From FLUFFER@prodigy.net Wed Dec 25 00:06:11 1996 Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 14:30:41 -0600 From: Janis Ward To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "What Might Have Been Part 1" Hello. This is Laura Hale (fluffer), anyways, I belong to the J&D story list and someone wrote areally good story there so I asked her if I could cross post it and since she said yes, here it is: Part one. I'll put in the restas I get the time. This intact from what it came like. Since she orginally forgot to include he e-mail address I'll tell ya here: bob-ward@worldnet.att.net Hi! This is the first story I^̉ve ever posted on the internet so I'm really paranoid that it stinks! I really want feedback on this, any criticism is welcome. I started off knowing exactly what I wanted to do with this story, but the ideas faded faster than I could write, so now I'm not sure where I'm going with this. Forgive me if it takes me forever to post the next parts of it {I am the world's slowest writer}. Also, I am a relatively new fan of the show so forgive me {again} if I made some major oversight in the plot. Babylon 5 just recently opened my eyes to a world of Sci-Fi beyond Star Trek, and considerably better, too :}. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed all of yours! Love always, Isis Oh yeah, disclaimers. They're mine, all mine!!! *Maniacal Laugh* {Just Kidding!} Everybody here belongs to J.M.S., PTEN, WB, and whoever else claims them, except for Menani, Kyala, and Tony {They ARE all mine!!!} Feel free to repost this anywhere you like. You can even use my characters in a story of your own as long as you clear it with me first. Oh, and if anyone is planning on suing me, keep in mind that I'm 15 and broke, so good luck! Thank you Ruth for all of your help, I couldn't have done this without you! What Might Have Been by Isis So much had happened, so many years passed, so much pain, so much joy, so much death, so much life, and so much love. She felt so old now, a relic of an earlier time. The little that kept her from utter despair was now at risk. She observed her surroundings impartially, not really caring if she would live or die. Part of her desperately wanted to die, to join her love and so many friends she had lost along the way. She felt as though she had finally earned the right die. Another part of her screamed for life. Her children were her main reason for living. They were all that kept her sane, whenever she managed to see them. The two sides tended to cancel each other out. A tall Centauri entered the dismal room, she knew he was here to interrogate her again. They wanted her children. They couldn't understand her valuing their lives over her own. She raised a hand to silence him. "I am Delenn, Satai, En'tilza, and the leader of the Nation of Planets. I am the widow of John Sheridan and mother of David, Kyala, and Menani Sheridan. You will get no more information from me." The Centauri took one look at the determination on her face and knew she was right. She would never reveal where her children were. In a way, he respected her, that she had the conviction to die for them. He knew he would not have the same strength. He sighed heavily, the Emperor would not like this. With one last hopeful glance toward Delenn, he left. Delenn sat, the picture of serenity, in the corner of her cell. "In Valen's name, I pray you take care of them, David." She pleaded silently. She knew the Centauri would not find them if they stayed on Epsilon three. Susan and Michael would care for them until they were old enough to be on their own. But David, she knew, would not stay there. He had a great sense of duty, a love of Peace, and, unfortunately, a vengeance that grew everyday. He was too much like his father. The shadows had taken everything from him. His innocence, his childhood, his father, and soon his mother as well. A small smile crept across Delenn's face as she remembered one of the few blissfully happy moments of her life. Her mind took her back 10 years, to see David happily giggling as he sat on his father's shoulders. Delenn had been pregnant with Kyala at the time. Kyala had barely known her father. She had only been five when he died. John had never met their youngest daughter, he hadn't even known she was pregnant. That fact, more than anything, pained her deeply. Menani had been born after the war, the only one of her children who managed to retain the wonder of childhood. Delenn closed her eyes and saw her baby, four years old now. She had her father's hair, her mother's eyes, and a smile that seemed to emanate joy. She saw the world in an innocence only a child could possess. Delenn looked up as the Emperor, Londo Mollari, entered the room. "You cannot save them, Delenn." Londo stated calmly, chilling the room. "We cannot allow telepaths of their power to survive." He rationalized, attempting to justify his actions. "What powers?" Delenn asked coyly trying to guard her most precious secret. "Come now, Delenn. I know you better than that." He grinned maliciously as he pulled out some documents. "David Sheridan," he read, "P16, Kyala Sheridan, P14, and Menani Sheridan, P19. Do you still deny it Delenn?" He asked toying with her. "Yes." she said determined. "Then give my regards to your husband." He snarled as he pulled out a PPG and the blackness finally enveloped Delenn. 15 years later Menani stood in her room, 19 now, she had somehow retained the innocence of her youth; at least it appeared so. She fastened her ranger pin on her uniform, the same uniform her mother had designed over 30 years ago. "O.K. Mom," she smiled at the picture she kept of her mother next to her mirror, "off to work!" She smiled as she blew a kiss to the picture. She walked down the halls of the station, wondering how different it was from the old Babylon station. She stopped for a moment to glance at Babylon 5 from a window. She reached out to touch it, but was blocked by the glass as she had been so many times before. "Hello, Daddy." She murmured to the station. She withdrew her hand as she felt someone approach. "Doctor?" He called urgently, "Com-links are down. Medical emergency. The Centauri attacked several transports and some fighters were injured, too. We have wounded coming in." Menani's eyes widened as she began to run toward Medlab. "Oh Valen," she implored silently, "please let Tony be safe." She could hear nothing but her pulse as she ran as fast as she could. When she reached Medlab, however, her medical instincts kicked in and she calmed herself immediately. No sooner had she arrived than the wounded began to pour in. "Minor head wound," she pronounced," give him a cold compress, disinfect it, and check for oxygen depravation." "Next," she called frantically, "come on people, move it." "You," she called to a security officer near the door, "give David... uh, Captain Sheridan, an update, see if you can find some more beds, oh, and find out when the Com-link will be back up." He hurried off. Menani looked down to her next patient. Time froze. Tony's fading eyes lay before her. "Oh Valen!" she murmured. She checked his monitor, broken ribs punctured his lungs, serious head injuries, and internal bleeding made his chances for survival slim to none. "Major surgery, now!" she called. "Doctor," a nurse protested, "we have more wounded." "Let Dr. Kavec handle it." she screamed. "It's okay, Tony." she thought to him, "It'll be okay." she soothed near tears. "Menani," he called out, barely above a whisper, "I love you, now and always. Don't blame yourself, my love, it's my fault." "No Tony," she choked, "you have to live, this can't happen. We were going to have kids, to be happy!" The nurses were running to set up the equipment for the surgery, but it was to late. Menani sobbed over his lifeless body as Medlab stood still. "Menani," David Sheridan called as he entered, "oh, damn." he muttered as he looked up to see his youngest sister sobbing hysterically. He moved to comfort her, but stopped when several nurses motioned that she needed to be alone. In total 237 were injured and 82 killed... and war was soon to be declared. Menani stood with David facing Emperor Mollari on the now operational Com-channels. "I apologized for this most unfortunate accident." Mollari grinned. David did