Jeffrey Sinclair woke up abruptly, his sleep broken by the sense that someone was watching him. He cursed silently to himself; it had been a very busy last few days, after Delenn's breaking of the Grey Council, and he hadn't been getting much sleep. Then, with a sigh, he pushed himself up, slipping down to sit at the end of the bed, and looked around. No one should be there; there was no way that his guards--
His thought was cut short as he saw the figure standing calmly by the door of his room.
"Ah, Ambassador Sinclair - or perhaps I should say Entil'Zha," the figure boomed.
Sinclair stood up and bowed slightly. "Draal," he said calmly.
"Ah, good, you remember me!" Draal declared, his voice still rather loud.
Sinclair frowned. "Are you speaking only in my head, Draal, or can others hear you? If so, you might consider that it's night here, and some people are trying to sleep..."
"Not to fear, Entil'Zha; this conversation is to remain between the two of us alone," Draal replied; but his voice lowered to a more reasonable volume.
Sinclair rubbed his forehead absently. "All right," he said, walking towards the main room of the house. "What exactly is this conversation going to be about?"
He didn't notice the careful look that Draal gave him, turning around just after the Guardian of the Great Machine had directed his attention away from Entil'Zha.
"There is something that you must do, Entil'Zha, and do soon," Draal said, his tone suddenly firm. "There must be no delays in this."
Sinclair's eyes narrowed as he studied Draal's translucent form. "Oh? And what is 'this', Draal?" he demanded; his voice resonated with the authority that was his as Entil'Zha, and that he rarely used.
Draal gestured, and, as Sinclair stared in surprise, a large, bulky package appeared abruptly on the middle of his desk, displacing a number of flimsies that he'd piled there before going to bed. They slithered on to the floor, and Sinclair's gaze followed them for a moment before returning to the package itself.
"You will recognize the contents of the package," Draal continued, "and you must make use of it within the next two months. Time is becoming short for you."
The Minbari's voice held a definite note of urgency.
Sinclair turned back to face him. "What do you mean, Draal?"
"You will understand, Entil'Zha," the Minbari replied calmly. "Just remember these two things: the first use of it must be made within the next two months; and keep the contents even after the first use is over - they will be needed again, within the next two years."
"Draal, wait..." Sinclair called, but the image of the Minbari disappeared, leaving Sinclair alone in his room with the mysterious package.
Frowning, Sinclair strode over to it, automatically avoiding the flimsies on the floor. He picked it up, feeling a number of different - and hard - objects within, and took it over to the small table in one corner of the room; and, glancing around at the dimness surrounding him, said, "Lights, low."
The lights in the room came on at a low intensity; With luck, Sinclair thought ruefully to himself, Aliann and Tyrsan won't see the light through the window... - the last thing he needed was to be ordered to go back to sleep by his own guards.
In the dim light, he studied the package carefully, wondering how Draal had transported it from Epsilon 3 to Minbar.
It was large, taking up most of the space on the table, and wrapped in a shimmering, very soft fabric - like Minbari silk. In fact, I think that's what it is...
Despite Draal's apparent urgency - or maybe because of it, Sinclair reflected - he felt a strange reluctance to open the package. It was as if opening it would cut off all his other options...
That's a strange thought. Sinclair frowned; and then, with a shrug, reached forward and unwrapped the package.
And stared in shock and understanding as the crystals within scattered all over the table.
Sheridan grimaced slightly as he stood up and glanced around the Babylon 5 Council Chamber. It was as full as it ever got these days, with a number of representatives from the League of Non-Aligned Worlds; Ambassador Delenn; and Ivanova and himself. Kosh wasn't attending - although there wasn't really anything unusual about the Vorlon Ambassador not attending a session - and Londo refused to come, on the grounds that the business of the League had nothing to do with the Centauri... It was a mess.
However, considering that the meeting was to discuss the war, perhaps it was a good thing that Londo wasn't here...
Sheridan took a deep breath, and started into his prepared speech about the need for cooperation between the races to fight off the Shadows. As he did so, he shot a surreptitious glance at Delenn, who was sitting beside him.
The Minbari Ambassador had been behaving rather... distracted of late, and Sheridan was beginning to become worried about her. She wasn't usually quite so distant - she was, in fact, sometimes rather friendly - but over the past several weeks...
He returned his attention momentarily to what he was saying, preparing to segue into the next part of his speech. Just as he opened his mouth to begin, however, the door to the Council Chamber opened, revealing Lennier standing in the doorway.
The Minbari bowed slightly to Sheridan. "I apologize for interrupting this session, Captain," he said, "but I have some urgent news for Ambassador Delenn."
He didn't wait for Sheridan to say anything in response; instead, Lennier hurried over to Delenn's seat and whispered something to her.
Sheridan, watching Delenn out of the corner of his eye, saw her cheeks flush slightly. The Minbari Ambassador then said something quietly to Lennier; but it was in Minbari, and so Sheridan couldn't understand it.
I really must start learning Minbari; it won't only mean that I'll be able to understand Delenn and Lennier when they aren't speaking English, but I'll also be able to speak to the White Star's crew, the captain thought absently.
Delenn stood up abruptly. "Captain, I am afraid that I have been called away on a matter of grave importance," she declared, pushing her chair back. "Until I return, Lennier will take my place."
"Of course," Sheridan replied, feeling puzzled. Did this 'matter of grave importance' have anything to do with Delenn's unusual behaviour over the last month or so?
Delenn bowed, and then strode out of the Council Chamber without a single backwards glance as Lennier took her place.
Delenn clasped her hands nervously in front of her as she hurried toward the docking bay where her flyer was kept. Lennier's words echoed in her mind; "Kozorr sends word that Entil'Zha's chrysalis is beginning to open..."
She had to be there when Jeffrey Sinclair came out of his chrysalis; she was the only one who could understand the confusion and disorientation that he would be going through. He knew the basics of what to expect, of course, for they had spoken of her experience since he had received the machine from Draal; but even that would not have adequately prepared him for the reality of the Change.
The Zhalen was all ready to go; Lennier had ordered the flyer prepared before he had come to get her. Delenn climbed in, and waited impatiently as C&C gave her clearance for the jumpgate. Every moment counted now...
Sinclair blinked, forcing his eyes to open properly. He felt dizzy, disoriented; he couldn't remember where he was or what he'd been doing. All he had was the awareness of who he was, and of the fact that he felt unusually cold.
Unusually? he wondered, his thoughts sluggish. Why is it unusual?
It took a moment or two, but the answer finally arrived: Because I'm on the Vallain. I shouldn't be cold here; the ship's internal temperature is kept at 20 degrees Celsius... So why am I so cold?
He blinked again, determined to get his eyes focusing properly. All he could see at the moment was a glowing blur...
Sinclair turned his head - slowly, with a great deal of effort - to look towards the glow. What he saw brought his memory crashing back.
On the table - in what he belatedly recognized as the main area of his room on board the Vallain - was a crystalline sculpture. The glow was emanating from the triangular crystal at the top - the triluminary that Draal had given him, along with the machine itself.
That's right... I've been in a chrysalis... Did it work?
Sinclair tried to lift his hand up to feel his face and head, and stared at it in dismay when he couldn't move it. His hand - along with his arm, and all the rest of his body, as far as he could see - was covered in a bluish-grey crusty substance.
Yes... I remember Delenn telling me about this... She said something about it protecting the new skin cells until they're ready to be exposed to air... But that still doesn't explain why I'm so cold, and why I don't have enough energy to move...
The Zhalen emerged from Babylon 5's secondary jumpgate, and Delenn felt a surge of relief as she saw the Vallain waiting for her.
The White Star's sister ship, the Vallain was Entil'Zha's flagship; it was the only one of its type to have a crew composed of both Religious and Warrior Caste Minbari, since - when Sinclair was on board - Shai Alyt Kozorr, the captain of Entil'Zha's guard, was in charge. For that reason - among others - Jeffrey had selected the Vallain as the safest place to undergo his Change.
"Vallain to flyer; identify yourself," came a voice from the com, speaking Adronado.
"This is Ambassador Delenn," she replied calmly. "I believe you have been expecting me."
"Yes, Ambassador. Please dock in the aft bay; the Shai Alyt will be there to greet you."
"Thank you," Delenn said, and turned her flyer toward the aft section of the Vallain.
Five minutes later, Delenn exited her flyer and strode into the docking bay. As promised, Kozorr was waiting there for her.
"Ambassador Delenn," the Star Rider said, nodding to her and gesturing toward the main corridor.
