Sisters Under The Skin, part 14: Three is Sacred (NEW, B5, 14/14)
A-a-n-d, we're done.
More thoughts later.
Sisters Under The Skin
Part Fourteen: Three is Sacred
Standard disclaimer applies; not my characters or settings or backgrounds. But they are my words.
********************************************************************************
Anna was humming to herself as she walked the corridors of Geneva once again. She had checked in with Pat Crosby as soon as they hit Earth space, receiving a warm if brief welcome. Pat had sent over government credentials in Ann Sullivan's name, so Anna could move freely about the EarthGov compound. John remained in EarthGov custody, cooling his heels in a luxurious and well appointed courtesy prison. Delenn remained on board ship, working on the new Alliance, longing to come down and see John but reluctant to increase the dissension in the Earth factions by her presence.
David Sheridan remained on board the Minbari ship as well. He had struck up a friendship with Delenn and was busy exploring the ship and advising her on the ins and out of diplomacy on Earth. He still had contacts in the diplomatic corps and was fairly well up on the current situation in Geneva. Anna had left Delenn to work her charms on the older Sheridan and gone in search of the younger.
On the way to meet John she ran into a pack of journalists, eye-cams and vid-mikes at the ready. She sidled along the wall; they weren't interested in her anyway. Once past the crowd, she turned a corner and ran straight into Sophie Franklin.
“Ann? Is that you?” Sophie pulled Anna into a quick hug. Her enthusiasm was infectious and Anna laughed and hugged her back.
“What are you doing here?” asked Anna, trying to keep in mind that here she was Ann, Senator Crosby's assistant.
“I'm back in the business,” answered Sophie. She gestured towards Anna with a tablet and stylus. “Like all the rest, I'm trying to catch a word with the hero of the hour.” She tilted her head to one side. “Or is it the villain of our times?”
“You mean John Sheridan?” asked Anna, trying not to sound as amused as she felt. “I might be able to help you with that.”
“Are you serious?” said Sophie, eyes flying wide. “He's given a few interviews, but mainly to the big boys. I'm just here for a regional magazine.” She blushed slightly. “It's an online military-oriented periodical. There's a lot of interest in Captain Sheridan, as you can imagine. Everyone wants to hear his story.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Some even want to hear his side of the story.”
“Staying on with the family business in a way, aren't you?” laughed Anna.
“I know, I know,” laughed Sophie. “But I needed to get started, and I do know a good deal about the subject.” Her ironic tone gave way to a smile. “Having grown up with it.”
“Give me your number and I'll see what I can do,” said Anna, “About the interview I mean.”
Sophie took the cellcom Anna held out and keyed in eight digits. “I really appreciate this. And your advice when we met? It really helped. Mom is doing so much better, I can still help out but also get back to my own life.”
Anna tucked away her cell and shook Sophie's hand. “I'll be in touch. It's great to see you.” Continuing down the corridor to John's room, she encountered Security, both civilian and military. Her pass got her through and she mentally thanked Pat for giving her access without the hassle of establishing her true identity. The thought of what was true and what was false circled around her head as she approached John's quarters. Still, what's in a name? She was who she was, both Ann and Anna, wife and lover, scientist and spy. At the door, she straightened her jacket, stood up straight, and hit the door chime.
There was no answer. It was quite a letdown. Looking around the corridor, she saw a monitor screen and put in a call to Pat.
“Ann!” exclaimed the Senator. There was a flurry of activity behind the tall attractive woman. She turned her head away and in her clipped authoritative tone, still containing a bit of accent, she ordered everyone out of the room. She took a seat behind a large desk and adjusted the monitor to face her.
“Thanks for the pass, Senator,” began Anna.
“No need for thanks,” responded Pat quickly. “We all owe you and yours more than we can ever repay.” Her eyes were bright and hard. “It ran a bit tight there at the end.”
“I know,” said Anna soberly. “We were watching, and praying along with you.” She gestured at the hallway behind her. “Do you know where John...I mean Captain Sheridan...is? There's no answer at his quarters.”
“He's in with the generals again. They've had him explain himself a dozen times already.” Pat smiled grimly. “It's up to Luchenko in the end, of course. Civilian control sometimes escapes the military mind.”
“They are problem solvers,” responded Anna. “John is the problem du jour, and he's their problem in their minds.”
“One of their own,” said Pat. “I understand, but this is bigger than military hierarchy and the chain of command. Much bigger.”
“Can you get me in so I can wait for him?” asked Anna.
“I think so,” replied Pat doubtfully. She reached for the keyboard in front of her and tapped a few keys. Then she pulled out a comunit and spoke into it, quietly enough that Anna couldn't hear the words, though from Pat's tone it was obvious they were commands. “There,” she said. “Approach the civilian guard at the door. He's been told to expect you and allow you in to wait. You'll have to be searched I'm afraid.”
“That's no problem,” replied Anna. “What's my cover story?”
“Questions from the Senate Committee on Xeno-Relations. You're bringing yet another questionnaire about his motives and foreign influences.” Pat grimaced. “This whole episode has brought out the bigots in EarthGov. You'd think they would have slunk away in embarrassment after the revelations that have come out. I've told the guards you're to wait for the answers and hand deliver them back here.”
“Okay,” said Anna. “But I don't have a questionnaire, you know.”
“I sent one to your cell. Flash the official seal on the document at them. It'll be enough.” Pat gave her a look of appraisal. “I'll check in with you later today. I may have a proposition for you.”
“A proposition? That sounds interesting,” replied Anna.
“Later,” said Pat. “I can hear the wolves howling at the door. I can only put off these people for so long.” She gave a long mock-sigh. “I miss your amazing gate-keeping abilities, Ann.”