all he could to keep from lashing out at him, Menani was not as successful. "You, how can you? You killed my parents, my husband, your friends and mine. Who is next? Me, David, Kyala, Susan, Michael? We're all that's left. Do you want a war? We're ready, are you?" David put a hand on her shoulder and mentally ordered her to stop. "Actually," Londo continued, "that's exactly what we want." He grinned evily. "Now, now David. Don't look so indifferent. Last time I saw someone with hat look, I killed her. Your mother was so composed. Good Day... *Captain* Sheridan." He scoffed. Menani managed to scream a few expletives, in several languages at him, as a parting shot. Menani sat is sorrow and grief. How could this have happened? As if losing him wasn't enough, now she's have to tell his parents. They were the only parents she'd ever known. Her memory of her real mother was vague at best. While dreading the call, she knew it would be better to call sooner, than later. She sat at the Com-link. "Michael and Susan Garibaldi, please." she requested of the computer. "Menani!" Susan said astonished, "what's wrong?" Menani bit her lip, "There was a battle in Sector 23, several cargo ships were attacked. We sent flyers after them." She heard Susan's breath catch in her throat, Michael just stood in fear. "I was on duty. The wounded just kept coming. Toward the end, I looked down and saw Tony. He came in alive, damn it! He was hurt badly." Susan was sobbing now. "I, I was right next to him when he died. Please, believe I did everything I could," Menani pleaded. Susan was sobbing in her husband's arms over the loss of their last son. Their first son, John, had died six years prior. "We know Menani," Michael said through tears, "thank you. Give our regards to Kyala and David please. I know you lost a lot, too. I'm sorry." Menani could only nod as the link was terminated. She knew right then that she *had* to do something. Later that week, Menani had asked David for permission to take some extra time off, to "get out" as she had said. He had, cautiously agreed. Menani packed a small bag with no ID and covered her telltale headbone with her hair. She then left on her personal cruiser and headed toward sector 14. David Sheridan entered his quarters. "You have two messages." the overly persistent computer informed him. "All right," he muttered, "play 'em." The first was some Drazi complaining about the Brakiri. "Never ends, does it Pop?" he asked his father's picture. "Hi, David." The second message began. His head whipped around, "Damn, she sounds like Mom!" he remarked astonished. "You won't like this David. I'm going to sector 14." He dropped his cup of coffee. "Oh, God." he breathed quietly. "I know, I know," she mimicked, "It's dangerous. But David, I'm a P19! I can change time and space. I can even form a jump point with my mind! I have to go back. I have to change everything. I could help Dad! We could defeat the shadows with almost no losses. I have to try. I have nothing left but the past. I love you. Give my love to Kyala, Susan, Michael, and Ton... just Kyala, Susan and Michael I guess. Good bye." David sat in shock. *Time Froze* *No, cannot go* *Cannot change* *"I must," the new voice cried* *Why* *"For all, for good." It screamed* *For all, or for you?* *The new voice had no answer* [END] From FLUFFER@prodigy.net Wed Dec 25 00:14:33 1996 Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 16:24:57 -0600 From: Janis Ward To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "What Might have been" 2& part of 3 Hello again. Remember thsi story is not mine. It belongs to someone else ans she gave me permission to post it here. Bye the way, she LOVE e-mail with a passion, but she won't subscribe. Go figure. Anyway I'm POSITIVE she'd like your replies. Here's part two of "What Might Have Been". I hope you enjoyed the first part. I would know by now only I'm an idiot and forgot to give you all my e-mail address. It's bob-ward@worldnet.att.net {Well, it's actually my dad's, but I'll get it there.}. I hope to have part three up by mid-November and part 4 a little after that. Part three was just finished today, but I have to type it and edit it. I'd like some suggestions please. These parts contain no spoilers, only speculation, after Shadow Dancing. The story takes place between Grey 17 is Missing and Shadow Dancing {it will overlap with the latter somewhat}. By the way, if this story goes over well, I have some great ideas for a prequel. So PLEASE let me know. Love Always, Isis As always, thank you Ruth for your continuing support and encouragement. Your help has been invaluable. Disclaimer - Some of these characters are mine, some belong to J.M.S., W.B., P.T.E.N., and most likely other people as well. In any case, I'm using them. Please don't use any of my characters without asking me first {I will probably say yes}. I don't intend on infringing upon anyone's copyrights, I simply want to pay homage to this wonderful show, and to share my ideas and stories with others. Enough stalling, here it is. What Might Have Been by Isis [Part 2] (All parts may be found at ftp://ftp.speedlink.com/pub/jdstory/) 2260 Susan Ivanova stood in C & C praying silently that, for once, it would be a quite day. She had a hell of a headache from yelling profusely at Michael for something she couldn't even remember now. She had been on edge, more than usual, all morning. She turned as the door opened and, as if mocking her pleads, Ambassador Kosh stood in the doorway. "Oh, yeah," she thought, "trust a Vorlon to keep the day quiet." She winced at her own sarcasm. Ambassador Kosh, who had arrived just recently to replace the last Kosh, walked, if you can call it that, over toward the window. Everyone's eyes were on him as he stood silently. Ivanova hit her link, "Captain, Kosh is in C & C, I'd get down here if I were you." "Thanks, I'll be right down." was the only reply she got. "Is there something I can do for you Ambassador?" She asked not really expecting a reply and not receiving one either. Kosh watched as a jump gate formed outside, his head tilted slightly as he studied it. "It Begins." He said cryptically and left. Susan looked from him to the ship and back, hoping in vain for some elaboration. "That's it? It begins? What the hell is 'it'?" Sheridan arrived just in time to hear her confused questions. Susan turned to Lt. Corwin, "Scan that ship, talk to the people on it, do background checks, I want to know everything about them." She turned to the Captain who had patiently been awaiting an explanation, "You're gonna love this." she muttered. He was there, Menani felt him look toward the ship. He knew she was coming, he would help her. She looked down and fastened her ranger pin. She had no time to get fake identacards or permits, Kosh would have to get her through. She looked at the belongings she had brought with her. She had brought her pictures on a data crystal. She knew it was a huge risk, if they should find pictures of her parents wedding, or a future picture of Susan and Michael, it could be dangerous. But she couldn't bare to leave them behind. It was all she had left of Tony. A noise broke her thoughtful silence. "This is Babylon control to unidentified vessel, please respond." Menani sat in the pilot's seat, "This is the 'Memory'. I have no permit. I am Elaine Kavec, a personal friend of Ambassador Kosh and request permission to dock." These was a pause on the other end. "Hold please," Babylon control finally responded, "I have to clear it with the Captain." She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as the response came through. Susan had just finished briefing the Captain and Mr. Garibaldi when Lt. Corwin called. "Sir?" He asked tentatively, "There is one apparently human female onboard the ship. She claims she is a personal friend of Ambassador Kosh and wants to come aboard, she doesn't have a permit." "Well," Susan began, "as far as I've seen, Kosh hasn't requested we bring any of his friends on board. We don't know if she's telling the truth." Michael gave her a look, "Do you really want to piss off a Vorlon?" She returned his glare as Sheridan, very grateful for another call, stepped out of the line of fire between Susan and Michael. "Sheridan, go.' he called to his link. "Sir," a nervous sounding Lt. responded, "Ambassador Kosh is here at docking bay 12. He says, 'He's waiting.'" "Thank you, Lt." he responded and looked up just in time to see Michael give Susan an I-told-you-so look. "Lt. Corwin," he called, "let her dock." "Michael, Susan, let's go see this... 