"It is good to see you again, Kozorr," Delenn said, following the warrior as he led her out of the bay. She paused, and then added, "Lennier reported that Jeffrey's chrysalis was beginning to open."
Kozorr nodded. "Yes, Delenn," he replied. "When Tyrsan - one of Entil'Zha's guards - went in to check the state of the chrysalis five hours ago, he noticed definite cracks in its surface. He immediately informed me, and I called Lennier."
Delenn nodded, absorbing the information. The problem is, we don't know how long it will take for Jeffrey to emerge; I have no idea of the length of time it took for me to do so, and the only definite records we have are of my Change... And even they might not be enough, as Jeffrey is coming from the other direction, and we already know that there are differences... "Is there someone watching the chrysalis now?" she asked aloud.
"No," Kozorr replied soberly.
Delenn's mouth tightened. "And why not?" she demanded.
"I thought it best," came Kozorr's reply. His tone was curt - with worry, Delenn recognized - as he continued. "Entil'Zha does not care for our practice of guarding him night and day, despite the fact that he has - reluctantly - accepted the necessity. I thought it best, considering what you explained concerning the disorientation that follows emergence from the chrysalis, if the guards were kept out of sight during that period.
"They are, however, guarding his door, with orders to alert me the moment they hear anything from within."
Delenn nodded in understanding as they turned the corner into the corridor leading to Sinclair's room.
Standing outside the door were two warriors; half of Entil'Zha's usual honour guard. Both of them bowed low as Delenn and Kozorr stopped in front of them.
"There has been no sound," one of them declared.
"Very well," Kozorr replied. He then turned to Delenn. "What do you feel we should do?"
Delenn frowned thoughtfully. "I think it would be best if we were to go in," she replied slowly. "When Jeffrey emerges from the chrysalis, he will be confused and disoriented. He will need someone there to help."
Kozorr nodded, and then placed his hand on the plate next to the door. The door slid open smoothly, and he gestured for Delenn to enter.
As the door closed behind them, Delenn glanced around. She'd never been on the Vallain before, and the White Star had no individual sleeping quarters.
On the table in the middle of the room stood the crystalline machine that Draal had sent Sinclair. It was glowing faintly, and as Delenn looked past it, toward the wall, her eyes widened in shock.
The chrysalis was open.
Jeffrey...
Delenn moved forward, and as she rounded the table, she saw Jeffrey Sinclair lying on the floor, unconscious, surrounded by bluish-grey dust.
"Entil'Zha!" Kozorr exclaimed from behind her, and Delenn grabbed hold of his arm before the Star Rider could rush over to the unconscious human.
No... not completely human; not any longer, Delenn corrected herself, noticing the bony crest that had appeared over her friend's hair. It was, like her own, a third the size of a full Minbari's crest.
"There is nothing wrong with him, Kozorr," she added aloud. "The Change drains a great deal of energy from the body; he is merely sleeping." Her voice held a confidence that she didn't entirely feel; she hadn't fallen unconscious after her emergence from the chrysalis - but she had been extremely tired, and Jeffrey's Change had taken longer than hers had - five Earth weeks, rather than just over two...
Kozorr didn't look convinced. "That is hardly the place for him to be sleeping, Delenn," he declared. "Even assuming you are correct," and the look the Star Rider gave her seemed to say that she hadn't managed to fool him, "it must be uncomfortable. I would feel better - and it would be more comfortable for Entil'Zha - if we move him to his couch."
After a moment's thought, Delenn nodded. I'm not 'thinking straight', as the Earthers say...
She moved out of Kozorr's way, releasing his arm; and the warrior picked Sinclair up gently, and carried him over to the couch.
"And now?" he inquired, once he had gotten the unconscious Entil'Zha settled to his satisfaction. "Do we merely wait for him to awaken, or should we be preparing something?"
"When he wakes up, he is likely to be very hungry," Delenn replied, walking over to the couch and looking down at Sinclair. "If you will go and get something - a large meal, preferably - for him to eat, I will stay here with him."
Kozorr glanced at her for a moment, and then shrugged and strode out the door.
Delenn then turned her entire attention to Sinclair, sitting down on the couch beside him.
"Jeffrey..."
Sinclair felt the darkness surrounding him begin to ebb as he heard something, faintly, in the distance. With the sound came awareness, and he pushed at the darkness.
His eyes flickered open, and he blinked.
He was lying on his back, on the couch, with his head resting against the arm. He could feel something unusual...
Abruptly, he heard the sound that had pulled him into awareness again, and this time he recognized it. Someone was calling his name.
"Jeffrey, can you hear me?"
Sinclair tried to push himself up, and felt another's hands helping him. His head felt strange - heavier than normal - and there was some sort of dust covering his tunic.
"Jeffrey?"
Sinclair turned his head slowly to see who had helped him, and blinked. Delenn - who should have been on Babylon 5 - was sitting on the couch next to him, her eyes on his face. "Delenn?" His voice came out as a whisper.
"Shhh," Delenn said quietly. "Don't try to talk too much, Jeffrey."
Sinclair ignored her last comment. "What... Why...?" he started, still in a whisper.
"Kozorr informed Lennier that your chrysalis was beginning to open, and suggested that I come.
"How do you feel?" she added, a touch of concern in her voice.
Sinclair looked at her and tried to get his eyes to focus properly. He couldn't seem to concentrate on anything... "C-cold," he whispered then, and shivered.
Delenn placed her hand on his arm. "Wait here," she ordered, and disappeared for a moment; and then came back, carrying what Sinclair only faintly recognized as being his cloak. She wrapped it around him - quite snugly - and then asked, "Is that better?"
He was still cold, but Delenn was right: it wasn't quite as bad. Rather than speak again, he nodded; and a slight frown crossed his face as he felt the extra weight on his head again.
"T-the Change?" he asked, still shivering. Is that...?
"It worked," Delenn replied, frowning slightly.
He should not be so cold, Delenn thought, worried. Aloud, she said, "How do you feel now?"
"S-still cold, but b-better," Jeffrey said. "Can't... focus..."
"That will pass soon enough," Delenn replied. She sat back down on the couch and touched his arm gently, trying to reassure him - it appeared to work better with him than it had with Kozorr. "Kozorr should be back soon with something for you to eat; part of the reason you feel so cold is that the Change takes a great deal of energy from your body."
"Yes," Jeffrey answered slowly; his shivering was easing, Delenn noticed, although she wasn't sure whether that was because he was beginning to regain some energy, or because he was controlling it himself. "I remember you saying that..."
"Don't try to talk so much," Delenn said firmly.
She was about to add something when the door opened, and Kozorr came back in. The Star Rider's relief at seeing Sinclair awake was palpable.
"Entil'Zha," he said, bowing low. "I am pleased to see you awake."
Jeffrey nodded. Delenn noticed that he seemed to be having a bit of trouble adjusting to the weight of his bone crest, and found herself wondering just how difficult his transition would be.
She then looked back at Kozorr, gesturing toward Jeffrey with her head. He was shivering again, and Delenn felt another surge of concern. "Did you bring some food?" she demanded.
"Of course," the Shai Alyt replied, sounding insulted; Delenn worried her lower lip and hoped that the warrior understood that her abruptness was caused by her concern for Jeffrey. "Ethlorr..."
One of the two guards who had been at Sinclair's door entered, carrying a tray. At Kozorr's nod, he put it down on the table beside the crystalline machine, bowed low to Sinclair, and left.
Kozorr picked a plate off the tray and started to hand it to Sinclair; but Delenn intercepted it.
"I'll help him," she said quietly.
Kozorr paused and studied her for a moment; and then, with a jerk of his head, let her take the plate. He then bowed to Sinclair - his bow only slightly shallower than that of the guard - and strode out of the room.
Delenn turned back to Sinclair to find him watching her, his dark eyes narrowed.
"Is that necessary?" he demanded; the power in his voice was diminished by the shivers that still shook his frame.
Delenn blinked, puzzled by the question. "Is what necessary?"
"I'm quite capable of feeding myself, Delenn," he pointed out.
It was Delenn's turn to narrow her eyes at him. "You're still shivering, Jeffrey, and your hands are shaking," she declared. "And... I would prefer to make certain that you do eat."
Sinclair sighed in defeat, and Delenn fought back another surge of worry. It was very unlike Jeffrey to acquiesce so easily; he was obviously feeling worse than he was letting on.
She glanced down at the plate; Kozorr had chosen to fill it with a combination of small pieces of flarn and Earth-type sandwiches. Delenn picked up one of the sandwiches - Kozorr had had them cut up as well - and handed it to Sinclair, watching him carefully to make sure that he ate it.