“You just need to be able to say 'no',” replied Anna. “Over and over and over again.” Both women laughed and Pat signed off the call. Anna checked her cell and there was the document, scary-long and official-looking. She went back down the corridor and approached the guard in EarthGov brown and was pleased to be allowed entrance without even a wand-screening. The military guard stood at attention and didn't give her a glance, although she thought she caught a sneer at the civilian's lack of attention to security protocol.
Once inside, she wondered how long she would have to wait. Even at EarthGov's glacial pace, this whole thing was taking too long. Soon Delenn would arrive, with Londo Mollari and G'Kar of Narn to present the invitation to the new Alliance to Luchenko. David would come with her, and then, well then she and Delenn had to find a chance to talk to John alone and present their own invitation.
To amuse herself, she scrolled through the questions Pat had sent over. It was obviously a real document, probably one John had already filled out. The questions were impertinent, meant to mislead and obfuscate the very real issues of foreign involvement in Earth's civil war, and the preceding Shadow war. Although there weren't many questions about the wider war. Her temper began to burn as she considered John having to jump through all these hoops after what he'd been through, and what he'd already given up.
The monitor on the wall chimed and she looked up, startled. Her name, or Ann Sullivan's name, was flashing under the message light. She rose and came closer, and seeing Pat's name on the message she called out, 'play message.'
“Ann?” came Pat's voice. “I have someone on the line who wants to talk with you. I'm patching it through my office so it's a secure line. Take as long as you like. Has Captain Sheridan returned?”
“No,” said Anna, her heart inexplicably starting to pound. “He's not back yet.”
“Remember to check in with me later,” said Pat. “I'll be in meetings most of the afternoon, but leave a message and I'll make time.” Her image flickered and faded, the screen went black briefly, then a smiling face lit up the screen. The white hair almost glowed as it lay in waves against the tan face, and the smile sparkled just as bright.
“Emily?” gasped Anna. “How did you know I was here?”
“I didn't,” said Emily Dexter. “How could I? After you up and left the planet without a word?” The voice was gently scolding, but the smile didn't waver. “I was trying to get someone into Geneva, and Senator Crosby was my only sure contact in EarthGov. When I called the senator, she told me you were there.” She broke off for a moment and spoke indistinctly to someone off camera. Turning back to Anna, she grinned broadly. “My guest will be leaving today. Maybe you can meet her where she gets there?” Moving away from the screen, another woman's face filled the screen. Her face was smooth, with lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth, light brown hair pulled back from her face and loosely tied at the back of her neck. Her eyes were a shifting green and brown, like leaves reflected in the sun-dappled water of a muddy creek.
Anna couldn't speak for a moment, but laid one hand flat on the screen.
“Anna?” Miranda Sheridan put her hand out to match her daughter-in-law's. “Is it really you? I heard you were alive, from Emily and Will, and David hinted at it the one time we got to talk after I left the farm, but I don't think I really believed it until now.”
“It's me,” Anna said. “Are you all right? I mean, obviously you're all right.” Her voice faltered. She was so happy she couldn't breathe. “You're coming here?”
“Yes, I want to see John. Besides, he needs his family there, backing him up. If I get a chance to talk to those generals and politicians...” Miranda's chin came up, her jaw tightened, and her resemblance to John increased substantially.
Anna nodded, blinking away tears. “He'll have all the backing he needs. Pops is here, at least, he will be. He's with Delenn now but they will be coming planetside soon.”
Surprise flickered over Miranda's face, but she merely said, “I can't wait to see you all.”
“What time does your flight arrive?” asked Anna eagerly. “I haven't even seen John yet. They've had him in meetings and briefings and de-briefings and God knows what else.”
“Emily says they'll get me on the next low-orbital flight. It doesn't leave until tomorrow, but it only takes four hours now, so before noon?” She turned away and spoke briefly to Emily, then returned to the screen. “10:15, the main spaceport, domestic side. Can you make it, or shall I take a hovercab to EarthGov headquarters?”
“I'll be there,” promised Anna. “Maybe I'll even have our housing figured out by then!” Laughter bubbled out of her. This was going to be some family reunion. Delenn had to get down here so they could get things sorted out with John.
“Love you, Annie. Can't wait to see you,” Miranda's image flickered and the screen went black.
The com lit up one more time before John arrived. It was David, who informed Anna that he and Delenn were coming down that very afternoon. Anna got to tell him that Miranda arrived the next day and between all the smiles it was a miracle the viewscreen didn't burn out. Anna left a message with Pat to set up housing for David and Miranda, and for Delenn, although she had private plans for those quarters. After that, she tried to scan the news but found her eyes drooping shut and finally she just lay down to wait.
The door opened suddenly and John strode into the room. Anna had been half asleep on the couch, her legs curled up and her arms wrapped around her knees. She woke to a butterfly kiss on her cheek and said sleepily, “That beard is going to take some getting used to. It tickles.” Reaching up she wrapped one arm around John's neck and pulled him down for a full kiss on the lips. He pulled her up into his arms and they fell into a familiar embrace.
“Anna, what are you doing here?” John finally broke away to say. “Where's Delenn?”
“She's coming down today,” Anna said when she caught her breath. “And oh, John, your mother will be here tomorrow!”
“Mom's coming here?” said John with a broad smile. “Lord, those generals had better watch out. She never did approve of my joining EarthForce.” His smile faded. “Not sure she'll have that to worry about much longer.”
“Why?” asked Anna. “What are they up to now?” Her eyes glinted with incipient fury. “They aren't going to proceed with the court martial, are they?”
“I'm not sure,” admitted John, running his hand through his hair. He kept his other arm around Anna's waist. “It's all up to the President. She's called a press conference tomorrow morning, and I'm to have a private meeting with her just before that. I think my fate's been decided, she's just waiting on the best time to announce it.”