'friend' of Kosh." He stated more an order than a request. The three of them walked down the hall in silence. "What's been up with them lately?" Sheridan wondered. "They've been worse than usual." he commented to himself making a mental note to ask them both later. The silence was deafening and John thought he would nearly scream, until they ran into Delenn. "Ambassador," he smiled looking slightly goofy, "how are you?" "Good John," he kicked himself mentally, "that was the best you could come up with." Garibaldi stood shaking his head silently unnoticed by either of them. Susan, however, noticed and smacked him lightly in reprisal. "I am fine," Delenn smiled equally flustered, "and yourself?" "Pretty good," he grinned, "we're on our way to meet a friend of Kosh's." "As am I," Delenn said surprising them, "he requested my presence." John raised an eyebrow considering Kosh's motives. Who was this friend of Kosh's? The four of them were arrived just in time to see Kosh bow to the new arrival. The sight was enough for Delenn to lose her composure and look completely shocked. Kosh remained bowed, and the others silent, until the newcomer begged Kosh to stand before her. "I am not worthy of such reverence." she commented in the melodious tone that everyone associated with Delenn. John looked at Delenn in confusion finding her equally confused. "You shall be." was Kosh's reply to the newcomer. Captain Sheridan approached the young woman greeting her formally. "Welcome to Babylon 5, Ms. Kavec." He smiled as she turned to see him. "Oh, Valen," she thought, "it's him. It's really him." "Thank you, Captain Sheridan," she smiled, "and please call me Elaine. It is a pleasure to be here." She looked beyond them to see Susan, Michael, and her, Delenn, the mother she had barely known. "It is good to finally meet all of you." she looked near tears, "I have heard so much. I know you must all be wondering about me," she nearly laughed removing her cloak, "I must be a big mystery, even for this place." Delenn stared at her, she seemed so familiar. Suddenly, she noticed the ranger pin she wore. "You are a ranger?" Delenn asked surprised. "Yes." she said hesitantly. "Have we met before?" Delenn asked, "You seem familiar." "No, that would not have been possible." Menani answered. "I have been in seclusion most of my life." "On Minbar?" Delenn asked. "Yes, I worked very closely with Ambassador Sinclair in dealing with the rangers. You see," she stated looking directly at Delenn, "I am the secret ranger." Delenn's eyes widened at this prospect. The secret ranger had been foretold by Valen. No one had come close to understanding the meaning of the prophecy. "Delenn," John turned, "what is the secret ranger?" visibly annoyed at not having been told. "It was unexplained," she said in shock, "I had not thought it would be fulfilled. The secret ranger prophecy said that 'the third one would come to fix that which needs to be, but is not yet broken.' But we could not understand it. If she is the third, then who was the first and second? And the third one of what? Kosh," Delenn directed toward the stoic Vorlon, "is this true?" All eyes were on the Vorlon as he replied only one word, "Yes." The day had been long and, if possible, stranger than usual. Elaine Kavec had been thoroughly examined by Medlab and so far the doctor had reported nothing out of the ordinary. She had frightened Susan, however. She couldn't even figure out why, or make any sense of her fears. None the less, the feeling remained. Susan Ivanova sat in her quarters reviewing some of the background information given to her on Elaine. Something struck her as wrong and she knew it was right under her nose. Her frustration was interrupted by the sound of someone at her door. "Come in." She called putting down the cup of coffee she had been nursing. She was surprised to find the Captain at the door. "Captain, come in." She stood to greet him. "Thank you." He smiled. "What brings you here?" she asked hoping that the answer was not what she suspected. "Actually," he began, "I was wondering why you and Garibaldi were at each other's throats." "Damn," she thought, "why did he have to notice that." "You know Michael and I are always in disagreement. I will admit that today was probably worse than usual. But, I don't think it was really noteworthy sir. Maybe it was lack of sleep, or tension, god knows there's enough of that, or just the fact that I didn't have a chance to finish my coffee this morning." He made a mental note that she had used his first name when he had said, Garibaldi, his last name. He couldn't help but wonder if Garibaldi would do the same. "Ah," he smiled obviously not convinced, "Well, I just wanted to make sure that you two weren't doing any more fighting than usual. We have a war with the Shadows, the last thing I need now is one between the two of you also." She forced a laugh, "I'll try to keep that in mind, Sir. Can I get you a cup of coffee?" "No," he smiled, "thank you, but it's late and the day starts all to early. Good night Susan." "Good night, Captain." she replied as she heard the door close behind him. After John had a similar discussion with Garibaldi, he concluded that something was definitely up. And he was determined to find out what. Menani watched the doctor with uncommon attention. She was making a conscious effort to block his mind from registering the fact that she wasn't entirely human. It wasn't all that hard to do, but it did require concentration. He finally broke the silence. "All right," He smiled, "that's all for the physical. I do have some questions though." She slowly let out a paranoid breath that somehow he would find out. "All right," she replied elated, "but keep it short I have an early meeting with Ambassador Kosh tomorrow. I have to get some sleep." "No problem," he assured her, "where are you from?" The answer of Epsilon three ran through her mind briefly, but she knew she'd have to lie. "Earth, North America." "How old are you?" "19." She answered truthfully. "Who and where are your parents?" He asked intrigued. "They're dead," she answered in half-truth, "I'd prefer not to talk about them." "How long were you on Minbar?" "15 years," she said surprising him, "my parents sent me there. They wanted me to understand the Minbari." "Well, who do you stay with now?" He asked wondering who cared for this woman who was barely more than a child. "My husband just died recently. There was a battle in Sector 23. Now, I am on my own, except for Kosh." "You were married at 19?" He asked not quite believing her. "Yes," she replied, "we had only been married a few months. His name was Tony G... Tony Gerald Kavec." She replied hoping he wouldn't notice her near slip of the tongue. "I'm sorry for your loss." He touched her shoulder lightly. "You are free to go." "Thank you, Doctor." She smiled pleasantly and left. Menani walked slowly down the hall, knowing instinctively that danger was close by. She could feel it flowing painfully all around her. The evil screamed. As she rounded the corner she walked directly into Ambassador Mollari who attempted to steady her by grabbing onto her shoulders. She screamed. "I am sorry, my dear." His distinctive accent apologized. "Oh, Valen." she breathed. "You." Her fury grew quickly. "I'm sorry, have we met?" He smiled suspecting and uncertain. "Not yet, you are evil, Londo Mollari, evil. You will cause more death in your lifetime than most do in thousands of years. We all will suffer at your hands." Rapidly becoming annoyed and uncomfortable Londo attempted to declare her mad. "I am quite sure that I do not know what you are talking about." he assured her. "Now if you will please let me pass young lady." "Not until you answer for what you've done." she snarled reaching out with her mind. Londo gasped as he felt his consciousness go. In an instant his mind, unwillingly showed him the atrocities he would commit. The blood was on his hands, both literally and figuratively. The scenes replayed faster and faster until he