Fic: Remember Susan/Talia Part 12
Title: Remember (Part 12/?)
Fandom & Pairing Babylon 5 Susan/Talia
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Dimitri entered his quarters thankful that his presence wasn't required during the negotiations. He found them to be tedious. He loved being on the bridge where all the excitement was. A shrill beep interrupted his thoughts. He glanced at the comm console and activated it. Andrei Kralick's faced filled the screen. Dimitri immediately snapped to attention.
"Sir."
"Dimitri, it is good to see you. I trust everything is well."
"Yes sir. Irinia has started the negotiations."
"Good. I wanted to let you know that I am en route to Babylon 5."
Confusion appeared on Dimitri's face. "Sir?" He questioned. "Is there a problem I should be aware of?"
"Yes and no Dimitri."
Dimitri couldn't understand why he was being so cryptic. Andrei Kralick was a very straight forward man.
"I don't want to get into any details over the comm. I just want you to keep close to Irinia."
"Has a threat been made?"
"No but please don't let her out of your sight."
"Yes sir, shall I inform her of your arrival?"
"No Dimitri, I would like to surprise her."
Andrei ended the transmission. So much for getting out of the negotiations.
Irinia made her way across the Zocolo. She was meeting with Mr. Cronyn to discuss the trading negotiations. She wasn't feeling a hundred percent. After her guests left she found it difficult to relax. She tossed and turned most of the night. Their accusations kept jumping around in her head. What if her memories weren't hers? Who would be responsible? The only logical conclusion was her father.
But that thought was ridiculous. There is no way in hell that man would do anything to hurt her. He adored her and she returned that feeling ten fold. He was always there for her and supported her no matter what.
She shook her head to clear her mind. Irinia made her way to the restaurant and sat down at a table close to the entrance. Her appointment should be here in the next ten minutes. A waiter approached her and she ordered some juice. She saw enter the restaurant followed closely by Talia Winters.
I wonder why she's here, Irinia thought to herself. Perhaps she comes here for breakfast. Wait scratch that she's headed over this way. Okay be calm, take deep breaths. Wait why I am nervous? I really need to stop talking to myself.
Irinia stood up from the table and greeted Mr. Cronyn.
"Good morning it's a pleasure to see you again."
"The pleasure is all mine Irinia."
He turned towards Talia. "Let me introduce you to Babylon 5's commercial telepath Talia Winters. She will be sitting in on this meeting.
"I'm already acquainted with Ms. Winters." Irinia nodded to the telepath. Talia smiled in agreement. She was nervous but it didn't show on her face. The telepath could thank her training for that. She calmed herself and addressed Irinia.
"Ms. Kralick I will only be scanning you to make sure your answers are truthful. I will not be scanning further than the surface."
Irinia let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. She needed to get a grip on herself. She wasn't sure why she felt this way around the telepath. Irinia focused her mind on just the negotiations she didn't want Talia to pick up on her nervousness.
The meeting took about thirty minutes. There were a few points that needed revisiting but everything looked good. Mr. Cronyn stood up from the table and excused himself. Irinia was ready to leave when Talia's soft voice stopped her.
"May we talk?" When Irinia nodded her head Talia turned to face her.
"I wanted to apologize for upsetting you last night. That was never my intention."
"Don't worry about it Ms. Winters. I understand the loss you've encountered."
Irinia got up and was ready to leave the table when Talia called out to her again.
"Would you have dinner with me, she rushed out and hastily added, to make up for last night."
Irinia considered the request, when some movement caught her attention. She leaned in closer to the telepath.
"Will Mr. Garabaldi be there?"
Talia was surprised by her question. "No, why did you ask that?"
Irinia nodded with her head towards the crowd. "He's like your shadow. I've noticed him pass this way at least a dozen times since we've been here."
Talia turned in her chair looking for the security chief. She spotted the familiar grey of his uniform.
"Sometimes Michael can be overprotective."
"Sounds more like a jealous lover."
Irinia cringed and couldn't believe she said that aloud. She looked at Talia and felt the blush creeping up her face.
"I'm sorry that's none of my business."
"Michael and I are just friends. I know he would like more but my heart already belongs to someone." Talia looked up at Irinia as she finished speaking.
Irinia instantly knew who Talia was referring to. She saw it in the telepath's eyes when she came to her quarters last night. When Talia saw her face she saw all the emotions play out.
"It must be really difficult for you to be around me. Seeing how I resemble Susan."
"On the contrary it comforts me."
Irinia was shocked by her answer. She expected her to agree with her.
"How does it comfort you to have a constant reminder of what you lost?"
Talia smiled and looked into Irinia's eyes.
"I see Susan in you. Not just the physical resemblance but some of your mannerisms are similar. I don't feel as lost and empty. I feel like she's here and just being near you is enough. I can't explain why I feel that way I just do."
A small smile played on the telepath's lips.
Irinia was surprised by Talia's confession. It was more emotion than she was ready to deal with. She sat quietly at the table trying to formulate her next words. She was saved from having to say anything when she saw Dimitri approach the table.
"Irinia I need to speak with you."
Irinia was grateful for the interruption. "I will be with you in a second Dimitri." He stepped away from the table but remained close.
"Ms. Winters I will let you know about dinner I need to take care of this. Irinia got up from the table and walked away. Talia watched her until she couldn't see her anymore. She sighed and left the restaurant.