“Your fate isn't in her hands,” said Anna, stroking his cheek gently. “You make your own fate, you always have.”
John pulled her back into his arms and whispered into her hair. “I never did get a chance to welcome you home properly.”
Anna put both hands on either side of his face, examining the small scars barely visible under the greying hair. “We have a few hours. And we should make every hour count, don't you agree?”
John's answer was very much in the affirmative.
Anna was in the shower when Delenn and David arrived at John's quarters. A message had come through, at some point, with the assignment of adjacent rooms for the elder Sheridans and for Ambassador Delenn. There was also information on the quarters set aside for Ambassador Mollari and Citizen G'Kar. Quite a party, thought Anna as she quickly dried her hair and threw on her clothes. Delenn had promised to bring along what clothes Anna had left on the ship. Logistics were going to be a problem with the three of them.
“Pops!” Anna cried and enveloped the older man in a hug. “I can't believe it! You're here; Miranda's on her way...” Then she went over to Delenn who was hovering around John like a bee around a towering flower. “And how are you? Plans all set for the big announcement?”
Delenn nodded, a proud smile hovering over her lips. “I will also be speaking with your President tomorrow before the press conference.”
John had crossed the room and was hugging his father again and grinning broadly. He spared Delenn a questioning, almost anxious, glance.
“It is going to be quite a day!” announced Anna, her cheeks flushed with pleasure.
“We still don't know what they're going to do with me,” protested John. David looked alarmed at his words.
“What's more important is what we're going to do with you.” Delenn's glance was almost arch.
Anna almost choked at the purr behind Delenn's hint at their intentions. David merely held up both hands and said, “Is anyone going to show me where I'm staying? I'd like to rest for a while. Will we all meet up for dinner tonight?”
“I'll take you over,” said Anna. Over her shoulder, she sent a warning message. “I'll be right back, you two.” To Delenn, she added, “Don't do anything I wouldn't do.” The door closed on John's sputtering face.
After Anna left David in his quarters, she checked the adjacent rooms. Her small amount of luggage was there, along with Delenn's carryall. That was good, and now she had to get back to John and Delenn. She loitered a bit, giving them time for a proper greeting. But finally she took a deep breath and hit the door chime. The guards merely examined her curiously at this point, possibly wondering why she kept coming in and out, possibly not caring as long as she was cleared for entry.
“Hi?” Anna came in slowly, giving her husband and her lover time to disentangle from each other. Delenn was adjusting the shoulders of her tunic, and John was smoothing down his rumpled hair and straightening his jacket. “Are you decent?” she called as she moved into the living room.
“That's an old joke,” groused John. He sat down heavily on the couch, eying the two of them with suspicion. “This is quite a mess we've gotten ourselves into. And I'm getting the idea the two of you have come up with a solution. Care to share it with me?”
Delenn folded her hands demurely and began, “When three people become close as we have become close...”
Anna watched in amazement as John began to snicker, then to laugh out loud, almost rolling on the sofa. Delenn was looking on with more than a smidgeon of glee. “Care to share what's funny?” Anna demanded.
“It's an old Minbari tradition,” said John, with mock solemnity. “Lots of things are old Minbari traditions, as it turns out.”
“As it turns out,” broke in Delenn, “it is indeed a very old Minbari tradition that I wanted to tell you about.” She sat down beside John and took his hand. Anna crossed the room and sat on his other side. Delenn began again. “You know we are three, three castes that is. Long ago, on occasions at the end of our wars, there was a tradition that each caste would offer a leader to join with the other. It was often a joining of...what is the word? Of convenience?”
Anna couldn't help it. She giggled. John gave her one of his patented looks, and she smothered further reaction, looking over at Delenn with an attentive expression. “Please. Go on,” she said politely.
Delenn continued, eyes bright. “Very occasionally the battle spread to all three castes, with no clear winner. The tradition called for a ceremony called the Triad.”
John looked as if he'd been pole-axed, as the old expression went. “Are you saying...what I think you're saying?” He looked from one woman to the other.
Anna put her hand on his arm. “Listen, John. Delenn and I have discussed this. It's not just that both of us love you. We've come to love one another.”
That didn't seem to help. John had turned so pale and remained so quiet that Anna was suddenly worried this wasn't going to work. David had reminded her, not that she'd needed reminding, that John was a traditional man.
Delenn spoke then. “John, love is such a rare and wonderful thing. What we have, what you have with Anna, what Anna and I have found...can the Universe mean for us to throw one side of this triangle away?”
“I don't know, Delenn,” said John slowly. “Are you suggesting a threesome of some kind?”
“A Triad joining,” replied Delenn.
“Three marriages,” said Anna at the same time. She went on, “Our marriage is strong enough to withstand an addition. We've always spent a great deal of our time together apart, pursuing our dreams and our careers. Delenn and you work best closely together. It could work, really it could.”
“Anna,” John began, but she held a finger against his lips. Delenn was leaning against John, her fingers interlaced with his and her other hand reaching across him to clasp Anna's.
Anna stood slowly, and looked down on the two of them. “John, I'm going to leave now. I think you two should talk this over.” Looking over at Delenn, she smiled. “I'm going to our quarters. I do not expect you back tonight.”
As the door closed behind her, Anna whistled a short happy tune. Let John have his first night with Delenn, if that's how it went for them. There was always time enough for love.
Anna took David out to dinner, then brought him back to his quarters. The older man was tired and anxious to see his wife. Anna settled down in Delenn's quarters, but found she couldn't relax, wondering what was going on with John and Delenn. When her cell chimed, she grabbed at it and answered quickly, “Yes?”