struggled to breath, for the blood was choking him. "No," his garbled voice let loose, "let me go." Menani released him as he fell to the floor like a marionette puppet whose strings had been cut. "Why do you show me such lies, I have done none of these things." He begged. "Because it is your future. Consider it a second chance and a warning. If you follow that path, my brother and I will do everything in our power to stop you." Her face contorted into an uncharacteristic evil glare. "And what of your sister?" he asked using all the tricks he could to combat this strange enemy. Her head snapped around, knowing he was trying to manipulate her with his newly attained knowledge. "Leave her alone. Your hell consumes her all too quickly." She replied walking off leaving Londo with a lot of questions and very few answers. The next morning Menani arrived in Kosh's quarters for the meeting. "You showed him." Kosh stated. "Yes," she said seeming apologetic, "I know I should not have, but my anger got the best of me." "She comes." "Who?" Menani asked. "Both." "I don't understand." She begged for further explanation. "You will." "You say that I will do all these great things and yet you refuse to help me. Why?" She asked annoyed. "I cannot, I am sorry." Lyta Alexander stood in the doorway watching the exchange. It was the only time she knew of that a Vorlon had apologized or seemed so reverent toward another. To be honest, it frightened her that she knew nothing about this girl. She let her mind gently attempt a surface scan. Menani's head whipped around instantly, her eyes piercing her directly as Lyta's scan was thrown back with amazing force. "Why did you try to scan me?" Menani demanded. "You're a telepath?" Lyta asked in astonishment ignoring her question. "Why did you try to scan me?" She demanded again. Lyta immediately realized that the girl was far more powerful than she was. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to know a little about you." She pleaded both to Menani and Kosh. "Did you hear anything?" Menani asked insistently. "Just one word, I swear." "What word?" "Menani." Lyta replied shattering all the hope Menani had for keeping her in the dark. Menani turned to Kosh, "Now, she must be told." "If that is what you wish." Kosh responded. Menani directed her attention to Lyta. "You cannot ever reveal any of what I am about to tell you to anyone. If you do, the fabric of time and space could become unwoven beyond repair. Do you understand?" Lyta nodded her head. She didn't really understand, but understanding was not really required for obedience. "I am Menani Sheridan-Garibaldi. The third child of John and Delenn Sheridan and the widow of Tony Garibaldi, the son of Michael and Susan Garibaldi. I have traveled thirty two years back in time." She revealed to Lyta as the overwhelming implications struck her fully. 2292 Kyala studied her image reflected in the mirror. Her raven black hair fell just short of her shoulders and her gray-blue eyes reflected a combination of impartiality and sinisterness. She was the strange one; The child of John and Delenn, heroes by all accounts, whom most would rather had never been born. None of the famed Sheridan children had been politically inactive. She was the only one, however, who had joined the other side of the politics. David had been the strong leader, a virtual clone of their father; Menani was the smiling, innocent good-willed baby, the symbol of hope for the newly formed Nation of Planets, after John died. Kyala, on the other hand, had understood the shadows. After the shadow war had ended, Kyala rallied support from several races and actually gave the few remaining shadows a fighting chance. Of course the Centauri had been the first on her side, the Brakiri, Drazi, Pak'mera, and eventually the warrior caste from Minbar joined in. She had formed political chaos all by herself. She was quickly deemed a traitor by Earth Alliance, the Nation of Planets, and the remaining two thirds of Minbar. She knew she could never return home, as much as she would have liked to. Susan and Michael would have little to nothing to do with her, David was furious, but soon got over it, and Menani perpetually insisted that she *must* have had a good reason to have done what she did. So, Kyala had no option but to come here. She turned as she heard her personal guard enter the room, her husband insisted she be protected. "You have a priority message from your brother, Mrs. Sheridan-Cotto. "Thank you, Verfero, I'll take it in here." Kyala replied. David attempted to compose himself as he had seen his mother do a thousand times in his youth. He hadn't spoken with Kyala in quite some time, but with all her faults, she was still his sister, and he loved her. He paced for what seemed an eternity, finally she appeared on screen. "David," she smiled lightly, "I trust you are well?" He looked up at her with no reply. His attempt at composure had completely failed and bloodshot eyes stared into her. "Oh, god," she whispered, "what's wrong?" "Menani went to sector 14, she went back in time, to change things." His pained face stared at her accusingly. "No!" Kyala shouted in horror, "She can't be gone! She's the only one who believed in me, she gave me a chance. Why the hell would she do that?" "Because you killed Tony." he glared unforgivingly. "Tony's dead? I didn't know, I swear. Who did it?" she begged. He looked at her with sarcasm, "Who do you think, Londo, your minion, of course." "No, David you don't understand. I have no influence over him, I never have. Vir, yes, and most of the royal court, but not the Emperor. I'll make this right David, I promise." Her final words rested in his head as the link closed. David, in spite of himself, was reassured. For all Kyala had done, evil or not, she had *never* broken a promise, *never*. Kyala was infuriated. She stormed out of her room, charging down the hall. Unannounced, she shoved open the doors to the Emperor's throne room, pushing away the few guards foolish enough to try to stop her. "Londo," she bellowed out at the top of her lungs, "You miserable piece of J'adrn, where are you?" "Ah, Kyala," the thickly accented voice of Londo Mollari called from the corner, "what can I do for you, my dear?" "You can burn in hell." She responded furiously, "She went back in time, you fool. Because you killed her husband. But I know Menani, she won't stop there. She'll avert the war, save my parents, and, if she's smart, prevent you from ever being born." Londo looked up truly concerned, for himself of course. "Do you know what the worst part is? I have to be the one to go back and get her, because David and I are the only telepaths strong enough to control time. If I don't, you die! Almost enough incentive Londo, almost." Her rage beginning to subside, she glared at the impassive Emperor. "Don't tell my husband, he wouldn't let me go. Damn you Londo, she's one of the only people who ever cared about me; You already killed all of the other ones, except for Vir. Why can't you kill the people who deserve it?" "My dear," Londo began, "you are right, of course. I have always said you are as intelligent as you are lovely. I often think my greatest mistake was to let Vir marry you, instead of myself. Kyala scoffed at the idea, "Londo, my intelligence has nothing to do with that thought. Vir's political status skyrocketed when he married me and the people love him. For a Centauri to marry the politically active rebel daughter of the enemy, what could have helped him more? That, I suspect, is your reason for wishing you had married me, Londo. I think intelligence is the last thing *you* would look for or welcome." Londo's smile had fallen into a deep frown as she turned to leave, "Oh, and Londo," she added, "I wouldn't have married you even if it had made *me* the Emperor." He shook his head slowly as he watched her walk off, heading toward her personal craft, no doubt to head toward sector 14. Vir came in an instant later to see Londo staring after his wife. "Your wife is quite a woman, Vir. I cannot decide if I should pity or envy you." *Welcome* *"I must save her" the newest voice cried* *She is irrelevant, you must save all* *"She is all, She creates all"* *Yes* *"So I must stop her at all costs"* *Yes, go* [END 2] Alright, here's part three! I hope you all like it. I think it's better than part two {but part one is even better!