The look he gave her was one of embarrassment, but he took it and obediently started to eat.
Neroon glanced up from the reports he'd been skimming through as Trelann entered.
"Well?" he demanded.
The other Star Rider bowed low. "We have received a report from Entil'Zha's guard," came the reply.
Neroon sat up straighter and looked expectantly at the captain of his guard.
"He has undergone the Change; Kozorr reports that Entil'Zha is now, physically, half-Minbari."
Neroon nodded slowly. Unlike the other warriors on the now-broken Grey Council, he had always believed that Jeffrey Sinclair would go through with the Change. He had only met Sinclair once before the Earther had come to Minbar, but even that once had been enough to imprint the man on his memory. And that man was not one to back down before the uncertainties that the Change represented. And what Entil'Zha had done since arriving on Minbar had only strengthened that impression.
And there were other reasons as well... reasons that Neroon preferred not to examine too closely.
"Is he well?" the former Satai demanded, hoping that his voice did not reveal the extent of his anxiety and concern.
Trelann knew that Neroon respected Sinclair, of course, and the Alyt had a certain amount of respect for the man as well; but the Satai had the feeling that Trelann would not understand the depth of Neroon's respect - and his liking - for Sinclair. How could he, when even Neroon himself did not?
"He has only just emerged from the chrysalis, Satai," Trelann replied, and Neroon quickly returned his attention to his friend and aide. "Kozorr has said that Entil'Zha appears to be weak, but it is Ambassador Delenn's opinion, as the only other who has undergone such a change, that is it temporary, caused by the requirements of the Change itself."
Neroon nodded slowly, feeling a rush of concern for Sinclair. The man was honourable, and had undergone this change because he had felt it was the only way to achieve a lasting friendship between humans and Minbari.
As Delenn did? came the thought; but Neroon pushed it away. Delenn had stolen Branmer from him - forbidden him to honour his friend and superior in the only way he could - he had no intentions of allowing her to steal Sinclair as well.
Even if Neroon disagreed with the reasons behind Sinclair's decision - few humans were as honourable or cared as much about people as he did: witness their recent squabbles - he honoured Sinclair himself, and his choice.
He got up from the desk. "We will be going to the Vallain. Tell the bridge crew to set a course for Babylon 5's secondary jumpgate."
Trelann shot him a questioning look.
"I do not intend to let Delenn," Neroon spat her name out, "persuade Entil'Zha to do anything unwise; but to prevent that, I must be there."
"So you will let Delenn and the Anla'shok know that you know of their ships - and where they are?"
"If it is necessary, Trelann," Neroon replied, with remarkable calm. "See to it."
Trelann bowed and exited.
Garibaldi sighed as he slumped down in his seat. It had not been a very good week. That mess with Bester, and the discovery of what the Shadows were doing with people... Although it did help us discover their weakness, which should help... if Bester can ever be trusted, that is...
Then a frown crossed his face as he suddenly thought of something. With all that's been happening, I'm surprised that Jeff hasn't called me, or sent a message, or something... The last message I received from him was about five or six weeks ago, about Vir and his situation...
He worried at his lower lip, wondering what he should do. The best way to handle this would probably be to approach either Delenn or Marcus; but Delenn wasn't on the station right now... and he'd never actually discussed Sinclair with Marcus.
Oh, he knew that the other man knew Sinclair, but he wasn't sure he wanted that many people to know how close he and Sinclair were. After all, that sort of information could easily be used against either--
"So, you have no idea?" came Sheridan's voice from behind him, and Garibaldi sat up and twisted around to see the captain - and Marcus - heading toward his table.
Speak of the devil...
"None whatsoever. Why don't you ask Lennier?" Marcus suggested, as they reached the table. He nodded absently to Garibaldi and sat down.
"I have," Sheridan countered, running a hand through his hair. "All he says is that the matter is important, and then in the same breath declares that it's none of my concern."
"I see," Marcus said, and Garibaldi, looking at the ranger, saw a quick look of comprehension cross his face.
Whatever Sheridan's asking about, I think he's just figured it out...
"Are you sure you don't know?" the captain persisted. "I mean, it doesn't seem to be like Ambassador Delenn to just leave abruptly without telling us where she's going..."
Garibaldi snorted. "Believe me, Captain, you're quite wrong there," he said, jumping into the conversation. "Delenn never tells anyone anything unless she feels that they absolutely have to know - despite the fact that it gets her in trouble sometimes," he added under his breath, remembering what had happened when Alyt Neroon had come on board...
And what the hell does that have to do with anything?
"I haven't been here as long as either of you, of course," Marcus added, "but that sort of attitude does tend to be very typical among the Minbari."
Sheridan sighed and shook his head. "Maybe so," he admitted, "but Ambassador Delenn walked right out of a meeting of the Council, and she knows how important those meetings are, both to the station's future and everyone else's."
Marcus shrugged. "Obviously she felt that whatever it was, it was more important," he declared. "And if Lennier told you that it was none of your concern, that does tend to imply that it was... personal, rather than business."
Personal? Garibaldi wondered, studying the ranger's face intently. Just what has he figured out? What is it that he thinks she's doing?
Sheridan sighed again. "Oh well," he muttered, getting back up, "I guess I'd better head back to C&C before Ivanova gets really upset... Enjoy your lunch, Marcus, Garibaldi."
They both nodded to him as he left, and then Garibaldi turned back to the ranger.
"Marcus, I need to know something," he declared.
Marcus glanced down at his tray and wrinkled his nose in disgust at the food there. "What?" he asked, picking up his fork and pushing the overcooked carrots on his plate around.
Garibaldi took a deep breath. Here goes nothing... "It's been about five or six weeks since I heard anything from Ambassador Sinclair," he began. "And I want to know why."
Marcus glanced up at him. "Why are you asking me?" he inquired, finally spearing a piece of meat.
Okay... If that's the way you want to play it... "You're a ranger," Garibaldi pointed out, his voice mild.
"Uh huh," Marcus mumbled, popping the piece of meat into his mouth and grimacing slightly at the taste.
Garibaldi's mouth tightened. "So that means," he continued doggedly, "that you know Ambassador Sinclair."
Marcus' eyes flickered away from him - just for a moment, but it was enough to set Garibaldi's instincts on alert. "Yes," the ranger replied, his tone apparently calm. "I know the ambassador."
He's definitely trying to make this difficult... What's going on? Garibaldi wondered, starting to feel more than a little alarmed for his best friend.
"Well, since you know him, I figured you could tell me what's going on," he pointed out. "As I said, it's been almost six weeks now since he's contacted me, and that shouldn't have happened. I mean, I can understand him not getting back to me about McIntyre, but there is no way he wouldn't have gotten back to me immediately about what we found out with Bester; I mean, we discovered a confirmed weakness of the Shadows, and Jeff should have sent something... especially since they've begun attacking openly."
Marcus didn't look at him.
Garibaldi frowned as he studied Marcus' face. "So, what I'd like to know is wh--"
Garibaldi's link beeped abruptly.
Never fails... "Garibaldi here," he said.
"Chief, we may have a problem..." came Zack's voice.
"Oh? Really?" Garibaldi demanded, his tone sarcastic - now was the worst time to have been interrupted, just when he was about to get some answers from Marcus - I think, at least... Why does this always happen to me? "We may have a problem? Zack, this is Babylon 5 we're on..."
Zack evidently decided to ignore the sarcasm. "Yeah... A woman just came through customs, and according to the computer, she's associated with Free Mars..."
Garibaldi leaned back in his seat. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Zack, but aren't we kind of on their side now?" he pointed out.
"I guess... But thing is, the computer says that she's been arrested for violence over the past year," Zack added.
Garibaldi sighed again. "Okay, bring her into Security for questioning," he ordered. "Oh, and Zack, what's her name?"
"Lise Hammerschmidt, Chief," Zack replied.
Oh, shit... Lise...
Marcus forgotten, Garibaldi pushed back his chair and stood up. "I'll be right there, Zack," he said into his link, and almost ran out of the room.
Sinclair blinked, trying to force his eyes open. Delenn had been saying something, but he hadn't understood a word - he kept drifting off...
"Jeffrey?"
He focused on her - he was able to focus now, the food had helped with that much - and managed to ask, "What?"
"You look... what is the Earth phrase? 'Dead on your feet'?" Delenn stated.
"Yeah... I'm exhausted..." he mumbled, rubbing his forehead. "Can't seem to keep my eyes open..."
Delenn's hand touched his cheek, brushing gently against his scar, and he blinked again, this time in surprise. She didn't tend to be so demonstrative...
"I'm not surprised," she answered. "You should get some rest; even eating cannot restore all the energy that the Change has taken from you."