It was Pat Crosby. “Anna, are you alone? Can you talk?”
“Sure,” Anna replied. She tucked her legs under her as she lounged on the sofa in the living area of the VIP suite assigned to Delenn. “What's up?”
“I don't know what you've got planned when all this is over, but I could use a xeno-anthropologist with a nose for Shadow tech for a project I have in mind.” Pat sounded inordinately pleased with herself.
“A project for Ann Sullivan or for Anna Sheridan?” asked Anna, intrigued in spite of herself.
“For you,” emphasized Pat, “Whatever you choose to call yourself. Listen, President Clark was working with the Shadows, or at least he had access to some of their technology. He'd incorporated it into some of the ships in the fleet. There's a connection with PsiCorps as well. We need someone who can suss out Shadow tech, both old and new. You'd be stationed on Mars. PsiCorps is where we want to start. They've been running things their own way for too long.” She paused but when Anna didn't answer she went on, “Think about it, okay? This whole thing with Captain Sheridan should be resolved tomorrow, according to what I hear. Then you two can make your own decisions.”
“Thank you,” Anna finally got out. She'd been thinking of the tunnels under the PsiCorps prison, and the hint of Shadow presence that had affected her there. It was something valuable to do, something important, something that she was uniquely suited for. And she wanted it. It was another angle to a situation with a number of angles already.
After a few more hours, she fell asleep on the couch. It was chilly in the room, and she had been too tired to drag the blankets off the bed. She was adrift in dreams of ice and cold when a gentle touch awoke her. Her eyes slid open to see Delenn kneeling next to the couch.
“We are here,” she said, and Anna felt John's arms lifting her up. He carried her into the adjacent bedroom and laid her down on the soft fluffy comforter. Two sets of hands began to undress her and she almost wept at the flood of warm desire and intense belonging that broke over her at the touch of her two loves.
Epilogue: Reader, I Married Her
Mars, one year later
Ann Sullivan sat at a round resin table at an 'outdoor' bistro in Burroughs City. Nothing was really outdoors on Mars. All things, people, animals, and plants lived their lives enclosed by the domes or connected by the trains or underground tunnels. She was waiting for an old acquaintance, someone whose business was business, or so he said.
“Ms. Sullivan,” said Mr. Garibaldi, taking a seat across from her. “Or would you prefer Dr. Sullivan?”
“Ann,” replied Anna. “Please, call me Ann.” She pushed the carafe of coffee towards him, and gestured at the second cup. “Have a drink. Let's talk.”
“Then it's Michael,” replied the man, as he poured a cup of the dark brown liquid. “After all, we've been working together on and off for the last year, if at a distance.”
“That's true. And now I understand we have a new project.” Anna sipped her coffee.
“Edgars Industries has a new assignment, courtesy of EarthGov, to help the remaining telepaths who were infected with Shadow tech. Stephen never stopped working on it, and now he's been given some research money and staff from EI. He'll direct the project down on Earth.” Michael gulped his coffee down, and re-filled his cup. “This is the real thing,” he looked around the small cafe. “I wonder if they need any investors?”
Anna laughed, “They might, you'll have to ask. What can I do to help with this project?” Privately, she thought she'd need to get the news to John. He'd never forgotten the telepaths he'd had to use to win the war.
“Well, it is Shadow tech. Lyta Alexander, you remember her? She could reach into their minds, she could push back the Shadow's presence.” Michael eyed Anna carefully.
Anna shrugged. “I'm no telepath.”
“Maybe you can tell if the tech is out, completely out, when it's removed. If it's gone from their minds.” He signaled the waiter. “I'm starving, if you want lunch, it's on me.”
“I don't know,” said Anna slowly. Michael was seemingly engrossed in the menu. “It's still more of a job for a telepath. Have you tried to contact Lyta? She'd want to help.”
“She's still on walkabout with G'Kar,” replied Michael. “And PsiCorps isn't exactly falling over themselves to help out, even though it's their own people who are infected.”
After a moment's thought, Anna said, “Of course I'll do what I can. Those poor people deserve whatever help we can give them.”
Michael leaned back in the chair, tipping it up on its back legs. “Good. I'll let you know when and where. The lab isn't completely set up yet. We're re-locating the cryo-chambers containing the patients to the new space. We'll be recruiting staff there as well as sending some down from Mars. You'll be part-time, going back and forth between planets, especially since you've still got projects going here.”
“I do,” replied Anna. “It's been crazy busy, but I also have to get out to Minbar soon. John and Delenn will be moving any day now to the new Alliance headquarters there.”
Michael leaned forward, and lowering his voice as the waiter approached, asked, “Where exactly do you fit into that situation?”
“To the world at large, I'm Ann Sullivan. I work for EarthGov, out of Senator Crosby's office. Anna Sheridan died on Z'ha'dum, and John Sheridan was re-married to Delenn ra'Mir that day on the White Star.” Anna shook her head at the waiter, who took Michael's order and disappeared. “What isn't common knowledge is that I also married Delenn that day. John and I remain married as well, going on fourteen years now.” She smiled at Michael's expression. “It's an old Minbari tradition.”
Michael was trying to look nonchalant, but he was obviously a little shocked. “Well, I'll be...how's that working out for you?” His curiosity was evident in the eager tone in his voice.
“It's working just fine,” Anna said happily. She wasn't exactly sure why she was sharing this information, but Michael Garibaldi certainly qualified as a family friend. Besides, she'd need some time off in the fall. She announced proudly, “We're going to have a baby! John is convinced it's a boy, but what does he know? I'm holding out for a little girl!”
Michael's mouth gaped open, then snapped shut. Broadly smiling, he held up his coffee mug. “Mazel tov,” he said, and Anna laughed and clicked her own cup against his.