}. I'm almost finished writing my rough draft for part four :} but if I don't take a break soon, I think my teachers may begin to realize I'm sleeping in class! I've gotten a lot of wonderful feedback. Thank you all so much. I'd also like to hear from the people who don't like the story, so that I can improve. Again, my e-mail address is Janis Ward . The story will end with part four :{ so sad, I know. However, my head is now perminently rooted in the prequels!!! So, you can expect more of Menani and Kyala {if you want them or not!}. Please, keep sending e-mail my way. All of it helps {my ego if not my writing, I'm just kidding, it all helps my writing :}}. Thank you all for your support. Love always, Isis A special thanks to Ruth King, for her continual help, without which I never would have had the courage to keep writing this. Also thanks to Ruth Owen, Navarre, Kristen Templet, and K. Khalfan for their support and critisism The usual disclaimers apply. Some are mine, some aren't, sort out the legal junk if you like. My characters are Tony, Katie {is she mentioned in this yet?}, Menani, John Garibaldi, and {my personal favorite} Kyala. The rest belong to someone else. No infringment on their copyrights are intended, only respect. What Might Have Been by Isis [Part 3] (All parts may be found at ftp://ftp.speedlink.com/pub/jdstory/) 2260 Ivanova was dead tired. The day before had been murder and she'd had next to no sleep. Just as she began to pray, yet again, that it would be a quiet day, Kosh entered. "God, what did I do, are my prayers the kiss of death?" She begged silently. They all watched out the viewport as a jump point formed and a small ship emerged. "It is too soon." Kosh said aloud and walked away. "Damn," Ivanova muttered, "Lt. Corwin . . ." "I know, I know," he interrupted, "background check. I'll get right on it." Kyala was disguised. Not that she really cared if anyone knew who she was, her only concern was retrieving Menani and getting out of here. Being recognized might make that a little more difficult. Her only question was, when she had come to. "This is Babylon 5 to the unidentified vessel, please identify yourself." "Hello Babylon control, my name is Kyala. I am the only one on-board this ship. It is called the Destiny. I have permits and request permission to dock." After a moment, the response came through, "You are cleared to dock in Bay 4. Have a nice stay. Babylon out." Kyala smiled as she set the ship to dock. Susan was on her way to her quarters when she accidentally bumped into a cloaked young woman. "Oh, I'm sorry." Susan began "It's quite all right." the woman turned to face her. Susan could have sworn she had seen her somewhere before. A feeling of evil and danger swept over her as she looked into the woman's ash-blue eyes. "Are you O.K.?" the woman asked. "Yes," Susan smiled shaking her head, "have we met?" "No, I don't believe so, my name is Kyala." she replied. "I'm Commander Susan Ivanova, I'm sorry again, I must be going. Have a nice day." As Kyala turned, Susan could have sworn she had seen a Minbari headbone under her deep ebony hair. "No way," she muttered to herself, "I really need sleep." Kyala was shaken up from her run-in with Susan. Until she had turned fifteen, Susan had been her best-friend. In fact, from the time she was nine Susan had also become her adoptive mother. When Kyala had turned fifteen, she ran away and became politically active. Upon her advocation of the shadows, Susan never looked at her the same again. She knew Susan still loved her, even with all she had done. Susan knew that Kyala had personally ordered the attack that had killed her oldest son, John. Susan could never forgive her. Kyala had killed two of Susan's five children, as well as Tony. She felt responsible, even if it wasn't her fault. For Susan, Kyala knew, that wasn't even the worst of it. Not only had Kyala killed her children, she had also convinced one of the two left to help the shadows. Susan was never able to look at her again after that. But, here, now, Susan had smiled at her! Kyala leaned against the wall after she rounded the corner. Tears ran down her cheeks in frustration. Why did the people who gave their lives for what they believe in always suffer the most? Menani was busy. She had contacted the Vorlon homeworld and gave them vital information they would need for the coming battles. Now she sat, wondering how many of the Shadows were on board. She sent out a scan to find out. Susan was asleep. Even in her dreams, however, she felt Menani's scan. "Hello?" a voice called in her dream, "Who's there?" "It's me, Susan. Who is this?" Susan called, "Who's scanning me?" Susan turned and saw Elaine. But it wasn't her, the woman had a Minbari headbone. "Who are you?" Susan begged again. "Menani." the woman answered as Susan awoke in confusion. Somewhere downbelow, Morden was speaking to his associates when he reeled his body backwards in surprise. Someone was scanning him. He looked around, but no one was in the room. The telepath must be extraordinarily strong. "She is here." He told the Shadows surrounding him, "We must leave immediately." It was 1400 hours. "My God," Susan muttered, "is that all?" The days recently seemed longer and longer. She was in the war room waiting for Sheridan to start yet another meeting. "Okay everyone," he called, "does anyone have any issues we need to address?" "Well, Captain," Garibaldi began, "word is that Morden freaked out earlier today and left. I don't know whether to be ecstatic or worried." "Unfortunately, probably the latter." Sheridan shook his head. "Do you have any idea why?" he asked concerned. "Not really, supposedly it has something to do with a telepath, but that's all we've got and that's not even confirmed." Susan looked up hesitantly, "Someone scanned me last night." Everyone looked at her in surprise. "No one was even in the room. I was asleep, but I heard what I think was a name, Menani. But the weirdest thing was that she looked part Minbari, like Delenn, she had a headbone." John looked toward Delenn who had stood up quickly as soon as she heard the name. From FLUFFER@prodigy.net Wed Dec 25 00:14:41 1996 Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 16:36:26 -0600 From: Janis Ward To: b5-creative@lists.best.com Subject: "What might Have been" rest of 3 and all of 4 Sorry if this got cut up, now's the time to learn you can only send so much text. SHEEESH. Anyways, here more of What Might have been" by Janis Ward. I think I didn't cut anything off from the previous part. NOTE I didn't change anything. ALl her story. Oh when I say this is cross-posted I mean from the J&D Story Book. Laura Hale "I'm sorry, for the hundredth time." He begged, "I guess . . . I guess I just got scared." She turned to look at him, obviously not buying a word he said. "Well I'm sorry that you're the only one with feelings, Michael. Kinda nice though, I mean, if I did have them, they'd be stomped all over the floor by now." She remarked as the door opened and she quickly stormed out. Delenn was hysterical to say the least. "No one could have known that name, John, no one." She insisted to him. "I know Delenn," he soothed, "We'll figure it out. Just, try to think about some thing else." He had come to comfort her, but found little to say. She was pacing the room like a caged animal, wounded and scared. John realized this was probably the first time in her life that she knew nothing about what was going on. She felt alone and vulnerable. He touched her arm to stop her from pacing. "We'll find out what's going on, I promise," he told her as he stared into her deep green eyes. She sighed, frustratedly and collapsed against him, allowing him to simply hold her in his arms. She finally found comfort simply in silence. Menani instinctively knew there was trouble. She picked up her pace as she heard foot steps behind her. "Menani!" Someone called. As a force of habit, she turned. Garibaldi stood behind her. "Oh, shit," she muttered realizing she was in serious trouble. "You have a lot of explaining to do," he told her as he led her toward the security office. Menani could sense the anger all around her in the room. Some of it was directed toward her, but a good deal of it came from Commander Ivanova who was sulking in the corner. Her anger was clearly directed toward Garibaldi who, being smart, wasn't there. "Who are you?" Sheridan demanded. "Elaine Kavec," she replied. "They why did you respond to the name Menani." "I just turned to see who was behind me." She lied. "You're a telepath, aren't you?" he asked. She was obviously taken aback by that. "No," she stuttered. "She's lying," Susan spoke up from the corner, "I'm only a P1 and I can tell that much." "No!" Menani insisted pounding her fist down on the table in front of her. The only result was several strands of her hair falling out of place. It wasn't much, but Susan noticed. "Oh, my God!" Susan whispered. Sheridan's jaw dropped, Menani's headbone was uncovered. "You'd better start talking and fast," Sheridan warned her. "I can't." She sobbed. All eyes looked up as the door opened. Lyta walked in. