari, also injected them. This he explained would help them to cope with the thinner atmosphere, especially out in the Desert. As they had spent little time in the open air of Vulcan prior to this, the precaution was welcomed. The airspeeder was ready and waiting for them outside the Academy. Sarek, Delenn and Shial took the front seats, while Marcus, Lennier and Lannke sat in the rear, along with equipment provided by the Planetary Sciences Department. The craft lifted and sped over the sand, until the City of Shi'Kahr grew smaller behind them. Within the hour they would reach their destination. A point midway from Shi'Kahr to Mount Seleya. Lennier looked around fascinated, occasionally pulling out a piece of equipment to study. Marcus was bored, he considered singing, but thought the better of it, after his last experience with Steven. Lannke was in Meditation. Sarek, driving, took time out to ask and answer questions from Delenn. He was finally able to find out, without being rude, how it was Delenn had hair, and looked more human than her associates. The Master Shial was amazed at this transformation she had undertaken, and talked about how difficult it had been for the Healers to 'create' a Human/Vulcan Child for Sarek and Amanda. The conversation slowly came to a halt as thier destination grew closer. "I am sensing someone Entil'zha" said an almost shocked Lannke. "Someone?" Queried Sarek. **************************************************************************** ********** "They are here" The Other stated. Again It remained quiet. It was not needed anymore. **************************************************************************** ********** The craft slowed to a stop and settled down onto the sands. The delegation poured out and stood waiting. Sarek went into Meditation, as did Lannke. Shial opened a tricorder and began to take readings. "This is the correct location", he stated."Little is known of the Other, as we have never felt it necessary to bother it. It speaks when it wishes to, and I believe it has been centuries since it's last visitation." Delenn called out to the Other in Minbari and then again in English, to the surprise of everyone. "Who are you, and for what reason have you brought us here?" A deep rumbling occurred under the Desert. "You can return me." It stated. Sarek and Lannke looked to each other through disturbed meditations. "I am Kosh" The group stood confused. Delenn spoke again. "Kosh?! How can it be?" A ghostly form appeared before the group. The Vulcan's stood rigid, unable to comprehend what they saw before them, an glowing apparition, with the face of a Vulcan and behind it, wings. Marcus saw the humanesque Angel. Delenn, Lennier and Lannke saw the familiar Minbari version of Kosh they had dealt with many times before. "How - how did you come to be here Kosh?" Stammered Marcus. Kosh spoke again, this time simultaneously in Minbari, Vulcan and Human. "During the last great war, as the Shadows were retreating, I came across one in Hyperspace. It attacked and disabled my ship, flinging us across space. I opened a jumpgate and found this unevolved planet. My ship died where it crashed, below us. I mourned its passing for centuries. I was trapped and the sands of time covered us. I chose to remain within, until now." Lennier spoke up for the first time. "You do not speak in manner of Vorlons to which we are used too." "I have become accustomed to these people - the Vulcans. I have listened and I have learned." Answered Kosh. "How did you lead us here?" Queried Delenn. "I sensed your ship in hyperspace, I spoke to it, it came to me." Kosh stated fact. Delenn nodded, "Some of the technology used to create the Whitestar was provided by the Vorlons. So it would respond to you." She responded in explanation for the Vulcans and the Vorlon. For the benefit of the Vulcans, Lennier turned to them and explained that the Vorlon technology was bio-organic, and that Kosh's ship had in effect lived. "Why did you bring us here?" asked Marcus. "To take me home." Kosh replied A sudden pause fell over the group. **************************************************************************** ********** Shial spoke softly, "You have been part of us for a millennia, you would leave us?" "Yes" came the answer, "I understand that my brethren have passed beyond the rim, I must join them, I do not belong here. This time Sarek nodded. "You will need an encounter suit." Stated Lannke. "It is in the ship below." Kosh replied. Sarek stepped closer to the Vorlon, "We could transport a team into the ship to recover any effects you require, this way no damage will come to the desert, and your ship will remain hidden below." "This is logical." Stated Kosh. "It would seem Kosh has spent too much time amongst the Vulcans" mumbled Marcus with a grin. Shial moved back to the airspeeder to recover his tricorder, opening it and spending a few minutes fixing the co-ordinates into the main computer back at the Science Academy. "Whoever goes into the ship will require equipment we do not have here, nor expected to need." Opening his communicator, he requested two decontamination suits with oxygen be transported to his location. The suits materialized on the sand at Shial's feet. Marcus and