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More thoughts later.
Sisters Under The Skin
Part Fourteen: Three is Sacred
Standard disclaimer applies; not my characters or settings or backgrounds. But they are my words.
********************************************************************************
Anna was humming to herself as she walked the corridors of Geneva once again. She had checked in with Pat Crosby as soon as they hit Earth space, receiving a warm if brief welcome. Pat had sent over government credentials in Ann Sullivan's name, so Anna could move freely about the EarthGov compound. John remained in EarthGov custody, cooling his heels in a luxurious and well appointed courtesy prison. Delenn remained on board ship, working on the new Alliance, longing to come down and see John but reluctant to increase the dissension in the Earth factions by her presence.
David Sheridan remained on board the Minbari ship as well. He had struck up a friendship with Delenn and was busy exploring the ship and advising her on the ins and out of diplomacy on Earth. He still had contacts in the diplomatic corps and was fairly well up on the current situation in Geneva. Anna had left Delenn to work her charms on the older Sheridan and gone in search of the younger.
On the way to meet John she ran into a pack of journalists, eye-cams and vid-mikes at the ready. She sidled along the wall; they weren't interested in her anyway. Once past the crowd, she turned a corner and ran straight into Sophie Franklin.
“Ann? Is that you?” Sophie pulled Anna into a quick hug. Her enthusiasm was infectious and Anna laughed and hugged her back.
“What are you doing here?” asked Anna, trying to keep in mind that here she was Ann, Senator Crosby's assistant.
“I'm back in the business,” answered Sophie. She gestured towards Anna with a tablet and stylus. “Like all the rest, I'm trying to catch a word with the hero of the hour.” She tilted her head to one side. “Or is it the villain of our times?”
“You mean John Sheridan?” asked Anna, trying not to sound as amused as she felt. “I might be able to help you with that.”
“Are you serious?” said Sophie, eyes flying wide. “He's given a few interviews, but mainly to the big boys. I'm just here for a regional magazine.” She blushed slightly. “It's an online military-oriented periodical. There's a lot of interest in Captain Sheridan, as you can imagine. Everyone wants to hear his story.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Some even want to hear his side of the story.”
“Staying on with the family business in a way, aren't you?” laughed Anna.
“I know, I know,” laughed Sophie. “But I needed to get started, and I do know a good deal about the subject.” Her ironic tone gave way to a smile. “Having grown up with it.”
“Give me your number and I'll see what I can do,” said Anna, “About the interview I mean.”
Sophie took the cellcom Anna held out and keyed in eight digits. “I really appreciate this. And your advice when we met? It really helped. Mom is doing so much better, I can still help out but also get back to my own life.”
Anna tucked away her cell and shook Sophie's hand. “I'll be in touch. It's great to see you.” Continuing down the corridor to John's room, she encountered Security, both civilian and military. Her pass got her through and she mentally thanked Pat for giving her access without the hassle of establishing her true identity. The thought of what was true and what was false circled around her head as she approached John's quarters. Still, what's in a name? She was who she was, both Ann and Anna, wife and lover, scientist and spy. At the door, she straightened her jacket, stood up straight, and hit the door chime.
There was no answer. It was quite a letdown. Looking around the corridor, she saw a monitor screen and put in a call to Pat.
“Ann!” exclaimed the Senator. There was a flurry of activity behind the tall attractive woman. She turned her head away and in her clipped authoritative tone, still containing a bit of accent, she ordered everyone out of the room. She took a seat behind a large desk and adjusted the monitor to face her.
“Thanks for the pass, Senator,” began Anna.
“No need for thanks,” responded Pat quickly. “We all owe you and yours more than we can ever repay.” Her eyes were bright and hard. “It ran a bit tight there at the end.”
“I know,” said Anna soberly. “We were watching, and praying along with you.” She gestured at the hallway behind her. “Do you know where John...I mean Captain Sheridan...is? There's no answer at his quarters.”
“He's in with the generals again. They've had him explain himself a dozen times already.” Pat smiled grimly. “It's up to Luchenko in the end, of course. Civilian control sometimes escapes the military mind.”
“They are problem solvers,” responded Anna. “John is the problem du jour, and he's their problem in their minds.”
“One of their own,” said Pat. “I understand, but this is bigger than military hierarchy and the chain of command. Much bigger.”
“Can you get me in so I can wait for him?” asked Anna.
“I think so,” replied Pat doubtfully. She reached for the keyboard in front of her and tapped a few keys. Then she pulled out a comunit and spoke into it, quietly enough that Anna couldn't hear the words, though from Pat's tone it was obvious they were commands. “There,” she said. “Approach the civilian guard at the door. He's been told to expect you and allow you in to wait. You'll have to be searched I'm afraid.”
“That's no problem,” replied Anna. “What's my cover story?”
“Questions from the Senate Committee on Xeno-Relations. You're bringing yet another questionnaire about his motives and foreign influences.” Pat grimaced. “This whole episode has brought out the bigots in EarthGov. You'd think they would have slunk away in embarrassment after the revelations that have come out. I've told the guards you're to wait for the answers and hand deliver them back here.”
“Okay,” said Anna. “But I don't have a questionnaire, you know.”
“I sent one to your cell. Flash the official seal on the document at them. It'll be enough.” Pat gave her a look of appraisal. “I'll check in with you later today. I may have a proposition for you.”
“A proposition? That sounds interesting,” replied Anna.
“Later,” said Pat. “I can hear the wolves howling at the door. I can only put off these people for so long.” She gave a long mock-sigh. “I miss your amazing gate-keeping abilities, Ann.”