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Captain, but I have a message from Kosh." He nodded as she turned toward Menani. "Tell them," Lyta told her. "I can't it will change everything!" She demanded, "You know that, you know I can't tell them." Lyta looked at her with pity. "You must. And yes, it will change everything." "He planned this from the start." Menani realized, "He knew all along that this would happen." she cried out. Lyta said nothing, she simply smiled emphatically and left. Sheridan and Ivanova stood waiting for Menani to talk. "My name is Menani," she gave in, "I don't know if you'll believe my story, but I swear by Valen that it's all true." Ivanova raised an eyebrow as the young woman invoked the name of Valen. "I'm from the year 2292. I've come back in time to change things and help you fight the Shadows. I am a telepath." She stated squarely at Sheridan as something finally clicked in his mind. "You're Delenn's daughter from the future?" he asked. "How did you . . . oh, never mind. Yes, I am." "Do we lose the war? Is that why you came back?" he asked fighting the urge to ask who her father was. "No, you win the war." she revealed. "Then why did you come back?" he asked. "Because the price was too high." she yelled, "Do you know what it's like to know your father never met you? That your mother died protecting you?" she added as Sheridan winced, "I know your wife died, Captain, so did my husband. But you don't have a clue what it's like to lose everyone. After the Great War and all we've accomplished, we are at war again -- this time with the Centauri. I have very few family and friends still alive, how many of them will die in this war? If I stop this, here and now, maybe I can make things better for everyone." Susan stared at her, "Who is your father?" "My full name is Menani Elaine Sheridan-Garibaldi. I am the daughter of John and Delenn Sheridan and wife . . . widow of Tony Garibaldi." Susan looked up at John, more than a little surprised. "What?" John whispered. "I never met you," she said attempting to hold her tears at bay, "You died in the war, eight months before I was born. I, I've been told about you my whole life. I barely even remember Mom; I was four when she died." "You're . . . my daughter?" he realized it was true. Her eyes told her so. Those familiar, pleading eyes, so similar to the ones he had recently fallen in love with. "How do I die?" he asked. "John, don't." Susan warned. "I have to know." he implored. "You died saving Mom, David, and Kyala." "David and Kyala are . . .?" "My brother and sister. Susan and Mike have always said he's just like you. Kyala's a little . . . different though." Menani sighed. "Did you say her name was Kyala?" Susan demanded snapping to attention. "Yes, why?" Menani looked at her concerned face. "She's here too. I bumped into her in the hallway. Damn it, I knew she looked familiar." "Oh, Valen," Menani looked up terrified, "we have to stop her!" "Why?" Sheridan asked suspiciously. "She sided with the Shadows! She believes ion their cause, fights their war." "You mean to tell me," Sheridan fumed, "that my daughter supports the Shadows?" "She's not a bad person, please, don't think that. She's given up almost everything for a cause she believes in with all of her heart. She's no different than you except that she devotes herself to a different cause. She may have done some very bad things, but she did them all because she thought it was the right thing to do. You can't stop her. She's a P14. I'm a P19, let me go. I'll take her back to my time," Menani begged. "But, then you'll give up everything." Susan realized, " You came back to save your loved ones, stop the Shadows; You'll lose it all." "I have to do this," Menani said, "It's not what I want. But if I don't, the Shadows may win the war now. I have to save the past, the future may work itself out. If not, I'm the only one who suffers." Susan didn't like it, but she knew Menani was right. There was no other way. Susan nodded to John, who was still in shock . "Yes," Sheridan said, "yes, you can go. Please, take care of yourself. I would say I hope we meet again, but I guess that's unlikely, isn't it?" He asked. Menani nodded biting her lip. "I wish things could be different." He offered her the only consolation he could give. "Me, too." She whispered as she stood up. They hugged for the first and only time, and they both knew it. She cried, closing her eyes as tight as she could, hoping, just maybe, it was all a bad dream. And that when she woke up, everything would be *right*. "The thing I remember the most about Mom," Menani spoke softly as she opened her eyes and the dream shattered, "was how much she loved you. Precious moments are fleeting and never come again; Cherish each one as highly as you cherish life. Good luck." She turned to leave. "Thank you," he told her, not knowing what else to say. "Good-bye, Daddy." she called and left. [END 3] Here's the first part of part four {confusing I know}. After reviewing part four, I decided that it needed a lot of editing, it was too fast and anti- climactic. {I hope I'm fixing that now}. Before my mail gets overloaded with people who are mad I haven't sent more in yet, I figured I should post this. I love all the e-mail I'm getting, It's VERY helpful. A special thanks to Kristen Templet for her insightful critisism {You were right on all accounts}. Please, keep the e-mail coming prequels, if not... well, we'll see. I may write them anyhow. Enough stalling, let me know if you like it!!! Love Always, Isis Disclaimer - These people don't belong to me, I just like to pretend that they do :} They belong to JMS and WB. A couple of people belong to me, but if JMS wants 'em or his characters back, he can have 'em. {However, if he wants my story, I think he has been working to hard!} What Might Have Been by Isis [Part 4] (All parts may be found at ftp://ftp.speedlink.com/pub/jdstory/) Morden studied the woman who had contacted him. How did she know him? He knew that he would *certainly* remember her had they ever met. He was about to dismiss her as a fraud when he saw something in her eyes. Yes, she understood the Shadows. Her eyes portrayed a sad, dark, torn soul; so common for the people of the Shadows. Still, he was wary of her. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" He asked. "Not yet," she answered, "my name is Kyala and I have information you need." Ivanova watched Sheridan after Menani left the room. He sat in the seat Menani had occupied only moments before and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked so torn, as if perhaps Menani's words had both granted and damned his dreams. Yes, he would win the war, marry again, have three children, but what would he lose? He would lose his daughter to the Shadows, his wife would be killed, he would never meet his youngest child, and he would die before getting the chance to see his kids grow up. Susan knew what was going through his mind and was about to leave him alone with his thoughts when he called her. "Susan, don't breath a word of this to anyone, especially Ambassador Delenn." She raised her eyebrows; that wouldn't be easy. "Mind if I ask why?" She asked. He looked up. What was he supposed to say? That he didn't want Delenn to know he loved her? That he didn't want to scare her off before he got up the guts to tell her he loved her? Or perhaps he should just tell Susan that he was as afraid of Delenn returning his feelings as he was of her rejecting him. "Because I love her," he finally said, "and because I don't want to lose her." Susan smiled. "You really do love her don't you? I don't know how I missed it before. Don't worry, I'll be good and I'll tell Kosh and Lyta to be quiet as well. Not that I think it will be a problem keeping Kosh quiet. Oh, John," she called as she started toward the door, "get some sleep. You won't win anyone over looking like that." Londo walked into his quarters looking more confused than usual. "Londo!" Vir called in surprise, "Thank goodness, I was so worried. Where were you?" "Hell Vir," he replied, "I was in Hell." "What happened?" Vir asked concerned. "I have seen my future Vir. And I am afraid I do not like it much." He looked at Vir as he sat down. "No, I do not like it at all." "Do you want to talk about it? How did you see the future?" Vir questioned. "You must not breath a word of this to anyone, Vir. Perhaps it is time I make a few changes." He mused. "Why can't I tell anyone?" Vir wondered aloud. "Because," Londo spat, "I am afraid it may be true and if it is, no one will ever be able to forgive me." Morden had refused to return to the station. He and his colleagues were petrified of the telepath she knew to be Menani. So, if they would not join her on the station, she would join them on their ship. Kyala strode off of her shuttle and onto the Shadow ship as comfortable as could be. She looked like she belonged there, Morden observed silently. "Hello Morden," she called to the only human in the room. He approached her cautiously. Yes, he had the advantage, they were on his ship, but he was still unsure of this woman. "You said you had information that will be useful to us?" he questioned. "Oh, yes," she laughed, "I have all the information you need." He looked at her obviously skeptical. "I'm from the future." she told him. "I will be the daughter of John and Delenn Sheridan." He raised his eyebrows in shock and amusement. "John and Delenn? As in the Captain and Minbari Ambassador?" "Yes, If you can drive them apart, you'll win the war. Otherwise, you'll lose." "How do we drive them apart?" He asked. "I have an idea." She smiled. There wasn't enough time. Menani knew she had to leave *now*. Who knew how much damage Kyala had already done? "Kyala!" Her mind screamed out as she ran for her ship, somehow, she figured Kyala was not still on board. On the Shadow ship, Kyala's head snapped up. "What is it Menani?" She thought back. "I'll meet you on Epsilon three in one hour, all right? It's time for this to end." "Agreed." Kyala thought back. Neither one wanted the other to cause more trouble than they already had. Menani wondered shortly why things had turned out this way. They both wanted the same thing, they just had different ways of accomplishing it. As a result, both were doomed to fight each other for the same goals. [END 4] Hi!!! Wow, I can't believe I finished it! Thanks for all the e-mail, it helped beyond description. This is the 4th and final part. So sad, I know. The prequel, which is also a sequel, is under way however. The first part of it should be posted late in December. It is sort of autobiographies by Kyala and Menani; accounts of their lives. So many of you wanted to know why Kyala agreed with the Shadows. That will be explained in the sequel, however, after starting that part, I'm having a hard time remembering why Menani sides with the Light side!!! The story I'd tentatively titled 'Legacy' with part one 'The Daughter of Dark', part two 'The Daughter of Light', and part three, 'The Gray that Lies Between'. I'm having a hard time deciding what the third part should be about, but I love the title! If you have any ideas e-mail me at bob-ward@worldnet.att.net. The obvious choice is, of course, a story about David's life. But, since it IS the obvious choice, I can't do it, can I? Okay, one last thing. I've noticed in the past week, only two other people have posted stories of their own! Come on, write something people! I need new reading material! I want to say special thanks to Ruth King {for giving me the courage to send this in, in the first place}, KKhalfan {for proofreading endless times, supplying ideas, and being all around supportive}, Rachel McKee {for her comments, compliments and criticism}, and Kristen Templet {for honest and much appreciated criticism}. Thank you all so much. Oh, and keep the e-mail coming, let me know what you want to see in the prequel/sequel. Thanks so much. Love Always, Isis P.S. The entire story takes place between "Grey 17 is Missing" and "Shadow Dancing." Disclaimer-These characters are mostly not mine. Kyala, Menani, Tony, John-Michael, and a few others belong to me. If you wish to use them, please let me know. All the other characters belong to JMS, WB, PTEN, and, most likely, others as well. This is not intended to infringe on their copyrights, only to honor the great story they have created. At any time, if they want them back, they can have them. However, if they want the story, they must either be stoned, drunk, or working WAY too hard. What Might Have Been by Isis [Part 4b] (All parts may be found at ftp://ftp.speedlink.com/pub/jdstory/) Delenn had been in deep meditation all day. Still thoroughly shaken from the events of the past several days, Sheridan knew she couldn't handle the truth. If he didn't tell her because he was concerned for her, or because he didn't want her to know, was blurred. Regardless, he knew he couldn't tell her the truth, not the whole truth at any rate. He didn't want to keep things from her, in fact he hated the idea, but it had to be done. He knew, as with all news that was hard to give, the sooner he told her, the better. He stood outside her quarters now, rethinking his logic. Maybe she would just forget, or not want to know. Yeah, now there's wishful thinking. He was a bout to change his mind and leave when the door opened and Lennier walked out. "Captain," he bowed slightly, "I believe Ambassador Delenn has been waiting for you." Sheridan stiffened, now he had no choice. He forced a smile to Lennier and walked in. Delenn sat serenely on the floor. Her expression, even with her eyes closed, was one of fear and confusion. She had not eaten, Sheridan knew that. He took the time to study her delicate features as she finished her meditation, still unaware of his presence. "John!" She exclaimed as she opened her vibrant green eyes, "What happened, did you talk to her?" Her eagerness reminded John of a child both fearing and anxiously awaiting their report cards. "Yes," he said reservedly, "we talked to her. Delenn, please understand, I can't tell you very much. She is from the future Delenn, that is how she knew the name. I can't tell you anything else because it could change the future. I just hope that you can trust me as much as I trust you." John didn't know if she looked more confused before or after he told her what he knew. "Of course I trust you, John." She said after a moment, "I just wish I knew more, but I do understand." He breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, she, of all people, would understand the need to restrict information. He doubted anyone else could have taken such news with more dignity and blind faith than her. "I'm glad you understand," He smiled, "I was worried you wouldn't." "John," she smiled in return, "I will always trust you, you know that. There is nothing you or anyone else could ever do to change that." "Thank you, Delenn, I needed to hear that." He said contentedly, taking one last long look at her before he left. Menani sat, waiting, she was early. She hadn't seen Kyala face to face in nearly ten years. Had it really been that long? It didn't seem so long ago that she and Kyala had been inseparable. They had gone to news interviews leaning on each other for support, watched as Susan carefully braided their hair, played house, and, what Menani remembered most of all, Kyala, after sufficient begging from Menani, told her about their parents. Menani had missed that so much after Kyala left. David told her stories too, yes, but he was older. While he was extremely protective of her and loved her very much, he would have much preferred to