Lennier reached for the suits without question. Suited up, and oxygen checked, they stood awaiting transport into the Vorlon ship, Flash beams in hand. **************************************************************************** ********** The glow from materializing inside the ship, was fading. Marcus joked that this mode of transport was getting more comfortable each time, and wondered if they could take this technology back with them. Lennier smiled and activated his flash beam, Marcus followed suit. Kosh appeared in front of them. "I will guide you" They followed Kosh through the maze that was his ship...It had not decayed. A ship usually destroyed itself upon the death of its owner, by throwing itself into a sun, but there was no such protocol for the owner upon the death of the ship. The ship would continue to support its master, maintaining the methane atmosphere somehow. How Kosh had managed to survive in the oxygen rich atmosphere above would remain a mystery to the explorers. Kosh had reverted to short sentences, and would soon return to it's usual riddles. They found the encounter suit in what they believed was the Command Centre. Kosh wandered off, as if saying goodbye to his ship. Marcus and Lennier called for Transport, and soon found themselves back on the surface of the planet. Within moments Kosh was there. The Suit stood upright as if held by an invisible hand. Kosh looked at it, the suit's chest piece peeled back, and he rushed himself within the confines of it. The chest cavity glowed and sealed itself, until it was fully closed. "I am complete" Kosh said, the musical tones returned. "We must leave this place." Marcus and Lennier stripped off the suits and folded them neatly before returning them to Shial. Delenn stepped forward and bowed towards Ambassador Sarek and Master Shial. "Kosh is correct, only he can get us back to our proper place, and it must be soon, he is weakening. It has been a pleasure to meet you all, and I wish I could say that we would meet again, yet we all know that will be impossible. Please send my best wishes to Amanda." Sarek and Shial raised their hands in salute "Live long and prosper Delenn, Marcus, Lennier, Lannke......and Kosh, you will be missed." Each took the opportunity to reply in like manner "Live love and prosper Sarek, and Shial" Sarek called the Academy and requested the team of five be returned to their ship. With a sense of sadness, Sarek watched as the delegation dematerialized. The two lone Vulcans quietly climbed into the airspeeder and set course back to the Academy. **************************************************************************** ********** The arrival back aboard the Whitestar, was anything but quiet. The crew welcomed their shipmates back. They expressed interest in the Vorlon that accompanied them, but not one dared ask what had transpired on the planet. Marcus returned to his Navigation Console, relieving the Minbari tech who had stood watch the whole time they had been gone. "It's good to be home" He smiled at his console. Delenn stated bemusedly "We are not there yet Marcus. Please set course back to where we opened the Jumpgate, Kosh will aid us once we enter Hyperspace." **************************************************************************** ********** Sarek and Amanda stood on the edge of the desert outside their house. The carpet of stars above them glittered in the encroaching darkness. Amanda reached out her hand to Sarek and he took it in his own. They could not see the Whitestar ship, yet they remained watching the sky, speaking in hushed tones. "Two days ago we did not know they existed, yet today, I know I will miss them." Whispered Amanda. "They were, to say the least, Fascinating my dear, and I believe I shall 'miss' them as well." Sarek replied softly. In the darkness, Amanda smiled and sighed, turning her eyes back to the heavens. **************************************************************************** ********** The jumpgate opened and the Whitestar lurched once again into it. "Hyperspace will never seem the same again" Sighed Marcus. Lennier agreed. The ship followed its return path, shaking and shuddering til it had apparently returned to the proper placement. The co-ordinates on the Navigation console became familiar to Marcus, he pointed out to Delenn. And soon it was time to open another jumpgate, this time, finally within Babylon 5 space. "We shall disembark at Babylon 5 Kosh" said Delenn, "You may take the Whitestar" The Vorlon cocked his head to one side, unspeaking, yet agreeing. The crew became quiet as the Station grew large before them. Each of the Landing Party was remembering with fondness their encounter with the Vulcans. Yet they knew that to speak of this incident would not be possible, so they kept their memories to themselves, a smile here and knowing glance there. **************************************************************************** ********** Commander Ivanova, in C&C was surprised to see the Whitestar apparently leaving empty. She did not question it's leaving, she just whispered a farewell, not quite knowing why. And the WhiteStar jumped into Hyperspace....... **************************************************************************** **********