“You just need to be able to say 'no',” replied Anna. “Over and over and over again.” Both women laughed and Pat signed off the call. Anna checked her cell and there was the document, scary-long and official-looking. She went back down the corridor and approached the guard in EarthGov brown and was pleased to be allowed entrance without even a wand-screening. The military guard stood at attention and didn't give her a glance, although she thought she caught a sneer at the civilian's lack of attention to security protocol.
Once inside, she wondered how long she would have to wait. Even at EarthGov's glacial pace, this whole thing was taking too long. Soon Delenn would arrive, with Londo Mollari and G'Kar of Narn to present the invitation to the new Alliance to Luchenko. David would come with her, and then, well then she and Delenn had to find a chance to talk to John alone and present their own invitation.
To amuse herself, she scrolled through the questions Pat had sent over. It was obviously a real document, probably one John had already filled out. The questions were impertinent, meant to mislead and obfuscate the very real issues of foreign involvement in Earth's civil war, and the preceding Shadow war. Although there weren't many questions about the wider war. Her temper began to burn as she considered John having to jump through all these hoops after what he'd been through, and what he'd already given up.
The monitor on the wall chimed and she looked up, startled. Her name, or Ann Sullivan's name, was flashing under the message light. She rose and came closer, and seeing Pat's name on the message she called out, 'play message.'
“Ann?” came Pat's voice. “I have someone on the line who wants to talk with you. I'm patching it through my office so it's a secure line. Take as long as you like. Has Captain Sheridan returned?”
“No,” said Anna, her heart inexplicably starting to pound. “He's not back yet.”
“Remember to check in with me later,” said Pat. “I'll be in meetings most of the afternoon, but leave a message and I'll make time.” Her image flickered and faded, the screen went black briefly, then a smiling face lit up the screen. The white hair almost glowed as it lay in waves against the tan face, and the smile sparkled just as bright.
“Emily?” gasped Anna. “How did you know I was here?”
“I didn't,” said Emily Dexter. “How could I? After you up and left the planet without a word?” The voice was gently scolding, but the smile didn't waver. “I was trying to get someone into Geneva, and Senator Crosby was my only sure contact in EarthGov. When I called the senator, she told me you were there.” She broke off for a moment and spoke indistinctly to someone off camera. Turning back to Anna, she grinned broadly. “My guest will be leaving today. Maybe you can meet her where she gets there?” Moving away from the screen, another woman's face filled the screen. Her face was smooth, with lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth, light brown hair pulled back from her face and loosely tied at the back of her neck. Her eyes were a shifting green and brown, like leaves reflected in the sun-dappled water of a muddy creek.
Anna couldn't speak for a moment, but laid one hand flat on the screen.
“Anna?” Miranda Sheridan put her hand out to match her daughter-in-law's. “Is it really you? I heard you were alive, from Emily and Will, and David hinted at it the one time we got to talk after I left the farm, but I don't think I really believed it until now.”
“It's me,” Anna said. “Are you all right? I mean, obviously you're all right.” Her voice faltered. She was so happy she couldn't breathe. “You're coming here?”
“Yes, I want to see John. Besides, he needs his family there, backing him up. If I get a chance to talk to those generals and politicians...” Miranda's chin came up, her jaw tightened, and her resemblance to John increased substantially.
Anna nodded, blinking away tears. “He'll have all the backing he needs. Pops is here, at least, he will be. He's with Delenn now but they will be coming planetside soon.”
Surprise flickered over Miranda's face, but she merely said, “I can't wait to see you all.”
“What time does your flight arrive?” asked Anna eagerly. “I haven't even seen John yet. They've had him in meetings and briefings and de-briefings and God knows what else.”
“Emily says they'll get me on the next low-orbital flight. It doesn't leave until tomorrow, but it only takes four hours now, so before noon?” She turned away and spoke briefly to Emily, then returned to the screen. “10:15, the main spaceport, domestic side. Can you make it, or shall I take a hovercab to EarthGov headquarters?”
“I'll be there,” promised Anna. “Maybe I'll even have our housing figured out by then!” Laughter bubbled out of her. This was going to be some family reunion. Delenn had to get down here so they could get things sorted out with John.
“Love you, Annie. Can't wait to see you,” Miranda's image flickered and the screen went black.
The com lit up one more time before John arrived. It was David, who informed Anna that he and Delenn were coming down that very afternoon. Anna got to tell him that Miranda arrived the next day and between all the smiles it was a miracle the viewscreen didn't burn out. Anna left a message with Pat to set up housing for David and Miranda, and for Delenn, although she had private plans for those quarters. After that, she tried to scan the news but found her eyes drooping shut and finally she just lay down to wait.
The door opened suddenly and John strode into the room. Anna had been half asleep on the couch, her legs curled up and her arms wrapped around her knees. She woke to a butterfly kiss on her cheek and said sleepily, “That beard is going to take some getting used to. It tickles.” Reaching up she wrapped one arm around John's neck and pulled him down for a full kiss on the lips. He pulled her up into his arms and they fell into a familiar embrace.
“Anna, what are you doing here?” John finally broke away to say. “Where's Delenn?”
“She's coming down today,” Anna said when she caught her breath. “And oh, John, your mother will be here tomorrow!”
“Mom's coming here?” said John with a broad smile. “Lord, those generals had better watch out. She never did approve of my joining EarthForce.” His smile faded. “Not sure she'll have that to worry about much longer.”
“Why?” asked Anna. “What are they up to now?” Her eyes glinted with incipient fury. “They aren't going to proceed with the court martial, are they?”
“I'm not sure,” admitted John, running his hand through his hair. He kept his other arm around Anna's waist. “It's all up to the President. She's called a press conference tomorrow morning, and I'm to have a private meeting with her just before that. I think my fate's been decided, she's just waiting on the best time to announce it.”