"Hmmm..." Sinclair mumbled, his eyes sliding closed again. He felt so... comfortable, so safe... it had been such a long time since he had been able to relax like this...
The sound of the door startled him, and he jerked his head up, feeling the extra weight - It must be the crest... - yet again. And stared as Kozorr hurried into the room, visibly agitated.
Delenn's hand was on his shoulder, preventing him from standing up - even if he could have, considering his exhaustion - as she herself stood and asked, "What's wrong, Kozorr?"
The Shai Alyt took a deep breath. "Sensors have detected a war cruiser approaching us... It has been identified as the Sedai'niya."
Sinclair felt Delenn's hand tighten as the name of the ship registered. "Neroon," he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"Yes," Kozorr replied. "I... informed him that you had finished the Change, but I did not expect him to come out here..."
"You what?" Delenn exclaimed, her voice shocked.
"It is my duty, Ambassador," Kozorr countered, his tone defensive. "He commands the Star Riders..."
"Delenn," Sinclair started, feeling a bit of energy coming from somewhere, "Kozorr's right; and Neroon knew that I intended to undergo the Change anyway, so there's no real harm done." The greyness occupying his vision started to dissipate.
Delenn knelt on the floor beside him - reminding him for a moment of the time the Soul Hunter had come to Babylon 5 - and frowned at him in obvious concern. "You need to rest, Jeffrey," she declared firmly.
By this time, Kozorr had also gotten a good look at him. "Delenn is right, Entil'Zha," he said, his own tone as firm as Delenn's. "I will inform Neroon that you will see him when you are recover--"
"And if you say that," Sinclair countered, gently removing Delenn's hand from his shoulder and standing up - slowly, to keep the room from spinning around him; "he'll be over here and demanding to see me so fast that your head would spin." Like mine's trying to now...
"And if you don't rest, you'll collapse - and what will that make him do? I'll tell him that you are resting - as you need to, Entil'Zha."
Sinclair shook his head. "I feel better," he declared. It wasn't entirely a lie, since he was feeling a bit more energetic; but he knew that it wouldn't last, and that Kozorr was quite correct: he'd pass out when the extra bit of energy was gone. It had happened before...
But Neroon being here, coming all the way out here when it would have been easier for him to remain on Minbar, meant that he had to put on a good show. For the Star Rider, if no one else.
Delenn and Kozorr exchanged a look that Sinclair pretended not to see, and then Kozorr gave a slight nod. Delenn's mouth tightened, but she didn't say anything - for which Sinclair was very grateful. He had the feeling that if she had put her mind to persuading him to get some rest before seeing Neroon, she'd have succeeded.
And he didn't need her and Neroon setting each other off...
Neroon frowned as Kozorr led himself and Trelann through the Vallain. The Shai Alyt seemed to be upset about something, but he couldn't be sure exactly what the cause was - and Kozorr hadn't yet said a word other than to welcome them on board the ship.
Something has gone wrong... Neroon thought, dread running through him like ice water.
Then Kozorr bowed and waved his hand toward a door. "In here, Satai," he said - and Neroon heard a definite hint of anger in the other's voice.
He held out his hand to stop Trelann from opening the door.
"Kozorr... what is wrong?" he demanded.
Kozorr glanced at him, and Neroon's frown deepened. "The truth, Kozorr," he ordered firmly.
The other looked away for a moment, and then turned back to Neroon. "I am afraid it is your timing which is the problem, Satai," he replied solemnly. "Entil'Zha is exhausted; I do not know where he is getting the energy to remain awake enough to greet you, but I have no doubt that he will pay for it later."
"Why was I not informed of this?"
Kozorr closed his eyes for a moment. "My apologies, Satai," he replied; "but I did not anticipate your coming here, and did not wish to worry you unnecessarily."
Neroon glared at him.
"Please be mindful of his condition, Satai. Entil'Zha really does need to sleep; however, when he heard you were coming, he felt he needed to remain awake long enough to assure you that he was well."
Neroon's mouth tightened, but he nodded before walking toward the door. It opened smoothly in front of him; and Neroon took two steps in and then stopped.
Jeffrey Sinclair was seated on the couch, dressed in his ranger uniform - but he wasn't the same Sinclair that Neroon had seen only a month and a half ago.
The strong chin; dark, intense yet calm eyes; and the brown hair - starting to go grey - were all the same... but now there were no hairy eyebrows over Entil'Zha's eyes, and his hair was covered by a Minbari crest - small, about a third the size of Neroon's - but a Minbari crest nonetheless.
And standing next to Entil'Zha, her expression full of fury, was Delenn... and Neroon was astonished and dismayed to see how alike the two of them now appeared - and wondered for a moment whether Delenn would use that likeness to her own advantage.
"Neroon," Sinclair said, starting to stand up; but Neroon saw Delenn's hand come down firmly on Entil'Zha's shoulder, and tighten, holding him down.
"Stay seated," the warrior heard her hiss at Sinclair.
Stepping forward to order Delenn to leave the man alone, Neroon got a good look at Sinclair's face... and stopped himself. Kozorr was right - Sinclair looked exhausted. It was more than obvious that he should be resting.
"Entil'Zha," Neroon replied instead, bowing; "I apologize for my timing - Kozorr has informed me that you have been fatigued by the Change, and require rest. I merely wished to assure myself that you are well." He ignored the look of astonishment Delenn shot him - he had no intention of explaining himself to her.
"I am fine, Neroon," Sinclair said, his tone reassuring; but Neroon noticed that he didn't remove Delenn's hand, which was most unlike him. "Merely - as Kozorr said - tired."
"Then I will not keep you," Neroon declared. He paused for a moment, and then added, "However, the Sedai'niya will stay in this area for a few days, until you are ready to return to Minbar, and then we will escort you back."
Before Sinclair could say anything, Neroon bowed to him - carefully continuing to ignore Delenn - and strode out of the room.
The door slid closed, and Sinclair slumped against the back of the couch, not even reacting when Delenn sat down beside him. He wasn't going to be able to hold off unconsciousness much longer...
Delenn had been stunned when Neroon had actually apologized to Sinclair; it was very unlike the warrior she knew.
Or thought I knew... she corrected herself. Jeffrey and Kozorr both seemed to be fairly certain that Neroon had rushed out here because of concern, rather than anger... and his reaction to Sinclair's condition definitely appeared to support that.
She sat back down on the couch, and frowned as she noticed that Sinclair didn't react. She brushed her hand over his forehead, and her frown deepened in concern when he didn't react to that, either.
"Jeffrey..."
Sinclair mumbled something, and his head slid down to rest against her shoulder - he was sound asleep.
Maybe that's it... he just needs to sleep... Delenn thought, and didn't move - except to brush a bit of Sinclair's hair out of his eyes.
Garibaldi sat numbly in his chair, staring blankly at the screen in front of him. On it, he could see Lise, sitting on the bed in the middle of the Holding cell.
It was Lise - there could be no doubt about that. But why the hell had she joined Free Mars?
It had to have been before the EA bombed MarsDome, because she was in the computer as being Free Mars - as having been Free Mars for over a year; and the computer records hadn't been updated since before Babylon 5 had seceded. And yet she hadn't been with Free Mars before the uprising almost two years ago, or he would have known it... and they wouldn't have let her go from the hospital...
"Chief, you all right?" came Zack's voice, and Garibaldi blinked and looked up to see his aide standing by his desk, a look of concern on his face.
"What?"
"I said, are you all right?" Zack repeated.
Garibaldi shook his head. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied.
Zack frowned. "You don't look it, Chief," he declared. "In fact, you look like hell."
"I said--" Garibaldi began, and then stopped as the door to the security office opened and Ivanova came in.
"Garibaldi," the commander said, and then glanced at Zack. "Could you excuse us for a few minutes, Mr. Allan?" she requested. "I need to speak to Mr. Garibaldi about something... private."
Zack frowned slightly, looked at Garibaldi, and then nodded. "Okay," he replied, a bit hesitant, and then shrugged, turned, and strode out the door.
As soon as it had closed behind him, Ivanova strode over to Garibaldi's desk and peered at the screen. "That's her, isn't it?" she asked quietly.
Garibaldi didn't even pretend not to know what she was talking about. "Yeah," he replied, his tone sullen.
Ivanova took a deep breath. "So, are you going to tell Sheridan?"
"No!" the Chief of Security snapped.
Ivanova's eyes narrowed. "Why not?"
"Because it's none of his business," Garibaldi replied.
The commander leaned against his desk and studied his face for a moment.