play sports with John or chase after Katie than to tell her stories. She had only been nine when Kyala had left. She hadn't understood. In truth, she still didn't. It had been very hard for her to accept. Especially since John Michael Garibaldi had died the following year. Still, somehow, she had managed to keep doing everything right. She smiled in public, promoted the Nation of Planets, and keep most of her thoughts on Kyala's departure private. Her memories were interrupted by Kyala. "I'm here." Kyala called in her mind. Menani immediately got up to meet her sister. When she reached the designated place, they studied each other intently. No, Kyala had not changed much. Kyala's black hair still flowed just past her shoulders and her blue-gray eyes stared at Menani, just as she remembered them. While her features were the same, something was still vastly different. Her stare was empty, emotionless. Menani realized her own expression must look somewhat similar to the impassive gaze that settled upon her. They had both hardened their feelings toward each other. Neither wanting to admit they missed the friendship they had once shared. They were two sides of the same coin. The daughters of light and dark. They were truly each other's opposite. "You're all grown up, aren't you Menani?" Kyala asked somewhat surprised. Menani gave no response. "I've watched you on I.S.N. for years. I saw your wedding, your speeches, your interviews, but somehow, it never clicked that you were older than nine. I half expected to find you clinging to David's arm, holding your teddy bear." Menani smiled politely, "It's been ten years. Maybe if you hadn't left, you wouldn't be so surprised. Why did you come back Kyala?" Menani asked. "I came to take you home," Kyala told her. "Don't lie, you came to stop me from changing the past. You could care less what happens to me," Menani yelled. "That's not true," Kyala insisted, "the only reason I contacted the Shadows at all was to counter what you've done." "So now, we both stop interfering and go back?" Menani asked. "Only if we both promise never to intentionally time travel again, after we go back to our own time," Kyala demanded. "But then, I will lose them all," Menani realized. "It is the price," Kyala told her. "Agreed," Menani stated pained. "I also promise," Kyala said, knowing Menani would only believe her if she promised. "Then that's it," Menani whispered trying desperately not to cry, "they're really gone." Kyala did feel sorry for her. She couldn't imagine how she would live if her husband died; Menani was so strong. "It's the way it has to be," Kyala told her. Menani nodded, "I know, but that doesn't make it any easier." Kyala smiled lightly; she, too, had so much she left undone. And she, too, had lost more than she had gained. Delenn was reading over the secret ranger prophecies. It had been many years since she had read them. Two lines stuck out beyond the rest as she read: "The third One shall be followed by the second One, her opposite, and she who is thought not to be. The third One shall meet her match in her opposite and both shall disappear." Delenn looked up wondering who the secret ranger's opposite was and who was the one thought not to be. Did Elaine know about them? Delenn had so many questions for her. She made her way to the temporary Ambassadorial quarters that had been assigned to Elaine at the request of Ambassador Kosh. No one was there. A maintenance worker working just outside told her that Elaine had left in a hurry just over a hour prior. "May I look around inside?" Delenn asked, not sure why she wanted to. "I don't see why not," he shrugged. Delenn walked in and looked around. She didn't know what she expected to find. "Probably nothing." she chided herself. She was about to leave when she saw a package, loosely tied by a ribbon, sitting on an otherwise vacant table. Curious, she picked it up and opened it. She gasped in astonishment as one by one she saw pictures from the future. Herself, marrying John, a wedding picture of Michael and Susan, a portrait of her, John, and a little boy, and a picture of Elaine marrying a man who looked quite similar to Garibaldi. The most shocking thing, however, was Elaine's headbone. Delenn quietly rewrapped the pictures and left, quickly thanking the maintenance man. *This* she would keep to herself. She was afraid that John would find out and be scared off before she had a chance to tell him that she loved him. *Time Diverged* *"You shall return"* *"No" the voices cried* *"You must"* *"Why to our previous future? Why not to the new, fixed one?"* "*It is the price"* Menani and Kyala returned five days after Menani left. Praying, silently and constantly, Menani headed on her way back to the Nation of Planets Station 1. "Please, oh please, let it have changed." But as she approached, it became painfully clear that nothing had. David Sheridan sat in his quarters. He, like the rest of his family, seemed doomed to a selfless and pained life. With all that had happened, he knew he could face anything, as long as Menani was there. She had been the one constant thing he could count on in his life. But, now, she was gone. She was all he had. He was always to busy to make friends with people, or start a relationship, so she was what he counted on. She was his best-friend, sister, and counselor all in one. He had always figured he would need more help if things got nasty. He had assumed that she would be the one he would turn to. But now, when things did start to get out of hand, she wasn't here. He had taken over the work that both of his parents did. He was the President of the Nation of Planets, Captain of Station 1, Commander in Chief of the Army of Light, and Entil'Za of the Rangers. Here he was, the most powerful man in the universe, completely lost and alone. Suddenly, his door opened, he looked up to see Menani standing there. "Oh, thank God," he cried as he ran to hug her. She sobbed quietly into his shoulder, "It's still the same, nothing changed." "It's all right, Menani," he consoled, "we'll get through this." 2260 Kosh turned to Lyta on the observation deck as he saw Menani and Kyala's ships disappear. "It is fixed," he said. "Yes," she replied, "but they do not know it and the one who is thought not to be is coming." "It is the price," he told her. Susan sighed as she rubbed her aching shoulder. After an even more active day than usual her continual gestures, that went with her wild infuriated yelling, could really be felt. She opened her door wanting nothing more than a quick bite to eat, a long bath, and a good night's sleep. As her door opened, the smell of spaghetti with homemade sauce streamed out. "What the hell?" she asked herself. She walked into the dimmed room to find eight dozen roses and a candle-lit dinner. A note sat in front of a particularly beautiful bunch of roses. It read: "One for each of the stupid mistakes I've made, I'm sorry. Please, give me another chance. Love, Michael" Susan shook her head in disbelief. "Well, do you forgive me?" a voice came from behind her. She whirled around to find Garibaldi standing in the doorway. "How'd you get in here?" she asked. "Being Chief of Security has it's perks," he replied. "You're avoiding the question," he added. "How am I supposed to say no after all this?" she asked turning back to look at the roses. "You aren't," he smiled. "That's not fair!" she grinned in spite of herself. She didn't want to look in his eyes. She knew, if she did, she couldn't be mad at him anymore and she so wanted to be mad at him. She continued to stare at the roses. He stepped in the door, right behind her. She could feel how nervous he was. He turned her around to face him. "Am I forgiven?" he asked handing her a red rose. She looked into his eyes. "Yes, you're forgiven Michael," she smiled watching his eyes sparkle with delight and relief, "but only if you forgive me, too." Morden looked at her. Yes, Kyala's plan just might work. Her auburn hair fell just past her shoulders. Her petite figure, still not used to being free of the ship that had been a part of her, leaned against the wall for support. A smile crept across her face as Morden told her what she was needed to do. "I think I'll enjoy this," she confided in him. "Yes, Anna, I suspect you will." [END]