“Your fate isn't in her hands,” said Anna, stroking his cheek gently. “You make your own fate, you always have.”
John pulled her back into his arms and whispered into her hair. “I never did get a chance to welcome you home properly.”
Anna put both hands on either side of his face, examining the small scars barely visible under the greying hair. “We have a few hours. And we should make every hour count, don't you agree?”
John's answer was very much in the affirmative.
Anna was in the shower when Delenn and David arrived at John's quarters. A message had come through, at some point, with the assignment of adjacent rooms for the elder Sheridans and for Ambassador Delenn. There was also information on the quarters set aside for Ambassador Mollari and Citizen G'Kar. Quite a party, thought Anna as she quickly dried her hair and threw on her clothes. Delenn had promised to bring along what clothes Anna had left on the ship. Logistics were going to be a problem with the three of them.
“Pops!” Anna cried and enveloped the older man in a hug. “I can't believe it! You're here; Miranda's on her way...” Then she went over to Delenn who was hovering around John like a bee around a towering flower. “And how are you? Plans all set for the big announcement?”
Delenn nodded, a proud smile hovering over her lips. “I will also be speaking with your President tomorrow before the press conference.”
John had crossed the room and was hugging his father again and grinning broadly. He spared Delenn a questioning, almost anxious, glance.
“It is going to be quite a day!” announced Anna, her cheeks flushed with pleasure.
“We still don't know what they're going to do with me,” protested John. David looked alarmed at his words.
“What's more important is what we're going to do with you.” Delenn's glance was almost arch.
Anna almost choked at the purr behind Delenn's hint at their intentions. David merely held up both hands and said, “Is anyone going to show me where I'm staying? I'd like to rest for a while. Will we all meet up for dinner tonight?”
“I'll take you over,” said Anna. Over her shoulder, she sent a warning message. “I'll be right back, you two.” To Delenn, she added, “Don't do anything I wouldn't do.” The door closed on John's sputtering face.
After Anna left David in his quarters, she checked the adjacent rooms. Her small amount of luggage was there, along with Delenn's carryall. That was good, and now she had to get back to John and Delenn. She loitered a bit, giving them time for a proper greeting. But finally she took a deep breath and hit the door chime. The guards merely examined her curiously at this point, possibly wondering why she kept coming in and out, possibly not caring as long as she was cleared for entry.
“Hi?” Anna came in slowly, giving her husband and her lover time to disentangle from each other. Delenn was adjusting the shoulders of her tunic, and John was smoothing down his rumpled hair and straightening his jacket. “Are you decent?” she called as she moved into the living room.
“That's an old joke,” groused John. He sat down heavily on the couch, eying the two of them with suspicion. “This is quite a mess we've gotten ourselves into. And I'm getting the idea the two of you have come up with a solution. Care to share it with me?”
Delenn folded her hands demurely and began, “When three people become close as we have become close...”
Anna watched in amazement as John began to snicker, then to laugh out loud, almost rolling on the sofa. Delenn was looking on with more than a smidgeon of glee. “Care to share what's funny?” Anna demanded.
“It's an old Minbari tradition,” said John, with mock solemnity. “Lots of things are old Minbari traditions, as it turns out.”
“As it turns out,” broke in Delenn, “it is indeed a very old Minbari tradition that I wanted to tell you about.” She sat down beside John and took his hand. Anna crossed the room and sat on his other side. Delenn began again. “You know we are three, three castes that is. Long ago, on occasions at the end of our wars, there was a tradition that each caste would offer a leader to join with the other. It was often a joining of...what is the word? Of convenience?”
Anna couldn't help it. She giggled. John gave her one of his patented looks, and she smothered further reaction, looking over at Delenn with an attentive expression. “Please. Go on,” she said politely.
Delenn continued, eyes bright. “Very occasionally the battle spread to all three castes, with no clear winner. The tradition called for a ceremony called the Triad.”
John looked as if he'd been pole-axed, as the old expression went. “Are you saying...what I think you're saying?” He looked from one woman to the other.
Anna put her hand on his arm. “Listen, John. Delenn and I have discussed this. It's not just that both of us love you. We've come to love one another.”
That didn't seem to help. John had turned so pale and remained so quiet that Anna was suddenly worried this wasn't going to work. David had reminded her, not that she'd needed reminding, that John was a traditional man.
Delenn spoke then. “John, love is such a rare and wonderful thing. What we have, what you have with Anna, what Anna and I have found...can the Universe mean for us to throw one side of this triangle away?”
“I don't know, Delenn,” said John slowly. “Are you suggesting a threesome of some kind?”
“A Triad joining,” replied Delenn.
“Three marriages,” said Anna at the same time. She went on, “Our marriage is strong enough to withstand an addition. We've always spent a great deal of our time together apart, pursuing our dreams and our careers. Delenn and you work best closely together. It could work, really it could.”
“Anna,” John began, but she held a finger against his lips. Delenn was leaning against John, her fingers interlaced with his and her other hand reaching across him to clasp Anna's.
Anna stood slowly, and looked down on the two of them. “John, I'm going to leave now. I think you two should talk this over.” Looking over at Delenn, she smiled. “I'm going to our quarters. I do not expect you back tonight.”
As the door closed behind her, Anna whistled a short happy tune. Let John have his first night with Delenn, if that's how it went for them. There was always time enough for love.
Anna took David out to dinner, then brought him back to his quarters. The older man was tired and anxious to see his wife. Anna settled down in Delenn's quarters, but found she couldn't relax, wondering what was going on with John and Delenn. When her cell chimed, she grabbed at it and answered quickly, “Yes?”
It was Pat Crosby. “Anna, are you alone? Can you talk?”