"Are you sure, Michael?" she asked then. "Really sure? According to the records, she's a terrorist. Can you handle that?"
Garibaldi sighed and slumped further down in his seat. "If I can't, I'll tell Sheridan then," he offered.
Ivanova shook her head. "That's not good enough, Michael," she replied firmly. "I know she meant a lot to you--"
Garibaldi gave a bitter laugh. "Meant a lot to me!" he repeated. "Hell, that's putting it mildly. I almost didn't accept Jeff's offer to come here because she didn't want to come with me. Yeah, she meant a lot."
Ivanova nodded in understanding.
"But," she added, "the fact is that you're the Chief of Security, and she's a known terrorist. And if you're going to have any trouble doing your job, you should be letting Sheridan know about it."
Garibaldi gave her a grim nod. "I won't have any trouble," he declared.
Then his eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute! How did you find out about Lise being here?"
Ivanova shifted uneasily. "Remember, Garibaldi, if something goes on here that I don't know about, that's the time to worry. Besides, we all know how hard it is to keep a secret on this station," she pointed out, changing the subject slightly.
"That's hardly an answer..."
"It's the only answer you're going to get," Ivanova countered. "Just as long as you're sure you can handle it..."
"Yeah," Garibaldi repeated, "I can handle it." He took a deep breath and straightened up. "No problem."
Ivanova frowned doubtfully. "Michael..." she began.
Garibaldi looked up at her. "I can handle it," he stated yet again.
Ivanova sighed. "All right," she said, her tone reluctant. "But if you're having any difficulties, any at all, Michael, talk to me, okay? I promise that I won't tell the captain unless it becomes a problem; and I'll let you know before I do."
Garibaldi took a deep breath. "Thanks, Susan," he replied. "I-- Thanks."
Ivanova nodded. "Right. Well, I'll see you at dinner."
Garibaldi nodded in return... but after Ivanova had left, he went back to staring at the screen, and wondering...
Neroon looked up and felt a surge of irritation sweep over him as he saw Delenn enter the room.
"Where is Entil'Zha?" he demanded curtly as she approached, not even getting up from his seat. There was a momentary pleasure in seeing her mouth tighten at the slight.
"He is asleep," she replied then, her own tone only slightly less abrupt than his. She then paused for a moment, and Neroon felt her eyes studying him. He refused to acknowledge how uncomfortable the sensation was.
"Why are you here?"
The question wasn't all that much of a surprise; however, he had no intentions of answering it. "What does it matter to you?" he demanded in return.
Her eyes hardened at that. "I am Jeffrey Sinclair's friend," she replied - her tone said that he had nettled her. "And the business of the Anla'shok is very much my affair - and so is that of others, when it touches those two concerns."
Neroon leaned back in his seat, thinking rapidly. Maybe telling her might prove to be the correct move - well, his official reason, at least... "I do not have to tell you anything, Delenn," he declared. He then paused for a moment, and, watching her expression tighten even further, gave her a slight, superior smile. "However, since you are Entil'Zha's friend - although I cannot fathom why, considering your involvement in... certain events - I suppose that there is little harm in telling you...
"I am here, as I said, to escort Entil'Zha back to Minbar as befits his rank."
Delenn's eyes narrowed, and Neroon felt a certain degree of triumph. The 'tables are turned' now, as the Earther Rangers say, he thought, pleased.
"You would not come all this way for that, Neroon," Delenn countered then, ignoring his title - but that was not an unexpected slight, and Neroon chose to ignore it in turn. "You had other reasons."
"And if I did? My reasons are my own concern, and not yours - no matter the rationalizations you choose to give. I have no need to answer to you for my actions, Delenn - not any longer."
Delenn inclined her head. She paused for a moment, and then said, softly, "To undergo the Change is very difficult; not only is it physically exhausting, but mentally and emotionally as well. Jeffrey will not be able to handle our... personal disagreements along with everything else - and you must know as well as I that he will try. I... suggest that, while we are here, we work together - for Jeffrey's sake."
Neroon felt his own expression tighten. Whether Delenn knew it or not, she had phrased her 'suggestion' in such a way as to make his refusal impossible. She was, much as Neroon hated to admit it, quite correct about what Sinclair would try to do; and the warrior didn't know enough about the effects of the Change to dispute with her on that ground.
"Very well," he said, keeping his tone as neutral as he could; "I agree. I will work with you - for Entil'Zha's sake."
Then, before Delenn could respond in any way to his statement, Neroon stood up and strode out the door.
Marcus saw Lennier walking along the corridor, and hurried to catch up to him. "Lennier," he called.
The young Minbari turned around. "Yes, Marcus?" he asked, as the ranger came up next to him. "Is something wrong?"
Marcus shook his head. "Not wrong," he replied, taking a deep breath and shooting a glance around the corridor. They were in luck - no one else was there. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Captain Sheridan cornered me at lunchtime and started asking me questions about where Ambassador Delenn had gone. I kept telling him I didn't know, and he finally accepted it..."
"But?" Delenn's aide prodded.
Marcus took another deep breath. "But he did say that you had mentioned to him that it was both very important, and none of his concern." The ranger paused for a moment, and then continued, "She's gone to the Vallain, hasn't she? Entil'Zha..."
He stopped speaking as a group of Drazi came around the corner, waiting until they had passed and were out of hearing range before turning back to Lennier.
"Yes," the Minbari said calmly. "Kozorr sent word that Entil'Zha's chrysalis was beginning to open, and requested Ambassador Delenn's presence."
Marcus leaned against the wall, slowly absorbing the thought. Oh, he'd known that Entil'Zha had entered a chrysalis - all the Anla'shok knew - but he hadn't really thought about the full effects of Entil'Zha's coming out. It appeared that now was the time to do that.
Then the ranger paused, remembering what else had occurred at lunch. "Shouldn't we let Mr. Garibaldi know what's happened? After all, the next time he sees Entil'Zha, he'll be in for a rather rude shock..." His voice trailed off as he waited for Lennier's reaction.
The Minbari frowned and shook his head. "I do not believe so," he replied. "Until Ambassador Delenn informs us otherwise, I believe we should keep our own counsel."
Marcus thought for a moment, trying to figure out what Entil'Zha would want, and then nodded in defeat. "You're right; I guess Entil'Zha will tell her - or us - when he wishes Garibaldi to know.
"So," he added then, trying to be as casual about it as he could, "has there been any further news from the Vallain?"
Lennier shook his head. "I am afraid not, Marcus," he replied. "However, I am certain that Ambassador Sinclair is well."
"If you do hear anything, could you let me know?" Marcus asked, feeling reassured nonetheless; surely Delenn would have sent a message or called if something was wrong.
"Of course," the Minbari replied. He paused, and then gave Marcus an apologetic look. "I am afraid that I have a meeting with the Brakiri Ambassador in a few minutes," he said.
Marcus looked at him in surprise. "This late?"
"Yes," Lennier replied, shrugging as if to say that he didn't understand it either. "As soon as I receive any news regarding Ambassador Sinclair's condition, I will inform you."
"Thank you," Marcus said, smiling. He bowed slightly to Lennier, and then turned and headed back toward the Zocalo; no matter how Entil'Zha was at the moment, there were things that he had to get done...
Sinclair opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling for a moment. Unlike yesterday, he knew exactly where he was, and what had happened...
And Delenn and Neroon are both here, on the ship, and probably at each other's throats by now, he added to himself with a sigh.
He sat up, rubbing at the back of his neck - he wasn't yet accustomed to the weight of his crest, and it was hurting his muscles a bit - and glanced around.
The first thing that he noticed was that someone - most likely Delenn - had dismantled the chrysalis machine, and placed the components on one of the small side tables. Next to it was the tray containing the remains of the meal Kozorr had brought last night, covered in a preserver wrap.
Last night? he wondered absently, getting up and taking a sandwich from the tray as he headed toward his bedroom. What time - and day, for that matter - is it? And what's happened while I've been locked up in the chrysalis?
The lights in his room came on automatically as he entered, and he shot a quick glance at the mirror on the wall... and then stopped and stared.
Oh, he'd known that he would look different - he wasn't surprised to see the crest, or the lack of eyebrows... but there was something else, something he couldn't quite define, but that was definitely there. Something that disturbed him, although he couldn't say why... although it reminded him of the dreams...
Sinclair blinked and shook his head slightly in irritation. You don't have the time to spend musing on this, Jeff, he told himself, continuing toward his closet. There are too many other things you've got to do...
Twenty minutes later, after he had showered and gotten into clean clothes, he strode toward the door of his quarters. He needed to find Kozorr, and discover what had been happening in his 'absence'... and then see about trying to convince Neroon that there was no need for him to stay, and...
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door chime.
"Come in," Sinclair called, frowning slightly.
The door slid open to reveal Delenn standing there, a look of concern on her face. When she saw him, that changed to a smile of relief, as she entered the room.
"I am glad to see you awake, Jeffrey," she said; and Sinclair could hear the relief in her voice.
He smiled back at her. "I'm glad to be awake," he returned. "I assume that Kozorr's on the Command Deck..."
Before he could move forward, however, Delenn came farther into the room, letting the door close behind her. "Kozorr will be down to see you soon, Jeffrey," she said, not answering him. "Until then--"
Sinclair held up his hand. "Wait a moment, Delenn," he interrupted, his tone firm. "I need to talk to Kozorr now; I'll head up--"
"You will stay here," Delenn ordered firmly.
Sinclair stared at her; he'd never, ever heard Delenn use that tone to him before. "Delenn..." he began.
"I am serious, Jeffrey," she continued. "You are not yet fully recovered from the Change; you need to rest."
Sinclair frowned. "I feel fine," he protested. "Is Kozorr on the Command Deck?"
Delenn hesitated, and Sinclair abruptly moved past her and out the door.
Aliann and Zhedarr were standing just outside, and Sinclair sighed silently. The two of them were obviously there as guards - he'd given up trying to convince Kozorr that guards weren't necessary several months ago. The only question was whether they would try to prevent him from leaving his quarters.
"Entil'Zha!" Zhedarr exclaimed, sounding surprised as he bowed deeply to Sinclair. "Ambassador Delenn had informed us that you would not be leaving your quarters; that you required rest."
"I feel fine," Sinclair repeated firmly, ignoring Delenn as she came up beside him. "I need to talk to Kozorr; where is he?"
"The Command Deck," Aliann replied, her gaze going between his face and Delenn's.
Sinclair nodded, and then turned to Delenn and Zhedarr for a moment, gesturing for them to follow him as he strode down the hall.
Kozorr didn't turn around as the door to the Command Deck opened; he was busy trying to help deal with a glitch in the sensor system. It was only when he heard Petross and Kathy Dale gasp in unison that he turned to look; and his mouth tightened in worry.
Entil'Zha was standing in the doorway, wearing his Ranger uniform and glancing around the deck. Aliann and Zhedarr stood two paces behind and on either side of him, as was proper, and Delenn was standing beside him, looking tense - not anything most would notice, but the Shai Alyt had known Delenn for some time, and knew how to read her.
He could easily guess the reason for that. Entil'Zha, although he did look stronger than he had been yesterday, still appeared tired and worn... and Delenn had said something about keeping him in his quarters until he was fully rested. It appeared that she had been unable to.
Of course, there are not many who can, even among those Entil'Zha calls friend, Kozorr admitted to himself. And he is always tired these days, he added as he stepped forward and bowed. "Entil'Zha."
"Hello, Kozorr," Sinclair replied. He glanced around at the rest of the crew, and the Shai Alyt saw a small smile playing about the corners of the... half-Minbari's mouth. "I hope I haven't interrupted you in the middle of something..."
"I was merely seeing to helping deal with a minor problem in the sensor system, Entil'Zha," Kozorr replied, starting back toward the console he'd been at when Sinclair entered.
He looked back to see Sinclair follow him over; after a moment Delenn came as well, her mouth tight with building anger.
"What's the problem?" Sinclair asked, ignoring the stares he knew he was receiving from the crew. It would take all of them - including himself - some time to adjust to his new appearance.
"We're not sure, Entil'Zha," replied Lenaal, one of the Vallain's techs, with a low bow. "But the problem does appear to be minor."
"Good," Sinclair replied; "then, Kozorr, I'd like to speak with you for a moment." The half-Minbari shot a quick glance at Delenn, and added, "Alone."
Delenn looked upset, but Kozorr nodded, and Sinclair put one hand on his arm and drew him over to the far end of the Command Deck.
"What is it, Entil'Zha?"
"First of all, is Neroon still on board?" Sinclair demanded.
Kozorr nodded. "Yes, Entil'Zha," he replied. "As he may have stated, he intends to remain on board until you are ready to return to Minbar, and escort us back with the Sedai'niya."
"That's what I was afraid of," Sinclair muttered. "Neroon and Delenn..."
"There may not be the problems that you fear, Entil'Zha," Kozorr said slowly. "Neither of them wishes to cause you any distress..."
Sinclair sighed. "I know, I know," he replied. "But still..."
Then he shook his head. "Never mind, I'll deal with it when the time comes," he declared. "Now, I need you to bring me up to date on the events since I went into the chrysalis."
Kozorr hesitated for a moment, studying Sinclair carefully. As he had already observed, Entil'Zha appeared tired; but no more tired than he usually did. He appears to be better; Delenn has not seen him lately, she does not know what has become normal for him, the Shai Alyt reassured himself. She sees what she fears, and not the truth; which is that Entil'Zha is always this tired.
"Of course, Entil'Zha," he replied calmly. "There are a number of reports on your desk, along with two urgent communications from Mr. Garibaldi concerning recent events on Babylon 5."
Sinclair blinked, surprised. "Two?" he repeated slowly. "Kozorr... how long have I been in the chrysalis?"
Kozorr's eyes flickered to Delenn for a moment, and then back to Sinclair. "Five Earth weeks," he replied.
Sinclair looked stunned. "Five weeks..."
As Garibaldi entered the holding cell, the woman seated at the end of the bed looked up.
"Michael!" she exclaimed, sounding surprised.
"Hello, Lise," Garibaldi said quietly.
There was an awkward pause, which Lise broke by saying, "So, you're still Chief of Security here? I'm surprised - I thought you followed your friend Sinclair everywhere."
Garibaldi's mouth tightened in pain. "That was uncalled for, Lise," he snapped, his tone sharp, even as his concern for Jeff leapt back into the forefront of his mind. With an effort of will, he pushed it away; Jeff wasn't here right now, and Lise was. He took a deep breath, making an effort to control his temper. "How's your husband?"
Lise's expression went bleak. "He's dead, Michael," she said coldly. "Both he and our thirteen month old son were killed when EarthForce bombed MarsDome."
Garibaldi felt a shock run through him. That explains why she looks so much harder now... "I'm sorry, Lise," he said, knowing even as he did so that it was inadequate. His voice softened. "I know it's not enough, but I am."
Lise gave a slight nod, but made no other sign that she'd heard him. Instead she declared, "Why am I here? I wasn't even through Customs when one of your security goons brought me here and then left me, without even a word of explanation. I've been here all night, and quite frankly, Michael, the decor isn't exactly the most pleasant. Neither is the food."
Garibaldi took a deep breath, feeling relieved in spite of himself that they were now on official ground, as opposed to personal. Ignoring her last statement, he demanded, "When did you join Free Mars?"
Lise paused for a moment - long enough for Garibaldi to know that she was going to try to bluff - and then said, "Free Mars? What makes you think that I've joined Free Mars?"
Garibaldi sighed sadly; he'd hoped - rather forlornly - that she wouldn't try this. "Your arrest record, for one thing," he replied, taking a data crystal out of his pocket. "The fact that you've confessed to being a member of Free Mars when you were arrested the last two times. The fact that you've been linked to five bombings that Free Mars has claimed responsibility for, all in the past year... What else am I supposed to think, Lise?"
"All right," Lise admitted slowly, "I did join Free Mars - but I wasn't involved in those bombings you mentioned. I joined a little over a year ago, when I realized that I wanted a better and freer life for Sean - my son - than I had ever had.
"I'm here, on Babylon 5, because you've managed to separate from the EA and make it stick. Free Mars wants an alliance. Our leaders sent me here to request that your commander at least consider the idea."
Garibaldi stared at her for a moment, surprised, before the full meaning of her words sunk in.
"Your leaders sent you?" he repeated. "The leaders of Free Mars? Why you, if you've only been involved for a little over a year? Why not someone else, who'd been in longer?"
Lise shrugged. "Perhaps because they knew I could be trusted," she replied - her tone said that she couldn't care less about their reasons. "But for whatever reason, could you please take my request to your commander? And," she added, her tone becoming acidic, "let me out of here?"
Garibaldi took a deep breath and pushed away the feeling that said he would regret this. "I'll talk to the Captain," he replied. "I can't guarantee anything, but I will speak to him."
Lise smiled for the first time since he had come in. "Thank you, Michael," she replied. "That's all I ask."
Garibaldi nodded, knowing it was a lie, and turned around and left.