“Sure,” Anna replied. She tucked her legs under her as she lounged on the sofa in the living area of the VIP suite assigned to Delenn. “What's up?”
“I don't know what you've got planned when all this is over, but I could use a xeno-anthropologist with a nose for Shadow tech for a project I have in mind.” Pat sounded inordinately pleased with herself.
“A project for Ann Sullivan or for Anna Sheridan?” asked Anna, intrigued in spite of herself.
“For you,” emphasized Pat, “Whatever you choose to call yourself. Listen, President Clark was working with the Shadows, or at least he had access to some of their technology. He'd incorporated it into some of the ships in the fleet. There's a connection with PsiCorps as well. We need someone who can suss out Shadow tech, both old and new. You'd be stationed on Mars. PsiCorps is where we want to start. They've been running things their own way for too long.” She paused but when Anna didn't answer she went on, “Think about it, okay? This whole thing with Captain Sheridan should be resolved tomorrow, according to what I hear. Then you two can make your own decisions.”
“Thank you,” Anna finally got out. She'd been thinking of the tunnels under the PsiCorps prison, and the hint of Shadow presence that had affected her there. It was something valuable to do, something important, something that she was uniquely suited for. And she wanted it. It was another angle to a situation with a number of angles already.
After a few more hours, she fell asleep on the couch. It was chilly in the room, and she had been too tired to drag the blankets off the bed. She was adrift in dreams of ice and cold when a gentle touch awoke her. Her eyes slid open to see Delenn kneeling next to the couch.
“We are here,” she said, and Anna felt John's arms lifting her up. He carried her into the adjacent bedroom and laid her down on the soft fluffy comforter. Two sets of hands began to undress her and she almost wept at the flood of warm desire and intense belonging that broke over her at the touch of her two loves.
Epilogue: Reader, I Married Her
Mars, one year later
Ann Sullivan sat at a round resin table at an 'outdoor' bistro in Burroughs City. Nothing was really outdoors on Mars. All things, people, animals, and plants lived their lives enclosed by the domes or connected by the trains or underground tunnels. She was waiting for an old acquaintance, someone whose business was business, or so he said.
“Ms. Sullivan,” said Mr. Garibaldi, taking a seat across from her. “Or would you prefer Dr. Sullivan?”
“Ann,” replied Anna. “Please, call me Ann.” She pushed the carafe of coffee towards him, and gestured at the second cup. “Have a drink. Let's talk.”
“Then it's Michael,” replied the man, as he poured a cup of the dark brown liquid. “After all, we've been working together on and off for the last year, if at a distance.”
“That's true. And now I understand we have a new project.” Anna sipped her coffee.
“Edgars Industries has a new assignment, courtesy of EarthGov, to help the remaining telepaths who were infected with Shadow tech. Stephen never stopped working on it, and now he's been given some research money and staff from EI. He'll direct the project down on Earth.” Michael gulped his coffee down, and re-filled his cup. “This is the real thing,” he looked around the small cafe. “I wonder if they need any investors?”
Anna laughed, “They might, you'll have to ask. What can I do to help with this project?” Privately, she thought she'd need to get the news to John. He'd never forgotten the telepaths he'd had to use to win the war.
“Well, it is Shadow tech. Lyta Alexander, you remember her? She could reach into their minds, she could push back the Shadow's presence.” Michael eyed Anna carefully.
Anna shrugged. “I'm no telepath.”
“Maybe you can tell if the tech is out, completely out, when it's removed. If it's gone from their minds.” He signaled the waiter. “I'm starving, if you want lunch, it's on me.”
“I don't know,” said Anna slowly. Michael was seemingly engrossed in the menu. “It's still more of a job for a telepath. Have you tried to contact Lyta? She'd want to help.”
“She's still on walkabout with G'Kar,” replied Michael. “And PsiCorps isn't exactly falling over themselves to help out, even though it's their own people who are infected.”
After a moment's thought, Anna said, “Of course I'll do what I can. Those poor people deserve whatever help we can give them.”
Michael leaned back in the chair, tipping it up on its back legs. “Good. I'll let you know when and where. The lab isn't completely set up yet. We're re-locating the cryo-chambers containing the patients to the new space. We'll be recruiting staff there as well as sending some down from Mars. You'll be part-time, going back and forth between planets, especially since you've still got projects going here.”
“I do,” replied Anna. “It's been crazy busy, but I also have to get out to Minbar soon. John and Delenn will be moving any day now to the new Alliance headquarters there.”
Michael leaned forward, and lowering his voice as the waiter approached, asked, “Where exactly do you fit into that situation?”
“To the world at large, I'm Ann Sullivan. I work for EarthGov, out of Senator Crosby's office. Anna Sheridan died on Z'ha'dum, and John Sheridan was re-married to Delenn ra'Mir that day on the White Star.” Anna shook her head at the waiter, who took Michael's order and disappeared. “What isn't common knowledge is that I also married Delenn that day. John and I remain married as well, going on fourteen years now.” She smiled at Michael's expression. “It's an old Minbari tradition.”
Michael was trying to look nonchalant, but he was obviously a little shocked. “Well, I'll be...how's that working out for you?” His curiosity was evident in the eager tone in his voice.
“It's working just fine,” Anna said happily. She wasn't exactly sure why she was sharing this information, but Michael Garibaldi certainly qualified as a family friend. Besides, she'd need some time off in the fall. She announced proudly, “We're going to have a baby! John is convinced it's a boy, but what does he know? I'm holding out for a little girl!”
Michael's mouth gaped open, then snapped shut. Broadly smiling, he held up his coffee mug. “Mazel tov,” he said, and Anna laughed and clicked her own cup against his.
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