Sinclair sat down at his desk and put his head in his hands. He'd managed to persuade Delenn that he didn't need a babysitter, so he was alone.
Five weeks. The thought kept circling through his mind. I've been out of contact with everyone for over a month!?
Then his eyes fell on the two data crystals that Kozorr had carefully left in their boxes, and his thoughts changed direction slightly.
Garibaldi must be worried sick - especially if no one's told him anything, and with Delenn here... How am I going to tell him?!
Unbidden, Sinclair's hands went to his head and he felt his new crest. Why didn't I tell him before I went into the chrysalis? he wondered.
Actually, I know... I was afraid he would try to talk me out of it, and I was so nervous about doing it that I thought he'd be able to, even if he didn't try... But now it's done... and I didn't tell Michael. I didn't tell him anything... He's going to think I don't trust him any more, which isn't true, unless I can come up with a good - and real - explanation for why... And how am I going to tell him that I'm not fully human any more?
That, of course, was the real heart of the problem. Sinclair realized now that he'd been so intent on what his Change could help with - and on responding to Draal's urgency - that he hadn't thought out all the consequences of his actions completely before he'd jumped in.
Just like Delenn, Sinclair thought ruefully, remembering his friend's pain when she'd found out how most Earthers and Minbari now regarded her. And how will they regard me? My situation isn't really all that different from--
His brooding was interrupted as the door slid open and Zhedarr stepped in.
"Entil'Zha," the Star Rider said, "Satai Neroon wishes to speak with you."
Sinclair sighed and rubbed his forehead with one hand for a moment before responding. He had a dull throbbing headache - most likely caused by his brooding - and his palms were itching. "All right - and could you please have someone bring us some lunch?" he added, glancing at his chrono. Between waking up later than usual, the meeting with Kozorr, going over the various communiquÂs that had come in while he'd been in the chrysalis, and brooding, it was now two hours after noon, and he hadn't eaten anything since before talking to Kozorr.
"It is already here," Zhedarr replied calmly, as Sinclair looked up at him in surprise. "We called for it just over half an hour ago."
Sinclair's mouth tightened slightly at this evidence of interference, but he sternly told himself not to say anything. They were worried about him, that was all.
So why does it feel so irritating? Actually, I know why... it's because they're pampering me. They're still treating me like - how did Catherine put it? - some kind of priest-king.
As always now when he thought of Catherine, he felt a rush of melancholy rising, but Zhedarr was still standing there patiently, waiting for orders, and with Neroon outside, Sinclair knew that he couldn't afford to give in to it. Taking a breath, he brought his emotions under control. "In that case, please tell Neroon that I would be happy to see him," he replied.
Zhedarr bowed and went back out, the door closing behind him. A moment later it opened again, and Neroon strode in, followed by Zhedarr carrying a small tray. Sinclair stood up rapidly, and bowed slightly. "Neroon," he said calmly.
"Entil'Zha," Neroon replied, returning his bow, as Zhedarr placed the tray carefully on Sinclair's desk, and left again. "I am glad to see that you are better."
"Thank you," Sinclair replied. He was starting to feel dizzy again, but it was probably just hunger. At that thought, he lifted the lid off the tray. "Would you care to join me, Neroon?" he inquired. "I'm afraid I was so busy trying to catch up that I worked straight through lunch, and Zhedarr was kind enough to arrange for some food to be brought in. And would you like some tea?"
"Thank you," Neroon replied, watching him, "but I have already eaten. However, a cup of tea does sound pleasant."
Sinclair nodded, reached over to the small table beside his desk, and poured two cups of tea. "Here you are," he said, handing one of them to Neroon.
"Thank you, Entil'Zha," Neroon replied, bowing slightly.
They sat in silence for a few moments - Sinclair felt awkward eating in front of someone - and then finally Neroon spoke.
"You ought to eat something. I have been told - numerous times," he added, his tone momentarily irritated, "that the Change takes a great deal of energy from one, and that you must eat and sleep a great deal to regain that energy."
Delenn's been at him, Sinclair understood that to mean. However, it gave him the perfect opening to what he wished to discuss with the Star Rider.
"Satai," he began hesitantly, "there is something I need to know..."
"Yes?" Neroon inquired, inclining his head slightly to give permission.
Sinclair took a deep breath. This was going to be difficult... "I... How do you see my Change, Satai?"
Neroon blinked. Of all the possible questions or concerns Entil'Zha might have, he had not anticipated this one. But then, perhaps he should have; Sinclair's reception upon his first arrival to Minbar had not been good, and it had caused problems for quite some time. And his own actions had not made it any easier for Sinclair to deal with those problems.
Things had recently become more settled - had been so since Sinclair had undergone the ceremony of being acknowledged as Entil'Zha - but the Change that Sinclair had just undergone was bound to unsettle things once again. And Delenn's reception after her Change had not been good; Sinclair was no doubt worried that it would have a detrimental effect on everything that he was trying to do.
It was the warrior's turn to take a deep breath. "I do not think you need to worry about that, Entil'Zha," he said reassuringly. "Please understand that I do not mean to insult humans by this; it is just the way things are... Our people feel that Delenn has somehow debased herself by becoming half-human. You, however, have become half-Minbari. They will make the distinction between the two."
"Will they?" Sinclair asked doubtfully. "It is the same thing--"
"It may be the same, in that you have both become balanced between both our races; but your situations are different," Neroon tried to explain. "As I said, Delenn became half-human. You became half-Minbari. That is how our people will perceive it. They will see that you have become more what they believe you to be, whereas Delenn has gone away from what she is."
Sinclair frowned, but at the same time nodded in acceptance of Neroon's statement.
There was another momentary pause, during which Sinclair took a bite of flarn, and then pushed his plate away, almost untouched. "I appreciate your reassurance, Neroon," he said slowly, as though he were thinking each word through before saying it, "but you haven't answered my original question: how do you, personally, see my Change? We've become... friends, if that wouldn't be too strong a word, over the last year; how much will my Change affect that?"
Neroon studied the other's face for a moment, taking in the strange - but oddly right - combination of human hair and Minbari crest before answering. "It changes nothing for me," he replied then. "I have learned to respect you for who you are, not for what race you are. In fact," he added, his words slowing down seemingly of their own accord, "your choice is one that I can only respect. As I told you several months ago, your actions and decisions serve to prove that you are truly Entil'Zha."
The relief on Sinclair's face stunned Neroon more than a bit; he hadn't realized that the... half-Minbari would take his personal opinion so seriously. But then, Entil'Zha's choice of words to describe their relationship - friends - said a great deal.
"And yes," Neroon added, not at all reluctantly, "I would say that friends is not too strong a word."
Then the warrior cast a look at the tray Zhedarr had brought it, and felt another stab of irritation at the way Delenn had cornered him earlier, demanding that he make certain that Sinclair ate something - since she could not, for some reason she refused to mention. Probably Sinclair was already getting tired of her interference. He stood up smoothly, and gave Sinclair a slight bow. "Now, if you will excuse me, Entil'Zha, I have duties I must see to on the Sedai'niya. I will be back a bit later, if you wish to speak to me again today."
"Thank you, Neroon," Sinclair replied, nodding his head politely in return. The words were sincere, and heartfelt. "And I will see you later."
Neroon smiled in reply, and then walked out.
As soon as the door closed behind him, he turned to face Zhedarr and Tyrsan.
"See that no one interrupts him," he ordered the younger two warriors sternly. "He is still weaker than he tries to appear. Unless there is an emergency that absolutely requires Entil'Zha's presence, be certain that he is not disturbed for anything."
Both Star Riders bowed obediently. "As you say, Satai," Tyrsan replied.
Neroon nodded in satisfaction, and started toward the docking bay where his flyer waited.
In his suite, Sinclair leaned back in his chair. Neroon's arguments were logical, and they meshed with his understanding of the Minbari. Maybe there wouldn't be the problems he feared... from the Minbari, at least. The humans... that was another matter.
With a sigh, he sat back up. Much like Neroon, he had his own duties; he hadn't yet watched the messages from Garibaldi, and he needed to do that before he could do anything else.
Scratching absentmindedly at his arm where it itched, he picked up the first data crystal and slipped it into the slot. Grabbing a sandwich from the tray Zhedarr had brought it, he settled back to watch the messages.
Sheridan looked up from the reports he was practically buried in when his Chief of Security walked into the office. There was a slightly strained expression on the other man's face; an expression that boded no good for Sheridan's peace of mind.
"What's wrong?"
Garibaldi slumped down in a chair. "We've got an agent of Free Mars down in Security," he replied. "She says she's come to offer you an alliance with their organization."
"An alliance," Sheridan repeated. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his hand across his forehead. "Did she say what sort of alliance she's referring to?"
"No; she just wanted me to relay the request to you. She wants to talk to you about it," Garibaldi replied.
"Wonderful," Sheridan muttered sourly. "As if we didn't have enough problems already...
"What information can you give me on her?"
Garibaldi took a deep breath. "Her name is Lise Hammerschmidt; she's lived on Mars her entire life. According to the records, she joined Free Mars about a year ago; she's been arrested twice, and has been linked to five bombings over the past year or so. She claims that she wasn't responsible for them, but I don't know whether that's true or not."
"Wonderful..." Sheridan repeated. "We're up to our ears in Shadow attacks, and now we've got more problems with Earth getting dumped on us..." He sighed. "Well, I suppose I'd better talk to her... tomorrow. Keep her in Security for tonight; better to be safe than sorry."
"Got it," Garibaldi replied, and pushed himself out of the chair. "Well, I'd better get going." He headed out of the room, and Sheridan returned his attention to the flimsies.
As he'd mentioned to Garibaldi, he had too many things on his plate; and the Shadow attacks were increasing daily. Something was going to have to be done; they didn't have enough telepaths to be able to use them to fight back against the Shadows - even if they knew where the next attack was. The only question was: what?
Sinclair stood up from his desk, his mouth tight. He strode to the door, and as it opened, both Zhedarr and Tyrsan turned to look at him.
"Entil'Zha?" Zhedarr asked, his tone curious.
"I want to see Delenn," Sinclair stated. "I would appreciate it very much if one of you would bring her; there are some things I need to discuss with her."
The two warriors exchanged glances, and Sinclair gritted his teeth. He knew those expressions; he'd seen them often enough in the first few months, when he attempted to countermand one of Kozorr's orders. To see them now was... extremely irritating, he decided, after a moment's thought.
"Zhedarr, Tyrsan, I need to speak with Delenn," he repeated. Having a very good idea as to what the conflicting orders were, if not who had given them, he added, "It's a matter of utmost importance. I promise you both, I'll be good." The last was said with more than a touch of irony, and Sinclair watched as the two Minbari exchanged exasperated looks.
Then Tyrsan nodded in acknowledgement. "As you wish, Entil'Zha," he said, his tone resigned.
"Thank you," Sinclair returned, before retreating back into his quarters.
Once inside, he glanced around, and then set about cleaning off his desk, putting most of the reports away and leaving out only the data crystal containing Garibaldi's message about Bester and the Shadows.
He's probably waiting for a reply, Sinclair thought guiltily. More to the point, an immediate reply. I'm sure he already realizes something is wrong; it's been five days, and he knows that I get the urgent reports within two...
Even as he thought that, the door slid open, and Delenn stepped in.
"You wished to see me, Jeffrey?" she inquired.
Sinclair managed a faint smile. "Yes," he replied. "I know you think I should rest for a few more days, Delenn," he added, "but I've just listened to Garibaldi's messages, and it appears that we have very little time."
Delenn's mouth tightened at that, but Sinclair knew her well enough to see that his point had struck home. "You are referring to the Shadow attacks, I assume?" she asked.
Sinclair nodded, motioning for her to take a seat as he headed over to the table holding the teapot. "Would you like some tea?" he asked her. "We're likely to be here for a while; I want to know everything that's happened over the past week or two."
"Of course," Delenn returned, her tone holding the same note of resignation that Sinclair had heard only minutes earlier in Tyrsan's. "And yes, I think I would like a cup; it has been a long day so far."
"Though probably not as long as most days are on Babylon 5," Sinclair commented, pouring the tea carefully.
"Do you miss it?" Delenn asked quietly, watching him as he walked back over and sat down on the couch opposite her.
Sinclair smiled wistfully. "Yes; every day," he answered. "I even miss having to referee the fights between Londo and G'Kar; at least I could usually manage to keep them contained. And I definitely miss our discussions and the quiet times in the garden, and the Observation Dome; since I got Kozorr and the others assigned as my guards, I haven't really had the chance to be alone, really alone. I miss that most of all, I think."
"Surely there are places in Tuzanor where you can be alone?"
Sinclair shook his head, scratching at an itch on the back of his hand. "No, not really," he replied. "I've always got at least two, and most often three or four of the guards nearby. Even when I'm in my quarters, they're just outside the door; it makes it impossible, or nearly so, to find a place to be by myself."
Delenn frowned abruptly. "Jeffrey, is something wrong with your hand?" she asked, concern in her voice.
Sinclair blinked in surprise and glanced down at his hand for a moment before looking back up at Delenn. "It's itching," he replied, puzzled. "It's been doing that on and off all day. I don't think there's anything wrong..."
"There may be," Delenn countered. Her frown deepened as she thought. "Did you use soap to wash your hands this morning?" she asked then.
"Of course..."
"That is it, then," Delenn declared. "When Commander Ivanova was teaching me how to manage my hair," she tugged lightly at a strand to illustrate, "we discovered that my skin does not react well to human soap. The Commander thought that I was most likely allergic to it, and Dr. Franklin did some tests that confirmed it. It appears that you now have the same problem."
Sinclair stared down at his hands in dismay. I thought I knew what would happen, he thought bleakly. I had it all figured out...
The bleak mood lasted only a moment, however. Well, it's already done; I suppose that I'll just have to learn as I go along. After all, that's what Delenn has had to do; at least I have her to help me. She had no one - or, rather, no one who knew exactly what she was going through. He raised his eyes. "Any suggestions?"
Delenn smiled sympathetically, as though she knew exactly what thoughts were passing through his head. In fact, she probably did; Delenn knew him very well - she was one of the few who did. Garibaldi was the other.
"Audael should work," she said. Sinclair nodded in understanding; audael was the chemical that Minbari used to remove dead skin every morning. "Just don't," Delenn added, her smile widening with amusement, "use it on your hair!"
Sinclair chuckled in response; audael was harsh enough to cleanse dirt from skin - it would certainly be too harsh for hair.
Then he sobered. "Well, now that we've dealt with that," he said, taking a sip of tea, "we'd better get down to business." He gestured to the data crystal. "Garibaldi's told me about Bester's visit, and the discovery that telepaths can repel the Shadows, as well as the details of the first attack on Brakiri space. What else has happened?"
Delenn settled into the chair. "Captain Sheridan has begun to try to unite the League races against the Shadows; at the time I left, he had had no success. After the recent skirmishes, they distrust each other too much, though they are unwilling to admit it. And they are scared, afraid of drawing the attention of the Shadows to them."
"It looks as though Captain Sheridan has his work cut out for him, then," Sinclair said thoughtfully. There wasn't all that much that he could do to help with that; the Anla'shok had neither the people nor the resources to confront the Shadows in even one direct attack, much less counter the constant raids that Garibaldi said were going on. But they needed to help somehow... "Do you have any suggestions as to how we can help?"
Delenn shrugged, the gesture oddly helpless. "I don't know," she replied with a sigh. "That is the problem that all of us face; we don't have the resources or knowledge to face the Shadows one-on-one. They have the advantage at the moment."
Sinclair stood up and started pacing back and forth. "There's got to be something! We can't afford to let them keep the initiative; we've got to be able to do more than just respond to their attacks."
Delenn put her cup down on the table and stood up in turn, putting her hand on Sinclair's arm. He stopped, and looked at her.
"At the moment, there is nothing the Anla'shok can do that they are not doing already," she said quietly. "The next step, I believe, lies with Captain Sheridan. Until he manages to respond, or unite the League, the best we can do is watch and wait."
"I don't like it," Sinclair replied. "While we wait, people die."
Delenn's eyes flickered down, and Sinclair remembered when Rathenn had revealed the extent of the Shadow operations to him. He'd felt exactly the same way then; and he suspected that Delenn's recent revelations to G'Kar had been greeted in much the same way.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, raising his own hand to cover Delenn's. "I know you're right; but it's hard. Very hard."
"I know." Then Delenn looked up at him. "You should get some rest," she declared, frowning in concern. "This is only your first full day out of the chrysalis, and you have been driving yourself too hard, Jeffrey. There is only so much that can be done at one time. Get some rest," she repeated, firmly.
Much as he hated to admit it, Sinclair knew perfectly well that Delenn was right. He was tired, and another dizzy spell was starting. He sighed. "You're right," he admitted reluctantly. "I'm getting tired; as you said, it's been a long day."
Delenn smiled. "I will tell the guards that you are going to sleep," she said, and started for the door. Just before exiting, she turned back to him, and added, "Sweet dreams."